Guild Wars 2

Works fine here in Germany. Great video, mate!

By the way, your build links don’t have any armor stats selected :P

SpellOfIniquity.1780:

Thieves can’t 1 shot you from stealth. Mesmers can. I have a bigger problem with that.

Tell us more about this Mesmer one shot from stealth.

You’re asking the wrong question. Instead, ask this question: Why the heck would I care what all of these idiots think of me?

Seriously. Every professional/unique gamer got there from doing whatever the heck they wanted. They didn’t listen to all the nay sayers or the fools who can’t think outside of the box. Run what you want to run and screw the haters.

If you wanna shut them up, get good and whoop their butt. End of story.

Castlevania.7903:

Warriors are fine. Its the forums, people will always say everything is bad. You can find those posts in every class forum.

Warrior is not the best class in the game, but if you put some effort into a class, any one of them can do just fine. Pick the one you enjoy the most and master it.

Very much so this. Read every profession forum and you’ll be amazed to find that Anet hates every class and has nerfed all of them into the ground. It’s quite enlightening, you see.

But yeah choose your favorite class/playstyle and then just have fun and get good. If the class happens to be legitimately underpowered, just wait awhile.

Been running sword/sword for about a month now. I love it mostly for WvW roaming because it tends to be a nice block vs stealthed thieves. It’s also great for shatter because you can effectively get three clones from the weapon set, rather than two.

My biggest issue with it is, as stated somewhere above, the delay between the block and the summoning of the clone. If that was a bit more fluid, I would like it even more.

At the end of the day, I believe sword/pistol is better, but I chose sword/sword not for being better, but for looking friggin awesome dual wielding SAB swords. Plus, people respect you more when you can pull off sword/sword while looking like a total baller. Just sayin.

Interesting thoughts, thanks guys. I would appreciate it, though, if we’d stray from the “we’d get nerfed” mentality, as that doesn’t produce constructive thinking.

Anybody else have any thoughts on this?

Hey guys, I just had a simple thought come to my mind and I wondered what all opinions people would have. Please post what you think! I don’t care how “noob” or “pro” you think you are. I just want to hear some speculation if that’s cool.

So here’s the idea: What if Mesmers could have four clones at a time, rather than three? What would be the drawbacks? The consequences? The overall results?

Sounds like some kind of Tron thing lol

See, before I dedicated myself to playing mesmer, I would have laughed at a post like this and been like, “what?”

But now I totally understand. Great job dude! Kick his friggin butt! Haha

I’m in the exact same boat. Can’t for the life of me figure out how to roam on this class. And I don’t want to run PU or anything Condi either.

If you find something that works, let me know.

Zero Day.2594:

Yes.
We’ve totally been trolling you guys with saying we’re the weak and saying how we need buffs and roll diversity and that you should stop nerfing us.
As a matter of fact we were doing so to keep people away from playing our beloved class. But now that more and more people are catching on how amazing the thief is, I guess we can tell you the truth….
We are OP, we’re amazing. The whole game revolves around us and only us.
So. If you want to be amazing like us, roll a thief.

TEEF MASTER RACE!!!!!

Clever! Now they’ll all roll thief and realize what they were complaining about. I like it!

Psh. I laugh at Ele’s. All they do is run around healing, pop armor of earth, and then a thief chops them a few times and they drop.

I really like the core idea of this guild. Is it cool if I join? My main focus is PVP/WvW, though I mostly just enjoy playing content with others. (I’d certainly be glad to help out with guild bounties and such when I can.) As long as I don’t get pushed around or anything, I would love to join! My main focus has been finding a friendly guild with people who like talking and building friendships.

I added you to my friend list so we can chat in game about it whatever. Thanks…

By the way, I also have TS so yeah.

I quite enjoyed watching it! Thanks for sharing!

By the way, it appears that it isn’t just me struggling to get the timing for the dodge on a warriors rush? Since they changed it recently it’s like you have to dodge a second late. Weird…

Carighan.6758:

The problem with this would be how variable our Phantasm power is. In a full Phantasm spec, you’d have 30% more damage, 70% more health, 20% faster CDs, you pulse regeneration and passive Fury. Good luck balancing that one.

So basically Lich form? Swag.

Rome.7124:

sure, maybe the shield will actually has a “power block” that actually works against thieves…

Now here is a good thought!

