Guild Wars 2

Hey guys! Recently created a Mesmer and i’ve been playing around with different weapons. I like all of them…except the Scepter. How do you people use it? What kind of specs? Cause i find it bad in Cond Builds, bad in Pow/Prec/Crit and even worse on PVT builds. The only good thing about it is the extra block and even that feels clunky.

Opinions?

TY

The general opinion is that it isn’t all that great. I think the only thing it has going for it is that it’s the only ranged main-handed weapon. If you want a ranged weapon with your focus, that’s all you’ve got. Still, most people prefer the 1h Sword.

If you ever feel like using the Sceptre, slap yourself and use the Sword instead.

Embolism.8106:

If you ever feel like using the Sceptre, slap yourself and use the Sword instead.

I completely agree with you but since i’m not much of a melee player i would love to have a good ranged MH. Bah…lets hope it gets buffed sometime (one can dream!!!).

I use the Scepter against Bloomhunger when I do not have enough AR. If you use that with either Pistol or Sword, you end up getting enough defensive capability. The pistol doesn’t add defensive capability, but it’s the more “offensive” choice of the two. Scepter/Sword is 2 blocks and range clone factory against a boss that can aoe your clones, so it lets you do semi-shatter builds without worrying.

You hit the nail on the head with your assessment of the scepter: it isn’t really good at anything. If you ever find yourself using it or the torch, take a step back, and use weapons that aren’t horrible.

I’d argue that the Torch has a purpose in that it has the lowest CD stealth. If you stick to a main weapon and use your other set for support rather than DPS, the Torch is a good secondary to use. Particularly in condition builds, as The Prestige does a respectable amount of damage and iMage becomes just very bad instead of extremely bad.

Confusing Images might’ve been the saving grace for Sceptre (as a secondary weapon in a condition build) if it weren’t for the fact that it’s extremely obvious you’re about to use it and is extremely easy for your opponent to dodge/block/obstruct/outrange.

Embolism.8106:

and iMage becomes just very bad instead of extremely bad.

>_< I’ll stick to weapons that aren’t half useless, if its all the same to you.

skill 3 is amazing… but that’s it. Even then it’s horrible in PvE.

Hammerguard.9834:

skill 3 is amazing… but that’s it. Even then it’s horrible in PvE.

Skill 3 is useless against anyone paying attention. It has a long, flashy, noisy, slow windup before actually launching the skill. After that, just a single dodge will take off 2-3 of the 5 stacks of confusion, and 2 dodges will completely dodge it.

Torch is amazing in WvW due to the fact that most players in WvW run zergs and aren’t very well versed in 1v1’s. As a Mesmer, you should get used to fighting in 1v3’s at least (unfavorable for you). Torch comes VERY handy in these situations. If you mix it with Decoy you can put huge distances between you and your enemy. You can also use Mass Invisibility to help put yourself away from bad fights. Also note that Decoy doesn’t give or use the invisibility delay, but it does have a visual error if you use it while invisible.

If you use Decoy while Invisible (or Invis while Decoy’ed), when one of the Invis’ disappear, you will become visible and targetable.

Esplen.3940:

Torch is amazing in WvW due to the fact that most players in WvW run zergs and aren’t very well versed in 1v1’s. As a Mesmer, you should get used to fighting in 1v3’s at least (unfavorable for you). Torch comes VERY handy in these situations. If you mix it with Decoy you can put huge distances between you and your enemy. You can also use Mass Invisibility to help put yourself away from bad fights. Also note that Decoy doesn’t give or use the invisibility delay, but it does have a visual error if you use it while invisible.

If you use Decoy while Invisible (or Invis while Decoy’ed), when one of the Invis’ disappear, you will become visible and targetable.

I guarantee you that focus, especially traited, is much, MUCH better for evasion and survival than the torch. Not only does the phantasm block or reflect the projectiles of people chasing you when you put it down, you can drop temporal curtain. If the focus is traited, then the temporal curtain reflects everything that people are chasing you do as well. Additionally, temporal curtain gves you swiftness, gives everyone chasing you cripple, and can be detonated to pull people and further kitten pursuit.

The torch is simply not good. The prestige is situational at best, and the iMage is simply completely useless.

