Guild Wars 2

stupid broken forums ,sorry.

Seeing more of these builds around.

alanis.6094:

Seeing more of these builds around.

Yeah, ran into a pretty good mesmer recently named Le Vanilla (sp) using a mantra build. Was quite surprised at how effectively he was using the build to survive and do damage.

Minor update:

Cannot get enough of this build, specifically the 2/6/6 Celestial Interrupt Signet build. Doubt its for everyone, and I doubt its the best build for upper tiers, but I just really enjoy it and don’t encounter much that I really have a great deal of trouble with; or at least if/when I die don’t think that there wasn’t anything I could have done better. Seems to have a lot of tools. Have settled into Traveler Runes and Doom/Energy for the most part, but have tried Adventure Runes on some of the maps where the run speed isn’t as necessary (namely Foefire).

Biggest trouble spots:

1. Large condi spikes from +1 fights. Vs your typical condi classes I can usually get them down, as I do pretty strongly vs Necro, grenade Engi, and decent vs condi Ranger.

2. Point holding vs several professions. The distortions really add up. This is my biggest issue, but often in pug your still one of the best holders (or at least, willing).

Cannot get enough of this build, specifically the 2/6/6 Celestial Interrupt Signet build. Doubt its for everyone, and I doubt its the best build for upper tiers, but I just really enjoy it and don’t encounter much that I really have a great deal of trouble with; or at least if/when I die don’t think that there wasn’t anything I could have done better. Seems to have a lot of tools.

That’s the thing about signet builds: they are so versatile and doesn’t lend itself to a lot of weaknesses that other Mesmer builds will face. It can handle heavy dps pressure and can handle a moderate amount of condi pressure. It has high sustain via toughness & the healing signet.

I told you this before, but what I love about your celestial version is that it can ease other Mesmers into the classic CI lockdown playstyle. When I was testing your build out, it was very important to interrupt skills using MoD, but when I didn’t connect them, it was a bit more forgiving on fallback. You can’t say the same for zerker CI lockdown though where the interrupts are do-or-die. I’m so happy that you’ve brought a new build into the spot light. I’m seeing a lot more signet Mesmers these days.

1. Large condi spikes from +1 fights. Vs your typical condi classes I can usually get them down, as I do pretty strongly vs Necro, grenade Engi, and decent vs condi Ranger.

I noticed this issue as well. It forced me to sort of kite more often than I usually would, because I want clones generated in the thick of battle. It doesn’t help that with this iteration, you don’t have Mender’s Purity to cleanse 3 conditions per heal. However, this is a drawback that MOST builds have, so it’s not that huge of a drawback. Dps shatter can’t get hit by any conditions before melting away so there’s that!

2. Point holding vs several professions. The distortions really add up. This is my biggest issue, but often in pug your still one of the best holders (or at least, willing).

This is the biggest drawback. Despite the point being decapped, I see it as an advantage that you can 2v1 for a long while despite not being a bunker. If there’s any build in the Mesmer category that serves as a “bruiser” role, this is the closest we’ve got, but it does come as a price.

In terms of the Malignant signet build, you did inspire me to go 6 into Chaos for the Staff Cooldown instead of taking Mender’s purity. I have experience a significant amount of more condition dmg (more phase retreat and pWarlock) and more dmg mitigation (more Chaos Storm and Chaos Armour). This does make me a lot more susceptible to condi classes than I was previously without Menders, but I see there being more pros than cons in this trade off.

This build feels so weak compared to other builds used in spvp. Definitely wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. Also the distortion on signet is such a waste since ground-targetted AoEs still hit you. I cannot see how this build would be superior in any situation to other builds currently used in spvp. I can only see this work if you just ‘enjoy’ playing this build, but apart from that… just no.

Dirven.3021:

This build feels so weak compared to other builds used in spvp. Definitely wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. Also the distortion on signet is such a waste since ground-targetted AoEs still hit you. I cannot see how this build would be superior in any situation to other builds currently used in spvp. I can only see this work if you just ‘enjoy’ playing this build, but apart from that… just no.

Sorry you didn’t enjoy it, Driven. Its such a different playstyle that I’m certain many people won’t be interested in adapting to it.

I’m not entirely sure about this “ground targetted AoE’s still hit you” thing — I cannot recall every taking any direct damage or get any new conditions added to me while under effect of distortion. I know I can walk through Ring of Warding and Slick Shoes without any issues while under distortion. I’d be surprised if it worked different for GTAOE stuff, so much that I would imagine that being a bug.

Dirven.3021:

This build feels so weak compared to other builds used in spvp. Definitely wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. Also the distortion on signet is such a waste since ground-targetted AoEs still hit you. I cannot see how this build would be superior in any situation to other builds currently used in spvp. I can only see this work if you just ‘enjoy’ playing this build, but apart from that… just no.

1. What other builds are you comparing it to? I can definitely pin point the strengths and weaknesses compared to other builds. Off the top of my head, this build is definitely a better dueler than any shatter build. It is the BEST 1v1 build in conquest we have next to PU.
2. What ground-targeted skills hit you? If this is the case, it is obviously a bug that needs to be fixed. I don’t recall any ground-targeted AOE attacks hitting me while distortion is up. One specific ground-targeted AOE skill that I love walking though is the engineer’s slippery shoes. I think they get really kittened when I do that.

Sorry you didn’t enjoy this build. It’s definitely a personal favorite of mine, and I do very well when I use it on my teams. Which version did you try? Sword, scepter, celestial?

Mail – I really want to thank you for posting this and sharing this build, as well as everyone else who has contributed to testing and discussing this build and its variations.

