Guild Wars 2

Well, I’ve been enjoying my Sc/P + St (or Sw/offhand) hybrid phantasm build. If the patch notes are true, then there’s gonna be some interesting theorycrafting. Now if only the scepter or pistol can have more AoE potentials, then I’ll be very happy!

S/P + S/F works well (S = Sword or Scepter). I’m mainly Sc/P + Sw/F (sometimes use OH Sword instead of Focus) for a hybrid phantasm shatter build. My signature has the link to several versions if you’re interested. Just know that I haven’t tested them in PvP, only in PvE, dungeons, and some in WvW.

But I heard about the upcoming big patch that has trait changes and that may change or make current/new builds, so we’ll see!

I’ve been practicing and playing around with some shattering builds but still have some emphasis on phantasms and wanted to update and revamp the OP with the newer versions. These were from the feedbacks and of course, inspired by other great mesmers. Thank you!

I enjoyed the events like Halloween, Wintersday, and Super Adventure Box where you can also grind/farm stuff to get the items besides the RNG ones. The RNG stuff lately has been badly overused and it gets frustrating to not get the item after # tries.

I’ve been running a hybrid Phantasm build with some shatters and damage/support. I’m more for power than condition.

squallaus.8321:

11. Clones should have offhand weapons. They are not clones if they don’t look like you.

This one is definitely needed, along with many others that Jportell has mentioned!

This bouncing mechanic between enemy and ally is getting more annoying. It not only affects illusions, turrets, and critters, but it also affects onto spirit weapons, Ranger spirits, minions, and elementals. Basically, any object that is targetable ally is now affected by the bounce and it causes these bouncing skills to not be useful most of the time.

I’m still waiting for Anet to fix many of the bugs that are in Mesmer skills and traits. (i.e. – phantasm berserker, illusionary leap, Temporal Curtain swiftness stack with others, etc.).

Yes, Torqueblue, those Kournan Spotters in Nightfall had like double the aggro range, but that was understandable.

Sadly with the recent build, those female Risen Acolyte mobs have double, if not triple, the aggro and attack range (Yes, their attack is beyond 1200 range).

I believe Munkee has made the Quip (and I’m also planning on making it since the Meteorlogicus seems more difficult to farm and the scepter isn’t so…..good). Here’s the screenshot she sent:

https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/professions/mesmer/Which-legendary-did-you-go-for/first#post1891152

I asked her about it and it does give the aura (as you can see in the pic) and leaves footprints of colored stripes (not 100% positive, she’ll know). It does work on Magic Bullet but it seems the aura will make an easy spot to see the real mesmer among clones (until clones can wield offhands).

There’s also wishful hoping that MH pistol may be possible in the future, but right now, we don’t know.

It’s the female one that has the larger aggro radius. It’s especially noticeable underwater and 3 of them are chasing after you through a 1/5th portion of the map.

This is deja vu, but when using the scepter with phantasm builds (or any build that you want to keep phantasms out), just summon out 2 and leave the 3rd spot open for your clones. That way, you’ll always have those 2 phantasms out and won’t worry if Deceptive Evasion, clone-on-block, etc. get in the way. If you want your clones to be more useful, you can take either Crippling Dissipation or Debilitating Dissipation or both. I’ll admit that the scepter needs reworking and/or buff.

It was really odd that it says that my “free trial account” has ended. Now I cannot get into the game, saying that game client is unavailable to gain access to the log-in server at this time.

Build: 18390
Error code: 42:0:9001:4116

I’d rather see the scepter get buffed/fixed first, then MH pistol added before thinking of adding an entire new weapon that would require new trait(s) to be added. I can’t really picture shortbows as dueling weapons, but perhaps a support weapon of some sort (I think I’ve seen one from bards in FFXIV).

