Guild Wars 2

I think it’s all a matter of perspective (to some extent). I played a D/D Ele for a main and while I agree that class needed most of the nerf’s they got, I could still be dropped in seconds by a skilled thief. I actually was so impressed with a thief I was fighting that I quit playing the Ele and rolled a thief as my new main.

For roaming in WvW, nothing really shines as well.

I’m sure this has been requested before but with the color additions now available on the makeover kits, can we please get more hairstyles as well? Even if you just add the hairstyles of other races, that would probably be a great start.

Anet, any chance this will be in the future?

So, after struggleing with trying to find out what class to play now that I no longer enjoy my other 2 characters, I’ve chosen to stick with the Thief. This has a great deal to do with the fact of how impressed I was with a Thief that just totally destroyed me on my fairly well geared Mesmer.

Anyways, I plan on doing mostly WvW with the spec listed below. Can you all please take a look at this spec and see what you think?

D/P + SB WvW Build

Also, is this D/P + SB spec the best for solo leveling? I’m really trying to get back to 80 as quickly as possible and I almost never run with groups.

Thanks!

Ritt,

That really helps! I hate the idea of leveling yet, another character but the way I see it, if I’m not having fun, then really, what’s the point of even playing?

I’ll first admit that right now, I’m pretty lost when it comes to GW2 as I’ve leveled a Mesmer and a D/D Ele which I now no longer find any fun in playing. I loved the quick action of the Ele and the escape skills but that’s clearly been changed to the point that even a Guardian can run me down now. /sigh

As for the Thief, I’ve always been impressed with your class though somewhat intimidated about playing one. I have very little knowledge on your abilities other than you’re hard as hell to kill in a1v1.

My question is though, how well do you all hold up against Warriors and Guardians while roaming WvW? Also, when compared to the Ele, how good are you abilities in escaping a bad situation?

I also have a level 35 Guardian and a level 18 Warrior that I had been toying around with but, like I said, I’m very confused as to what class to play. Generally, I really go for the “in your face” quick-paced action class but so far, I’ve not had much luck in finding the right fit.

Thanks everyone! My Mesmer was my first character and though I hate how slow she is when it comes to roaming, I would really like to become better at the class. All these answers really help!

Henrik.7560:

Have a read on my new build Generally Knight’s and Cavalier’s without using a great sword.
https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/professions/mesmer/New-Build-of-mine-Multi-Build/first#post1946006

I actually didn’t see that yet. Hmm, so you typically run with the staff and then S/P for most battles? Do you have any vids on YouTube?

By now, I think everyone knows the problems with the GS in that #4 phantasm can’t crit for much more than 3-4K. Overall, the GS damage just kind of sucks (from my experience). With that in mind, what “power” based builds are viable these days? I’m not much of a fan of the normal shatter builds that we see but that’s probably due to my lack of understanding on the class.

As for gear, I’m running a full Knight’s set as I was hoping to have a more survival DPS play style. Other than this, I was using S/P and hoping to replace this GS problem. Sad because I love the range/animation of the GS.

So, with the current state of the class, what builds/weapon sets should I consider?

Pukknub.7368:

But that’s basically it, or did I miss something?
Please enlighten me, because I really don’t understand.

They took away the [I WIN] button?

Sorry bad joke. I only recently got my Ele to 80 after quitting the game for some time. Back when I created her, nobody played the class. I’m disappointed to see where it’s gone since those days. /sigh. Oh well.

Hello Kitty Island Adventure….

That and Pong appear more enjoyable.

Linguistically Inept.6583:

i didnt find sniping nubs with rifle as fun as people claim either "/

The “sucks to be you” fun part of sniping wears off quickly.

XII.9401:

FinalPatriot.8034:

XII.9401:

Guardians and Necros are great in group situations but thankfully few good solo guardians roam wvw.

I’m not sure I understand what you’re trying to say here. What’s the problem with solo Guardians? I have one now and though I don’t ever play her, I don’t see her as much of a threat in WvW. She has NO ranged ability and isn’t much good in a zerg. Also, she can only crit for a max of about 6K with the GS. That’s nothing compared to a similarly equipped Warrior.

