Guild Wars 2

I just recently started playing GW2 and I’ve been looking online for builds for my Sylvari guardian. However, I’ve never come across a build that used a torch, neither have I heard anyone say anything about it being good or bad. Personally it is my favorite off hand weapon and I was wondering if I’m missing something or if more people just have a personal preference for shield/focus.

Read the burning thread above, it is sticky set. It is a good read and your answer is in there. Not being vague but in a nut shell you apply enough burning it isn’t necessary. Also one of the traits is to apply burn on block which focus is great at.

I am playing with a burning build now, condition heavy, and while not the smartest cat in the herd, use a torch. Why? No idea other than it is different. I’d prefer that Arena Net swap the torch to main hand so I could use a focus or shield but they don’t think like that for some reason.

So to answer your question it isn’t really necessary.

Depends on you build and what you are playing.

If you are running a full zerker style then Torch is pretty awesome. If you are more sustain and defense oriented, then other options tend to be better. The burst from torch 4 (double tap) is nice in the right build, and the AoE from #5 can be amazing when the right circumstance presents itself. (in PvP a downed opponent with Rezzers can get melted into a team wipe by comboing this with focus 5).

I used to run an AH mace/torch build I really enjoyed. It probably wasn’t the most min/maxed set of traits, but it was fun to play and I don’t think it hindered any gameplay when running dungeons.

Torch is not a bad offhand if you like it keep using it, i think sword and torch are a good pair and in most PVE situations I prefer them to the GS.

LeVarBurger.8642:

I used to run an AH mace/torch build I really enjoyed. It probably wasn’t the most min/maxed set of traits, but it was fun to play and I don’t think it hindered any gameplay when running dungeons.

I run that combo on my AH sometimes. I think it offers a good mix of offense and defense. Empower and symbol on my staff, swap to mace/torch, 4, 2, 5, backroll, 3. That adds up to pretty respectable DPS for a cleric 0/0/30/30/10 build while still cranking out lots of boons and heals.

Myrmidian Eudoros.4671:

If you are running a full zerker style then Torch is pretty awesome.

Nope, it will likely slow you down, #4 is situational, and #5 is meh at best since it doesn’t cleanse yourself. Torch is pretty weak right now. At least for guardians.

Torch is used in WvW burst builds.(some burst builds not all). Sword/Focus Sceptor/Torch is what I’m using at the moment. Torch #4 when used with sceptor is like throwing a fireball. Knida nice, and no DPS loss, infact that’s a dps increase with 10 in zeal.

With Berserker gear, Fiery Wrath and Unscathed Contender Torch 4 can be hilarious. It crits for like 6,000 and people are really not used to seeing it. It does however have a HUGE telegraph if the other player knows what it is.

Torch also has its uses in PvE. I used to run a DPS set with sword/torch for lower / mid fractals, various dungeons etc. The #5 is channeled and an AOE cone you can keep on channeling while moving on a relatively low CD. Takes osme practice to get it right, but it does a lot of DPS along with AOE condition cleansing without having to waste trait points on it.

And I love the torch animations on asura.

Cat Has Ducks.1982:

Torch is used in WvW burst builds.(some burst builds not all). Sword/Focus Sceptor/Torch is what I’m using at the moment. Torch #4 when used with sceptor is like throwing a fireball. Knida nice, and no DPS loss, infact that’s a dps increase with 10 in zeal.

What is it if you don’t mind me asking?

The one I’m currently trying is:
10 (II)
20 (V, VIII)
10 (II)
0
30 (II, VIII, XI)

Carrion/Balthazar/Flame Legion/Chrysocola – with GS/Sword/Torch and I do mix in Scepter/Shield. I was reading the burning sticky above and then some posts by other users and trying one of the fella’s there. It works well but man, if you don’t play well you are asking for a quick death. I’m so so with bit but after playing the more safer role of healaway/clerics I had so much more room for error.

However, when you take someone out it is like – wow, that was fast and fun

I link Boons way too much. But people keep asking lol.
Its a
10(10% to enemies on fire)
30(Blinds Apply Vuln/5%sword damage/RHS)
30(Mediation REduction/Fury on Meds/Monk’s Focus)
0
0
Skills:
Bane Signet(for knockdown), Judges Intervention, Smite Condition

In action
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSTe9PxId3s
Build in Depth
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29-F975Lqek
All props to Boons, I just copy his build.

As others have said, it’s best used with a dps build. It’s actually a great weapon, very underrated.

True look at a dps build for torch but I think one of it’s under rated abilities is torch 5. In tight heavy melee combat with allies I just can’t fine a better condition removal. Haven’t truly tested it but it looks like it effects 5 allies. So with 10 ticks that’s 50 condition your could remove. But this only happens in that small cone that is torch 5. (If only it removed condition from you too).

I fine it’s a personal preference and what works for your playstyle.

Under no circumstance will torch 5 ever out-dps simply autoattacking. That’s the main issue with it as a weapon. Torch 5 is completely and utterly abysmal. If they ever improve it, it will become the official dps weapon of choice; for right now, it’s really bad save for the burst on 4.

Oxxy.7068:

Nope, it (torch) will likely slow you down, #4 is situational, and #5 is meh at best since it doesn’t cleanse yourself. Torch is pretty weak right now. At least for guardians.

Swing and a miss, buddy.

DPS Guard in general is a different animal than most people run. I assure you in the right comp it is effective and does not slow you down at all.

If you don’t believe me, then look at Jax(Silven). He advocates using torch in certain builds, and is generally considered one of the more knowledgeable NA Guards (at least that contribute on the forums) when it comes to building for tPvP.

Torch has reasonably short CD on its burst, AoE cleansing utility and the ability to proc burns rapidly which will allow you to get +% damage modifiers reliably in some DPS builds.

I make no claims about its effectiveness in PvE, but there certainly is a place and time for it in tPvP.

torch on a Guardian burst build is AMAZING. very very fun. and don’t get fixed on the burnign even though it’s a torch. go DD and power / crit ratings and you’ll see masssively high numbers.

Boons shows great clips on how he uses the torch as well as many sPvP Guards that use torch in their burst builds as well and you’d be surprised how much damage you can stack into one split second. of course, always easier if you get the jump on someone and surprise ‘em before they know they’re gettign surprised with a fireball to the face.

torch 5 could really use a rework. wtb self-clenase. the damage component is pretty poor but i still use it. just watch out for retaliation and block procs on your enemies.

Myrmidian Eudoros.4671:

Oxxy.7068:

Nope, it (torch) will likely slow you down, #4 is situational, and #5 is meh at best since it doesn’t cleanse yourself. Torch is pretty weak right now. At least for guardians.

Swing and a miss, buddy.

DPS Guard in general is a different animal than most people run. I assure you in the right comp it is effective and does not slow you down at all.

If you don’t believe me, then look at Jax(Silven). He advocates using torch in certain builds, and is generally considered one of the more knowledgeable NA Guards (at least that contribute on the forums) when it comes to building for tPvP.

Torch has reasonably short CD on its burst, AoE cleansing utility and the ability to proc burns rapidly which will allow you to get +% damage modifiers reliably in some DPS builds.

I make no claims about its effectiveness in PvE, but there certainly is a place and time for it in tPvP.

I was talking with sPvP in mind as well, i find it really really really situational, not useless, but situational. The lack of defensive skills may be biasing my opinion tho, i guess if #5 cleanse affected us as well i’d use it more often while pvping.