I agree that the Quip (and actually all legendaries) should have a different effect based on what skill is use as well as which profession uses that legendary. I’d like to see our shatters do different effects based on each legendary (i.e. – Quip gives purple bubbles popping or confetti, Minstrel gives incorrect music notes, Bifrost gives vibrant rainbow colors, etc.)

@Carighan, yes, having just Far-Reaching Manipulation trait only will cause it to have 40 sec base CD.

I always contemplate between choosing Deceptive Evasion or Duelist’s Discipline when I have 20 Dueling points. >_< Most of the time the former gets picked.

I noticed that if you have both Far-Reaching Manipulations and Master of Manipulation traits equipped, Arcane Thievery’s cooldown goes to 32 secs instead of 36 (on tooltip and after activating it). I won’t object to this, but I know it’s a bug sadly.

Hmm…interesting, very interesting! I may have to do some theorycrafting and testing on my ‘Flowing Illusions’ build.

Thanks Fay! I’ve also updated my build (and thread title) with 3 versions and a WvW variant:
Flowing Illusions

fadeaway.2807:

Xavi.6591:

Why wouldn’t you put 20 points in Dueling for clone on dodge trait?

I find that trait is good for shatter builds and skippable for phantasm builds.
For phantasm builds my duelist line is phantasmal fury, sword trait, pistol trait if going 30 points deep.

Indeed. With my scepter/pistol + GS version, I tend to swap between clone on dodge and pistol traits. The former does, however, provide more clones in case phantasm skills are on cd and helps maintaining Compounding Power trait.

I’ve updated the builds and added a staff version.

Okay, thank you all. I’m aware that it doesn’t give the illusion hp buff right away. I figured that if this was really 200% increase, then it would be more useful.

Well, hopefully the next patch (which they said it’ll be more bug fixes) would fix this to be similar to the fury/retaliation/regeneration phantasm boon traits. Oh, and also swiftness stacking on Temporal Curtain.

I looked to see that it grants illusions health bonus by 200%. Does it really grant that much hp to my illusions or is it still 50% and tooltip bug? How does one find out how much health a clone/phantasm exactly have?

There seems to be some more than what SoTG had mentioned, so I’m waiting out until patch. I have recently been focusing more on power-based builds, but I still kept my condition-based gears.

I am also curious about this new condition that is introducing. I hope it’s not just only for necros. There seems to be possible trait moving/changing as well as skill function changes (at least, that’s what I’m getting the impression of from the video).

Oooo, the mantra and signet caught my interest, as well as fixing that clone aggroing mobs. That means I can use Deceptive Evasion without worrying the clone going after that one mob below or above me. XD

I hope there’s more bug fixes or buffs, especially making swiftness from Temporal Curtain stack with other swiftnesses.

Xavi.6591:

Why wouldn’t you put 20 points in Dueling for clone on dodge trait?

I actually tried it, but then I got into a bad habit of dodging to make clones and not dodging to avoid big hits, even with vigor. Plus, the clone seems to not want to go after my target and instead goes off to some random mob that I didn’t want to aggro. Now, if it gets fix so that the clone will attack my target, then I may consider going back to using it and taking 5 points from Illusions. Currently with scepter and occasional Mirror Images, I got plenty of clones. I’ll admit that the second major Illusion trait could be swapped out for something else – maybe Compounding Power or Confusing Cry.

Edit: I just saw some of the upcoming changes that Fay posted and clones won’t aggro mobs that I don’t attack. If that’s true, then I will consider using Deceptive Evasion and make Dueling 20 and Illusion 15 as well as updating the builds.

Munkee.3542:

I just made Quip last night.

Whoa, even though it’s off-hand, it still gives off the purple aura? Does it have any other animations?

I’m going for the Meteorlogicus cause it looks really pretty and I like things relating to weather/planets.

Fay, you did an amazing job making this! I’ve been inspired by many and I wanted to share a build that I’ve came up with:

Flowing Illusions

I’m not sure what exactly it’s categorized as. It uses both clones/phantasms (though usually have at least 1 or 2 phantasms up at all times). It can shatter, yet doesn’t use it; it uses power, yet also condition damage. It works well in PvE/dungeons, though I need to do some more testings in WvW.

