Guild Wars 2

Thanks folks. Some things to think about, especially with concern to HGH. Appreciate the feedback.

I only recently started playing again. I have 4 80’s but I’ve always wanted to play a straight up Flamethrower Engineer. Visceral. Burninating the countryside. Etc.

When I last played, FT Engy just wasn’t viable for anything serious. So, I shelved him. Now I’m back and I want to burn things and it looks like the kit is finally getting the buffs it needed! Yay!

Anyways, here’s my current setup. I could use help with long term goals as I can’t afford much of anything right this minute. Everything here is what I have minus the fact that all but one piece of my jewelry, etc, is yellow gear. I just picked up an ascended amulet last night.

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fdAQFAUlcTp6qtbxWLseNSdBNqoA6AUguK6aEjeA-TxBFABF8gAQS5Xa6AqZ/BAugAFq+zVKBJEwoFA-e

Thanks!

I last played over a year and a half ago. After forays into other games, I decided to hop back into this game again because free and why not.

Anyways, when I last played, my Guardian was specced around AH, basically following Brutaly’s advice and I really liked it (01661 in today’s world). I have full Knight’s gear, Trooper’s runes, precision food and Berserker weapons. I mainly use Hammer and whatever I’m in the mood for in my off hand. Usually mace/shield for more support, but I swap to Sword/Focus or GS for a change of pace.

Is this still at all viable? Should I be moving on to something else? It seems to work just fine. Was running around Dry Top last night flailing about like I knew what I was doing (I didn’t). But my health was always full and I seemed to be putting out a bunch of small healing numbers which is the norm for the build. But I lack context. Will I be a drag in dungeons? Am I gimping myself with my hybrid defensive mindset?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

I’m not sure which of the two people hate more. I’ve never been to either because most don’t want to do them.

I think those are from Twilight Arbor.

As far as their viability, I couldn’t say. Looks interesting on paper, but I use Undead and Rabid gear for the combination of survivability and condition damage. Also, the 90 second cool down on a five% chance to fear seems like an awful long time to be useful. I do like the condition duration and damage, though.

I’ll end this useless post with “I don’t know” here. Hey, at least I pointed out the correct dungeon!

EDIT: Had to change 5 to five because the filter caught it. Weird… these forums are something else.

As said above, Warhammer, of all games, got it exactly right. Carbon copy that and no one would blame you, Anet.

I rather liked this build and kept the gear I had for it in case I ever want to go back to it (switched to conditionmancer for various reasons). I did, however, run into the same issue that Lalangamena.3694 ran into, and that was a lack of stability. Beyond that, however, the build worked as advertised. Extremely durable self healing tank build.

I only made rank 11 and have pretty much given up on the entire thing. It’s repetitive and incredibly unbalanced between builds and professions.

This is a common problem that apparently their QA department missed. For instance, the Engineer Flamethrower 1 skill scales to character size as well making it visually inaccurate.

You don’t know bad until you’ve tried the Engineer’s. Necro’s isn’t that much better, but theirs is hands down the worst.

As a condition build, I went Artificer and Cooking.

Biggest reason: The 2 cheapest tradeskills to level. So for about 4.5gp, you can have 2 – 400 crafts and 20 + levels.

Second reason: Rare veggie pizzas. I can make them for half the cost of buying them on the TP. This is an ongoing cost that I can not only continuously save money on, but sell half my product to save even more if not make a profit. Since I’m making them for myself anyways, I can easily make extra to sell.

Third reason: Tuning crystals. Right now, I’m just using Quality because Crystalline dust is ridiculously expensive. Should they increase the drop rates on that, I’ll be using Master for probably at least half the cost if I don’t farm them myself, otherwise, it’s free. And another way to make profit on something I’m making for myself anyways.

Fourth and final reason: I don’t particularly care for crafting. I’d rather make money playing the game, killing people in the face, doing dungeons, etc. So, armorcrafter, weaponcrafter, all that, isn’t useful to me once I have a full set of something. I don’t want to sit around making stuff I don’t plan to use, watching the market for prices to see what’s selling, etc. Plus, it’s not that hard to get all exotics from Karma and gold earned just from doing, what for me, is the fun stuff. So I chose crafts that I would be continuously using for myself. Make a bit extra while I’m at it and possibly make a profit to boot.

Same as above: Rune of the Undead. Going to have to try that fear build, though.

Lopez.7369:

Never is me exaggerating, so I’ll fix that. But it’s very rare if I use it when I’m in range and facing a target. Somebody said it’s an invisible projectile, so that might explain the discrepancy.

