Guild Wars 2

dat forum bug

I didn’t ignore you! I -… wait.. two hostages!?

And travelers runes!?

Since we’re discussing lockdown builds I hope it is all right if I post mine here and ask you guys for some feedback and advice?

Linkety link

I use this in WvW where I alternate between roaming and zerg running, depending on what the huild/commander needs at the moment. I went Harmonius Mantras + Mender’s Purity (can’t wait to see how MoD will fit in to this) for I find them indispensable to get through all the condi bombs, especially since more than half of the time I try to run on the commander, cleaving with the sword and switching weapons for the Hydromancy Sigil effect. That’s why I also run Deceptive Evasion and Debilitating Dissipation so I can keep up condi pressure on the enemies as I roll through them.

I run full celestial armour for rounded out stats (mainly for better healing and to have at least some condi damage), but I am unsure whether that is the way to go. Should I just switch to the usual zerk/knight/cavalier combo and ditch the condi (also swapping out Debilitating Dissipation and Deceptive Evasion in the process)?

Another reason why I like running this build is because it allows me to quickly switch to PU in case I need to hide within a keep, sneaky sneaky.

zaxon.6819:

i understand that interupts are strong.. but are the traits strong enough to build your whole build around it? is an imob and a chill / blind that important over something else? if they are already interupted and dazed is them being stunned/imob instead of just dazed going to be the fight turning moment. im in no way saying disables/interupts are not good.. but wouldnt it be a better choice to just run the interupts and not go so deep into making it the central focus of the entire build?

This was my exact line of thinking before I tried it out for myself. Truth is, the immob really is amazing and is one of the best ways to increase memser’s dps. Phantasms can connect better and more importantly, shatters can hit. I find that I spike much more reliably with this than a shatter build because my enemy is rooted in place (and then I extend that immob with sword, hehehe).

derbaer.1284:

I have tried the build with some success over the last days in soloQ-the skill cap is high, and I do have some questions.

When I am facing a 1v1, I just cant seem to put out enough dmg with staff/sw+focus. especially against bunker/DD hybrid warriors and guardians Im having a hard time, since I try to play half-melee range and still cant seem to put out enough pressure. What I always try to do is “curtain-warden-curtain pull at half warden cast-ileap swap-blurred-weapon swap-chaos storm-warlock”
But even this combo doesnt seem to put enough pressure on my enemies. I tried to switch to GS instead of staff, but then I have even less room for mistakes and am thief-fodder again.

Any advice?

I’ll admit that sometimes it does take too long to bring those builds down. I eventually win the 1v1, but sometimes it takes so long that another enemy comes in and overwhelms me. Your dps is really hampered if you can’t get those interrupts in, and it’s hard to interrupt warriors and d/d eles with their short casttimes and passive heals.
One thing I did notice in your chain is lack of shatters. My style usually involves pressuring the enemy with phantasms, then chain dazing, followed by a b-frenzy shatter combo.
so for example, after phantasms and some AA, I would use Chaos Storm or Diversion to daze lock them. Then I quickly summon more clones and use sword #3 —>#2 and shatter. That usually deals a real nice chunk of hp.
If they’re still hanging in there, pressure them until mind wrack is half way off CD, then repeat with the other daze skill u didnt use.

Bless all that is lockdown in this current meta. Watching these amazing videos jump-started me into running lockdown once again.

Lockdown is the single build that has allowed me to turn around and take down someone who was pursuing me in tPvP and take them out. Stagging out the positions of clones has really destroyed so many thieves as of late.

I’d been avoiding both Sword and Focus previously because…well we know why. I had used them extensively before the …changes. But oh everything just has so much synergy.

I bet we’re all peeing ourselves over the upcoming fixes to both Sword and Focus. I must say I don’t think I’ll be letting go of staff any time soon either.

Blades of Sabatine.5639:

Just watch the demo, very interesting.

Can I ask if you could try this build out. It is a jack of Lockdown, reflect, PU and power play.

