Guild Wars 2

Do you NOT see a "About the “Dragon Hunter” name [merged]" on the page when you look at it?

Hey! Not a huge WvWer myself this year (more active in the past) but I’m really glad to hear WvW players will have their own window into the Heart of Thorns testing process.

https://www.guildwars2.com/en/news/announcing-the-wvw-desert-borderlands-stress-tests/

Whip those maps into shape! Us casual WvW players are counting on you!

Nike.2631:

If I had to guess at the inner dialogue of the gnomes in Marketing, there will be a basic edition that does not have an extra character slot, and a deluxe version that — in addition to a ton of other whistles and bells to entice you to part with an extra 20 bucks — does have an extra character slot.

It’s just so perfectly one of those things that would be nice but isn’t strictly required for it be functional.

Spooky…

Nike.2631:

In other words Arclight means to bomb the holy crapcakes out of something from relatively nearby. Like, “notify Rand-McNally… we’re gonna need new maps” levels of firepower.

RabbitUp.8294:

And what does that have to do with the world of Tyria?

It is one of the most widely recognized examples of “backline support” in the last century. Armed might swooping in and delivering victory through what was seen from afar as , oh I dunno, staggeringly bright flashes of light. If you can’t draw the parallels to what this new spec does from there, I can’t help you.

I don’t favor it. I’m personally happy with what the Dev have chosen. But at least I can see its a fairly clever alternative.

Ryuu.5608

Exactly this..! Both Guardian and Ranger have a very VERY different concept/theme from each other (a Ranger is very individualist while the Guardian is exactly the opposite).

Heh. Wait ’til you see how much the Druid blurs the line from the other side…

If Anet wanted to push a more aggresive “name”, they could’ve taken “Zealot” for example, which fits Ok with the Guardian theme.

Because no one would ever be confused by a Zealot specialization that doesn’t have to take the Zeal line…

a.k.a. same reason we’re NOT going to see a warrior elite specialization named “tactician”.

Working in a large, interconnected name space takes some small level of awareness on the part of the designers.

RabbitUp.8294:

Which means nothing, besides a type of lamp.

Kids these days.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Arc_Light

Specifically~
“Arc Light, and sometimes Arclight, is the code name and general term for the use of B-52D/F/G Stratofortress as a close air support (CAS) platform to support ground tactical operations assisted by ground-control-radar detachments of the 1st Combat Evaluation Group”

In other words Arclight means to bomb the holy crapcakes out of something from relatively nearby. Like, “notify Rand-McNally… we’re gonna need new maps” levels of firepower.

Genesis.8572:

Nike.2631:

The Dragon Hunter, in-setting, is something NEW. A direct response to the threat of our age. While players will forge their own path with these tools, the people who developed these techniques did so for one purpose: to resist the Elder Dragons.

Ah, here’s the thing. The lore itself does not lend much credence to that idea. What the lore suggests is that giant armies of magical technology is what will bring down the elder dragons. So far our fights with almost all of the dragon champions and Zhaitan have required never required specialized dragonhunters but lasers, cannons, tanks, air ships, and everything else apart from bows, traps, and people who can sprout wings when jumping.

You realize A ) those techno armies you speak of are now spread thinly over the Meguma jungle and on fire and B ) People have been fighting the great evils of their age with luminous wings popping out of their back for a long time now in Tyria …

Sure, there’s no Dragonhunter training camp on the maps we have now, but we have a lot of new space opening up at the same moment they actually become playable…

Nike.2631:

…there’s about 0% chance traps of any class will require a trait to use cursor-ground placement. Seems like they’ve boiled all of those traits out of the game with the general re-vamp.

phys.7689:

which annoys me, i personally like the option to make is spawn at my feet faster.

I don’t disagree, but I like to save my energy for battles I give slightly more of a skrit’s rump about .

(truth is they are greatly reducing the amount of nuance in the game. Mostly I’m just figuring out how to have fun with the new game I’m about to get when HoT hits, because the old one is largely gone from my perspective…)

I thought the honesty might be refreshing . …Since “How does it serve the game with one of the healthiest economies to lock useful items outside the Trading Post?” is the exact same argument wearing a nice frock and bonnet.

(if you have even a single r400 armor crafting character its trivial to make them for your whole account. The recipe cost is a rounding error compared to most crafting activities.)

Oh, sorry. By ‘you’ you meant the caster.

No, there’s about 0% chance traps of any class will require a trait to use cursor-ground placement. Seems like they’ve boiled all of those traits out of the game with the general re-vamp.

