Guild Wars 2

Hello everyone!

I haven’t played my thief in ages but I spent so many hours on her that I just hate seeing all that work go to nothing. The problem is, I don’t know what build I should work with and was hoping you all might give me some suggestions.

I currently have two sets of gear, 1 set that is condition based with perplexity runes in it and the other was from my D/D days that is your standard power based. I will admit that I never really mastered D/D and so that was probably most of why I quit playing as it felt it was the only viable build at the time.

I have also tried D/P and though I liked the concept, it felt just too rough on the initiative.

I’m trying to find a build that allows me to maximize the stealth of the class and should I get into a bad situation, easily escape. Any suggestions?

Great video! Could you link your build please?

Thanks Panic! This really helps a ton.

Hello everyone!

Could one of you fine people please link me a decently effective P/P build? I tried messing around with this last night on my Thief and it just felt like I had to give up all of my survival to make it somewhat work. I’m not sure I’m doing this right.

Can one of you link a P/P build for me? I have an 80 thief that I was trying to use for P/P but I just couldn’t find anything that worked all that well. I always loved the idea but like so many, I got sucked into the D/D + SB concept to the point I quick playing the character all together.

Hello folks!

I recently came back to GW2 and I REALLY don’t like my old hybrid spec anymore. I was wondering, can one of you fine people link me to a solid bunker build that also has decent CC? I’m going to try and do some sPvP and would like something different than the typical GS+bow build I see all the time.

Thanks for the help!

This is just my opinion so you’re free to ignore me…

I leveled my Mesmer with a staff until about 40is and then grew to hate it. It’s just too slow for my personal play style. I would suggest that if you like the GS (and who wouldn’t) that you take a look at the build in my signature. It’s a power-based build that revolves around stealth. Esentially, I drop my little friends and then dance in and out of stealth until the targets are dead. It’s a ton of fun to play as you can take down multiple targets quickly and if you get into a bad situation, it’s always easy to escape.

I love the changes to PvE! Now I can get CoE armor without having to run CoE over, and over, and over, and….

Thanks Anet!

I personally love my Mesmer! I have an 80 Warrior and a Thief alt that both have a full set of gear yet the Mesmer remains the most fun to play. Granted, I don’t use the typical build/gear but it works well for me and, in most cases, I can either defeat my target or go into stealth and disappear. I find it much more universal than either of my alts.

That was a great, if not one of the best GW2 music videos I’ve seen set. I honest lol’d when you two kicked that one guy off the cliff.

That was a great video! I’m somewhat embarrassed though for the Mesmer as it looked like you were just playing with her.

Just wondering though, have you ever fought one of those heavy stealth Mesmers who use the torch/GS? I’ve had some duels with thieves that just went on, and on, and on…

Just a thought, but wouldn’t this build be something that would also work well for a commander? My Mesmer follows a completely different style of play but this does look like a concept that would work great.

Nemitri.8172:

I had a similar idea, here is my take on it, with your setup you may benefit more from running the elite Skill Rampage. Why? because most of the skills have interrupt potential (which synchronizes well with perplexity/distracting strikes combo, also distracting strikes has no internal cooldown!) The 3rd attack on the chain applies daze, the kick uses knockback, can throw a boulder that stuns, and a short aoe leap attack that causes knockdown.

You can also benefit from food that increases condition duration (currently you can get 50% condition duration)

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vIAQNAscTjMdU2ZbHOeQKagAzALVx8YIinI6DzB-zUCBoOCi00QUHAEIgZSFRjtsuIas6GYKWER1eFFRrmUALqsC-w

I actually played a build almost just like that for most of the time I’ve had my warrior and though it was very effective, I really just didn’t like the “feel” of it as much. I also couldn’t touch a necro with such a heavy condi build. What’s sad to admit is that I’ve actually been testing a sniper build. It’s completely worthless while going solo but in a group, those 23K crits are fun.

Shape-shift – Butterfly form!

That’s what I was doing, a combination of direct damage and condition. The theory was that the conditions would add that consistent pressure. It’s fun though it sometimes just doesn’t have enough “bang” to finish off a target quickly enough. In many cases, it becomes a battle of attrition.

That trolling video was priceless. Sometimes you just have to wonder what some folks are doing.

Ok, I’ve gone back and played around with my build/gear last night and I think this is what I’m probably going to go with. The link below is to the actual gear I have in my bank and so I didn’t create the best equipment available. Can you all please look over this build/gear combo and let me know what you think?

