Guild Wars 2

Hello dear Necros,

After playing other professions (-gasp- unfaithful!) for centuries, I finally managed to get decent clips with Necro. The content doesn’t include too much solo roaming or 1v1s. It starts off with some small scale stuff, then by the middle goes into a chase, and by the end it finishes off with two 1vx fights. I would love to hear if you have any suggestions in terms of footage (what I should/shouldn’t include), or anything else

The build I use is this:
http://en.gw2skills.net/editor/?fRAQNBLhZakjmebLuxvG+bTEMIS26T0NmEgyvXB-TFxCABAcIAo4JAMz+DTfCAIFAMzBA-w

As some already know, it relies on mobility to get around the battlefield and juke your opponents to stay alive, while dealing damage. I tend to play a lot of in-your-face with this build, which is risky, very fun, but it isn’t at all necessary. A dagger off-hand could also be used for more condi clears and far-range bleeds/weakness, but Warhorn provides some tanking by popping Locust Swarm then Deathshroud. Not to mention it’s pretty godly with Runes of Krait :P
- I did not include any armor and trinket stats. I use a mix of rabid and dire such that my crit chance is around 35-40% (more or less depending on if you want more damage or tankyness).

I hope you enjoy

Neat. Have you tried using perplexity runes? I have been inactive since before the crit damage nerf (RIP my divinity runes), but they should be fairly hilarious, even with the CD’s, now that fear properly interrupts.

I have never tried using perplex runes but considered it. Some condi Necros actually do use them, and it can be very nasty cuz on top of the Torment, you also have confusion >_> So while you are being feared, you stun break (1 tick of confusion), use heal skill (another tick of confusion)… a lot of damage and pressure. I think they are really good in 1v1, 1v2, 1v3 scenarios, or when you aren’t fighting too many enemies because the runes are single-target. The cooldown on the confusion is too long for larger fights so it can get cleansed off quickly and nothing else really benefits from them. But… for 1v1s it’s pretty OP in my opinion…. but… that’s perplexity :P

It’s simply amazing the difference a minor rune change can make. You’ve definitely proven Krait runes to be very underrated.

Great video, as always. More plz. :P

MethaneGas.8357:

I have never tried using perplex runes but considered it. Some condi Necros actually do use them, and it can be very nasty cuz on top of the Torment, you also have confusion >_> So while you are being feared, you stun break (1 tick of confusion), use heal skill (another tick of confusion)… a lot of damage and pressure. I think they are really good in 1v1, 1v2, 1v3 scenarios, or when you aren’t fighting too many enemies because the runes are single-target. The cooldown on the confusion is too long for larger fights so it can get cleansed off quickly and nothing else really benefits from them. But… for 1v1s it’s pretty OP in my opinion…. but… that’s perplexity :P

Epi + Perpelx.

Whats your staff skin?

Amins.3710:

Epi + Perpelx.

True, I didn’t think of that. Still though, bringing it has its ups and downs.

P.S. I’m remember you from WvW dat burst tho

Holl.3109:

Whats your staff skin?

It is the Dreamthistle staff skin

since you are a pure condi build with little to no boon removals, do you have trouble fighting

1) anti-condi builds like diamond skin ele

2) stability heavy builds like ele, guardian, warrior

EremiteAngel.9765:

since you are a pure condi build with little to no boon removals, do you have trouble fighting

1) anti-condi builds like diamond skin ele

2) stability heavy builds like ele, guardian, warrior

1) I very rarely encounter diamond skin eles and when I do, it’s mostly with a group so their diamond skin doesn’t really last long before they drop below 90%. I only ever faced a Diamond Skin ele once in a 1v1. It was kind of cheap on their part, but once I switched to Minion Mastery, she melted in less than 15 secs. If I were solo roaming and I ran into a diamond skin ele, to be honest I don’t know how I would react xD cuz it never happened. If you are alone and you are fighting a few enemies, and one of them is a diamond skin ele, I don’t think there’s much you can do unless you focus the others first.
- Other anti condi things like Berserk Stance – I just wait it out and attack another target while the stance wears off.
- Melandru + Lemongrass – the long condi duration of bleeds from Runes of Krait + Koi cakes overrides their condi reduction, at least for bleeds, which there’s plenty of.

2) With stability heavy people I tend to kite until the stability runs out. Slows/cripples work just fine on them still, and scepter auto attack will still melt them xD (along with other skills). If we are in a larger group – around 5 – I sometimes take Corrupt Boon, and that thing just melts people with stability. If I don’t have that, kiting works, at least for me. I don’t find stability to be a huge issue.
If I’m alone, I also try to kite until stability runs out.