I meant that good solo guardians and necros are a pain in the kitten that is why I’m thankful they aren’t roaming wvw alone like you =p.

Guardians are great in zergs. What are you talking about? Line of warding? Ring of warding? 2-3 guardians alternating that on a choke point in an organized group while their buddies AOE that choke point is amazing.

As for guardians having bad range I completely agree but that won’t affect them vs. a melee toon.

Yeah, I see your point now. Sorry, I’m pretty dense when I’m tired.

I agree, I do tend to roam quite a bit but it rare that I hear someone yell out, “Holy Crap! It’s a Guardian! Run for your lives!” It’s more like, “Crap, she’s not even worth fighting.” Then they just leave. /sigh

For a Zerg, yeah, the defense is pretty good but I think the Warrior’s range attack (rifle ) I just too much fun. When I play my Mesmer, Warriors tend to be an easy target unless they are good with those ranged attacks. I don’t go for that shatter spec nonsense (boring) so if I get caught off guard, a decent Warrior can eat me alive.

XII.9401:

Guardians and Necros are great in group situations but thankfully few good solo guardians roam wvw.

I’m not sure I understand what you’re trying to say here. What’s the problem with solo Guardians? I have one now and though I don’t ever play her, I don’t see her as much of a threat in WvW. She has NO ranged ability and isn’t much good in a zerg. Also, she can only crit for a max of about 6K with the GS. That’s nothing compared to a similarly equipped Warrior.

I think it’s the playstyle of the class. For me, it’s quick, exciting, and you’re constantly changing/moving. Rarely do I find myself just standing there. That’s why I can’t play some classes – they feel “empty.”

Not sure if this is the answer you’re looking for but after leveling both a Mesmer and Ele, I’m now sticking with the Warrior as I just find it more entertaining. The massive crit’s always bring a smile…

Hello again everyone!

For those who may not know me by now, I’ve been posting in multiple threads for the last month in hopes of finding a class that is not only fun, but versitle and viable in both PvE and WvW. After leveling a Mesmer (power based) and a D/D Ele to 80, I quickly became disappointed with both of them. I simply hate being one of about 10K others of the same class. That and we all know how much a GS Mesmer bites when it comes to their DPS…

Anyways, I wanted to thank you all for helping me find the Warrior and for all the good advice! I’ve only been playing this class now for a few days and thus far (now that I know what I’m doing) it’s been a ton of fun. So… here is why I think they are just the best class in the game:

1. Versatility - I can play as a solid DPS, a Sniper (FUN!) and a tank! The class is great at ALL of these! Oh, and as much as I loved being a fury Warrior in WoW, duel axes are amazing.

2. No real downtime - For the Warrior, it really feels like I can go from one target right onto the next and never really slow down (if using the right build). This is just great when you can charge into a group of 4+ mobs and wipe them out in a matter of seconds. Oh, and should I not want to charge, that nasty LB comes in handy!

3. Weapon Choices - So many weapons, so many fun and new ways to conquer my enemies! Yup, not only do we get tons of weapons/combos, the are also all effective in their own way and fun to play. The hard part is picking which one you want to use next on the poor random fool that walks into your path.

4. Roaming Ability - I thought the D/D Ele was good a roaming but the Warrior also excels. Between the horn and the GS, it makes running through WvW a snap.

5. Appearance - Let’s face it, heavy armor just looks great! Using just the named exotic’s, my warrior differently gets the Bad-A seal of approval!

Ok, enough of my rant! Still, thanks to all of you who helped convince me to learn this class. It’s been fun leveling and great for just about anything I want to do in the game.

Double axe, LB, and duel swords! Looks like I’m going to have a ton of fun finding what I like to play. I saw a video today of a Warrior using duel swords + GS combined with a high crit build in WvW and it was really fun to watch him take down even a well geared D/D ele. Goes to show, knowledge of one’s own class beats out all the time.

Thanks Chai! This really helps.

Sebrent.3625:

FinalPatriot.8034:

Hmm… not the best move by Anet when you consider that ESO is coming out soon.

This is why I left WoW to SWTOR and then to GW2. One would think that companies that produce MMO’s would learn from the mistakes of the competition.

