Guild Wars 2

The Apex Predator Build
Inspiration of build Name: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naWAE89jhFw
1 vs 1, 1 vs X, and group/mini zerg roaming(PvP and WvW):

TPvP: http://youtu.be/1hgNUTcBKlE

Updated Build:
http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fgAQRArf8clwzKoXUTmGb9IipHBHxBckUoavWJF42FC-j0DBYfQYgwYhAYjgUEgkIBiIAO5TQMBKZ5QolhFRjVVbQ1qbYqYImzFRrWKgFlGB-w

This build is designed to do the most out of the Weapons given. It is designed to do Power dps and condition dps so as to have at least around 80% of full power dps build and around 60-80% of the full condition dps build. Also excells in 1 vs 1. Designed for solo roam and to be able to do 1 vs X easily with another partner(preferably thief or Mesmer). Good for roaming with small groups(2-5) and mini zerg(6-10).
Guide
Weapons (Sword-Sword/Scepter-Torch)
Why?
Unstoppable condition and Power DPS will be piled every 3 seconds(Swordsman), and insane condi damage every 9 seconds(Swap to Scepter/Torch) If they do try to attack your clones, the Deliberating Dissipation trait will definitely punish them to the point where they will run away.
Traits
20/20/30/0/0
Master of Manipulation Trait paired up with #6 on the Traveler runes with
MH Sword adds up to insane mobility both in combat and out of combat.

Power DPS(9 might stacks with 40-47% crit chance and 77%crit damage. 60% crit chance with 25 stacks of Perception sigil)
1.The Swordsman Phantasm is a killer. Doing up to 6-7k damage.

2.With the Scepter, you are able to do around 5-10k damage easy in just 5 seconds by going through all the weapon skills rotation.

3.I can hit around 1200 mindwrack at least and around 800-900 against tankier specs.

4.Every time Debilitating Dissipation triggers and bleed stacks, then it is around
300 damage per second. 8 seconds of bleed, so around 2400 damage total.

5. Retaliatory attacks such as Illusionary Riposite and Illusionary Counter’s damages are doubled, giving around 3-5k of instant Power Damage when triggered. Illusionary Counter does additional 10,000 damage if the target is moving.

Condition DPS(70% condition duration and 9 stacks of Might)
1. Upwards of up to 1k confusion per action on enemy.
2. Insane torment, burning, and condition rotation
3. Insane retaliatory damages(retaliation, offhand sword, and confusion)

Signet of Domination‘s passive effect allows me to put insane condition damage even without any might stacks. When activated, the 3 seconds of stun is a time of chaos for the enemy, as all the Direct Power DPS and Condition DPS will flow through him like an electrical current. Swordsman phantasm is a game ender in these situations. You will lower the enemy’s health pool to at least half of what they already have without no question. Whether they have 20k health, or whether they have 2800 armor, or both.

PvP Build:http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fgAQRArf8clwzCrXUTmGb9IipHBHxBckUoavWJF42FC-TwAg1CsIqRVjrGTNyas1MEZJymgJBA

Future Videos
1. Video Coming of Duels against Top Builds(PvP)
2. tPvP/sPvP run with updated build
3. WvW roaming

These are something that I will test with this current weapon setup when the Dec. 10th patch comes live.

0/20/30/0/20 or

0/25/30/0/15

Is this similar to condition cat and black water build?

hmmm, I’m not sure. I have sword instead of the scepter, and I have traited for less cd on sword trait. I was going for mobility, burst, and sustained conditions for the typical PU Condition Mesmer to be a tad bit more effective. because they sorta lack the ability to be able to “chase” an enemy. Anyways, I was going for that sorta things, yes.

I play a very similar build, same traits, scepter instead of sword and either veil (when solo) or signet of domination (in 5man), instead of Null Field.

In pvp I use rabid amulet/rampager jewel, with undead runes, in wvw I go for a mix of Rabid and Rampager, perplexity runes

Been running this a couple of months now, very pleased, keep playing, it will only get better once you learn how to set up your bursts well. All the best.

