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Best tagging weapon for elementalist?

in Elementalist

Posted by: Amethyst Lure.5624

Amethyst Lure.5624

In my opinion, the best non-conjure one is dagger MH Lightning whip (+snap mobility), but the safest/allround good choice is definitely staff. Dagger because you just don’t need targets to hit everything where you move with Whip, and it hits much faster than Staff which has sort of slow-moving projectiles, other than fire #2/#3. If there is loads of melee damage calamity I sit back with Staff for sure.

Either way Ele is very good off here, it’s got no tag-frustration like I sometimes have on my Mesmer.

Sylvari or Norn?

in Ranger

Posted by: Amethyst Lure.5624

Amethyst Lure.5624

I have 6 Norn characters so I suppose that’s enough about what I prefer, although Sylvari is my 2nd pick.

But to get down to the why, i feel like ranger fits Norn almost perfectly, because moreso than any race they take pride in the hunt, and almost every member of the race seems knowledgeable in survival skills, and then you involve the spirits… and each spirit is represented as pets as well, my own ranger has a loyal Snow Leopard for her totem, as well as a raven.

It’s funny how perception is so very individual, because for me, Sylvari is the gangly race with the awkward movements, even though it is somewhat exaggerated to represent the eagerness they get into anything, and that it is ‘all new’ so to speak. Norn on the other hand moves with graceful purpose and I think for me, it just feels like they have the most natural movement for their body types. Oh – this is purely from a female view, as I have no male characters and can’t comment there.

Skillwise, I’d say that Norn is only good if a class has bad abilities for their elite slot. If so, the Snow Leopard and possibly Wolf transform has their uses, but since Rampage as One is so nice, the only time I really use my Snow Leopard form is when I want to loot a chest behind the back of some champion or something like that, if possible. Stealth and, pilfer, then dash away.

Either way I don’t think you can go wrong with either race as ranger!

Ranger opinions - Tell me your feels.

in Ranger

Posted by: Amethyst Lure.5624

Amethyst Lure.5624

Some good things; dunno if anybody else has this gripe but I think Longbow #5 ability is pretty silly on its own on this weapon. It’s nice but as is it should either have a supplementary skill or do a lot more damage than it does, because it feels a bit lost in its purpose to me…

I don't like pet AI

in Ranger

Posted by: Amethyst Lure.5624

Amethyst Lure.5624

There’s a lot of declarative statements in this thread.

Personally, I feel that the AI is lacking in some cases such as pet turning, and if that is a design choice it has very little logic behind it.

Regardless I would love to see some more design iteration on pets!

Screw you Lightning

in Elementalist

Posted by: Amethyst Lure.5624

Amethyst Lure.5624

Logically this is something games generally get wrong, but I don’t think it’s the biggest issue out there. I guess it’s not something one stops to think about what lightning actually is, too often.

Seeking Advice - PvE Hammer DPS

in Guardian

Posted by: Amethyst Lure.5624

Amethyst Lure.5624

I like this build I found over at the guru; http://www.guildwars2guru.com/topic/83935-dps-hammer-synergy-with-lightning-hammer-elementalist/

The talents in Honor I fiddle with sometimes, but I really like how it has some support & takes advantage of Virtue of Justice recharge on kill for extra might. Plus I just like to use virtues, so it’s worked out for my guardian. I use Greatsword secondary for the leap/pull (mobility), unless I just really need staff for prebuffs/tags or scepter for range.

PvE Mesmer Staff Rabid Condition Build

in Mesmer

Posted by: Amethyst Lure.5624

Amethyst Lure.5624

I would use Rampager armour if you’re set on having some condition damage, and use some form of condi on crit/swap sigil. Mesmer has damage distributed more evenly both ways when you setup a condition playstyle, so the power is not wasted in the slightest. You’ll still do allright damage, but it’s usually lower than crit dmg, if you’re ok with that.

