Guild Wars 2

Chronomancer seems like one of the better WvW specs, and I’m amazed I haven’t really seen that much discussion about it in relation to WvW. Now that we have trait and skill details, what kinds of Chronomancer builds do you think we’ll see in WvW when HoT hits (roaming or zerg)? Will they become a larger part of the meta?

I expect there to be a lot of MtD/Chronomancer condition shatter variants.

Possibly a few condirupt builds (eg mistrust, CI, slow on interrupt and crit…), a few power shatter variants, possibly some power interrupt/lockdown builds if they want access to Tides of Time and Gravity Well, and then a few other weird things here and there that I can’t think of off the top of my head.

For zerguing Chronomancer will be pretty much mandatory with shield and wells. There are quite a lot of variations to test. The best for me are Dom/Insp/Chrono, Dom/Chaos/Chrono and Dom/Due/Chrono.

Roaming is a different world. There will be some nice builds with chronomancer, but there are a lot of potential meta builds which won’t need it

Ansau.7326:

For zerguing Chronomancer will be pretty much mandatory with shield and wells. There are quite a lot of variations to test. The best for me are Dom/Insp/Chrono, Dom/Chaos/Chrono and Dom/Due/Chrono.

Roaming is a different world. There will be some nice builds with chronomancer, but there are a lot of potential meta builds which won’t need it

Any links to the builds you’re thinking?
I’m toying around with some as well but haven’t settled. Chrono seems like a great fit for WvW. Interrupts, plenty of quickness, and a strong set of AoE skills. I keep thinking it’d pair well with Dueling and Chaos in an Interrupt/Alacrity/Quickness and Condition oriented build.

The big unknown right now for me is how successful “Time Catches Up” (illusions get superspeed when they shatter) will be at letting us land shatters in big battles.

i know im going to try something like this for roaming

http://dulfy.net/gw2traits#build=AgMBmAZcBWg~

full zerk shatter. no deceptive evasion, but im hoping that master of fragmentation in illusions and illusionary reversion in chronomancer will make that okay

Pure DPS GS-S/Shield: http://dulfy.net/gw2traits#build=AgMBmAJcBlg~
This is for pure skill demonstrating.

Interrupt Staff-S/Shield: http://dulfy.net/gw2traits#build=AgMBnAP0BrQ~
The future zerg meta.

DPS/Support GS-S/Shield: http://dulfy.net/gw2traits#build=AgMBmASkBmg~
Best way I see for guild raiding.

Better forget about condis in zerg. All professions are getting much better condi cleansing, and with the actual poor performance compared to power builds, in the future they will be useless.

What I’m most interested in is the future of veiling. Will we still be on veil duty 24/7? Or will that be one mesmer’s job while the rest run additional wells? I’m also interested as to whether mesmer will still be a gank squad profession, as the wells may push them to a different role.

I’m an experienced but out of practice WvW necromancer, and the mesmer wells seem to be more interesting and much more useful in terms of group support, albeit possibly less useful in raw DPS/boonstripping, but we will have to see.

nearlight.3064:

What I’m most interested in is the future of veiling. Will we still be on veil duty 24/7? Or will that be one mesmer’s job while the rest run additional wells? I’m also interested as to whether mesmer will still be a gank squad profession, as the wells may push them to a different role.

I’m an experienced but out of practice WvW necromancer, and the mesmer wells seem to be more interesting and much more useful in terms of group support, albeit possibly less useful in raw DPS/boonstripping, but we will have to see.

Never under-estimate the simple skills. :-) those boon removals and condi clears are still super handy, along with that sweet pulsing damage.

That said… mesmer wells do look fantastic! I think coordinating for the exciting end effect is going to be tricky… Do you target that Alacrity under your ranged allies for no damage but a guaranteed burst of alacrity or do you toss it under your foes for a hope that allies will be there in time?

I have no doubts that Veil will be a powerful skill. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that one of the upcoming reveals gives Veil to another profession as well, freeing up that extra spot on the mesmer skill bar.

