Guild Wars 2

Hey Guys,

I have not been around as much, but I wanted to let people know I am still operating in the shadows. This new update has brought me a lot of joy and sort of reinvigorated me into playing some more gw2.
Most of you know that I usually run a triple stance (endure, berserker, frenzy) rampage great axe build with berzerker amulet. This power warrior (str/def/disc) has always been my favorite, because I just like the raw numbers of the gs and the axe auto attack. However, it has some specific counters in mainly revenant (sword staff), scrapper (hammer), and some poor matchups in condition chrono and druid sometimes. This was pre patch, so post patch I ran into issues with the new blocking revamped DH and revenant still.

So this left me desiring a new build to play with. Condition berzerker (mace/lb) is sufficient, but not really my style, and it lacks down body cleave. Carrion gs/mace was also entertaining, but the build was designed to work in specific matchups and did not feel overall optimized.

So I went back to the drawing board looking for a power build to fight current strong builds that had the high blocking uptime. After much thought, I decided to go away from the strength line for the berzerker line. I have been arguing for the longest time against the change as I could not see myself using gs without strength, but berzerker just offers too much opportunity in headbutt alone. Rampage was great, is great, but I still could not get the revenant consistently.

Now insert berzerker line. This allows for several changes from the normal build.
BTW, here is my normal build for those interested.
http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vJAQNAR3ejMdQXIWFCuhApIGICK9Lm+pAPhXYFsAICGAA-TpBFwANuAAMeAA62fgwRAoaZAAHEAA

Berzerker line sort of requires you first to run cleasing ire and burst mastery. I was ok versus condi spike, but now I am much better versus condi spike. I chose smash brawler, blood reaction, and eternal champion as my berzerker traits. I wanted to ensure that I was getting my power damage across still, and it seemed like it was lacking more with dead or alive. Plus I am used to surviving without the heal so it was ok. Without last stand, eternal champion is sort of mandatory.
I tried this build with only the trait changes above and ran into the simple issue, I needed to build up into rage and I could not trade enough hits with frenzy and berzerker amulet. So I opted for the usual shattering blow. It helped but the issue was the playstyle of the amulet and the build did not match.
Insert demolisher amulet. Now we are in business. Toughness. We needed toughness in order for rage mode to work, That’s it. Same 19k hp.
Now the last step of the build, this I think is the key. Signet of might. I am a believer. Same cd kittentering blow. Much more effective versus revenants and guardians. Suddenly, their heals become much less effective. So here is my final result, minus runes. I think runes are personal preference. I will include the set I am running, but you may disagree with my choices.
Usually when I make build changes, I iterate things, so this may tweak more before the season. But I foresee this build being a strong counter to revenant without condi pressure. So that makes it a threat to other meta builds as well. Everyone is built to fight condi atm. Power damage will stick better.

Berzerker great axe demolisher-
http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vJAQNAR3enMdAdhgVhA2dAElilqA7d0mantIFgGQAQpHE7yBA-TpBFQBE4IAEwyAM4BA4u9HAwBBoBXAAA

Feel free to copy the build, critique it, or come up with improvements. I have not yet fought someone using my build, so I am not sure how it handles in the mirror match. It is definitely better of the two in the condi warrior 1v1.

Updated iteration of the build. Balance stance and heightened focus are the key changes. http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vJAQNAR3enMdAdhgVhAmhAElilqA7d02antIFgGQAQpHE7iBA-TpBFQBE4IAwgLAw92fAAHEgG8AACYZAA

:/ Standard gs+axe/shield build. Was expecting something more “axe” related with the build name….offhand….double axe….axe mastery….axe as ur main dps…..ETCCCC. Standard build, not gonna critique its been done.

Cerby.1069:

:/ Standard gs+axe/shield build. Was expecting something more “axe” related with the build name….offhand….double axe….axe mastery….axe as ur main dps…..ETCCCC. Standard build, not gonna critique its been done.

The point is to run things that work. It is shown that offhand axe is sub par to a shield.
This is the berzerker form of the “standard” build. I am pretty sure no one was running signet of might with this build. Correct me if I am wrong.

Na man I ran that build with signet of might and headbutt during Season 1, you were till running rampage back then. Lol skil for skill trait for trait i was gunning this S1 lol and got to ruby on it. It’s been done.

Its more a critique of ANETs dumbing down of the trait system when someone can change ONE utility and ONE trait choice and its suddenly a completely “NEW” build

i Def disagree on that rune choice. Way better ones out there.