Again, thank you for creating this sticky and also a big thank you to all who share your builds! You all have been great inspiration to me!

I was doing my daily earlier and fighting a few champion/group events along with 2 guildies. I stayed using scepter/pistol (I forgot to swap weapons cause I also play as my elementalist) and I was surprised how well it plays. I hope the autoattack chain would get buff, even just a little.

Has anyone tried using the scepter in power builds with success? I know it’s used mainly in condition builds due to confusion stacks on Confusing Images, but I noticed it also deals 5x direct damage. The #2 skill, when block, deals a nice amount of damage too. Offhand choices could be pistol, focus, or sword. Maybe the second weapon set would be either GS or MH sword.

Yes, I know that scepter isn’t our highest damage weapon, but seeing as I’m going for Meteorlogicus, it’s going to be kept. Plus, I like the #2 block (as well as OH sword #4, but combining them would be a bit too defensive for my taste). Also, with the small AoE line buff with Confusing Images, it makes it a bit more useful. Only think I wish it was better is the first 2 autoattacks.

I’m fine with or without it, really. I used to use it often, but since early this year, I hardly use it.

September 19, 2013 Update

- Removed the updated Hybrid Critical as it makes it very different and not the same. I brought back the original build link for it.
_____________________________

The theme of the builds is to have a constant flow of illusions provided to shatter or give extra bonuses when having all illusions out. Both builds thus far mainly uses scepter as the main hand weapon with various off-hand choices and alternative second weapon. These builds are meant for PvE/dungeons. It is possible to use these builds in WvW, but needs testing.

The builds are hybrid power/condition specs. One has more critical damage with some phantasm dps/clone-death trait/minor shatters while the other focuses more on shattering.

Flowing Images – Hybrid Critical:

_Original_ItM – 10/30/0/10/20

Flowing Images – Hybrid Shatter:

10/20/10/0/30

Edit: I haven’t updated Hybrid Shatter version. Hybrid Critical link doesn’t have the original guide since I forgot to save it. ><;

-If trying out either builds, you don’t have to have the exact stats/gear. Something close is fine – over 2.4k attack, 1k condition damage, 2.1k armor, 17k health, and 40-50% crit chance and crit damage.

These builds may not be for everyone’s playstyle. Thank you for taking the time to read and/or checking out these builds! A big thank you to those who are testing them and providing me great feedback, input, and experiences to help improve them! And I also want to thank Official Mesmer Forum Guild [OMFG] for providing me much inspiration in becoming more mesmerizing!

Dual-wielding chakrams, like the ones in Kingdoms of Amalur! After all, there were chakrams in GW1 that mesmers use. Oooo, crossbows would work too!

I was particularly inspired by the builds done by Osicat, Fay, Grimms, Flimp, and Kylia. But then after playing with those and respeccing a bit, I came up with this:

0/20/0/20/30

I wanted to have a hybrid-like build that uses the scepter (going for meteorlogicus) and glamours with some shatters and conditions. I also tend to swap around my off-hand, but mainly stay with focus or pistol. I may change the runes to maybe the runes of the adventurer since I have the focus to give me some swiftness.

I may sometime not stay with this build. Sometimes I’ll go for more signet/manipulation usages or follow one of the builds from the guides but tweak a little to my liking. I also agree with Grimms’ saying and am happy that there are various builds available to mesmers; heck, there may be some new ones we’ve yet to discover. Overall, I am very thankful for all who share their builds and it got me to create various builds I can enjoy playing. ^_^

Edit: Shortly after posting this, I came up with this 10/20/10/0/30 setup when utilizing signets/manipulations. I realize that I don’t necessarily need the 20% cd for all skills (except signets). This one became more enjoyable than the build I’ve posted earlier. Actually, this build saved me while I was doing the jumping puzzle in the borderlands. There were two invaders camping behind the waterfall and as I fell down they start attacking me. I pop Signet of Midnight, use Prestige, then Mirror to heal and get swiftness to escape. Also, this setup allows me to use any weapons and traits can be swapped around.

