Guild Wars 2

Jaxom.7310:

Deimos Tel Arin.7391:

wardspratlin.9107:

love the RA nod where if your team wins you keep that team if you win i think that would be a great idea

that only worked for guild wars 1 random arenas because the fights are usually over within a minute, plus the queue time is under 30 seconds.

it will not work with guild wars 2 5v5 conquest because a match is about 10 minutes average and queue time is about 2 – 5 minutes or even higher.

it simply will not work.
unless we have less than 30 seconds queue times and matches that conclude within a minute.

it would work if it was… RA. no respawn, deathmatch, no mmr just random matchups

since fights were just quick and fun, it didn’t matter if you had 10 straight losses, that was only 10-15 mins. w/ gw2 conquest, thats only 1 match. w/ gw2 conquest 10 straight losses = ~100 min match time, 30 min queue, or over 2 hours = misery

I couldn’t have said it any better – EXACTLY! It’s the entire time invested just to get a match out of GW2 sPvP……hence the misery of progression through the current division system, which just adds another layer of complexity to the que criteria.

Last season, I started documenting my absurd loss streaks. Try going 60+ loses vs. (if memory serves me right) a pathetic 5-8 wins going threw Sapp to Ruby. It was horrible. Most of my teams just fought off point, didn’t have a strategy, plan, and scoring was pathetic (we’d have 50-100 player point totals vs. enemy have 150-250 point spread)…it was….. smh just wrong.

And so many will flame “it’s clearly you.” That its my skill, and bla bla bla. I’m not going to try justifying my skill level. I know what I’m capable of, and this wasn’t a factor. I’m not saying I’m in the top 1%, but I’m certainly 70-90% material. Anyhow, the point is I was clearly teamed up with newer players, or players that just didn’t care. And guess what? My % rating went from 49.70% down to 46% because of that BS.

So, in conclusion, I feel your pain.

Fourth.1567:

manarchon.2089:

Great post. A “remaster” version of a game like gw1 would still have audience. Maybe not the biggest, but would be profitable anyway.

They will not change gw2 to that direction, we would need a whole new game for it. Sadly it’s not very likely to happen.

Maybe in a few years time, don’t give up on that experience coming back. Who knows, something to that feel might already be in the works.

Here here! In the meantime, GW1 remains installed on my computer, and once in awhile I go back down memory lane for pure nostalgic enjoyment!

manarchon.2089:

Great post. A “remaster” version of a game like gw1 would still have audience. Maybe not the biggest, but would be profitable anyway.

They will not change gw2 to that direction, we would need a whole new game for it. Sadly it’s not very likely to happen.

Thank you Manarchon! Where there is hope – there is a chance that things may yet still change. We, the players, have to continue pushing this topikittenil we’re heard in unison. A remaster version? Oh I shiver with joy to think of GW1 remastered …..GW2 would be uninstalled in a heartbeat.

Vicky.4563:

A system that doesn’t penalize losses after a certain point is essentially a reward track.

I didn’t say that – again, my words taken out of context. I stated that the loss of pipes, which in turn keeps you locked down within a division, is a loss – why are you ignoring this fact? Example: last two seasons, I made Ruby no problem, and I was happy with that. This season, I started late. Win, loss, win, loss, win win win, loss, and the roller coaster ride just keeps going and going and….So, don’t preach there is no penalty for losing – I’m feeling it daily as I grind up toward my goals, investing hours on my day off, etc. I’m “making the sacrifice” to join the “upper echelon,” and yet somehow you want to increase the difficulty that already exists for us? I do not agree with your logic.

Vicky.4563:

You don’t need a hardcore play 12hrs a day whatever. The best opportunity for fair matches is when people can drop divisions instead of being artificially propped up by a system that doesn’t allow for losses in tiers.

Pugs vs premades are not an issue. Anet metrics themselves state that very few matches are loss to full pugs against full premades. You only remember those matches more because you’re trying to seek an excuse to why you loss. It’s all in your head.

I have more experience recalling my matches than you – were you in every single match I’ve ever played – no. Are we friends that hash out our matches on a daily/weekly basis – no. You’re speaking out of turn here. Our experiences are not the same, and it’s disappointing you’d take the low road here. An “excuse.” “All in my head?” My opinions are based off my experiences, and after 20+ years playing PvP I know the difference between pre-made vs. pug. I’m going to stop here on this point.

Vicky.4563:

That’s great! We agree! The system is broken! Because no tier regression!

Those PvErs who wouldn’t give 2 cents, those low rated players, those AFK players would drop down to a lower division over time. If only we could allow tier regression. Meanwhile players who play to win would rise ahead.

Agree? I beg to differ, but let’s start our own post if we’re going to hash things out on the finer points of the whys and why nots vs deviate further from the OP.

Vicky.4563:

What? It’s pathetically easy for anyone to get the legendary status. Make it harder.

That is a under-statement that’s either forged in ignorance, pride, or ego. Either one is an insulting comment that undermines the hard work, effort, and time players have put into achieving that lofty status. You do not get to belittle their work w/ your own inability to see the challenge there is right now reaching for that top tier status within the league.

Vicky.4563:

Well, considering it IS a league and ladder, you do know what leagues and ladders mean right? You’re supposed to be divided.

Yep.

Vicky.4563:

You sound like you have something against players who want to play a competitive game mode the way it was intended. Each player should be rated and judged within each division. Not just legendary. Currently, there is almost no difference between each division. Amber, Emerald and Sapphire are pretty much one extended division. Ruby through Legendary and pretty much the same too.

Remove the division handicaps. Let players disperse naturally in a curve instead of propping them up. Then we’ll see how matchmaking pans out from there.

Until you remove all these artificial barriers, you will never be able to create a functional matchmaking system.

On the contrary, I’m all for competitive play. Where I have issues with the current system for GW2 PvP is in its lack to diversify the PUGs from the PRE-TEAMs. It’s really that straight-forward in my book. GW1 had that right – you had seperation to those two distinctions, and incorporating that into GW2 would alleviate a lot of the current PvP disfunction and imbalances we’re left with – minus any current class OP meta’s, but that’s never going to change as they tweek tweek and tweek.

Vicky.4563:

Syric.1936:

If I make it to Sapphire, then I earned it. I keep it.

If you make it to Ruby, then you’ve earned it. You keep it.

No, you don’t. You defend it. If you can’t defend it successfully, you don’t deserve to keep it.

It’s supposed to be a ranked league season, not a reward track. Champions have to defend their titles all the time. They can’t just rest on their laurels for the rest of their lives. It’s a constant race and drive to stay on top of your game and improve yourself.

Go play unranked or hot join if you can’t handle it.

Under that new system, you wouldn’t need to move upwards in league anyways to get your wings, so ranks wouldn’t matter for you anyways.

Vicky, why so much hostility in your post? Let’s not take what I’m saying out of context – if you earn it, you deserve it. I never stated it was a “reward track.” You did, and we both know the difference.

Again, this game is supposed to be fun to play – not hardcore play 12hrs+ a day or go uninstall it you noob kitten. Whether I win or lose, I want the “best” opportunity for a “fair” match. Not PUG meets PREMADE. But, I digress.

I disagree with you. Defend it? I defend it hours upon hours, and days upon days, at a time. Why? Cause the system, as is, is broken, and time and time again I’m stuck w/ new players, low rated players, and/or PVE-ers who could give 2-cents less in the end. There are several other factors, but the point remains that I shouldn’t have to give back ALL my effort, time, and sweat due to some run of bad luck or other players not playing at the same skill level as me.