So…. trouble fighting Diamond Skin eles? I’d say yes. In a 1v1? No.
Trouble fighting stability? Usually no. In a 1v1? No.

thanks for the insights.
personally I gave your build a try, slightly modified, solo roaming. i dont have a group.

here are my thoughts on the pros and cons, not sure if you agree =)

pros:
1) great mobility. I can outrun even a warrior/thief!
point in case, a group of pugs, including a warrior chased me up and down the south island and on the third trip around he just stood there and gave up.

2) unpredictability. with good use of the surrounding terrain as you have shown in your video, all the teleporting around can give you valuable breathing room to heal or reset your skills.

3) good synergy with the traits. going spectral traits with spectral skills is a great way of remaining tanky for a long time while dishing out decent damage.

Cons:
1) the trait synergy restricts the swapping of utility skills when facing different opponents because when you do swap, you end up having one useless or less effective trait.

2) full condi will definitely suffer against an anti condi build, regardless of build.

3) the lack of any form of boon removals means that if you fight headlong against a boon stacking opponent, you are going to be at a bad disadvantage. although as in your post, you kite until their boon/stability run out…

4) terrible build for fighting thieves if you ask me…the only thing that is going to really hurt the thief is plague form, but the thief must be dumb enough to stay in your plague circle…

Verdict: I can see the effectiveness of this mobility build for group fights because chances are, the enemy will want to take you out first and with your immense mobility, it won’t be easy for them. But it is more a drawback than a boon for solo fights. Losing 2 utility skills to mobility and having traits centered around spectral makes it too restrictive for the variety of opponents you will face.

I am currently running this build. modified off Ascii’s build. a balance of power and condi, carrion + dire + rabid + berserker. Utility skills are not restricted by the traits, very versatile. can take on most enemies.

give it a try for solo roaming =) bad thing is if you run into a zerg you can’t run =D

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fRQQNArYWjc0Ubb5NO2wfbCchSqeA6FIAi2o/gJYEA-w

Basically the utility skills in place are very useful in every type of fights. The 2 skills below, can be used in just about any fight against any build to give you a strong advantage.

spectral armor = stun break + protection + DS regaining
signet of spite = instant loading of condis on your opponent

The only skill that I change depending on my opponent is the corrupt boon slot.

- If i am clearing camps, and there is a point I can stack the npcs on, I change it to spectral wall.
- If there is no good point that I can stack the npcs on, I use epidemic.
- If I am fighting a warrior/guardian/ele, I use corrupt boon.
- If i am fighting a thief/mesmer/necro, I use spectral wall or well of power.
- sometimes through the first fight, especially if i lose, and i notice the enemy is full condi, i use plague signet then go and hunt them again for a rematch…works like a charm against them =D

EremiteAngel.9765:

thanks for the insights.
personally I gave your build a try, slightly modified, solo roaming. i dont have a group.
here are my thoughts on the pros and cons, not sure if you agree =)
pros:
1) great mobility. I can outrun even a warrior/thief!
point in case, a group of pugs, including a warrior chased me up and down the south island and on the third trip around he just stood there and gave up.

Haha yes! It’s excellent when they give up and you know they mutter to themselves “hacks…”

2) unpredictability. with good use of the surrounding terrain as you have shown in your video, all the teleporting around can give you valuable breathing room to heal or reset your skills.

Agreed, most people don’t expect a Necro to port. It’s even better if you teleport behind the enemy. They will lose a few seconds trying to figure out where you went.

EremiteAngel.9765:

3) good synergy with the traits. going spectral traits with spectral skills is a great way of remaining tanky for a long time while dishing out decent damage.

Agreed

Cons:
1) the trait synergy restricts the swapping of utility skills when facing different opponents because when you do swap, you end up having one useless or less effective trait.

This is true. When you swap out Spectral Wall, for example, you have only one spectral skill on your skill bar remaining (unless you take Spectral Armor). Spectral Attunement AND Spectral Mastery are two traits which only affect that one skill (spectral walk). I still think that the two traits make spectral walk really, really good, but I do agree that having 2 traits dedicated to only one utility skill isn’t optimal. With the new update, Last Grasp (Spectral Armor when below 50%) will count as a spectral skill and the buffs will apply to it as well. That might make things a bit better in this regard. If not, you could swap out some of the traits, if it works for you (for example, taking Path of Corruption – I do this in GvGs).

EremiteAngel.9765:

2) full condi will definitely suffer against an anti condi build, regardless of build.

Which anti-condi builds do you mean?
I find that most people cry about condi builds in WvW xD

3) the lack of any form of boon removals means that if you fight headlong against a boon stacking opponent, you are going to be at a bad disadvantage. although as in your post, you kite until their boon/stability run out…

Yes that’s true. Boon-heavy targets can be very annoying. Guardian and Ele are the main culprit, I think, right?
The good thing about them is that they generally have low health pools, which means condis will drain them pretty quick (unless it’s a shout guardian). Some elementalists can also be a problem, especially if they have focus, which cleanses conditions well. The build isn’t good at everything, so I’d agree this is one of its weaknesses (boon stripping). But… some which are boon heavy are boon heavy because their base stats are pretty low, so they rely on boons to basically “make up” for what they lack… unless you are a warrior -_- .