/SarcasmOff.

I won’t fight you guys over build origins.
@Warlord- I definitely would not have run this season 1 or season 2 because demolisher amulet did not come out until season 3 (April 19th update).
Yeah I ran rampage great axe season 1&2 because I found it to be the most effective tactic at the time. Now this variant is most effective for me.
No need to flaunt ranks about it or anything.
@Spartacus- the rune choice is for cleave and cleave defense. I will not run leadership because of the power lost. And pack I really do not need in this build. Normally I would vamp, but this seemed like a cool set.

My purpose is to help the general warrior community. This information was not listed up here, so I wanted it visible to warriors who may be looking for something to run.

XD I am not saying I invented it XD I am saying during S1 Bunker Mesmer was OP it was the meta, Everyone was running Durability runes and Full nomads. So you didn’t need demolisher back then becasue no obdy did any dammage everyone just bunkere3d points.

I ran Full zerk and used signet of might to Counter all of the Bunker mes. I didn’t have any issue becasue they did no damage.

S2 I think I was runiing mostly Gunflame builds.

S3 I ran Condi.

S4 i haven’t even played becasue I already have my wings and I have no one to play with.

yea s1 pvp was full of nomads...
warlord knowledge

XD XD

lol minstrel=nomads and it was a amulet they removed after S1.

Sheeeeeeet, I saw the title and was like “OMG we got 2h axes in my absence”?!?!?!?

I am disappoint.

I’ve been doing some unranked games these last days, and I definitely like the Signet of Might. The passive is pretty good, and the active can help turn situations on guardians, mesmers and revenants.

I use something similar to your normal build, a vanilla GS/Axe+Shield setup. I’m not sure yet about the runes to use – I like Pack, but your choices are worth trying. Thanks for sharing.

@Elegie- I use a different rune set ever day practically. They are not set in stone. Yesterday was scrapper runes. Wednesday was strength runes. Tuesday surging, Monday pack, & Sunday Vamp. I am trying them all to see which 4th and 6th bonuses really turn my fights.
Nice to see a signet of rage build though!

@Furajir- if there was a great axe in this game, I would rock it instantly.

The build is losing some potency against DH. I think I can beat a node assaulting DH, but a node defending DH is a different story. Preset traps are no joke.

Interpret Interrupt.3824:

@Elegie- I use a different rune set ever day practically. They are not set in stone. Yesterday was scrapper runes. Wednesday was strength runes. Tuesday surging, Monday pack, & Sunday Vamp. I am trying them all to see which 4th and 6th bonuses really turn my fights.

I’d be interested in your opinion on all these, once you’ve tested enough, if you don’t mind.

Interpret Interrupt.3824:

Nice to see a signet of rage build though!

I sometimes use Rampage, but honestly I find it a bit subpar now. IMHO it’s too easy to counter (kiting, blocking, moa…), it’s too vulnerable to conditions (even if I try and get some resistance before), the hard CC is met too often with stability, and the damage output isn’t significant when compared to the regular damage of the Strengh warrior anyway.

In this build, I activate the Signet of Rage before a fight (in some other builds, I prefer to keep the passive). The swiftness has become increasingly important I think, 25% isn’t enough against most classes. The long fury, and to a lesser extent the associated might, really help in dealing good damage.

Interpret Interrupt.3824:

The build is losing some potency against DH. I think I can beat a node assaulting DH, but a node defending DH is a different story. Preset traps are no joke.

Indeed. As a Strength warrior though, I feel it’s a bit better. You optionally remove the aegis with a ranged skill, then close in with a dodge (Reckless Dodge) or with GS #3, and don’t lose too much doing so as you inflict damage. I keep the signet of might either for the focus or the virtue, and this definitely help pressuring them. Tough fights, though – especially if they’re mobile guardians.

Incidentally, I’ve been trying S/D thief recently, after watching Sizer’s stream. It’s very fun to play, easier than I thought, and he uses the Lotus dodge, like we use Reckless Dodge. Coming back to the warrior, I found myself guilty of double-dodging… and it worked better than expected.

Warlord.9074:

lol minstrel=nomads and it was a amulet they removed after S1.

Nomad = Main toughness, minor healing vitality.
Minstrel = Main toughness and healing power, minor vitality and concentration

Minstrel is not same nomad, just saying.

Banner of Tactic is the next OP.. idk how but I saw someone use it and he was a GOD in tf even though I beat him back to back in 1 vs 1.

