I feel like im the only mesmer on my server that uses that combination. I think it works good with every build exept maybee a 100% condition one. Its really fun try it out
Its a hybrid build that uses shatter/conditons/phantasms. Its a glass cannon but I think as a mesmer you can afford low def stats. The 10 points in chaos are not important and I usually swap the utility skills to counter the enemys we face. If you want to run something similar with more def just swap amulet/jewel but I would at least try to get 30% crit.
I used torch for some time and its really good for 1v1. The extra stealth makes you almost untouchable in duels but the torch-phantasm is so useless (my oppinion). The extra block/daze and a second powerfull phantasm are more usefull in a average fight.
Another thing is that the sword and pistol phantasm spawn at different distances from the enemy. It makes it much harder for the enemy to aoe both down at the same time.
The problem with OH sword is that in the situations where the increased dps from that melee phantasm would matter, its low survivability kills any potential benefit. And in those where it can survive ok, like solo mob farming, it does not really matter.
I feel like im the only mesmer on my server that uses that combination. I think it works good with every build exept maybee a 100% condition one. Its really fun try it out
You may be the on only mesmer on the server
Part of me thinks that someone in ANet was thinking “hey, wanna see something funny? Watch this…”
It is really an interesting build. But … I can’t help thinking, that running so heavily on conditions invites for using the staff.
Anyway: I can see the strategy for using that build … I bet it has a strong defense even with the low toughness.
your link is bad, but let me say. I dont like offhand sword that much and I dont like pistol that much.
To me the focus way out shine both. The only way the pistol is good is if ya going for a illu dps build. Only way any other weapon I can see as a offhand would out shine the focus for me.
However I dont go for that build and so I will always use Sword/focus.
I like scepter, but for my build sword works better.
I also use the gs for secondary weapon, because again. It best for my build.
Shatter/retal build with Scepter/pistol Sword/sword
My current build I’ve been playing with for a few days now.
I’ve had a staff on my mes pretty much since I started pvping— and I was just trying to make a build that got away from that a bit and this is what I ended up with. It can get a little technical in terms of when you should use your blocks but it’s actually very defensible and has amazing DPS.
And obviously— I pull a focus out of my inventory when combat breaks to throw out the speed buff and instantly switch back to pistol.
I don’t use the scepter, but I love sword/sword. With Blade Training and Celerity, the cooldown on the iSwordsman is 9 seconds, which means they are almost always available during solo PVE roams, and easy to crank out in longer fights.
Granted they are squishy, but they take nice bites and their evasive leaps work reasonably well.
YMMV, but sword/sword is my default, with staff for backup/ranged, and I couldn’t be happier.
“Not the same, real and true. True you feel inside.
Always follow what is true.” — Sentry-skritt Bordekka
I don’t use sword/sword, because I think sword is horrible offensively and I die a lot to ranged classes whenever I use it. Scepter pistol is a weird combo.
Personally i think sword/Anything isnt very viable in PVP or PVe unless you have traited 15 points into Chaos and Inspiration, for the phantasm regen/protection combo… makes melee combat much more survivable…. especially considering you have the evasion from the number 2, and if your good with timing, have another block with riptose(sp?)
also, @ManCaptain, i used to think the same thing about sword, but consider using the number 2 as just an evade, use it to absorb that burst from the ranged class, especially since its only a 8 or 10 second cooldown. Sure, its more beneficial to be doing the solid damage in melee range, but that skill’s utility is vast… i used to save the cooldown till i got in melee range, now ill just burn it whenever its up, and that 2 seconds of evasion can go a LONG way, especially vs thieves… they are liable to burn through all their resource in seconds, if they arent smart.
Sometimes I use sword/pistol and scepter/sword weapon set. I like the double block on the scepter sword…. I feel I’m the only one who uses sword/sword and sword/pistol weapon set though.
Well, its not that you’re the only one… your just in the minority =P
i tried all of the same combos mentioned throughout this forum chain, just like il lbet everyone has tried every Mesmer combination of weapons… and they All have their Pro’s/Con’s, it just boils down to play style, what are you more comfortable with…. Some people will say that certain builds or weapons are PVP/PVE specific, but that’s a biased opinion… if you are more skilled with your preferred weapons, then so be it! thats the beauty of guildwars… there are some hiccups along the way, but this is by far the most fair and balanced MMO i have played, and ive played probably at least Half in existence, extensively.
So, if you like it, Do it!!! but i prefer staff // sword-pistol, or staff // greatsword. just my preference, which happens to be the most common, but i Still prefer it!