EremiteAngel.9765:

4) terrible build for fighting thieves if you ask me…the only thing that is going to really hurt the thief is plague form, but the thief must be dumb enough to stay in your plague circle…

Which kind of thief did you find the build terrible against?
I find this odd because for me, thieves are one of the easiest targets if they aren’t condi, and if it’s a 1v1. If it’s an outnumbered fight, things get a bit more tricky.
-If it’s a dagger/dagger thief, they rely on cloak and dagger. If you can anticipate that and dodge it, then try to burst them, they won’t like it. Also try to stand around in your marks – preferably mark of blood because it has a low cooldown incase they dodge through it. Sometimes if I see a thief use Basilisk venom from afar, I place Mark #5 on myself. They will usually pre-cast cloak and dagger and will steal off of you, but the mark will fear them. Then you can burst them from there – it really depends though.
- If it’s a dagger/pistol thief, it’s more tricky cuz of the ability to reset the fight and the blinds. For them… I try to cast locust swarm when they try to blind with the powder so it negates their blinds (the locust swarm will remove the blind so your next attack actually counts). A good strategy is also to wait for them to do the smoke field, then place the wall infront of them. They will leap through the wall and will get feared back without stealthing.
-Condi thieves are a pain in the butt. I haven’t had many encounters with them, but I already know it isn’t pretty. If it’s a 1v1, I swap to dagger off-hand and plague signet.
-For any melee thief, it is good to kite around your wall. A good position is to grab the protection and stand right infront of the wall so if they steal to you, they don’t steal OVER the wall, they steal on the wall, which will fear them.
- I also try to pull them away as I’m fighting them. For example, using spectral walk and drag them away from where I initially used it (fighting while moving away)so if I need to port back, it’s at a semi-safe distance.

EremiteAngel.9765:

Verdict: I can see the effectiveness of this mobility build for group fights because chances are, the enemy will want to take you out first and with your immense mobility, it won’t be easy for them. But it is more a drawback than a boon for solo fights. Losing 2 utility skills to mobility and having traits centered around spectral makes it too restrictive for the variety of opponents you will face.

Interesting. I rarely solo roam anymore because there just isn’t time – but I also prefer groups. I personally find the build I run can take on a lot of the things in a solo environment… BUT one of the biggest downsides – for me personally – are condi-heavy people (because of low condi removal) and ranged people (jukes don’t work too well when the greatsword mesmer can still hit you). I don’t solo roam often tho, so hearing feedback is always excellent

EremiteAngel.9765:

I am currently running this build. modified off Ascii’s build. a balance of power and condi, carrion + dire + rabid + berserker. Utility skills are not restricted by the traits, very versatile. can take on most enemies.
give it a try for solo roaming =) bad thing is if you run into a zerg you can’t run =D
http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fRQQNArYWjc0Ubb5NO2wfbCchSqeA6FIAi2o/gJYEA-w
Basically the utility skills in place are very useful in every type of fights. The 2 skills below, can be used in just about any fight against any build to give you a strong advantage.
spectral armor = stun break + protection + DS regaining
signet of spite = instant loading of condis on your opponent
The only skill that I change depending on my opponent is the corrupt boon slot.
- If i am clearing camps, and there is a point I can stack the npcs on, I change it to spectral wall.
- If there is no good point that I can stack the npcs on, I use epidemic.
- If I am fighting a warrior/guardian/ele, I use corrupt boon.
- If i am fighting a thief/mesmer/necro, I use spectral wall or well of power.
- sometimes through the first fight, especially if i lose, and i notice the enemy is full condi, i use plague signet then go and hunt them again for a rematch…works like a charm against them =D

Very interesting. I’m sure if does a crazy amount of damage, and you don’t need Krait Runes because of the condi duration from Spite. Which runes do you grab? It also seems to cover the power-end of damage as well as the condi damage end, but seems to rely a bit more on condi…so if the enemy is resistant against one thing, the other source of damage will still hit hard.
How do you find your survivability with the build?
How do you do in outnumbered fights?

Thanks for the feedback first person to write a throughout feedback post

Hy, I’ve used Ascii’s power build for a few months, but then Ive seen your plays here so Ive decided to try out this build and I have 2 suggestions/questions for you:

1) Undead runes over Krait – coz I like to be a frontline warrior and it gives more toughness and toughness based condi dmg, when equipped these runes got +150 condi dmg in raw.