This is literally a carbon copy of the blackwater build. Nothing to see here, move along…

Pyro. I politely beg to differ. I have complete different setup than Natsu. Of course it will look really similar because the most effective trait setup is 20/20/30 for PU conditions. We as a community don’t go around saying that Osicat copied Natsu, or Natsu copied Osicat. So plz try to not say those kind of comments. PLz. I already said in title that this was theorycraft too. I am still working in PVP pyro.

Well in his guide Osciat clearly mentiones that his build is inspired by natsu and seven mirror, he is openly transparent about his sources. That is why no one ever complained about natsu or osciat copying builds. Your build however differs from natsus just in two aspects.
Weapon choice and one trait…

So to the things you mentioned about your built:

- Focus on Confuson:
Your only sources of confusion are the torch phantasm and F3. I would switch in perplexity runes to have about 2-3 stacks constantly on your enemy.

- Your build lacks a bit in overall condition application. You only rely on the conditions from staff and the bleeds from sword illus. With the standard build by Natsu you have access to more confusion and torment. . If you take osciats condition build you can even stack more conditions on your enemy (nullfied+pistol phantasm followed by scepter 3 can stack up to 12-13 if you use perplexity runes).

- You mentioned your build focuses on burst. I don’t see where your burst should come from. blurred frenzy won’t hit hard in rabid gear. As a mesmer you cannot build for burst dmg and decent condition dmg in one specc.

- Furthermor you said that the typical PU build is not very good at chasing people. Agreed. Mesmer generally have problems with chasing runners. But i don’t see why your build has better chasing abilities than the other mentioned PU builds.

- I do not understand why you slotted Nullfield. Your sword illus strip boons and for additional condi removal i would go for arcane thievery as it offers condicleanse and offence at the same time.

So i don’t see any advantages offerd by your build in comparison to Natsu’s or Osciat’s build.

I could show you the wvw that I have already planned to use after further testing. Gozzo. I love your generous feedbacks. But in wvw, I plan to us daze mantra for a bit more confusion. It is not as reliable, but it is pretty ok. The burst that I talked about was being able to properly hit torch stealth blast to perfection. With all those teleportations, it gets pretty easy for me to totally hit my target on the mark. Anyways, I am still into further testing in PVP with tPvP and sPvP.

Well the torch blast is common to all builds that use torch but i wouldn’t call it a burst weapon. And for mediocre condiburst you lack the torment and confusion scepter offers.

And honestly as i spent most of my time solo roaming in wvwvw even with 3 teleports you won’t catch anyone who does not want to get catched. Sword 2 is hard to land and buggy. And Staff 2 always teleports you in the opposite direction you are facin. If you wanna play catch equip gs and focus and even then you wan’t get most players.

The baseline problem is that you don’t point out why your build does something better than the existing PU/condition builds from which you copied it. P.e. the blackwaterbuild offers more access to conditions and the “chasing abilities” are nearly the same. So my advice is, if you wan’t to come up with an innovative built point out what it does better and worse than very very similar existing builds or for which specific task it is designed.

Ah, I apologize. This isn’t a carbon copy of the blackwater build. It does in fact lack the condition burst that that build has.

reason why I don’t have the scepter, or at least partial reason.

If you are a good player, when you see an enemy spam scepter 3 on you, you would choose to try not to use any skills. Since my build only has torch, my enemies just spam attacks even after my mage attacks them. Well, this is from my sole experience. I could be embarrasingly wrong, but this is what I have learned from my fights so far in PvP. Also, I have found out that disenchanter is frickin OP. I changed the skill in build above.

Why don’t you have scepter? That is the best condition weapon we have with acess to torrent and confusion. It is absolutely ludicrous to have a condition build without the quintessential condition-applying item.

I just felt that I didn’t need it. You see, I have fought the standard 20/20/30 build with scepters, but never once did I get the condition from torment on me. WHy you ask? because I never attacked them when they put there number 2 skill up, and if they apply condition on me constantly, my disenchanter got rid of them. Well, this is what I experienced in PvP anyways. I hope you understand my point of view, as I have understood yours. Don’t get me wrong. Scepters are top notch, but I don’t really like them as a tool for offense against experienced players. They seem to know how to exactly counter it.

good players will see if they have confusion on them no matter if it is from scepter 3 or the image and stop spamming when it stacks to high.

i am out you don’t try to give reasonable arguments for your build but assume weird stuff about the seemingly mediocre opponents you face.

take a look at real builds, on how much effort they put in and reason about their choices. you learned your bit in posting threads but everytime there are suggestions or criticism. you switch the topic (no one said you have few condiremoval but you brag about idisenchanter) or state that you wreck with you built.

enjoy your build, don’t expect to much enthusiasm for it and goodbye

Once YOU become and experienced player you will learn the tricks to easily land scepter blocks and confusing images. I have fought so many different classes I know which attacks are easiest to land blocks against and lets be honest they eventually have to attack you so just time your block in the middle of there burst against you or against an auto-attack.