I think most of them have. They know that there are players that constantly jump from one game to another as new games come out. They focus less on those players and more on the other types.

That’s unfortunate. I tend to pick a game and just stick with it until I changes so much that it’s no longer the core of what attracted me to it. 5 years in WoW, SWTOR since beta (until now) and now GW2. I actually had no intention to play ESO but even though this nerf doesn’t affect how I play, I still get concerned with the trend.

My favorite class/playe-style was nerfed in WoW and SWTOR not because they were difficult to defeat but because they played on the stupidity of others. Hence, they were tagged as being OP.

I should mention first that I’ve been testing every class in the game to come up with a “fun” alt to play even though I FREAKING HATE leveling characters. I currently have an 80 Mesmer as my main (power, not that shatter stuff) and a D/D Ele which I no longer play (too darn many of them). I leveled up a Guardian to 33 and pretty much hate being only good for support in WvW. So, with that, I’ve been trying to level up a Warrior into a WvW sniper but crap if it sure isn’t boring as hell. Can you all please help figure this out some?

I’m using GS/Rifle as my weapon sets and it just feels really slow going. I had a fury Warrior from WoW that a blast to play because of the constant speed of the style. I LOVED played that character. So far, this hasn’t been all that exciting.

As I don’t know much about the other weapon sets or really how to level/play this class, I was hoping you all might be able to point me in the right direction? I’ve seen video’s of warriors on YouTube and they look like a ton of fun but I know I’m missing something.

Thanks for the help and I apologize if this thread doesn’t make much sense. 4-hours of sleep and a lack of caffeine will do that to you.

Hmm… not the best move by Anet when you consider that ESO is coming out soon.

This is why I left WoW to SWTOR and then to GW2. One would think that companies that produce MMO’s would learn from the mistakes of the competition.

Tyrion.4259:

Yea I am level 44 (leveled from 42 last night in WvWvW) and I agree with the OP; very difficult to have any real fun until there’s a push. I am going to pick up a sceptor even though it looks a bit lame in the hands of someone wearing lots of metal but I have no choice.

I am seriously considering moving to ranger due to my experience thus far. Again unorganized at the moment and haven’t downloaded vent to join my old guild seriously yet.

That is really the problem I’ve had as well. Typically, I run with a small group or when I’m in the zerg, I almost never use vent, mumble, etc. Other than putting up a wall and dropping down some heals, I don’t feel like I benefit the group all that much. This is even worse when guarding a wall during an attack. I really enjoy the Guardian and had hoped to mirror my old Pally from WoW but the comparison is that I’ve always played in tournaments or in 1vX. WvW is a whole new beast.

I ran through WvW the other night just trying to level this Guardian and it makes me reconsider sticking with the class. Granted, I’m only at level 33 now but I just hate leveling. I have considered doing that glass cannon rifle build for the Warrior but they are really boring to level through the first 30 levels. /sigh I miss my WoW destruction Warlock.

With all the zerg actions these days in WvW, how do you Guardians deal with the massive amount of ranged combat? I play a Mesmer as my main and so most of the time, I just sit back in the group and toss out damage with the GS but as a Guardian, are you not forced to either provide defensive support or charge into the enemy group?

I only ask because I was playing around with my level 32 Guardian yesterday during a zerg and didn’t have a clue as to what my role should be.

I actually use a power-based build from the link below but I’ve modified my style a bit. Instead of what is listed there, I go with GS/ + S/P for WvW and it works great. When I need to roam, I’ll change over to the focus.

https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/professions/mesmer/Seven-Mirror-WvW-Mesmer-04-26-13/first

@OP:

I feel your pain. I started out as a power based Mesmer to later see mobs and mobs of them. So, I changed over to the D/D ele and the same thing happens. I always try to play the least played class in any MMO but such is my luck here in GW2.

On a side note, I’ve had an encounter with a Ranger that just ate me alive. This was after he killed the other 2 folks in my group. I almost rolled a Ranger alt after that. Sadly, I hate leveling characters.

