Guild Wars 2

I’ve recently returned to GW2 and purchased HoT. So far I’m loving it, with the whole Elite Spec as Druid. The only problem I have is deciding whether to run a Condition Build (Torch + Axe) or Power (Longbow). I’m interested in running Fractals and Raids. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

You’ll find more informed opinions in the Ranger forum. But since you asked, condi has higher potential max DPS. A segment of the playerbase likes to translate this into “condi is the only acceptable spec, power is garbage”, but having the mostest meta build won’t save you if you can’t do a rotation, use your CCs, dodge, or stack.

If you want to do high-level fractals, you’ll need full ascended regardless. The nice thing about ascended is armor and weapons can be stat-swapped in the mystic forge. So you’re only 2 weapons (shortbow/torch, or longbow/sword) and 6 trinkets away from the other spec no matter which one you choose. Viper trinkets require visiting the LS3 maps. Berserker ones can be had more easily, with laurels, badges of honor, guild commendations, and pristine fractal relics.

Sister Saxifrage.7361:

You’ll find more informed opinions in the Ranger forum. But since you asked, condi has higher potential max DPS. A segment of the playerbase likes to translate this into “condi is the only acceptable spec, power is garbage”, but having the mostest meta build won’t save you if you can’t do a rotation, use your CCs, dodge, or stack.

So very much this! Many players significantly undervalue skill, and overvalue small mechanical differences, while they would typically get significantly more improvement by playing a little better than by changing up spec or class.

Until you are literally the best in the world, it’s really, really not that important what spec you choose, compared to how well you play it. So, go with what you enjoy.

I’ve been running a power ranger for ages, got my ascended gear with ‘zerker stats and all. I’d like to try the condi build at Fractals, but it’s annoying that the builds are so tied to gear.

I could borrow viper trinkets from my condi necro, but I’d have to settle with exotic weapons and potentially convert my ascended set to viper, which is super expensive and pretty much something I just don’t want to do. (not to mention crafting another set of ascended armor…)

I wish ascended stuff would have changeable stats too.

I made the switch to viper SB/A-T when I realized condi stacks were just DoTs, and I always love the “throw more DoTs!” playstyle. It’s nice that condi degen keeps ticking for a while if I have to dodge, or if I get downed or even killed, or just distracted by IRL baby aggro. It’s like a second pet, damage that delivers itself to an extent. Yes, converting all my ascended gear to Viper’s was an expensive experiment, but I was reasonably confident that it would have a good outcome. Also, having tried shortbow and liked it, making The Dreamer became a vaguely practical choice :-D

Get both and have fun with both xD

Well, honestly changing armor stats wouldn’t be such a big of a deal if crafting an insignia didn’t cost about ~10 gold each due to hardened leather prices… crafting a separate set is just such a costly ordeal. But I guess I could run what ascended stuff I have and at least try it in Fractals.