I’d rather have less traits available if it makes them all meaningful.
Hypothetical full Knight’s Necro meta confirmed
Magnetic wave (reflects projectiles).
It’s useful, but more so for the blast finisher than the reflection. Staff is more common than focus (lately), so you most likely won’t be using it anyway. You will be using it, however, out of combat to stack might/stealth.
One of its main problems is that it’s personal reflection, so it doesn’t easily protect party members unless you manage to bodyblock a projectile in time, which is unlikely.
Swirling winds (destroys projectiles).
Much more useful for projectile defence than magnetic wave. Again, though, you’re unlikely to use focus (It’s possible and nobody will scream at you for using it, but Staff is more efficient)
Ring of earth (blocks missles). Are projectiles and missles the same?
Same as swirling winds, but less effective. Projectiles and missiles are the same, as far as I know.
Engineer spells like Magnetic shield (reflects projectiles and pushes back foes on release). Pull spells like engineer Magnet.
Pull is not really useful. The only pull skills that are useful are the ones that pull multiple foes at once, like Guardian GS #5, as they help stack enemies when LoSing isn’t possible. Pulling 1 enemy is meaningless in PvE. What Jerus said about Magnetic shield.
The above elementalist spells are often used in pve too? The reflecting and blocking?
I saw you didnt mention stuff like block/reflect in the elementalist list.
Basically what Jerus said.
Are those engineer spells often used?
To be honest, I’m not very familiar with Engi in PvE, but they mostly use Rifle for its damage, not Shield. Toolkit is useful, but not for the pull, for reasons mentioned above.
Do you do meatshielding in pve?
What Jerus said.
By the way, once you start doing dungeons, you should take a look at gw2dungeons.net
It’s an extremely useful website with detailed dungeon guides. You could also take a peek now to see what tactics are used in encounters and what role each profession plays.
First of all, imo, the first class you level to 80 should be your favorite, regardless of its usefulness. After the first one, it’s pretty easy to level others too.
In dungeons, the top 4 classes are Ele, Thief, Guardian and Warrior. If you play any of those and use a meta build, you pretty much guarantee yourself a place in the PvE scene.
As for others, you can find groups, but the players looking for really efficient clearing probably won’t accept you.
You should know, however, that dungeons and low level fractals are quite easy and you can find casual groups no matter what class and build you’re using. If you’re interested in more “serious” dungeon running, however, stick to the meta.
EDIT: A few more details.
Basically, the general strategy in dungeons is do as much DPS as possible while mitigating as much damage as possible. For that purpose, blinds/reflects/blocks/etc are valuable. Depending on which role you play, you’ll be mainly focusing in either personal DPS or party support (but generally do both).
CC is a bit more situational, since it usually requires coordination. We mainly use Elementalist’s Ice bow #5 to CC a boss and DPS it down quickly. Other than that, you usually don’t need to hard-CC mobs because you LoS them and AoE them down either way. Blinds like Elementalist’s Glyph of Storms(earth) are very useful, though.
This is what each meta profession mainly offers:
Elementalist – DPS, Ice bow and party buffing
Thief – DPS and stealth
Guardian – Damage mitigation through reflects/blinds
Warrior – DPS and Party buffing
(edited by Axelwarrior.9084)
A Bug is when what they intended isn’t happening correctly. A poorly designed mechanic is when what they intended ended up being pretty stupid and “exploitable” (in the more general sense). You’re right though Exploit is a term that can be debated for ages in regards to games. Luckily we do have some direction thanks to Mr. Cleary
His example of a poorly designed mechanic is perfect for showcasing how it’s not necessarily intended.
Even if that was their defining difference, however, we still can’t know what’s intended and what’s not. Therefore it’s pointless debating it, as, in the end, only the devs can decide what’s an exploit.
The definition of an exploit could start a big discussion (https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/game/dungeons/So-about-lupicus/first).
Either way, ANet’s not focusing on dungeons right now, especially because of HoT. What I suggest you do is not join LFGs with people who want to do the exploit.
Avoiding mechanics by standing in a singular area isn’t an exploit, it’s possible bad dungeon design (for example the cage room in the newer flame and frost fractal…sorry I can’t remember the name of the dungeon it’s late). In that fight there are areas in which you can avoid almost the entire fight mechanic, that’s an example of poor dungeon mechanic design.