2) Do you use ascended trinkets? Ive had enough laurels to get my ascendeds and they’re fine with Condi/ Tough / Vita / Precision

Finally I have around max. 2100+ condi dmg, ~ 40 % crit , 23k hp , 2800 toughness
Thx 1 more time for the build, wait your next vids

swagolas.9732:

Hy, I’ve used Ascii’s power build for a few months, but then Ive seen your plays here so Ive decided to try out this build and I have 2 suggestions/questions for you:

1) Undead runes over Krait – coz I like to be a frontline warrior and it gives more toughness and toughness based condi dmg, when equipped these runes got +150 condi dmg in raw.

Hello
Sorry for the late reply. Hectic life is hectic,
Undead Runes are really good for their toughness increase and the raw condition power. It may work for some builds, but for the one I currently use, there is just so much defense piled in there that I feel like you do need the condi duration from Runes of Krait. I think the raw condi dmg is excellent for quick damage output, but the toughness is not as necessary (in my opinion). Over long periods of time, I think the condi duration from Runes of Krait is just stronger. 45% bleed duration is almost like dealing 45% more damage, especially if the enemy is low on cleanses (it goes well with the on-crit bleeds from the Curses minor, goes well with Weakening Shroud trait, and goes well with Locust Swarm + Plague, although that was nerfed a bit – they made it so your power doesn’t double so Locst Swarm doesn’t hit as hard anymore. Booo!)

swagolas.9732:

2) Do you use ascended trinkets? Ive had enough laurels to get my ascendeds and they’re fine with Condi/ Tough / Vita / Precision

Finally I have around max. 2100+ condi dmg, ~ 40 % crit , 23k hp , 2800 toughness
Thx 1 more time for the build, wait your next vids

Yes, my whole build is ascended, which brings my armor up to about 2850. I use the +5 vitality infusions. I would definitely say to buy ascended trinkets. Once you buy them, they’ll be good forever, basically, as long as you are condi. I also use the Condi/Toughness/Vitality/Precisions ones, although I do have a few Rabid trinkets too.

Wow…. your stats are really good. I have the same amount of condi dmg, BUT with Guard Stacks, Corruption sigil, and full ascended set… so I think if you had those buffs/ascendeds too your condi dmg would be probably be up there in the 2250 range. 40% crit chance, 23k HP and 2800 toughness is excellent, it hits the spot haha xD How do you find your damage with Undead Runes? And have you tried Runes of Krait or?

Actually now tried Krait runes too, with them Im much more damage dealer typed above the older one which made my more tankier.
I prefer both but Ive learned the playstyle so now Im using the same traits/stats as you, just for utilities Im using now : Spectrall wall, Spectral walk and PLAGUE signet
So OP to have 2 cond. remover/burster skills (the other one is heal ofc)
Now my max cond dmg is with full buffs around 2050-ish but dont have Applied Strength yet. Yesterday under 5-6 hours made 600+ honored kills easily :P
Really love this build, and 1 more tip : I use Lingering Curse over Spectral Attunement and it works so kitten bleeding stackings on enemies

Can i ask what software do you use to make your vids? also do you plan or can you make some vids/builds of eotm. Also can i be your friend :P

@swagolas,
Yeah Undead Runes are good in raw condi dmg but condi duration from Krait is just too good if you got 0 points in Spite :P
Ah, Plague Signet is nice, especially when they made it so it can’t be blinded >:)
Oh I completely forgot about Lingering Curse… I’m guessing your scepter melts people? I gotta try it :P
I’m glad you are enjoying it

@mikeew,
I use Fraps, but I got a new laptop so I’ll be using Shadowplay. Shadowplay is some GeForce program that the newer graphics cards use. I haven’t tested it much but apparently it’s really good (and free). I think you need GeForce 600 series or higher for it though.
What kind of builds/vids of eotm? Roaming or? :O
And sure haha, you can be my friend xD <3

Eom love to see a good montage maybe some mix of zerging with some small group/1 on 1. Also, thanks for the reply on the software I’ve thought about starting to make some youtube vids but just haven’t really gotten committed to it quite yet.

Ok I will try. I don’t often zerg around with large groups, but if a fun opportunity presents itself, anything can happen ….maybe I’ll try out a new Chill-mancer build I’ve been thinking of for large groups… anyway…
Ah, it’s not hard to record at all as long as you have the software and a computer/laptop that can handle it. You also need a video editing software. I use Windows Movie Maker… it’s free, but it gets the job done. There’s much better things out there though :P
Good luck

I zerg with a wellmancer and wanted to find a roaming build that I could use on my Necro too.

This is that build. Thanks for doing the work!

My only change was to add in the new Path of Corruption trait, replacing Spectral Attunement. That way you get the clutch boon corrupts that this build lacks.