Nike.2631:

Come at me, bro.

((places another trap))

ronpierce.2760:

((Strafes lazily to the left))
… o.o

I often don’t agree with you… but you can make me laugh .

((salutes the loyal opposition))

phys.7689:

well traps use to require you to stand on the area, but seems likely that is done.

I invite you to go read up on Thief traps and then say that again…

ronpierce.2760

Or I’ll find their weakness and kill every single one of them on sight and then /dance. And say “GG, get a better class name!”

Come at me, bro.

((places another trap))

Please change these from account bound to tradable on the TP now that three classes can benefit from them. The recipe price is next to nothing (40c), but many players do not want to develop their own pool of skill 400 crafters. I would like to make some money off of those people.

Thanks!

Rylen.2147:

Where is my shield buff?

Actually during a recent stream when a player shouted out “Traited shield skills should give party-wide Aegis” (or words to that effect) they actually paused the show to write that down.

Hope springs eternal.

Talonblaze.3175:

Nike.2631:

The name wasn’t picked out of a hat… Its a graceful bit of shorthand both summing up and evoking many elements the profession encompasses.

By the logic present, they could have easily just renamed Ranger or Thief to be a “Dragon Hunter” if that’s all that’s required. A bow, some traps and a cause. (Heck, they are probably better at it too.)

Not really. Because those professions were established prior to the (current) rise of the Elder Dragons.

The Dragon Hunter, in-setting, is something NEW. A direct response to the threat of our age. While players will forge their own path with these tools, the people who developed these techniques did so for one purpose: to resist the Elder Dragons.

Alice.5360:

They’re tying the specialization in with the story way too tightly. WVW and PVP don’t have dragons, for instance. And dragons aren’t the only threat that has threatened to wipe Tyria from existence.

Tying to setting is actually a very good thing.

With the basic format – gain another class’ skilltype – they have scores of possible mechanical themes to pursue as they add more and more specializations over time. So how do you choose which ones to run with first? By prioritizing ones that fit their vision of the setting.

The emergence of a new Dragonhunter profession says “the war is escalating.” That’s the kind of sense of drama and scope they need in the game.

Mordeus.1234:

What if I choose the Dragonhunter specialisation but never play the PVE dragon storyline, as I am a WvW & PvP player or someone who simply avoids fighting Zhaitan & co? Makes the name a bit redundant for me doesn’kitten

Where you use it doesn’t matter – the name arises from how it fits into the setting. It is the path of those that trained your character even if you choose to fight other battles.

Alice.5360:

There are no dragons in SPVP or WVW. Give us a name that reflects a class for all people, regardless of if they play the story or not!!!

Arbiter is awesome but if that doesn’t work, there’s a slew of other names. Valkyr, Keeper, Seeker, Stalwart, Warder, Bastion. ANY SINGLE ONE OF THOSE IS BETTER THAN DRAGONHUNTER.

Please, fling some more spittle on the screen.

I’m sure you’re winning the Devs over. Because after they explained in the first blog how the profession came into being I’m sure they’re concerned that heroes trained by actual Dragon Hunters running off to the mists keeps them up at nights.

PookieDaWombat.6209:

My biggest worry is that this will be a very dps unfriendly spec and that bothers me a lot.

Please allow me to direct your attention to the wall.. and the writing on it. They are trying to increase the relevance of conditions (new stack limits). They are trying to make control not just relevant but essential to optimal play (break bears). They are trying to make people consider healing to have some value (new outgoing heal traits). They’d like for Support to mean more than “Stack Might pls!”

The game is overrun with DPS specs. It’s awash with them. I doubt ANY of the first wave of Elite specialization are going to focus on bringing us yet another Power-based damage dealer.

Because their skill set was developed to deal with life in the wilds (including reconnaissance), while this is a new militant order specifically created to counter dragons.

Antares.2586:

Poor choice about the Specialization name : unrelated to Guardian.

Its supposed to be different.

Also the choice about traps spec is not especially exciting for us Guardian players, I think.

I have 5 guardians and I’m eager to turn at least 2 into full time trapsters. Speak for yourself. You’ll be less completely wrong that way.

A spec using a Spear as a non-aquatic weapon would have been a bold move,
and not unfeasible due to weapon already existing and some animations too…

That’s something I’m looking forward to also. And why I’m very glade they didn’t ‘use up’ the name/concept of Paragon yet. I’m actually quite happy they’re holding that until they have a little more experience making Elite Specializations.

Is there still hope for some changes ?