I leveled up playing a power Mesmer and latter changed over to the confusion spec just out of a desire to try something new. I also play a D/D ele but more on the DPS than the tanking side. My point is that GW2, like every other MMO I’ve played, tends to follow the same pattern that you all have discussed. Basically, once someone comes up with a unique build that plays upon the inability of another to understand their class, it ALWAYS get’s nerfed. It’s pretty sad really and partially why I walked away from WoW, SWTOR, etc.

Why do game developers punish the creativity of their customers?

Hello folks!

After spending the last week testing out every class in the game and finally going back with my D/D Ele, I would like to find out if you all have some suggestions or a link to another thread for a damage-based D/D spec that’s suited for WvW support? I initially leveled and played as a bunker ele and though it’s nice not to die all the time, it’s pretty darn bull at times. I actually dueled a Guardian who was also a bunker build and after going round and round, we just went our separate ways.

Anyways, I’d like something that can dish out a good bit of damage while retaining some of the survival abilities of the class. Also, can you give me some advice on gear as well? Sorry, I’ve only been at 80 on this character for a short while and am still really learning the class. It’s a ton of fun though!

jkctmc.8754:

I absolutely destroy Elementalists on my Ranger with the Shortbow. That is one thing the Ranger has going for it. We’re one of the few classes that can dominate the Elementalist.

The key is to move in a semi-circle, constantly, never stopping while keeping Chill up as long as you can.

It’s funny because I wrote that OP you all are talking about. The Ele is my newest alt and a bunker build so her damage isn’t all that impressive. What Jkctmc is talking about here is exactly what this other Ranger did to me and my group. By the time I figured out what was going on, it was all over. Also, I tend to not run away no matter the situation so once I attack, I’m committed. I know that’s a flaw but it comes from too many years in WoW as a destruction Warlock.

I also play a duelist Mesmer with GS and S/P. I find Rangers to be much easier to defeat with this class/build though the class can be down right boring at times.

Hello folks!

I should first probably state that I know little about your class but in getting back into GW2, I’ve noticed that most of the battles in WvW tend to be more of zerg format where larger numbers on either side fight against each other and then move to the next point. From that point of view, isn’t the best class in ranged combat always going to be the most effective?

My main character is a duelist Mesmer using GS & S/P and while I do well in WvW, most of my damage is single target related with a few AoE abilities. My Zerger Guardian does great for taking points but when attacking a large group, it almost feels like I have this HUGE target over my head that reads “kill this guy first!” I enjoy both of my characters but I’ve really been struggling if I should try out the Ranger or not.

From what I’ve seen, the SB/GS Rangers that change over to LB during a large battle tend to just rain down hell on groups of players and should someone get through the line, they change over to the SB and gun them down. I don’t have much knowledge on how they do in 1v1 as I’ve never really had much trouble with them on my Mesmer but with how WvW is these days, is your class really the most effective?

The other night, I took my level 15 Ranger into WvW for a couple of hours and by just trying to provide ranged support for my team, I was amazed on how many badges I picked up. Is this typically what you all expect?

Anyways, I’d really like to hear from you all on what you think about your class in WvW. Right now I’ve been dinking around with a few alts trying to find one that I can stick with and really enjoy. The Mesmer is a keeper for me but as for the rest, who knows.

Thanks!

Sounds great. Thanks folks!

After all the help everyone gave me in helping to figure out if I should play a Guardian, I would like to ask a quick questions about leveling one. Should I take the hammer or staff for my alternate weapon? Also, can you help me understand when I should be changing between them?

Thanks!

Nevermind… I found it.

ArtemisEntreri.4138:

I actually enjoy both equally. I just dropped some gems on the table for some gold to overhaul the guardian and I read Brutaly’s guide for hammer guardian and put some more time into the play style and love the guardian again. I’ve tried other builds to much disappointment besides the healway build. No one likes to die in anything and Brutaly’s guide has different levels to the Altrustic Hammer Guardian. I’ll note my characters and the spec with the food I am using (I buy the cheap stuff).

