Guild Wars 2

Bunda.2691:

Great write-up.

I’m having success with a condition lockdown, which I think has a lower skill cap (and thus better suited to my less-than-stellar skill level) and higher cheese factor. Wondering if anyone else has been trying something like this as well?

Using staff, scepter/pistol with -/4/6/-/4 and rabid trinket w/ undead runes. It’s a little cheesy, in that I’m just interrupting to death while conditions overwhelm them. Throw in signet of domination for condi damage and another interrupt (for a total of 5 plus f3), and you can easily keep might stacks high for major condi damage. Weakness of course is no condi removal, but I’ll sometimes swap the offensiveness of signet of dom for null field if I see a necro approaching.

Anyone else tried condi lockdown?

Tried it and found it OK enough. Didn’t love having to spend a utility slot on Power Lock, since I always want to have some condi removal.

Ultimately just felt like replacing Power Lock with MI, and CI with Maim did a lot more.

shimmerless.4560:

Warlord of Chaos.7845:

shimmerless.4560:

I think people are overrating the difficulty of playing this setup, at least the 30 Chaos one.

A lot of people actually struggle to play CI blissless, from what I’ve seen. I think theres also another level of CI, where when you interrupt someone, you punish them extremely harshly during the immbo time.

Sure muffin, but in GW2 there are no conditions tied to interrupts, you just throw them out and voila your target is immobilized and just got triple crit for total of ~6k.

This is totally exactly how it happens.

Miku.6297:

What do you use for 0/4/4/0/6?

increased blink range, clone on dodge
dissipation, staff cooldowns (6s phase retreat!)
confusion duration, extra bounce, maim

though to be honest, one of the primary reasons I go down the that trait line is for the protection on regen trait.

for utilities I run mantra cleanse, MI, blink.

Don’t love Phantasmal Fury on a Maim build. Also not a fan of healing mantra without 3 charges, but some like that heal.

My overall thoughts is that its fine if you like it, but it looks like you went out of your way to make a build that would maximize your condition damage number, but at the cost of a few others things (the Signet, Scepter trait, condi dmg sigil).

I"ve run all variations of Maim, and 4 into inspiration is the only one I dislike. (personally prefer 0/4/4/0/6).

Ross Biddle.2367:

The typical Lockdown build is 4, 4, 6, using CI, BI, DE, boon remove on shatter, with either staff, GS, sword/focus, or possibly pistol.

CS is 6, 6, X, sword/sword scepter/pistol.

Not to be picky Ross, but while your CS build is the 1h weapons, typical CS builds use Staff over Pistol.

Fun to play with, but still finding myself returning to the offhand dagger. I think it’s still the stronger offhand, and I don’t need to trait it either. I’d use both, but I’d rather be caught dead than running that main hand sword.

Aomine.5012:

Finally some usable gadget skill that Engineer “might” consider using over elixir and kits, and then yet again people want to nerf it down… And those people usually are the one shouting about the lack of diversity in builds…
People these days…

Maybe the reason why they make the slick shoes the way it is now is exactly their intention, to make Engineer consider some skills other than elixir and kits.

Hi, I play my Engineer quiet often. I refuse to use Slick Shoes because of how broken it is. There are plenty of ways to tone the skill down to still have it effective and usable without it being patently OP.

…when I log back online, can you just load me back into the PvP map, rather than taking double the time by loading up HotM to only immediately put me back into loading for my PvP game?

Confusing Images and iMage buffs are actually a bit noticeable.

Nothing in the game might be more OP than slick shoes. I refuse to use it on my Engi because of how cheeseball it is.

messiah.1908:

mirror of anguish as i dont got much intrupt skills

Was never much of a fan of Mirror of Anguish. I absolutely love Chaotic Dampening, as getting Chaos Storm/Armor down to 28s is pretty significant increase in survivability. Getting 6s Phase Retreat is also a big plus.

BI over Chaotic Dampening?

Myself? Probably a Settler’s Maim build, like 0/0/5/3/6. I mess around with it from time to time and its kinda fun even without DE.

xDudisx.5914:

ArrDee.2573:

I think a lot of these issues can be solved by simply moving Power Wrench to grandmaster tier! It would reduce the damage of Prybar, which hits for like 3-5k with might stacks on a cele build lol, and it would make it so you can’t trait for 20 second Magnets and 16 second Gear Shields unless you give up Alchemy sustain, which you won’t and shouldn’t! After all, Tool Kit is one of the most powerful kits the Engineer has and is definitely deserving of grandmaster status! We can then swap Gadgeteer to the master tier which would buff gadgets! But not really since Gadgeteer is absolutely balls! We all know gadgets need more buffs!