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fhAQRAsd7alknpBtFrxRNcrNCuRY6lpoTGfWygBA-TZBCwAAOIAUOBAaeCAhLDoc/BA

I mostly use rune of Hoelbrak and Celestial amulet for more survival.

edit/update

Ok just finished watching everything. Very interesting. One thing I have to ask,

HOW DO YOU DO THE MONKEY JUMP

Finally, your duel with WOC, from what I can see, this shows the limitation of mantras. Once used up, you were opened to some serious damage.

Never the less Loved it, learnt a lot.

Keep posting.

Hey dude, so I tested the build a bit and can give a bit of input.

So far things have been a bit rocky. The first thing I noticed with the build is a severe lack of damage that seems to be traded off for defense. You trait high into Chaos and Inspiration for a number of defensive traits and then grab a focus, leaving only sword & pistol (on different weapon sets at that) for damage. This means neither shatters, conditions, nor phantasms -even iDuelist- are going to do much damage despite your zerker amulet.

The build works pretty decently in 1v1 skirmishes where I can kite around and wear the enemy down with phantasms but I struggled in 2v1s without Deceptive Evasion and against any opponent bright or lucky enough to destroy the pistol phant.

Right now I’m using runes of hoelbrak and I swapped Illusionary Defense for Bountiful Interruption. There isn’t much lockdown here besides curtain & pistol into signet of Dom, and while the reflects are a nice defensive touch, their damage is dependent on having high power, crit chance & crit damage.

All in all, this jack of all trades struggles to keep up and find a role among the specialized builds that are kings in their field. I’ll have a vid for ya soon if you like.

Hi Chaos and Rylock,

I have a question for you guys, you guys use focus pull right? so with CI thats 2.5 secs, is it worth it with warden because only how many hits does it connect with the duration? since it attacks in melee range

This is assuming sword 3 is on CD. I am just curious with the lockdown with CI and warden, not the fact that it is an AoE interrupt.

StickerHappy.8052:

Hi Chaos and Rylock,

I have a question for you guys, you guys use focus pull right? so with CI thats 2.5 secs, is it worth it with warden because only how many hits does it connect with the duration? since it attacks in melee range

This is assuming sword 3 is on CD. I am just curious with the lockdown with CI and warden, not the fact that it is an AoE interrupt.

What you say it’s true only if you summon the warden after doing the pull.

I think a good way of landing most of warden’s attacks is to cast the curtain first, start summoning the warden and do the pull just before the warden is summoned. This way the phantasm will appear right next to the enemy where he gets pulled giving him the time to land all his hits if the enemy got rooted by CI or landing most of the hits if you fail at interrupting any skill, but still knocking the target down. The time he gets up and move away is enough for the warden to do most of his job.

Curtain doesn’t last very long so you must be swift with the sequence.

Wait, so what if i just move away from the pull and warden? So the warden wont hit you. It will be a loss in dps.

I have a question for the Lockdown pro’s in this thread. And its not so much about the build itself or the skills.. More the games setting. What I mean is usually when I mess up, I realize my camera was over the place or I just didn’t see my target’s animation or didn’t have the right target. Or I simply lost my mouse off screen somehow? (Could be I’m just too old and these eyes simply can’t keep up.)

So what are your video settings? Does SweetFX allow for better(clearer) visuals? Is a high DPI mouse better at camera control or a lower? Do you use fast cast in game, etc. Is there anything different “settings” wise that you found to help?

SlimChance.6593:

I have a question for the Lockdown pro’s in this thread. And its not so much about the build itself or the skills.. More the games setting. What I mean is usually when I mess up, I realize my camera was over the place or I just didn’t see my target’s animation or didn’t have the right target. Or I simply lost my mouse off screen somehow? (Could be I’m just too old and these eyes simply can’t keep up.)

So what are your video settings? Does SweetFX allow for better(clearer) visuals? Is a high DPI mouse better at camera control or a lower? Do you use fast cast in game, etc. Is there anything different “settings” wise that you found to help?

Maybe your mouse sensitivity is too high? I play on all low and i dnt think settings would be the case. Or do you have a faulty mouse?

