Guild Wars 2

I’ve been theory crafting constantly since launch, but every build I make that doesn’t contain a greatsword just never seems to match up to a build WITH a greatsword. I’ve tried almost every weapon combination I can think of, none match up with that hunk of metal. This list will list the Pros and Cons of each weapon in a PvP setting with a bit of WvW crossover.

Greatsword
Pros: Capability for massive damage in addition to two good movement skills make this the warrior’s bread and butter. It can a damaging ranged cripple that can hit twice in a row. The perks are also in good locations, neither require you to spec into a tree that would reduce your DPS.

Cons: Rush has trouble tracking and hitting targets, but it’s almost always used while not targeting someone and is used as an escape method. The Burst skill is totally worthless but most of the perks you use benefit from not using it anyways.

Axe
Pros: This is easily the number 2 warrior weapon behind the GS, which is why it is often used in tandem with it. It has a less damaging ranged cripple than the gs but it moves much faster. It’s main strength is it’s damaging main combo. If used with an offhand mace you can also stack a good amount of vulnerability. If used with a shield and unsuspecting foe you can land an Eviscerate with 100% critical hit chance.

Cons: Axe has no movement skills whatsoever. When used as an offhand it doesn’t bring much to the table. Whirling Axe is mobile but doesn’t deal that much damage and is easy to get out of range of.

Rifle
Pros: Rifle has some great potential for burst damage. This comes from volley and Kill Shot. It has your standard cripple and a knockback for keeping foes at range or interrupting heals.

Cons: Even with the recent buff, Brutal Shot is still a pretty meh skill. The basic Bleed Shot also seems to go against the main purpose of the weapon. Kill Shot also has it’s notoriously long channel time.

Hammer
Pros: Along with mace this can offer some the greatest amount of CC in the game. A powerful knockdown in addition to an AoE stun in the form of Earthshaker can be a powerful force in team battles.

Cons: The hammer is very slow but receives little payback for it’s slow speed. You can fake foes out by switching weapons part way through Backbreaker’s animation, but actually landing with it often requires you to set it up with a stun or ensuring their blocks or blinds are on cooldown. Earthshaker suffers from the same problem, it is so obviously telegraphed avoiding it isn’t that difficult. Staggering blow, while the knockback can be good for clearing people off points and sometimes setting up Earthshaker or Backbreaker. Most times however, hitting with it is difficult because it roots you and has a slow activation time. You may find yourself avoiding the skill in general.

Mace
Pros: The mace has a daze that is great for interrupting heals or other big attacks. If combined with the Missile Deflection Counter Blow will actually reflect all projectiles for its duration. This is probably the best strength the mace has to offer, especially against skills like Unload, Killshot, and Illusionary Duelist . Skull crack is a single target stun like Earthshaker but has a much faster cast time and is very good for 1v1 situations. Offhand mace is a very strong choice in general. Tremor is a ranged knockdown that can hit a foe twice if in close range.

Cons: The mace’s main combo is very slow, the mace is also a very reactive weapon, not an active one. most of your time will be spent using its very slow auto attack looking for the chance to block a big attack or interrupting a heal. Also, because of the placement of the perks if you want Mace and Shield with a Hammer, you generally must choose what trait you want to focus on.

Sword
Pros: The mainhand swords best skill is undoubtedly Savage Leap. It’s a great gap closer and escape skill. It is also good for stacking bleeds and its Burst skill has a immobilize tied to it. This weapon is a good choice as al alternative weapon set.

Cons: The sword is unable to stack bleeds as effectively as thieves and rangers and feels more like a bonus effect rather than a feature. Hamstring is very underwhelming, you must be in melee range for it to connect and while it lasts longer than other cripples it still isn’t all that useful and would benefit from having a few stacks of bleed attached t it. The offhand sword is also focused on bleeds but still manage to be an underwhelming choice compared to a shield. The lack of cover conditions also mean many classes will be able to remove these stacks easily. (The offhand sword also looks really silly hanging at your side because you don’t use it with your main combo, not important gameplay wise but still annoying)

Longbow
Pros: Longbow is a favorite for WvW for it’s AoE damage and its powerful Burst skill Combustive Shot. when traited for glass Arching Shot can hit for a massive amount of damage. Fan of Fire is actually best used at point blank to apply a decent amount of damage and fire. It synergies well with Sword since Pin Down applies 6 stacks of bleeding.

