Guild Wars 2

Father Busho.2796:

I don’t see anywhere that you have incorporated the -10% nerf to cele amulet stats ?

Thanks, I have edited my original post to reflect that.

Drawing Guy.3701:

I refrained as I don’t know how item stats are being adjusted to close the stat gap as only 72 is being added to base (going from 928 to 1000). Not sure where your “200 revamp” is coming from.
.

Whilst I doubt the points being added to Cele will equate to 72 points, I did miss the fact that they only added 72 to the current base stats. Then again, those numbers may just be rough estimations on their part based on them saying things like “should be at 900” and “upto a thousand” in relation to the base stats. I don’t believe they mention any specifics on the calculation. All I did was take the statement; “we’ll be splitting stats between base stats and gear and we’ve boosted your base stats to about 1000” to make my calculation.

I’ve seen a suggestion to make every amulet have all the missing stats for instance Berzerker having +200 toughness and health because of the revamp, and I think that would alleviate this issue I’m having by quite a bit.

I do understand that the calculation won’t be as cut and dry as I’m making it out to be but that’s not something I can easily account for.

PowerBottom.5796:

I still don’t get if we get any stats from choosing a certain trait-line. ANet wrote: “Each profession’s attributes will be updated to have half of their functionality be part of a specialization and half of their functionality will be a baseline for that profession. For example, elementalists now have a base attunement recharge of 10 seconds, which is reduced to 8.7 seconds when the arcane specialization is equipped.” – it’s still not clear if this only considers the attributes specific to each class, like attunement recharge, max Life-Force etc. or for the other stats as well.

That’s a very good quote, thank you for that. But it has been clarified that the stats themselves will be split as well.

I really want to get people’s opinions on this so bumping this up.

Hey guys,

So recently I released a video discussing the turret changes and the traits/stat divorce and it’s effects on the celestial amulet. You can watch the full video. I give my opinions on turrets in the video but what I really want to talk about is the potential Celestial amulet nerf and the effects that the Traits/Stat changes will have on it. If you’d rather not read then the vid above is just for you.

So as we are all well aware, Celestial is currently a powerful amulet with it’s amazing stat combination. And with the new revamp coming soon, it’s set to be even better than it was before, should it transition without major tweaks.

The reason for my apprehension is the fact that the devs have said that Stats lost in transition from the Old system to the new system will be given back as stats in amulets and base stats on our characters. Taking that literally without any compromises and putting it in context with regards to Celestial provides me with a scary thought; specs which wouldn’t have had access to certain stats in the Old system will have access to those stats (and then some) in the new system, making Celestial more than just a viable choice for all professions.

You may not have been following me there, so let me explain it with an example; take for instance you’re an Ele who uses your 0/0/2/6/6 spec with Cele right now. Your stats are currently

+438 Precision +0
+438 Power +0
+438 Ferocity +0
+438 Vitality +300 from traits
+438 Toughness +100 from traits
+438 Healing Power +300 from traits
+438 Condition Damage +100 from traits

You’re currently not gaining anything to precision, power or ferocity because you don’t have points in the lines that provide them. In the new system, if the stats from traits are put directly into Cele as I assume. It would look more like this;

+438 Precision +200 (from revamp) +100 (to base stat) -10% = 674.2
+438 Power +200 (from revamp) +100 (to base stat)-10% = 674.2
+438 Ferocity +200 (from revamp) +100 (to base stat) -10% = 674.2
+438 Vitality +200 (from revamp) +100 (to base stat) -10% = 674.2
+438 Toughness + 200 (from revamp) +100 (to base stat) -10% = 674.2
+438 Healing Power +200 (from revamp) +100 (to base stat) -10% = 674.2
+438 Condition Damage +200 (from revamp) +100 (to base stat) -10% = 674.2

Simply put, in the new system, you’ll be gaining stats from lines you didn’t put points into when you were in the old system. This means that you’re guaranteed an overall buff to your effectiveness as a player no matter what class you play if you run Cele.

THAT, is scary.

Yes, other amulets will get the same treatment and they will be more effective at what they do but you have to consider that Cele just got better at doing everything in that scenario and is a better bang for your buck than specializing in pure damage.

