Guild Wars 2

Thanks very much!

I am all over stealth, damage to heal, and blinds on my Thief, so I will analyze my abilities further (and sort out a more specific rotation than the flamethrower + spam-other-stuff that I usually do). XD

I finally understand break bars thanks to a helpful player I met the other night too. Some days, I just feel so noob. >.<

Once I’ve identified more of my individual moves on the Engi., I’ll return to this thread to readdress the specifics once more.

So – I’ve specced for pistols, explosions, and cond. damage, generally. I’m really enjoying it so far.
I still have to finish gearing up (changing it from Soldiers to other things with more Precision and Con.Dmg. included).

I’ve managed to incorporate a few turrets, the flamethrower kit, and grenades kit – all with adequate support and/or debuffing abilities. (vulnerability prominent in build)
I’ve been using the flamethrower, for close range – especially when I want to use the stability and might it adds with my spec.
I use the grenades for more range and aoe – especially when there’s a larger group of people to take the heat off me.
I use the pistols rarely due to my lack of specialized gear, but I intend to give them more of a whirl once I finish mixing up my gear.

In conclusion, it’s a unique class to play… and challenging, but I’m finding a build that’s working for me.
Thanks everyone!

Thank you both for your suggestions. I’ve found them helpful.

[Now for some small backstory:]
My character theme, for immersive / character style purposes, was based on a star ship captain. She was a Field Medic & Surgical Doctor and a casual Mechanic & Computer hacker who used Pistols & Explosives in combat.
She was a Star Wars TTRPG character I played a while back and Engineer is the class best suited to her.
Also, I’ve found Elementalist to be fairly fun and versatile, so I figured this should be interesting to play as well.

Strangely enough, I play a very survivable (with decent damage) team oriented Thief as my main (ninja nurse styles).

I will return here sometime after playing my Engineer some more and see if I’ve found a good rune/skill/trait combo.

I’ve just started a boosted-to-80 Engineer today.
Can anyone point me in the right direction (top three forum threads/posts) where I could read how to set up my build and gear for PvE?

I’m looking for something that has incorporated:
a healing turret,
at least one pistol,
is hopefully great party support even when with only one friend,
can get out of a pickle approx. every 20 seconds (vs. knockdown/stun/immobile type stuff),
and can offer something valuable to the bigger fights (i.e. bunker support / debuffing enemy / etc…).

I appreciate any assistance anyone can offer me.
Thank you!