I’m personally seeing a ton of utility from a constantly shattering, high Alacrity up-time shield-bearer with a couple wells equipped.

Ansau.7326:

Interrupt Staff-S/Shield: http://dulfy.net/gw2traits#build=AgMBnAP0BrQ~
The future zerg meta.

What gear and utilities would you see yourself running with that build?

Ansau.7326:

For zerguing Chronomancer will be pretty much mandatory with shield and wells. There are quite a lot of variations to test. The best for me are Dom/Insp/Chrono, Dom/Chaos/Chrono and Dom/Due/Chrono.

I have different thoughts on what will be meta/mandatory for wvw zerging. I believe the updated PU, which will make veil 4s, will be required for at least one mesmer in the zerg, and ideally a chronomancer.

Currently, taking PU makes veil 3s and most mesmers that take it (and not many choose PU in a zerg build anyways) likely do not trait glamour cd as well. However, I believe that the extra second of stealth come HoT will allow one zerg to significantly out-engage another zerg that is only running with non-PU 2s veil. In effect, there will be an “metagame” between mesmers of opposing zergs where if one mesmer is running PU veil and the other isn’t, the former’s zerg will generally trump the other in initiation and intial fight momentum. Thus, both side’s mesmers will feel the need to run PU veil.

I am basing my assertions on what I have observed in organized GvG’s where there is currently an emerging meta strategy to run smoke field + blasts for ~6s stealth. The guilds I have seen employing this strategy generally have better early momentum. Likewise, I predict the increase in stealth duration by taking the updated PU will be significant; the difference between a PU veil and non-PU veil will be more pronounced. Also, currently traiting PU and glamour CD comes with significant opportunity costs that will be alleviated come HoT.

http://dulfy.net/gw2traits#build=AgMBlASsBrQ~
running GS+Sw/Shield with Mantra of Restoration, Blink, Well of Calamity|Action|Precognition, Veil|Portal, Gravity Well
(kitten that Inspiration line feels so weak excluding Mender’s purity and Protected Phantasm)

this would play similar to 26060 now… all GM in chrono look VERY nice: you can pick any depending on the implementation

http://dulfy.net/gw2traits#build=AgMBnAP0BrQ~
Probably played very tanky with Soldier+Cavalier and Melandru runes, Staff+Sw/Shield, Ether Feast, Mantra of Concentration, Null Field or a Well (Action probably fits better than the rest), Veil or Portal and Timewarp or Gravity Well.

http://dulfy.net/gw2traits#build=AgMBlAWYBKQ~ or http://dulfy.net/gw2traits#build=AgMBlAZoBKQ~
The mesmzerker, played full squishy and focused on iZerker damage. Mantra of Restoration, Blink, Mantra of Pain or a Well, TW/GW. It’s a shame you don’t get Fury on phantasms, but I can’t imagine how to fit it in…

Menaka.5092:

http://dulfy.net/gw2traits#build=AgMBlAWYBKQ~ or http://dulfy.net/gw2traits#build=AgMBlAZoBKQ~
The mesmzerker, played full squishy and focused on iZerker damage. Mantra of Restoration, Blink, Mantra of Pain or a Well, TW/GW. It’s a shame you don’t get Fury on phantasms, but I can’t imagine how to fit it in…

What would be your thoughts be on this dank 4x iZerker while invuln build? (Ether signet + signet traits)

http://dulfy.net/gw2traits#build=AgMBpAZoBKg~

cant wait to test!!! i want hot now! :-)

I’m trying to come up with a roaming/zerg hybrid build. I’ll often roam with a zerg, break off for a bit and take camps or kill people, then meld back in. So far I’m thinking of running this with these traits , with Sword/Shield Staff or GS and Ether Feast/Well of Eternity, Well of Calamity, Well of Action, Mantra of Distraction, and Well of Gravity. I want a power interrupt build that can duel but also provide good AoE support.

