Guild Wars 2

Well, maybe we can duel sometime and you can demonstrate to me how useless my engi is… bearing in mind that I’ve only been playing it for a week.

I’m sorry but I can’t really take your opinions on engineers seriously after what you wrote in that forum earlier.

Hello Pyro! I’m new to the game and really excited. I was planning my build even before I start playing but found out that confusion’s build are kind of a waste.
So i saw your build the other day and I really loved how it looks.
I made some changes, though, but can’t really test if it is worthy (since I’m lvl 40 and completely inexperienced) so I desperately need your opinion. Even it is completely theoretical.
Here’s the link for the build: http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fgAQRAra8clwzaoXUTmGbNJxZGQP6oUgdvTqgqLfA3A-TEALKA

So (theoretically speaking):
Cons:
Cooldowns are almost the same except the magic bullet (loosing 2 sec on blurred frenzy and gaining 2 sec for illusionary counter)
-150 precision (200 when sword is on)
-50 vitality
-30% move speed speed (when got 3 illusions)
Pros:
+20% att speed on phantasm attacks (more stacks of bleed?)
+200 malice (stronger bleed no? Or almost zero difference?)
+9% increase dmg to myself (with 3 illusions)

So I got 2 questions:
1) Will -200 precision destroy the build? Will the illusions be able to land criticals and stack more bleed than before?
2) Compare to this guide’s build, is mine worthy at all? I mean, am I throwing away much more than what I’m gaining?

ledriel.5814:

Hello Pyro! I’m new to the game and really excited. I was planning my build even before I start playing but found out that confusion’s build are kind of a waste.
So i saw your build the other day and I really loved how it looks.
I made some changes, though, but can’t really test if it is worthy (since I’m lvl 40 and completely inexperienced) so I desperately need your opinion. Even it is completely theoretical.
Here’s the link for the build: http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fgAQRAra8clwzaoXUTmGbNJxZGQP6oUgdvTqgqLfA3A-TEALKA

So (theoretically speaking):
Cons:
Cooldowns are almost the same except the magic bullet (loosing 2 sec on blurred frenzy and gaining 2 sec for illusionary counter)
-150 precision (200 when sword is on)
-50 vitality
-30% move speed speed (when got 3 illusions)
Pros:
+20% att speed on phantasm attacks (more stacks of bleed?)
+200 malice (stronger bleed no? Or almost zero difference?)
+9% increase dmg to myself (with 3 illusions)

So I got 2 questions:
1) Will -200 precision destroy the build? Will the illusions be able to land criticals and stack more bleed than before?
2) Compare to this guide’s build, is mine worthy at all? I mean, am I throwing away much more than what I’m gaining?

So that particular variation isn’t very good, but it’s very close to another variation that’s definitely competitive.

The trait phantasmal haste is pretty broken. It doesn’t work at all on most phantasms, including swordsmen, and works less than it’s supposed to on the ones that it does affect, including the duelist. So, you’re basically wasting 5 points in that line to get phantasmal haste. You can go ahead and spend those 5 points elsewhere.

However, the notable trait in that line that’s worth getting is illusionist’s celerity, the 15 point minor. That trait provides you with 20% cooldown reduction on every illusion skill you have, so both phantasms, iLeap, decoy, both blocks. It’s a very strong trait, and the other worthwhile variation takes it at 10/20/0/25/15. With that change, you’ll have to choose between traiting sword and traiting pistol, and that’s the main downside.

I see. So phantasmal haste is broken, then I think your build is the only real option here.
Was thinking about 10/20/15/25/0 ( one guy had mentioned in a previous reply) as well but I think I will have to wait till lvl 80 and see how things are working.
Thank you for the great guide!

I’ve been running this in soloq of late, it seems irritatingly effective. I say irritating because I normally play shatter and this seem more effective a lot of the time and it’s pretty much all AI.

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vgAQNAR8alknpDtNqxMNcrRScmB0jO6DYnUBVXSBuzNA-ToAg0E4owxhjBHJOWcGWssY3B

Neurophen.9738:

I’ve been running this in soloq of late, it seems irritatingly effective. I say irritating because I normally play shatter and this seem more effective a lot of the time and it’s pretty much all AI.