Pyroatheist.9031:

Esplen.3940:

Torch is amazing in WvW due to the fact that most players in WvW run zergs and aren’t very well versed in 1v1’s. As a Mesmer, you should get used to fighting in 1v3’s at least (unfavorable for you). Torch comes VERY handy in these situations. If you mix it with Decoy you can put huge distances between you and your enemy. You can also use Mass Invisibility to help put yourself away from bad fights. Also note that Decoy doesn’t give or use the invisibility delay, but it does have a visual error if you use it while invisible.

If you use Decoy while Invisible (or Invis while Decoy’ed), when one of the Invis’ disappear, you will become visible and targetable.

I guarantee you that focus, especially traited, is much, MUCH better for evasion and survival than the torch. Not only does the phantasm block or reflect the projectiles of people chasing you when you put it down, you can drop temporal curtain. If the focus is traited, then the temporal curtain reflects everything that people are chasing you do as well. Additionally, temporal curtain gves you swiftness, gives everyone chasing you cripple, and can be detonated to pull people and further kitten pursuit.

The torch is simply not good. The prestige is situational at best, and the iMage is simply completely useless.

Woah woah woah, let me stop you.

I agree that it is better when traited, but I run 20/20/0/0/30 and have neither Torch nor Focus traiting. While I do enjoy running 20 in Inspiration, I do not feel like making Diversion useless in PvE as of yet. I also mix my PvE and PvP build, so that’s something to consider for me specifically.

Additionally, while Focus lets you get out some nice effects, like pulls, reflects, cripples, and pushes, Torch lets you get invis which can also be the difference between life and death. It’s really just a matter of preference, which is why I just stick with my standard Staff + Sword/Sword in both PvP and PvE (sPvP I use Staff + Sword/Pistol, but that’s a whole different discussion).

Esplen.3940:

Pyroatheist.9031:

Esplen.3940:

Torch is amazing in WvW due to the fact that most players in WvW run zergs and aren’t very well versed in 1v1’s. As a Mesmer, you should get used to fighting in 1v3’s at least (unfavorable for you). Torch comes VERY handy in these situations. If you mix it with Decoy you can put huge distances between you and your enemy. You can also use Mass Invisibility to help put yourself away from bad fights. Also note that Decoy doesn’t give or use the invisibility delay, but it does have a visual error if you use it while invisible.

If you use Decoy while Invisible (or Invis while Decoy’ed), when one of the Invis’ disappear, you will become visible and targetable.

I guarantee you that focus, especially traited, is much, MUCH better for evasion and survival than the torch. Not only does the phantasm block or reflect the projectiles of people chasing you when you put it down, you can drop temporal curtain. If the focus is traited, then the temporal curtain reflects everything that people are chasing you do as well. Additionally, temporal curtain gves you swiftness, gives everyone chasing you cripple, and can be detonated to pull people and further kitten pursuit.

The torch is simply not good. The prestige is situational at best, and the iMage is simply completely useless.

Woah woah woah, let me stop you.

I agree that it is better when traited, but I run 20/20/0/0/30 and have neither Torch nor Focus traiting. While I do enjoy running 20 in Inspiration, I do not feel like making Diversion useless in PvE as of yet. I also mix my PvE and PvP build, so that’s something to consider for me specifically.

Additionally, while Focus lets you get out some nice effects, like pulls, reflects, cripples, and pushes, Torch lets you get invis which can also be the difference between life and death. It’s really just a matter of preference, which is why I just stick with my standard Staff + Sword/Sword in both PvP and PvE (sPvP I use Staff + Sword/Pistol, but that’s a whole different discussion).

The problem is that if you are using a torch to get away from a mob, you are in combat. That means you were using your torch in combat. That tends to be a problem, as the torch doesn’t do combat very well.

Secondly, if I am using a focus, that means I am already in a defensive setup. The focus is across-the-board better at all sorts of defense. The torch may be better in a few very specific situations due to the prestige invisibility, but that is completely outweighed by the overall defensive utility of the focus, even untraited.

Pyroatheist.9031:

The problem is that if you are using a torch to get away from a mob, you are in combat. That means you were using your torch in combat. That tends to be a problem, as the torch doesn’t do combat very well.

Secondly, if I am using a focus, that means I am already in a defensive setup. The focus is across-the-board better at all sorts of defense. The torch may be better in a few very specific situations due to the prestige invisibility, but that is completely outweighed by the overall defensive utility of the focus, even untraited.