As for what happens when you remove all those factors? I’m fine w/ losing pipes. It keeps things in check. GW2 PvP Dev team already saw to increasing the necessary tiers required to cross into the next Division – making it harder and harder for a casual and/or PvE-er to obtain the coveted “Legendary” status.

Ultimately, what I’m hearing is it sounds like some of the 1% sitting on top of the Ranking just don’t want their efforts diminished by the “casual” player doing the unthinkable – joining in their stature. Is this another social class in the making within a game?

Ultimately, no one cares but you and your own ego. Furthermore, if anyone should defend themselves and all their glory, then let it be those that have hit Legendary. Let them face the chance of losing their coveted title if a new gladiator comes along to knock them off their “throne.”

Starbreaker.6507:

Spartacus.3192:

Starbreaker.6507:

I think despite me being at the highest rank I’ve ever been in three season that the safety nets are a bad thing and should probably be looked at.

Thoughts?

People have been asking for division/Tier safety nets to be removed for some time.

Problem is i doubt ANET will change that till after S4 otherwise people will complain that they can’t get the division crossing achievements (unless ANET removes that requirement)

I agree that it’s highly unlikely they’ll get rid of it anytime soon.

Speaking as someone who probably benefited from it, this is by far the least fun season I’ve played despite my “gains” .

Agree and disagree here.

There has to be a balance – why should someone’s hard work, patience, etc. be ruined by bad luck, bad team composition, and other “beyond a player’s control” factors? Suffice to say, in the current state of this game’s PvP, if I patiently grind out Emerald to Sapphire to Ruby….and then end up on some wild losing streak, why must I pay the price and/or risk the chance of all my hard work being systematically erased by a team que-ing system that so many of us have already labeled broken, in-need-of-repair, or scrapped and the team making system over-hauled and completely redesigned?

If I make it to Sapphire, then I earned it. I keep it.

If you make it to Ruby, then you’ve earned it. You keep it.

I do not subscribe to the idea that a player should lose their division, or tier status within that division. Pipes yes. But once you earn those pipes and move into the next tier status of that division, your progress is safe.

Remember, Guild Wars 2 is supposed to be fun, exciting, and most importantly – rewarding for playing it. The issue here is that we have extreme PvPers vs. Casual PvPers vs. PvE-ers (who are just there because they’ve been “forced” into for item “xyz”).

To address this, create un-ranked and ranked RANDOM and TEAM match options available to the player, so they can play at their level of desire or necessity. If I’m a solo, lone wolf player ( and I am), then ranked RANDOM is for me. If you are a guild, real friends, game-made-friends role w/ a team that’s organized and has a strategy in mind, then TEAM match-ups are for you. Hard-core gets their nitch (team vs. team), casual gets their own (random pug vs random pug!), and PvE-ers get their spot w/ Un-ranked match play and/or RANDOM match up play.

gloflop.3510:

I would like to show how a pvp-match for me normally looks like:
1) I queue and after ~3 min. the queue pops up (at night it takes longer)
2) I wait 1 min. until the game starts
3) After 3 min. of the match, I realize that it will be an easy win/horrible loss
4) After 8 min. (roughly) my prediction after 3 min. becomes true
5) the game is over and I can queue again!

I counted Celine’s matches (previous post). In 4 (out of 10) the losing team had more than 350 points. In my own history, it is just 1 (out of 10). I dont mind if I cannot reach legendary. I dont mind losing a game. I mind if I queue 3 min. + 1 min. waiting only to get beaten up/have nobody to fight against. Why should I play PvP then? The real problem for me in terms of matchmaking are such blow-out matches.

I agree with you. I’m having the same experience myself.

Jorah.2389:

Hi all,

1) Put the kitten pvp backpack on unranked also. The pve players who love shinny stuff will for sure queue for unranked because its easier and they can grind that kitten like clearing a map in pve.

This is a great idea. I approve of it – you have my vote on this one!

BTW – your English is fine.

wardspratlin.9107:

love the RA nod where if your team wins you keep that team if you win i think that would be a great idea

Appreciate that – never understood why you’d want to remove that reward. In GW1, it felt good getting that 5-win streak, not to mention the bonus Balthazar points that came w/ it. And, once you hit 10, 15, 20+ wins….talk about feeling like a REAL CHAMPION! Man – those were some great times, and ya know what, GW2 could have them too.

They need but listen, build it, and we will come. Otherwise, I really don’t see the worth of me sticking around much longer w/ GW2. What’s left? I want more PvP – not PvE – and there are so many other games I could be playing atm. In retrospect, I’m amazed GW2 still has the PvP community it does have because, ultimately, it isn’t a very forgiving environment for the new player. They jump in, trying to learn the play style, and get spanked and insulted for even trying to do it. GW1 cultivated PvPers. GW2 takes it or leaves it, and has been focused more on PvE content.

Remember your roots GW dev team. Remember where this game came from….it was successful for a reason. And the extend of that success could be so much greater than where it sits right now.

ANET – Pay me 65-85k a year, benefits, etc. and I’ll relocate and give you my all tomorrow.

Love the ideas. And, when you said this:

“Then they need to trash whatever it is that forces people to a 50% win percentage, if a player is good enough to win 99% of their matches (I’m not but I’ve met many who are capable of such a thing) then for the love of tyria let them. Don’t rig the game into forcing higher skill players to carry noobs and don’t force new players into an environment where they can’t play because all their opponents are too good for them to handle.”

So freakin true.

blackysharky.7581:

kitten , I didn’t know PvP was already a thing back in 1996. Must’ve been a great experience with that 56k Dial-Up modem.

Believe it or not, Magestorm was fast, extremely competitive, and just awesome. Look it up. Three teams fought it out while protecting their shrine (base) from destruction. They had water pools throughout the map that you could sit in and “cap,” which would give your team faster energy/magic regen…….truly ahead of its time. Played great on 56k – as hard as that is to believe.

cassius.5809:

Not to kitten on your parade but were you 0 /-1 years old when you started pvping!?

Some great points and enthusiasm but Solo Q / Pug in pvp still has that random element that isnt worth rewarding. Anybody who gets 25 in a row wins just got v lucky with who they were matched with (not to say they aren’t competant players).

I would like to see larger teams at a ranked level though regardless of premade/pug/solo status!

No, I was in my teens back then…and, while luck had something to do with it, it also made better players out it because, over time, you learned how to be self sufficient and be a contribution to your team – in more ways than our current PvP structure has to offer anyone.

Anet, I don’t know where else I can post this, and originally wanted to e-mail it, so I’m posting it here. It is my highest hope that this post reaches someone that cares as much as I do, and that the “powers that be” will give my suggestions sincere consideration; I’ve a passion to see GW2 be at its best – just as much as they do. That said, my suggestions are below, but I preferenced it with some background on me to better understand where my passion for PvP comes from…

Respectfully, I’ve been PvPing my heart out since 1995 (ish). My earliest memory of PvP dates back to when AOL unleashed a game called Magestorm, which was created by Mythic Entertainment. That game would set the stage and redefine what it meant to play video games for me. My days playing on my SNES, Genesis, etc. quickly became a thing of the past – I wanted more and couldn’t seem to get enough: this was the game of choice for me.