Cons: While the bow perks are all in the tactics line their usefulness for the investment is suspect. Extra bow range sounds nice and with certain skills it is, but with the auto attack most arrows will not hit at range, the perk also makes Duel Shot and Fan of Fire combo finishers but it can be buggy. In fact, the auto attack Dual Shot is fairly worthless in general. Burning Arrows makes you deal 10% more damage to burning foes, but you’ll deal more damage just being spec’d into Power, Arms, and Discipline. You also get some fairly worthless minor traits going into tactics.

The greatsword offers the greatest amount of benefits with the least amount of Cons. Even the weapons that have good Pros have one or more major Con that keep it from being considered as good as GS.

P.S I’m doing a midnight and was very bored.

Greatsword has a huge massive con that makes it worthless for any kind of pvp.

Hundred Blades roots you and takes too long to complete. Greatsword dps is great on paper, but in practice people dodge, interupt, invuln, block, blink and leap away from it.

Lorelei.3918:

Greatsword has a huge massive con that makes it worthless for any kind of pvp.

Hundred Blades roots you and takes too long to complete. Greatsword dps is great on paper, but in practice people dodge, interupt, invuln, block, blink and leap away from it.

…one of the only worthwhile PvP builds is Bulls Charge → Frenzy→ 100b.

BurrTheKing.8571:

Lorelei.3918:

Greatsword has a huge massive con that makes it worthless for any kind of pvp.

Hundred Blades roots you and takes too long to complete. Greatsword dps is great on paper, but in practice people dodge, interupt, invuln, block, blink and leap away from it.

…one of the only worthwhile PvP builds is Bulls Charge -> Frenzy-> 100b.

Also the GS is really used for a quick rotation of 3,4,5 before switching back to axe. 100b is only used situationally.

axe + mace / sword + warhorn is an awesome combo as well. The knockdown from mace #5 makes for an easy eviserate, and the sword + warhorn combo effectively makes you uncatchable. Combine those with a shout healing build and you’ll be all over the place. Alternatively hammer / sword + warhorn is very nice as well. Hammer skills aren’t that slow to begin with, but they do have a lot of distinctive “I’m winding something up!” animation that can make landing them tricky. Easiest way I’ve found to land hammer moves is hit them with the #3 cone cripple then start up backbreaker. I think greatswords are boring on warriors, but that’s just me lol.

I hate greatsword as it is right now. It makes meta warrior pvp uncreative and pigeonholes them as the spastic zerker dumbth per second tag alongs that fall over when a feather hits them instead of what ought to be a versatile profession.

I run an axe/shield, longbow build with retal and high power, health and toughness that gets the job done pretty well without crit proc RNG roulette. I can duel HGH engis, altho I have to admit they are still really stupid strong. Thieves don’t like me hehe. Neither do mesmers.

I like hammer, but only in teamfights or bunkers. Mace is waay too slow. If there was a 300 range on the burst it would be better. Mace offhand is fantastic with axe if you’re going direct damage with 8 vulnerability stacks and a knockdown-eviscerate combo.

I think swords are awesome if you want a condi build. Sword/sword and Longbow is very dot heavy with great movement control. Shouts, 30 tactics, soldier runes with carrion amulet and 25 arms 15 discipline will get the job done.

Lorelei.3918:

Greatsword has a huge massive con that makes it worthless for any kind of pvp.

Hundred Blades roots you and takes too long to complete. Greatsword dps is great on paper, but in practice people dodge, interupt, invuln, block, blink and leap away from it.

I’d preface that con with just requiring more set-up than other attacks.