My question is, is this how things will be? Is my conjecture correct? If yes, then let’s just leave celestial at 438 and ride our carriages home. If no, then great, I can live partially relieved that this is just all in my head.

Another question is though, if we are planning to call this new system specializations and with this system we have people focus on doing certain specific things which slims down the range of possible choices, why then do we have an amulet that contradicts all that?

Ash ketchum.2051:

Dirame.8521:

Elitist.8701:

Anet,

I’d like to ask for a revert on the nerfs to the glorious Hambow, the highest skillcap spec in the whole game. Not the adrenaline nerf, that’s fine because only crappy warriors miss earthshaker, but the other nerfs, like hammer damage and berserker stance. Shoutbow is an absolute crap build that symbolizes everything disgusting in this meta, bring back the strength and power of the glorious Hambow and get rid of this horn kitten sheet.

-Warr Warr Warr Warr, the best Hambow/Zerker Warrior NA until I quit the game 2 weeks ago.

… What nerf? Whatever you think happened to Hambow wasn’t Anet’s fault, it was the community’s fault. Hambow was still prevalent even after nerfs to the Warrior but Shoutbow came out of nowhere and was being used by the great ROM so all followed because we are all sheeps like that.
If you want to use Hambow, use Hambow. The build is still as effective as it was before.

Try duelling an engi, or an ele, or a shoutbow on point. If you’re at the same level you’ll lose 9/10. Try disengaging as a hambow in a 2v1, or even just kiting them for 20years till support comes. Just try it.
Hambow itself didnt got nerfed that badly ( besides the fact that no yolo-hammerstuns are allowed but that’s low tier problems). It’s the meta that switched to somehting where hambow just isnt viable compared to shoutbow. Shouthambow post patch will be viable imo. cuz insane support, adrenaline on demand, high cc for kiting and bursting. And the burst will be a lot higher than the shoutbow burst. But yeah, we’ll see.

Hambow may not be the best at Dueling but it is the best at setting up other people’s burst. Try rolling with your team rather than trying to win all the solo fights.

Bash.7291:

we will actually be getting more condi damage because its all coming from gear now instead of traits.

Based on what I understand, we will have less condi damage/stats in general than we have currently. Yes a lot of it is being moved to the amulet but, from what I gathered, we’re going to lose a bit on the way as well.

Obtena.7952:

I don’t regard the burning changes being proposed as anything but a nerf:

1. The high damage ticks are ideal to how burning is implemented on Guardian
2. Nothing I’ve seen so far is changing how conditions are cleansed, meaning that a lower damage, stacking burning will have less opportunity to do damage in the time they are applied than they do now.
3. Low Damage, stacking condition will require significantly more skills and focus to perform at a level burning does currently, leaving less room for other necessary skills.
4. Trait-wise, little has changed to improve burning builds.

Unless there is some amazing Specialization we haven’t seen, my prediction is that Guardian burning builds are going to suck. If Anet is trying to PROMOTE use of conditions through burning, they sure have a stupid approach to do so.

I’m going to assume that quite a few of our skills will apply a burst of stacks rather than just 1’stack. Zealot’s fire/flame probably applies 5 stacks, Judge’s probably 3, Purging probably 2 per each time the enemy crosses the ring. I’m hoping it’s that way anyway.

Saying that, we also have the ability to use Kindled Zeal x Amped Wrath which means 46% more damage to burning. Which is 191 base, based on what has been calculated by the Saiyan.

Warriors with daggers? Obviously Wassassins.

Miku Lawrence.6329:

Or if we suppose traits go from 1 down to 3 in each line….

1 (Adept) —->1 (Master) —->1 (GM)
2—->2—->2
3—->3—->3

A build template would be : Dom213/Duel321/Illu132

This is what I was planning to do as well.

I like the current system. I feel it’s a good balance between leaderboards standing an MMR. I felt more challenged now than I was in the previous system. I say keep it as is but that’s just me.

Blades of Sabatine.5639:

Also since we now know how the layout should be, we can simplify how we present the build to other like

E.g.
Domination: 2-5-9
where
2 = EI
5 = BI
9 = PB

How does that sound

It may not work because the traits won’t have numbers. The unfortunate thing is that we have to talk about each line seperately so in reality, there’s no simplification. Heh. Anet’s goal was to simplify build creation but they made build explanation more elongated.