Fast forward years later, Guild Wars comes out, and I missed the initial release of it because I was still caught up in DAOC and WoW. Those were the “giants” of 2000-2006, but eventually my ever burning desire for PvP gaming lead me to try GW out. Now here was a game changer! Unlike DAOC and WoW, Guild Wars brought something so unique, diverse, and special to the table – I was hooked, and it didn’t take long to bid farewell to DAOC and WoW.

Guild Wars was a great time – and every expansion brought new wonder, splendor, and something beautiful for us to enjoy. The artistry – OMG WOW! AMAZING! BREATH-TAKING! (Thank you, to this day, for keeping that game alive!). PvP thrived on with new skill combinations and new classes (god, I miss the Rituatlist and Dervish!) Life was good. But, like with all things, it came to a semi-end w/ GW2 coming into existence, and GW2 was the future of where things were heading – like it or not.

And here we are, and now we get to my concerns, disappointments, and suggestions. Why did you remove the true RANDOM PvP matches that took place in original GW? Why has no one thought to bring that game style back? Why must those of us that enjoy a “gladiator” random play match up vs. team be subject to endure the current limited match options we have today in GW2? Arena PvP? Don’t insult us. Unranked? Ranked? Doable, but not very ideal: both still pit your possible PUG team against an organized TEAM. Why? How is that fair in the spirit of competition? Clearly an organized team, or semi-team, is going to have an advantage over one that isn’t. Furthermore, think of how over-whelming that must be to a newer player still getting their feet “wet.” Some will argue, “well, that’s what Arena’s are for,” and admittedly they do the job, but in a real PvP environment – where the stage hasn’t already been set for you – it’s not the same. Not even close.

Some of us prefer the lone wolf play style vs team. Some of us don’t have a guild, want to play in a guild, or have real life friends playing this game to make up a group. Some of us don’t want any of that. We prefer our solo existence for what it is, but we’re still part of your community. I respect that GW2 is a social structured game. I like it! But whether we want to enter PvP under a true Random arena or TEAM arena should be an option. Is there not enough room for BOTH play styles and mind sets? I like the randomness of PUG – pure Random matches like in GW1. Want team play? Gather friends, guildies, etc. and ORGANIZE your strategy and have at it. If I can respect that style, then why can’t the PUG random style also be respected and enjoyed? Additionally, what ever happened to Guild vs Guild 8-person matches (another GW1 PvP option)?! Brilliant idea! How can you call this Guild Wars, and not have GUILD WARS?!?!

My point in all this is that GW1 offered diversity of play styles and options for PvP, and in Guild Wars 2 those options are severally lacking – why? It’s the very foundation you built upon for end game content and play – right? Yes, there is PvE. Yes, there is HoT. Yes, there are raids, dungeons, etc. All that is amazing, awesome, and worth savouring for the PvE gamer that pursues that game style. But, for those of us that PvP hardcore, and play GW2 for it – please, consider adding more play options to PvP for GW2, and give us back something that’s been missing from this game from the start!

Final thoughts to this suggestion:

- Random PvP Play (could call it “Gladiator Play”) – 3 vs 3, 5 vs 5, and 7 vs 7 would make for some fantastic match-ups.

- Keep unranked and ranked match play for true PUG/Random match ups and TEAM match ups alike

- No changing your class after being qued up. This prevents class swapping to over-load or over-counter the other team’s composition, not to mention – didn’t the que just pick that player and the character they’re playing for a reason? Stop permitting class swaps after queing into a match just makes sense. You’ve committed to playing the PvP match as-is the moment you que up for a PvP match. Simple.

- Diversify your PvP maps. PvP has patiently been waiting for more maps since GW2 came out! Where are they?!

- Keep the win streak component that GW1 had – if your PUG random team wins, then you move on to the next team that ques up against you, or waiting in que. Win 5 matches in a row, gain a BONUS (could be chests, exp, coin, etc.) for doing so well, and keep receiving bonuses at 10 wins in a row, 15, 20, and up to 25.

- Did your random PUG team just win 25 in a row? Congratulations! You’re name gets listed on a plague for the week! Think about it…it has merit, and helps put on display the truly dedicated to perfecting their skill and build to work w/ other random individuals!

- Get ride of strongholds, or make some serious changes to it. It’s worthless in the grander scheme of PvP. In fact, is it even PvP? Most matches I ever played were, RUSH THE LORD ASAP! You could end up completely ignoring the other team. It was a rush to see who could move and get to the Lord the quickest. Meh. Better yet – turn that map into a PvP random map for 7vs7 or 10vs10 even!

- Bring back guild vs guild, and the ability to watch/observe the match play out! It’s a great way for other players (especially new) to learn builds, play styles, and skill combos.

I have so many more ideas – I’m available for hire (hint hint ). Seriously, I’d love to be on a team or committee that oversees PvP for GW2. There’s just so much untapped potential here – and you’re missing the opportunity to expand and capitalize on it! You’ve given PvE gamers their due w/ HoT. Isn’t it time that GW2 PvPers get theirs?

Kind Regards,
GCM (aka Syric, Sylvena, Valorin)

All,

Maybe I’m just wired different, but I play to win, and the disorganization of the PUGs causing loss after loss after loss has pushed me to a breaking point. In the past, I could endure them. Heck, I even carried them, but I can no longer afford the patience to endure their ignorance. Play to win, or don’t play at all – is my motto.

That said, I’m on a hunt to find more players that have my caliber of thinking when it comes to PvP. Considering I spend at least 80% of my in-game time doing it, I desire to be around others that had that same competitive edge that I do when going into a match.

In the past, I’ve desired to play at a pro level, but my real life career prevents it. However, that should suggest how serious I am about PvP. Are you? If so, I’d be very interested in bringing your skill sets and mine into a team. Find me in-game if the following pairs us up right:

- Play time is ideally between 8PM thru 4AM EST on any given day
- You know how to play more than just one class
- You have exceptional knowledge of your build, and how to play on any pvp map
- You have a desire to be Rank Diamond or better in Season PvP play
- You are level headed, good under pressure, and can change your stategy on the fly
- You can play with or without TS
- You have a insatiable desire to win and have an elitist mentality – not to be a jerk, but because you take satisfaction in playing your class like an professional musician plays their instrument – with precision and flawless execution from days, months, and years of practice.

If this is you – then find me in-game under Syric.1936, Sylvena Variel, Syric Malvayis, or PM me here. Have a PvP guild? Tell me more.

To GW2 Moderators,

Call it what you want: hack/bug/issue/cheat……

I’ve noticed that in the last month, in Ranked PvP matches, some players while in a downed state suddenly slide/run/move away (“rubberbanding”) from a me & or team mates trying to stomp them. (No, I’m not talking about a Ranger pulling them to safety, or any other skill that would do similar behaviors). It’s like their lagging out, but their not. As soon as they’ve been healed from down state, they play like nothing ever happened and have no more “lag” associated to them. And, my connection is fine. Ping at 50-100 on 30-50MB/per sec.

Obviously, this causes major concerns. I’m/we are losing matches because of this issue. And, it doesn’t just happen once or twice, it happens often. Please – look into it ASAP. Afterall, isn’t this supposed to be a fair and balance Season 2 PvP?

Counterweight.7192:

Needs more of everything.
“http://i.imgur.com/p67YZM3.png” more like this.
mesmor stronk.

Impressive and amazing condition damage #s! What build? What match setup yielded these kind of numbers? What was the enemy teams composition?