Wahoo! Bye frands!

Moving it to grandmaster?! So toolkit would require 6 points to become good. Engis already need 6 points to make grenades become good. We can’t make every single engi skill require 6 trait points to become decent.

Yah, because untraited TK isn’t “good” or “decent”. C’mon, be realistic.

Darnis.4056:

Old school Shatter mesmer is getting hit really hard by the blanket Might nerf.
We’ve been picking up 3-5% damage buffs for like a year and now you drop 14% Damage off might?

But WAIT your useless weapons are still useless because the buffs don’t go far enough.

How are you computing 14% damage loss from might?

Mister Fluffkin.7358:

Looking at other classes blocks, a 20 second CD block isnt that special. Warrior offhand sword, ranger greatsword, mesmer offhand sword, they all have a a 15 second CD block, untraited. Traits will improve them to 12 seconds CD.
Ok, all of them block just 1 time in case of melee attacks, but therefore they offer strong counterattacks plus a second offensive mechanic, engies toolkit block doesnt. Engis also have to sacrifice an utility slot for it, while the other classes get those blocks on weapon skill.

Im fine with it.

This is a disingenuous comparison, assuming you have some actually experience playing these four classes (Engi, War, Mes, Ranger). I play them all regularly, and Engi is * by far* the most powerful of those skills; it’s not remotely close. Anyone who main’ed one of those other classes would easily trade skills.

Engi is probably one of my most played classes, and I would have no issue with our block being increased to a 25s CD, or reduced to 2s block.

SixxxZ.4317:

I really think this trait has some good potential, please take a look.

Nobody is responding because your complaint is not accurate. It shouldn’t work through blind, and doesn’t get blocked by Aegis.

Kinda silly that a very nice QoL change is being made fun of because of how they worded the buff.

For those forgoing Empathic Bond in these builds — why Poison Master over SoTF?

Deimos Tel Arin.7391:

alanis.6094:

Deimos Tel Arin.7391:

alanis.6094:

Roll a necro or mesmer, condi ranger.

nowadays i don’t play those professions very often.
my mechanical skills with them may be lacking somewhat.

what other advice can you offer?

I generally am also fairly successful as Rabid Warrior 0/6/4/0/4. LB and Sw/Sw. Your condition cleansing is better than theirs.

ah, i see! thanks!
how would you go about them if you happen to engage one in a 1 v 1 on point battle?

Wait until after they heal and, preferably also wrench blocked, then sword burst. I generally run the condi clear signet as well in most builds. (plus zerker stance and stability).

Deimos Tel Arin.7391:

alanis.6094:

Roll a necro or mesmer, condi ranger.

nowadays i don’t play those professions very often.
my mechanical skills with them may be lacking somewhat.

what other advice can you offer?

I generally am also fairly successful as Rabid Warrior 0/6/4/0/4. LB and Sw/Sw. Your condition cleansing is better than theirs.

Roll a necro or mesmer, condi ranger.

Just loving my semi-unconventional CI build. Standard traits, but weapons are GS and Scepter/Sword. Scepter is my favorite weapon, and I just can’t get enough of the Sword daze.

MailMail.6534:

alanis.6094:

10s Stability on a 30s CD, prior to (or even with) boon duration, is silly OP.

You mean 36seconds if S. Inspiration is traited. 45 without.

The proposed change above specifically states 30s. HTH.

10s Stability on a 30s CD, prior to (or even with) boon duration, is silly OP.

It depends on if they are PU or MtD. Walking away from a MtD Mesmer mid-fight isn’t quite as easy without a good amount of condition clears.

IGN: Nusku Ina Alanis
Server: SBI (NA)
Playstyle: PvP, WvW
Role: Tester
Timezone: US Pacific

coglin.1867:

risenlord.2035:

I really don’t like rocket boots in wvw. They provide mobility and immobilize removal but for large scale fights they don’t have enough control. Also bombs are a melee range kit, while they provide tons of utility you are really limiting yourself with close quarter combat.

Sometimes we want fun for our play styles. I use EG/BK/RB and have a blast with it. I have developed a solid reputation for my 1vX skills, as well as my valuable support with my personal build preferences.

I hardly see the success in those videos as “limiting himself” This isn’t PvP, but you quoted the textbook PvP arguments against rocket boots or bomb kit.