Standing on a rock/ledge/platform while the boss attempts to hit you from below (yes there are some bosses that still have abilities that hit you), is a problem with pathing and the boss not resetting when it can’t reach the target. This is exploiting a bug.
Kiting and using geometry (running AROUND pillars and such) is a perfectly valid tactic.
Standing outside a stationary boss’s range is not an exploit, the boss “should” reset after an extended period of time, but is not. This is an example of poor boss implementation, and not an exploit.
Using terrain to block/dodge boss mechanics is also considered a valid tactic (standing behind a pillar when a boss charges).
At this point we are getting very nitpicky at each individual boss and each mechanic in question. I’m sure most of you are aware of what is an exploit and what is a mechanic/tactic. We are working on fixing these “Safe Spots”, but it’s going to take some time to get it done, and will probably happen over time. (Sorry I am not going to go into particulars for fights/changes)
I’ll be very clear here:
If a GM finds a player that is using a “Safe Spot”, that player will be moved out of the safe spot and warned (via in-game text). If they are caught again, that account will be temporarily suspended.If a GM finds a player that is using a “Safe Spot” and selling the dungeon run, that account will be temporarily suspended without warning.
https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/game/dungeons/Safespots-and-Exploits/page/2#post4338224
First of all, I was not referring to GW2’s definition of an exploit specifically.
Second of all, what is the difference between a “poor dungeon mechanic design” and a “bug”? Isn’t a “bug” also “poor dungeon mechanic design”?
The definition of an exploit could start a big discussion (https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/game/dungeons/So-about-lupicus/first).
Either way, ANet’s not focusing on dungeons right now, especially because of HoT. What I suggest you do is not join LFGs with people who want to do the exploit.
ANet can’t do much about people abusing party kicks, except for dealing better with player reports.
I suggest you avoid runs with people from the same guild. Finding a good guild for yourself is also a good idea, in case you’re not in one already.
https://youtu.be/TmXh5AldHz4?t=1m52s
If you want to delete this work of art, you have no heart
PvP is endgame, not PvE, so their focus lying on that game mode is not a wrong decision. but even in PvP necro doesn’t shine, especially not in group utility.
a “difficult mechanic for newbies” is a bad excuse that has been used for a couple of things in the past. as i said, with PvP being endgame there is no reason to cater towards newbies.
What are you basing the whole “PvP is endgame” thing on?
ANet is definitely being very, very careful with changing Death Shroud. Apparently that’s because it’s a difficult mechanic for newbies to deal with in PvP?
Honestly, complete BS.
Tbh, their priority on Necromancers should be in PvE buffs, not PvP.
For us to be better, we either need PvE to change (which is not gonna happen, most likly)
I wouldn’t be so sure, Colin has talked about wanting PvE encounters to change, and we’ve got other things to build on that like difficult PvE content, AI reworking, etc.
I’m not doubting their intentions, I’m doubting their ability to make it happen…
Basically, the poblem is that the things we bring aren’t useful in PvE. For us to be better, we either need PvE to change (which is not gonna happen, most likly), or some unique and useful party support.
With the BM changes, they went in the right direction. It’s not enough, though.
So, what do you think will happen to the fractal meta at high levels?
Could tanking become a thing? Maybe we’ll need some condition damage builds to deal with the increased toughness? Could weakness-spamming builds work well?
Speculate away
By SW farming you mean chest farming?
That kinda includes RNG though, doesn’kitten
^ Brazil’s build
Why would you need a timer if you know exactly when every boss spawns? (I’m assuming you mean world bosses)
Are you saying you have them memorized and without looking you know which is on right now and which ones are after each? That’s pretty good! Unfortunately I don’t have them memorized like that, I find a timer most useful to know where to go to begin a boss chain or what time a particular one is on, such as a daily boss.
No, I’m saying a timer is a unnecessary when you can simply have a written list of all spawn times and bosses.
Why would you need a timer if you know exactly when every boss spawns? (I’m assuming you mean world bosses)
You’re entirely mistaken in your perception of life force. It’s not like Warrior’s adrenaline, which he builds in combat.