Elitist.8701:

Anet,

I’d like to ask for a revert on the nerfs to the glorious Hambow, the highest skillcap spec in the whole game. Not the adrenaline nerf, that’s fine because only crappy warriors miss earthshaker, but the other nerfs, like hammer damage and berserker stance. Shoutbow is an absolute crap build that symbolizes everything disgusting in this meta, bring back the strength and power of the glorious Hambow and get rid of this horn kitten sheet.

-Warr Warr Warr Warr, the best Hambow/Zerker Warrior NA until I quit the game 2 weeks ago.

… What nerf? Whatever you think happened to Hambow wasn’t Anet’s fault, it was the community’s fault. Hambow was still prevalent even after nerfs to the Warrior but Shoutbow came out of nowhere and was being used by the great ROM so all followed because we are all sheeps like that.
If you want to use Hambow, use Hambow. The build is still as effective as it was before.

Whilst in earth, conditions have no effect or When you attune to earth, gain Diamond Skin for 5s.

I’ll just plop this here as well I guess with a bit more explanation;
The idea behind these suggestions is to give the Necro more POW! in the Blood magic line and also to give them a possibly potent Vampirism build.

First in the Blood magic line, Vampiric should become the Adept. Full of life and Blood to Power should be removed.

Replace full of Life with;

Satiated Appetite; Gain vigor when health stolen from a target reaches this threshold; 1000 health. 10s of vigor. (10s CD)

And replace Blood to power with;
- Spoil Victor; Steal more health the lower your health is.
Below 90% steal 5% more health
Below 75% steal 10% more health
Below 50% steal 15% more health
Below 25% steal 20% more health

Next we gut Mark of Blood;
- Lifebane Strike ; Life Blast steals health equal to it’s damage. 10s cooldown

Then we gut Quickening thirst;
-Vampiric Swarm; Locust Swarm also steals health and has a larger radius. Radius increase to 180. Gain Locust Swarm at 25% health.

Then we change what Deathly Invigoration does;
- For the first 3 seconds of entering deathshroud, Steal health from those that attack you. Steal up to 25% of your maximum health. 30s cooldown

And I believe just like that we might have created a potent vampirism spec. Or maybe I’m dreaming… I dunno.

First in the Blood magic line, Vampiric should become the Adept. Full of life and Blood to Power should be removed.

Replace full of Life with;
Satiated Appetite; Gain vigor when health stolen from a target reaches this threshold; 1000 health. 10s of vigor. (10s CD)

And replace Blood to power with;
- Spoil Victor; Steal more health the lower your health is.
Below 90% do 5% more health
Below 75% do 10% more health
Below 50% do 15% more health
Below 25% do 20% more health

Next we gut Mark of Blood;
- Lifebane Strike ; Life Blast steals health equal to of it’s damage. 10s cooldown

Then we gut Quickening thirst;
-Vampiric Swarm; Locust Swarm also steals health and has a larger radius. Radius increase to 180. Gain Locust Swarm at 25% health.

Then we change what Deathly Invigoration does;
- For the first 3 seconds of entering deathshroud, Steal health from those that attack you. Steal up to 25% of your maximum health. 30s cooldown

Forsaker.9213:

So yeah with those certain chnages and have other classes getting some rly good stuff i can say 1 thing RIP Necro time to reroll.

Edit:

Target The Weak trait – now gives u 2% crit chance per condi on emey insted of 2% more dmg per condi on emey.

TY for nerfing rly solid trait and making it completely useless

I see some really cool stuff in there personally but too each his own I guess.

Blizt.3086:

While it’s true that you can just use Rune of Air/Pack for out of combat swiftness, that just means instead of getting limited in core specialization choices, you get limited in rune set choices, still doesn’t really solve the issue.

You have more options than you realize (Rocket Boots, Elixir Gun, Jump Shot, Super Speed/Slick Shoes) and if you can’t access or don’t want to use those because your build is more effective without those things, then your non-mobility is just a disadvantage your build has.

Necros who don’t use Warhorn or Spectral Walk don’t have a lot of mobility, Mesmers don’t have a lot of mobility without focus. I don’t see those guys just playing with those weapons/skills on every spec.