I actually beat quite a bit of scepter/torch PU 20/20/30 condition Mesmers so far. I am still in the process of testing and finding out its weaknesses. And I think that the disenchanter accomodates that very nicely. That was what I was trying to point out.

I tried resisting the urge to post on this thread, until…

Pyroatheist.9031:

Ah, I apologize. This isn’t a carbon copy of the blackwater build. It does in fact lack the condition burst that that build has.

Haha xD.

Menace, what is it exactly that you intend to do on this forums? Why do you keep posting builds? What are you really lookig for?

Wait…i thought you had said you were done making new builds?

If your builds goal is to focus on Mobility, burst damage, and sustained bleeds and confusion, then this build is sub optimal.

I take a mix of condition damage, and crit damage, high condition duration, high boon duration for long swiftness, cd and range traited manipulations. Sword to apply burning from torch, focus to controll confusion application from confusing images.

That way I have high mobility, decent burst, good sustained conditions. Your choices are overall weaker for your stated goal.

Aha, I remember saying that. I just can’t kitten help myself. I love the way that this game allows you to be so creative with making builds. I just love it like so much. Anyways, I wouldn’t be even posting this build if it couldn’t hold a candle. I have actually battled around 8 Mesmers so far and they were all 20/20/30 Scepter/Torch builds. I actually beat 5 of them. I am proud of this build’s performance so far. I can down a full regen tank warrior within 3-5 minutes, so that is pretty ok too. I just hope I can improve upon this build a bit more.

Edit: I love the fact that you have a focus Ross. I actually thought about implementing it in one of my condition builds, but I felt kinda weird using it. I guess your set up tells me other wise. ty for your kind suggestion. They are always welcome here. I shall think about the focus thing though. Ty kind sir.

Fought pyro yet?

Moaning Marv.2194:

Fought pyro yet?

He has. Pyro needs work.

Well, I was hoping to fight him again with this build today so as to see what I need to improve on this build, but Pyro was a bit busy so he couldn’t duel me today. That is entirely fine. He needs to do what he needs to do to be able to continously play with us as a community.

@themenaceofseventhdimension
I am not much of a build crafter myself, but I do think this build is too closely related to existing builds.

That being said: I want to mention the change in your attitude. You have been tested quite a bit in this topic with some rather provoking responses and you are managing to keep the tone positive
Keep it up!

Hey, Thanks Reesha. You just made my day.
I will be going to sleep soon, so I have a request to ask you guys. I will be testing this build in PvP for one more week, and after that, I plan on moving on to the WvW testing. If you guyz want to see the WvW build, plz comment below. If you don’t want to see it yet, then also comment that too below. If you don’t want to see it yet, then I will take that into consideration that I have to make some extra tweeks, and if you want to see it tomorrow, I will take that as you guyz wanting to see/comment/critique this build in WvW standards. Ty for your kind understanding.

Do you mean as in a video?

If that is the case then I would like to see it.
It would be nice to see you fight different classes. If possible, descibe which professions you find hard with this particular build (and why).

If you meant showing the changes to the build (as in listing traits ect), then I think you should wait posting until you have tested a lot more.

Your WvW build will not stand to the better condition builds out there. The sword clones do not outshine or even replace the scepter here, if this was a hybrid build it wouldn’t matter but since this is a condition focused build you lose so much because of it.

i +1 to the video idea

I would frickin love to make a video, I even have a high standard Video/Picture Camera at home, but I don’t have any clue how to make a youtube video. I tried to learn it on the web, but I can’t really understand it. Anybody know a way for me to learn to do this?

you do not use a video camera to record gaming videos there is software like fraps, bandicam etc….

Gozzo.7380:

you do not use a video camera to record gaming videos there is software like fraps, bandicam etc….