Tamoko(what she will be once I buy eagle runes) – http://gw2buildcraft.com/calculator/guardian/?3.0|2.1g.h17|0.0.0.0.0.0|1c.7h.1c.7h.1c.7h.1c.7h.1c.7h.1c.7i|1n.67.1n.67.1n.67.1n.67.1n.67.8c.67|0.5.u56b.u29b.5|56.8|v.18.19.17.1i|e

ArtemisEntreri, do you by chance have a link to this guide you were talking about? I’ve actually never played my Guardian with the hammer before and don’t have a clue on how it works. I was going with GS/Staff for the damage/support but the staff really isn’t all that fun.

vapor.5390:

“As for my background, I played a DPS Prot Pally in WoW and loved it. Being able to do damage, basic support/healing was really nice. Still, being kited got old. I also played a fury warrior using cough daggers and it was probably the most fun I ever had in an MMO”

you just named warrior, i also played warrior and healers and paladps so i know the feeling when you say you ENJOYED fury warrior but got bored being kited as paladin. You want to play warrior i know it, that play style is what you want rather than guardian, you want to dea damage, you want to be risky, you want the game require you a lot of skill, if you play guardian you will either quit in some point or reroll anyway, it doesnt fit your needs, in my opinion its too steady and you want to rush.

I think you’re right on when it comes to the “rush” factor. That fury warrior, while strange to play, was just a blast because of how fast the play style was. It was never dull or just limited to 2-3 buttons. I also played a destruction Warlock for about 4 years also due to the normal 10-20 second total rotation. The pally was fun for end-game and tanking but leveling was boring.

I started up a Guardian a few times now and have really struggled to get him beyond level 20. Still, they tend to be the most difficult for me to kill on my duelist Mesmer.

@Silentstorm:

I’ve been looking for a build that feels like my old pally and this just looks perfect. I was wondering though, can I use this to level up to 80 while also doing WvW? Also, do you use the GS/Staff mainly or are you going with Hammer/Staff?

Thanks!

@OP:

Granted I have never really played a thief before but I really enjoyed your video and it has inspired me to create one.

SuperHaze.4210:

Guardian all the way. I played a pally since vanilla so I was also looking for the exact same thing. Try a symbol/meditation guardian build, it plays just like a prot dps pally. I put my warrior on the back burner until Anet fixes them

SuperHaze,

Can you link this spec for me please? I still have my level 19 Guardian but I’ll have to blow the dust off her.

Ouch Ottohi. That’s kind of rough.

Hello folks!

I’m about to create a new alt and I just don’t have enough information about either of these classes to determine which would be best. I was hoping that based upon the information below if you all could point me in the right direction please?

I have played both to level 19 and found that the Guardian was a ton of fun using the GS and felt like I could survive just about anything. However, in PvP and WvW, it appeared that all people had to do was just kite me around until I died. That wasn’t so much fun.

As for the Warrior, I really liked the GS/R combo. The Rifle was AMAZING in WvW! Still, I felt more like I was wearing cloth than what I would expect of a plate machine. Also, I hear lots of negativity about this class in that they aren’t wanted as tanks or DPS?

As for my background, I played a DPS Prot Pally in WoW and loved it. Being able to do damage, basic support/healing was really nice. Still, being kited got old. I also played a fury warrior using cough daggers and it was probably the most fun I ever had in an MMO. What I’m looking for is a solid “tank” with the ability to do decent DPS while not being squished after 2 seconds. Can you all please tell me what you think is best?

Hello folks!

I’m about to create a new alt and I just don’t have enough information about either of these classes to determine which would be best. I was hoping that based upon the information below if you all could point me in the right direction please?

I have played both to level 19 and found that the Guardian was a ton of fun using the GS and felt like I could survive just about anything. However, in PvP and WvW, it appeared that all people had to do was just kite me around until I died. That wasn’t so much fun.

As for the Warrior, I really liked the GS/R combo. The Rifle was AMAZING in WvW! Still, I felt more like I was wearing cloth than what I would expect of a plate machine. Also, I hear lots of negativity about this class in that they aren’t wanted as tanks or DPS?

As for my background, I played a DPS Prot Pally in WoW and loved it. Being able to do damage, basic support/healing was really nice. Still, being kited got old. I also played a fury warrior using cough daggers and it was probably the most fun I ever had in an MMO. What I’m looking for is a solid “tank” with the ability to do decent DPS while not being squished after 2 seconds. Can you all please tell me what you think is best?