Stormbolt.7293:

What gear and utilities would you see yourself running with that build?

Utilities should be Ether Feast, Blink, Veil, MoD and elite Well. I cannot speak about gear and stats since all gear will see its stats changed and I don’t know how will be the impact of not having the guard stacks.

adelaide.6213:

Ansau.7326:

For zerguing Chronomancer will be pretty much mandatory with shield and wells. There are quite a lot of variations to test. The best for me are Dom/Insp/Chrono, Dom/Chaos/Chrono and Dom/Due/Chrono.

I have different thoughts on what will be meta/mandatory for wvw zerging. I believe the updated PU, which will make veil 4s, will be required for at least one mesmer in the zerg, and ideally a chronomancer.

Currently, taking PU makes veil 3s and most mesmers that take it (and not many choose PU in a zerg build anyways) likely do not trait glamour cd as well. However, I believe that the extra second of stealth come HoT will allow one zerg to significantly out-engage another zerg that is only running with non-PU 2s veil. In effect, there will be an “metagame” between mesmers of opposing zergs where if one mesmer is running PU veil and the other isn’t, the former’s zerg will generally trump the other in initiation and intial fight momentum. Thus, both side’s mesmers will feel the need to run PU veil.

I am basing my assertions on what I have observed in organized GvG’s where there is currently an emerging meta strategy to run smoke field + blasts for ~6s stealth. The guilds I have seen employing this strategy generally have better early momentum. Likewise, I predict the increase in stealth duration by taking the updated PU will be significant; the difference between a PU veil and non-PU veil will be more pronounced. Also, currently traiting PU and glamour CD comes with significant opportunity costs that will be alleviated come HoT.

And all your assumptions are based on the fact that PU could bring 100% more stealth time. Devs said those weren’t the final numbers. Seeing how that 100% would make some of our other stealth skills OP, I have doubts it will remain like that.

adelaide.6213:

Menaka.5092:

http://dulfy.net/gw2traits#build=AgMBlAWYBKQ~ or http://dulfy.net/gw2traits#build=AgMBlAZoBKQ~
The mesmzerker, played full squishy and focused on iZerker damage. Mantra of Restoration, Blink, Mantra of Pain or a Well, TW/GW. It’s a shame you don’t get Fury on phantasms, but I can’t imagine how to fit it in…

What would be your thoughts be on this dank 4x iZerker while invuln build? (Ether signet + signet traits)

http://dulfy.net/gw2traits#build=AgMBpAZoBKg~

Can’t see myself using Signet of Ether, especially planning to “waste” it to get one more zerker up since we usually fight severely outnumbered (15 vs 25+) and timing my heal is crucial… It could work in 1v1 and small scale roaming, tho.

Ansau.7326:

And all your assumptions are based on the fact that PU could bring 100% more stealth time. Devs said those weren’t the final numbers. Seeing how that 100% would make some of our other stealth skills OP, I have doubts it will remain like that.

I could see at least 1 more second being added to all stealth skills with PU (2s total) being reasonably implemented. Apparently, the devs believe it is/will be slightly weak, why else would they consider such a massive 100% buff in the first place?

I agree with you that 100% stealth duration would be overpowered in some builds.

100% is crazy – and also could be a a handicap when you might want to reveal yourself early to use another skill.

On the other hand it would allow some really annoying builds. Can’t see myself using it at the moment though.

Zerg fights
i think chronomacer will be the roll of the taktical game play and he have to time his skills right. just image the opponents are incoming with the bomb and will impact and he is able to give his group a blur for 2 seconds+ the eater feeld which is a very strong one for providing dmg.
I have the feeling he is the counterplayer. and will have a importand roll!

Roaming:
soooooo many possibilities ahhh.
i guess meny will run this
http://dulfy.net/gw2traits#build=AgMB2AKcBlg~
the us is summen your Berzerker shatter it with F5 mirrowblade + 1 doge F1 back in time the second mirrowblade and doge and f1 again. this schould be an insane burst combination with 2 times f1 and 3 illusions out.