Since when have we considered players mobs? As a PvP escape tactic, it works well and with the low cd it does it’s job. Additionally, you can mix it with shatter builds to make burst shatters while not getting hit. Spawn 3 clones and activate it on your 3rd clone spawn so it looks like the clone is you, then you run up to them and activate a shatter right as the invis ends. Boom.

And I rarely run Torch in PvE. I will occasionally run a Focus in PvE when I NEED NEED NEED the reflect, but that’s it. There is no other use for the Focus as a Staff is more than enough defensiveness.

Esplen.3940:

Pyroatheist.9031:

The problem is that if you are using a torch to get away from a mob, you are in combat. That means you were using your torch in combat. That tends to be a problem, as the torch doesn’t do combat very well.

Secondly, if I am using a focus, that means I am already in a defensive setup. The focus is across-the-board better at all sorts of defense. The torch may be better in a few very specific situations due to the prestige invisibility, but that is completely outweighed by the overall defensive utility of the focus, even untraited.

Since when have we considered players mobs? As a PvP escape tactic, it works well and with the low cd it does it’s job. Additionally, you can mix it with shatter builds to make burst shatters while not getting hit. Spawn 3 clones and activate it on your 3rd clone spawn so it looks like the clone is you, then you run up to them and activate a shatter right as the invis ends. Boom.

And I rarely run Torch in PvE. I will occasionally run a Focus in PvE when I NEED NEED NEED the reflect, but that’s it. There is no other use for the Focus as a Staff is more than enough defensiveness.

Hrm, I sorta meant a mob of people, but if you’ve done a lot of wvw, you would know that describing players as mobs is more accurate than it should be.

And again, the prestige has some situational uses. The problem, again, is that you are using an offhand weapon with only 1 skill. 1 skill that is situationally great is not worth it compared to other weapons that have 2 full skills. The iMage isn’t even good kittenter fodder, because its cooldown is so long.

Rexx.1805:

Embolism.8106:

If you ever feel like using the Sceptre, slap yourself and use the Sword instead.

I completely agree with you but since i’m not much of a melee player i would love to have a good ranged MH. Bah…lets hope it gets buffed sometime (one can dream!!!).

or give us another ranged man hand weapon….
i think this forum knows what i’m talking about.

Pyroatheist.9031:

Esplen.3940:

Pyroatheist.9031:

The problem is that if you are using a torch to get away from a mob, you are in combat. That means you were using your torch in combat. That tends to be a problem, as the torch doesn’t do combat very well.

Secondly, if I am using a focus, that means I am already in a defensive setup. The focus is across-the-board better at all sorts of defense. The torch may be better in a few very specific situations due to the prestige invisibility, but that is completely outweighed by the overall defensive utility of the focus, even untraited.

Since when have we considered players mobs? As a PvP escape tactic, it works well and with the low cd it does it’s job. Additionally, you can mix it with shatter builds to make burst shatters while not getting hit. Spawn 3 clones and activate it on your 3rd clone spawn so it looks like the clone is you, then you run up to them and activate a shatter right as the invis ends. Boom.

And I rarely run Torch in PvE. I will occasionally run a Focus in PvE when I NEED NEED NEED the reflect, but that’s it. There is no other use for the Focus as a Staff is more than enough defensiveness.

Hrm, I sorta meant a mob of people, but if you’ve done a lot of wvw, you would know that describing players as mobs is more accurate than it should be.

And again, the prestige has some situational uses. The problem, again, is that you are using an offhand weapon with only 1 skill. 1 skill that is situationally great is not worth it compared to other weapons that have 2 full skills. The iMage isn’t even good kittenter fodder, because its cooldown is so long.

Warden dies before 2 hits go off against said mobs. Prestige gives you plenty of safe time, especially when running in against too many people due to the old culling system.

Lightsbane.9012:

Rexx.1805:

Embolism.8106:

If you ever feel like using the Sceptre, slap yourself and use the Sword instead.

I completely agree with you but since i’m not much of a melee player i would love to have a good ranged MH. Bah…lets hope it gets buffed sometime (one can dream!!!).

or give us another ranged man hand weapon….
i think this forum knows what i’m talking about.