I’ve been playing gw2 for a long time now, but I’ve only been pvping for the past 6 months or so. Admittedly I’m a bit of an alt-oholic, but in that time mesmer has largely always been my main/favorite class with the exception being in pvp. While I feel I excel when playing cele engi and d/d ele, no mesmer build I’ve ever tried in PVP as felt at all efficient or worthwhile. I’m not saying power shatter or power lockdown don’t work – far from it – but they certainly didn’t work for me, not like this build does.

I haven’t super extensively tested this yet, but I’ve tested a couple variations across 10-15 matches or so, and so far its incredibly successful in both team fights and particularly 1v1.

As it stands, I’m running it pretty similarly – currently using nightmare runes, rabid armor, and I swapped portal for mantra of distraction, MI for moa, and am using CI instead of mender’s purity.

I really really tried to make portal work, and I wanted it to work, but I just don’t feel it adds as much to my
team play as consistently as having MOD does on my bar. When portal works, it works amazingly well, and some friends and I have made some very strong plays with it. That being said though, most of the time it just times out while we
are fighting, I end up not needing it, or we end up in situations like the one time where the medi guard, necro, and I all took the quick port back to mid on Kylo after grabbing the far cap – only to port face first into treb fire and massive aoe.

I also have to say I haven’t tried it much, but I really perfer running with rabid to cele on this build – so far. I don’t feel like the cele healing power is realling making all that much a difference with the signet, and I feel like I bring targets down faster using these weapons (staff/scepter/pistol) with straight high condi dmg than i do with the added
power/crit. Maybe if I were using sword, but I’m not really interested in using sword with this – have used it for so many other builds already.

Between the stun signet, mod, fear runes, pistol 5, chaos storm, and daze shatter (although I hardly use that one) – the interrupts and CI control is unreal. Granted, this is all available to power LD too – but the added sustain of the signets with condi clears and multiple evasions on demand just makes it so much easier to stay in the fight/hold points and focus on disabling targets and taking them down. I also have to say playing condi after playing power for so long is just a nice change, and I REALLY
appreciate not having to depend on landing super blatantly obvious shatters – the fact that the clones/phants are spreading condis and confusing my opponents whether they live or die is great.

Honestly, I feel that I’ve pretty much won every straight forward 1v1 fight I’ve been in, and most of the team fights I’ve been in have gone pretty well too – with the exception of uncoordinated pug involvement. Moa’ing off the guardian or the
necro who just popped lich to stun/immob lock and murderize the eles/rangers/ etc to death has been great. Even theives don’t feel like much of an issue unless they have help or I do something stupid.

Anyways, sorry for the diatribe, but I don’t post often, and I’m enjoying this build in pvp so much that I really wanted to share my experience. I’ll continue to tweak and experiment and post my results.

Thanks so much for the positive feedback!! This build has remained one of my top favorites for a year now, and for good reason. Like you mentioned, the 1v1 capabilities are absolutely amazing. It takes some time to build up, but you have awesome single target dmg and moderate AOE dmg via clone explosions. I think Mesmer shines in low-mid tier tpvp. We have a lot of build variety that can work for many different play styles. I’m so happy that you find this certain build to fit you like a glove!

Thanks also for your unique take on the build. You go a much more offensive route than I with CI and Moa. I’m typically a low risk player tbh, which is why I love ample condi clear and my Mass Invis. haha

While I prefer the rabid setup, I implore you to try alanis’ cele version. It’s VERY fun. Come back and let us know how you’re doing.

Dirven.3021:

This build feels so weak compared to other builds used in spvp. Definitely wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. Also the distortion on signet is such a waste since ground-targetted AoEs still hit you. I cannot see how this build would be superior in any situation to other builds currently used in spvp. I can only see this work if you just ‘enjoy’ playing this build, but apart from that… just no.

I ran into a signit mes last week. Usually I’m all in for the kill with a mes but this guy gave me such a hard time. When I figured out what was going on I could have taken him down but he controlled the point for the most part while I did it. The real problem was the sustain lended itself to rotational help from his team, so my 1v1, or even 2v1 would turn into a 1v2/2v2 before I could quickly dispatch him.

It’s strong. To disregard it would be a mistake, whether playing it or playing against it.

Since the little condi damage buff a few days ago, I’ve decided to try swapping around things.

I’ve swapped to rabid, and wanted to go back to Illusionary Elasticity to try to take advantage of the extra duration on burning. Pretty happy with the results so far, running: http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fhAQNAW7ansIShaWhGOoB3aIx1YM1Jo8rrIVAluiNmG-TJRHwAp3fIwFBIZZAAPBAA

Minor notes:

1. Typically have been enjoying (for the first time ever) iDisenchanter. If I happen to go against a team with barely any boons, I swap to mantra cleanse instead. SoE resetting the cooldown on iDisenchanter makes it available quite often.

2. Masterful Reflection is just fun. Really wish I could get that on my celestial version.

3. Still with Traveler Runes; can’t do without them. The boon/condi duration helps too.

Dragothien.4210:

I also have to say I haven’t tried it much, but I really perfer running with rabid to cele on this build – so far. I don’t feel like the cele healing power is realling making all that much a difference with the signet, and I feel like I bring targets down faster using these weapons (staff/scepter/pistol) with straight high condi dmg than i do with the added power/crit. Maybe if I were using sword, but I’m not really interested in using sword with this – have used it for so many other builds already.

Yah, the healing power really doesn’t scale well on SoE. However, with 6 in Chaos and chaos armor uptime, you will approach full uptime on Regeneration, which does scale well. The added 4K HP does also help since condi removal is still not ideal in this build.