Vavume.8065:

The prizes are totally uninspiring….

Agreed. Personally, my time would be much better spent raising gold to buy whatever mini/epic gear I want.

It appears they have raised the level of all NPCs tremendously. (Or at least this one) Apparently there has been enough talk about getting more challenging pve content, that the dev’s have started listening. Not only that, but if you watch closely, you’ll see that they even changed the mechanics and aggressiveness of this particular NPC and its method of attacking you.

Here is the video reference: http://youtu.be/LNGGbozilko

Perhaps if this Dev had faced such a worthy opponent as this NPC deer on a more regular basis, he wouldn’t have gotten his butt handed to him. But we all know the Devs should L2P.

Here is another leaked video with a different NPC: http://youtu.be/Nlrc2iFACIQ

I, for one, am quite in favor of this change. I believe it will better equip players as they travel throughout the various maps to handle more challenging content at end game, like Fractals, Dungeons, and HoT itself.

What is your opinion on this/these change(s)?

I messed around for a bit with a celestial P/D-SB 2/0/6/0/6 with fire & air sigils on the bow and bursting & Fire sigils on the pistol. It worked really well to be honest because it combined both condition damage and direct damage. It wasn’t anything fantastic, but it certainly worked.

Sorel.4870:

MightyMicah.7451:

The funny part is that if we had played despite the 4v5, we might have caught up and won when the opposing team’s player left. lol

Morale of the story: don’t be a bad sport.

Agreed! I never give up in a 4v5 generally, but when I saw two teammates sitting out, I just didn’t feel like getting repeatedly ganked. I’m sure you understand.

Hahaha! That’s like the dang practice NPC Necro.

Hmm this would explain why I’ve noticed many people dying to falling damage in those very spots lately. Thanks for the video.

Yesterday I played a match where we had 4 and they had 5. Two on my team decided to quit/afk so I figured I’d join them. Then, all of the sudden our fifth magically appears out of nowhere and a player on the opposing team leaves.

The funny part is that if we had played despite the 4v5, we might have caught up and won when the opposing team’s player left. lol

witcher.3197:

MightyMicah.7451:

Mak.2657:

MightyMicah.7451:

1. The right build. Do not aquire a build from metabattle. I don’t know what genius put those there, but they’re terrible builds. Find something on YouTube perhaps.

Dude…
As Fay already said phantasm builds are somehow effective in 1vs1 against many builds (not against all). But spvp isn’t about 1vs1. I think you feel it better soon

I wouldn’t say phantasm is only good in 1v1 at all. In my experience, (which I previously mentioned isn’t be any means “top tier” so take what I say with a grain of salt) it works just great with team play just as long as you know what you’re doing.

Phantasm builds are horrible for PvP since 2012. They only work in the lowest tiers of ranked play and only in 1v1s.

Lol.

Mak.2657:

MightyMicah.7451:

1. The right build. Do not aquire a build from metabattle. I don’t know what genius put those there, but they’re terrible builds. Find something on YouTube perhaps.

Dude…
As Fay already said phantasm builds are somehow effective in 1vs1 against many builds (not against all). But spvp isn’t about 1vs1. I think you feel it better soon

I wouldn’t say phantasm is only good in 1v1 at all. In my experience, (which I previously mentioned isn’t be any means “top tier” so take what I say with a grain of salt) it works just great with team play just as long as you know what you’re doing.

Bertrand.3057:

MightyMicah.7451:

So I would have said Mesmers were underpowered until about three days ago. In the past I’ve attempted mesmer several times to no avail. But a few days ago I aquired a brand new build on youtube, modified it only slightly to my liking, and began pvping. I honestly don’t know what happened this time around but something clicked in my head. I’ve had so much freaking fun and this class has performed like Magic for me. Not only was I dropping enemies like flies, but I was able to quite easily beat several medi guards and Ele’s in 1v1s.

-snip-

1. The right build. Do not aquire a build from metabattle. I don’t know what genius put those there, but they’re terrible builds. Find something on YouTube perhaps.

MightyMicah.7451:

Notimik.3589:

What kind of build do you refer to micah?

