Guild Wars 2

Is it possible to use clones like minions?
I have created a build for this: http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fgAQNAR8dlwzaonUzoGaNJxZGRf5oUgdvTqgqLfA3A-e
Do you think it would work?

Mesmers are probably better MMs then necros….
Anything traited around condition DMG and using the trait shapper images makes clones deal DMG, certainly so with staff clones.
That’s not to say that you can’t already get two high DMG phantasms out within the first few seconds of the fight.

Your build is a phantasm build. It does quite a good job in sPvP an PvE, specially if you manage shatters after phantasms attacks, so you get benefits of both.

The only problem about it is that phantasms life is much shorter than minions, so you need to re-summon quite a lot.

PD: I suggest you to change decoy for mirror images. You will take more advantage from shatters with 1 more clone than 3s of stealth.

The only reason I couldn’t decide between Necromancer and Mesmer for so long is because of the possibility of a Minion Master type build with Mesmer. I seriously considered playing either a phantasm build or, as I found it more fun, a Staff clones/condition build.
Dispite that staff build being the most fun thing I had played in the game, I finally gave up on Mesmer because things just never quite lined up. Vulnerability on the staff/clone auto attack really disrupts it, and wanting to run faster (for exploration and to keep up with teammates) requiring Runes of the Centaur, which is of questionable use with the staff, was frustrating. Also, I didn’t like melee much, so ran scepter in 2nd weapon slot and it needs some serious attention.
Overall, I just wasn’t having fun with Mesmer. If they did a few quality of life improvements someday, I’d be back that very day and build a Minion Master Mesmer.

Justine.6351:

Anything traited around condition DMG and using the trait shapper images makes clones deal DMG, certainly so with staff clones.

Problem is that condition Mesmer only has bleeding (can conflict with other condition spammers when in a group) and burning (very short duration, doesn’t stack).
I wished we could randomly create [B]every[/B] condition & boon the game knows.

Ansau.7326:

Your build is a phantasm build. It does quite a good job in sPvP an PvE, specially if you manage shatters after phantasms attacks, so you get benefits of both.

Ansau.7326:

PD: I suggest you to change decoy for mirror images. You will take more advantage from shatters with 1 more clone than 3s of stealth.

This build is [B]not[/B] about shattering the clones, this build is about [B]keeping them alive as long as possible[/B] and let them have the aggro.

Does someone know if clones profit from Mesmer stats?
When I equip +toughness gear, will my clones get more armour?

[Edit]: Why does [B][/B] not work here?

First, to bold something it’s asterisks (*) around the thing you want bolded. If you click “more posting & formatting options” button when you are making a post, then it’ll show you how to do things like that. I like italics myself.
Clones do share stats except Vitality and condition Duration. Sometimes you will have all your phantasm/clone skills off cooldown while you already have 3 out. When this happens, it is more useful to shatter and then immediately re-summon, since you can only have 3 at a time anyway.
Additionally, after playing for a while, you can start to guess how much damage your shatters do, and then shatter when you know the enemy is low enough to shatter and finish them off. Pretty much all mesmers shatter, it’s just a question of how often.

Mesmers ARE the “minion” masters in this game, I used to main a necro and in PvE minions are more a liability then they are useful and not even close as useful as Mesmer illusions.

Mesmer aren’t even in the same league with MM necros. Buff your clones all you want, but they can never be used to knockdown multiple foes at once, ranged immobilize, AoE blind, or heal you every time they attack. Also, when traited, they can have a lot more health and do a lot more damage, and even remove boons when they attack. Since they fixed the aggro bug, MM necros have become very viable in PVE, and are extremely hard to counter in duels. Keep dreaming, MM mesmers.

Perhaps, but illusion phantasms CAN be used to grant regeneration, AOE cripple, reflect projectiles, prevent half the damage to your team for a bit, stack lots of bleeds, cause distortion, stun, confusion or damage, all in an AOE, and recharge much, MUCH faster. They are also more responsive, and attack immediately upon activation.
You can see why it was a difficult decision for me.