Guild Wars 2

This is the standard 30/30/0/0/10 build I’m sure many already use but I wanted to get it in the build list.

I prefer a more tanky spec with around ~2300 armor, keeping crit chance @ ~50% and crit dmg in the 90’s.

GS is a very popular choice (at least used to be before iZerker was bugging), but I also like using S/S and Sc/P. I find scepter to be an effective power weapon, especially in this setup where you have a block and resulting heavy damage in each weapon set. I use GS just as much, however depending on the situation. The ability to switch traits in domination and dueling really give flexibility with the weapon choices.

Here are a couple build alternatives:

S/S Sc/P http://tinyurl.com/ca3pqsn
Get your 3 clones up for empowered illusions. Scepter auto-attack helps keep them up, plus does decent damage (not as good as GS tho). Decent ranged solution with Pistol phantasm and confusing images. Swap to S/S for burst. I would use this build more in 1v1 scenarios due to the block on both weapon sets, though doesn’t do as well with AoE.

S/S GS http://tinyurl.com/c9foucp
GS is better AoE and CC using the iZerker and push. So if you run GS, go with GS training. You don’t need the pistol trait so you go with clone on dodge. Playing this build is much more active and you are shattering more but also producing clones if you want to sit back and nuke with GS auto-attack.

Of course you can use the focus OH in either of the builds for specific cases and I do often depending on the situation. Downside is you can’t trait focus but obviously it still has it’s many uses.

Shatters are generally very powerful (just about every attack in this build is), so don’t feel like you can’t shatter in either build, since you will be able to get new phantasms up quickly due to the CD traits/scepter AA/dodge clone. MW crits for ~3k per clone. You can burst foes down very quickly if you can finish the Immobilize/BF/F1 shatter/3x MoP combo. 3x MoP crits at around 2.5k armor ignoring, un-dodgable damage, so three of those will really put the pressure on, but again only use in burst scenarios if possible.

The 3 condition cleanses are very, very handy. I add the blink in there for movement in/out of battle but of course can be replaced with another mantra.
Again build flexibilty is nice as you can swap the weapon sets above and change traits (without re-traiting). Just keep those mantras charged, which with new patch, it’s even easier, and nuke away.

Any other insights/ideas/suggestions on the Mantra Nuker? I know many of you play it so I’d love to hear your experiences.

I have been playing sc/sw – sw/p using phantasms for a while now. Same basic point distribution. I just swapped out to mantras a few days ago to give it a shot and I may end up preferring it.

I’ve lost the ability to escape or hide (which over time I imagine will suck when im outnumbered) but being in my opponents face draws attention which seems to have permitted me to drop signet of illusion. I also get to cleanse which is super neato.

I prefer using sword with scepter. Once you’ve established an appropriate hp advantage you can leverage the chain blocking to do (as you’re aware) obscene damage to seal the deal. Being able to chain the blocking also helps occasionally for running away or getting into position suffering less damage.

Yeah I’ve heard of other players who go sc/sw. Do you miss not having the block in each weapon set? I guess it’s weighing the pros/cons as I can see the benefit of having a chain block at your disposal.

And the lack of escape ability can be somewhat mitigated by adding blink, though you sacrifice a mantra.

I like your builds. I am an avid mantra user and I like the build. I have been switching between 30/30/0/10/0 and the normal you have. If I do the first, I use remove a condition on heal, which I really like because you can get one off every heal!

I usually use sw/f and gs because I like the speed boost for pvp. Oh yeah, sorry, I really only play pvp with this so everything is in regard to that. But, I think I might try your sc/sw sw/ps idea, I kind of like it. Also, if you keep both swords in one hand, do you get the precision bonus for both of them or is it only on one of them? That could be a benefit of going one in each.

Also, do you think it’s worth it to not use a 4th mantra?

I’ve not played the build in PvP but but the block in each weapon set would be nice. You sacrifice the speed boost w/focus but if you use blink that can help. You could always trait 10 into Chaos and get the increased manipulation cool down trait to use blink more often. I like your condition removal idea but remember you have the condition cleanse via mantra of resolve (unless you’re not taking that mantra, of course). Then you are free to go 10 in Illusions or Chaos.

The 4th mantra will give you that extra 4% damage but I find I’d rather have the movement in battle using blink. If you don’t need blink, by all means go for the 4th mantra. Not sure which mantras you’re using but all of them provide distinct advantages – pick the one that best suits your setup.

You do get the precision bonus with a sword in each weapon set so yeah you could configure it that way as djtool suggested.

No due to swords inherent distortion and pistols stun. Putting the blocks together also nets you two clones to use as required. But again this is only once you have established a proper hp advantage.

skcamow.3527:

Yeah I’ve heard of other players who go sc/sw. Do you miss not having the block in each weapon set? I guess it’s weighing the pros/cons as I can see the benefit of having a chain block at your disposal.

And the lack of escape ability can be somewhat mitigated by adding blink, though you sacrifice a mantra.

Oh on the mantra thing:

If you are using soldiers I reckon youre all around solid and can block whenever.

I was using zerker and traited for stuns or three mantras. Either way you’re damage is obscene however with the loss of stealth you shift toward a team spec as you lack the ability to survive outside a 1v1. You will still do well but if you are identified as a prime target you get ganged on and handled easily.

Supported and you laser down everything.

djtool.8372:

Oh on the mantra thing:

Supported and you laser down everything.

^THIS

using 100% glasscannon build with 2 mantras (+8%damage) and with a good team your lazers kitten everything. berzerker and other skills are just icing.
but 4 mantras is too risky imo. If you face above average enemies you will be primary in no time and then you need blink and decoy. I even use torch in second set to get to safety. That way my team don’t need to rescue me everytime I’m focused.

(at first I used the mantras just to get more damage to see what can be done with a greatsword but now I really start to love the daze mantra. It is like your enemies can’t heal anymore )

really love artillery mesmer <3

So I just started playing the mesmer and I made up a mantra build…
Use Sword/focus + staff, 4 mantras and elite cloak for when I need to charge my mantras. Have only been doing pvp for 1 day and already outmatching my elementalist that I played for over 1000 hours…. Kinda sad. But anyways:
any tips for noobie mesmer?

I suppose with full mantra and that weaponset you’re pretty much rabid or shamans amulet as you need the toughness to handle getting spanked on when you’re recharging.

Some people use staff with power amulets but personally I don’t see it. You’ll lose more from your staff doing that then you will off your sword going condition. Carrion will work until your mantras are expended then you’re in trouble.