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Since the latest patch I’ve been working on a new build. I’ve tried a lot of things, but I think this build is the ideal:
http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fUAQNArdSlYgKCnEyKEfIFRuAbGAkg1HwHODNCfA;TIA7CmJA
It’s a build that seems to be pretty good at dealing damage, CC, buffing, and decent survival. It’s not a glass cannon, but it’s not a buffing machine. It’s not bunker either. So far I’ve used it in PvE and WvW with great results. I’m not sure exactly how it would function in sPvP
Other than the high base damage stats this gives, the damage comes from maintaining multiple stacks of Vulnerability on enemies, plus the 10% increased damage you receive from hitting an enemy that has conditions (which they always will, 100% of the time). There’s also the 10% increased damage from not having 100% Endurace, so it’s effectively +20% damage plus any amount of vulnerability on a target (can spike to 25 stacks if needed).
Note: Empowering Might on this build can maintain at least 3x Might with bursts to 6 from VoJ. The effect of Might is calculated as a standard Power/Cond damage increase, meaning it’s effect is calculated before Vulnerability and other passive % increases in damage. Might will be anywhere from 20-45% more effective because of this.
The three main traits giving Vulnerability are Blinding Jeopardy (5vuln for 8s on Immobilize), Blind Exposure (3vuln for 5s on Blind), and Symbolic Exposure (1vuln per symbol tick).
In the build you have 3 Immobilizes: Chains of Light, Signet of Wrath, and Zealot’s Embrace, all on an average CD of 20s. Chains of light inflicts 3vuln base in addition to the 5vuln from the trait. Chained, this can be 18vuln for 10s at 900-1200 range in a matter of seconds. Also, Zealot’s Embrace hits multiple targets, and therefore inflicts 5vuln to multiple enemies.
In the build you have 2 sources of Blind: VoJ activation and Ray of Judgement (focus). VoJ is an AoE blind and is therefore an AoE Vulnerability. Same goes for Ray of Light, except it can trigger multiple times on a single enemy. If you’re fighting multiple enemies, you can essentially spam VoJ as they die and reach high stacks of vuln on multiple enemies.
In the build there are only 2 Symbols, Symbol of Wrath (25% health) and Symbol of Protection (hammer chain). Symbol of Protection actually triggers 2 stacks of Vulnerability on the initial hit due to the swing, and ticks for 1vuln every hit thereafter. This Symbol can hit 5 enemies and is traited for a large radius in Honor.
With regards to support/survival, it has a large amount of Retaliation. The Hammer will constantly trigger Retaliation due to the Blast finisher (in addition to the symbol’s Protection), and the two Utility skills (Signet of Judgement and Hold the Line) synergize well and also grant Retaliation. This build can easily have traits swapped for a shout build, or symbol healing as well.
Using this build so far, I’ve noticed I’m able to fight in small group fights (including 1v1) while dealing a significant amount of damage all the while not being the easiest guy to take down. The build may seem to lack survival stats, but I normally run in almost full Knight’s, so toughness isn’t an issue. In group oriented battles, the Vulnerability plays a significant support aspect. Being able to single handedly boost your groups damage by a constant 13-25% is nothing to be taken lightly.
Your thoughts would be appreciated.