Power/Stealth-Based Hybrid PU

Basically, my hope was to create a “roaming” build that uses the max available stealth and adds the condition removal of the torch as support. I also changed out all my condi gear and went with the Knight’s set as to increase overall direct damage while not giving up the toughness. I did keep the traveler’s runes as I love the bonus to crit and that 25% movement speed.

As always, thanks for your comments! I promise this will be my last noobish question (well, for today at least).

-Selene

Ross Biddle.2367:

I run hybrid

http://en.gw2skills.net/editor/?fgAQRAsf7dlwzKqHTzmGb9IipHEXwBckUUavWJF22FC-jUEBohS0oLYINIYNA0CLjm6AgABKHqIaslhht6KalXBRbDTFbR16YAmbKamcp2uDQIgFTAA-w

Or build thread with vids
https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/professions/mesmer/Build-The-Holy-Hell-Build-s-solo-zerg/first#post3589756

Pow/prec/tough is called Knights. Already in game.

Thanks Ross!

I’m currently running a hybrid “PU” build using the sword/torch + GS. Oh, and yeah, I actually had to Google a PU Mesmer because I had no clue what that meant until yesterday.

Just wondering though, what “power” type armor should I be working with and what runes would you all suggest? I have one condi set with traveler runes and a toughness set with perplexity runes in it.

Also, is there any truth to the rumor that power/precision/toughness armor will come out on the 15th? If so, wouldn’t that be something that I should consider?

Thanks!

Oh, and sorry for the noob questions – trying to relearn my class.

I had a random battle with a thief last night from SoS which lasted for about 10 minutes before some other zerg got in between us. Granted, I play a “stealth” mesmer which probably helped a good bit but from my experience, it’s all about know what skills they have and when they will likely employ those against you. For me, I would just try to time my stealth so that he would always be unprotected while I still have a few seconds of stealth left. With 3 clones out, those few seconds are deadly.

I have been playing the same character since I began GW2 and so it’s the character itself that is important. However, back then, I didn’t really know the differences between Norn or Humans and so I just picked one. I don’t care if I have to redo my personal story, loose racial items, etc. If there was a contract available, I’d gladly pay Anet the cost.

Shan.1983:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3fUhFuUP-E

Give that man a like.

By chance, does anyone know what build he is using and the gear? This looks a lot like what I’m trying to do only with actual skill.

Natsu Dragneel.1625:

Hybrid Phantasm PU build is still completely viable, I personally recommend going full damage or full condition but w/e is your preference I guess.

Thanks! I wasn’t sure what to do about the gear. I also have a set of PWR (something) toughness with perplexity runes in them though I’ve not a clue what I was doing with that set.

Hello again everyone!

I just came back to GW2 yesterday and have been toying around with my old characters. After being somewhat frustrated with my old warrior, I went back to this Mesmer and was amazed on how much fun it is. Being able to have a stealth + condition removing skill every few seconds is just amazing! In fact, I had this group of about 6 that just chased me round an round and (I guess) never figured out I was trying to troll them.

Anyways, I also ran into a few battles with some amazing thief and an ele which appeared to never have an end. From that 45 minutes in WvW, the build/gear feels like it can escape just about anything situation while still putting up a crap-ton of damage. That and it appears to confuse the hell out of some people.

I will link the build here ( Hybrid Stealth Mesmer ) and was hoping, could you all take a look at this and tell me where I can improve upon it?

Thanks!

When I last played this I think the most I was ever to get on a target was about 10 stacks though that wasn’t very often. Mostly that was on NPCS so I’m going to assume this was after the nerf. I did find it to be very effective in duels though the class itself appears to excel in dueling anyways.

I used to play full condition and though it was fun in certain conditions (see the joke?) I grew to hate it quickly. It’s just not all that exciting and very predictable. My other build was a GS/Rifle or LB for zerg support and I actually still have a full set of gear with that glass cannon build.

I guess I’ll go back and see what else people are using these days as I would like to find something that keeps the high mobility while being able to have decent damage. Sadly, I think I still have a full set of toughness gear though I can’t remember the other stats.

Hello folks!