@Pyroatheist:

After about 5 days of using your build, I’ve found that it is just amazing! For large groups in WvW I switched out the scepter for the GS as I really needed more offensive power. I even played around with the GS – S/P in PvP and though it’s a bit tricky in some cases, overall it’s really nasty. I have to admit, before your post, I hadn’t played my Mesmer in months and now it’s been so much fun that she’s gone back to being the only character I play now.

Thanks!

Oh, and can you PLEASE post some vids of how you play the build? I’d really like to learn more.

As I’ve never played a thief before, I was wondering if there is a viable P/P build that I can use with some sort of melee as the alternate? I’ve seen some YouTube videos but have no really idea of this play style even works.

Can you all provide me some guidance/suggestions please?

@Pyroatheist:

I’ve tried this build of yours now for the last two days and so far, I’d have to admit that it’s pretty darn impressive once you get used to it. My most difficult class to defeat as a D/D Ele (SB/GS Ranger) seams to just melt under this kind of pressure. I still have lots to learn but so far, it’s really been fun.

Just wondering though, is there ANYTHING I can do to make my Mesmer not so darn slow in WvW roaming? That is the one thing I miss about my Ele.

And then you can target your clone and /dance to dance with him/her? lol… that would be funny.

Good idea Kristofferus.

@Pyroatheist: Thanks for your response and this guide. Though I hate how slow my Mesmer is in WvW, your guide has given me the motivation I needed to go back and revive my 1st and primary character.

rolos.7491:

This matchup is decided by skill and proper terrain usage, in my opinion. I agree that it is not easy, though.

That makes me feel a bit better then as I’m still really learning the class outside of leveling and basic PvE. I’ve found that this type of Ranger and some Mesmers remain my most difficult target to defeat.

I did have a 15+ minute battle against a Guardian last night that was really fun though neither of us could kill the other.

Pennry.9215:

What I don’t get is how people get so far in to a character before realizing that they hate the aspects of that race. You all claim to have all this Karma/gear invested on these characters. Am I the only one that would stop working on that character the instant I realized I didn’t like it? Or are you all too slow to realize at level 2 that you character’s size, etc is not for you?

For me, it wasn’t until well into my 70’s before I picked up an alt and realized I liked playing a different race more as it just felt more “fun” to play. I went and finished leveling up my first character to 80 only to quick the game shortly after. I enjoy the game but just hate the animation of my first and primary character.

So far, I’ve been really impressed with all the options Anet has offered to us via the Black Lion TC. And yes, I’ve already purchased several “makeover” kits… lol.

kurtosis.9526:

I honestly think some of us want race changes so badly we would pay $20-$30 or more for a complete reset barring level:

1. Personal story reset to beginning. Lose all personal story rewards and faction armor.

2. If there is any kind of exploit related to karma here, feel free to reset karma as well.

3. If necessary, lose all your gear except named items, precursors, and Legendaries. Only if there is some kind of exploit that the above do not solve.

4. Keep your level, XP, and skill points.

I think many of us appreciate that there are real technical difficulties to doing this, but I’m not sure ANet appreciates how much many of us would be willing to trade to have this implemented.

Even if it means having to re-do the personal story from scratch and re-farm most of my 80 exotic gear, I’d be ok with that, given that the extreme drudgery of re-leveling to 1-80 would suck 10x worse.

I have 3 80s and a 60 and there is 0% chance I’ll ever relevel 1-80 again, but there is a decidedly non-zero chance I would pay for a race change, even under the conditions mentioned above.

Seriously ANet, do keep this in mind and consider it. It could be another money-maker for you, and I for one would have no problem without supporting you like that.

I agree 100% with kurtosis. Please Anet, make this available to your customers?

@Pyroatheist,

This may be a stupid question, but how effective have you found this build against a bunker D/D Ele? I have an 80 Mesmer which was my first character in GW2 and I eventually quit playing because of how slow she was in WvW and boring my spec was. Soon later, I leveled up my D/D Ele and typically find most Mesmer’s I’ve seen to be fairly easy. Of course, they are about 90% all shatter builds which are easy to predict/avoid.

Though I love my Ele, I’d like an excuse to pick up my Mesmer again. D/D Ele’s are quick and fun to play but they are very restricted in some cases.