Unless you are running in straight line the moment curtain goes down, you have to dodge the pull.
With Sw+F I usually try 3-cast, 4-cast(3-swap),5-cast(4-pull).
That way they are either immobilized or spend two dodges and are ready for shatter

StickerHappy.8052:

Wait, so what if i just move away from the pull and warden? So the warden wont hit you. It will be a loss in dps.

Whether you like it or not when you choose to go with focus you have to take in to account that iwarden can fail (lets hope it will be defenitely fixed within next patch) and I am sure you already know this and that even if it doesn’t fail it still can miss a good chunck of its dps if summoned without a means for rooting the target. It can still absorb projectiles though, so it is not completely useless…

trooper.2650:

StickerHappy.8052:

Wait, so what if i just move away from the pull and warden? So the warden wont hit you. It will be a loss in dps.

Whether you like it or not when you choose to go with focus you have to take in to account that iwarden can fail (lets hope it will be defenitely fixed within next patch) and I am sure you already know this and that even if it doesn’t fail it still can miss a good chunck of its dps if summoned without a means for rooting the target. It can still absorb projectiles though, so it is not completely useless…

ah i see, but i was curious to know the reason why choose focus over pistol in duels?

the duelist is more reliable bec of the range. the stun is good too albeit a little bit clunky to aim at melee range the focus pull. Now lets say if warden threw away his axes at a foe, then I might consider focus over pistol, or is the focus just for personal preference?

I guess the strong point of focus for me is the pull because pulling all phantasms of your foe interrupts them simultaneously, and will lead to a huge dps loss of your foe.

StickerHappy.8052:

trooper.2650:

StickerHappy.8052:

Wait, so what if i just move away from the pull and warden? So the warden wont hit you. It will be a loss in dps.

Whether you like it or not when you choose to go with focus you have to take in to account that iwarden can fail (lets hope it will be defenitely fixed within next patch) and I am sure you already know this and that even if it doesn’t fail it still can miss a good chunck of its dps if summoned without a means for rooting the target. It can still absorb projectiles though, so it is not completely useless…

ah i see, but i was curious to know the reason why choose focus over pistol in duels?

the duelist is more reliable bec of the range. the stun is good too albeit a little bit clunky to aim at melee range the focus pull. Now lets say if warden threw away his axes at a foe, then I might consider focus over pistol, or is the focus just for personal preference?

I guess the strong point of focus for me is the pull because pulling all phantasms of your foe interrupts them simultaneously, and will lead to a huge dps loss of your foe.

In a duel I’d say pistol is better but it is a personal preference ofc. Focus cc is aoe and it’s one of the reasons if not the very reason ppl go for it. The others are swiftness and absorbing/reflecting projectiles.

Rematch! I think i better smoke weed before dueling to keep me calm! haha.

StickerHappy.8052:

Rematch! I think i better smoke weed before dueling to keep me calm! haha.

Doesn’t work. I tried (like.. allday errday). A whole new load of screw ups happen. =P

StickerHappy.8052:

Hi Chaos and Rylock,

I have a question for you guys, you guys use focus pull right? so with CI thats 2.5 secs, is it worth it with warden because only how many hits does it connect with the duration? since it attacks in melee range

This is assuming sword 3 is on CD. I am just curious with the lockdown with CI and warden, not the fact that it is an AoE interrupt.

Well it depends on what other options you have, really.

Check out the video “Those Interrupts Tho (link)”. When I dueled Jhughes, I dropped the Temporal Curtain and let it sit for almost it’s full duration before interrupting him with the pull. Blurred Frenzy was already wasted, so when I summoned the iWarden while he was immobed I had to use a mantra charge to keep him immob’d for it’s full duration.

If I couldn’t do that, then what happened in that Guardian fight (link) (Warden usually got owned after 2 or 3 of its 12 hits) where the warden will die to random AoE.

There’s a third option though, which you can see in this fight versus the thief (link). I couldn’t immob him into the Warden’s spin, but instead I camped inside the Warden’s defensive whirl. Since warden blocks projectiles, he had to melee me, which forced him to get chewed up by my phantasm.

Even if the iWarden doesn’t get it’kitten off, it’s still very useful as long as it’s alive and spinning.