This is what I’m currently running with few minor changes: http://youtu.be/ZfW1Ra4duOI

Oh, phantasm build. I remember the first time I played against a good player using phantasms, I got shredded. I was goofing around and using a melee zerker warrior build that I threw together on the spot, and with him porting around constantly I wasn’t able to do any damage. After dying a few times I swapped to the meta shoutbow build and we moved to a different location where there were LOS obstacles. The fights immediately went the other way.

I agree that I’d like to see a phantasm build shared on places like metabattle, not because I think it’s particularly strong, but it is a good entry point into PvP for what is otherwise a difficult class. I’m glad you’re having fun with it, but you will hit a wall playing with that build. It’s way too easy to negate the damage from phantasms by using LOS and/or dodges, and without phantasm damage you’re hitting like a wet noodle. Most of the meta builds other professions run pack enough AoE to wipe out your phantasms or CC to interrupt your very obvious casts. I’m sure there are specific 1v1 matchups where the pressure it applies can make it more effective than shatter, but shatter is preferred for teams simply because of its extremely quick burst.

Swap the staff for a greatswords and you’ll have plenty of pressure. Plus, who says a phantasm build can’t shatter? It’s got the damage for it, and shattering is great utility when used right. I’m just saying, meta build offers no condi clear which is huge in the current meta. Plus, unless you’re running with an organized group, not many people will catch on to your portal deal. I’m certain you could run shatter and do well, but I’d recommend modifying a few things is all. Others are free to form their own opinions.

Anything damaging is viable, I’d say, unless you’re trying to like speed run or something.

I run celestial with my own build in PVE and it deals plenty of damage. I’ve even had some people compliment me on the damage I was dealing.

So yeah just as long as you find yourself dealing plenty of damage, you should be good. But it depends on how hardcore of runs you’re planning on doing.

Notimik.3589:

What kind of build do you refer to micah?

This is what I’m currently running with few minor changes: http://youtu.be/ZfW1Ra4duOI

I feel your pain, man.

For the longest time I’d thought Mesmers were underpowered. Any time I saw a mesmer playing and doing well, I had the most immense respect for them. If they beat me in a 1v1 I would literally have no gripes and often would whisper them my respect. (Unless they were PU mesmer, which I still have no gripes about, but I don’t personally think the build is that hard to play, or as effective as certain other build’s.)

So I would have said Mesmers were underpowered until about three days ago. In the past I’ve attempted mesmer several times to no avail. But a few days ago I aquired a brand new build on youtube, modified it only slightly to my liking, and began pvping. I honestly don’t know what happened this time around but something clicked in my head. I’ve had so much freaking fun and this class has performed like Magic for me. Not only was I dropping enemies like flies, but I was able to quite easily beat several medi guards and Ele’s in 1v1s.

I’m not saying this to pat myself on the back. I’m only rank 62 so my matches aren’t quite top tier yet, and I usually do unranked matches anyways. But I will say that Mesmers can certainly be done and I don’t think, if they are underpowered, that they are underpowered by very much. I think it’s just important to have three things going for you:

1. The right build. Do not aquire a build from metabattle. I don’t know what genius put those there, but they’re terrible builds. Find something on YouTube perhaps.

2. Figure out your role. No matter what class/build combination you run, you’re going to have a specific role. If you’re not playing that role, you’re not going to help your team to your full potential. I’m currently playing a very bursty build. If I tried bunking a point, I’d be in quite a predicament.

3. Make sure the build suits your play style. I’ve tried playing engineer many times and it just doesn’t suit my playstyle. If Mesmer isn’t for you, it just isnt for you. I’d recommend practicing a good amount (maybe about 100 matches or so) and if it doesn’t click by then, I’d try a different build or class,

Hope this helps, mate! Good luck in future endeavors!

Personally, WvW is my favorite game mode (roaming) so I base everything else around that. So I would recommend celestial for sure.

Lawful.5314:

MightyMicah.7451:

Man…do you know of any free recording software? Maybe I can put together one video before I leave. This guide would have meant so much more if I had a video to back it up with.

Mmm i used to record with BandiCam, i’m not sure its still free, but you should look it up.

MightyMicah.7451:

I have the same experience with over 1k hours spent on Ele. I was hoping to be shown the courtesy of at least a few minutes testing what I’ve put a year’s time and effort into fine tuning. However, if others wish to scrap the build before trying it, that’s fine with me. Their loss.

I just thought I’d share this for anyone willing to think outside the box.