I also really dislike the Sword, and use the same weapon sets as you. Scepter actually scales pretty well with power. But anyway, I think either can work its just personal preference; the only reason I typically go for Cele/BI is the added survivability and it always frustrated me a little to use a 2-3second stun where the interrupt proc of CI kinda just goes to waste.

Glad you are enjoying it!

I’m glad you weren’t too harsh in your reception of this build, Ross! While a lot is to be said about the viability of signets on their on… when traited for, they become very viable for mid tier game play in my opinion.

Thanks for yet another take on the signet build, alanis. I’ve always kind of wanted to use the reflect on distortion trait. However it makes this build much more offensive than defensive due to not being able to go deeper into Chaos, which scares me considering that condi builds need to be able to survive long enough to let your conditions do damage.

What are your opinions on “classic” 2/6/6/0/0 (or 2/6/4/2/0) varieties vs the use of masterful reflection? pDisenchanter is amazingly good, especially in small scale fights where it REKTS, but I like the idea of having on demand condi clear when I need it. I might take 2 from Illusions and put it towards Mender’s or even the Signet clear. But again, this takes away a lot of dmg (bounces from Staff AA as well as increased condi dmg) and clone generation (Illusionist Celerity).

MailMail.6534:

What are your opinions on “classic” 2/6/6/0/0 (or 2/6/4/2/0) varieties vs the use of masterful reflection?

Masterful Reflection just happens to be a cool toy on the way to Illusionary Elasticity. As far as a comparison of the two builds, I don’t really consider running any condition based builds without IE.

Good point on the regen with cele. Admittedly I was not as good with this build when I tried it so I will give it another shot.

Last night I decided to try swapping pistol out for focus, as my lack of movement really does feel like my biggest problem. I have to say I was hesitant because the targeted pistol 5 is so quick and reliable, not to mention pistol 4’s effectiveness at stacking bleeds. That being said though, I found it much easier to curtain pull multiple opponents into immobilized + focus 5 combos than I thought it would be, and being able to also move people with the pull did come in handy.

So far focus is promising, but I’m going to continue to test.

MailMail.6534:

UPDATES:
2/8/2015 -
http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fhAQNAraWnsISFa2gG2qB3aIx1YM5JzcqiIVAluiNmG-TZBCwAAOBAeLDc5IAU5RAYb/BA

Hey guys. This is my first build post on the official forums, as it’s the first time I’ve actually done my own theory crafting and testing. That being said, it’s only been a few days since the patch so who knows how it’ll do over time… Before I go on, I’d like to credit Lyssa’s little brother, Countless, for inspiring me to make this build. If you don’t know this demi god of a Mesmer, please go check out his stream. You’re welcome biznatch!

~[Malignant Inscriptions]~
Weapon Set: Scepter/Pistol + Staff
Sigils: Corruption/Energy + Agony
Rune: Nightmare
Amulet: Rabid

Traits
DOMINATION (4)
Crippling Dissipation, Signet Mastery
DUELING (6)
Phantasmal Fury, Blurred Inscriptions, Deceptive Evasion
CHAOS (4)
Debilitating Dissipation, Cleansing Inscriptions

Utilities
Healing Signet
S. Domination
S. Midnight
S. Inspiration/Portal (Portal + Treb = Balthazar; every elite Mesmer should always run Portal, but I’m also having fun with the “pure” signet build)

Strategy

---

CLONE DEATHS
When fighting on point, they will die often, and they will spam 3 AOE conditions for long periods of time thanks to nightmare runes. And if they don’t die, they will cause bleeds from critical hits. Either way, you will keep lots of conditions on opponents. If they don’t attack your clones, you can still make them explode by dodging, causing the AOE explosion of toxicity yourself. The bleeds from Debilitating Dissipation will cause 6s bleed for ~2k. Your iDuelist will cause bleeds often, leading your opponent to once again come to a difficult decision: kill the duelist and hurt my team or take the single-target dmg?

It goes without saying, you shouldn’t be shattering except Distortion for stomps, rezzing and escaping a tough situation.

---

SIGNETS
Why are Mesmers not running these builds? Countless is the first high profile guy I’ve seen really sticking with this build style for the Mesmer, and until I tried it myself, I was still unconvinced of how effective it was. Well let me tell you: the distortions on these are insanely underrated. If you need to activate the heal, you most likely won’t be interrupted, especially if you chain it with another signet. The only downside is that you can’t capture points while distorting, but if you’re in a large mid-fight, your focus should be on wiping the opponent, and leaving your bunker to keep the point captured. Caught in a Warrior’s 1000 blades? Distort. Caught in a blurred Frenzy? Distort. Caught in a Fire Storm? Distort, and then get the kitten out of there. Basically, ruin your enemy’s rotations altogether with distortions.

Additionally, the passive signets synergize perfectly together with the entire build, boosting condition dmg, boosting boons. Activating them allows for nice combos as well like sharing boons from a Chaos storm or chain stunning with S. Domination + Pistol.

---

OVERALL
I can ramble on forever… You pretty much can be effective at several parts of a typical pvp team: self-sustain, condition, AOE, support and roaming.

IGN: Cho Kurai
Constructive criticism highly encouraged. Shoot me a whisper sometime. :-*

It goes to show how little I venture to the mesmer forums. I’m flattered that I inspired you to try something different.

Countless

Stream more or RIOT.

MailMail.6534:

Stream more or RIOT.

Of late, he’s been streaming quite a bit. I don’t see YOU on there tho :P

skcamow.3527:

MailMail.6534:

Stream more or RIOT.