It’s supposed to regenerate mainly through nearby deaths and specific skills. We can’t regenerate it efficiently in combat, unless heavily traited for it. That’s why we’re supposed to prepare it beforehand. And that’s why we can and Warriors can’t.
It’s not like elite specializations have to be useful for dungeon running.
EDIT: Especially for elementalists, who are already top-tier as they are.
I think noone wants a weapon that does even more dmg than staff. But assumed that we get some mysterious challenging group content, where bosses are moving a lot and are running out of aoes and suddenly daggerbuilds are becoming more interesting. Even then focus will still be a much better choice as your offhand weapon.
Warhorn could have some uses if pulls are needed or more blinds than a glyph or storms can cover, but not if you have to sacrifice an entire traitline for it.
If we’re talking about new content, we can’t make assumptions about it.
For all you know, condition damage or tanking might become meta there. Everything could change.
I prefer the asymmetry
It’s not like elite specializations have to be useful for dungeon running.
EDIT: Especially for elementalists, who are already top-tier as they are.
I’m starting to think the Ranger forums are full of paranoid people who think every other player in the game is a Thief who wants to nerf them.
Because whenever someone points out something about Rangers, the responses are pretty much only “YES BUT THIEF HAS BACKSTAB”, as if that’s a valid response to every argument one can make about Rangers.
@Justine & Puck: Congrats, you greatly contributed to this thread with your sarcasm. You both gain 2 sarcasm points!
On a serious note, because I’m not a troll, I obviously meant power Rangers only use LB. Are you happy now? Are you prepared to go back to your den now that you’re fed?
Time to reply to more idiots.
Gee I wonder why so many rangers happen to be in this forum…..
Instead of qq’ing about something that has been discussed to death why don’t you just read through the other threads.
I didn’t ask Rangers in general to keep away. I’m a Ranger too. I check the first page, there were no threads, I made one. Problem?
You whole argument is based upon you letting the ranger have an upperhand by approaching the fight like a sodding idiot.
Not all duels start with a surprise attack. I’m specifically talking about planned ones where both players are aware of each other beforehand.
@OP: It is probably not the best way to measure your understanding of the game, but your name in combination with your claim made me laugh. You are not the first one who complains about the range of the LB and you probably, and sadly, wont be the last one. Yet, here we are and the LB still has his 1500 range. The fact that especially the ranged weapons of the Ranger don’t see much love in any gametype should be evidence enough that the LB is not overpowered.
You’re basing things about me based on my username? How old are you? LB is so useless in PvP yet pretty much every power Ranger ever uses it, huh?
Ok thread started conplaints about 1500 range. I’d trade it in a heartbeat to be better in close range personally. 1500 range is only useful if the enemy stays at 1500 range lol sounds almost too simple. That advantage especially against a thief shouldn’t take but a second or two to close into where both can hit with their skills.
Then it moved over to rapid fire. Well it’s the only burst lb has. Ever see anyone even mention the damage from hunter’s shot, PBS, or barrage in terms of a pvp setting? The first two are utility and the third is the only aoe. If rapid fire took a hit, what’s left to try to kill anyone on a lb?
Lastly, (this is the part I refrained from saying for a bit so I could be somewhat constructive) you sound like you’re running glassy on your thief with those numbers. How does that give an accurate measure of how strong a skill is? Is it fair to balance damage against what we assume is a valk thief setup? Assuming you do, if you run glass then you have to be willing to die to things that feel cheesy because of the lack of defenses.
I never even mentioned using Thief. What are you even talking about?
The problem with the 1500 range is that everyone who plays glassy simply won’t have enough time to close in to the Ranger 2 times (2, because he will most likely knock you back, fear you, evade backwards, taunt you away and/or knock you down the first time you get close) before the Ranger has already taken a big chunk of their HP. If the range was 1200 (or at least closer to it), then everyone could at least fight back with ranged weapons while they were closing in on the Ranger.
It would be very helpful if the kitten Ranger mains stayed away from this thread if they have nothing useful to contribute.
“hurr durr, you’re just bad cuz we have range and you can’t deal with it” isn’t an argument nor an intelligent conclusion from reading my post.
Longbow already deals the most reliable damage out of all the 1200 range weapons, does it really have to be at 1500 range too?
What exactly is the reasoning behind this, besides “hurr durr rangers should have range”?