Well if you go as far as saying that, i’ll check your build out, as soon as i get a bit of PvP time.

I meant no offense bro, but I’m sure you understand how I feel. Sounds good, lemme know how it works!

Caelmir.2514:

I tried it out last night for a few hours, the only thing I ended up changing out was arcane shield for armor of earth and eventually went to flame legion runes for the little boost to direct damage. It performed well as posted but I missed the stability and felt that the flame legion fit well with the damage modifier theme. It was an absolute blast too play though, either way.

Well good, I’m glad you enjoyed it! Also, nice catch With the flame legion runes! I didn’t even think to run those, but it certainly fits with the gimmicky style of the build.

hybrid.5027:

MightyMicah.7451:

Did you try the build out?

With nearly 3 years of pvp experience, most good players can look at a build and tell the strengths and weaknesses.

I have the same experience with over 1k hours spent on Ele. I was hoping to be shown the courtesy of at least a few minutes testing what I’ve put a year’s time and effort into fine tuning. However, if others wish to scrap the build before trying it, that’s fine with me. Their loss.

I just thought I’d share this for anyone willing to think outside the box.

Mattmatt.4962:

Lawful said almost everything i think.

You should at least do this change:
http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fFAQJAodhcM6cW3wnBfEBWAGxSQKY8DIC8AFFAKdEA-TVSFABAcAB6TJ4kq/EwDAoKlfcohAP9ABv/ACnIgAAHA87v/+7v/WGAztA-w
Swap 2from air into arcana.

I still really dont like your build, but a least this change increase your survivability and i would say your damage too (boon duration for might, and more fury uptime)

Did you try the build out?

Lawful.5314:

Hmm, don’t know , would have to try this build to see what it actually represents, since you didn’t provide a sPvP video to back it up, but as far as i can see, that you run Focus in your off-hand, really limits the opening burst you can leash out on people, because you would have to open with Buning speed, which is never a great idea. unless you can time a good gale out of air first.

A lot of your build, seems like very situational, i might be wrong but, here let me point out why i think so:

(List of 6 critiques…removed so I can respond)

There are probably more flaws i can point in this build, but you should get it by now where i’m coming from.

But i mean, by all means try and get up a un-cropped sPvP video in full lenght, where you show us the ups and downs of your build.

Try the build out. I appreciate that you’ve taken time to point out the errors in the build, but I believe it reveals that you haven’t played the build for yourself.

1. The fury is limited, sure, but our damage isn’t coming from critical hits. It’s coming from our damage modifiers and our condi.

2. This build may struggle to heal effectively, but that doesn’t mean it can’t sustain. The overall skills which I use allow for me to keep my health above 90% hp for a long time before dropping down. Generally it is long enough to burst the enemy down, especially in a team fight. I’m merely speaking from experience.

3. This is a legitimate problem, but as I mentioned before, we aren’t relying on dodges to sustain ourself. The meta ele doesn’t have focus offhand so he’s suceptable to much more than we are. We have interrupts, chills, reflects, diamond skin, and a decent stun break/blind

4. We have earth on a 20 second cool down, and we have clear chill and burning on dodge roll. Plus, we have diamond skin. Condi clear isn’t needed when you can’t have condi landed on you in the first place. Sure, it’s risky, but I find the condi clear to be plenty sufficient.

5. The stats appear low, yes, but again try it out. You’ll be surprised how hard this build hits. And if your team is calling targets you’ll be dropping them very quickly, especially once they go below 33% hp. (I’ve had lightning whip hit for 2k on a regular basis)

6. This isn’t a might stacking build. Our damage source comes from our modifiers. Again, test the build out. You’ll be surprised how hard it can hit. Just go to heart of the mists and mess around with the npcs. You’ll see what I mean.

Man…do you know of any free recording software? Maybe I can put together one video before I leave. This guide would have meant so much more if I had a video to back it up with.

Q&A

I’ll edit this Q&A for if anyone has a question.

Example:
Q: How do you manage with no vigor? Lack of dodges seems a bit weak.
A: One method I’ve used is swapping the fire/doom sigil for energy to serve that very purpose. However, I find that with reflects, invuln, stuns, etc., dodges aren’t needed as much. Just be sure and only dodge when you need to! Remember, we don’t have evasive arcana and we gain 10% extra damage for 5 in earth so use each dodge only when necessary.