What colesy says about staff is definitely true, it’s got a great singletarget phantasm and the damage from the staff isn’t completely useless either, so if you want to use the staff without caring if it’s condi or crit damage, then you can definitely use it with both types in my experience.

Leveling an Elementalist - not fun

in Elementalist

Posted by: Amethyst Lure.5624

Amethyst Lure.5624

I have fun levelling mine on the side, but it is definitely the weakest character I’ve levelled in the early levels.

A tip I find generally useful when levelling; if you find yourself in an area with very annoying spawns, have a summon like elementals or whatever you can get to draw some fire in one of your utility slots. Mobs almost always turn to go after them, and particularly the earth ele can take a bit of a beating.

Mesmer - A Matter of Perspective

in Mesmer

Posted by: Amethyst Lure.5624

Amethyst Lure.5624

Thing is, information about weapons, damage coefficients etc, that’s great to research and I don’t think anybody really minds posting info like that.

But as a poster, you’ve got to realize that everybody is fundamentally different. ‘Making people see’ just doesn’t work in a situation where there is no real definite answer, such as this one where each and every player comes to GW2 with their own agenda and playstyle etc. You can bring helpful advice, and I’ll be the first to say that I’ve seen a lot of useful information posted by several posters in this very thread (although not in it, necessarily ).

Trying to foist your own view/perspective on others just doesn’t work very well. Throughout my stay on these forums, I’d say that -inspiration- has been the factor that produced most of the new builds, the ways to use weapons etc in the posts here. This class is by far the class most impacted by the unknown in its mechanics/general play, so I kind of value this place as a resource, especially the constructive stuffs.

Mesmer - A Matter of Perspective

in Mesmer

Posted by: Amethyst Lure.5624

Amethyst Lure.5624

I think it is indeed a matter of perspective.

For some people, anything other than using the most optimal setup means you are doing it wrong, regardless of enjoyment. Others just do not care about their group performance. Yet more people care about their performance, but recognizes that it’s relatively pointless to optimize those final 5-10% of one’s overall setup, since the impact is extremely minor. Some people are completely new or ignorant, etc…. the list could be made long.

Personally I’m the type of player who try to optimize my playstyle that I enjoy, even if it’s 5 or 10% worse DPS. I won’t play something that hurts a group outright, but I will play something I enjoy and where I feel I can be helpful in. I think recognizing when you can or cannot afford to experiment is a great thing, because it too encourages you to learn the actual encounters.

In the end you tend to gravitate towards people with a likeminded playstyle, and that’s fine. A couple of posts up I saw a football-likening to this game, but it doesn’t work like that in a mmo like GW2. Just for fun, I think a more apt comparison in that theme is that some here argue that you should always win by as many goals as possible, while others are fine with just winning a good game. And some just like to play football.

[TEST] Need a Norn to test Snow Leopard elite

in Mesmer

Posted by: Amethyst Lure.5624

Amethyst Lure.5624

Though, Norn forms have that annoying drawback of channeling the transform… which seldom makes it super practical. Though with portal it seems fun. I seldom have it traited given how I like mass invis, but… go Norn, anyway

Aggro mechanic and eles

in Elementalist

Posted by: Amethyst Lure.5624

Amethyst Lure.5624

The Aetherblade Striker thing happens to me on my mesmer too. Easily the most overpowered world mob in the game. :P But since it only takes one veteran to obliterate you, I dunno if that’s it.

On a more serious note, noticed this even on my Ele I am still levelling in group fights. It’s very easy to get singled out.

Best mesmer pve build?

in Mesmer

Posted by: Amethyst Lure.5624

Amethyst Lure.5624

I like 0/20/0/25/25 for pve, because I find quick phantasms beats harder hitting ones, and is slightly more active/fun. However, I so very much wish I could play something less phantasm-reliant and still feel as useful.

