Ah, this is a difficult one to answer. Yes, the mesmer is viable as a ranged class, but the mesmer really shines when using both.
One of the problems with being only ranged in WvW is shatters. Shattering is our class mechanic, and some builds rely on them heavily (personally, I go shatter happy) while others use them sparingly. In WvW, using the shatter at range means that the illusions need to run to their target. As illusions are fragile (especially clones) many of them don’t make to their target before being killed. That said, there are a few illusions that “spawn” at the target instead of next to us, so that diminishes the problem a little.
So far as viability for all ranged, it can be done. The Staff is a wonderful weapon that relies on condition damage, and the GS is a solid staple that relies on power. The scepter is a mid-range option, but it sucks in WvW. For a ranged build you’ll want to go with Glamour or Phantasm builds. (See Fay’s list stickied at the top of the forum) Carrion gear would make a Staff/GS build work while also getting some survivability.
tl;dr A range-only mesmer is absolutely viable, definitely effective, and very limiting to what the class is capable of as a whole.
Jacked Jackal :: Norn Mesmer :: Giant and Fabulous
Dragonbrand