PISTOLLLLLLLLLL <3

@Esplen: Eh, phantasms are generally useless against tons of people. However, in smaller (1vs up to 5 or so) the warden can be an extremely potent tool, and the iMage is still useless.

I use iMage kittenterfodder.

Lets all just agree that the only good weapons Mesmers have are staff and greatsword.

Hammerguard.9834:

Lets all just agree that the only good weapons Mesmers have are staff and greatsword.

I prefer Staff and Sword. >:C

Sry, scepter is fantastic. Maybe not that much in sPvP, but it’s incredible in all other modes.

The Sceptre is a very odd weapon, and I do not think it has much use. The only time I would use it is if I was making a condition ele, but even then I might not.

It really needs to be improved.

The scepter is actually a good weapon, although it pales in comparison to other Mesmer weapons, it has its uses. Few realize that the #1 skill create clones at the target, which makes the weapon ideal for shattering. The #2 skill is both a melee block and a ranged blind, with the block creating yet another clone. It’s a very solid skill. The #3 skill is the scepters best skill, as it’s great for both offensively as a burst, and defensively thanks to the confusion.

The only thing I dislike about the scepter is that the #1 skill doesn’t feel like it makes a big enough impact. It could use some form of effect on Ether Blast (the second cast), like weakness or retaliation.

My opinion on scepter? All the skills could use some work.

#1: First thing that needs to happen is disconnecting the attack rate from the animation and make it a true ranged weapon. Some form of condition in the chain would help too so the clones are more than just shatter fodder. Weakness is a good candidate.

#2: A solid skill but it could be just a bit more responsive and Counterspell’s projectile a bit faster.

#3: Way too telegraphed and easy to dodge. Get rid of the startup animation, and as our only single target weapon, it could use just a bit more damage through an extra/faster tick in the animation.

Since we can’t have a scepter conversation without torch, The Prestige is a great target drop, which is often the best defence when outnumbered, esp in a game of clones. Still itcould use a buff to its former glory (1s cast, 3 s stealth, 20 s cd). Might even make iMage worth it, which seriously needs a buff and a lower cd.

Scepter’s main use atm comes into play when melee is just a really really really bad idea, and you have a condition build.

This combination of conditions is rare.

The biggest issue is that Scepter1 blows. If it weren’t so bad, Scepter would be much more viable. The windup time on Scep3 is also meh. Ohwell.

Edit:

On the other hand, Scepter is amazing before level 7.

I’m level 46 and have been running Scepter/Sword/gs for quite a while. I like the amount of block abilities it gives me, love the sword #5 and do like Sceptre#3 since it’s a decently damaging power with confuse/blind. It does have a bit too long of a windup though. I have a feeling that I’ll be switching to sword for main hand by level 80 though.

Double block is pretty fun.

One of the core problems is that MH Sword also offers what’s essentially a superior defensive mechanism via Blurred Frenzy. What niche Scepter has is significantly undermined as a result.

EasymodeX.4062:

Edit:

On the other hand, Scepter is amazing before level 7.

Lol! Seriously.

Scepter’s main attack is too slow, along with lacking any conditions thus making the Scepter Clones rather useless in comparison to any other Weapon clones. That combined with its short range, leaves it only useful as a Clone generator for Shatters (or for Confusion) in most cases. Then the fact that if you use ANY skill during the auto-attack chain, its very likely it’ll reset and leave you needing to go through the chain again to get another clone.

THAT said, I do find it useful when soloing some Champions in PvE.

The fact is spawns clones in melee of the target, and consistently makes clones, means I can auto-attack and distract the champion at the same time. The Mark II YF-Gold golem in Melchor’s Leap is a great example of this, as he is easy to keep distracted with Scepter Clones while you stand at range and using Feedback / Warden’s Feedback to reflect his ranged attacks back on him. This makes for an easy champion solo.

Anyways

Cons:
Lack of Condition (or multi-attack) makes it much less useful of a Clone then any other weapon.
1/2s → 1/2s → 1s cast times makes the attack SLOW, on top of the fact the previous shot needs to hit/miss its target before the next attack can start to cast just compounds this.
Short range of 900 hits the weapon hard, especially in WvWvW where the Arcing nature of its projectile WOULD be great to try to hit someone on the wall but the short range kicks in and makes it rough.
Slow projectile, which in turns goes back to the casting time + delay till last projectile hits.