In open world though, I think most build works well but I almost always use GS/staff as weapons because they are the best tagging weapons in my opinion, and provide decent perks for you and possible others. Staff actually beats Greatsword at times, but remember that it works much better in near melee range than at range in this regard. I usually use the same build unless I’m using something else for variety, but might change in Illusionary Elasticity for more Aoe tags. Its phantasm also gets monstrous hits on debuffed champs.

Thief mobility needs to be buffed

in Thief

Posted by: Amethyst Lure.5624

Amethyst Lure.5624

The only problem for me with Thief speed is the Shortbow’s prominence.

Hammer

in Engineer

Posted by: Amethyst Lure.5624

Amethyst Lure.5624

Here’s a thought also, how about having hammer strikes that ‘touch’ a turret energizes it, giving a slight boost to its primary effect? From some of the skills. A sort of reflecting on the nature of the hammer as opposed to the tool weapon.

Anyone using Rampager?

in Mesmer

Posted by: Amethyst Lure.5624

Amethyst Lure.5624

I think it’s definitely a underdog setup for some hybrids, at least to have some pieces of it… there are some setup where you will always get some of each damage type, and sigils can add a condition as well. It’s a clear winner over Rabid if you don’t need the toughness for condition builds imo. And I mean the actual toughness, not the slight bonus condi damage (the extra power outweighs that easily with any weapon).

Of course, toughness is pretty useful. Personally I like to wear Rampager + Rabid when I do, at a 3:2 ratio or so.

Not awful patch after all? Yay or nay?

in Ranger

Posted by: Amethyst Lure.5624

Amethyst Lure.5624

I feel like the HP of summons in this game is way too low to have lengthy resummon cooldowns of any kind. So I don’t know if this was the right change.

Hobo Sacks: A Terrible Fashion Statement

in Engineer

Posted by: Amethyst Lure.5624

Amethyst Lure.5624

I actually like them for the Flamethrower and the Elixir gun where they make more sense (to carry the canisters), but I would love a hide toggle for them.

The main reason why is not that for me though, but anyone who has a female engineer must have noticed how it limits hairstyles a lot if you don’t want clippage, at least as Norn

Hammer

in Engineer

Posted by: Amethyst Lure.5624

Amethyst Lure.5624

If that skillset was implemented and Hammer added I would never move out of that weapon for style alone.

Awesome suggestion.

Single Element Elementalist?

in Elementalist

Posted by: Amethyst Lure.5624

Amethyst Lure.5624

Honestly, I like that it is like this, although the traits could of course be improved…

To explain, usually in game design, the elemental caster either gets designed so that it excels at one element and the others are afterthoughts (usually fire prominent), or it becomes one where they use a smattering of each. The intent is often to make a sort of mix of this, but it always falls short and moves in either direction. And of those directions, I like it more if I have an excuse to use all elements (which you often don’t if they make one too strong for the role), because being funneled into one strong leads to boredom much quicker, and generally isn’t what I signed up for. I signed up for the elements, not 1 element.

In an ideal world, all choices would be a potent primary tool where you used the others for support, but honestly I don’t think I’ll ever see an elemental user where that actually works excactly as intended in practice.

Ele is 3rd most created profession

in Elementalist

Posted by: Amethyst Lure.5624

Amethyst Lure.5624

I like my Ele lowbie, but Mesmer was and is my first love. I think the reason why it is so ‘low’ along with Engi is it is a slightly weird/unusual theme compared to the usual fantasy roles. Hence why Warrior is #1 always regardless of power almost.

Don’t think it says much about class power at all!

Ranger Nerf -.-

in Ranger

Posted by: Amethyst Lure.5624

Amethyst Lure.5624

For me, it is still one of the better rangers I have played, because there is a choice in weapons. I love the whole wilderness survival part of rangers, it’s why I make them. But I like throwing weapons and the like; usually bows are made way too boring in videogames. They are awesome irl though.