Same as there’s hope Anet doesn’t cave.

I am happy with the current name.

New Weapon: The bow – one of the greatest, most iconic hunting tools in the history of the human race

New Skill category: Traps – one of the most essential hunting tools in the history of the human race.

The Enemy: Elder Dragons – the ultimate peril of the world of Tyria. If we do not strive against them with our every breath, all will die.

New Profession: The Dragon Hunter – “I take the tools of the hunter and turn them against the foes that must be fought. For the good of all.”

The name wasn’t picked out of a hat… Its a graceful bit of shorthand both summing up and evoking many elements the profession encompasses.

New Weapon: The bow – one of the greatest, most iconic hunting tools in the history of the human race

New Skill category: Traps – one of the most essential hunting tools in the history of the human race.

The Enemy: Elder Dragons – the ultimate peril of the world of Tyria. If we do not strive against them with our every breath, all will die.

New Profession: The Dragon Hunter – “I take the tools of the hunter and turn them against the foes that must be fought. For the good of all.”

The name wasn’t picked out of a hat… Its a graceful bit of shorthand both summing up and evoking many elements the profession encompasses.

sorudo.9054:

in short, everything a ranger already has from launch but with more weapons of choice.

I like to think everything a ranger has failed to deliver since launch as a result of being shackled to a dumber-than-rocks pet .

Oh, and without the )&#@ing trench coat.

(What? You think the Druid won’t smear the line with Guardians?)

I’m sorry, you are pitching the real world profession of the guy that’s called in when unions and management can’t settle on a contract?

If this were to happen step one is to role a new one named “Judge Judy”. Followed by “Small Claims Court” and then “Stalled Negotiations” and “Who Needs Juries” and, and, and…

The list of terrible jokes writes itself.

Arbiters are important, and useful, but they’re also about the polar opposite of heroic.

Ghotistyx.6942:

Because we’re the hero Tyria deserves, but not the one it needs right now. So we’ll hunt dragons. Because we can take it. Because other professions are not our hero. We’re a silent guardian. A watchful protector. A Dragon Hunter.

Nicely done . A pleasant break from people losing their minds.

New Weapon: The bow – one of the greatest, most iconic hunting tools in the history of the human race

New Skill category: Traps – one of the most essential hunting tools in the history of the human race.

The Enemy: Elder Dragons – the ultimate peril of the world of Tyria. If we do not strive against them with our every breath, all will die.

New Profession: The Dragon Hunter – “I take the tools of the hunter and turn them against the foes that must be fought. For the good of all.”

The name wasn’t picked out of a hat… Its a graceful bit of shorthand both summing up and evoking many elements the profession encompasses.

New Weapon: The bow – one of the greatest, most iconic hunting tools in the history of the human race

New Skill category: Traps – one of the most essential hunting tools in the history of the human race.

The Enemy: Elder Dragons – the ultimate peril of the world of Tyria. If we do not strive against them with our every breath, all will die.

New Profession: The Dragon Hunter – “I take the tools of the hunter and turn them against the foes that must be fought. For the good of all.”

The name wasn’t picked out of a hat… Its a graceful bit of shorthand both summing up and evoking many elements the profession encompasses.

New Weapon: The bow – one of the greatest, most iconic hunting tools in the history of the human race

New Skill category: Traps – one of the most essential hunting tools in the history of the human race.

The Enemy: Elder Dragons – the ultimate peril of the world of Tyria. If we do not strive against them with our every breath, all will die.

New Profession: The Dragon Hunter – “I take the tools of the hunter and turn them against the foes that must be fought. For the good of all.”

The name wasn’t picked out of a hat… Its a graceful bit of shorthand both summing up and evoking many elements the profession encompasses.

SWOTR was probably the worst example in recent memory of caving to the lowest common denominator – taking a game that promised real consequences and even permanent death for companions and turning into a tragic white-bread farce of no decision meaning ANYTHING for fear of hurting the delicate sensibilities of players.

I sincerely hope ANet stands the line on this one. It’s fairly OBVIOUS how the profession name sums up the thought process that lead to this set of tools – how bow and trap are the iconic tools of hunters and how the newly established profession then goes on to turn those tools to the destruction of the Elder Dragons and their minions.

Really? ‘Cause Hunter kinda screams traps and bow as tool of their trade to me. And since I’ll be turning those tools on dragon-minions…

Drath.4750:

There will probably be a trait for each of the virtues. They already mentioned the wings of resolve can be traited to do damage. It would be cool if the spear could be traited to do something like pulse weakness as well as burning. Along with the trait that recharges virtue of courage on a kill, any trait added to spear of courage will be pretty strong. And for the shield of courage, the obvious trait would be to add projectile reflection on it.

