Guild Wars 2

Lots to digest here so bear with me.

This thread has been incredible because it’s encouraged me to move out of my comfort zone (I mentioned I’m a casual player – I’m also an older player [late 50s] and not very good at theorycrafting).

I chose a minion build largely because it was easy mode – lots of toughness from minions, ranged dps. But with this thread and suggested builds, GW2 has become a whole new game. Yesterday I solo’ed my first champ and I’m almost always melee (D/F) and in shroud. Dying is a rare occurrence and mostly the result of my sloppiness.

As such, I am much more inclined to changing out minions for other skills. I very much like being in shroud for long periods and it has worked very well for me in dps and survivability. I also like the idea of Runes of the Traveler because I can then use signet of spite rather than signet of the locust. I think having a ranged weapon also makes sense for those times when melee is dicey (though I was exclusively melee/shroud when I did the Triple Trouble event yesterday) so perhaps I’m being too cautious.

So, using Bearshaman’s build as my base, (http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vRAQJARWjM0QTN2VDu1A7NWyFMoAQDYFEXF7ioKDrhmFA-TxRBQBPZ/hco+DAeCA6RXAjUCKSlfP4SAAA-e) thoughts on which minions to switch out? My own thought is to add Signet of Spite and Chilled to the Bone. Also, is “Your Soul is Mine” the better heal since it increases life force?

Thanks again for everyone’s help and suggestions.

Since I’ve made the changes you suggested initially, I’ve been mostly melee (GS/Shroud) and it’s been highly successful (everything dies but me). As such, I definitely would try a spec which lets me stay in shroud for a longer time.

You’ve been wonderful with your patience advice. Could I trouble you for a build using either Spite or Soul Reaping?

I tend to try to stay ranged mostly out of self preservation but I think I’ll have a fair amount of toughness. Thoughts on moving from D/x to GS? And if I use GS, I assume I should change Banshee’s Wail to Vampiric Presence.

Thanks so much – this is a huge help for me.

I certainly like the idea of keeping my current berserker gear + scholar runes. I think I can remain relatively tanky with this build but would welcome suggestions.
http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vRAQNBmQD7khGopGsrGwbTg9GssMYTfgAw1K+FeD/hSTgKQEA-TRRBABUq+TRK/A4BAEhSQd2fAA-e

Thanks – all excellent points. Can’t explain the Soul Eater which I’ve changed to Chilling Victory. As to Blood Magic, it helps me stay alive (I think) especially in solo encounters. However, perhaps I should move into another trait if I go with Rabid since my toughness should be high when combined with Flesh of the Master (though the health siphon continues to help with condition damage). Thoughts?

In terms of condition gear, I have enough karma for vendor exotic. Is Rabid > Rampager? Rune suggestions (I’m relatively poor).

I am a casual HoT PvE player focusing on Minions since it is forgiving and allows me to solo fairly well. Although I know my necro won’t put up numbers like my ele, I’d like to squeeze out some more dps if possible. I’m currently equipped in exotic berserker gear and superior runes of grenth. I have one ascended trinket – amulet hymn of prophets (power toughness condi). As you can see, pretty much a mix.

I’d appreciate suggestions on gear changes and whether I should focus on power vs. condi.

Here’s a link (mostly accurate) of my build http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vRAQNAW7YnM0AN1gd1AebCs3glpBbaEcBqAxfwS4LUaAUACAA-ThRBAB6s/gZKBB4BAclSPvUGQp6PAA-e

Thanks for your help and suggestions.

Anchoku.8142:

Minion Master is the easiest way to start.

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vRAQRArY4djM0QTN2VDu1A7NOCGqYSHARg8EShneODTdOA-ThRLABPo+DAaGQUJIJK/MQPQV7PAA-e

This is kind of vanilla and not highly tuned but it should not cost too much and will allow a lot of room for error while still packing a punch. It does mostly power but also lets you learn conditions.

Any benefit of using traveler rune for the speed boost freeing up one of the slots for another minion?

Brilliant – thanks

My necro consistently shows me in the same heavy armor regardless of what I equip, unequip or attempt to change using a transmutation charge.

NumenorLord.6539:

Hello guys and thank you for all your replies!

After some testing and reading, I’ve decided to go Scepter/Torch – Sword/Focus (Torch). Main reason is that, right now, we have one of the highest DPS with that weapon (source: http://qtfy.enjin.com/dps).

I rely a lot on my blinds and blocks to survive but it’s easily achieved since most of the time I’m on scepter. Here’s the build I’m using and seen lot of other Guards use in FotM in T4:

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vVAQRArf8dnsABVdiddCGCBEEhl4BTe/1/WgVBgtU9yaD8CeUA-TxRBABXt/o8gMlYmpE8hnAAAnEA80PQp6PkBQfMA-e

The DPS output is really good, you have a good base crit chance because of Right Hand Strength but I’m still using Assassin earrings. Burning does good damage that comes from Kindled Zeal, Radiant Fire and Amplified Wrath. You’ll be burning a lot because of the Spear of Justice Spam against trash and your Symbols. Both traps do really high damage when dropped together on a symbol. Procession of Blades can be changed for utility in some fights (WoR against Shaman, SyG against Bloom). No need for “Retreat!” since you are not running Unscatched Contender.

Try it and let me know what you think!

How do you think this build would do in open HoT PVE? I’m currently running LB/GS zerk exotic but find my health can drop rapidly with multiple mobs (especially a mix of ranged and melee). Is there a rotation you would recommend?

I really am an old man, late 50s, who plays with his older brother. We’ve been playing MMOs since EQ (about 16 years) to stay connected.

We’ve played GW2 on and off since launch and came back with the release of HoT (open world PVE). For me, and I think for him, we’re finding content to be much harder.

My brother is wedded to his bowbear so I feel like I should be ranged to support each other with boons. I’d like something other than another Ranger so I’my trying my Ele (all Berserker exotic with mostly scholar runes). However, I’m pretty much a glass cannon without the cannon dps. I’m about half way into the Tempest elite and gaining HP mostly via WvW.

I’m kinda asking the impossible but would value thoughts on a build that will support a player like me (casual, slower reflexes). Thanks for any thoughts.

kyubi,

Would you mind expanding on your build, rotation, etc.? I’m new to the Ranger and want to better understand when I should swap, openers, etc. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Yojack,

Thanks for the great guide and insights. Contributors like you enhance the game play
for so many players and you’re often unrecognized.

I’m still new to the warrior (lvl 17) and lvling almost exclusively through PvE though I
welcome WvW (or, as a former DAoC player, RvR).

For the lvling PvE warrior, how would you prioritize traits and skills? For example,
should I max tactics before turning to the other trees or be more balanced (esp. b/w
arms and tactics) as a I lvl?

Similarly, is there a stat preference for armor or should I try to equalize among
power+precision+condition?

Any suggestions on crafting? It seems that going down the Huntsman and Weaponsmith paths will keep me
fairly up to date on weapons. Would a different trade offer a better fit?