Guild Wars 2

Started Guild Wars 2 at the beginning of the month, and now that I’ve gotten the hang of a few things I’m having a blast. I will admit that I still die sometimes on story missions, but PvE for the most part is okay. I’m not really a fan of the downscaling as I can’t really make content “easier,” but I guess I just need to learn to dodge better. Currently working on map completion and Story at level 30.

With level 30 comes traits and my first opportunity to actually start a “build.” The thing is, even with all the guide reading, I’m still kind of lost. Up until now I’ve pretty much been running with a rifle and dual axes, it’s just what worked. Bought some signets and let the passives plow me through content.

I have noticed, however, that most people seem to dislike running full signets, and wanted t o get a better handle on things. I eventually plan to play PvP (hotjoins, even though they’re horrible) and WvW (pubbing/zerging) but nothing to serious, in addition to finishing my PvE stuff.

I was curious as to how a Warrior could adapt to these things, as I still don’t know much in the way of character development. Heck, I just learned how to play the game! I’d favor a ranged build over a melee build, but don’t know how feasible a ranged warrior is. I like rifle more than longbow, but everyone else seems to think Longbow is better, so what do I know.

Any guidance would be appreciated. I’m still feeling a little overwhelmed by this game. At least I know I won’t end up with 30 buttons. I like having only one action bar. God Bless this game.

Once you hit 30 theres a trait in arms 2 points in called deep strikes. That and running all signets is one of the best and easiest ways to level in the game. Have you tried using a greatsword? The #2 skill will completely destroy mobs and followed by a quick #3 will kill anything other than veteran status in seconds. Id probably try experimenting with either greatsword+axe/shield or if you need a ranged weapon GS+longbow. Longbow actually has better single target DPS than rifle, and much better AoE, as well as not having to kneel down for 2 seconds just to fire off the f1. Its also got some nice utility with the immob, blast finisher, and blind

Running full signets is fine for solo content. It can be nice to just take in all the passive buffs if you are feeling lazy or just messing around. Its just in group content (Dungeons/Fractals) where you can’t be so selfish with your skill choices and will be expected to bring part buffs (Shouts/Banners) and might get kicked if they see you with more than 3 signets.

While you are still leveling you can use whatever you find to be most effective. Most people go Greatsword early on because its so strong and still the best choice at endgame so might as well learn it early on. Rifle is pretty bad though with its only real use being WvW sniping, but it would still be better to bring a Longbow 99% of the time for AoE and control. Rifle is fine for general PvE content and probably won’t be a big deal or having it over the LB.

The most important thing to learn is proper dodging and paying attention to attack animations. Since you are only ~ level 30 its probably not a big deal now, but once you hit 80 it becomes essential. It can be a lifesaver at times and alot of people neglect learning it until later which makes it more difficult. Once you have those skills down you won’t need any addional armor/defense as you’ll be negating damage completely.

Once you hit Lvl 30 and start earning trait points you should search online for a good leveling build. I’m not really sure whats best since the new update. Just remember to gear towards full Berserker for PvE (Power/Precision/Ferocity). You don’t need to spec into the Defense line, your base health/armor is enough.

As for Melee vs. Ranged, you always want to go melee. Ranged damage on a warrior is really weak so if you prefer ranged combat you are better off playing a Ranger or caster profession. The only time you should ever really switch to a ranged weapon is if you can’t fight in melee or if its too dangerous to try.

I wouldn’t worry about feeling overwhelmed now, you will pick things up quickly and you continue playing. The warrior is probably the most beginner friendly profession and is fairly forgiving with careless mistakes. The hardest part is probably understanding the gearing system which has alot of stats and percentages, but it becomes clear once you start using it. Good luck.

I’d suggest running Longbow and Greatsword. Very good for kiting around and has a kittenload of dps and utility. If you learn playing it well it will work a charm in WvW later on aswell.

When I was leveling up axes worked better than GS. I also used Rifle a lot when I needed to range something. GS is good too. But for whatever reason GS didn’t work as well for me at low level as it did at max level.

Being a heavy armor class at real low level doesn’t seem to make a lot of difference. You still take a lot of damage so work on dodging skills and if you have to kill somthing you can’t melee don’t be afraid to pick up a bow or a rifle. Despite being a warrior melee doesn’t work as good as I thought it did when I started the game at least.

Stack full Power until you hit 80. At higher levels you will be able to pick up Precision also.
I highly suggest getting Bloodlust sigils and either sigil of Fire or Air.
Taking a Warhorn and movement speed trait is also very handy.

press random buttons and watch things die.

The leveling content of this game is really based of efficiency and there’s nothing better than movement speed for that. You most definitely want to use a greatsword for the mobility and damage. Use the 3 and 5 skill on cooldown to travel faster. For backups I strongly recommend a sword and a warhorn. The skill 2 on sword and 4 on war horn along with the GS will give you crazy constant movement speed. Also get warrior’s sprint from defense as your first trait.

Once you get all those your leveling speed WILL sky rocket (you still get very good exp from exploring, getting way points, faster movement = faster level in this game).

Use gears that have “Strong” words until 60 then use berserkers. Best tip i can give to you as a warrior is learn to dodge immediately. This is the #1 skill you need to master to be a good warrior. Have fun

Yeah GS is great, it offers alot of mobility and can burn through mobs quickly. I personally like axe/axe though with the Rending Strikes trait. (chance to add Vuln on crit.) For PvE, anything is fine really, it’s getting into groups where you want to have more of a “build”, and currently Beserker is the favorite.