Guild Wars 2

I have decided to go with a lockdown build with my mesmer, because I would assume that they would have a good rate of survivability, if an opponent can’t do anything they can’t hurt you. So I looked at some guides but they didn’t give much info on what traits, how to use skills and so on. All I got was to use staff/sword+focus, use mantra of healing, veil, feedback, signet of inspiration and time warp. So I basically only got the loadout, not what traits or how to play it. I don’t know what traits to do, I was thinking of a 30/20/20/0/0 but I wasn’t sure what trait skills to use. I also don’t really know how to play as a lockdown build. I’ve heard they are hard to learn but when you get it right it is very rewarding. So I need help with the play style of a lockdown, and help with my traits. Also any advice on Lockdown builds

There are lots and lots of different lockdown builds, but this ones my favorite. Includes a video too!

https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/professions/mesmer/Guide-Vid-Mind-Crush-CS-Lockdown

Hey dude, it sounds like someone gave you more of a generic WvW zerging build rather an actual lockdown build. Mind Crush, as linked by Carpboy, may be a good place to start exploring and seeing what works for you but here’s a written guide:

https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/professions/mesmer/Lockdown-Guide-Making-People-Hate-You/first#post3258904

and here’s a mini breakdown:

TYPE OF CONTROL
As a Mesmer you get to choose exactly what it is you want to shut down and how. Conditions/Boons? (Shattered Concentration [Dom VII]/ Null Field/Thievery/Disenchanter)? Chain-dazes? (Mantra of Distraction + Signet of Domination & offhand sword or pistol) Projectiles? (Feedback / Traited Focus [Inspiration VIII] / Mimic) Debilitating Conditions such as Weakness, Cripple, and vulnerability? (Clone Deaths – Dom V / Chaos V)

Now a lockdown-focused build will be able to do the majority of the above, but if you want a build with a lockdown vibe (such as Anarchy’s PhantLock) then you’ll have to trade something off.

WEAPONS
Each weapon works differently for a lockdown build. Depending on your playstyle and traits certain weapons may be a better pick. Greatsword, Staff, and Focus work well for team battles since they offer AoE interrupts and thus are good for Bountiful Interruption (5x Might + random boon per interrupt), & Chaotic Interruption (Immobilize + random condition on interrupt). Halting Strike pays off no matter what lockdown build but needs at least 3 different forms of interrupts to be worth it over either Mental Torment or Empowered Illusions (daze mantra is glorious here) and Furious Interruption, though it easily takes the most practice out of the interrupt traits, works really well with Greatsword, sword/sword, Scepter, and charging Mantras.

UTILITIES
Mantra of Distraction – Is by far the best interrupt skill we have, it’s instant and could be used as either defense or offense. I personally like to save it for when my opponent has -50% HP to interrupt heals.

Signet of Domination – Is a beastly 3s stun that can get even more powerful with Sigil of Paralyzation. Good to take if you have an offhand pistol.

iDisenchanter/Arcane Thievery/Null Field – While all three both clear conditions and removes boons, Disenchanter is unparalleled in small-scale combat. It can completely shut down condition-based classes or enemeis that rely on boons like Warriors and Guardians. Arcane Thievery is the weakest condition/boon removal and you have to choose when to use it either offensively or deffensively but it synergizes beautifully with Signet of Inspiration to steal boons and share them with the team, but it’s somewhat situational. Null Field is a nice neutral, reliable boon/condition removal that, though it’s a bit slow to work, it offers a Ethereal Combo field.

So i really do not like the staff on Mesmer. Don’t ask me y , maybe its the fact i like close to mid range fights. Also the build here are all zerg gear. Is there any builds with like rabid gear for the added toughness and condi? I want a retro lock down build but with some added flavor.

this is what i have so far.. feel free to poke holes or critique:

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fgAQNAs8al4zipnRzoGb9IipHEHFCcnKAdlewbXItB-jEDBYfgoiA0FAUIgECw5coJPRMBSIrKqIasKbYaXKqqYBGA-w

Furious Interruption and Mirror of Anguish are both terrible. Mantra Mastery and Bountiful Interruption would be better choices in my opinion.

Staff is a close to mid range weapon. It is more powerful the closer you are to your opponent.

Hey, I’ve never seen a PU-lockdown build before, that looks pretty interesting. Furious Interruption has worked for me, so I wouldn’t call it terrible, but it is a hard trait to make effective. The ONLY problem I see is Mirror of Anguish, please please for the love of everything swap that for Bountiful Interruption!

But yeah, staff rocks. It’s more effective the closer you are, and Chaos Storm is supposed to be dropped on yourself AND enemies at the same time. As for condition gear, I don’t see why that build wouldn’t work with full rabid, just make sure to swap sword for scepter.

Honestly I think Mirror of Anguish is bugged. It goes off for my illusions and I end up getting stunned shortly after.