I’ve been away from GW2 for about 3-4 months now and recently came back the other day to see how much has changed. I still find the game (WvW) a ton of fun and was wondering if my old hybrid build is still effective anymore. I have linked in my signature but will post it here as well : Hybrid Condi Build

This build essentially uses perplexity runes for the condition stacking combined with the constant interrupts you can get from the mace/shield. Just about everything else uses zerker gear for that added damage. When in larger groups, I drop the sword/mace for a LB. It also has the added bonus of being highly mobile and so I’ve found that if I get into a situation where I can’t possibly win, it’s fairly easy to just escape and wait for a better opportunity.

Anyways, what do you all think? I apologize that I don’t have a video.

IncognituZ.9416:

just saying hi

Best warrior pic so far.

Great video! I run a similar build but use Sword/Mace + Mace/Shield. It’s a ton of fun and gives you a great deal of escapes. Think I’ll test out the off-hand sword again though.

Typhus.3502:

Try hitting the zerg at its tail, instead of at it’s front.

But I’m a Warrior that uses perplexity runes! Everyone tells me how OP my class is so I figured I could survive a head-on assault.

Perhaps this is specifically related to my server but I have noticed that since the season began, the ability to be a solo or small team roamer appears not to be viable anymore. In the last few days, every time I try to solo roam or join up with a small group to do scouting missions, we always run into a massive zerg. It looks as if there is little place in WvW anymore for a roamer. Is it just me or is the zerg the only real method of playing in WvW now?

Not sure if it’s been mentioned but it’s also dishonorable/cowardly to run and stand on those rock formations where your enemy cannot harm you. I hate when people use that “exploit.”

In a 1v1 duel, any class can win if played by a skilled person.

I have a Mesmer and a Warrior and in most cases, I win more fights on the warrior than the Mesmer. Does that make the Warrior better? Probably not. I just find it more fitting to my style of what I consider “fun.”

@ Pookie -

You’re a Warrior, a barbarian and a finely crafted weapon of destruction! You have no mercy, no pitty for any fool that should dare raise a weapon against you! We slaughter our enemies, not show them mercy.

If you have something that grants you an edge over your future victim, use it without remorse. Remember, a Warrior is only truly warm in his/her heart when he/she feels the flames of those burned in his/her wake…

@ Zanthrax -

Honestly, this is the best Warrior tribute video I have ever seen and I love your editing!

/subscribed…

Oh, and can you post your build please? I’m always interested in seeing what others are using as mine is really wonky.

How about hair styles for all races. Essentially, a Human can access Norn styles, etc. It’s all about character creation options.

Carpboy.7145:

Works for me fine. If you play against competent people though it won’t work since theyll cleanse the confusion instead of kill themselves on the confusion.

Sorry, I mean it doesn’t work well for me and that’s probably just because I’m not all that comfortable with it. I’ve seen several others play the build and do well but for me, it’s not what I had expected.

For that reason I changed over to a S/M + A/Sh build and it’s a ton of fun. I love the “in your face” style, the constant CC, and let’s face it, seeing a pistol thief kill himself due to the shield reflection is pretty darn funny. In a zerg, I just have to change a few things around and it works great there too. Anyways, it works for me and I have fun with it. In the end, I suppose that’s what matters.

People like this play all classes. I have run into some jerks and then others who spent a great deal of time to help. In general, most I have spoken to have been very kind and helpful. This community is much more mature than what I was used to on SWOTR or WoW.

BTW, as the OP, I can tell ya’ll that this build sucks and doesn’t work. I tried it for a short bit and even got owned by a bunny.

/sadface.

Anyways, thanks to someone much wiser than me, I’m now using the hybrid build in my signature. The runes help to some extent but really, I just paid so much for them that I’m going to stick with them no matter what now.

Angelica Dream.7103:

When you actually BLINK you are disappointed that you are in the same place.

Your MIRROR IMAGE does not attack anyting.

FEEDBACK from your speakers does not create a purple dome.

When you MIMIC your spouse/ parents the book they toss at you is not ABSORBED

You never thought TIME WARP was form Rocky Horror Picture Show

VENGEFUL IMAGES are not what you get for forgetting your wife/BF/ GF’s birthday.

And Finally: SHARPER IMAGE is not a store.

Angelica, this list is just epic! I can actually sit here reading this and think, “yeah, I’ve tried that once…” LOL!

Olba, I went back and changed the build based upon your guidance and found it to be instantly addicting! It’s kind of like the old days when nobody played the D/D Ele and so few had a clue how to defend against it. Basically, the amount of CC is just unreal and when you add the condi damage, it’s simply amazing!