TekknoTroll.9703:

Since we’re discussing lockdown builds I hope it is all right if I post mine here and ask you guys for some feedback and advice?

Linkety link

I use this in WvW where I alternate between roaming and zerg running, depending on what the huild/commander needs at the moment. I went Harmonius Mantras + Mender’s Purity (can’t wait to see how MoD will fit in to this) for I find them indispensable to get through all the condi bombs, especially since more than half of the time I try to run on the commander, cleaving with the sword and switching weapons for the Hydromancy Sigil effect. That’s why I also run Deceptive Evasion and Debilitating Dissipation so I can keep up condi pressure on the enemies as I roll through them.

I run full celestial armour for rounded out stats (mainly for better healing and to have at least some condi damage), but I am unsure whether that is the way to go. Should I just switch to the usual zerk/knight/cavalier combo and ditch the condi (also swapping out Debilitating Dissipation and Deceptive Evasion in the process)?

Another reason why I like running this build is because it allows me to quickly switch to PU in case I need to hide within a keep, sneaky sneaky.

Well that looks pretty solid trait/weapon-wise. As for your stats, unfortunately I can’t say for certain in WvW, but why not try phasing out some celestial for zerker bit by bit until you hit that power/defense threshold you’re comfortable with. Also, have you tried GS/Staff?

SlimChance.6593:

I have a question for the Lockdown pro’s in this thread. And its not so much about the build itself or the skills.. More the games setting. What I mean is usually when I mess up, I realize my camera was over the place or I just didn’t see my target’s animation or didn’t have the right target. Or I simply lost my mouse off screen somehow? (Could be I’m just too old and these eyes simply can’t keep up.)

So what are your video settings? Does SweetFX allow for better(clearer) visuals? Is a high DPI mouse better at camera control or a lower? Do you use fast cast in game, etc. Is there anything different “settings” wise that you found to help?

Well my settings/mouse are normal with the exception that I have fast casting on (rather than picking a target my aoes drop wherever my mouse pointer is).

I actually sort of have the same problem and have been slowly getting over it. Coming from console games to MMOs was really jarring, and I used to be a clicker before playing GW2, as a result I find myself sometimes accidentally clicking off of my target or not realizing I’m not on target because I my eyes wandered down to my skills rather than he fight itself.

I’ve started to get over this in a couple ways. First, I try to keep my mouse pointer trained onto my target, and only occasionally glance down at my skills. When I lose my target I usually hit tab, but I try to narrow the camera and position so that I can only see my opponent (and their pets.. X.x).

But yeah, it could be that you’re accidentally clicking off your target or brief moments of stealth screwing you over, like Ranger longbow. Hope that helps in some way!

Thanks for your thoughts Chaos, I might try and swap out some of that armour and see how it goes. As for the staff, yeah I interchange it with sword/focus (useful for pulling off walls and destroying cannons/oil).

Sup guys! Got some new videos up in the OP of the 4/4/6 CI Lockdown. From now on I’ll be putting notes in the videos pointing out good and bad moments. I’ve done some for some of the older videos as well.

Things of note:

• Proudly wrecked an Engi while down to 10% HP. (link to fight)

• 1v1 versus a Condi Warrior (link to fight)

• The most epic duel versus a very rare build.. Inspiration-Shatter! This was one of the most fun best of 3’s I’ve ever had, and I never expected the build to be so powerful! Check it out here! Props and shoutouts to Illusory Dilettante!

How does inspiration support shatter work? I mean, is it just shatter-vigor + shatter-condicleanse + general shatter stuff from Dom and Duel?

Chaos Archangel.5071:

• The most epic duel versus a very rare build.. Inspiration-Shatter! This was one of the most fun best of 3’s I’ve ever had, and I never expected the build to be so powerful! Check it out here! Props and shoutouts to Illusory Dilettante!

Loved watching this duel

Eidt: One question, at the 12:10 mark you use blink to get atop the rock. I saw no cursor or any aiming reticule at all. How do you aim this? Or is this just an editing trick?

Crazy duels, I was shaking by the end. Thanks again for the experience and for sharing, I am very grateful!