-_- Words fail me

@themenaceofseventhdimension
Maybe take a look at this
It explains how to use fraps (including download link and instalment guide).
It also covers how to upload videos to Youtube.
Fraps is very easy to use and unless you plan on doing all sorts of fancy effects, most video editors work. I don’t know the Ezvid video editor program, that is also a part of the guide, so I can’t say if it is any good. Windows Movie Maker could be another very simple editor program to use.

Reesha, you are the Best!!! This guide is like so easy and the installment directions are super friendly! I thank you a million times for posting this. I won’t let you guys down. For those of you still a bit skeptical about this build, I have posted the performance so far of this build.

Mesmers won: 5/8(All scepter/torch PU)
Warriors Won: Not fully done.(Everyone I faced is Full Regen. Not worthy for testing)
Guardians won: 2/2(1 was Weapon Spirits build with massive burning)
Rangers won: Not done
Thieves won: 2/2(Easy as Pie)
Necros won: 2/2(Also Easy as Pie)
Engis Won: Not fully done
Eles Won: 2/2(Good Burst output ftw!)

This is what happened so far for this build. Don’t worry. I will be testing for at least 1 more week before moving onto other areas.

I have to question the quality of the players you went up against.

Lol. I think all other classes were sincerely very easy to play against, however, I also don’t know the skill level of the players I fought for Mesmers. I keep searching for
Scepter/Torch PU Mesmers but they aren’t as often as I thought they would still be. Other than the Mesmers, I think I can easily beat any other classes unless they come out to be Full Regen tank builds.

Just a side note:
the Mesmers I fought were descent at using scepter/torch, like they have played it since last year almost. It’s just my guess of course.

This is my final say before I say goodnight. It is stated to those of you still a bit skeptical about this build. Don’t worry. The video might be up by this week if I get really lucky, but other then that, I shall show you the WvW build by the end of the week at the latest, this doesn’t mean I’m gonna head to wvw right after this week, I am gonna show you the WvW build and explain my thought process and its capabilities. And if anyone can help me improve on this build by coming to the dueling servers this friday-sunday, I shall be very glad of your kind help.

to share with you one of the best hidden secrets of the internet: “picture it or didn’t happen.”

many people here are sceptical towards statements or even lists of how many people you or anyone facerolled. So better bring proof before you state anything about the skill of your opponents.

Gozzo.7380:

to share with you one of the best hidden secrets of the internet: “picture it or didn’t happen.”

many people here are sceptical towards statements or even lists of how many people you or anyone facerolled. So better bring proof before you state anything about the skill of your opponents.

He has a point menace.
If you truly want to show how your build works, then you simply have to make a video where people can judge your build by viewing your play style and the play style of your opponents.

Make sure that you show fights/duels against skilled people, and be prepared that showing your own play style might open up the door for more critique from others.

Telling us how many people you won against does not say much in itself.
Firstly, we have no way of telling whether this is true or not, and we have no way of telling if you fought someone clueless or if you actually fought an experienced player.

thanks guys for generous feedbacks, as always. I will make sure the video comes out OK. I hope I can succeed in making a worthwhile video….. Also, Do you guys want to see the WvW build right now? I have some time so I could show you guys right now with all the explanations behind it.

I want a video, otherwise your build isn’t optimal for a Condition build and lacks the punch other builds have. I don’t believe any of your fighting figures without it, the math doesn’t add up.

Pyroatheist.9031:

Ah, I apologize. This isn’t a carbon copy of the blackwater build. It does in fact lack the condition burst that that build has.

heh…

Granted, anyone laying claim to any build is silly. Naming them is just for reference convenience.

This is basically the same as the other PU builds out there, I personally run with Sword/Pistol and Scepter/Torch. The reasons are: For the immobilize on sword 3, pistol for stopping runners/CC in 1 vs Many fights, block from Scepter 2 and the burst from Torment/Burning & Scepter 3. It’s a more complete weapon set for me than using Staff, sure phase retreat is nice, but you have so much stealth you shouldn’t really need the mobility from staff, you can also use iLeap as a mini phase retreat too.

I always land torment, it’s just down to timing and using it in melee range so good players can’t see you visibly blocking.