My biggest problem in WvW has always been a skilled Necro or a Thief. Last night, I engaged on a Necro and while doing a quick CC/bleed rotation, I was able to get 12 stacks of confusion on him. After that, he just simply died. Granted, he wasn’t the best of players but it was still an very effective test of the build.

Thanks again for all your help!

Olba.5376:

If you can find the will to ditch the Mace, I would probably go with Sword/Mace, Axe/Shield. Axe provides decent damage, plus Shield Bash will let you add to the interrupts and land Eviscerate.

I assume you were talking about ditching the GS….

I went and played around with your weapon idea in sPvP and while it’s limited in that situation, it’s pretty darn fun. All the interrupts are amazing! Looks like I’m going to have to suck up a few more gold and fix the mess I created.

Should I go for a 0/20 (IV, IX) 20 (V, IX) 10 (I), 20 (VI, III) sort of build?

Again, thanks for the help!

Wow… See, this shows how much I still don’t know about the class! Thanks so much for reviewing over this concept Olba and for picking it apart for me. Thanks as well for providing a few build ideas. The problem I have right now is the armor set listed on the build is what I actually have on hand. It also has the perplexity runes in it as well so I’m sort of suck atm to some extent. Is there something you can recommend that still uses those perplexity runes but isn’t the normal LB + S/S build?

The concept for this build is based upon the hybrid Mesmer build I use in that I wanted to find some sort of balance between conditions, CC, and all out damage. The problem I have with the traditional S/S + LB is that at this point, most people know how a condi Warrior will attack and so the LB skills are not only predictable, but reasonably avoided. In the last few days of playing that build, I felt the LB just didn’t accomplish what I was hoping. Perhaps I’m still too much of a noob with this class but I really like the “in your face” play-style that comes with the GS.

Anyways, with that being said, the build below is an attempt to use P/T/C armor with “cough” perplexity runes combined with zerker trinkets/weapons. If used correctly, I think it should be effective in causing enough CC to make the runes worth the trouble while dealing out some decent damage as well. I suppose you can change out the GS and modify the build some to allow for the hammer if that’s your choosing.

Can you all please take a moment to look over this build and let me know if you think it’s viable or not? Also, can you make some suggestions as where it can be improved upon? I really like the look/feel of my warrior and as I drained most all of my gold to get her geared out, I would really like to find a style that is “fun” and effective. As a note, this is mainly for roaming.

Hybrid Condition Zerker

BlackDevil.9268:

Well, perplexity can be run with any build, so yes you could do that.
However, I don’t think you will have enough mobility once you have to escape due 0 swiftness or any speed boost. Though you will be stronger in fights yes.

Makes sense. My zerg V zerg gear uses perplexity runes and it’s pretty funny to watch when people just ignore them. Still, the mobility does kinda suck.

Have you used your solo build against those condi/perplexity warriors? I end up using torch to reset the fight.

Oozo.7856:

Solo/duo fights:1v2, 2v3s, a 1v4, and a few 1v1s.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jd7Sby_wqo4

You sir, are amazing. My condi/perplexity Warrior that I spent a crap ton of time/gold/gems to create just looks like a fool when I come against a Necro with your build. It’s pretty darn sad.

@ BlackDevil,

Just wondering, do you think the perplexity runes would be effective? I know that takes away from the power and makes the build much more on the condi side but figured I’d as the person who created it.

Manekk.6981:

What was the question?

Trying to find out what build she might have been using.

While in WvW tonight I had a couple of duels against what I think is some sort of BM Ranger but to be honest, I’m not certain. She used a dog for a pet but then spawned a couple other pets as well. Anyways, she appeared to have a massive amount of regen and condi removal and just made me look stupid on both my Mesmer and my Warrior. I wish I could tell you more but I’ve not a clue as to what build this was.

I’ve heard since I started playing this game that Rangers are terrible in WvW but she defeated everyone she dueled against. Clearly, your class is underestimated.

Carpboy.7145:

There’s also a guy on YouTube, Joseph Wagner, he runs that same perplexity build, called the auto kill build. Hes also got a bunker condition build too. Plus rage faces are always cool.

https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/professions/guardian/I-Hate-my-Warrior-Guardian-Better-Choice

:O i guess you got over that quickly

Yeah, I was really frustrated one night and figured that I needed to change. After a few gallons of caffeine, all is better now.

Carpboy.7145:

There isn’t a single interrupt on that build you posted. brainfart?

LOL! Yeah, that’s pretty much the case. Thanks for posting this for me Carpboy!