BurrTheKing.8571:

Extra bow range sounds nice and with certain skills it is, but with the auto attack most arrows will not hit at range. In fact, the auto attack Dual Shot is fairly worthless in general. Burning Arrows make all shots a combo finisher and deal 10% more damage to burning foes, but you’ll deal more damage just being spec’d into Power, Arms, and Discipline. You also get some fairly worthless minor traits going into tactics.

You got it a bit switched. It’s Stronger Bowstrings that gives Dual Shots and Fan of Fire its100% combo. It’s not too harsh an investment, IMO but you can go without it as it’s a tad buggy.

Leo G.4501:

Lorelei.3918:

Greatsword has a huge massive con that makes it worthless for any kind of pvp.

Hundred Blades roots you and takes too long to complete. Greatsword dps is great on paper, but in practice people dodge, interupt, invuln, block, blink and leap away from it.

I’d preface that con with just requiring more set-up than other attacks.

BurrTheKing.8571:

Extra bow range sounds nice and with certain skills it is, but with the auto attack most arrows will not hit at range. In fact, the auto attack Dual Shot is fairly worthless in general. Burning Arrows make all shots a combo finisher and deal 10% more damage to burning foes, but you’ll deal more damage just being spec’d into Power, Arms, and Discipline. You also get some fairly worthless minor traits going into tactics.

You got it a bit switched. It’s Stronger Bowstrings that gives Dual Shots and Fan of Fire its100% combo. It’s not too harsh an investment, IMO but you can go without it as it’s a tad buggy.

Thanks for catching that, got it a bit messed up.

Hi, my name’s Alexcia!

I started playing GW2 properly recently, you know, instead of making 50 new characters exploring the first area in PvE and then never playing again… (I’m not an MMO person.) and I saw your wonderful post about the GS, and how it’s the best weapon for a warrior.

I myself really enjoy the play-style of the GS but as a complete and utter noob I don’t know how to build my character to maximize it’s damage, nor do I know what runes I should be using (for armor or weapon).

Hope this gets to you somewhat soon! I wouldn’t mind your take on a PvE / PvP guide too as I’m getting into WvW and PvP recently. Thank you! :)

I wish 100b didn’t require extra set-up outside of it’s weapon set to use. It’s sad it requires a utility slot or switching from another weapon to use(immobilizing from bola’s or pin down, or stunning from hammer, etc.) Without the extra set-up prior 100b, it isn’t reliable at all. Of course a useless F1 ability doesn’t help either, I agree.

I’d like to see Anet make it so that 100b either has an immobilize effect or that it causes the warrior to evade all attacks while channeling. That is if they are dead set on never making it so you can move while channeling.

Azrayl.4936:

I wish 100b didn’t require extra set-up outside of it’s weapon set to use. It’s sad it requires a utility slot or switching from another weapon to use(immobilizing from bola’s or pin down, or stunning from hammer, etc.) Without the extra set-up prior 100b, it isn’t reliable at all. Of course a useless F1 ability doesn’t help either, I agree.

I’d like to see Anet make it so that 100b either has an immobilize effect or that it causes the warrior to evade all attacks while channeling. That is if they are dead set on never making it so you can move while channeling.

Its about time they let the warrior move with that attack.

Azrayl.4936:

I’d like to see Anet make it so that 100b either has an immobilize effect or that it causes the warrior to evade all attacks while channeling.

I lol’ed so hard at this.

> The sword is unable to stack bleeds as effectively as thieves and rangers and feels more like a bonus effect rather than a feature.

I thought it a good write-up in general, but the point about bleed stacking for a Warriors I felt was just pulled out of the air. I play war/thief/ranger, and I think the bleed stacking on the Warrior might be the best of the 3 of them. The sword is not shabby applying bleeds, trait for bleed chance on crit, trait for +50% duration of bleeds, both in a branch you want for bleeds…. that’s just as a base before you get serious about stacking bleeds.