General Strategy

Take note first of all of your power, precision, and condition damage. On the surface, the three seem to be very lackluster. But that’s before you factor in all of the damage modifiers we have. On the air trait line we gain 20% when the enemy drops below 33% hp. On earth we gain 10% just for being in 600 range (which we almost always are.) On the water trait line we gain 10% while above the threshold, 10% damage with full endurance, and our runes give an extra 4% flat, 10% above 90% hp threshold, or perhaps none if we run frostbow. (But frost bow will compensate the loss of the damage modifier.) If that confused you, let me put it this way: We can potentially have up to 60% extra damage on our opening strike. This is no small benefit. Especially when you have the Fire sigil plus decent fury uptime from auras (air I) and condi pressure brought on by decent amounts of burning, poison, chill, and bleeding.

So those are some of the particulars, but you can discover that for yourself. The question is what is our role? Since we don’t have too much healing, blast finishers, or boons, what are we even doing on the team? Well, I typically find our role very similar to that of the thief. Due to our constant 25% speed, and excellent gimmicky damage, we can rotate and drop enemies like flies. However, the build is heavily optimized for 1v1 or even 1v2 scenarios so it also makes for a very excellent soft bunker, whether for far or home.

Due to the use of focus, as well, we have lots of utility to catch the enemy off guard. #5 on water, #4 on air, and #4&5 on earth can all be excellent ways to accomplish various things which a typical D/D ele could not.

Finally, let me mention probably the biggest thing in this build that obviously can’t go unnoticed. We have diamond skin!!! I cannot stress enough how much I love this trait. Back a year ago when I first discovered it, I was determined to create a working build with it. And I certainly have, if I may be so bold as to say it. This trait will save your butt so many times. I can’t tell you how easy it is to beat rabid builds, and even just predominantly condi builds in general. With diamond skin, focus #4, and water VII, condi builds will not be a problem. You simply have too much utility, damage, and damage mitigation to allow condi builds to get the better of you. (If you’re playing up of course)

Final Thoughts

In the end, I don’t think I could say that this build is “better” than the meta build. However, I would say that it certainly shouldn’t be knocked to the side. Personally, I’ve been much more content with the results from this build than from the meta build.

I’ll let you guys decide for yourselves what you think! And as I said before, I welcome any constructive criticism. I would merely ask that you actually try the build before telling me how bad it is because of no arcana.

Also, one more thing. Apparently there are some people who think diamond skin is cheese? Please. The trait is passively applied but that doesn’t mean you can play passive and win. You MUST watch your hp like a hawk if you want to effectively mitigate your opponent’s condi.

Finally, I’ll post the pros and cons of my build and then create a Q&A for you guys to ask some questions if you’re at all curious. (The pros/cons may seem a bit biased but honestly poor healing is no small issue and it’s the bane of this build’s existence.)

Pros/Cons:
Excellent damage
Excellent utility
Decent mobility
Decent condi pressure
Decent sustain
Decent condi removal
Poor healing

Well, that’s it! To end this thread I’ll just say that above all I hope you appreciate my build and that you enjoy playing it!

Play what you love, love what you play, but always remember…

I Intro
II The Build
III Strategy
IV Final Thoughts
V Q&A

Intro

Hello fellow Elementalists! MightyMicah/Calculatorix here! I do believe I have finally crafted a build that you’ll want to mess around with at the very least, and perhaps even take to ranked PvP at the most. Before I go posting the links to these builds, however, I want to mention a few things.

First of all, I originally planned to share this build with some video footage to back it up with. Unfortunately, however, I don’t have any recording software and I will be moving soon, and encountering other irl issues which will most likely cause me to no longer be able to play Gw2. (I know…sad face ) So I decided that, in light of these issues, I would go ahead and let others see what it is I’ve come up with.

I also want to clarify that I am by no means new to Elementalist or Gw2. I started playing Gw2 a couple weeks after launch (since it had sold out even digitally…remember that? Haha) and my first class to touch was Elementalist. I didn’t get into sPvP right away though. But I won’t go into all of that. All I will say is that I’ve been fine tuning this build now since around February of 2014. Certainly a lot has changed since then and the recent Nerf to might has actually increased the viability of my own build on the entire ele spectrum.