Elegie.3620:

Interpret Interrupt.3824:

The build is losing some potency against DH. I think I can beat a node assaulting DH, but a node defending DH is a different story. Preset traps are no joke.

Indeed. As a Strength warrior though, I feel it’s a bit better. You optionally remove the aegis with a ranged skill, then close in with a dodge (Reckless Dodge) or with GS #3, and don’t lose too much doing so as you inflict damage. I keep the signet of might either for the focus or the virtue, and this definitely help pressuring them. Tough fights, though – especially if they’re mobile guardians.

Incidentally, I’ve been trying S/D thief recently, after watching Sizer’s stream. It’s very fun to play, easier than I thought, and he uses the Lotus dodge, like we use Reckless Dodge. Coming back to the warrior, I found myself guilty of double-dodging… and it worked better than expected.

Signet of might is a gimmick, a good DH shouldn’t lose against a SM warrior unless you manage to pressure him enough… can always be wrong though still I ran SM during S2.

Fivedawgs.4267:

Signet of might is a gimmick, a good DH shouldn’t lose against a SM warrior unless you manage to pressure him enough… can always be wrong though still I ran SM during S2.

Honestly, I don’t remember playing it before in PvP (maybe a rifle thing?). However, seeing all the blocks being around (DH, mesmers, revenants, warriors), I’ve given it a chance since a few weeks now, and have been quite happy with the results. I’ve even tried Arms / Defense / Discipline (but don’t do it – it sucks).

The passive helps the damage output, and the active can be a nasty surprise to opponents. It’s actually often lethal when you proc it when the opponent’s HP is below 50%, because you can also benefit from Heightened Focus.

DH are tough to deal with though – way too much active defense. The Signet of Might makes fights a bit easier, but does not offer a free win.

Elegie.3620:

Fivedawgs.4267:

Signet of might is a gimmick, a good DH shouldn’t lose against a SM warrior unless you manage to pressure him enough… can always be wrong though still I ran SM during S2.

Honestly, I don’t remember playing it before in PvP (maybe a rifle thing?). However, seeing all the blocks being around (DH, mesmers, revenants, warriors), I’ve given it a chance since a few weeks now, and have been quite happy with the results. I’ve even tried Arms / Defense / Discipline (but don’t do it – it sucks).

The passive helps the damage output, and the active can be a nasty surprise to opponents. It’s actually often lethal when you proc it when the opponent’s HP is below 50%, because you can also benefit from Heightened Focus.

DH are tough to deal with though – way too much active defense. The Signet of Might makes fights a bit easier, but does not offer a free win.

Nope used it on my melee warrior, it only worked with str def zerker + paladin amulet. Any alternative will either suffer from a lack of dmg or sustain … Used it up until diamond any time i was up against a team of 3+ DH, but the zerk def disc + bull charge is far superior since you can always disengage. Signet of might has way too much visual noise for it to work in high elo unless you are running a rifle build.

DH are def tough, but i was able to beat wakkey or some PZ member on their DH by paying attention to their icons. When timed right, once CC/ followed by a cc chain is all it take to take down a DH. So, all u need is that one opportunity.

Its the spreading of the blocks. Honestly aegis is a gimmick. So unblockable is my counter gimmick. They have a skill that generate random blocks every so many seconds. Much skill my aegis came off cd.
GW2 is which gimmick is better.

@ op

Your build aint new

@k pop exactly that’s why you have a watch their icons landing one cc at the right time with enough pressure , which mace shield/ gs provides, is a garanteed kill. They might to leap of faith back and forth but you are a pretty good chance of winning if you just focus on their icon/ defensive skills

Now I think I will run this variant. http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vJAQNAR3enMdAdhgVhA2dAElilqA7d02antK9gYXOApA0ACAA-TpBFABM8AAA4gAkwRAoqyANcBAaf/BA
I will take my loss to revenant because at this skill level they abuse staff so much. So I will take my extra damage from zerker amulet and supplement it with dead or alive. I think it comes out to about 15% more damage average give or take when just comparing amulets. And bigger crits obviously so fury is more effective.

Elegie.3620:

Interpret Interrupt.3824:

@Elegie- I use a different rune set ever day practically. They are not set in stone. Yesterday was scrapper runes. Wednesday was strength runes. Tuesday surging, Monday pack, & Sunday Vamp. I am trying them all to see which 4th and 6th bonuses really turn my fights.