Warriors don’t really need to pay attention to bleeds because they have so much up front damage dealing ability. It is an after-thought for many Warriors but that’s nothing to do with the mechanics or swords.

Move 100B to a burst and give slowed movement speed (comparable to Whirling Wrath movement). Remove final attack and add 2 extra channeled attacks to compensate.

Move arcing slice to #2 and lower the duration of fury to 3 seconds and give it a backhand or uppercut animation.

Adjust damage accordingly for all abilities within reason.

Fixed.

hihey.1075:

Azrayl.4936:

I’d like to see Anet make it so that 100b either has an immobilize effect or that it causes the warrior to evade all attacks while channeling.

I lol’ed so hard at this.

Hey, I’m just trying to make it so that the GS’ main damaging ability doesn’t require outside sources to be effective. Mesmers have a damaging ability that also allows them to evade attacks, so I don’t know how it’s that far fetched. And if it’s better going with an immobilize, then give it that or even adding immob effect to bladetrail would work as well.

Problem is how most people look at weapons singularly, not in a context.
GS for instance isn’t so bright alone, but coupled with mace or sword or hammer it shines.
The performance of something entirely depends on what you combine it with.

There are weapons that do fine stand alone though.. Hammer = best CC, good dmg. Longbow = ranged capabilities with minor CC and good AOE burst and cond. Sword + any offhand = leap, decent direct dmg attack with a solid F1 ability. Those weapons don’t require another weapon to work well. Ofc they all get better with your second weapon though. If the intent for GS is just mobility, then ok, it’s fine. But any dmg from it needs to be utilized by the secondary weapon or utility. And that’s mainly because of 100B rooting channel. If it was just a fire and forget like the other weapons it wouldn’t be a problem. There’s a difference between good synergy and requirements.

hihey.1075:

I lol’ed so hard at this.

Spoken like someone who’s never actually played a war. Oh wait, I just saw your sig.

How’s that Blurred Frenzy treatin’ ya?

Carnagh.1687:

> The sword is unable to stack bleeds as effectively as thieves and rangers and feels more like a bonus effect rather than a feature.

I thought it a good write-up in general, but the point about bleed stacking for a Warriors I felt was just pulled out of the air. I play war/thief/ranger, and I think the bleed stacking on the Warrior might be the best of the 3 of them. The sword is not shabby applying bleeds, trait for bleed chance on crit, trait for +50% duration of bleeds, both in a branch you want for bleeds…. that’s just as a base before you get serious about stacking bleeds.

Warriors don’t really need to pay attention to bleeds because they have so much up front damage dealing ability. It is an after-thought for many Warriors but that’s nothing to do with the mechanics or swords.

The thing you’re forgetting is that rangers’ and thieves’ condi builds are highly ranged. Using the sword to apply bleed means you’re going to have to be in melee range, not something that happens a whole lot in PvP. Its much easier to keep your condis up when you have 900-1200 range on your target.

If you’re talking PvE, yeah the sword rocks bleeds like a mother from auto-attack and burst.

In PvE sure, although I still pref. axe/mace main hand. In WvW not at all. Landing 100b is just not happening, I always change traits and go hammer. People dodge like crazy and taking x skills, a different weapon set-up in order to make up the gs usefull is wrong.

Azrayl.4936:

TAnd that’s mainly because of 100B rooting channel. If it was just a fire and forget like the other weapons it wouldn’t be a problem. There’s a difference between good synergy and requirements.

cmud.5689:

a different weapon set-up in order to make up the gs usefull is wrong.

This and this. I completely don’t understand ppl that saying hb is fine the way it is, its like they run mace offset and don’t want to take the toy away from them.

Doesnt matter if its rifle, lb, axe, mace or whatever. All weapons should be viable on its own with a skill synergy between them just like hammer.

And thats the problem with gs – lack of any synergy between it own skill and need to be babysitted with second wep/utility to make any use out of it except running away – i call it a bad desing. Theres no point picking that weapon up in current state unless someone love one trick pony skullcrack/flurry>100b but some ppl don’t get it saying hb is fine, grab mace and kill some nubs. Whats the point in that? If i want to run gs i have to be forced into x offset to make it effective?