Hammer also seems to have a ton of mobility on it so that’s probably another option as well.

I have no problem with the new system of things.

Yes, there will be lines that will be core because a lot of people may be too stubborn to change but, personally, I currently run infused precision with Air Runes or Pack Runes. No need for Speedy kits. Infi-Swif for the win.

How about;
Escape Plan;
When you are slowed, crippled or chilled, drop box of nails.

To early to care about making new builds, especially since a lot of them are TBD. I’d rather think about bringing back my old builds with added guns and hidden missiles.

That’s not to say that this isn’t a good idea. I actually like your idea but my excitement is tempered by the fact that nothing is final.

Trait Name: Projectile Infused Bombs
Successful Blast finishers activate Shrapnel. (5s ICD)

Yay or Neigh?

Don’t Neigh, you’re a donkey if you neigh.

I think I’m just going to pull up all my suggestions from the past year to see if I can help with coming up with ideas for the TBD traits.

My extremely biased opinion is that you shall ruin bunker down if you change it to dropping medkits!

Just take a look at this awesome build I’ve been using lately; http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fdAQFAUlUUpkrdZx+KkfNCbBB6OMxXLyNGlPGhAA-TJhFwAAuAAGeAAb2fwZZAA

Kills Eles, thiefs and Shoutbows alike. Can beat every other build but cunning and smarts are required.

How can you destroy such a sweet build that requires some brains?!!!!!! /cry WHY?

Another question I’d like to ask;

You say the minor traits are “always equipped”, does that mean they are always on?Meaning you don’t have to select them to have them be active?

My question is, how long do we have to wait for these changes to come in? Because it sounds like they will be coming BEFORE the expansion not with the expansion.

I understand that such a big change can’t be rushed but it’s literally going to run every build ever created on it’s head in a way.

These changes sound great and all but there are so many builds for the Engie that I think will be left in the dust in the wake of this. Whilst that isn’t a bad thing, I am afraid that what’s left will be the popular builds because…. well…… they are popular. And I don’t like that thought.

https://www.guildwars2.com/en/news/specializations-part-one-a-primer/

https://www.guildwars2.com/en/news/specializations-part-two-reward-tracks-and-elite-specializations/

Due to the fact that I just woke up, I can’t read anything with any sort of comprehension but I did understand that Mortar will turn into a kit and that they are overhauling everything with regards to skills, and traits.

Josh Davis.6015:

Dirame.8521:

Does the fact that they’ll be able to critically hit mean that their base damage is also reduced, for instance, should I be afraid of 4k crits from Rocket turret because it’s base damage is slightly above 1k?

The change means they will be able to receive critical hits, not give them.

Ah awesome, thanks! Misread that.

Does the fact that they’ll be able to critically hit mean that their base damage is also reduced, for instance, should I be afraid of 4k crits from Rocket turret because it’s base damage is slightly above 1k?

Hey guys!

So after spending a ton of time playing in Stronghold and watching/rewatching my footage, I came up with a list of five things that I think would improve the game mode quite a bit and make it equal and fun for kids of all ages (excluding babies, tweens and kindergarteners).

The 5 things include;

- Making Archers ignore players
- Possibly removing Treb dead zones?
- Removing transform channeling
- Giving Red Base a hiding spot because Blue Lord’s base has one but Red doesn’t
- Giving Red base better choke points, similar to those in Blue base

I go into more detail in the video but the general gist is, Stronghold would definitely play a lot better and fairer if these things were changed.

Give me your opinions on the list and what you think would improve Stronghold.

Whilst you’re at it, you can watch my gameplay videos for all aspects of Stronghold;

Supply Runs: Paper Route
Defense: A Successful Defense
Attack: A Smashing Offense

Saw a few mortals trying to play Tirzah’s build. They didn’t realize that only gods can run the build. They lost miserably.

That’s hot-join so you can just leave the map if you see something like that.

DarkSyze.8627:

Fantastic.5298:

How is engineer overpowered? not saying I agree/disagree, just want to know what you guys are thinking. I haven’t seen anything op with respect to this game type for any class except Ele.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMvarJ28SYo

First of all, that’s WvW, Second of all, all classes can do some variation of that.