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vgAQNAR8alknpDtNqxMNcrRScmB0jO6DYnUBVXSBuzNA-ToAg0E4owxhjBHJOWcGWssY3B

It has the downside of being quite weak in teamfights, but it’s a strong solo queue build for sure. There’s a lot of good reasons why you don’t see it at high ranks in team queue.

@pyro and Neuro:
How would you guys alter your builds, post patch?

This is a build I put together, trying to take advantage of the fact that ANet fixed phantasmal haste. I basically grabbed every phant trait i could. Is this viable? I also went for what I think are the 2 strongest sPvP phants (iSword and iDuel). I have NO IDEA what I’m doing with runes/sigils. What do you think of my choices? I was basically trying to do a Might synergy, but IDK if I did a good job with it. Thoughts?

Finally, another question: do the bonuses from runes stack for having all six? For instance, does rune of str give you +175 power, or +100? Does it give +45% might duration, or +20%?

@sirrealist: That’s actually a build that I’d been experimenting with post-patch, along with 10/20/0/20/20. After a decent amount of working with them, I’ve fallen back to the original 10/30/0/30/0. It just has the best overall damage and sustain of any of the variations I’ve tried, since one way or another you’re sacrificing damage.

So, the only thing that changes postpatch is your sigil and rune options. You still always require double energy sigils. For a pvp build, this just isn’t optional, particularly a build that has a focus on damage avoidance.

Your other sigils and your runes can be played with a bit. I’ve experimented with battle sigils + strength runes. I’ve also used doom sigils, and I actually like them quite a bit. The poison gives some nice pressure from the heal denial.

Edit: saw your question about the runes. Yes, the bonuses are additive.

Anyone know if this build is still viable in PvP?

Also, I was wondering whether we should still be going for PVT – Power Vitality Toughness, or the new Power Precision Ferocity?

Silvire.6540:

Anyone know if this build is still viable in PvP?

Also, I was wondering whether we should still be going for PVT – Power Vitality Toughness, or the new Power Precision Ferocity?

It’s still pretty much unbeatable in a duel when played right.

However, whether or not you want to play a dueling spec in a normal match is up to you.

Berserker’s amulet is still the best option due to the awesome DPS. It’s supposed to be a glassy build relying on active defense, so having high offense compliments that. PVT, while increasing your passive defense by a lot creates a really large dent in your DPS.

I’m not the creator of this build (pyro), but I’ve played this build a fair amount in duels, and it really is very strong when played right (and still is).

DeathReign.7821:

Silvire.6540:

Anyone know if this build is still viable in PvP?

Also, I was wondering whether we should still be going for PVT – Power Vitality Toughness, or the new Power Precision Ferocity?

Berserker’s amulet is still the best option due to the awesome DPS. It’s supposed to be a glassy build relying on active defense, so having high offense compliments that. PVT, while increasing your passive defense by a lot creates a really large dent in your DPS.

I’m not the creator of this build (pyro), but I’ve played this build a fair amount in duels, and it really is very strong when played right (and still is).

Sorry, Berserker’s amulet… Ok got it, what about rings/back/trinkets?

I’m so sorry, I’ve been away from GW2 for a year and just came back, and everything is a blur right now. In other words… What stats should I be going for?

Silvire.6540:

DeathReign.7821:

Silvire.6540:

Anyone know if this build is still viable in PvP?

Also, I was wondering whether we should still be going for PVT – Power Vitality Toughness, or the new Power Precision Ferocity?

Berserker’s amulet is still the best option due to the awesome DPS. It’s supposed to be a glassy build relying on active defense, so having high offense compliments that. PVT, while increasing your passive defense by a lot creates a really large dent in your DPS.

I’m not the creator of this build (pyro), but I’ve played this build a fair amount in duels, and it really is very strong when played right (and still is).

Sorry, Berserker’s amulet… Ok got it, what about rings/back/trinkets?

I’m so sorry, I’ve been away from GW2 for a year and just came back, and everything is a blur right now. In other words… What stats should I be going for?

Oh, this build was made for sPvP, where you only have to worry about the amulet and runes, all of which you can change freely and for free in the Heart of the Mists. You don’t have to worry about back/rings/accessories there.

