New Guardian Player
I would say the AH build in the sticky (or a variation of that) is probably one of the most common since it provides excellent group performance while not losing out on too much of your personal damage. So you can use that as a good starting point. there are also several other very good builds out there that are all over these forums (Healway build, some “glass cannon” builds, meditation builds..etc) so I might watch a few of the videos posted along with those and find what suits your play style. Guardians already have some innate defenses with virtues so you probably won’t need to worry about dying much at lower levels if you want to focus on mostly offensive stats.
For leveling purposes I used a greatsword/ scepter/focus with only offensive stats (no condition dmg, more in line with berserker stats) and did just fine. I found that I could handle mobs several levels higher than me by switching weapons to use specific cd’s. At 80 I run a lot of fractals and other dungeons so the AH build works great for me. If you’re going to be doing more solo play then AH might not be the best choice since it’s stronger when you can grant boons to your party as well as yourself.
Especially in the low levels, level up all your weapon choices as you get them and play around with what you like to use. That way you can focus on what you want to spend money on when you’re max level. I myself always carry a greatsword, shield, focus, scepter, hammer, and staff so I am ready for whatever I need to do in a given situation. Not to say the other weapons aren’t viable but these are what I prefer and what works for my play style and build.
At low levels the commonly suggested builds aren’t possible. I just hit 40 on my guard and it made a big difference. Leveling up to that point I went first with radiance, then zeal. After that virtues. (Virtues 5 is strong, but only if you’re using them actively. At that point I used them some but not all that often.) I used all the weapons but found I liked sword/torch, GS, and hammer best.
After 40 things change because of master traits. Now I’m at 10 zeal, 20 radiance, 5 virtues. Extra damage vs burning targets, justice gives might, burns, blinds and vulnerabilities enemies, justice recharges every kill (except when it doesnt for some reason) and sword/spear deal more damage.
This is no where near a full build yet, but for leveling its great. Monsters 3-4 levels higher die faster than torch skills recharge, and groups up to 3 are easy. Four is suddenly hard, it is possible to die if you get too kitteny!
And utilities – really depends on you. Some are easier to use than others. I’ve used almost everything and it all works, it’s a question of what you need. I’m lazy so often running with signets since they work for me even if I do nothing. But like consecration a for fire fields, some spirit weapons (sword and shield), shouts and meditations (judge’s intervention and smite conditions).
There aren’t a lot of flat out useless utilities, it’s more about what you’ll actually make use of. Since I solo the ones I’ve skipped are anything team or heal related, as I don’t need it. But if you’re in teams those same skills could work for you.
Alright guys, thanks for the responses. Liking the Guardian so far, wish I made it from the start instead of investing so much time into my Ele, aha.