Guild Wars 2

Build

I’m trying to steer clear of PU after using it quite a bit as of late. I’d appreciate any suggestions on how to make a non-dueling sort of build for a Mesmer. I realize this is counter intuitive considering it is the class specialization.

I do a fair amount of shattering. Considering phantasms are useless when their target dies, it only makes sense to shatter. Mesmer has not seemed quite as fun to me with the increased number of PU shatter builds running around WvW (I’m not advocating the nerf hammer, just pointing out personal feelings towards mainstream mesmering.) So I wanted to be dumb and try to make glamour skills integral to a WvW situation in conjunction with some manipulation.

Thanks

Roaming or Zerging?

If you’re shattering, I’d pick mental anguish but the GS trait isn’t bad.

Pick up protected phantasms and they will guarantee to finish their attack most of the time or in iWardens case get most of it off. Imo it is better than the focus trait in WvW in zergs. Restorative illusions looks good for smaller scale too.

Fencers finesse is more of a PvE trait imo, I would certainly say for surviving evasive mirror will help against ranged attackers so you can then ditch feedback for portal. Alternatively the blind on shatter is another really good trait.

It’s a good base, a few tweaks and it looks like a good build. The inspiration line has A LOT to offer for support and healing.

Interrupt builds can also be very fun in small scale and picking off people in zergs. I’ll leave advise on that to people who know it better than me though.

I use a ranger or guard for roaming. I should have specified roam or zerg, thanks. It is meant more for zerging or smaller scale if needed. The phantasms hit in an area. I debated taking mimic to pair with feedback for the larger scale engagements. I suppose part of my problem with this build is expecting a lot of ranged when typically the things that kill you are area of effect or melee.

I like all of your suggestions. You’ve been very helpful. I choose the GS trait to keep me populating illusions at range and keeping iBerzerker out there. First Tweak

Looks nice. I sometimes use mirror, sometimes I use mantra of resolve for that extra cleansing and AoE heal if I trait for healing mantras.

Here’s another thread, it’s 3 months old but it does show a methodology about how to build for zergs/group combat and support.

https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/professions/mesmer/A-tale-of-testing-WvW-builds/

I appreciate it, apharma. I’m just trying not to become dependent on PU in case they nerf hammer it to being useless again. I’ll probably sub out utility and traits if the situation calls for stealth, but I’ll typically try to be as stealth free as possible to keep me honest.

On the subject of healing and defense in general. Do you find running all berserker best for Mesmer or do you mix in other attributes as well? I have not messed with Mantras too often. I did run signets (even the moa signet) for a while. Turns out turning another Mesmer into a moa is a great way of killing him, heh.