Of late, he’s been streaming quite a bit. I don’t see YOU on there tho :P

My guilt tripping has failed. I can’t handle that truth tea. I’m busy planning a charity event, so I haven’t been on streams as much lately. Any free time I get, I’m smashing faces myself in pvp.

This build is interesting, i tried a power s/p staff signet build and it worked ok but sacrificed a lot of utility for the signets. This condi / hyrbid build may work well i have yet to test… anyways I think that maim actually has a much higher teamfight potential because of the AoE torment and confusion on shatters, also you should consider undead runes, they are extremely strong

Sadrien.3470:

This build is interesting, i tried a power s/p staff signet build and it worked ok but sacrificed a lot of utility for the signets. This condi / hyrbid build may work well i have yet to test… anyways I think that maim actually has a much higher teamfight potential because of the AoE torment and confusion on shatters, also you should consider undead runes, they are extremely strong

I’ve tried a dps version, and it simply does NOT work under any circumstance, because signets don’t really lend themselves to dps builds. The only way you could sneak power in there is with rampagers/carrion, but the former has stupidly weak stats and the latter doesn’t have crit and is suuuper squishy.

I’m a big proponent of both MtD and Signets, but I think overall, MtD is a lot more viable for reasons we don’t have to really go into here. Malignant Inscriptions specializes in “single-target” damage/lockdown via pDuelist and stuns leaving only Debilitating Dissipation for AOE dmg.

I’ve tried Undead Runes. It does increase the condi dmg, but I love krait runes too much. The bleeds are the highlight of this build for me. I also LOVE using MI offensively as a finisher. That AOE torment/poison/bleed is ~nasty~ especially right before your enemy tries to heal. Thanks a lot for your contribution. Try out some other variations and come back to share your thoughts!!

Have you, (or anyone else) tried the Signet build with [Rune of Defense]?

I’m curious as I can see it being a way to double-dip on the Signets a bit more given that now each Signet would give you:

• 1s Distortion
• 8s Aegis

The -15% condition duration isn’t bad either.

Sebrent.3625:

Have you, (or anyone else) tried the Signet build with [Rune of Defense]?

I’m curious as I can see it being a way to double-dip on the Signets a bit more given that now each Signet would give you:

• 1s Distortion
• 8s Aegis

The -15% condition duration isn’t bad either.

Rune of the Defender you mean? I don’t believe that is available in PvP. And its not Traveler’s so I don’t see it being worth it for WvW, but YMMV.

Actually, I completely brain-farted and meant [Rune of Resistance] … the actual Rune that gives you Aegis when you activate a Signet.

[Rune of Resistance] is available in sPvP.

Sebrent.3625:

Actually, I completely brain-farted and meant [Rune of Resistance] … the actual Rune that gives you Aegis when you activate a Signet.

[Rune of Resistance] is available in sPvP.

I have a build called “Hermetic Inscriptions”tm that incorporates Rune of Resistance (2/0/6/6/0), but I think it’s worth making another thread for it. This build is more of a support/tank build than anything else, which is a diversion from what this thread is about.

I don’t see Rune of Resistance being super helpful in an offensive build? Explain the logic to me and let’s have a discussion.

first i wanted to thank you so much for the extensive knowledge and testing you guys have been doing.

ive been running:
http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fhAQNAW7ansIShaWhGOoB3aIx1YM1Jo8rrIVAluiNmG-TJRHwAp3fIwFBIZZAAPBAA

this build has allowed me to really step it up in rank game with 1v1 and 1v2s a lot better then your regular shatter berzerk build.

im over 50 games(going 33/17) with this 1 build and ive gotta say, it’s only weakness for me are very well played mesmers and 2v1 power spikes.

keep up the good work!

Thanks so much, Kemuri, for your contribution! I’m happy you have found something that seems to be working for you thus far. While I think this is a very strong build, Mesmer is one match up that tends to be very frustrating. I tend to falter here as well. This is probably because Malignant inscriptions is a single target-oriented condition build, and when Mesmers break target, it’s hard to get the fight back on track in your favor. I need to get in the OMFG arena and duel some guildies to get better. :/

I’m still rekting people with MtD on my birthday booster, but I’m excited to try out this 2/6/2/0/4 build. After reading the last several posts, it looks good! However, I’m so spoiled with having on-demand condition removal. Maybe I’ll update the first post with a summary of all the different builds we’ve come up with here so that it’s easy for people to see upon first glance.

Come back and let everyone know how you progress!

Kemuri.1249:

first i wanted to thank you so much for the extensive knowledge and testing you guys have been doing.

ive been running:
http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fhAQNAW7ansIShaWhGOoB3aIx1YM1Jo8rrIVAluiNmG-TJRHwAp3fIwFBIZZAAPBAA

this build has allowed me to really step it up in rank game with 1v1 and 1v2s a lot better then your regular shatter berzerk build.

im over 50 games(going 33/17) with this 1 build and ive gotta say, it’s only weakness for me are very well played mesmers and 2v1 power spikes.

keep up the good work!

See post by me dated March 21st, 15:19 — it is a great build, great minds think alike

I suck vs Mesmers too; not sure if that is the build or not because my old laptop does a terrible job of loading Mes/Thieves, seems like an extra second before they are revealed.

MailMail.6534:

I have a build called “Hermetic Inscriptions”tm that incorporates Rune of Resistance (2/0/6/6/0), but I think it’s worth making another thread for it. This build is more of a support/tank build than anything else, which is a diversion from what this thread is about.

