Guild Wars 2

Any suggestions pre and after elite?

Pre patch the only core guard build I knew was burn guard. For HOT-specs it was hammer/mace focus or greatsword/scepter focus but these hurt you at higher end fractals because of boon stealing.

Post patch you can run scepter torch/sword focus with or without HOT. You run full zerker with zeal 2,3,3 radiance 2,2,1 virtues 1,1,1 ( change based on need of reflect, condi clear, or stab) . This still may hurt as virtues has a minor that gives retal on virtue pop.

If you have HoT then replace virtues with dragon hunter 1,2,3. This build is best as it also does not give enemies any annoying defensive boons (prot/retal) while still giving you options to block multiple attacks

Manimarco Devil.1790:

Pre patch the only core guard build I knew was burn guard. For HOT-specs it was hammer/mace focus or greatsword/scepter focus but these hurt you at higher end fractals because of boon stealing.

Post patch you can run scepter torch/sword focus with or without HOT. You run full zerker with zeal 2,3,3 radiance 2,2,1 virtues 1,1,1 ( change based on need of reflect, condi clear, or stab) . This still may hurt as virtues has a minor that gives retal on virtue pop.

If you have HoT then replace virtues with dragon hunter 1,2,3. This build is best as it also does not give enemies any annoying defensive boons (prot/retal) while still giving you options to block multiple attacks

So basically core is zeal,virtures,radiance with scept/torch? I been using sword/focus as my other weapons so far its working out well.

Actually I was a bit mistaken. If you are running only core then you can afford to go zeal 3,3,3 as you will never be popping f1. But yea scepter torch is one of the best sets currently. Sword focus is just a good opener. Focus 5 can be used for burst initially and then later for blocking while keeping a strong main hand weapon in seord for damage.

For 81+ fractals, Virtues is a no-go.