Currently, it’s “half-bugged”.

If you put Temporal Curtain down first and get the swiftness, it will stack with other swiftness. However, it does not work the other way around.

Anet, please make it so that it works FULLY and stacks along with all other swiftness in the game.

lunarminx.3624:

Tarnished Coast, right now!

Not right now, it isn’t.

Your new Kydoi build trait setup is exactly what I have that I’ve posted here: https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/professions/mesmer/Glamour-Builds-I-m-New/first#post1688405

However, weapon-wise, I went with scepter/focus + GS. I’m having a lot of fun with this setup and I’ll be giving yours a try too! I am also looking forward to the new ‘beam’ improvements and hope there will be more than just that!

Thanks for sharing such great builds!

I’m currently running a power/condition damage glamour build that can allow me to go among PvE, dungeon, and WvW on the fly.

http://gw2buildcraft.com/calculator/mesmer/?4.1|b.1h.h5.d.1h.h10|1.1h.h5|1h.719.1h.719.1h.719.1h.719.1h.719.1h.719|1h.62.1h.62.1h.62.1j.62.1h.62.8c.62|k58.0.0.k28.u58b|44.d|33.35.38.39.3q|e

Now, I’m not 100% exotic carrion gear yet (but working on it!); that one celestial accessory is the ancient karka shell and I went with soldier’s for my back. Depending on situation, I can simply just swap around the traits. Besides the tropical mousse food, I also like to use Orrian truffle soup.

This build may be odd, but I enjoy playing it!

Illusionary Elasticity only affects you, not clones or phantasms. It has been like that since game launch.

As for Deceptive Evasion, yes, the clone will target the closest foe (even one that is underneath you if you dodge on a bridge). This has been mentioned many times, but is unknown if this was intentional or not. It would be nice if it was a bug and can be fix.

I’ve been lately using scepter/sword or torch with staff or dual swords weapon sets in both PvE and WvW. I see the scepter working well in condition, power, and even in hybrid builds. I agree with what Electro mentioned. I think one of the reasons I went with scepter is that it is not as easy as the staff, greatsword, or MH sword, but once you know some tricks with it, it becomes more fun and catches people off guard in WvW (since many expect mesmers to use the other weapons).

Another reason is that I, along with my friends agreeing, like the legendary Meteorlogicus. It may not be the most flashy currently, but Anet did said they were planning on polishing each one up and I’ve always been fascinated with the weather, haha.

I guess I also favor more of the “underdogs” and I hope the next patch would buff the scepter to match in par with the other weapons (or at least improve its #1 skill).

I’m currently running a similar build (or more defensive to be exact) with 0/20/10/25/15 using staff + sword/focus. I wasn’t sure if “Empowered Illusions” and “Phantasmal Strength” stack, but now I do and I’ll be moving those 10 Chaos to Domination. Thanks very much for sharing and inspiring others!

I’ve actually made a speed boost suggestion for mesmers here: https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/game/suggestions/Make-Signet-of-Midnight-speed-and-stealth/first#post1401314

Currently, Signet of Midnight is so-so. The extra 10% boon duration is nice, the stun-breaker is nice, but the aoe blindness range is rather small (compare to, say, Signet of Air). Mesmers don’t have a natural/passive speed boost or easy access swiftness boon (unless one stays with focus) like other professions do; however, they do have the most stun-breakers (5 total: Decoy, Mirror Images, Mantra of Concentration, Blink, and Signet of Midnight). The only thing that seems to relate to Signet of Midnight is the aoe blindness. There are a few skills that Mesmers have that provides stealth, even a grandmaster trait. I would like to see this signet improved/changed to something like:

Signet of Midnight
Signet Passive: Grants a 25% increase in movement speed
Signet Active: Stealth for 2-3 secs
Optional: Breaks stun

Not only would this provide the Mesmer the speed mobility it lacks, but it also that doesn’t rely on using runes (Centaur/Air), a weapon, or random boon (Signet of Inspiration). In addition, it will still follow what the Mesmer’s balance philosophy.