Judging from your healing Allies #s, it looks like your build is different by design than mine. My build is, at its core, support w/ an emphasis to still do enough damage to be a threat not to be ignored.

Exciton.8942:

Cannot understand your weapon choice at all.

I really can’t think of any good reason of going other weapon sets rather than staff, sword/shield in a bunker support build.

The problem with bunker build now is the support you provide is pretty much limited to bountiful disillusionment. It is still a very strong trait but not good enough to carry the rest of mesmer now. I would suggest try playing with illusionary inspirtaion rather than mental defense and see if you still can survive.

If you can, it would still be a decent build with support. Your probably need to take portal as well. But I suspect lacking mental defense can make your build too squishy to play effectively.

I haven’t had much success w/ the staff because, for me, it messes up the rotation of this builds beauty. The idea is not to teleport out. It’s to absorb a #$#$ of damage and let the enemy(ies) burn out their skills, elite, etc. – all the while you’re blocking and evading these things. I’m not saying Staff isn’t useful, but it’s not my recommendation for the build’s design. You’re suppose to stay on cap point. Not harass it. And, if you mix this build with a DH, Ele, etc. Your golden. You only need 1 other team mate that is effective to see the true potential this build yields and carries out.

Atlashugged – Ty. I haven’t thrown staff into the mix. I’ll try it out – it does sound like a viable alternative.

Fay – I’m permitted to change my decision, and that’s exactly what I did. Guilty as charged – I love the Mesmer class too much to ever stop playing it. I’m disappointed that you choose to highlight that aspect of that post vs. all the other fine points I brought up in that rant. I stand by it – the game has some very disappointing imbalances right now, and in that passionate rant I outlined a few of them. Additionally, I was stuck on the last 5 pipes in Sapphire (not Ruby). The build outlined here was not the exact one I was utilizing – I had an epiphany on the build, applied it, and vol-la! I made the corrections and it came together, finally, which is why I feel comfortable sharing it in its final form now. Have you tried it yet?

Durzlla – The build is craftier than it appears on the surface. You need to dig deeper into its’ mechanics. If you look at the entire structure of the build, you’ll see it works well as assaulter, bunker, and/or support. It depends on the context of the match and enemies your up against. I typically heal for 7k-10k to allies within every 15-20 seconds – not to mention the boons they receive (i.e. regen). How about a few more screen shots of my more recent matches? Below, you’ll see that the build has proven to be damage effective, healing effective, self/team boon effective; numbers don’t lie (specifically, look at gw596.jpg, which displays 227k dmg total, took over 300k worth of total dmg, and healed for 301k w/ 778 boons applied – with my highest total to date being approx 1,326):

http://syric.net/phantom-menace/

Mesmer Community,

I’ve decided to share with the Mesmer community a build I’ve flushed out, tested for the last two months, and finally comfortable with sharing the finished “product.” I’d like to give respects and acknowledgements to Mesmer players such as Osicat, Chaos Archangel, and others like them whom have shared their knowledge and guides in the past, for it has been their willingness to share what they’ve learned to inspire me to do the same. Fair is fair.

If you get a moment to rate it and provide feedback, I would appreciate it! A lot of time, patience, and love for the Mesmer class went into making this one – enjoy!

http://metabattle.com/wiki/Build:Mesmer_-_Phantom_Menace

Note #1: I choose Meta Battle because I believe the build’s design is durable enough to restore faith in a lot of Mesmers (myself included at one point) that lost it after the most recent nerf bat on damage output (pvp related), and because I wanted to present it in such a way that I could explain the synergy behind what makes it so viable in PvP play right now.

Note #2: I couldn’t resist the name for this build because it’s too relevant and perfect! Enjoy living a lot longer in your PvP matches! (Inspired by my extreme disdain for dying, and in an effort to counter the amount of spike builds in the current state of the game; besides, I’ve long felt that a dead mesmer is a mesmer that did something wrong.)

Cheers!
Sylvena Variel (aka Syric)

In response to those questioning my low damage output in some of those matches – take a closer look at my healing, boon distribution, and damage absorption. In fact, look at the screen shots again – in some matches my damage/defense/support numbers are much higher.

To further assist Mesmers, I’ve decided to outline my build at MetaBuild. You’re welcome to analyze it, try it, and decide for yourself if it’s the right fit for you.

http://metabattle.com/wiki/Build:Mesmer_-_Phantom_Menace

To those of you of you that replied in support of my OP – thank you.

To those that feel my skill level as a Mesmer has something to do w/ it, please note the following:

- I’ve exclusively have been playing the Mesmer class for over 2 years now
- I have over 1,800+ hours logged on my Mesmer (main character); most of which are sPvP related.
- I’ve researched, practiced, and have applied lessons successfully shared by other popular Mesmer guide writers, such as: Osicat, and other sticky posts shared at:
https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/professions/mesmer

Additionally, In an effort to show you stats, I have some screen shots to share with you @: http://www.syric.net/images (I’m Sylvena Variel). What you’ll find in these images are several examples of my victory after victory as I moved through Amber and Emerald, and my progress into Sapphire. You’ll see I’m often 1st or 2nd place, and even in lower point ranking I still show my contribution to the team via heals, dmg output, and/or dmg absorption.

There is no reason why I should be, currently as of 3/21/16, at 65 losses and 6 wins in Sapphire ranking over the last 3 days played – that’s running PUG solo, and with running in 2-4 man organized team groups here and there….

Anet,

I’m uninstalling your game. You will not make any more money off me. Our relationship is over. We are done. But, before I go I’d like to offer you some reasons why our relationship is to be concluded (I owe you that much, I suppose):

- The current state of your class balancing is shameful and a disappointment, to say the least. How can you justify the following factual data I’ve accumulated for you:

In ranked PvP, I initially felt like a God Walking Among Mortals. My Mesmer felt confident from the win after win victories I accumulated. I went 20+ wins in a row at one point. Life was good. Then Sapphire Ranking came. Challenging, no problem. Only 5 pipes to go to get to Ruby, and then that was when my Hell began. It broke me. Ruined me. I have no faith anymore. Why? 65 losses later, and with only 6 wins out of that entire 3-4 days worth of playing, how can someone not? My skill as a Mesmer is solid – that’s not the issue/question here. What is are the current game class mechanics you’ve unleashed from the last “class re-balancing.” For example:

In one patch, you effectively ruined Mesmers. Power mesmers? Gone. Play Chrono, or else…you’ve boxed Mesmers into a corner. How could you? You reduced the damage output of Mesmers by approx. 30-50%, yet you gave us nothing to fall back on that substantiates varied play styles. When’s the last time you’ve seen a GS or Staff wielding Mesmer? It’s gone. You’ve murdered them all.

Elementalists rule the “Cap PvP” world you’ve created. Why? Have you really crunched your #‘s and data properly? Good. Now how about you WATCH what looked good on paper has done – they out-heal, out-boon re-apply, and out-support anything and anyone at this time. What’s worse, is you’re not going to kill them. Naa. Not unless you specifically set up a boon corruption group designed specifically for targeting them. But, that in itself is flawed thinking because their timing is too fine tuned that you need to get combos against them off at jusssssst the right time, or guess what? They’re full health again, and once again absorbing all damage. Reminds me of Guild Wars 1 …remember the 55HP Monk you eventually had to nerf? You’ve re-created it w/o even realizing it. And, while it can be argued that Eles can be killed – which they can – let’s keep in mind that the current Ele Meta heal/support requires typically 2-3 players. Let’s consider that a moment…2-3 players, in a 5 on 5 match. That’s a lot of resources. That’s game breaking in a PvP arena that’s supposed to have depth to its’ strategy, skill, and play style system. Pair them up w/ a Heal/Bunker druid, and you have 2 bunkers that aren’t moving anytime soon. They’ll out perform your damage output every time.