That seems like really well reasoned guesses .

Was watching the video for the bow skills. There’s plainly a wildstar-esque tether effect in there (aka a ranged version of the hammers ring of stay put). That’s gonna make splatting people with traps easy…

Genesis.8572:

The name also feels very disassociated from the core concepts of the ‘guardian’ profession. Why is the ‘guardian’ even being imagined as a ‘big game hunter’ in the first place?

Because its NOT A GUARDIAN?

Fundamental issues here. New profession icon. New weapon. New utility skill set. If you choose to you can make your entire skill tray have ZERO overlap with any guardian ever.

It’s not the same profession and that they’ve come up with something people think is so far from the base by swapping 1/3 of their trait lines that is a monumental resounding success in design.

Soooooo with you on this.

Zackie.8923:

omg ranger wannabe…

What to do mean ‘wannabe’? Warriors out-Archered Rangers for years. Now Guards will too .

I like it and look forward to experimenting with builds for them.

More news tomorrow!

I’m just waiting for people to eat every word when they see the traits tomorrow…

Leonhardt.8164:

Test.8734:

Paragon.

Spear-using ranged sustained DPS and support, using burning attacks and chants (shouts that pulse) and refrains (effects that trigger when a boon ends/is removed) to help the party from back/middle line.

wtf? spear is only for underwater combat, you want them to make a whole new weapon along with a specialization? that’s stupid, think of an actual non watertype weapon

You’re not terribly familiar with Guild Wars (the original) are you?

The more people throw a hissy fit that the game doesn’t exactly follow their expectations the more I like it.

Please, continue.

#Dragonhunter4Life

Hexalot.8194

Wrecking my face with what… stupid traps that I can easily avoid ?

To be completely honest, if you easily avoid them, I’m not putting them in the right place.

This game has a sort of desire to reward high skill cap play and traps actually require far more situational awareness than “smash #1 to win”.

So, with Dragonhunter they’ll probably want for you to be able to trait for Traps and longbows at the same time, so here’s a rough example of how that could be done in a way comparable to the new traits we’ve seen for existing professions.

Adept
Purifying Traps: Each time you place a trap or one of your traps is triggered you remove 1 condition. Traps cooldown reduced 20%.

Master
Implacable Arrows: Your longbow #1 skill is now unblockable. Longbow skills cooldown reduced 20%.

Grandmaster
Endless Punishment: Your placed trap skills may each be triggered up to 3 times. Placed traps with additional activations remaining have an internal cooldown of 2 second between activations.

I love that the “Paragon” name is still safely unused while we wait for them to pair it properly with terrestrial spears.

(Hat isn’t to bad with sweet and sour sauce)

Critwrench.8432:

TLDR: Name it PARAGON, please!

By every color of cuddly kitten NO.

If it doesn’t have a terrestrial spear, its NOT a GW “Paragon”.

Do you see a spear? Me neither. Ergo, NOT A PARGON.

Next.

Black Box.9312:

Guardians already have great area denial in the form of symbols. The PROBLEM is that we have no means to keep enemies in them. Traps are not going to be of any use because it’s just more of what we already have, but even easier to avoid.

You realize many traps deliver their full effect instantaneously? You don’t need to “keep enemies in them.” If their benefits are scaled correctly they’ll be better than symbols.

I love that people are so certain this is going to suck. It means that many more opportunity’s to stuff them after examining the possibilities…

“Oh, a Dragonhunter, no big deal— OMG Get it off , get it off! It’s wrecking my face!!”

Everyone may hunt dragons… but only some of us are good at it.

#DragonHunter4Life

(j/k)

Item 1: They DID NOT use up the “Paragon” name without delivering Terrestrial spears. Hell yes. The future looks bright indeed on that front.

Item 2: Ok, not what I expected, but still hella sweet. And just to gloat a little… Superior Rune of the Trapper. Learn it. Live it. Love it.

Ignavia.7420:

I just bought the chaos longbow skin, so by Murphy’s Law guardians will get shortbows.

I did too.

We’re doomed.

You know those other skill slots aren’t BLANK, right?

A new novelty 2-H weapon does not intrinsically beat being able to mix-and-match a new 1-hander with your existing weapons.

It is pretty, but putting ‘awesome’ and ‘outfit’ in the same topic is a violation of the English language.

Sorry, ANet: lovely work / NO SALE