I see a lot of weapon suggestions for both engineer and elementalist. While I can see why, due to them not having weapon swap, but if given such weapons listed in OP, it’ll make those two with the most weapon combinations along with their kits (elixir gun, flamethrower, grenade, and tool) and attunements (each weapon times 4). If going to give them that many weapons, then to balance it, remove or incorporate the kits and attunements into these weapons and just make new mechanics for engineer and elementalist.

On other hand, new types of weapons (like whip, throwing types, polearm (different than the underwater spear weapon) would be nice to have and provide some interesting combinations.

This is a great guide and I play similar build setup! I thought I was the oddball when I went with knight’s armor but it help give extra survivability and power. I think the other gear I may consider is rabid for more condition damage. I like how you show the usefulness of the torch.

I agree with you that any build on any class can dominate with the right hands and I’m happy that I’ve come across yours! Thank you!

I just wanted to say that I’m glad to see a build that I’ve been using! Instead of using rabid gear, I’ve been using knight’s for some power and instead use food to increase condition damage. Both yours and Seven Mirror’s guides are the closest to my playstyle.

Thank you!

So far, people only noticed Siren’s Call, however:

Did anyone else notice the change to Illusionary Whaler? Instead of bleeding, it deals confusion. So our trident phantasm and clone swap their condition dealing. At least we can inflict bleeding instead of just boons.

I’m currently using a 20/0/0/20/30 build and it’s working pretty well. I’ve used it in dungeons and PvE (haven’t tried it in WvW yet). I can swap from glamour specialist to mantra-spam heal to boon supporter (via Signet of Inspiration). Weapon-wise, I’ve been using staff + sword/focus mainly, but I’ve also used gs + scepter/focus. I’m currently using rare carrion armor and exotic weapons with major sigils of battle and bloodlust. My runes are all currently majors, but they’re water, monk, and fighter. Honestly, I’m having more fun with this build setup than my precision one, not to mention DE clones don’t attack your target and can cause unnecessary aggro. It’s not the most damaging, but it provides a nice mix of dps and support with some control.

We’ve chatted a little ingame and I want to thank you for sharing the build and setups. I use the exact trait/utility build and swap them and weapons from time to time, but still use Signet of Inspiration. It is a fun, versatile build that gives good dps and support.

I am currently in knight armor with centaur runes but from what you told me ingame, I’m going to try getting berserker armor, water/monk runes, and the food.

Thank you again for sharing and perhaps we’ll see each other ingame!

~ Phloww

I enjoy using glamours, even when soloing since it provides you some combo fields and you can self-combo. Signet of Inspiration is a great group support, even if without Signet Mastery so you don’t have to have that trait, but 10 points in Dom does have some decent major traits to choose. Since you’ll be more up-close-and-personal with your foes, I think swapping 10 points from Inspiration to Illusion and take Illusionary Persona would benefit you more. Without Deceptive Evasion, you will be relying more on your weapons to provide you clones, as you said. With Illusionary Persona, you can at least use your shatter skills even with no illusions out.

As much as Signet of Inspiration is great, you already provide good support with glamours and damage mitigation via illusions taking the hits for you and your allies, so you can replace SoI with perhaps one of the stun-breakers – Decoy, Mirror Images, or Blink; the 3 stun-breakers have their usefulness and I probably would recommend Mirror Images the most to help give you 2 extra clones for shatter. Also, since Shattered Strength got buffed, you’ll have 3 stacks of might per illusion shatter.