… Basically, the Scepter Auto-attack desperately needs to be reworked, then applied to the Scepter clones.

I’ve been running a glamour confusion build for wvwvw and have found scepter and torch to be a great secondary weapon on two accounts.

-It allows me to stealth into the middle of an enemy zerg, switch to staff and drop my null field or feedback and then phase retreat or portal back into my own group.

-If you stand under walls, scepter clones can be generated on top of walls and shattered to take down cannons, oil and players on top.

I know this is situational to my play style and part of a very specific build so I do have to agree that I would love to see the scepter maybe get a little tweak to make it more viable. As far as torch, anything that gives me another few seconds of invisibility when I’m trying to hide, put down portals, or get away from a fight I know I can’t win is good.

In the end, everyone has their own play style, and I’m constantly suprised by all the crazy things us mesmers can do. I learn so much from you all on these forums.

The main problem with the Sceptre, as many have pointed out, is that the autoattack is too weak. Secondary concerns include having the weakest Clones and Confusing Images being too easy for the enemy to nullify.

I’d also like to see Illusionary Counter be changed to be condition rather than direct damage (e.g. 3xConfusion), but whatever.

I’ve started using sceptre/torch since a nice +crit% stacking sceptre dropped and noticed something about the iMage- not only does it give retaliation when it strikes, but that retaliation is a bouncing projectile which hits at least 3 allies. Not sure if it also heals, as its’ bounced projectile uses the same animation as regeneration (i tend to pop iMage then prestige which bits the mob as its on the way to the iMage). None of this is in the tooltip iirc (referring to bounces- can someone verify if bouncing elasticity works for iMage’s projectile?).

Edit: i did have the torch skill remove conditions trait (more-or-less to give me more of an excuse to use it :p).

I only really play WvW so my perspective might be skewed, but I do find the scepter to be pretty much useless. It’s one of the only things I don’t carry around. I generally run GS / Sword + Torch or Focus. I have a staff and pistol in my inventory, but don’t really use them with my current 20/20/0/0/30 spec. It seems most people agree that the scepter sucks, but this thread seems to have turned into an argument about torch vs. focus. I use both regularly in wvw. I use the focus when running around the map and when doing siege/defense of keeps. In any sort of open map fighting, which is something I actually look for because I like it, I use the torch. I find the prestige to be much better than the focus skills when doing any sort of small skirmishing, although I will admit I don’t really use the illusion much.

Gaiawolf.8261:

EasymodeX.4062:

Edit:

On the other hand, Scepter is amazing before level 7.

Lol! Seriously.

It’s true though! Back in beta mesmers started with a sword instead. The problem was that you were way too squishy to be in melee range the whole time and you didn’t get your first clone generator until you unlocked Leap. By changing the starting weapon to a scepter you got access to the class mechanic immediately and its much easier to stay alive with a ranged weapon. Once you get weapon swapping at level 7 then the sword becomes vastly superior because you can weave in and out of melee range.

Scepter is really only useful in situations where you can’t melee but want to still use an off-hand weapon. The situations where this happens are few and far between. Personally, I’d like to see a faster auto-attack that’s independent of the distance to the target and some kind of damaging condition on every third attack (burning would be nice). This would secure the scepter a niche role in condition oriented builds.

Not only that, but the slow clone generation with only a single non-Scepter weapon means that mobs will always zerg you. Scepter AA means the mobs will stop to attack the clone all the time.

Makes level 1-6 so much easier.

I personally like the scepter (i know, im crazy) the only problem is the auto is slow and underwhelming.

The 2 skill is great in my opinon a block that summons an extra clone plus a nice chunk of dmg?! whats not to like, or an ranged blind is nice too.

The 3 skills is the best as we all know, and most people will dodge roll to evade it. Thats not a terrible thing tho. they wont have that dodge roll for when you ya know, shatter.

the only work the scepter needs is either a faster auto attack, or for it to hit about twice as hard, or my personal favorite suggestion, a condition on the third hit like confusion.

I like scepter. It’s cute.

scepter:
-autoattack gets 1sec confusion per hit, a 2sec confusion on attack 3 (but without clone generation and without longer cast time)
-counter applies 3 stack 4 sec confusion, generates clone if not hit.
-confusing images cast time reduced
-scepter clones attack slower but with 1 sec confusion
all improvements llive would be a little bit op I guess but one or two would be fine imo <3

torch:
prestige = target drop, not really usefull for mesmers eh?
iMage = crap

a buffed (condition)scepter and iMage would take my gw2 experience from great to awesome levels.

