Guild Wars 2

Hi!

I’ve just started my first mesmer character, and reading the descriptions of various skills has left me confused.

What are the inherent differences between clones, phantasms, illusions, etc.? Most of my copies seem to function purely as diversions (unless you explode them), and others, such as the duelist, do damage. I haven’t worked out the pattern yet.

I assume that “Shatter build” means creating as many doppelgangers as possible and trait your character in a way they do the most damage when shattered?

What are some reasonable alternatives to that? Does it make sense to play a mesmer at all if I’m not too keen on the whole doppelganger thing?

I find that greatsword is the most fun to use, but I think greatswords look silly on my character so I’m trying to get comfortable with sword/pistol + staff. (Scepter/focus didn’t do it for me.)

I’m aware my questions are on the lowest level. Sorry for that I’m very grateful for any advice to get me started. Not looking to become a mesmer expert at this point, just something vaguely playable for the levels from 20-40.

Clones and phantasms fall under the name of illusions however only the latter will do significant damage. As you pointed out a shatter build would focus on generating many clones and shatter them for burst. On the other side of this there is a phantasm build that focuses on summoning phantasms on the field without shattering them for more consistent damage.
These are just popular builds, there are many more out there and many mesmers vary to their playstyle. Utility choice is quite important too.
While leveling your mesmer I would advise you to take physical damage stats. Also don’t worry too much about the GS not fitting your look, it’s quite a useful weapon too =)

I half agree with AT’s suggestions but that’s really because of the beauty of mesmers. We have a lot of good, effective builds that vary greatly so you are almost certain to find something that fits your playstyle.

I wouldn’t worry about that while leveling though. Right now you should be trying things out and seeing which weapons you’re comfortable with and what your skills can really do. Learn the combos and don’t be afraid to push your limits.

It really depends on what you want to do.
For leveling? Damage, damage, and even more damage. Just trait into domination and dueling- A real “shatter build” will only work with at least 50 skillpoints, for both illusionary persona (30pt illusion) as well as deceptive evasion (20 pt dueling). I would recommend to use Sword as mainhand and either Pistol or Sword as offhand, since these phantasms really hurt and have a low cd. You can go 10 into domination for +15% phantasm damage, then 20 into dueling for fury for phantasms and -20% sword cd.
Use Armor with power and precision, there is no point in beeing “tanky” in PvE, use dodgerolls, sword#2 and other mechanics (like the f4 shatter) for staying alive.
Once on high level you should get 20 points in inspiration and trait Wardens feedback, in terms of PvE reflections are a mesmers most powerful weapon.
Stay away from scepter. Gs/Staff should only be used when you can’t go melee (or a short cd teleport with Staff#2)

I agree with what Agony says for leveling up, however upon reaching 80, there is a slight difference. You don’t necessarily want to start yourself in Berserker’s.

Additionally, as you’re leveling up, you should stay as squishy as possible while maintaining a decent amount of tankiness to survive. Try to down as little as possible (but downing is fine and it IS a part of the game), but keep in mind that when you down you aren’t dead. In PvE, you can use the down skills to your advantage. In PvP, it’s not so easy. (Notably underwater. Intentionally staying down underwater gives you a major increase in damage output at the cost of being on the verge of death and having no control skills.)

Here are a few posts of mine that I thought of while reading this thread, they pertain to level 80 stuff but it may help you later.

Level 80 Gear Progression

Level 80 Gearing Up For Different Things

Please do not respond to those topics as they are dead threads.

As a closing note, I would like to re-iterate what I said before… try to stay as squishy as possible while maintaining a decent amount of tankiness to survive.

P.S. Downing is fine, just try not to die as much as possible!

Agony.3542:

It really depends on what you want to do.
For leveling? Damage, damage, and even more damage. Just trait into domination and dueling- A real “shatter build” will only work with at least 50 skillpoints, for both illusionary persona (30pt illusion) as well as deceptive evasion (20 pt dueling). I would recommend to use Sword as mainhand and either Pistol or Sword as offhand, since these phantasms really hurt and have a low cd. You can go 10 into domination for +15% phantasm damage, then 20 into dueling for fury for phantasms and -20% sword cd.
Use Armor with power and precision, there is no point in beeing “tanky” in PvE, use dodgerolls, sword#2 and other mechanics (like the f4 shatter) for staying alive.
Once on high level you should get 20 points in inspiration and trait Wardens feedback, in terms of PvE reflections are a mesmers most powerful weapon.
Stay away from scepter. Gs/Staff should only be used when you can’t go melee (or a short cd teleport with Staff#2)

That confirms some of my mesmer feelings so far and is definitely very helpful!

I will check out the other posts when I’m closer to level 80.

Thanks, people

http://www.reddit.com/r/Guildwars2/comments/1cjmri/new_player_guide_to_leveling_a_mesmer_the/
how leveled ur mesmer easy with couple builds
enjoy.

Wow, that’s wonderful.