In love with a subpar weapon set

in Thief

Posted by: Amethyst Lure.5624

Amethyst Lure.5624

PvE-wise:

Ricochet is surprisingly awesome with P/P, though. But yes when I play it on my thief I typically go shortbow in the other slot, because well. It is the strongest group support weapon a Thief has, in my opinion.

However, in champion zergs it’s also pretty awesome to always supply 25 vulnerability if needed as P/P.

Mesmer GS/Staff Build?

in Mesmer

Posted by: Amethyst Lure.5624

Amethyst Lure.5624

I absolutely love 20/20/30/0/0 because you can play several weapon setups and playstyles just by changing armour and traits, without respec. I use that allocation to play sword/x + GS (power/might) and x/torch + staff (condi/might) and it seems to work out really well for solo/wvw in general. And sometimes, GS/Staff as well.

Something you could also consider given you have two weapons affected by Illusory Elasticity is a build like 20/20/0/0/30 Shatter but with that built in. But regardless, the staff will always be a great defensive weapon in my book and works in any build almost for that purpose; it’s also quite good for conditions. Greatsword is to a lesser extent similiar, it works with a lot of setups, even those that aren’t ‘best allocated’ for it. So you have a lot of choice, which is a lovely thing about mesmer.

One last point, I try to use runes that give swiftness to preserve the sanity of my mind. If you can stand changing to focus constantly between fights that works as well.

(edited by Amethyst Lure.5624)

Please fix illusionary leap

in Mesmer

Posted by: Amethyst Lure.5624

Amethyst Lure.5624

Well, I was thinking something like the ranger greatsword leap, which almost never seems to fail due to terrain. But it’s funny, because Illusionary Leap already sort of visually behaves more like a teleport than an actual leap. Maybe the finisher code is difficult to tinker with though, i don’t know…

Please fix illusionary leap

in Mesmer

Posted by: Amethyst Lure.5624

Amethyst Lure.5624

I totally agree with Carighan’s post, and I think we can appreciate that it’s just not fixable.

That’s why they should just change illusionary leap to use any of the working teleports, which would require very little coding (use existing tech).

Mesmer quality of life - Please, Anet?

in Mesmer

Posted by: Amethyst Lure.5624

Amethyst Lure.5624

I’m honestly not bothered with Mind Stab, I find it quite good but situational. It’s a nice skill move on the GS, which can still do quite a bit of damage in cluster fights. Either way, feels pretty minor.

What’s more major to me is:

1. Leap just has to change. I agree with A-Net that skills like this are never truly fixable in a mmo with latency and terrain etc, -so change it-.

2. Warden should really follow the target. If you cannot follow the warden for the projectile reflect, then how can you dodge the enemy’s abilities? It just requires a little awareness, given how its FX is very obvious. In fact I think it would be easier to use its reflect if it moved with the enemy, since you wouldn’t have to make judgement calls on stopping to follow as needed.

3. Speed is frustrating but not sure how to fix. Focus seems too good compared to the other offhands because of it, despite that I feel we have overall good offhand skills.

new downed state powers

in Mesmer

Posted by: Amethyst Lure.5624

Amethyst Lure.5624

I kind of disagree there, I think the downed state is quite nice a touch. It could always be improved though, I also dislike the number 2 ability. I don’t think condi users need to lament rogue (which is still quite good even with base power), since skill #1 is a condi ability at least as much as power.

Another main hand weapon would be fun

in Mesmer

Posted by: Amethyst Lure.5624

Amethyst Lure.5624

Would love a whip or a flail or something like that – quick, disorienting weaponry. As for duelling and such, dagger works very well for that as well. Dagger/knife duels is hardly an uncommon concept, if being that literal in the word. I would also like pistol for main hand.

I also think this weapon should have some AoE capability, because both scepter and sword are very singletarget despite the illusion of sword being good for cleaving. We just have so low auto damage that it’s kind of a very minor point there, and it roots us while also being a more defensive move in nature. And it would simply be fun to have a good offensive AoE option that is onehanded.

