Guild Wars 2

I think it comes down to a lot of people believing that if you are not the best class at something then you’re worthless. In a trinity game they would be correct, but in a game where everyone is a hybrid being the best at a specific thing isn’t as great.

One of the reasons I think we get funneled into more tanky/support roles is because when compared to other profession’s weapons, we don’t really have the same level of control, particularly in regard to snares and ranged damage. So if we can’t kill someone fast enough or can’t hold them in melee range long enough, we do the next best thing; make sure they can’t dent our health or potentially our allys’ health because at least we can do that incredibly well.

I think another reason we don’t see a huge amount of build diversity (particularly Zeal builds) is that pretty much everyone can’t go without 30 Valour. It’s a great line of course but our survivability definitely takes a hit if we don’t take it. That and Zeal kind of stinks a little.

The Virtues line definitely has some great traits but, once again, it’s really hard to go too far down that line justifiably.

I think Guardians are theoretically capable of a whole lot more than what is currently done, but for practical reasons, we are mostly Support/Defensive.

As Silver said, our traits also play a big role. Valor is just too good compared to other trait-lines, to the point of becoming ubiquitous.

Also, the way the Guardian currently works, bunkering down is safest way. Let’s go over the things you mentioned:

• Power: Building for power means you have to go into Zeal, which I think we can all agree isn’t very good. The traits in it are lack-luster, and it supports a very narrow playstyle.
• Toughness: Altruistic Healing is in Valor, our Toughness-line. The reason it plays like a Support-line is because Altruistic Healing (the main source of survivability in these builds) demands it.
• Conditions: Radiance is a pretty good line, but condition Guardians run into the problem that we only have on reliable condition (Burning) and because it stacks in duration, it isn’t really worth investing in too much. Conditions, for the Guardian, are more about supplementary damage, instead of capable of supporting their own build.

Lastly, I think a sizable part of the Guardian population was drawn to the profession because they were told that if you wanted to support (in a manner akin to the more traditional model), your best bet was the Guardian.

Ynna.8769:

I think Guardians are theoretically capable of a whole lot more than what is currently done, but for practical reasons, we are mostly Support/Defensive.

As Silver said, our traits also play a big role. Valor is just too good compared to other trait-lines, to the point of becoming ubiquitous.

Also, the way the Guardian currently works, bunkering down is safest way. Let’s go over the things you mentioned:

• Power: Building for power means you have to go into Zeal, which I think we can all agree isn’t very good. The traits in it are lack-luster, and it supports a very narrow playstyle.
• Toughness: Altruistic Healing is in Valor, our Toughness-line. The reason it plays like a Support-line is because Altruistic Healing (the main source of survivability in these builds) demands it.
• Conditions: Radiance is a pretty good line, but condition Guardians run into the problem that we only have on reliable condition (Burning) and because it stacks in duration, it isn’t really worth investing in too much. Conditions, for the Guardian, are more about supplementary damage, instead of capable of supporting their own build.

Lastly, I think a sizable part of the Guardian population was drawn to the profession because they were told that if you wanted to support (in a manner akin to the more traditional model), your best bet was the Guardian.

Very well thought-out post to show how the opposing side feels. I agree wit most of your points, but I don’t think you completely understood the message I was trying to convey. What I meant was, Guardians are definitely a support and defense oriented class, but I don’t think it’s fair to label them. Do I think that Guardians are just as good at being powerhouses and AoE specialists. Of course not. The classic, and possibly best Guardian build would be defensive and support oriented. However, I have seen many people fall for the “defenders,” “tanks,” or “healers” line time and time again. I can say though, Guardians are definitely support oriented. Overall, my point is simply that I don’t think people should be turned away from Guardians because they don’t want to be considered “tanks,” and those people who believe that Guardians are simply “tanks” should start to consider the more versatile side of the Guardian.