People been complaining about hb since launch and for a good reason. Noone asking to make it a iwin button, the faster u get it, the better for u.

Redscope.6215:

hihey.1075:

I lol’ed so hard at this.

Spoken like someone who’s never actually played a war. Oh wait, I just saw your sig.

How’s that Blurred Frenzy treatin’ ya?

To be fair, I thought it was pretty hilarious as well. There’s no reason 100B should be usable while moving or do any sort of cripple/immob/etc. No reason whatsoever.

Use it properly, or fail and get killed. That’s the only redeeming quality about the ability. Personally, I’d rather see it completely changed, but as it stands I don’t want them giving it anything else unless they’re going to take something away.

Cogbyrn.7283:

Redscope.6215:

hihey.1075:

I lol’ed so hard at this.

Spoken like someone who’s never actually played a war. Oh wait, I just saw your sig.

How’s that Blurred Frenzy treatin’ ya?

To be fair, I thought it was pretty hilarious as well. There’s no reason 100B should be usable while moving or do any sort of cripple/immob/etc. No reason whatsoever.

Use it properly, or fail and get killed. That’s the only redeeming quality about the ability. Personally, I’d rather see it completely changed, but as it stands I don’t want them giving it anything else unless they’re going to take something away.

Maybe being able to move while using 100b is a bad idea, but I am just brain storming to find a solution. The only way you can use it “properly” is to use another weapon combo and then switch to GS + 100b or if the enemy stands there and lets you hit them with it…which will not happen. Is there any other war weapon that requires another weapon to be effective? That’s the only thing I was getting at. A complete change of how the ability works could be useful.

Wow, I had forgotten I had even written this. I’m interested how someone stumbled upon this post considering it’s 6 months old.

There has been so many changes that very little here is relevant anymore, especially hammer. If anyone is interested I can write up a new version.

BurrTheKing.8571:

Wow, I had forgotten I had even written this. I’m interested how someone stumbled upon this post considering it’s 6 months old.

There has been so many changes that very little here is relevant anymore, especially hammer. If anyone is interested I can write up a new version.

Haha, it was at the top of my forum feed and I responded. A new version could be cool.

I still dont know how to dodge rush..how i am supposed to dodge something that never lands?

As for hb it should look this way:

http://youtu.be/_UkwwszN-TQ?t=42s

Hb has in icon 3 swords anyway.

Lorelei.3918:

Greatsword has a huge massive con that makes it worthless for any kind of pvp.

Hundred Blades roots you and takes too long to complete. Greatsword dps is great on paper, but in practice people dodge, interupt, invuln, block, blink and leap away from it.

Any kind of PvP, eh? Would that include the PvP of WvW?
GS is awesome for MOBILITY, among its DPS capabilities….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6r4E9N50lTs

Given the above link, what is apparent, no disrespect intended, is your lack of understanding of GS in certain situations or various PvP environments. That above video linked build still is quite viable today and has given me endless loot bags and fun.

Rigel.3092:

Lorelei.3918:

Greatsword has a huge massive con that makes it worthless for any kind of pvp.

Hundred Blades roots you and takes too long to complete. Greatsword dps is great on paper, but in practice people dodge, interupt, invuln, block, blink and leap away from it.

Any kind of PvP, eh? Would that include the PvP of WvW?
GS is awesome for MOBILITY, among its DPS capabilities….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6r4E9N50lTs

-Endure pain and shield block used at same time..Nice
-Fighting a noobs that standing like drummies..okay
-Lack of any condi removal..who care about it, if he can run away from a fight before it even start to save his kitten right?
-Squishy as..

And how many times u used hb on moving target? ; o

Also why i see fights with glass cannons olny? Post some against hybrid/condi so i can have a good laugh. Oh wait..i know u wont do it for obvious reason..Edited movies ftw