Out of Combat Double Blink

in Mesmer

Posted by: Amethyst Lure.5624

Amethyst Lure.5624

A mmo will always have bugs. Any design which is fluid will!

I would love a proper way to gain speed other than the focus, though. Not only do you often want to use that for other utility, but I actually sort of hate the Focus for being so useful as a result. <.<

How are Mesmers for PvE?

in Mesmer

Posted by: Amethyst Lure.5624

Amethyst Lure.5624

I actually don’t find Mesmer to be bad for levelling, the clone/phantasm spam really helps you stay alive. Some other classes (not all!) can really struggle with respawn situations, I never did on mesmer though.

Necro plays in its own league though…

(edited by Amethyst Lure.5624)

How would you change Confusion?

in Mesmer

Posted by: Amethyst Lure.5624

Amethyst Lure.5624

Some good thoughtcrafting so far, I love confusion and generally play it even in pve (but I don’t really run lots of dungeons or such). I think Cry of Frustration is a bit frustrating with its cooldown. I would love to see like a feature of it, that the less your confusion did damagewise, the less cooldown you get on this ability. Like, the tick frequency directly controls the cd of this ability for mesmers.

As an aside, it’s very difficult to really deduct how much damage you do with a confusion setup using Rampager gear (pve), in the main slots at least. It’s easy to forget that this kind of setup has a lot of power also for those moves that use it that you always use anyway. I guess the combat log just really does not help us mesmers out, extra much. :P That is the gear I use anyway – I don’t know if people have more success with other.

Why so many guardians?

in Guardian

Posted by: Amethyst Lure.5624

Amethyst Lure.5624

The ‘paladin’ class has always been popular ever since it appeared in gaming culture, the theme alone brings a ton of players, just like with warrior.

Why everyone wants dmg?

in Ranger

Posted by: Amethyst Lure.5624

Amethyst Lure.5624

As someone who just started the class altwise, I’d like to say the most immediate achilles heel of the class for me is the pet bar, or rather, that instead of fun F1-4 skills/modes that many other classes have you have 1 pet ability & pet control. It’s great that there is some pet control, but not at the expense of other things you could have there.

That and, yes, the archery skills feel somehow unexciting, while the melee and throwing ones are decent or good in feel – I love the mobility style. I just keep swapping the bows away, though.

Note, this is disregarding of damage/efficiency, just commenting on the fun.

New Skills Coming Soon

in Mesmer

Posted by: Amethyst Lure.5624

Amethyst Lure.5624

Would love to just well… get utility options that makes me not feel like using Focus so much when i try the other offhands. I.e, temporal curtain-like effect as an utility pick.

As for Mesmer in general, I think it’s easy to stare yourself blind on what type of condition is applied, instead of just looking at the skill description. The game seems to be designed around having multiple conditions around of various types, so I don’t think one should be looking at that when it comes to what fits class x. It’s a gameplay mechanic.

I would love to see a type of shatter spell that either consumes clones to buff active phantasms (stronger buff depending on 1 or 2), or an ability that is like Shatter, but makes you do something phantasm-related off your active phantasms. It can feel a little boring to just have your phantasms out and watch them do their thing – would be fun to be able to influence them a bit more. Not only that but perhaps there could be a skill that allows you to relocate phantasms, for example:

Phantasmal Unity: Your active phantasms teleport to the designated area, dazing/crippling targets withing radius x in a blinding display, also gaining 1 of your active boons randomly.

Or something like that!

Can you?

in Mesmer

Posted by: Amethyst Lure.5624

Amethyst Lure.5624

Personally I can’t, though I am only lvl 61 and levelling. Once I realized that it only overwrites phantasms if there is no room for 1 illusion (it keeps overwriting that then) for emergency dodges, I just saw no reason not to take it unless I would plan to play something with 3 phantasms up at all times…