A significant part of the elementalist’s viability is in the traits, as these can radically enhance certain categories of your skills (e.g. auras, signets, cantrips). At level 45, you only have half of your trait points, and you do not have access to Grandmaster level traits yet, which severely hampers your effectiveness. When you approach level 80, you will notice that many traits all boost the same things, making those things very good indeed.
(As an example, it is possible to boost your Signet utility skills to such lengths that activating them will give you and nearby allies a Fire Shield, Protection, Swiftness and Vigor, in addition to whatever the Signet does on its own. Meanwhile, a minor trait will also boost your damage output by 2% for each boon you have, and this effect just gave you 3 boons.)
Also important for lower-level elementalists is to update your gear frequently – especially your weapons – and to learn to dodge effectively, as this will greatly enhance your effectiveness.
True on all points. My first character on this game was my elementalist, and I definitely felt that the learning curve on it was steep until I found my comfort zone. I had tried all the weapon combos before finally settling on staff. I hated double daggers, scepter/dagger didn’t give me enough crowd control, and I didn’t like focus as an offhand. I’m aware that S/D is probably the best all-around choice of weapons for eles, but I prefer having the range, AoE, and versatility that staff provides. Now that I’m fully traited and such, I can stack might simply by using my fire skills, gain more boons when I switch attunements, and thanks to my gear provide aegis for myself and allies when using my elite.
I played some of my alts to take a break from the main on a few occasions, but I’m so glad I stuck with my elementalist.