I don’t see Rune of Resistance being super helpful in an offensive build? Explain the logic to me and let’s have a discussion.

I agree, it is definitely a more defensive rune. Given that we can’t have anywhere near as much protection as we used to with our tanky builds, I’ve been trying to see how we can get back some tankiness. Hence why I was looking at this.

If you make that thread, I’ll definitely lurk there too ;-)

Sebrent.3625:

MailMail.6534:

I have a build called “Hermetic Inscriptions”tm that incorporates Rune of Resistance (2/0/6/6/0), but I think it’s worth making another thread for it. This build is more of a support/tank build than anything else, which is a diversion from what this thread is about.

I don’t see Rune of Resistance being super helpful in an offensive build? Explain the logic to me and let’s have a discussion.

I agree, it is definitely a more defensive rune. Given that we can’t have anywhere near as much protection as we used to with our tanky builds, I’ve been trying to see how we can get back some tankiness. Hence why I was looking at this.

If you make that thread, I’ll definitely lurk there too ;-)

I’ll send you a link to the build. I’m trying to hold off until I can actually learn how to make videos. SIGH I’m just hardcore procrastinating. I don’t think our tanky builds are better than what some other classes can do, but it’s definitely interesting!

I’ve seen plenty of people running this build. Honestly, I feel that it detracts from organized teams, and is less survivable in 1v1/1vx scenarios than standard shatter mes. I know countless runs a signet build but I honestly feel that guy could play while sitting on one hand and still be better than most of us.

• You have absolutely no peel capability. Yes there is massinvis, however it has a cast time longer than that of your distortion from your signets. This is even more shown by the fact that you don’t have blink. With the port changes blink can get you ALMOST ANYWHERE in most PvP maps. The lack of blink hurts your ability to sustain yourself more than you know. Which brings me to your lack of ability to drop target. Mesmers go down faster than any other class when targeted, and if they can’t drop that target they are even more screwed. So why no decoy? Or Desperate Decoy at least? Your phantasms have a high enough crit chance without the fury. Not to mention the iWarlock does power based damage, which scales horribly unless you are specced into power.

• Distortion, you make such a big deal about your distortion in this build, why not drop menders purity and go for masterful reflection instead? Not only do you now become invulnerable on signet activation, you can absolutely wreck any ranged class. Which brings me to menders purity.

• Okay I know it’s a signet build and all, but the maths have been done, Signet of Ether is hands down the worst healing skill for mesmers especially in a PvP environment. I know it’s got neat little tricks for other things such as maxing DPS in PVE, but as far as healing goes, even with max illusions out you do not heal for all that much, and the base healing on activation isn’t worth the cooldown compared to every single other healing skill mesmers have. In a PvP setting it is literally only slightly better than necro signet of vampirism, and you should go ask necros how they feel about that healing skill. And if you really want to keep menders purity go for something that you can get the most out of it. Use those signet invulns to use a mantra. That is 6 conditions removed every 10s if you used the mantra on CD (granted I’m sure you wouldn’t.)

• Lastly your offense. Yes the duelist does nice bleeds, and thats about it in this build. Your scepter clones torment doesn’t last very long, and you would put out more condi pressure if you just dropped the signets all together and went for iElasticity and kept up a bunch of staff clones. Even on shatter mes, iElasticity allows me to stack max bleeds, and about 10s of burning.

And for those that say “countless runs this build.” Last time I faced him he wasn’t using scepter and I am pretty sure he was power based, also the guy could prolly play blindfolded while sitting on one hand.

jportell.2197:

I’ve seen plenty of people running this build. Honestly, I feel that it detracts from organized teams, and is less survivable in 1v1/1vx scenarios than standard shatter mes. I know countless runs a signet build but I honestly feel that guy could play while sitting on one hand and still be better than most of us.

• You have absolutely no peel capability. Yes there is massinvis, however it has a cast time longer than that of your distortion from your signets. This is even more shown by the fact that you don’t have blink. With the port changes blink can get you ALMOST ANYWHERE in most PvP maps. The lack of blink hurts your ability to sustain yourself more than you know. Which brings me to your lack of ability to drop target. Mesmers go down faster than any other class when targeted, and if they can’t drop that target they are even more screwed. So why no decoy? Or Desperate Decoy at least? Your phantasms have a high enough crit chance without the fury. Not to mention the iWarlock does power based damage, which scales horribly unless you are specced into power.

• Distortion, you make such a big deal about your distortion in this build, why not drop menders purity and go for masterful reflection instead? Not only do you now become invulnerable on signet activation, you can absolutely wreck any ranged class. Which brings me to menders purity.

• Okay I know it’s a signet build and all, but the maths have been done, Signet of Ether is hands down the worst healing skill for mesmers especially in a PvP environment. I know it’s got neat little tricks for other things such as maxing DPS in PVE, but as far as healing goes, even with max illusions out you do not heal for all that much, and the base healing on activation isn’t worth the cooldown compared to every single other healing skill mesmers have. In a PvP setting it is literally only slightly better than necro signet of vampirism, and you should go ask necros how they feel about that healing skill. And if you really want to keep menders purity go for something that you can get the most out of it. Use those signet invulns to use a mantra. That is 6 conditions removed every 10s if you used the mantra on CD (granted I’m sure you wouldn’t.)

• Lastly your offense. Yes the duelist does nice bleeds, and thats about it in this build. Your scepter clones torment doesn’t last very long, and you would put out more condi pressure if you just dropped the signets all together and went for iElasticity and kept up a bunch of staff clones. Even on shatter mes, iElasticity allows me to stack max bleeds, and about 10s of burning.