Fair enough. And ya, I’m curious about the mechanics of it as well because the other night after posting that, I started doubting myself and paid very close attention. It literally failed from 10 feet away (whatever the game measurement is) facing a guy and … nothing. /baffled

I do know that it’s failed in a way that’s similar to when the Engineer flamethrower 1 fails, and that’s camera angle. So it doesn’t work like Epidemic, but instead, as you said, maybe an invisible projectile. Which would be … I’ll be nice and say the “wrong way to do it” if that’s the case.

Oh, and as I mentioned in your original thread on this topic, I definitely use your guide. So take any criticism with the understanding that I absolutely respect your work and benefit from it, so am appreciative.

The only reason I typically don’t have Corrupt Boon slotted is because I’ve seen it fail so often. I might try it again when I go back to a condition build.

Edit: Oh, I forgot that you claim in your guide that CB never fails you. Well, it has me on multiple occasions in sPvP along with another rank 38 guildie of mine who’s been playing this far long than I have. So, YMMV, I guess.

They need to read Voxdeus’ first post there repeatedly until they understand where they went wrong. Nice post man.

Keyce.8137:

Not Karma vendor in Orr has an exotic P/T/V helmet.

The vendor in front of Arah has a mask that’s P/T/V actually. I have it.

For reference: http://dulfy.net/2012/09/08/gw2-templegod-karma-armor-sets/

For the conditionmancer, I’ll just link what I wrote recently in another thread:

https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/professions/necromancer/Please-help-with-PvE-solo-leveling-build/first#post1468744

I only recently got my Necro to 80. I’m now using Nemesis’ tank build which I love, but while leveling, I did exactly what Icpdragonslayer said above using a condition damage build. I just used Plague form instead for the elite. The Golem should work better for that, but I found it cumbersome. Plus, I hate pets as a rule. Also, plague 2 is great for saving your butt and delaying until your heal is off cool down.

But seriously… Blood is Power > Dagger 4 to transfer bleeding stacks on yourself > Epidemic and you’re taking down most groups. Add in staff marks and groups are cake.

This is the build I followed: http://en.gw2skills.net/editor/?fQUQNArYGmAkU881TKy+7oHEbcyA;TsAAzCpoay0koJbTumkNtIYUxsCA (copy paste link. Forums are bugged)

Curses first and when you respec at 40 and 60, put all points there. That’s your damage. After that, put points into Blood Magic first, then Death Magic. That’s it. Worked awesome.

I used this for a couple hours earlier today in sPvP hot joins. Really liked it. 70 at the moment with conditionmancer build, but I’ll be swapping over to this at 80. Well, at least a weaker version until I get the gold for the right gear set up.

Gah! What happened? I was using these guides!

I’ve been playing sPvP with it for the past few nights and I find it finicky as hell. I can’t figure out the special magic always works formula of facing/distance/phase of the moon for this utility. It’s like that scene in every movie where the person needs their car to start… but they turn the key… and… nothing. Then the face stabbings start.

Bas, I think. I now realize, though, that it was probably a little insulting and for that I apologize.

Anyways, Engineers have a bag full of escape tools and should be listed at least in the middle for mobility. Perma Stealth thieves and D/D Elementalists still rule the roost there. But engies get perma swiftness, access to vigor in a few different ways, CAN stealth with some set up, have multiple ways of blocking damage and at least one way of becoming invulnerable off the top of my head. While stealth is tricky, they can still fully disengage with the right set up. While you can say the “right set up” is the problem, I think that exists for Eles and Thieves too. While the Necro doesn’t have any “right set up” to do the same.

I’m not sure I understand why Engineers are being put down here with Necromancers for mobility, gap closing and escape. Have you seen the Tankcat build with 2 separate blocks and a magnet pull? Do you know what the talent Speedy Kits is? Granted, Rifle 5’s animation needs reworking to be a true gap closer/maker but they have so many tools for mobility outside of that it makes me think the person claiming otherwise isn’t as knowledgeable about the game as they claim. Rifle 4 > Rocket boots to create MASSIVE distance. Speedy kits for perma swiftness. Healkit 5. Slick Shoes tool belt Super Speed. Invigorating Speed where you get Vigor whenever you gain swiftness, which is just a swap to Healkit away every 10 seconds. Then get swiftness on crit from Infused Precision so you’re a dodging madman… So many mobility tools…

This is not to say that Engineers are in a good place as far as balance. They’re not. They’re chock full of gimmicks, none of which are very strong outside of using Static Discharge builds in a glass cannon explosion of lightning before someone flicks your ear and you die. But no mobility? I give you a giant “HAH!” for that…

Well okay then. I’ve been thinking about taking a break but was hanging around for February. This pretty much seals the deal.

I was thinking it should be a ghostly beam of fire akin to the Mesmer GS#1, personally. Instead of ghostly tennis balls from Wimbledon matches past.

