Guild Wars 2

This is the build that I am using, relying heavily on confusing enemies with clones while applying bleed stacks:

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fgAQNAW8dlwzKoHTzmGb9IipHEnvhcoUcdZXJF22FC-jUCBYhCyUFA5QFRjtaqIasaZAqbY6YLq2YeIaW0pWGAm1A-w

I think some people refer to this as an “Old School” condition build, but since it is a build that I came to use by trial and error myself I don’t know if it fits that bracket.

The build works very well for me, and it is FUN to play. I am using it both in PvE and in WvW. However, it would also be nice to hear other people’s opinion on the choices I have made. So, what do you think about the build or what would you change about it?

Speaking WvW here, why do you use DE? Not really a shatter or clone on death build. You could pick up IC instead and get a global CD decrease on your illusion skills.

If you’re counting on the bleeds applied from the warden via sharper images, you would be better to go with the duelist who will apply bleeds much faster and more reliably.

The rest looks pretty good. You didn’t have sigils on the sw/f weaponset, but I suggest using geomancy or doom on one and a condition duration, permanent bonus or on kill sigil on the other. This will ensure the sigils don’t conflict with each other.

The main thing that jumps out at me is the use of a non-traited focus in a pve/wvw build. Even if you’re just using it for BI (and swiftness) the reduced CD from traiting it is also helpful. An alternative would be an OH sword and if that’s the case you may as well trait sword.

Thank you for your input. I am finding it hard to keep all my clones up if I don’t have DE. Although I really, really miss IC (from being an adapt trait) I find it harder to stay alive without DE.

I have sometimes been using 0/10/25/0/25, but the joy of throwing a Chaos Storm and Temporal Curtain into a zerg had me sold on BI.

The non-traited focus would require me to go 20 points into Inspiration, and I don’t really see how I could do that and retain my playstyle. Where would I take those points? Going for iDuelist perhaps? I’ll chew on that for a bit..

Sword/sword sounds like a viable combo too without too much change.

(I am using Corruption sigils on my sword/focus atm, I just forgot to add them into the build.)

As you are using Focus I think your build would probably benefit from Runes of Perplexity. Phantasmal Warden won’t provide you with much in the way of bleeds unless your opponent(s) enjoys standing next to it, but the potential AoE interrupt of Temporal Curtain would allow you to continue to put condition pressure on your opponent(s) until you switch back to staff. Gives you an extra source of confusion to get the most out of Master of Misdirection.

If you’re hitting zergs with this build I’d suggest you open your skill rotation with Null Field to help strip off stability. Then drop Temporal Curtain, let a few walk through to cripple them, and then pull them. Going 20 into Inspiration allows you to both reduce your Null Field and Temporal Curtain CD. Perhaps take 10 from Chaos and Illusions to achieve this.

At this point, in my head, I’d want to hit them with iZerker and smash into them with iWave to make use of the might burst (possibly with a Mind Stab in there too). Nothing kills a zerg more quickly than CC combined with stability stripping and we just happen to be the best class at aoe boon removal. That said, without sufficient stealth, a GS charge (can u tell I love doing this?) may not end well so Staff may be prudent.