ErazorZ.5209:

Niche rolls are gonna be the highlight of this map and it doesnt fit the current style gw2 has had with PvP at all

In case you haven’t been playing this game long enough, people have been asking for deviation from the status quo for a loooooooooong time. So mission accomplished is what you’re inadvertently saying.

Also, they should give Stronghold it’s own ranked queue. It will get boring playing in the same map all day but, it will be a great deviation from conquest.

ErazorZ.5209:

It promotes no reall skilled PvP. Its all about who has the highest DPS to down the lord the fastest whilst still having decent support in a zerg. And if there is something ive learnt, PvP zergs do not require a high skillcap.

Nope, it’s about who is better at allocating resources and knowing when. I mean you can bloody banner rez the Lord or Signet rez the lord or Elixir R the Lord (you can’t stealth rez the Lord cos he attacks so meh but, you get the idea) . You should take the time to play it more…. unless you’ve already made up your mind?

Fortunately for me, I’ve been encountering players who have listened to all my strats. But yes, it is quite hard when people think they can deviate from the plan and then they fall flat on their face.

My Negative Impressions;
- Trebuchet has a few dead zones where the projectile will get eaten by air. I’ll try to show them in a video later.

- Archers should be made more useful by either having them ignore players or having them do more damage to players as well as Guards.

My Positive Impressions
-It’s fun
-Communication is key
-Listening is important
-CC is king
-Mandatory Rez skill on all chars incoming ala GW1 RA

Jae.5138:

Is it just me who thinks it’d be more fun to have a designated offence and defence team for stronghold?

Couldn’t you just do that with your team? That’s literally what I discuss with my team at the start of every match. Who does what and where.

Watched the Anet stream and all I have to say is, the Esteemed Goddess is too amazing for us mortals.

Mad Pig.2890:

Regarding heros, I’m not sure what determines the channel spawn position, but each time it spawned it was on the enemy side and that’s what killed us.

Move it to the middle or something, I don’t like losing games to RNG.

Teams I’ve been in have never lost due to a simple Champion spawn. Almost won a 4v5 even with them spawning 2 Champs. Must just be the tactic you guys were using.

I think these 3 builds might be great; Spirit Ranger, Trap Ranger, Longbow Ranger. Spirit Ranger for the Rez Spirit will be amazingly crucial when you’re on the back foot, Trap Ranger would wreck NPCs, Longbow Ranger would only be great for roaming. You could also incorporate the Rez Spirit into any of these builds.

If you’re interested in looking at other builds for other classes, I made a video!

kaikalii.4198:

Booms.3952:

you forgot the shadow arts thief headshot 500x while you try to channel supplies and laugh with his sentinel amulet

I lol’ed. I imagine you can just break the channel with any damage though, like the buffs on temple.

No, only CC can interrupt the channel.

Gern.2978:

NO!
Do not encourage the perpetuation of the turret engi plague. We need to kill it before it spreads further.

Don’t worry, I’ll get to that in a bit.

Hey guys!

In preparation for the Stronghold open beta I made a quite short and concise introduction to Stronghold. Along with that, I’ve also made a list of 3 builds for each class that can be used in Stronghold.

And you can view a few of the builds from the video in the list below. Should you not understand my use of any terminology (like Attack Lane or Defense Lane) just check out my Introduction to Stronghold video and it will give you the quick run-down of what it all means.
Check out the list and let me know what build you think will be good in Stronghold.

Elementalist
Build: Fresh Air Ele
Role(s): Offence or Defence
Position(s): Attack Lane/Defence Lane
Best Teamed up With: Thief, Engie, Necro, Warrior
Useful For: Clearing out NPCs fast, CC, Projectile deflection

Engineer
Build: Tourette’s Engie
Role(s): Defence
Position(s): Defence Lane or Trebuchet
Best Teamed up With: NPCs
Useful For: Distracting NPCs and being a general annoyance

Guardian
Build: Medi Guard
Role(s): Roamer
Position(s): Attack Lane or Defence Lane
Best Teamed up With: Well Necro, Engie, Ele, Mesmer
Useful For: Trapping things in a pokeball, CC, In-combat Mobility.