My idea for the build is going phantasm based so: http://dulfy.net/gw2traits#build=AgMDuAaYAlw~

Menaka.5092:

adelaide.6213:

Menaka.5092:

http://dulfy.net/gw2traits#build=AgMBlAWYBKQ~ or http://dulfy.net/gw2traits#build=AgMBlAZoBKQ~
The mesmzerker, played full squishy and focused on iZerker damage. Mantra of Restoration, Blink, Mantra of Pain or a Well, TW/GW. It’s a shame you don’t get Fury on phantasms, but I can’t imagine how to fit it in…

What would be your thoughts be on this dank 4x iZerker while invuln build? (Ether signet + signet traits)

http://dulfy.net/gw2traits#build=AgMBpAZoBKg~

Can’t see myself using Signet of Ether, especially planning to “waste” it to get one more zerker up since we usually fight severely outnumbered (15 vs 25+) and timing my heal is crucial… It could work in 1v1 and small scale roaming, tho.

I think signet heal would work very well with any dom/inspiration/X build; i’m talking about serious practical use now, not the gimmick that I mentioned previously.

When traited it is:

28s cd.
distortion.
1 condi clear. (+ another 2 from mender’s purity)

Not to mention it makes the SoInspiration Grandmaster trait very good as well (45 → 36s cd, condi clear, and distortion). One major gripe about the signet heal currently is that it does not provide enough sustain. With MP + MoP and the reduced signet cd trait, it makes it much more viable now than it was ever before.

In your Dom/Inspiration/Chrono build, I definitely would choose the signet heal + traits over Shattered Concentration/Mantra heal.

adelaide.6213:

With MP + MoP and the reduced signet cd trait, it makes it much more viable now than it was ever before.

In your Dom/Inspiration/Chrono build, I definitely would choose the signet heal + traits over Shattered Concentration/Mantra heal.

No doubt! Also consider that if you go with Insp you’re very likely to take RI over the other options, unless Anet vastly improves the others, and thus you have significant additional healing.

Inspiration and it’s group utility is IMO being underestimated in the current hype meta! ;-)

adelaide.6213:

Menaka.5092:

adelaide.6213:

Menaka.5092:

http://dulfy.net/gw2traits#build=AgMBlAWYBKQ~ or http://dulfy.net/gw2traits#build=AgMBlAZoBKQ~
The mesmzerker, played full squishy and focused on iZerker damage. Mantra of Restoration, Blink, Mantra of Pain or a Well, TW/GW. It’s a shame you don’t get Fury on phantasms, but I can’t imagine how to fit it in…

What would be your thoughts be on this dank 4x iZerker while invuln build? (Ether signet + signet traits)

http://dulfy.net/gw2traits#build=AgMBpAZoBKg~

Can’t see myself using Signet of Ether, especially planning to “waste” it to get one more zerker up since we usually fight severely outnumbered (15 vs 25+) and timing my heal is crucial… It could work in 1v1 and small scale roaming, tho.

I think signet heal would work very well with any dom/inspiration/X build; i’m talking about serious practical use now, not the gimmick that I mentioned previously.

When traited it is:

28s cd.
distortion.
1 condi clear. (+ another 2 from mender’s purity)

Not to mention it makes the SoInspiration Grandmaster trait very good as well (45 -> 36s cd, condi clear, and distortion). One major gripe about the signet heal currently is that it does not provide enough sustain. With MP + MoP and the reduced signet cd trait, it makes it much more viable now than it was ever before.

In your Dom/Inspiration/Chrono build, I definitely would choose the signet heal + traits over Shattered Concentration/Mantra heal.

I see your point now. Yes, seems like it could be an interesting tradeoff considering it’ll reset the block on your shield as well.

I loved mesmer as much as sword dagger ranger and I allways hated that this 2 classes had no usability for zerking . with hot
Mesmer will be good for zerging at least we can now bring cool CC and wells on battle fild for zerg