TK?

bobloblaw.5618:

I love your analysis of why celestial is better than rabid in your updated shatter guide. Great idea to use Krait runes for those extra stacks. That paired with scepter confusion is so strong. Thank you for leading us into battle.

I’m having trouble finding this part.

On my Mesmer I have minimal trouble killing Engineers with MTD or Hybrid PU.

http://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Login_rewards

Couple of questions:

1. Your build doesn’t seem to include Backpack Regenerator, but had this trait at least for some of the fights (definitely the opening fight). What did you drop for it, and is that something you take often?

2. What are the best ways you have found for handling the lack of stun breaker?

Thanks for all the suggestions and video’s, they are very helpful. Currently trying something that is very similar to a few suggestions here: http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fdAQJAqalUUpdrlcxPLseRSaBNq0AqRIyRulPPhDEAA-TFiHABxpEMJla9u/Ahq/AwDAwIlFnpHIgTAQAAEgdWnBwRP6RP6RPa7cn/8n7cnlCAmhRA-w

-I am willing to go into Speedy Kits over Power Shoes. The main thing I didn’t like was using two traits for Speed/Vigor, but I’ve been trying just Energy Sigil alone and it seems to be somewhat sufficient.

-P/P is a dealbreaker for me. I know P/S is more effective, but I like the aesthetics of P/P as one of the main reasons I rolled an Engi. If that desire makes others suggest more defensive traits elsewhere, I’m fine with testing them.

-I have like 5 sets of Travelers on my other two 80s, and am trying to avoid them on toons that can get away without it. I have been running Antitoxin Runes, and think they are a decent setup here.

-Currently rolling Energy/Geomancy on swap. All of my toons are condition based, and I was never a huge fan of Geomancy as I always seem to be at a ranged distance when it procs. But I’ll try to give it a fair shake here.

-My two toughest decisions were:

EG vs Rocket Boots- I like the EG well enough and enjoy messing around with it. The lack of a stun breaker with RB equipped was a big deal for me too. Using EG also caused me to move towards the +range trait on EG/Pisols rather than the Pistol CD reduction. From reading other threads that just seems to be a personal preference thing.

-The final trait I debated between Short Fuse, Invigorating Speed, and Power Wrench. Will probably just dabble in all three and see how it works out.

04224 Blink Decoy AT is what I use in WvW. Can’t imagine running builds without Menders Purity.

Hi, kinda new to Engi and recently hit 80 and roaming about with significantly less success than my Mesmer and Necro. Obviously the lack of experience plays a part, but would love some suggestions on possible improvements. But overall I’m looking to still have fun and there are a few things that a lot of other Engi’s appear to use that I have no interest in:

- Only interested in P/P, no Rifle or Shield
- Can’t stand Grenades
- Enjoy Elixir Gun, but OK with going without it solo
- Bomb kit is decent
- Enjoy the Tool Kit
- Prefer at least one escape/stun breaker, often using Elixir S
- Celestial gear not an option
- I have used the Speedy Kits/Invigorating Speed for Swiftness and Vigor, but I often find it obnoxious to have to do this for speed (often run Power Shoes/Energy Sigil)
- Won’t cheese on Perplexity

Currently running this build more often than others: http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fdAQJAqalUUpPrlcx+KseRCbBFyZcRQtBR2xq8xGEAA

Suggestions?

Calliope.8675:

alanis.6094:

Calliope.8675:

messiah.1908:

so yes pu is not aggerssive play style as you discribe it
to put clones which put conditions pressure – how to put clones – #2 or dodge
and you want to draw the attention from your colnes to you thus you must play more defensively while your clones do all the dmg like using viel/ torch etc to buy some time for you cd . if you get chaos armor you are easily targeted thus again pkay defensively as you cannot burst the pressure the enemy to play defensive

kittenter (condi or power) you are the one who do all the dmg thus must play more agressively and hit your shatter skills at the right moment while pu hardly use them at all (maybe F3 or F4)

Yoohoo, I posted a couple ideas on how to be “aggressive” with PU. You use your scepter/torch. Staff is far more defensive than offensive. If you hope to kill your opponent with any sort of speed you will have to do it with scepter and torch. Just because you don’t know how to play aggressively does not mean you can put the build down as “non-aggressive.” It just means you never took the time to learn how to utilize the build.

Pu Condi is not an aggressive play style. Its primary damage (Sc 2) requires that you get hit, or other player is attacking you (confusion). Trying to insist to others that they just don’t know how to play it aggressively doesn’t hold water with anyone who has played the spec extensively.

