Guild Wars 2

One of my favorite things to do in game is to find and solo champions while working on world exploration, and I’m really drawn to mesmer, as I’ve had the easiest time soloing simpler group content with its play style. I’ve experimented a bit, and put together builds that have worked out pretty well for me so far, but I can help but feel like there’s this potential for efficient soloing that I haven’t really tapped yet. Now I’m looking for help with a build that prioritizes survivability while salvaging as much damage as possible.

A few points:
I really REALLY like greatsword for a number of reasons, but I’d be willing to let it go if there’s absolutely no way to fit it in.

I’d like some type of permanent speed boost/swiftness between the traits and runes without giving up too much to get it.

I’ve done a lot of reading on popular builds, but none of them were what I’m looking for, so I’m asking for something really niche here.

Ideas?

I’m currently using this Rabid Bleed build which I believe is what you want – survivability (high toughness) while still creeping in damage. I use this build by keeping 3 pistol phantasms up to stack massive bleed damage, while my char just running around using scepter AA to stack torment, and constantly generating clones to distract aggro if one of your phantasms is down. Very easy to use. Signed of Inspiration will give you swiftness regularly, and you will benefit from Chaotic Persistence trait.

An alternative Chronomancer variant can be used if you do not need those extra damage reduction from Illusionary defense trait. And you can equip shield instead of staff for extra blocks.

I have had a similar discussion in another thread. A more offensive variant was suggested.

Sadly, however, none of these builds use GS. In addition, I believe these builds are somewhat popular, and you might have already looked into them.

Hope this helps
Let me know what you think.

I really like some of the ideas you bring up with that build. I honestly hadn’t done a lot of playing around with scepter/pistol. Sword AA is kind of like the end-all be-all in every mesmer conversation I’ve seen, so I like that this seems like a practical build that doesn’t just do that.

I have heard a few good things about condition mesmer recently, but they never went very in-depth. Do you know how it compares to power mesmser?

There’s a great mesmer-how-to guide at dulfy website. Have a look if you haven’t already done so.

I’m not too great at comparing builds except by actually playing it and judge which one is easier to use. I personally think they are of different use.

1. I found that Rabid condi build is easier for solo PvE. In addition, apparently condi chrono is meta for high level fractals. Also, I’m enjoying the easier play style, though I should warn you that fights will be longer (but at least I will eventually win)

2. Having said that, you technically can solo PvE with Zerk build – but I’m not skillful enough to do that! You have access to shield blocks, F4, Sword #2, and dodges. That might be enough for survivability.

3. For team PvE (such as dungeon/fractals), maybe the usual S/S /Sh power chrono is better due to shorter fights (stacking bleed takes time). However, a Zerk build is rather squishy, so I have to be more careful.

TLDR: It is of my believe that power mesmer is more versatile. But Rabid condi build is easier for solo PvE.

Having just recently switched to condi build from power build, I actually have two gear sets: one condi and one power. This allows me to switch build if necessary.

Good to know. I done the typical zerk build, and it can get hard for certain fights. I’m putting together a rabid build now that I’m interested in really trying out. Scepter and pistol seem pretty cool from the little bit of playing around I’ve done.

I’ve enjoyed this build

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vhAQRAsc7alknhy0YFawTNQtGLwGFZAcB5GaUscFRdwWsNLA-TRSBQB9b/hHcSAuoygDq+DAeCAXRp390BgHtDmRJIA-e

While 1337 toughness might seem too low, when paired with the sword and scepter blocks/evades, as well as the invulnerability from distortion and signet of inspiration, it’s more than sufficient for just about everything, and if you are having issues, you can always swap from off hand sword or pistol to a shield for a much longer block and some extra CC.

Shatter mesmer is generally lower in terms of sustained damage than phantasms, but the damage is somewhat made up for by the fact that phantasm mesmers have abysmal boon/vulnerability generation, while this build naturally stacks a ton of might, quickness and alacrity just by rattling off shatters, which also inflict a ton of vulnerability stacks.

That said, I also end up shifting things around a lot, using dueling against lower power enemies, changing utilities almost constantly, and swapping weapons every now and then.

https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/professions/mesmer/Weapon-rotation-for-PvE-soloing-metas/first#post6223340

Xyonon.3987:

If you are soloing I suggest to go for sword/shield + /sword mainly.
If required, a scepter or the staff are both viable options, altough the staff requires you to use Mantra of Pain.

While at it: I suggest you go for Dom/Duel/Chrono, 222, 131, 333 and run with SoE, MoP, WoC, WoA or Feedback, Gravity. For longer fights or soloing hero points, it may be a good alternative to swap duelling for illusions 122 or 123 and use or use not a scepter, change MoP to WoR, WoP or Feedback if required.

For Meta events and large scale fights, I’d go for Sw/Sh + Staff, SoE, WoR, SoI, WoA, TW. Set up 3 staff phants for a truckload of dps, then stick to the sword and spam everything you have.

greez!

Greez!