Warriors – Where are they? What have you done with them? Do they even PvP? No, they don’t, and when you do see one its like seeing a Unicorn. Why? You’ve left them w/ nothing worth wild to bring to the table. It’s a casters world. Why warrior when you can play DH, Ele, Necro…. You’ve shined them up some shinny precious toy, when in reality it’s junk. Perhaps you should just close up shop w/ Warriors. Ya know, start over from scratch. Guild Wars 1 can teach you about Warriors. At least then they had SOME viability.

Engineers – You gave them some pretty nifty stealth tools. Great way to kitten on the Thief, huh? I mean, the greatest aspect of playing a thief, and you just turned it over to a class that already has so much going for it. Heals, knock-backs, burn, boons, and the list just goes on and on. Wtf were you thinking? Great bunker though. Pair them w/ an Ele and kiss your chances of winning on the receiving end of that union goodbye.

Thief – I feel for them. Every single one of them. You’ve boxed them into a corner as much as a Mesmer at this point. This class must really have kittened you off somehow, somewhere, because beyond the flashy acrobatic choreography, it’s all smoke and mirrors on their viability. Again, you have necros, engineers, and eles bunkering caps like a BOSS, and here’s another class that simply can’t out perform the over-whelming mechanics of these other classes. The idea that they can strike heavy on a 1 on 1 match up sounds great on paper, but you have no mechanics in the game that let that play out properly. At least in GW1, you had it right for the most part….got caught solo…that Assassin was about to remind you why it hurts to be the lone wolf. There was a love/hate there about them then…and they were feared and respected because they had the skills that COULD down you fast enough to make you regret not having a friend nearby. Which, to my point, is that a “Thief” should still be able to accomplish that. Hard to do w/ all the AOE damage and absorption going on – don’t ya think?

Rangers – Druid Bunker heal build. Need I say more? Rangers may have taken a “small hit” during the “re-balancing,” but in my experience the Druid rangers continue to do exactly what they did before – hold a point and not die. So, here we are once again w/ a class that can heal, boon, and recycle fast enough to not feel pressured off a point – unless your team commits multiple resources. Hmm. That’s problematic….2-3 to kill this one player? Sounds like a win for that team….when you can’t hold a cap because too many resources are spent trying to hold and defend just one.

I could go on, but this rant has burned itself out. I’m sure many will flock to this post to roast me, burn me, and flame me. Have at it. But it will not change the fact that your game is severally imbalanced at the moment, that some classes have been practically alienated from performing adequately in sPvP, and that you really should do more balancing patches, as needed, when required, and not just at the end of a PvP Ranked Season. Some Meta builds deserve the nerf bat when it takes the very thing we all came to do when loading GW2 – which is to have fun. It’s just not fun anymore. Not now anyhow. Maybe one day when you figure out how to undo the horrible class imbalances you’ve recently created.

Until then – we’re separated. My money will not fund you any more, and it pains me to say that for a game I love so dearly. Goodbye GW2. It’s been a love/hate relationship from the start.

- Syric

I have to image this has been reported before, but is there anything being done about it?

Mesmer Skill: Blink

Issue: After use, the character FLOATS/GLIDES across the world floor vs. walk/run until you jump/stop – which then resets your character to use the proper/correct walk/run animation.

discosoc.6510:

I’m not a hardcore player, but looking to give the game another shot in preparation for the expansion (if I stick with it). One of the problems I’ve had with the game is not really identifying or “connecting” with any of the classes. I typically play heavy melee tank types, but GW2 doesn’t really have tanks and the “heavy melee” builds seem kind of boring.

So this time around, I started scoping out other options, which led me to the Mesmer: a class I’ve never really cared for in terms of ‘look and feel.’ I saw they can dual-wield swords, which is cool, so figured I’d give one a try.

First impression: This is actually kind of fun! Feels more like a rogue/thief character than the actual thief does, IMO.

Second impression: I’m definitely feeling a lot weaker than I’d like… My first special skill (aoe illusions) seems to be useless in terms of damage, and my phantoms (illusions?) don’t seem to switch targets with me. Not to mention getting phantoms out is a slow process in the first place.

Final impression: Looks like my phantom/illusion things only have one hp, so fighting anything with a cleave/aoe ability means I’m just autoattacking for crappy damage. Considering how common aoe seems to be in this game…

So what’s the deal? What role is this class supposed to fill? I can’t do damage. I can’t solo anything for crap. I can’t do much in PvP because my core feature (phantoms) don’t last more than a few seconds. I can’t even zerg PvE stuff very effectively because it all dies before my abilities connect half the time.

Are dual swords just broken? Are these known issues getting fixed in the expansion? Is this something that will “get better” at max level? Are mesmer players just masochists?

I strongly urge you to research Osicat, SuperCutie, and my build (posted in this forum – https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/professions/mesmer/PvP-CBT-Overload-1-0-aka-The-Punisher/first#post4831494)" for ideas, suggestions, strategies of playing a mesmer effectively, etc.

Like many, I almost gave up on the GW2 mesmer. I loved the GW1 version, and after remaining patient, trial and error, and taking the time to research the class more in-depth, I’ve come to love my GW2 mesmer just as much!

Pro-tip Advice: You have to find what works for you, and what role you want to play. Want high “raw” damage output, look up builds that center around the GS (greatsword). Want to dish out lots of condition pain and DOT (dmg over-time)? Look up builds with scepter and/or staff. Want to use phantoms to cause 1-3k+ dmg …and be the decoy while your clones/phantoms wreck havoc? Look up phantom builds that pump up their dmg – which can be devastating – especially when you spec skills that increase their health to keep them alive long enough to dish out their heavy hitting dmg.

You are not a tank. A mesmer is not designed to be face to face w/ the enemy for a pro-longed period of time. If that’s what you have in mind, then try ranger, warrior, or guardian. Or, wait for the NEW REVENANT class coming in the expansion pack, which looks like a promising spell-caster/warrior hybrid offensive class (vs. the guardian, which leans more defensive oriented by default).

Xyonon.3987:

There were once statistics about wich profession is most and least played. This has been about 1 or 1 1/2 years ago, but yea, I still beleve the mesmer is the least played profession.

Why? Cuz it’s totally underwhelming to deal 30% of the damage other classes do in cost of slightly better utility and beeing unable to duel anyone with the same skill level in pvp. The only reason to take mes into pvp is the portal, to fight 2v1 at point a and then still 4v4 at point b.

Right now the mes is probably the worst class in pvp and the 2nd worst in pve. And wvw? Aslong as you buy a rune that decreases your overall stats compared to other runes just to be able to move faster than a snail – everything’s fine … hehe.

It took me 3’000 hours to realize or rather accept this statement. You can always sugarcoat the mesmer, but in the end you should be honest with yourself and accept how it is.

I disagree with your statements. Mesmers are NOT an easy class to learn, use, and be effective with, but once you are – mmm, so good!