In 1v1 dueling scenarios, LB Rangers pretty much have the upper hand against every other class, except maybe SA Thief or PU Mesmer (If they manage to get close without the AA following them in stealth).
I really liked the elite suggestion of a forum member a while ago:
https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/professions/necromancer/Unruly-Death-Silly-Elite-Idea/first#post5247848
+45% bleed duration translates to a direct 45% increase in DPS.
How does that work
In practice it lets you maintain a much higher stack of bleeds, which means more dps.
And how does it work out to be 45% increase, exactly?
If you are “dominating” Thieves in 1v1, you’re playing aganst bad thieves (or worse than you, at least). End of story, that’s all there is to it.
+45% bleed duration translates to a direct 45% increase in DPS.
How does that work
We still have hope for HoT, right?
He explains his reason in his post and it’s perfectly valid.
EDIT for clarification: I don’t mean I agree with his solution, but it’s not like he’s doing it for no reason.
Well, you tested a beta class in 2 paths and one fractal run with the same build, so I guess the decision is final…
Did it ever really work like that?
I think the real reason it doesn’t is a technical issue, since your skills change and it’s treated as some sort of a transform? Just a speculation.
I was doing hotw recently and noticed I can fully revive in downstate underwater just by having blood magic and spamming 2+1 xD
Hm now that I think about it, I don’t remember if any allied necro gave me Last Rites
why would you die underwater
why would you have another necro in your party
why would you do hotw
…so many questions
Attachments:
The other Necros you speak of most definitely have might.
I think all weapon skills should generate a bit of life force when they hit.
I don’t get what warranted the changes to chill.
At least CC got a bit better. Plague too, I think?
Wow.
I seriously just the other day made a Necromancer build entirely focused on chill and now they’re nerfing it?
Greaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat.
Hey guys. The blood magic changes made me wanna try soloing dungeons with Necromancer. I started off slowly, with CM story. It went pretty smoothly, you can pretty much facetank all the mobs with a bit of good positioning.
/beginrant
By the way, it’s pretty darn ridiculous that Thieves can facetank everything with a single trait, on top of their insane Pistol Whip spam.
Necromancers have a dedicated trait line on siphoning and they still lose to Thieves, who also outshine them in everything else.
/endrant
Have any of you tried any soloing with Necromancer? Any thoughts?
I’m assuming the main problem is their complete lack of skipping capabilities, but I hope they’re at least doing okay in the battle department.
I’m assuming you’re asking about PvE, since you’re levelling.
In PvE, scepter and torch are not optimal weapons in most cases. They’re focusing mainly on condition damage, which is not useful in PvE.
Honestly, Scepter is purely a PvP weapon. It’s good at applying confusion, which is only strong against players.
Pistol is useful in PvE, in situations where you need to keep your phantasms away from the enemies because of AoE/cleaving.
However, you’ll probably want to use a main hand sword with it.
Putting all that aside, you can do whatever you want while levelling. It’s very easy and you’ll get through it no matter the playstyle. Once you’re 80 and know more about the game and what you want to do in it, you can start picking your playstyle.
The community has been requesting this for a while, but not much feedback from ANet as far as I’m aware.
Personally, I’d rather not see an increase in half-naked people in game. That includes females, before you call me what you’re thinking of calling me.
What does this patch in particular have to do with fashion?
You can use shatters without sacrificing phantasms #mindblown
P.S. I don’t see the point of this thread.
Shatters consume phantasms as well.
Then don’t use them while you have phantasms up #mindblown
You can use shatters without sacrificing phantasms #mindblown
P.S. I don’t see the point of this thread.
Are you asking about this specific aftercast or about aftercasts in general?
Spectral walk -> Sacrifice Flesh wurm -> Spectral Recall
It wastes 2 utilities, but looks awesome af. Totally worth it.
Whenever I do this, my spectral recall teleports me back to the wrong place (i.e. not next to the downed victim even if they didn’t move)
am i doin it wrong?
Most likely. But the skill itself is kinda buggy, so it’s probably not entirely your fault.
Have you tested it on the downed NPCs?
Spectral walk → Sacrifice Flesh wurm → Spectral Recall
It wastes 2 utilities, but looks awesome af. Totally worth it.