Carighan.6758:

How does inspiration support shatter work? I mean, is it just shatter-vigor + shatter-condicleanse + general shatter stuff from Dom and Duel?

Here is the build I run. My nickname for it is “Spell Breaker”. For the duels I swapped out Feedback for Decoy, and Moa for Mass Invisibility.

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fhAQNAsdWlknpUttqxMNMrNipxc6jWaLSGQDlskxB-TZBFwA12fIxhAYxTAoaZAAnAAA

Like you suggest, pretty common trait selection. I am more than happy to talk about my experience with it so far, choices made, etc. I’d rather not hijack the Lockdown thread though. If anyone is interested let me know and I can post a new thread for discussion.

dandamanno.4136:

Chaos Archangel.5071:

• The most epic duel versus a very rare build.. Inspiration-Shatter! This was one of the most fun best of 3’s I’ve ever had, and I never expected the build to be so powerful! Check it out here! Props and shoutouts to Illusory Dilettante!

Loved watching this duel

Eidt: One question, at the 12:10 mark you use blink to get atop the rock. I saw no cursor or any aiming reticule at all. How do you aim this? Or is this just an editing trick?

None of the videos are edited, but for some reason MSI Afterburner (the program I use to record, tis free for anyone who wants it. Props to skcamow for putting me on!) doesn’t show my cursor when the videos play back.

I don’t use standard aiming though, I always found it to be an unnecessary extra step. I have fast-casting on so it teleports me to wherever my cursor is when I press the skill.

Chaos, what was the most stressful and hardest fight you had with a lockdown mesmer?

Great matches as always Chaos. <3

That Inspiration Shatter was lovely!! Let’s give Inspiration more play!!

StickerHappy.8052:

Chaos, what was the most stressful and hardest fight you had with a lockdown mesmer?

For the hardest fight, I’m going to go out on a limb here and say myself. As for the most stressful, I have no idea lol.

Warlord of Chaos.7845:

StickerHappy.8052:

Chaos, what was the most stressful and hardest fight you had with a lockdown mesmer?

For the hardest fight, I’m going to go out on a limb here and say myself. As for the most stressful, I have no idea lol.

For me, like you were hard to fight too, but you don’t jump dodge as much as chaos, i found it really stressful.

Hardest fight as a lockdown Mesmer? Probably either Warrior or Engineer.

Most stressful? Engineer easily, since I have to rely on iWarden to mitigate a huge chunk of their damage.

Most difficult opponent? Either supcutie or Caed. sorry Ry, but I’ve NEVER beaten Caed, and supcutie is just a bit more difficult to take on.

And I’m feelin’ good after smacking you up this weekend, excuses notwithstanding. =P

Chaos Archangel.5071:

Hardest fight as a lockdown Mesmer? Probably either Warrior or Engineer.

Most stressful? Engineer easily, since I have to rely on iWarden to mitigate a huge chunk of their damage.

Most difficult opponent? Either supcutie or Caed. sorry Ry, but I’ve NEVER beaten Caed, and supcutie is just a bit more difficult to take on.

And I’m feelin’ good after smacking you up this weekend, excuses notwithstanding. =P

Well ill give you Caed since I can barely beat him and usually lose to him more then I win (Of course, since thief hard counters Mesmer, that really isn’t saying much), however Supcutie is debatable since were about 50/50 on any of our duels

I haven’t dueled supcutie in a while, so maybe I’ve leveled up to the point where I can give him something of a run for his money. =P

Also, I’m gonna start working on some Confounding Suggestions vids soon too, as I’ve been a bit biased towards CI recently. x_x Can’t help it with that sword/focus -staff CI setup being so awesome! But sword/sword is calling my name.

Chaos Archangel.5071:

I haven’t dueled supcutie in a while, so maybe I’ve leveled up to the point where I can give him something of a run for his money. =P

Also, I’m gonna start working on some Confounding Suggestions vids soon too, as I’ve been a bit biased towards CI recently. x_x Can’t help it with that sword/focus -staff CI setup being so awesome! But sword/sword is calling my name.

Empty your inbox fool!

Done! I have a whole 4 free spots xD

I know this is hell of an old bump, but I figured instead of starting a new thread I could start editing and updating this one.

