Guild Wars 2

What’s some tips on mastering when to use shatter
And how to master the use of mantras?

Right now I rarely use shatters because it seem the illusions make for better defense while leveling.

Also I notice that sometimes clones will run to my target to blow up, but other times they will simply blow up at whatever location they are at. So I don’t know how to predict which outcome.

As for mantras, I tried to make a mantras support build in WvW, but I found it hard to make usefulness of it because the support mantras require close range to allies to radiate to them. And the damage mantra doesn’t do good enough in combat. How to make this work and master it?
I am not a full level Mesmer so I don’t have access to grand master nor master traits so that could be to blame.

But I would like to know what to do to master these mechanics when I do reach level 60 and 80, since I am getting close to 60 right now.

As said in the other thread – you really need full or near to full trait points to work with those kinds of builds.

I’ve not levelled a mesmer in the new trait system, but a quick search shows that you now earn 8 more trait points between level 60 and 80 – which is crazy.

There are master traits which would provide the most significant support while learning the class, such as Deceptive Evasion (duelling X) – with which you will also gain Sharper Images (Duelling Master minor) and Critical Infusion (Duelling Adept minor), both of which make a big difference in play.

For mantra builds you really ought to push for Restorative Mantras (Inspiration X) and Harmonious Mantras (Duelling XI).

Then you’ve got the two phantasm damage traits – Phantasmal Strength (Inspiration GM minor) and Empowered Illusions (Domination III) which taking at least one is important for any kind of power phantasm build.

For shatter builds, Shattered Concentration (Domination VII) makes a huge difference when say fighting an ele. Then depending on power/condition, other traits like Illusionary Persona (Illusions XI), Maim the Disillusioned (Illusions XII), Mental Torment (Domination I) and Deceptive Evasion are all mandatory in order to function effectively.

For buffing Staff and Greatsword (and Trident if you care about that) damage, Illusionary Elasticity (Illusions VII) is a crucial trait.

Regarding gear – Energy sigils will provide their money’s worth in any build, especially if taking Deceptive Evasion, but even just to dodge more stuff.

I could go on and on, but I hope the picture is clear – mesmer without enough trait points = awful.

Yeah, I’ll reiterate that in a slightly more succinct fashion. The vast majority of mesmer builds will be either 100% non-functional or extremely close to non-functional until you hit 80. Don’t worry about trying to make any builds work until you hit 80, don’t go WvWing until you hit 80 because you’ll be a liability to your side and won’t be able to fight, just focus all of your energy on powering through the unbelievably awful chore that is leveling a mesmer.

Once you get to 80, you can revisit all of this.

Knighthonor.4061:

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Also I notice that sometimes clones will run to my target to blow up, but other times they will simply blow up at whatever location they are at. So I don’t know how to predict which outcome.

Your first 3 shatters are “offensive” in nature.
F1. Mind Wrack – damages the target
F2. Cry of Frustration – applies confusion to the target
F3. Diversion – applies “daze” to the target

Those shatters will cause your illusions to run to THEIR target and then shatter when in range. (Every illusion is “tied” to the target WHEN ITS SPAWNED. If you summon a clone on Target A and then summon a clone on Target B, when you shatter each illusion will head towards IT’S target. Splitting your damage.)

Also, the AI will sometimes bug out as well. For example, if you have “Deceptive Evasion” traited. (Spawn clone on dodge) You’re in combat and dodge, sometimes the clone will target the “closest” target and NOT your target. Even if its a gate or boxes or whatever.

F4 – Distortion is “defensive” in that it grants the Mesmer distortion. So the clones instantly shatter wherever they are. They DO NOT run to the Mesmer.

Positioning is very important when shattering. (Not so much in PvE, but extremely important against other players.) Basically, you want to spawn your illusions around the target. So when you shatter, the illusions charge at the target from multiple directions. Making it harder for the target to avoid the damage.

Vashury has a several youtube guides on shatter tactics. Recommend you look those over. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3fUhFuUP-E

Knighthonor.4061:

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As for mantras, I tried to make a mantras support build in WvW, but I found it hard to make usefulness of it because the support mantras require close range to allies to radiate to them. And the damage mantra doesn’t do good enough in combat. How to make this work and master it?

Yep, you are correct. What your finding is that the “mantra support/healing” build aren’t really used for “team” support. But more for “Phantasm Support”. The idea is to help keep your phantasm’s up and doing damage. Other players have tried using the Restorative Mantra build more as an attempt as a “point holder/tank” build.

Mantra’s are a mixed blessing. To “master” them, you just need to play them. My advice is ease into them. What I mean is, start with just one at first. Learn how to mentally keep track of your charges and when/where to recharge.

If you flood your utility bar with all mantra’s right away, you will just get frustrated by having to recharge them over and over. So look at your build and then use a mantra that works in that build. Don’t build around the mantra. Use Mantra’s to strengthen the build.

My personal experience is 1 mantra is good, 2 is doable. Any more than that and your “return on investment” suffers.