That isn’t to say that running a defensive spec is a bad thing or a knock on PU, as I still mess around with the trait from time to time. But aggressive, it is not.

It can be played aggressively. I have played it extensively. I do know what I’m talking about.

Well sure, if you want to argue that you can play it “more aggressive” than essentially sitting and doing almost nothing, then bravo. But its the most defensive weapon sets paired with the most defensive trait we have, in our most defensive trait line. With most of its damage relying on the opponent engaging/attacking you. Its a fine and powerful spec, but I can’t think of a roaming spec we’d have that would be less aggressive.

Calliope.8675:

messiah.1908:

so yes pu is not aggerssive play style as you discribe it
to put clones which put conditions pressure – how to put clones – #2 or dodge
and you want to draw the attention from your colnes to you thus you must play more defensively while your clones do all the dmg like using viel/ torch etc to buy some time for you cd . if you get chaos armor you are easily targeted thus again pkay defensively as you cannot burst the pressure the enemy to play defensive

kittenter (condi or power) you are the one who do all the dmg thus must play more agressively and hit your shatter skills at the right moment while pu hardly use them at all (maybe F3 or F4)

Yoohoo, I posted a couple ideas on how to be “aggressive” with PU. You use your scepter/torch. Staff is far more defensive than offensive. If you hope to kill your opponent with any sort of speed you will have to do it with scepter and torch. Just because you don’t know how to play aggressively does not mean you can put the build down as “non-aggressive.” It just means you never took the time to learn how to utilize the build.

Pu Condi is not an aggressive play style. Its primary damage (Sc 2) requires that you get hit, or other player is attacking you (confusion). Trying to insist to others that they just don’t know how to play it aggressively doesn’t hold water with anyone who has played the spec extensively.

That isn’t to say that running a defensive spec is a bad thing or a knock on PU, as I still mess around with the trait from time to time. But aggressive, it is not.

04046 and 04226 and I don’t consider either to be lacking in defense for roaming solo WvW.

Crippling Dissipation over Mender’s Purity seems out of place. I typically run the same build, with the aforementioned change. I also have tried the build Denis describes (Vigor on Shatter, in lieu of DD), which also was fairly effective.

I also run, in addition to Mender’s Purity, Arcane Thievery. Has saved me countless of times, and is fairly useful for almost every single build I’ve run across, except power thieves.

I run a version of this when I get bored with full-condition builds. My suggestion:

1- drop the GS, pick up Sc/Pistol
2- add phantasmal fury instead of manipulation range
3- consider doom sigils
4- consider/play around with empowered illusions

Andytheffboy.7403:

What do you think of signet of ether? Do you prefer ether feast over it? Also, is staff viable in this build?

Staff is more viable in the Maximized Hybrid Phantasm build. Though, if I were to take staff (and I do, often in that build), I’d greatly suggest Pistol offhand instead of Torch.

Give me a reason to be more than a veilbot, and I’ll be in large battles.

Energy/Battle on my Hybrid PU. Only thing I’d really consider mixing in would be Doom — will probably have a weapon with it just in case I run into a high-regen toon.

Sounds like a great idea, and I also look forward to your suggestion/thread on having new runes that have a 6p bonus of “Immune to damage from Greatswords”.

Ele/engi’s both get the same number of procs, just have to limit themselves to two specific ones.

Its not a big deal.

Should be like daze/stun/etc.

Arkantos.7460:

Atherakhia.4086:

….Vitality: For every 100 vitality, reduce condi duration by 1%.
…..
Did I nerf it enough?

nerfing condi dmg should not be the right way, cause of condi meta, anet also said they want to improve control – and condi build

*_Toughness is the direct Opponent to direct dmg, but there is NO Opponent factor to reduce condition dmg.

Every profession has a multitude of conditional removal abilities.

Current, CI is ridiculously OP. Post patch, it will merely be kinda-OP. You sound silly complaining about it.

Lishtenbird.2814:

Arganthium.5638:

I think that the nerf is deserved due to the precedent set by other vigor nerfs; it only makes sense to nerf Mesmer’s vigor as well. The same goes for Guardian.

Let’s be objective here guys- the nerf was deserved.

Yeaaah right. Because objectively, squishy mesmers with light armor and dolyaky regenerating heavy armor guardians rely on dodges to survive in exactly the same way.

and Guardians don’t get stealth. The nerf is fine, and warranted.

style.6173:

I don’t think many of you know what you are talking about. Vitality does not combat condition damage. It simply allows you to stay alive a bit longer. More vitality does not reduce the impact of the conditions though.

Nobody is making that argument.