And for those that say “countless runs this build.” Last time I faced him he wasn’t using scepter and I am pretty sure he was power based, also the guy could prolly play blindfolded while sitting on one hand.

The only thing that I personally would question is the reliability of scepter in general in a teamfight. Scepter is unreliable at best to put it bluntly, you can’t even direct the torment with multiple enemies reliably, therefore it’s a incomplete weapon imo. Furthermore when it comes to trait allocation, you have multiple options of what to trait for when it comes to clone on death, and I believe is situational depending on what you’re facing. You have the following options.

2-6-4-2-0 – My standard build, decent condi application with good condi clear – Lyssa
4-6-6-0-0 – Chaotic interruption – For all you risk takers
4-6-4-0-0 – Condition heavy with crippling
2-6-4-0-2 – Reflect heavy from distortion on signet, good for power rangers, necros, etc

However in the past week or two I actually made a variant of my build that I dare say performs better than my standard build. I shall have to make a video for you guys sometime this week explaining it

Countless

jportell.2197:

And for those that say “countless runs this build.” Last time I faced him he wasn’t using scepter and I am pretty sure he was power based, also the guy could prolly play blindfolded while sitting on one hand.

Countless runs celestial/krait with sword/pistol and staff. It’s definitely more power based I’d say although I think his build is generally referred to as “condition clone on death”. The conditions are certainly there though with the bleeds. What he does is use the ether signet offensively 75% of the time. He literally opens with it to get two duelists out quickly. It’s very difficult to sit under two of them and he drops most opponents fast. The tankier ones take a bit more time but he eventually prevails.

I think I could count on one hand the amount of times I’ve seen him lose a 1v1 on stream and I’m with you on his raw skill. As an amazing mechanical player he makes the the signet focused build work and he does it extremely well. I however see this build as more of a very strong 1v1 skirmisher. It really doesn’t do much else in a team fight besides spread a few conditions around the point and focus targets. This is good mind you but it’s not doing most of the things mesmer is really known for or can bring to the table. On the other hand, what offsets that to some degree is the inclusion of portal, which is big deal if utilized properly.

EDIT: And there he is, haha. Looking forward to seeing your variant Countless.

@MailMail:
Thanks. As I stated in PMs, Mesmers used to be able to be tanky before our capability to do so got nerfed hard with the nerf to Chaos Armor not immediately giving protection and Illusionary Membrane having an ICD that is more than 4x the duration of the Protection it gives.

@Countless:
I’m very excited to see what you’ve cooked up. Even more excited by skcamow’s claims that you’re using clone-on-death traits … those were some of my favorites back in the day when I could run a tanky condition build so I’m excited to see what you do with them given that we can’t be quite as tanky as we used to.

Sebrent.3625:

@MailMail:
Thanks. As I stated in PMs, Mesmers used to be able to be tanky before our capability to do so got nerfed hard with the nerf to Chaos Armor not immediately giving protection and Illusionary Membrane having an ICD that is more than 4x the duration of the Protection it gives.

@Countless:
I’m very excited to see what you’ve cooked up. Even more excited by skcamow’s claims that you’re using clone-on-death traits … those were some of my favorites back in the day when I could run a tanky condition build so I’m excited to see what you do with them given that we can’t be quite as tanky as we used to.

Using clone on death traits? You’re late to the party friend :P I don’t want to toot my own horn and saying I discovered it, however I haven’t seen a video that dates back earlier than mine explaining the mechanics I found with clone death in general. However if you can find something earlier than the link I’m about to show you then I will take back my statement about me discovering it :P The following video was published on December 8th, 2012. Way before signet of the ether was even an option, haha. Ah the good ole days when there wasn’t a cooldown on the trait blinding befuddlement, and no internal cooldown on condition application when it came to chaos armor : /

Countless

Not so much late to the party as coming back after a year and happy to see someone else still doing it. I always loved on-clone-death back in the day due to how it punishes people who think the best tactic versus a Mesmer is “more cleave!”.

I’m excited to see you were also using Rampagers! I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone in videos using it as well! Everyone I see in videos has always been using Rabid, Zerker, or Celestial … never maxing out that precision for Sharper Images. We had a very old thread on this back around release in the Mesmer forums … math and all :-)

I assume you use Sword instead of Scepter because Sword clones stick to their target thereby being more likely to hit with on-clone-death.

I tend to swap between the two based on mood because Scepter is ridiculous if the other team doesn’t pressure you. You can be blowing up your clones every 3rd auto-attack as every time you overflow (have 3 illusions and summon a 4th), the illusion that is replaced dies and triggers their on-cleath-death effects … just like with your explanation of illusion overflow when you dodge.

This is one of the reasons I’m keeping an eye on the state of conditions with the upcoming expansion as that is incredibly powerful in PvE as well … if condition damage can be helped out … constant cripple+confusion+bleed/vuln/weakness on the target with a range attack.

Thanks for your critique, Johnny, but I think it’s worth noting that there have been countless updates to the build. I don’t run Mender’s Purity anymore. In the last several posts, people have been trying out 2/6/2/0/4. Also, I tend to use sword over scepter. My current fav set up is 2/6/6/0/0, but I’ll be checking out the previous build soon as it opens up a different source of dmg. Not sure how much sustain you’d lose there though.

I think you’re incorrect when you mention this builds lack of viability in 1v1s. It is an excellent dueler. This is where it shines most, and is also one of its cons. Also, you mention signet heal’s comparatively low healing capabilities, but if I were taking a heal skill just for its healing powers, I wouldn’t be taking the signet now would I?