I can’t obviously comment on the players you fought against, but I’m pretty sure you can’t beat as many people as you openly claim, pretty sure any competent condition Necro would beat you and show you exactly how devastating real condition burst can be.

Wait, how many people should I try to fight from each classes in the video? around 3-5?

themenaceofseventhdimension.2075:

Wait, how many people should I try to fight from each classes in the video? around 3-5?

You don’t need to go around fighting every class. You just need to show enough fights that it is obvious whether or not you are competent and/or this build is competent.

Alright, thank you for your suggestion. Will do that. I’m gonna start recording from friday. I am really busy right now. I feel like I need to do a Ton of work.

Ok guys, I love this build so far, and it has beaten a bunch of other PU condition builds too the past few days, but I feel that the one thing that can counter this build is not other condition builds, but rather, a DPS specced, high condition removal build. So I get to thinking: This build was designed to be somewhat of an alternative/anti condition build, and now there is the very real chance that I might face a DPS/Condition removal specced enemy in wvw. So I got to thinking, how do I take control of the game by having the best abilities of both builds? And I came to the Conclusion: Hoelbrak Runes. The MIght and negative condition duration does wonders and I tried to step into that area a little further. I am embarrassed to say that I have somewhat disbanded my old idea. Don’t get me wrong, that idea was darn good too, but I realized that with me going into the Might area, I will get more promising results. So I am sorry that I disbanded my old ideas, now I am hot on the trail of pursuing another. I will put up the video this week if possible, but until this new build’s video is up and I declare that I have finished it, I am far away from making a viable build. I understand taht. I hope you guys can forgive me for going into the Might Area.

PS: You guys are the best. you have shown me why I need the scepter. It has proven essential in this build. Best weapons combo for this build require scepter. Again, I can not stress enough how much I need to thank you guys. You have frickin opened my eyes. thank you.

Edit: Already posted working build(testing)

I posted the WvW build and some little info on it. I am planning to post my first ever youtube video on the PVP capabilities of this build. I felt that if I post the WvW right now and recieved some critiques and feedbacks, it will set me up greatly for my future working on this build, and set me on the right schedule. So I hope you guys can post anything you think about this build. Either opinions, feedbacks, or critiques would all be humbly accepted. Thank you

Sorry for seemingly bumping this thread, the top three comments I can explain

third to last: Response to Pyro
Second to Last: Alert to you guys that I am starting this build anew.
This post: Posting that I have finished the WvW build and will test it soon.(A few weeks later)

Edit: This build was meant to be a viable hybrid build. Could you guys give me any feedbacks on what areas to improve?

kitten , menace ! You seem like such a nice person. I bet you’re very cheerful in real life.
Eager to see your theory crafting progress!

And don’t be afraid to explore uncharted territory!

Ah! Thanks Atiar! you know, I just can’t stay away from the Definition of “Hybrid”. It’s just like some sort of inspiration for me. I’m not sure if you have seen my posted WvW build. It is Hybrid, and so is the PvP build. Their purpose is to counter these two builds:

1. PU Condition
2. PU DPS/High Condition removal/tank specc.

I hope I got somewhere close to making one of the first, if not the first ever, viable Mesmer hybrid WvW build. I hope I get a lot of feedbacks and critiques. I love critiques, unless the commenter gets out of hand on explaining it all to me. Thank you. I hope everyone gives their share of concern, comment, feedback, critique on the WvW build. Thank you again!

You wouldn’t be the first menace. So many others have built a hybrid class before. Like all of us keep on saying your build is NOTHING NEW, we have seem these traits run in a variety of other builds. At this point your build is Just Osicats condition build honestly, which doesn’t need another thread for it.

Not to mention this isn’t even close to a “Hybrid” build, I think you need to go look up what the hell that means because this isn’t even close. Most Hybrid builds run Power as their main stat with either Toughness or Vitality as a secondary, and the third slot can be anything but is usually precision(Knights armor for instance.)

So to sum it up your build is just a variation of the standard 20-20-30-0-0 PU condition build with different runes and sigils, which doesn’t exactly help you to much compared to the other popular choices. Please stop this as a plea from the Mesmer community stop re-hashing old builds, we have had enough. Please come back when you have an original idea for a build, and while I realize no one has a monopoly on anything here this build has been around for months.