Guild Wars 2

I have noticed some mesmers use scepter for ranged fights over GS. Is it really better? I will admit, outside of PvP, I haven’t used scepter much. Should I switch to that for dungeons/fotm over using GS? I run a phantasm build (typical s/s and s/f except for when I need ranged.)

Stay GS for phanta build. Sc is more for shattering and condi builds

I just wrote this:

GS pros:
Not a projectile
Decent autoattack dmg at long range
Boon strip
“AoE” phantasm
Easier push to the wall for single target using #5

GS cons:
Less damage than swords
Less damage than scepter at less than 600 range in autoattack
Less single target damage phantasm compared to sword, focus and pistol phantasms

Just to give you some rough ideas when the GS is preferred/not preferred

What does it mean?

That means your optimal burst for long range is

Start with pistol phantasm
Switch to GS, phantasm, attack at max range
Swap back to scepter, pistol phantasm, stay in range for auto attack before you can swap back to GS
Swap back to GS, attack at max range
And so on until all your phantasms are all pistol phantasms and you’re at max range auto-attacking in GS

However, in certain scenarios where you are unlikely to be able to attack at max range (below 600 range) such as the Molten Duo fractal

Scepter/Focus + Scepter/Pistol if you need reflect
Scepter/Sword + Scepter/Pistol if you don’t

Remember that as phantasm build, the bulk of your DPS comes from your phantasm, and for single target damage, there is no contest between your pistol and your GS phantasm.