Build: Tirzah’s Consecration Guard – 6/6/2/6/6
Role(s): Everything
Position(s): Everything
Best Teamed up With: The Esteemed Goddess’ build needs no one
Useful For: The Esteemed Goddess’ build is good at everything.

Mesmer:
Build: Shatter Mesmer
Role(s): Roamer/Supply Runner
Position(s): Att./Def. lanes/Supply Depot
Best Teamed up With: Thief, Ele, Guardian, Engie
Useful For: Mobility, Burst Damage, CC, Boon removal.

Necromancer:
Build: Well Necro
Role(s): Roamer
Position(s): Att./Def Lanes
Best Teamed up With: Hammer Guardian, Engie, Warrior, Staff Ele
Useful For: Immense AoE DPS, Lich Form.

Ranger
Build: Spirit Ranger
Role(s): Support
Position(s): Def./Att. Lanes
Best Teamed up With: Ele, Necro, Engie or Mesmer
Useful For: AoE buffs to NPCs, Spirit Rez

Build: Trap Ranger
Role(s): Roamer/Supply Runner
Position(s): Def./Att. lanes/ Supply Depot
Best Teamed up With: Staff Ele, Hammer Guard, War, Engie
Useful For: Taking out NPCs, running supply, harassing the supply area with traps.

Thief
Build: D/D Condi Thief
Role(s): Roamer/ NPC Clearing
Position(s): Attack/Defence Lane
Best Teamed up With: Ele, Hammer Guard, Engie or Necro
Useful For: AoE Bleed Stacking, Constant Evades, Survivabilty

Warrior
Build: Hambow
Role(s): Roamer
Position(s): Att/Def lanes
Best Teamed up With: Necro, Engie, Shatter Mesmer or Burst Ele
Useful For: CC, Rez Banner

Build: GS/Rifle
Role(s): Roamer/Supply Runner
Position(s): Att/Def lane/Supply Depot
Best Teamed up With: Guardian, Ele, Necro or Thief
Useful For: Incredible Ranged burst, Mobility with GS, Downed Cleave, CC with Rampage.

Evan Lesh.3295:

I’m looking forward to winning a few games before the community catches on and starts shreking me.

Prepare yourself, for on the 14th…… We will break your game.

witcher.3197:

Every zerker build excluding medi guard and s/d thief. (just an opinion)

If you think those don’t require skill, then you haven’t fought against people who actually know how to play them.

The simple reason? I think it’s because they failed to do it when they originally said they would. A lot of esports companies and players were willing to give this game a try for the competition but…. when Anet fell through with their promises, everyone just dropped it.

The expansion might change things a bit though.

I think it might be that you unlock a legend and then unlock each skill within said Legend.

This build is the same build as seen at PAX and Rezzed. And even there I spoke to the Groucharoo about the several cool things you can do with the Revenant and he told me, there’s way more stuff you can do and they are aware of it.

So don’t stress about the details yet. It was just a stress test not a “tell me how these skills function” test.

Exedore.6320:

The amount of on-proc (usually on-crit) extra damage in this game is getting to ridiculously levels, especially when used by zerker builds. Most of the time there’s no penalty for failing because the cooldown isn’t activated. Also, there’s no way to predict it.

The list includes, but is not limited to:

• Sigil of Air, Sigil of Fire, Sigil of Blood
• Halting Strike
• Glacial Heart
• Chill of Death
• Incendiary Powder

Losing half your HP in an instant because of stacked procs does not for an enjoyable PvP experience.

Halting strike actually requires a level of timing to get the best of it so I’d say leave that out of your list. It’s also is the centre piece of a build that would not exist without it.

The other procs are totally fine to complain about.

Quilja.9425:

Should be Quality, not Quantity. Do we really need to prove who is “best” based on how many wins, or can we simply show who is best by having them beat those who sit at the top?

Agreed.

butch.8136:

Dirame.8521:

Marcos.3690:

Feedback:

- The timer is really anti-hype. Most games end by timer which is really kitten.
- It also encourages full deffense once you are ahead on glory

Nothing bad about that. And timer is anti-hype? That actually depends on how close the two teams are points wise.

Did you see the showcase match? That timer was very anti-hype.
In conquest it sometimes leads to some excitement but even then it’s not the best mechanic (imo)

The timer had nothing to do with that. The situation the players are in determines the hype level.