Guild Wars 2

A patch or two ago they changed the default starting template for Guardians. Found the changes interesting and pretty drastic revision of the original template. Thoughts?

Original Template
(yes the elite was left off in the game too)

New Template
(aqua breather had a 3rd divinity rune on it)

Obviously they saw a need for change, the question is why such a 180 and is this a sign on how we are “supposed” to build?

Ran this new setup for a few games. Most I can say is it is very balanced.

Some synergies in aegis causes burning and burning removes attacker boons every 20 seconds with virtue of courage on a 30 second refresh.

Well known shout benefits via boons and condition removal with added remove conditions every 10 seconds through purity.

Retaliation is readily available with greatsword and shouts.

Scepter and focus give some utility via ranged attacks and immobilize as well as 3 blocks on demand for if you get stunned up or if you want to use for burst.

Combo Smite with Whirling Wrath for a little bit of burst as well.

Overall though, you will not be downing people quickly, but you have survivability without losing too much damage.

I think they did well with creating a starting point with this template but for sure not a setup I would normally play without tweaking it.