However, I suppose if you wanted to use this for roaming in WvW, you could just save some money and use your PvE full zerk set and try it out. I’ve never done so, so I’m not sure of how much defense you would want to give yourself, and how it would generally fare in that context. Theoretically, full zerk should still be relatively decent, but you also have to take into context how many people roam in groups, which this build does not excel at fighting. It also has literally zero out of combat mobility options (unless you count blink), so it will take you longer to get from place to place.

So does this build still run with Centaur Runes or have Strength runes replaced them?

Savoy.6824:

So does this build still run with Centaur Runes or have Strength runes replaced them?

I used to run with divinity runes in PvP (centaur in wvw because that’s just what I had). If you’re going to use it in wvw for roaming, I recommend centaur just because you move fast. In pvp though, divinity are no longer good at all. I’ve tried quite a few rune sets including strength, but I have no clear preference. Just try a few different ones out and see how it works for you.

I guess this build is dead with the specializations update.

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vhAQNAR76msICNqhlphlcDyMBveCo/ok5oMAru1A-TpBCABAcQAa4BAo8RA4q9H6qMg1XAAA

My Condi Mesmer, Relies on Torment/Blind and Confusion, can stack it up very quickly if played correctly i can do a Vid on me playing it if wanted

TheYutoXD.6903:

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vhAQNAR76msICNqhlphlcDyMBveCo/ok5oMAru1A-TpBCABAcQAa4BAo8RA4q9H6qMg1XAAA

My Condi Mesmer, Relies on Torment/Blind and Confusion, can stack it up very quickly if played correctly i can do a Vid on me playing it if wanted

you crit chance is 4% and you took critical sigils (fury only for 5 sec)

I’m also at a bit of a loss trying to figure out why that got posted in my ancient thread here of all places.

Some keep to the old ways…

Oh so is this why you’re called “The Ghost of Pyro Past” Fay.

Account banned for forum posting or something?

apharma.3741:

Oh so is this why you’re called “The Ghost of Pyro Past” Fay.

Account banned for forum posting or something?

No idea what you’re talking about :p

And this is why I stopped playing mesmer after June 23rd. Pre-patch, I DID NOT use the following:

1. Shatters
2. Stealth
3. Interrupts/lockdown

Guess which Mesmer mechanics got boosted in the patch?

1. Shatters (so many more effects)
2. Stealth (PU)
3. Lockdown (CS, mantra backround recharge etc)

Looks like Anet wants all mesmers to stealth, shatter, and lockdown. Phantasm damage builds can go $%^& themselves.

Shatter is our class mechanic, so it should be kinda mandatory. You can (in theory, didn’t test) combine it with Phantasms by traiting Persistence of Memory and/or – when Expansion hits – Chronophantasma.

Iavra.8510:

Shatter is our class mechanic, so it should be kinda mandatory. You can (in theory, didn’t test) combine it with Phantasms by traiting Persistence of Memory and/or – when Expansion hits – Chronophantasma.

I would say that shatter is a class mechanic, not the class mechanic. I would say that Phantasms are a unique mesmer class mechanic as well. If I want, I should have a viable build that relies entirely on phantasm damage, just like many mesmers rely entirely on shatter.

In fact, I’d written a long post explaining why I don’t shatter: https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/professions/mesmer/Why-I-Refuse-to-Shatter/first

That build was possible before the patch. Now it’s not. Hooray for build diversity!

Iavra.8510:

Shatter is our class mechanic, so it should be kinda mandatory. You can (in theory, didn’t test) combine it with Phantasms by traiting Persistence of Memory and/or – when Expansion hits – Chronophantasma.

I’ve seen this said a lot, and it’s frankly utterly ignorant.
Steal isn’t “the class mechanic” for thieves.
Kits aren’t “the class mechanic” for engineers.
Fear and chill aren’t “the class mechanic” for necros.

These are all examples of class mechanics, yes.
But Thieves also use initiative, and weapon skills with no cooldowns.
Engineers have the tool belt, and turrets.
Necros have shroud, and wells, and condition handouts.

Mesmers have shatter, yes.
Mesmers also have phantasms on every weapon set. And clones. And reflects.

Shatter isn’t “the” mechanic, unless you’d rather they take away phantasms entirely and just make it all about clones.

I wouldn’t, I like phantasm play, and I liked being able to build around phantasms more than shatters. It’s not very good now.