Christos de Soufre.3802:

Shield to counter refuge. Why didn’t I think of that…

Really? I do that all the time. In fact, it’s the exact reason I use shield instead of focus. It could be considered situational if it weren’t for the fact that there are so many thieves. Situational has almost become “standard WvW rotation” at this point.

-Aedelas

Vecuu.2018:

Because bears don’t explode.

Says you…

/engineer

Oh… that looks fun. Standard question: what’s the build? And how the heck did you have 46k HP at one point? Something to do with Plague Form I’m guessing…

Also, I was surprised to see you using Plague instead of Lich like most Power necros I see.

This has troll face written all over it. Nicely done. While I understand that Stabilized Armor goes with the overall theme (although I imagine you’d rarely be at full endurance), I’d probably switch to Cloaking Device for the additional troll. Hey, you stopped me! BUT NOW YOU CAN’T SEE ME! Neener.

Oozo.7856:

I don’t like duels since I find them socially awkward. There are far too many people who don’t handle winning or losing very well at all and it can get personal. That is coming from experience. When dueling I obviously feel bad if I lose, but I also feel bad (for the other person) when I win.

I’ll only duel with friends.

1v1s in the open field are quite different since they are more impersonal.

So much this. First time I’ve read my thoughts articulated by someone else on this. Always thought it was just me.

Now… off to watch some vids! Because I’m at work… and what else am I supposed to be doing while here?

I prefer sword with focus for sword 2 > focus 5 > focus 4. Works great if you’re specced for blinds.

But when I’m running around WvW, even solo, I prefer the shield for the ability to bounce Thieves out of refuge. Mostly out of spite, to be honest. Rarely does it buy me much. It’s also helpful if I run across someone downed. Bounce away the stomper, then start healing.

Preference, really.

What’s funny about the new culling is rushing in to help defend the Lord’s Room of SM and think you’re all by yourself yet you’re not being attacked and all the red names around you are dying. I AM A GOD!

Then your team mates finally render. Sigh. Such a downer.

Honestly, though, it’s better, but nowhere near perfect. I still run into some culling on enemies, especially any that stealth. They still take longer to appear than they should.

Snoxx.7943:

Can you run away from a thief? No!
Can a thief run away from you? Yes!
Do you think this is fair?

That’s easy: No, there’s absolutely nothing about the Thief’s combination of stealth, mobility, and DPS design that’s fair. ANet apparently doesn’t think so, though, so we have to put up with it. Either stick with a group or make sure you have money for repairs. /shrug

I’m in full exotics (Knight’s) with exotic … everything. Even I found my survivability tanking (so to speak) with that build and immediately went back to 30/30/10.

Yup. Got too excited. Class is back on the shelf.

Kimbald.2697:

•Fixed a bug that could cause rectangular skills to fail to hit the correct targets.

could this be a flamethrower? Or what exactly is considered a ‘rectangular’ attack?

I want to be home RIGHT NOW! Stupid work… Can someone verify ANY of this yet? I’m hopping up and down in my seat trying not to get my hopes up too much!

Like Forty Seven Ninjas.6982:

Just logged in. My crit chance is higher base with a kit. BOOM buff.

Just now? I heard a thump from under my desk. O.o

Oh, that’s hot (sorry). At least on paper… Guess I know what I’ll be doing after the patch… BURNINATING THE COUNTRYSIDE!

Hopefully… Because that’s what I’ve wanted to do since I started playing the class. Then found out the burninating was more like a small brush fire and stopped at level 46. Which lead to my 80 Mesmer and 80 Guardian.

Oh gods… I’m trying not to get my hopes up…

He said winning, not necessarily killing them all. Merely being able to escape multiple opponents at will can be winning considering the nature of WvW. Bonus if you can kite some off and kill them like you mentioned.

Neat. Was in NUKED myself back during the eastern push from -G-, RS, etc. Anyways, good luck with your recruitment!

As in Thinkerton from WoT?

Okay, I’ll keep trying. Keeping options open for fallback servers, though, because I refuse to be stuck on SBI after Sunday.

And I’m in. Woot! Caught a lull about an hour ago and was able to sneak in.

I keep trying on those times you posted and it’s always listed as Full. Going to have to weigh other options I think. :\

I would if the game would let me. Server full!

Each member will have to move on their own.

akamon.2769:

@Brogarn – see above, lol. many of us have wondered the same ; ))

That would be DeuceViseTip not me that was wondering…

When you gate stack, aren’t you using the 2 forms of stability from Guardian at least?

Indo.8629:

The ram #2 can hit 50 people. And I don’t doubt that, we build rams in pangloss tunnels. It’s epic.

Oh… duh… I forgot about ram 2. /facepalm

I just wish they’d ditch badges in WvW and go with a Karma type of system that’s specific to and can only be spent in WvW.

Thanks!

Now I must find a way to hit 50 people with a ram.