Guild Wars 2

Hello,

I’m a level 73 Guardian running since today an offensive/healing symbol & combo exploiting build for fast PVE. I’ll be hitting 80 soon and need an advice for deciding through 3 builds I have in mind.

I really LOVE sword/shield combination with alt Greatsword. I know that there is’nt much synergy with S&B and i should rely on a focus but .. i just can’t imagine myself with that setup.

Build 1 : All rounded

http://www.gw2db.com/skills/calc/guardian#2|9|2478|3980|12645|3410|4501|0|0|0|0|30|2172|1363|1366|20|2281|1405|0|10|866|0|0|10|2286|0|0|7|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|

This build will rely on faster consecrations ,hold the line and shield buffs/healing but i think it’s too much spread and fail to achieve something decently.

Build 2 : Crit-heavy Boons

http://www.gw2db.com/skills/calc/guardian#2|9|2478|1308|3408|3410|4501|0|0|0|0|30|2172|1363|1366|20|2281|1405|0|20|866|2274|0|0|0|0|0|7|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|

This one is more focused on achieving critcal hit with fast sword chains for activating the vigor & party wide might while protecting with fast shouts , shield skills and “dodge healing”

Build 3 : Support

http://www.gw2db.com/skills/calc/guardian#16|9|2478|3980|2746|3410|4501|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|20|2281|1405|0|30|880|2171|890|20|2286|2176|0|1|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|

if all else fails i fall with a more common Mace/Shield – Hammer build based around symbols, battle presence and consecrations.

i’m still unsure about the equip needed for each of those builds and i’m a little afraid that Build 3 is too much pidgeon holed and can’t do anything beside support, as a fact hampering my team instead of helping it.

What do you thinks ? Thanks for your replies.

Il give some feedback on the second build, because thats the build i am going for at the moment.

Crit/Boon Build

Weapon Set:
First of al the weapon choice of Sword+Shield: If you really want to go for Crittical strikes it is a much beter choice to go with Sword and Torch. Cleansins Flames on the torch hits allot of times in a short period, utilitzing the crit chance better and thus buffing the party more. The torch also supports the minor trait Radiant Power beter (doing more damage to enemys with conditions), because the torch can burn enemys.

Traits:
The traits mostly make sence, except that you went into Valor. Valor is mostly for survival, yes it does give you more crit damage but it does not give any substantial boons. I would suggest that instead of going Valor that you should go for Virtues.
20 points into Virtues gives a nice set of extra boons (party wide), more incentive to use your virtues (the reset of Virtue on Justice when an enemy is killed is more usefull now aswel). And by traiting Absolute Resolution (removes boons on Virtue of Resolve) you are given more survivability against conditions.

I feel that you where still trying to be a defensive Guardian in this build, which imho doesnt do the build justice. If you want to go more defensive in a certain fight, dont trait for it but switch up you utilitys. This way you can still give support/control in a fight if needed without sacrificing usefull trait combinations.

This is the build i would be going for, for a good Crit/Boon build.
http://www.gw2db.com/skills/calc/guardian#2|20|3527|1311|3408|3410|3411|0|0|0|0|30|2172|1363|1366|0|0|0|0|20|866|2274|0|20|2177|2176|0|7|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|

Note: utilitys are mostly preference and can be switched to fit the fight beter.

Thanks for you reply.

I’ll definitely look into your suggested build. I was trying to build a sword&shield build (as stated in the disclaimer) just because i love the general look of a sword and shield as an ensamble and i specced into valor for the -20% recast on shield buffs and the purpose was of being some kind of a hybrid but i see your point.