Guild Wars 2

Hi guys,

I made a guardian alt and I’m enjoying the profession a lot. I’m only at around level 20 but I’m planning to dungeon (AC, CM and TA) my way from 40~80 which is what I did for my main and I need some tips.

I’ve tried out all the weapons, unlocked all the possible 1~5 weapon skills and while I have one of everything in my inventory, I usually go with greatsword + scepter/shield. I can see staff coming in quite handy for certain paths with narrow corridors but I don’t think the other weapons are going to be in use very much.

My main query is about traits and the 6~0 skills. I’ve looked through a lot of builds and while I’m running around in PvE with the spirit sword, the spirit hammer and the speed boost (retreat?) skills, I recognise that these are not going to be very supportive in dungeons.

I’m aware that there is no one ultimate dungeon skillset, but I’m looking at consecrations and I’m wondering if other regular dungeoneers who are guardians would use them over spirit weapons, signets and meditations?

Also am I right in thinking that if I find one consecration skill useful, I should have the other two (non-heal and non-elite) skills be consecrations to make the most out of my traits?

EDIT: Do you guys retrait for dungeons if you regularly use non-consecration skills outside of dungeons?

It really doesn’t matter what you use for utilities. Or rather it depends on the dungeon. Wall of Reflection is great for some dungeons and useless for others. Hallowed Ground can also be useful although Stand Your Ground tends to be better. You may or may not also need condition removal depending on the dungeon, and stun breakers are of varying usefulness.

Honestly if you’re just trying to cover all your bases it doesn’t really matter what you take since most skill types play multiple roles (i.e. you can use Wall of Reflection for defense, Hallowed Ground for Stability, and Purging Flames for condition removal) although sometimes some skills are better than others for some situations. They usually don’t absolutely NEED to be traited to be useful though so I’d just go with whatever you like and switch skills out as necessary. For example, I usually don’t have 10 points in Virtues but in projectile-heavy zones I will still bring Wall of Reflection.

Meditations are always free and fairly strong, though, since 30 points in Valor is pretty much a requirement these days.

i’m sharing as a Guard that almost exclusively uses shouts. i like the fact that i can use them whenever, without interrupting my regular attack chains / motions ,and use them on the go. i like the boons as well. at the same time, if a situation calls for it in a dungeon, i’ll definitely switch it up. for e.g. in CM, there are ton of ranged, so i’ll often op for Wall of Reflection. if i know there will be a lot of conditions thrown around in the next fight, i’ll grab purging flames.
and as Guanglai mentioned, i’m mainly traited for crits, two handed weapons and symbols. though that won’t stop me from using other types of utilities : ))

so it can be highly situational though at the same time, if you can find uses for the utilities you pick, you’ll be golden. going back to the WoR e.g. i only add that into my arsenal, but i don’t take our my other shouts. hope this helps. i think it just boils down to how well you can use your utilities and how effectively you feel while playing. don’t be afraid to test though while you run. the more dungeons i do, the more effective i feel i’ve become (i hope at least!)