Mesmer scepter is one of the worst weapons in the game… Either Anet wants that there aren’t many weapons to choose from or they don’t play their own game. Hmh, perhaps they just don’t care.

The scepter has an advanced weapon play style with a VERY small nitch as does the torch. This in itself is why players shy away from them. I can think of 3 builds total that scepter and torch are used but they’re outstanding when used correctly. This isn’t to say both need work.

The scepter has an advanced weapon play style with a VERY small nitch as does the torch. This in itself is why players shy away from them. I can think of 3 builds total that scepter and torch are used but they’re outstanding when used correctly. This isn’t to say both need work.

No they are not. They can work, but simply because confusion is so powerful against idiots and because you can use staff as your main weapon.

Scepter #1 does nothing except 1 clone every 2 seconds should the last attack hit.
Scepter #2 does 1 block or 1 blinding projectile (that probably doesn’t even hit). The block will do some damage if you wait for the counter attack to go off, but it’s so slow that it makes you take a blow or two as well (ironically for block skill). Considering scepter is only useful if you are running a condition spec, the damage it deals is also very low.
Scepter #3 gives confusion if it hits. It has bad range, is awfully slow to channel and you must be facing towards your enemy during the channel or it breaks. Seriously, you are lucky if you get 5 confusion stacks on a sitting rock with this skill.

Torch #4 is okish. The stealth effect is nice and damage isn’t too shabby. However, unlike other stealth effects, the stealth by this skill can be broken via interrupts and you can’t dodge or channel skills without breaking it.
Torch #5 summons a clone and has 30 seconds cool down.

I’m not going to argue with your opinion on these but as you never even mentioned the aoe blast finisher for mass chaos armor from the torch, I’ll just keep my opinion. Let it be as that.

Scepter isn’t even useful when melee is a bad idea. If you need ranged conditions, staff does that better than scepter.

Spawning ones on target means they die fast. Not useful for shatters, but does have som synergy with on-death traits. Unfortunately you need 2 seconds of autoattacking with an attack that does nothing to get that clone.

At any rate, scepter either needs to be reworked from the ground up, or massively buffed. Double the damage and speed of the autoattack, make confusing images a 1.5 second channel, and I might think about using it.

Now about the torch. People say that the prestige is great for escaping or w/e. They are right. The problem is that if you are escaping, you are escaping FROM something, and you were fighting that something with a torch. As an in-combat stealth, the prestige is bad. You have to channel it. If you dodge, you lose both your stealth and the burn. Why they didn’t keep it how it was in beta is beyond me.

Masteroftimespace is right on the money as well. Torch 5 summons a clone on a 30s cooldown.

Master of Timespace.2548:

… Considering scepter is only useful if you are running a condition spec, the damage it deals is also very low…

Actually I’d argue the scepter is better in a power build than a condition build. The power scaling for skills 2 and 3 are pretty good and can do some decent damage in a power build while offering some defense and confusion as a control against better players. Now that is not to say other weapons aren’t better, but scepter does have a place in a tanky power spec if it’s other issues can be worked out (mainly the auto chain and cast time for #3).

Gaiawolf.8261:

Master of Timespace.2548:

… Considering scepter is only useful if you are running a condition spec, the damage it deals is also very low…

Actually I’d argue the scepter is better in a power build than a condition build. The power scaling for skills 2 and 3 are pretty good and can do some decent damage in a power build while offering some defense and confusion as a control against better players. Now that is not to say other weapons aren’t better, but scepter does have a place in a tanky power spec if it’s other issues can be worked out (mainly the auto chain and cast time for #3).

That’s actually a good point. Scepter can’t decide if it wants to do conditions or power, and it just ends up being really really bad at everything. Another problem with scepter is really a problem with confusion, where confusion is useless by itself. It can’t be used as a stand-alone condition unless you are fighting an idiot. Condition is reay powerful when you force people to take hits, either from power shatters or from other conditions and pressure you apply.

Scepter only can apply confusion. It can’t put any damage pressure on an opponent. I is just all around useless.

