Guild Wars 2

Hi everyone,

I played a bit around release but didn’t really get very far. Mostly goofed around in spvp with various classes, mostly warrior.

Anyway I’m thinking I’ll have three characters that I’ll play: a tanky character, a damage character, and a healer.

Yes, I know that “anyone can be a healer” but I’d like to know what the de facto healer spec is for this game.

I’m guessing either a water elementalist or a ranger-who-is-a-druid come HoT?

I really liked healing on WoW and other mmos and would like to be an awesome healer on gw2 too.

I’m a big fan of Sword/Shield + Axe/Warhorn and running a defensive 30 Defense 30 Tactics 10 Discipline spec with a focus on healing shouts and shield shenanigans. It works great for me, I can take on almost anything 1v1 if they stand and fight and am awesome in team fights.

I also like the usual pure offense rifle warrior but hate how people can get in the way :p

Everyone and their mom is talking about warriors with greatswords, but I always find myself picking other setups. Let’s dissect greatsword’s moveset.

1 – One of the worst in the game IMO, the damage is very low. Could be fixed by adding vulnerability(x2) to the last strike or upping the damage a bit.

2 – The infamous Hundred Blades, this move can hit like a truck but it also immobilizes you, a serious drawback…can be very hard to land without using an immobilize. However like I said it hits quite hard so this move is fine.

3 – This would be great if you could spin in place if you wanted to, but I find it about as useful as a dodge to catch up to people and not great for offense since it creates a gap you need to close with 4 or 5, relieving your enemy of pressure for a few moments. That being said, it’s not bad, it’s just not great. It has its uses, like dealing a ton of aoe burst.

4 – I am actually quite fond of this move, it can cripple for a nice duration if both hits land and the damage is acceptable. Probably my favorite move of the greatsword tbh.

5 – I am torn on this move, I feel like it should hit about 25% harder or be more fluid(resulting in a net dps gain) but it’s a great concept (and great for travelling lol)

Burst – This move kind of sucks unless you don’t have any other source of Fury, the damage is mediocre for a melee burst and it’s not even flashy.

Anyway, that’s my 2 cents. I think the QQers are people are getting hundred blades’D by warriors with frenzy, signet of rage active, For Great Justice, signet of might, full power+precision builds with 22k health and thinking all specs can do this all the time. The warriors that think greatswords suck probably don’t know how to land a souped up hundred blades, or don’t like basing their playstyle around something so gimmicky and easily countered by skilled opponents.

Personally I used to love the greatsword but not so much anymore. I would support a hundred blades nerf if they buffed up the 3 and 5.