Looking forward to your build variant, Countless.

Do address Johnny’s points:

1v1/1vX: I’ve played a fair bit of shatter Mesmer, and a LOT of Interrupt Mesmer, and a fair amount of MTD prior to testing and currently fairly extensively playing various Signet builds. I have found that I overall do much better in small scale situations with a Signet build than with IP Shatter/Interrupt builds. In the matchups where I held an advantage, I could certainly blow someone up faster with those zerker builds, but I would also encounter matchups that were unfavorable. The current only matchup that I view as unfavorable for myself is ironically Vs. Mesmer. However, I was never good vs Mesmers in any build— I play on a laptop and it just takes so much longer for Mesmer/Thieves to come out of stealth and register on my screen than it does when I’m watching video’s.

RE: peel capacity. I will just point out, that it seems kind of disingenuous to be critiquing this aspect of the build, when I am presuming (correct me if I’m wrong) that you haven’t actually tested it. As I mentioned above the builds I’ve played, I have found that signet does magnificent versus focus; especially if you are using Sword (which I typically do not). Everytime I mess around with a different build right now (IP, CI, MTD), I miss traited SoM a lot more than I ever miss decoy or blink.

Re: Distortion, Elasticity, and Menders. There are a lot of different variations, and my current one does just what you suggested. Though my celestial version can still stack might up well and do solid damage.

Trigr.6481:

2-6-4-2-0 – My standard build, decent condi application with good condi clear – Lyssa
4-6-6-0-0 – Chaotic interruption – For all you risk takers
4-6-4-0-0 – Condition heavy with crippling
2-6-4-0-2 – Reflect heavy from distortion on signet, good for power rangers, necros, etc

However in the past week or two I actually made a variant of my build that I dare say performs better than my standard build. I shall have to make a video for you guys sometime this week explaining it

Countless

Interesting to see if you have tested a 2/6/2/0/4 build with reflect and elasticity. I’m primarily running that now, with iDisenchanter. (though I know you are much more a fan or Portal that I typically am)

Trigr.6481:

jportell.2197:

I’ve seen plenty of people running this build. Honestly, I feel that it detracts from organized teams, and is less survivable in 1v1/1vx scenarios than standard shatter mes. I know countless runs a signet build but I honestly feel that guy could play while sitting on one hand and still be better than most of us.

• You have absolutely no peel capability. Yes there is massinvis, however it has a cast time longer than that of your distortion from your signets. This is even more shown by the fact that you don’t have blink. With the port changes blink can get you ALMOST ANYWHERE in most PvP maps. The lack of blink hurts your ability to sustain yourself more than you know. Which brings me to your lack of ability to drop target. Mesmers go down faster than any other class when targeted, and if they can’t drop that target they are even more screwed. So why no decoy? Or Desperate Decoy at least? Your phantasms have a high enough crit chance without the fury. Not to mention the iWarlock does power based damage, which scales horribly unless you are specced into power.

• Distortion, you make such a big deal about your distortion in this build, why not drop menders purity and go for masterful reflection instead? Not only do you now become invulnerable on signet activation, you can absolutely wreck any ranged class. Which brings me to menders purity.

• Okay I know it’s a signet build and all, but the maths have been done, Signet of Ether is hands down the worst healing skill for mesmers especially in a PvP environment. I know it’s got neat little tricks for other things such as maxing DPS in PVE, but as far as healing goes, even with max illusions out you do not heal for all that much, and the base healing on activation isn’t worth the cooldown compared to every single other healing skill mesmers have. In a PvP setting it is literally only slightly better than necro signet of vampirism, and you should go ask necros how they feel about that healing skill. And if you really want to keep menders purity go for something that you can get the most out of it. Use those signet invulns to use a mantra. That is 6 conditions removed every 10s if you used the mantra on CD (granted I’m sure you wouldn’t.)

• Lastly your offense. Yes the duelist does nice bleeds, and thats about it in this build. Your scepter clones torment doesn’t last very long, and you would put out more condi pressure if you just dropped the signets all together and went for iElasticity and kept up a bunch of staff clones. Even on shatter mes, iElasticity allows me to stack max bleeds, and about 10s of burning.

And for those that say “countless runs this build.” Last time I faced him he wasn’t using scepter and I am pretty sure he was power based, also the guy could prolly play blindfolded while sitting on one hand.

The only thing that I personally would question is the reliability of scepter in general in a teamfight. Scepter is unreliable at best to put it bluntly, you can’t even direct the torment with multiple enemies reliably, therefore it’s a incomplete weapon imo. Furthermore when it comes to trait allocation, you have multiple options of what to trait for when it comes to clone on death, and I believe is situational depending on what you’re facing. You have the following options.

2-6-4-2-0 – My standard build, decent condi application with good condi clear – Lyssa
4-6-6-0-0 – Chaotic interruption – For all you risk takers
4-6-4-0-0 – Condition heavy with crippling
2-6-4-0-2 – Reflect heavy from distortion on signet, good for power rangers, necros, etc

However in the past week or two I actually made a variant of my build that I dare say performs better than my standard build. I shall have to make a video for you guys sometime this week explaining it

Countless

Well my post is directed at the linked build in the OP. So yeah. I know you play signets and I will never understand why. But I’ll stick with shatter >.> <.<

This build looks fun and I can’t wait to try it but am stuck in work. has anyone uploaded any videos of it to you tube for me to check out please?

Trigr.6481:

However in the past week or two I actually made a variant of my build that I dare say performs better than my standard build.

Countless

pls no

Calypso.2578:

Trigr.6481:

However in the past week or two I actually made a variant of my build that I dare say performs better than my standard build.