Finally I want to clarify that I am no pro either. I’m only rank 61 at the moment, and just recently completed over 1,000 matches total (60% ish win rate. Mostly solo queue and unranked.) Although it should be noted that about 2/3 of these games were played on Elementalist using various builds ranging from condi signet, fresh air, meta, and other crap I’ve tested out.

I say all of this not to flex my muscles or anything, but just so that you guys know just exactly where I stand. Of course, even if I was a total noob, that wouldn’t mean that my build sucked, necessarily. I would highly encourage you to try the build out for yourself first before mocking me. Though, of course, constructive criticism is very much so welcomed!

The Build

Ok, so here’s the build for WvW: http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fFAQJAodhcM6cW3wnBf0APAGxZwNYcH4D0BFGAeAA-TVSFABAcAB6TJ4kq/EwDAoKlfcohAP9ABv/ACnIgAAHA87v/+7v/WGAztA-w

If you wish, you can swap out the runes, the earth trait X, or the water trait VII to fit your personal preference. I wouldn’t recommend swapping utility skills, however, except perhaps signet of speed. Another viable option in group roaming is to use D/D rather than D/F just for the insane burst ability this build can offer.

(FYI, I chose perplexity because I hated getting ganked by thieves. This did the trick and I was able to manage killing two-three thieves at once due to the good aoe burst+condition damage in this build. Wish I’d caught it on camera.)

And here’s the build for sPvP: http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fFAQJAodhcM6cW9wnBf0APAGxZwNYcH4D0BFGAeAA-TJhFwAAeAAw3f4wJAwZZAA

Now, I NORMALLY run the exact same build as the WvW version, only with scholar/ogre runes, but I wanted to show this build for those of you who PVP on TS or with a dedicated team/guild. The frost bow is an excellent aoe damage source especially for a build that does as much damage as this one. I’ve had it turn the tide of a group fight on a regular basis. The same variations as with the WvW build also apply here, though I’d mention that earth trait VIII is probably the most viable change since it can secure stomps more frequently for yourself and your team.

OK. If I haven’t put you to sleep yet, I want to briefly explain the way this build works and why it deals so much damage. (Again, if you don’t believe the damage, go and try it out in Hotm on some npc’s. You’ll be surprised.)

Great joke, bro! Tell another.

Seriously, though. If you’re gonna make such a bold claim, I’d recommend backing it up with some examples and facts. Otherwise no one has any reason to take you seriously. Especially when medi guards and turret engis are reigning from what I’ve observed.

Been using p/d celestial 2/0/6/0/6 recently with fire and air sigils on SB and it’s working decently enough. I’m gonna try taking some out of SA though because it doesn’t seem to help much in sPvP.

I like the great sword a lot. The mobility is very nice.

Eh. People who argue about this need a life. I’m happy with whatever extra weapon we get. That is all.

D/P is good because of the blinds, but will still be weak vs heavy Condi and high dps. Medi guards still eat us D/P thieves for breakfast. Use dat shortbow!

Guardians are very strong at the moment. The best method would be kiting with your bow. Same with the Ele. Kite them around and steal the important boons.

But to be honest, run away in pvp, and avoid dueling them in WvW. The fight is not a fair one by any means. (Unless you’re P/D, in which case it’s still slanted in their favor but only somewhat.)

Yup, that’s the way it goes. You’d think it would be enough of a punishment to not get the full stack of stealth, but nope! Gotta reward dat mesmer for pressing #5!

Good question! I never use a mini because I usually do WvW roaming and it reveals my stealth location xD

Are you kidding? That skill works great! Just stealth on an object (provided dagger offhand) or use whatever means you can to stealth, then drop shadow refuge and run in the opposite direction. Then the enemy stands there wondering why their knock backs and fears aren’t working xD

Sagat.3285:

MightyMicah.7451:

This sounds very interesting. To be honest it doesn’t sound skill promoting in the least, which concerns me. Does anyone have a link to this info that I can study up on?

https://www.guildwars2.com/en/news/revenant-the-master-of-the-mists/

Thanks bro

This sounds very interesting. To be honest it doesn’t sound skill promoting in the least, which concerns me. Does anyone have a link to this info that I can study up on?

I’m still hoping for greatswords honestly. Samurai or jedi/sith ftw!