Perhaps other classes have their easy buttons, but for me, give me an experienced Mesmer group any day and watch us cause hell n’ havoc. And that goes for PvP/WvW/tPvP alike.

messiah.1908:

i dont run with condi cleanse unless i see 2 engi /or any 2 other condi class

my counters:
s/d thieves
condi spec ranger then necro then engi
if you get targeted in mid (like any other class)

this build best against the cele meta as it shut down them even if not killed

Tyvm for your feedback! I’ve come to the conclusion that conditions against me are pretty much irrelevant because they never should stack on me to begin with – this build should play with a PU mindset, and when executed correctly your opponent really shouldn’t be able to land too many conditions on you.

Now, before I get flamed on my perspective, let me just add this: any class, slammed with enough conditions, is doomed to go down – that’s game design. Even with condition removals, I find conditioning applying out-performs condition cleaning, and ultimately if I’m applying burn, poison, bleed, confusion, torment, etc faster than you can remove it all, well then I’m going to win that fight. And, if I’m up against a condition applying counter-part, it really comes down to who does what faster/smarter.

For example: Up against a condition ranger? I’ll use the map to my advantage, go in close, then use my stealth/distance (Staff #2) to break off , reset, heal ,etc.

For example: Condition necro? Clones up, stealth, create confusion with more clones, and avoid getting too close. Let the clones die off and cause the necro some hurt. If pressure comes in from them, again, I break off, or waste their time by creating a “catch me if you can” game w/ them. Ultimately though, I’ll use my clones/shatter to slap on TORMENT + other conditions and watch their health tick away to 0.

Every fight is different. I don’t use the above strategies for every circumstance, but I can honestly say that I use to believe condition removal was AN ABSOLUTE NECESSITY. Now? I no longer have that opinion. My build/skills selected each have a purpose, timing, and create a synergy that makes this build so effective – remove one of the pieces, and it’s just not as good. For example, remove Mirror Images, and now you’ve just cut potential spike/shatter damage by (I estimate) at least 25% – if not more. Trade out Reflect for say, Null Field, and ok – you have some condition removal now – but what’s going to stop that Ranger/what-ever range weapon/class for mopping you up w/ distance attacks/skills? What’s going to happen when Null Fields done and conditions are reapplied to you?

It’s a personal preference, but when you play this build right, conditions are no longer an issue. Play with a PU defensive mindset, watch where you’re placing yourself on the map, and whatever you do – don’t back down from the opponent. This build rewards an aggressive stance, as long as you leave youself w/ defensive outs (dodge, stealth, staff #2 for blinking backwards n’ away (or check out how you can use that skill to blink forward!).

Also, one more note: don’t forget you’re COMBO setup. Reflect + Staff #2 (when standing in the REFLECT BUBBLE) = Chaos Armor / Staff #4 = Chaos Armor / Staff #5 (chaos storm) + then using Staff #2 (while standing in Chaos Storm) = Chaos Armor

This is an invaluable part of your defensive/armor/boon strategy. USE IT!

Fay.2357:

Syric.1936:

- Master Of Misdirection (33% confusion duration increase) vs. Confusing Cry (5 sec of Retaliation) remains up in the air for me. I’ve noticed some REALLY good reflected damage when Retaliation is up, but the 33% increase w/ confusion is what pushes my confusion damage up to 1.5k+ vs. 600-1.4k. Anyone have more data on this one? Thoughts? Opinions?

Honestly, retaliation isn’t that good on a single target. It’s just not. The amount of damage you obtain from retaliation is incredibly low compared to everything else, it’s only significant on a very few types of attacks, and it requires you to get hit multiple times in a reasonably squishy build. Master of misdirection is more worth it.

Hmm….

I certainly appreciate your opinion on retaliation, even if I currently remain on the fence about it vs. a 33% increase on confusion. Basically, it’s a numbers game, and it’s difficult for me to add up which out-performs the other.

For the sake of the argument/discussion, I’ve noted that retaliation can toss out low #s of 200dmg, or spike off for over 700-1k if crit/squishy. Now, even at 200dmg, that supplements my build by adding to the torment/bleed/confusion/etc stacks already slamming the opponent. It’s one more “tick” that’s adding up to the overall “damage-over-time” I’m causing my opponent, which increases the pressure and spike I’ve dealt them.

Now, on the flip-side, I’ve noticed when using Master Of Misdirection (33% increase on confusion), this has caused some great results in damage output. Typically, I can see confusion dmg increased from 500-1k (normally) to over 1.5k+ (only when Master Of Misdirection is in use). Upfront, more dmg potential, but confusion has to land to stack, whereas retaliation fires off when they attack me.

Ultimately, I think you may be right. Overall dmg output potential may favor MoM, but I’m still testing for a final opinion/recommendation on this aspect of the build. Does anyone else have input to add to this argument/debate – to perhaps swing it one way or the other?

To: Everyone,

Thank you for your feedback! Wow! Here’s my thoughts on most points shared:

- I have had my doubts on which was more effective to this build: Phantom Fury vs. Retaliation Shield, and I appreciate everyone’s feedback on this! I’ve used both, but thanks to your feedback I defer to the experience of others, and have added this recommended change to my OP build.

- Master Of Misdirection (33% confusion duration increase) vs. Confusing Cry (5 sec of Retaliation) remains up in the air for me. I’ve noticed some REALLY good reflected damage when Retaliation is up, but the 33% increase w/ confusion is what pushes my confusion damage up to 1.5k+ vs. 600-1.4k. Anyone have more data on this one? Thoughts? Opinions?

- Originally, I did not believe this build would hold up without condition removal. However, time and time again in sPvP, I simply don’t require it nearly as often as I once did when using GS Shatter or the now nerfed PU bleed/burn builds of yesterday. In my testing thus far, I believe one important factor for this is due to the over-whelming OVERLOAD in damage you are presenting your opponent. In less than 5-7 seconds, I have stacks of confusion, torment, bleed, burn, vulnerability, poison, etc. on you. What do you do? Condition cleanse? Ok. I’m prepared for that. Here comes my 2nd wave at you. Now what? Oh…and here’s a 3rd and 4th wave too. Meanwhile, most condition wipe timers are still on cool-down. Who’s dead? Not me. So, while in most circumstances, it’s advised to bring condition removal, in this build – even against condition necro/ranger, I’ve survived and/or go down w/ them in most worst case scenarios. This build encourages and often rewards AN OFFENSE approach to your opponent, as most spike builds do. “Burn” them fast and they’re more concerned w/ heals/condition cleanse etc than attacking you. And that, perhaps, is the key advantage to not needing a lot of condition cleanse for yourself right there. Also, factor in w/ this build you do have “some” armor (not 900 like full berserk, but 1500 ish), and you want your clones to be targeted- not you – so like most Mesmers, you want them to waste skills on them – not you – to avoid conditions/hits/etc.

- My build is time tested in sPvP. In highly organized tPvP, I have concerns, and GS shatter might be the best solution for those highly competitive matches. However, there are too many factors and variables to consider and be weighted here – what’s best isn’t the real question though vs. what’s the BEST build against that particular team. Proof? I don’t do videos, but I’ll get some screen shots of damage output and post them soon for you.

