Guild Wars 2

I did a Warrior last week, Im expecting him to be overall more useful and easy to use than Mesmer (Dungeons). Im still going around the maps to get all the traits – gosh, it is really hard to get all the traits for new characters now. Anyway, since im new to the profession I got a few questions. I don’t do PvP and mostly focus on PvE, mainly Dungeons.

1 – Assuming i use a GS for main weapon, and that i have a LB if ranged is needed, what should be my second set of weapons for Dungeons? Im assuming Axe + X, as Axe should keep high dps and X for the utility it brings.

2 – Being a PuG player, should i consider to use as my main build the EA setup instead the one that gives me the most personnal dps? I don’t always have an Ele in party, most of times when I do they don’t might stack, and even if they do there’s no guarantee I will have perma might or those 25stacks.

3 – If Im the only Warrior, I should take 2 banners. If there’s 2 each one takes 1 banner. Is this the right approach?

4 – What if there are 3, is one of the other 2 banners totally useless, even the one for the boons?

5 – For open world i really like Axe + Warhorn, because of the Warhorn skills. I use a GS for more damage as well. Is this the best setup to speedclear the maps?

6 – What is the ’’speedchain’’ between traits, utility and movement skills to make the Warrior run as fast as possible?

7 – I have one PVT set, can it be useful in any WvW build or i should salvage it?

8 – Concerning WvW, for 1v1 or small group fights, would a hammer build be a good idea?

9 – Any tips you would like to add, something that every War should/should not do, be it for Dungeons or anything else?

1. Greatsword is the most popular weapon choice. The burst damage is probably the highest, but If you prefer the dual wielding option Axe/Mace or Axe/Sword is just as viable. It just depends whether you trait for Greatsword (Slashing Power+Forceful Greatsword) or Dual Wielding (Dual Wielding/Axe Mastery/Dual Wield Agility). For dungeons you don’t really need to carry a Longbow since we excel at melee damage. Its good to carry one if you are still leveling though.

2. In group play you should always build towards group utility rather than personal dps. If you are the only warrior always bring “Empower Allies”. Theres also “Phalanx Strength” which is really good for might stacking if you have the trait and proper gear. If theres multiple warriors check to see whos using what and you can swap traits as needed.

3. I typically like to carry 2-3 myself whether I’m the only warrior in the group or not. Work it out with other to make sure you aren’t doubling up on anything. I just prefer to carry them myself as to not rely on others. Always bring (Disciple+Battle Standard) which are the most essential, you can bring Strength along as well if you want,.

4. The best Warrior banners are: (Disciple/Strength/Battle Standard) for the dps boost, the other two (Tactics/Defense) aren’t as necessary. Only bring them if you have pretty much a full warrior party. You still probably won’t need it though.

5. If you are just map clearing you don’t really need to focus on killing anything. Bring mobility (X/Warhorn) can be helpful for the swiftness boon. Also consider traiting into Discipline for “Warrior Sprint” 25% faster movement while carrying a melee weapon. It should help speed you along.

6. Not really sure what you mean by “Speedchain” are you talking about maximizing mobility or optimization?

7. Its a tank set which I’d only recommend using in WvW. Theres no need for extra surivability in PvE. Its pretty commonly used in Hammer builds so I’d say keep it if its Exotic. Don’t bother using Rares so if its rare just salvage it and get yourself Exotic if you want. I personally prefer Knights (TPP) if I want to go “tanky”.

8. Hammer is better for group fights, but it works fine for dueling. All warrior weapon skills cleave so its designed for groups. Its a slow weapon with obvisious attack animations, but If you are going for a CC build (Hammer > Mace/Shield) most of the time.

9. For PvE just carry group utility, go full Berserker, and stay in melee combat. If you try and play a tank you will do low dps and might get kicked. Our ranged damage is bad so only swap to a ranged weapon if you need to. I sometimes see warriors that run an entire dungeon using just Longbow and it slows everything down considerably.

2 – Should i go for Hoelbrak (low budget, let’s leave the Strength out for now) or Scholar runes? As i recall Scholar should give higher dps, but since you mentioned ‘group utility’ the Hoelbrak would tag along better with the EA and Phalanx build; also they are overal more usefull (those -20condi duration can be good for WvW) and less dependent on my skill (I still didn’t try my War in dungeons, so im unsure how well i could manage him at >90% hp).

6 – I meant like, couple weeks ago i saw a post where someone said that to bring out the best of Warrior’s speed/mobility you would use x skill, and then y, and so on. At the time i didn’t have the Warrior so i didn’t pay much attention.. usually I use Signet of Rage and then spam Warhorn’s #4, alternating with GS #5, and using the 25% melee speed trait you suggested (i had it already but completely forgot so didn’t use it). Is there something else i could use in order to have higher speed or mobility?

8 – Any other good WvW builds other than the hambow that I should look into?

Pokecenter.3548:

2 – Should i go for Hoelbrak (low budget, let’s leave the Strength out for now) or Scholar runes? As i recall Scholar should give higher dps, but since you mentioned ‘group utility’ the Hoelbrak would tag along better with the EA and Phalanx build; also they are overal more usefull (those -20condi duration can be good for WvW) and less dependent on my skill (I still didn’t try my War in dungeons, so im unsure how well i could manage him at >90% hp).

6 – I meant like, couple weeks ago i saw a post where someone said that to bring out the best of Warrior’s speed/mobility you would use x skill, and then y, and so on. At the time i didn’t have the Warrior so i didn’t pay much attention.. usually I use Signet of Rage and then spam Warhorn’s #4, alternating with GS #5, and using the 25% melee speed trait you suggested (i had it already but completely forgot so didn’t use it). Is there something else i could use in order to have higher speed or mobility?

8 – Any other good WvW builds other than the hambow that I should look into?

2. From my own experience I can tell you Hoelbrak is fine in PvE. Compared to Strength you will only lose out on 7% damage and a little might duration, which is negligible (not the 7%, but the might). As a warrior, which is easier to maintain in PvE then other classes, you will still often be MvP in a PuG.

6. Highest speed is obtained when using Sword/Warhorn+GS. I did world exploration like this, and it works fine. I would still equip Warrior’s Sprint, which is just a quality of life improvement.

8. Funny you even mention Hambow when talking about WvW. Hambow is only half decent in Zerg v Zerg. If you plan to do anything else then that, don’t use Hambow.

Axe/Shield GS, Mace/Shield GS, Sword/Shield GS, Sword/Shield Hammer, GS Hammer, Sword/Sword Longbow, there are lots of viable builds in WvW.