Guild Wars 2

PoF Beta Weekend, 2nd day.

Created a new post considering it’s a completely different build and topic. Addressed the expectations of Firebrand and how the new elite is intended to be played.
(Have not touched any other power-type build variants as of yet)

Condi – Mantra Medi Burst Build

Virtues/Valor/Firebrand -Sages + Balthazar Runes

Sword/Shield – Sigil of Agility/Smoldering
Scepter/X – Sigil of Annulment/Smoldering

Heal: Mantra of Solace
Utility1: Mantra of Lore (cleanses)
Utility2: Smite Condition (dps, heal, cleanses)
Utility3: Judges Intervention (dps, heal, stunbreaker)

Elite: Mantra of Liberation

Traits
Firebrand: III/III/III
Adept: Activist of Whispers
Master: Legendary Lore
Grandmaster: Loremaster

BUILD NOT FOR EVERYONE
1.) A higher skill cap due to Mantra skill management, using Elite(1) before casting Virtues, Keeping your sustains up with F2 and F3.
2.) And/or general dislike of the Mantra skill management playstyle.
3) And/or general dislike of Virtues cast times.

Answering Forum Complaints
“Virtues cast times are to long.”
I agree as well, especially with some of the major healing skills like the 3/4 cast Shining River. That said, the CDs on some skills really only needs a 1/4 cast time. The biggest issue is players not knowing what to immediately cast when entering F2 or F3 in certain situations (i.e casting F3 -> #3 for bubble reflects when thief is about to snipe.

“Axes suck!”
Yup they do! It could use an additional range boost for a viable mid-range weapon. That or it needs to hit faster. I don’t like “uncertainty” to the 33% bleed proc Axe trait. If it was something more guaranteed, that’ll be more enticing.

“Firebrand is the worse Elite”
It’s absolutely the most balanced one among all the elite specs. Certain other elite specs have insane power to them while also having great self sustains, to the point where people are stacking professions (holosmith).

“Everything in Tomes is bad”
The abilities in tomes are situational where planning ahead is key. I mentioned the Deadeye thief earlier where reflect in F3 can do wonders. We also have the ability to outlast Warriors 1v1 through F2 -> #5 + Smite Condition Meditations, mantra heals and kiting.

To Conclude
I don’t mean to contradict myself by saying this, but everything that everyone is saying is correct because Firebrand can use quite a few tweaks when looking at all the other professions. I listed the comments above because I feel these tweaks are more minor than major. Especially when considering other professions are needing a tune up as well and players don’t know how to optimize Firebrand just yet. More importantly, I hope players learn to use a build they’re uncomfortable with; using Virtues in conjunction with Meditations and Mantras for something a lot more powerful.

The biggest downside is its inability to escape focus. All it takes is a bit of CC and movement impairing conditions and you’re done.

I think Saiyan has the right idea here; devoting utilities to mobility/condi clear/stunbreak and stability while leaving the main dps/burst on f1.

I’d argue the master-level trait Stalwart Speed is a better choice if you’re taking both the mantra heal and mantra elite though.

Arcaedus.7290:

The biggest downside is its inability to escape focus. All it takes is a bit of CC and movement impairing conditions and you’re done.

I think Saiyan has the right idea here; devoting utilities to mobility/condi clear/stunbreak and stability while leaving the main dps/burst on f1.

I’d argue the master-level trait Stalwart Speed is a better choice if you’re taking both the mantra heal and mantra elite though.

I just couldn’t stay away from doubling your 1 stack burn ticks damages by 100% :p

There is however, a Radiance/Valor/FB Sage Spec that utilizes quickness and perma retaliation for 50% crit chance. It does really well, actually, but I still prefer the proposed condi build though.

Sword/Focus
Scepter/Shield

If you’re going FB, you’re going to need the defensive options because any form of focus and you’re just going to melt.

FB works well in a vacuum but practical application it fails quite hard. After this weekend, we’ll see what changes are made to this elite.

I hope they wont nerf DH cause with DH I pretty much wrecked every Firebrand in pvp in few seconds, but knowing Anet maybe thats what they will do.

It has potential, but you of all people should know that when it comes to PvP, seconds DO matter. Simply due to the fact that there is a cast time on even PULLING OUT the book makes it very difficult to reflexively respond to threats. Especially now when you have both daredevils and now spellbreakers who are looking for every and all chances to interrupt you for more damage, all these elaborate animations and cast times are a huge detriment to anyone’s performance.

Add onto that how RF, the trait in radiance that resets justice on kill, and the mantra traits are all bugged and you just have a poor showing of the class.

Also, I’m pretty sure the trait that gives quickness for every stack of stab is bugged (pretty sure that can’t have been intended, although I could be wrong).

Personally, I’ll be sitting this elite out, but if this is what you’ll be running in the upcoming season when PoF drops, I’ll definitely be interested to see where you go with it.

@slayersixx to add to that, trying to weapon swap out of tome while in RF cancels RF AND puts tome on cd. F2 heals for less than most classes can auto you for even with healing power.

AT LEAST WE AREN’T RENEGADE EH?