- Some feel I have displayed a narcissistic behavior, or ego, for posting my build and naming it. Huh?! O_o ?! If I were as egotistical and narcissistic as some would consider, then why would I take the time to make my original post? Wouldn’t my ego be better served by just posting, “I have this great amazing build, and you’ll never see it,” rather then put the time into a giving back to the community that aided my development so much? Honestly, you need to consider that some of us don’t come across every single post, build, etc. What’s new to me might very well be old to you, but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s new and exciting for me. Tell ya what: find my a post of the build I shared, and I’ll gladly change the name to whatever that person named it. Win-win enough for ya?

- I named my build and posted it because for all the builds I have played, I personally had NOT come across any other “maim” builds. Granted, I’m often playing in-game and spend VERY little time on these Forums, so if my build echos other builds already shared and posted, then I definitely missed them. In any event, my build was a customized version of the GS shatter build I was using, and after seeing how others post their builds (w/ unique names), I followed their example.

Teutos.8620:

Thank you for sharing! Really appreciate the effort you put in!

Thank you for recognizing all the energy and time I invested into bringing this build into reality! And, I hope you try it out (not against me of course! lol) and enjoy it as much as I do! Cheers!

Final Thoughts

• Decoy, while designed to be a primary defensive tool (remember, it breaks stuns!), it can also increase your clone/phantom output too. This is completely situational based, and you need to learn when and where to use it offensively vs. defensively. Just remember what I mentioned earlier: don’t leave yourself without an out and burn through your skills too quickly!

• I strongly encourage upcoming Mesmers to READ the tactics/builds/etc. that Osicat and Supercutie took the time to write and share w/ our Mesmer community. Their builds taught me how to move, play, and time a mesmer better. And, the tactics you grasp by playing as a PU mesmer, and then as a Shatter mesmer, become invaluable when you move into a build like mine. Think like a PU defensively, but offensively SPIKE like the Shatter nightmare you’ve become!

• I hope my Mesmer doesn’t run into you running my build. Heh.

• Thank you for reading my 1st build ever publically shared with the GW2 community. I wasn’t going to share it, to be honest (mainly because I’ve no desire to face off against it!), but after ridding myself of that selfish notion, I recalled how I got this far in the 1st place: because of other Mesmers that took the time to share their worth of knowledge so that we may all be better Mesmers for it!

And with that said, enjoy! Feel free to PM/email me in-game @: Syric.1936 (aka Sylvena Variel; JQ server), with any comments, questions, and/or constructive criticism. Or, alternatively, post here and I’ll reply when I have a moment! CHEERS!

Credit

Thanks goes out to Osicat, SuperCutie, the entire OMFG all Mesmer guild, and to all the other Mesmers I’ve met along the way or whom taken the time to post their own builds/videos! THANK YOU!

<3 Mesmer 4 Life! <3

Warm Regards,
Syric (aka Sylvena Variel)
Jade Quarry

Utility Skills

You’re not going to have Blink. Let me repeat that – no BLINK! This was very difficult for me to get use to at first, especially when so many builds have it, but trust me – in most circumstances you’ll never need it, and you’ll learn quickly that there is LIFE after BLINK for us Mesmers!

• Reflect: Funny. I use to ignore this skill altogether. I thought it was practically worthless. And then ANET decided to buff up rangers to a ridiculously annoying level…thieves were one thing (and I’ve learned to over-come them), but Rangers…hates them! (Ironic too because my main in GW1 was a ranger – ha! LOL). And, one other fact, it was my frustration with rangers that really spurred on the creation of this build because I was fed up w/ losing to their “eazy-button” tactics. Now, I hunt them….mmm. And, Reflect isn’t just for those pesky Rangers either! It’s very effective at causing disorientation on a cap point, forcing someone out of their defensive position, and is a very nasty, dirty, devious surprise when someone isn’t paying attention or already starting a range burst of their own!! I was so so very wrong in doubting this utility skill, and it has become an invaluable tool in my kitten nal to control and manipulate a situation to my advantage (not to mention it compliments this build’s max potential damage output very well – especially when timed properly with shatter spiking bursts)!

• Mirror Images: This is why you’ve sacrificed Blink!! This baby here + a weapon skill or dodge roll later, and you have 3 clones/phantoms ready to rush in and cause mayhem, hell, and destruction against your opponent. Bring tissues. They’ll need one for the pain endured, and you’ll need one for your tears of joy. Seriously though, don’t under-estimate this utility! It’s one of the main “bread and butter” pieces of this build, and I cannot image this build being nearly effective w/o bringing it! Let me repeat this: BRING THIS WITH YOU! It’s part of your spike AND creating defense diversions!

• Decoy: Time to go? Your 2 on 1 just turned into a zerg? Yep, time to go! Between this utility skill + torch #4 skill (The Prestige), this is your way out of most sticky situations. And, of course, as a last resort, you also have Mass Invisibility too.

• ALT SKILL: You can swap out Confusing Cry for Master Of Misdirection. I have, and I still do. It really depends what I’m up against, or how I want to play. Remember, you’re main focus here is to stack, stack, and stack! So, when you consider a 33% increase on your confusion duration, that may not sound like a lot at first, but it’s definitely going to drive up your confusion damage per tick. Mmm! On the other hand, retaliation for 5 seconds upon using your F2 skill (Cry Of Frustration) is layering your over-all SPIKE per tick damage output, isn’t tied into condition removal, and basically is the option best suited for someone who doesn’t want to “put all their eggs into one basket.” You have to keep in mind that the core of this build is all about layering multiple various outputs for damage, and retaliation facilitates that end concept I had in mind.

Pros/Advantages:

“CBT Overload 1.0” brings a lot of functionality, durability, and offensive/defensive capabilities to the table. I’ve based it off the strategies I’ve acquired from playing a variety of PU and Shatter Mesmer builds. The basic concept is this:

• Hit as hard as a GS + Shatter build + have the added bonus of layering on several conditions + while retaining the ability to remove boons and stealth out of sight to reposition or further confuse your opponent.

• Be able to hold a position defensively, not just assault one! Mesmer bunker? Unheard of? Not anymore. This build punishes thieves and solo roamers for trying that tactic REAL QUICK!

Here’s what tests have yielded for me (I have screen-shots) when testing it against Chieftain/Svanir:

• 200-2.0k+ damage per tick = confusion ( C )
• 200-1.5k+ damage per tick = bleeds (B)
• 200-1.5k+ damage per tick = torment (T)
• 200-1.5k+ damage per hit = skills 1-5
• 200-800+ damage per hit/tick = poison/burn/etc
• 5-25 stacks of vulnerability
• etc, etc etc….

As you can see, the math doesn’t lie, and I encourage you to test this build for yourself! Also, now you see where I came up w/ the CBT part of this build’s name.

Cons/Disadvantages

Like every other build, there is always a drawback, but in designing this build I wanted as few as possible (don’t we all?), and so far I’ve only pin-pointed a few:

• Mobility (you are not using Blink in this build!!); however, if you really want the mobility you could opt the armor Rune Of The Krait for Rune Of The Traveler. However, in doing so, you are dropping your potential bleed dmg output from 1,405 to 1,097 (based off Staff #1 skill), not to mention the redux in other condition damage based skills. You’re condition damage would be 1344 vs. 1491. In most circumstances, it just doesn’t justify the loss of this potential damage output for mobilities sake – especially since this build tends to be extremely durable and effective, even in 2 on 1 situations (when played extremely WELL!).