I’d like to incorporate lockdown videos from other builds/players (like you Ross) so if you guys have any of yer best stuff to submit, please do!

Chaos Archangel.5071:

I know this is hell of an old bump, but I figured instead of starting a new thread I could start editing and updating this one.

I’d like to incorporate lockdown videos from other builds/players (like you Ross) so if you guys have any of yer best stuff to submit, please do!

Oh God, submit new vids? I’ll go toughen up my skin for all the heckling, ridicule, and qq I’ll receive. Woe the day I miss a dodge roll, or dodge roll nothing.

;p

I’ll start recording.

SlimChance.6593:

But other than that, I don’t know if it will really make much difference. I just wished ANet would do more to the Mantra traits themselves, like combining Mantra Mastery and Protected Mantras. And doing SOMETHING more to Harmonious Mantras.

ANet should of hired me years ago..

Ross Biddle.2367:

Chaos Archangel.5071:

I know this is hell of an old bump, but I figured instead of starting a new thread I could start editing and updating this one.

I’d like to incorporate lockdown videos from other builds/players (like you Ross) so if you guys have any of yer best stuff to submit, please do!

Oh God, submit new vids? I’ll go toughen up my skin for all the heckling, ridicule, and qq I’ll receive. Woe the day I miss a dodge roll, or dodge roll nothing.

;p

I’ll start recording.

You’re such a scrub.

What weapons/traits do people want to see in action?

Not sure why, but kittenterer with s/x(mostly Torch) and Gs i had like 30% win raito, after i change to CI (4/4/6) as S/P+Staff with bers amulet i just wreck ppl… But i think its bcos ppl are not prepared for interupt build taht punish so hard spaming skills ( like som1 using 3 skills in Chaos Storm and eating 6k dmg in 2s)

Also overal Builds as CI is great in terms of Defense/attack.
I Fear that with 6/6/6 pre Hot Interrup build will be strongly op and ppl will QQ ;/

People will always QQ.

Heck I even QQ sometimes … though I supply math why :-p

If someone wants to QQ that they can’t spam abilities with impunity, they can shove off. Confusion already got nerfed hard over a year ago to appease those people … because not spamming buttons is “hard” … /eyeroll.

Chaos Archangel.5071:

I know this is hell of an old bump, but I figured instead of starting a new thread I could start editing and updating this one.

I’d like to incorporate lockdown videos from other builds/players (like you Ross) so if you guys have any of yer best stuff to submit, please do!

Not really my best stuff, but I made a video running interrupt PU build, and a bit of the oldschool “Mind Crush” in WvW. I wanted to use Mind Crush more, but it doesn’t fit too well into the “roaming meta”.
Like on my other vids, I tried to put tough or somewhat interesting clips instead of easy fights and I’m not afraid to show my mistakes.

Chaos Archangel.5071:

I know this is hell of an old bump, but I figured instead of starting a new thread I could start editing and updating this one.

I’d like to incorporate lockdown videos from other builds/players (like you Ross) so if you guys have any of yer best stuff to submit, please do!

Ok Mr.Chaos, I threw this together for you

http://youtu.be/EyE9qQ9tugY

I really need to start playing my mesmer again…

Tealots.6095:

I really need to start playing my mesmer again…

And give up on this? :O – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOSKkTf-U8c

Here’s another phantrupt full match
http://youtu.be/2j6DwV-PIuE

Ross. We will never give up on our terrible toons. Especially ones that play builds that no one else does. Though, to be honest, you can slap a shortbow on any thief and they will be effective.

Tealots.6095:

Ross. We will never give up on our terrible toons. Especially ones that play builds that no one else does. Though, to be honest, you can slap a shortbow on any thief and they will be effective.

Thief OP.

What we’ve really got to do is get on TS and start utilizing your dark fields so that I can kshot from stealth. Also thief imob from stealth on the shortbow so they can’t dodge. We’re actually amazing, we just haven’t unlocked our potential yet :D

Here was a fun fight from today. Fun for me, not the incoming necro XD

Also featuring guest appearance by Tealot (pssst, fashionably late -_-u)