I’d be interested in your opinion on all these, once you’ve tested enough, if you don’t mind.

I found that swiftness is very valuable without strength line reducing my gap closers.
Vamp- not as effective without many necros and engineers creating clutter
Strength- static +5% damage is nice but felt lacking in utility.
Surging- It was an interesting gimmick. Works against in close matchups. no real effect on druids and guards.
Pack- popular choice with swiftness. 13sec/30sec is pretty good.
Centaur- I didn’t like using my heal that much to make it work
Leadership- Probably slightly more effective than pack, if you don’t mind the reduced damage.
Daredevil- I still like this one alot. If only energy sigil was still good, I would use this all the time.
Scrapper- very safe choice you cannot go wrong with. Gives that about 7% mitigation in melee range.

At the end of the day, I would go pack, scrapper, or leadership with this build depending on if you like the teamfights or the side nodes more.

Fivedawgs.4267:

@k pop exactly that’s why you have a watch their icons landing one cc at the right time with enough pressure , which mace shield/ gs provides, is a garanteed kill. They might to leap of faith back and forth but you are a pretty good chance of winning if you just focus on their icon/ defensive skills

I have bad habits from gw1 of fielding, i.e. watching players and facing directions instead of watching status bars since I was monking back then. I do miss many aegis applications because I am looking at the person with all of the visual noise.
I am just being lazy though nowadays. I need to actually pick up the guard build and run it so I see the windows. Just not sure if I want to put in the mandatory effort yet.

Hoaxintelligence.4628:

@ op

Your build aint new

Thank you sir. I will make sure to delete the line that is clearly not in the post that says the build is new or I made it from scratch. I am pretty sure I was just explaining my transition to the build.

Kpop, I wanted to say I’ve been having success with the build here! It’s also fun. I’ve still running sig of might because in emerald tier I’m not seeing class stacking but it’s so useful dealing with DH. I did start running your newest build (did not try yet) http://en.gw2skills.net/editor/?vJAQNAR3enMdAdhgVhAmhAElilqA7d02antIFgGQAQpHE7iBA-TpBFQBE4IAwgLAw92fAAHEgG8AACYZAA

Would you suggest surging rune or scrapper rune in emerald tier, I feel the damage from surging may be valuable because people aren’t good enough yet?

Also overall- would you say macebow is stronger in solo queue/low tiers? I alternate between both with good success, but I find your build has more sustain.

WorldinCrush.6453:

Kpop, I wanted to say I’ve been having success with the build here! It’s also fun. I’ve still running sig of might because in emerald tier I’m not seeing class stacking but it’s so useful dealing with DH. I did start running your newest build (did not try yet) http://en.gw2skills.net/editor/?vJAQNAR3enMdAdhgVhAmhAElilqA7d02antIFgGQAQpHE7iBA-TpBFQBE4IAwgLAw92fAAHEgG8AACYZAA

Would you suggest surging rune or scrapper rune in emerald tier, I feel the damage from surging may be valuable because people aren’t good enough yet?

Also overall- would you say macebow is stronger in solo queue/low tiers? I alternate between both with good success, but I find your build has more sustain.

I think scrapper runes are still very strong with this build. I would probably go scrapper in all tiers at this point. The supplemental toughness is great. Go leadership runes if facing a super condition team.

I think both builds have their place. If you need to be the bunkier spec on your team, I would role condition build. If you have the ability to be the damage/ roamer, I like the dps build. Ultimately in coordinated team play, the condi spec is more forgiving and will last longer on a node versus rev and scrapper, which are two meta builds.

Glad you like the build. It does have surprising survivability for a damage build.

So k pop, is leadership really better than melandru ? If so, can you explain because melamdru is my go to rune against condi camps.

Fivedawgs.4267:

So k pop, is leadership really better than melandru ? If so, can you explain because melamdru is my go to rune against condi camps.

Melandru is better solo sure due to more condi conversion. But it is all about team play at this point. Taking condi from teammates is better I think.
The stats and the boon duration is better for berzerker. Precision is not much helpful with zerker amulet or demolisher.

Interpret Interrupt.3824:

Fivedawgs.4267:

So k pop, is leadership really better than melandru ? If so, can you explain because melamdru is my go to rune against condi camps.

Melandru is better solo sure due to more condi conversion. But it is all about team play at this point. Taking condi from teammates is better I think.
The stats and the boon duration is better for berzerker. Precision is not much helpful with zerker amulet or demolisher.

I see, it make sense as well..