Countless

pls no

http://www.livestrong.com/article/267917-stages-of-acceptance-in-cancer/

The first phase happens when a diagnosis is given and rapid education must occur in order for informed decisions to be made.

aka Be quick to use your condi clear before it’s too late! #panic

During treatment, the patient and family must deal with the side effects as well as dramatic changes in the daily routine.

Your team can still come back after you’ve gotten rid of the cancer. But don’t catch it again, because you just used your condi clear!

If the disease is terminal, pain relief and spiritual peace often become the focus. Anticipatory grief is the sadness that the patient and her loved ones feel when death is expected to occur.

Unfortunately, if your team gets beaten by a condi Mes, then you just have to accept it. Some cancer is indeed terminal.

Sweeps.3059:

This build looks fun and I can’t wait to try it but am stuck in work. has anyone uploaded any videos of it to you tube for me to check out please?

Happy to see that you’re interested. It’s a really fun build. Unfortunately, I still haven’t learned how to make videos, so until then, you might wanna check out Countless’ stream. He’s top notch!

https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/external?l=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.Twitch.tv%2FBringYourFriends

RIP. Can’t think of a worse place for the new signet trait.

Literally. They put the signet trait in a 100% power based tree. That makes no sense considering signet builds are more condi based.

I’ll have my thoughts soon!! The lack of Debilitating Dissipation is a HUGE hit combined with the fierce competition between traits within the minor and adept categories in the Dueling tree. It’s not looking good for Signets…

MailMail.6534:

Literally. They put the signet trait in a 100% power based tree. That makes no sense considering signet builds are more condi based.

I’ll have my thoughts soon!! The lack of Debilitating Dissipation is a HUGE hit combined with the fierce competition between traits within the minor and adept categories in the Dueling tree. It’s not looking good for Signets…

Actually It couldn’t look better for signets, that being because signets now hold the only available shatter reset currently.

Countless

While I still don’t love where it ended up, I think a build similar to the Celestial Signet build I was running previously (26600) could be viable here with these changes.

Sc/P + Staff
Dom: CS, Blurred Inscriptions, Power Block
Duel: Duelist, Blinding Dissipation, DE (really wish it and Mistrust didn’t block each other)
Chaos: Defense, Dampening, CI

SoE, Daze mantra, SoM, SoD

HELLO FRANDS! <3

Malignant Inscriptions (aka Signets) is still one one of my FAVORITE builds to use due to its unique mixture of active and passive play. It’s representative of Lyssa herself in being a dual goddess, and can be tricky to play effectively. That being said, I think it’s an appropriate time to start theory crafting on how to keep the essence of this build alive now that we have a better picture of the revamped trait system and our specialization.

My idea for a signet interrupt build is here:
http://dulfy.net/2015/05/02/gw2-specialization-calculator-that_shaman/#profession=mesmer&traits=“Domination”,1,5,9-“Chronomancer”,2,6,7-“Dueling”,3,6,9

Utilities: S. Ether, S. Midnight, S. Domination, Boon Strip (Null Field vs Arcane Thievery depending on enemy comp), Gravity Well.
Amulet: Rampager
Runes: Strength
Sigils: Sword/Pistol (Battle/Paralyzation) + Staff (Strength/Doom)

Keep in mind that this is all theory on my part, but based on my tinkering with cele signets, I really believe there is a chance for hybrid Mesmer to be a thing thanks to our ability to trait into 3 entire trees. Here’s some key hallmarks of the build I’ve theorized:

Interrupts For Daze

• You have a good mix of hard and soft lockdown in this build.
• Remember that signets is mostly a single-target build with AOE dmg being the icing on the cake.
• If you’re good at interrupting on pistol, you’ll be able to get great mileage out of the pistol trait.
• Increased stun duration means you’re able to get off your “burst” rotation while on sword/pistol.
• Spreading Power Block, Slow and Weakness against enemy team is a soft lockdown, making your AOE interrupts especially devastating (Gravity Well, Chaos Storm).
• Ummm hello Continuum Split/Shift!!

Why Rampagers Work

• The high crit chance synergizes extremely well with this build more so than I see in any other. Combine this with baseline IE, and you have a lot of crits for…
• Might stacking while on Staff thanks to Strength Sigil/Rune.
• Confusion/Bleed stacks from Staff and pDuelist.
• Domination minor traits via Vulnerability giving you power increases.
• ~90% crit chance against Slowed enemies.
• “Oh, but rampagers is so glassy!” I hear you say, but any build utilizing distortion on signet use will mitigate a lot of damage. As with any signet build, the longer an engagement lasts, the more likely you are to win the fight.

The two obvious and most concerning weaknesses I see in this build are obvious:
1) Lack of clone death traits in a phantasm hybrid build means AOE will be an extreme damper on your overall dps.
2) Rampager runes means you will hit like a wet noodle at the beginning of your engagement. It takes time for the might stacking and interrupts to boost your overall dps.

Despite its glaring weaknesses (which Mesmer build doesn’t have these? lol), I think this is a great start. I’d love to hear some constructive criticism on my choices here. I also thought heavily about switching Chrono out for Chaos for better boon upkeep and survivability, but decided I preferred the Slow application to better land interrupts which leads to higher bursts of dps. My build using Chaos instead is here: http://dulfy.net/2015/05/02/gw2-specialization-calculator-that_shaman/#profession=mesmer&traits=“Domination”,1,5,9-“Chaos”,2,6,7-“Dueling”,3,6,9

Better yet, how about you Signet users give your own take on how to evolve this unique play style!