Pyroatheist.9031:

Now about the torch. People say that the prestige is great for escaping or w/e. They are right. The problem is that if you are escaping, you are escaping FROM something, and you were fighting that something with a torch. As an in-combat stealth, the prestige is bad. You have to channel it. If you dodge, you lose both your stealth and the burn. Why they didn’t keep it how it was in beta is beyond me.

Masteroftimespace is right on the money as well. Torch 5 summons a clone on a 30s cooldown.

Bah. The Prestige is OK at best for escaping, and there are better ways to do it. But you are forgetting on thing about in combat stealth as a mesmer. Any target drop with clones out is awesome. Pure awesome. It doesn’t matter if it lasts 1s or 3s. The time it takes for a player to find you, re-target you, and attack you is worth more than any other defense when you blast out of stealth on top of them or maybe 1-2 of your clones (except maybe in your retaliation build; which I love BTW). And the prestige is our stealth with the lowest CD so it can do that the best multiple times per fight. I agree it was much better in beta though, but still great because of the target drop.

iMage sucks and is the only thing making me snuff my torch every now and then.

Pyroatheist.9031:

Gaiawolf.8261:

Master of Timespace.2548:

… Considering scepter is only useful if you are running a condition spec, the damage it deals is also very low…

Actually I’d argue the scepter is better in a power build than a condition build. The power scaling for skills 2 and 3 are pretty good and can do some decent damage in a power build while offering some defense and confusion as a control against better players. Now that is not to say other weapons aren’t better, but scepter does have a place in a tanky power spec if it’s other issues can be worked out (mainly the auto chain and cast time for #3).

That’s actually a good point. Scepter can’t decide if it wants to do conditions or power, and it just ends up being really really bad at everything. Another problem with scepter is really a problem with confusion, where confusion is useless by itself. It can’t be used as a stand-alone condition unless you are fighting an idiot. Condition is reay powerful when you force people to take hits, either from power shatters or from other conditions and pressure you apply.

Scepter only can apply confusion. It can’t put any damage pressure on an opponent. I is just all around useless.

Pretty much. Personally I think every weapon should be useful in both power and conditions builds. Not just one or the other. Staff, MH sword, and focus do that well. The others, not so much. Maybe pistol.

Gaiawolf.8261:

Pyroatheist.9031:

Gaiawolf.8261:

Master of Timespace.2548:

… Considering scepter is only useful if you are running a condition spec, the damage it deals is also very low…

Actually I’d argue the scepter is better in a power build than a condition build. The power scaling for skills 2 and 3 are pretty good and can do some decent damage in a power build while offering some defense and confusion as a control against better players. Now that is not to say other weapons aren’t better, but scepter does have a place in a tanky power spec if it’s other issues can be worked out (mainly the auto chain and cast time for #3).

That’s actually a good point. Scepter can’t decide if it wants to do conditions or power, and it just ends up being really really bad at everything. Another problem with scepter is really a problem with confusion, where confusion is useless by itself. It can’t be used as a stand-alone condition unless you are fighting an idiot. Condition is reay powerful when you force people to take hits, either from power shatters or from other conditions and pressure you apply.

Scepter only can apply confusion. It can’t put any damage pressure on an opponent. I is just all around useless.

Pretty much. Personally I think every weapon should be useful in both power and conditions builds. Not just one or the other. Staff, MH sword, and focus do that well. The others, not so much. Maybe pistol.

Nah, look at other classes. The vast majority of them have pretty well defined weapons for condition damage and weapons for direct damage. This prevents the weapons from getting too weak or too overpowered, as a strong combination of condition damage and power damage would end up being.

Mainhand sword is useful in condition damage builds just because mainhand sword is great, it has nothing to do with conditions.

Focus is good in a condition damage build for the same way…

Hold up. What condition damage build? If you are talking confusion bombing, it’s horrible in pve, and underwhelming in pvp, I’ve tried it extensively in wvw with a full rabid set. I’d kill the noobs, but I do that anyway. If you mean the staff + staff clones condition damage build, that’s not great either. Mesmers are simply not very good with condition damage because we have no effective ways to apply conditions quickly (except trident now). Scepter could be the fix to this if there were any devs without their heads stuck far, far up their kitten and mainhand pistol would be the obvious ranged mainhand power weapon.