• Furthermore… Rune Of The Krait ALSO fires off bleeding, torment, and poison (for 8 seconds) when you use your elite skill! It’s up to you, but I strongly encourage you to stick with Rune Of The Krait vs. Traveler, and understand that you won’t need to be TOO concern with retreating/needing that +25% perma speed a lot because you’re going to put your enemies on the defensive REAL QUICK!

• Condition removals: your enemy would have to have a lot of condition removals, and since you’ll be applying and reapplying your conditions fairly often (via main skills, shatters, and/or clones/phantasms), it tends to be a mute point. Basically, you can out perform their ability to remove them effectively – not to mention you’ll be removing 3 boons every time you max shatter successfully!

• Zerg-trains: you are a Mesmer, and while it’s amusing to feel “god-like” when you get very experienced with this build, the reality check is you’re not, and you need to back off when faced w/ over-whelming odds. In the end, we Mesmers are forever SQUISHY.

• Timing…is everything when playing a Mesmer. Meaning, if you burn your skills too quickly, or you’re not paying attention to what your opponent is/isn’t doing, then you can find yourself without an OUT. Shatter SPIKEing is encouraged w/ this build (it drives up your CBT stacks), but if you’re opponent is playing defensively or trying to catch you off guard, then don’t be afraid to leave your clones up – and casually shatter them when your skill timers are resetting (with clones/phants up, they will help stack upon crit-ing or when being killed).

• Condition Builds: You are going to have to watch out for opponents that, like you, have opt for a lot of conditions to do their dirty work. You need to think quickly, work quickly, and burn them down faster than they can you. If you let them stack on you – you’re dead. Don’t get over-zealous, use your stealth/clones to your advantage, and spike when the moment is right.

GW2 Mesmer Community,

Recently, I have accomplished the PvP rank of Phoenix (Dragon soon!), have accumulated over 1200+hrs of play time as a Mesmer, which spans over the course of the last 517 days (@ time of this posting; mostly all spent in PvP). I have studied/played builds based off Osicat, Supercutie, and a handful of others that were kind enough to share their thoughts, builds, wisdom, and skill knowledge (shout out to guild OMFG) with me/us – either via videos, posts (like this one!), or in-game. If not for other Mesmers sharing their insights, I can honestly say that I wouldn’t be half the Mesmer I am today. In fact, I’m convinced I would have retired from playing one altogether in PVP because of how frustrated I would get PvPing as a Mesmer!

Thankfully, my determination, patience, and love for the Mesmer class kept me at perfecting how to play one better, smarter, and with more calculated efficiency! Think like a Mesmer, act like a Mesmer, manipulate and control as a Mesmer! And so, after a lot of trial and error, research, play testing builds, theory-crafting potential builds, and taking all I’ve learned in the countless hours I’ve invested in PvP, I’m thrilled and excited to announce that I’ve created a devastating sPvP/tPvP build that I’ve aptly named, “CBT Overload 1.0” (aka, “The Punisher”)!

What is “CBT Overload 1.0?” (aka “The Punisher”)

This Mesmer build throws a lot of HEAVY spike damage around at your opponent in a very brief amount of time (aka “Spike”), OR it can be used to cause mayhem, confusion, and sustainable DOT (damage over-time) if given the opportunity to leave clones/phantoms up. It utilizes various powerful conditions, utilities, and benefits from the anticipated ignorance of the enemy player’s behavior/actions to facilitate their quick demise.

You can find the build here: CBT Overload 1.0 – aka The Punisher

P.S. Tao: It has nothing to do w/ PvE/WvW …..my only kitten poor behavior existed in spvp.

Tao: So very well said. I respect where you are coming from, and honestly, I truly believe it is likely a blend of both points you made …but ultimately, I’m accepting the blame here….even if they did over-react….I know I didn’t help make things sweeter – that’s for sure. In the end, I’m just attempting to wrong MY WRONGS into a RIGHT.

Lettuce – uhhh…..huh?

Tao: Understandable and I completely respect it. Ty for your comment. I hope I may one day earn back the trust I single handily destroyed.

Dear GW2 Community,

I haven’t always been the best at showering others with a charming disposition when it has come to GW2 PVP. I tend to be extremely competitive, hate to lose, and have found myself – at times- with little to zero patience. I strive for perfection. I strive always…always…for a win. And, in that unrealistic goal of winning them all, I’ve come to realize that the arrogance of my bitterness in defeat has often burned more bridges than I’d ever care to admit or recognize; only now, am I beginning to fully comprehend the full scale weight of the self-inflicted destruction of my GW2 PVP social reputation; all at the expense of my ill-tempered elitist-jerk mentality and ego.

So, with that said, and for whatever it may be worth, I’d like to apologize to the entire GW2 PvP community for my abrasive, and often offense, rants and comments. I’ve had time to reflect on my actions and behavior, and I’ve come to the conclusion that – should I perish tomorrow – this is NOT the legacy I’d want to leave behind. So, moving forward, I will put all my effort into being a better (more positive) GW2 PvP community player, and cease the negative, sore loser BS, effective immediately….

I no longer find any amusement in being added to others ignore lists. I no longer want to push myself further and further away from other players that have so much potential to be a new-founded friend. It is my highest hope that, with this public apology, and with time tested “actions speak louder than words,” that those players I have offended in the past will find it within their heart to forgive – but not forget – and at least be willing to remove me from their ignore lists and permit me an opportunity at redemption…

….I’d write more, but e’nuff said – I hope to see you in the game, and once again everyone, my apologies for previously acting like a jerk in GW2 PvP.

Sincerely,
Sylvena Variel (Syric.1936)

Dear ANET,

Over the past year, I’ve enjoyed PvP immensely. I struggled as a novice Mesmer, but over-time I have honed my abilities and would like to think I’ve earned “semi-pro” status. Through my experiences, I’ve come to recognize an increased number of engineers in PvP – which is great! (I love a challenge). However, I’ve also noticed their versatility is practically unmatched. Let’s review (this observation is not intended for flaming/offending anyone):

My typical experience facing off against an Engineer (as of 12/19/2014):

- they bunker 1st
- Conditions/roots(snares/stuns)/knock-back (multiple)
- If they’re pressured, they will typically do a semi-retreat (I image for cool-downs to finish)….and this is where a real issue with Engineers comes in. You can’t catch them – unless you stun/root/knock them down …more than once…forget about it.
- Oh…don’t forget the generous amount of buffs they can also run with.

So, from a Mesmer perspective, I not only have to try to de-buff them, deal w/ their AOE bunker stance, but if I somehow get enough pressure on them via my POWER or COND builds ….I still have to content w/ their mobility, which is pretty much end game. I’m not going to catch them – they know it, I know it, and here within I feel there is a disconnect somewhere. Don’t get me wrong – all classes can move on the field, but when it takes even Thieves I know 3x Shadow-steps just to keep up with an Engineer, you have to stop and ask yourself when is too much versatility a bad thing.

Please take another look at Engineers, and consider some re-balancing there. Otherwise, I just don’t see why/how anyone would eventually consider playing anything else – when you give so many options to just one class AND with running only one build! Conditions, Mobility, Snares/Roots/Stuns, Buffs…when a class can do all this within one build, it’s a hard sell to want to play anything else. Think about it – please.

Thank You.

Thank you SandraSolace. I went to Scornheart and got the stone from him. All good now!

To Whom It Concerns,

I just joined GW2, and I did successfully link my GW1 account. While a couple items were mailed to me immediately, I have not received a Portal Stone. How do I fix this?

Confused,
Syric