Guild Wars 2

Agree w/ other posters: moving CI to GM does NOT increase build diversity. Leave it alone; the BM indirect nerf to CI you suggest is enough. Also, I don’t agree with modifying Brawler’s Recovery to complete Blind immunity (if switching often). From our perspective, it might still be situational, but if you’re a class that really relies on that (Thief/Guardian), it’s not fair to take that totally away from them. Maybe remove Blind and 2 sec Blind invul?
How can you possibly leave Tactics tree alone?! It has the worst collection of minor traits in the game! Make one of them a banner theme one: either move down the underpowered GM banner trait to GM minor, or have banners last 10-20% longer (depending where you put it), or do something new with them like “gives allies 25% Fear resistance” to fit in with the theme of an intrepid, inspirational leader. Or move Sweet Revenge to the GM minor trait under the Tactics line. Or consider moving Shrug It Off to a high minor trait. Or even moving Sure Footed to Master minor trait (seems more tactical oriented). The most straight-forward way to get people off HS and CI is to provide viable alternatives. Mending stands out as being a prime candidate. Bump up the healing a bit and you have a winner.

I know I’m not alone in at least looking at a condi build for WvW (roaming) after the crit damage nerfs.
Sw+Sw is a no-brainer, ofc. But is long bow a must do? After all the nerfs, it’s still a good weapon for holding/taking a point in PvP, but it loses a little luster when the opponents have more space in WvW. I know LB is the best compliment Cleansing Ire ever had and F1 isn’t as easy w/ sword especially if your movement is hampered.

Nonetheless, I’m thinking about trying to make a build where I always have a sword on at least my MH. Thoughts? Builds?

Yup, Brawler’s Recovery is way underpowered. Blind clear/immunity for a short duration would certainly be better, but probably still not be better than Burst Mastery for most builds.
But agree that your 1st suggestion is probably too much. Theme-wise, I’d avoid healing as the recovery. Think of a somewhat drunk bar fighter. A recovery is most likely getting back on his feet. So perhaps a clear blind + 1 sec stability as the effect.

It’s a nerf for good PvP’ers. It’s a buff for not-so-good PvP’ers. Sounds fine to me.

Uhtameit.2413:

Mace/shield or mace/sword are good weapon sets too.

Umm .. mace MH sucks. “Making it work” is a far cry from good.

I assume you’re talking about some sort of PvP/WvW mode? Anyway, I don’t like mace MH at all. Skullcrack is hard to get off any more and the damage from the rest of the skills isn’t great. For offhand, too, I prefer the shield.

Allie,

Thanks for making a difference. We’ll miss you.
Best of luck on your new opportunity!

I think you’re misunderstanding the changes. The change from “on crit” to “on hit” is not a global change. A FEW sigils, mostly the defensive ones (e.g. Ice, Water, Purity), will change to “on hit.”

I have an 80 Warrior and Guardian.
I mostly agree with Aza’s responses.
But the comparison really plays out how you might think: Warrior is better offensively and has a variety of builds to do so: condi, power, CC, hybrid, etc. All of which are better than the Guardian choices.
But when it comes to an all-encompassing sustain (health pool, heals, blocks, boons, blinds, invuls, etc.) Guardian is the best, hands down. Warriors are pretty good at it, but the Guardian’s blinds, Aegis, and Protection (all very hard for a warrior to get) really put them over the top. Also consider that the Guardian’s healing power scales the best in the game and the Warrior’s the worst. Yes, taking healing power is a trade-off that ends up sacrificing some offense, but at least it’s an option. Warrior has no viable way to include healing power into a competitive build. Also, unfortunately, Lyssa runes are getting a big nerf in the feature patch, which will force my Warrior to take off those beloved runes, which have been a perfect compliment to my build from the start.
Also, the defensive support a Guardian can give to allies beats the Warriors banners/shouts (both of which take big compromises even to build – including 30 in their worst trait tree (Tactics).
Anyway, despite the low health pool, Guardians are still masters of defense/support.

Liewec.2896:

after SIX MONTHS of hambow they nerf the damage of one skill by 5% and everyone is happy about that?

I guess it’s easier to make your point when you ignore the facts.
Hambow has been nerfed multiple times in the last 6 months.
Do us a favor and do your homework before you post.

I agree with your calculations, Julie, but yet think it underestimates the effects. For ex, if the +10% crit food goes to ferocity, that’s only 70 ferosity, which would reduce CD to 4.7%. Also, the burst trait line goes from +30% crit damage to 300 ferocity which is another potential 10% CD loss. Plus, the loss from some runes and such. It hurts.

Yikes! Make Condi even MORE powerful at the same time the crit damage nerf is going in. Bad Idea!

I like the Bow/Hammer suggestions.
Your HS nerf is way too harsh. Also, I would keep the activate part defensive – perhaps a 2 sec Aegis(?) that would have to be timed well to reward better players.
I also agree with only 1 stance at a time and cutting Rush down to range 900.
For “Shake It Off” 1 condi clear isn’t enough and 2 may be too much. Perhaps something flavorful that would lend itself to be shaken off like, for example, clears fear and confusion + 1 condi. That would most often be only 1 clear, but with some added benefits in keeping with the theme of a brave warrior.

NinjaEd.3946:

Julie Yann.5379:

Tim.6450:

Seriously a trait in a build that can give your allies potentially 25 stacks of might permanently and you are complaining?!

The thing is that you have to invest 30 points into our most awful trait line in order to get it and you get no personal benefit out of it. Although I could see it work well with empower allies if your party does not have a Guardian or Ele.

Really? Tactics is your worst trait line? You must play pve dungeons all day cuz it most certainly is not the worst, ever hear of shout builds? Or wh condi conversion?

Yes, Tactics is the worst trait line. All the minor skills are “while reviving” = terrible. Yes, Tactics lends itself to shout builds, which really hasn’t been a thing for a while now. And few play the WH conversion since they fixed the bug months ago where extra condis were getting removed. Its current “as intended” state is rather underwhelming. And, unlike you, Julie is a valuable positive contributor to the warrior threads. Go stealth back to your thief thread.

Chrisco.5732:

I was really hoping for some dramatic changes that would come from this. It doesn’t look like much will change, but ofc we haven’t played with them yet. To me none of these traits are something that I would consider swapping in or creating a build around.

Strength trait: is completely overshadowed by the new sigil of intelligence (next 3 attacks crit).
Arms is interesting for 2x sword but wont create new builds.
Defense trait is not worth taking over previous grandmaster.
Tactics is interesting but not worth traiting into tactics.
Discipline …. looks like an adept trait at best. And as others have said i would much rather just attack once.

While I was very excited by other profs new traits because they have the potential to open up more builds. The Warrior traits look like they wont see much use. But that’s my pre-play opinion. I hope im wrong!

Me too. After suffering nerf wave after nerf wave, I was hoping for something to get excited about. These GM traits aren’t even mildly attractive.

I do the small group roaming as well and have about the same goal, too. I’m just not all that experienced on my Guardian (still not quite to 80). I’m still experimenting, but here’s where I’m leaning:
http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vUEQNAsdSlsApVo1CxZI8DRhkpQkQQbGA0BVVIewPgRA-zkCBIrCiEEgkFBKJFL7RIKLKslhFRjVNTISZDThN1BAQAYlPX4CX4CnMAMLA-w

A balanced build w/ decent damage, enough crits to proc, good mobility (Traveler Runes + teleport), a healthy dose of healing and toughness, and a few support style traits (AR & Heal-Rolls, especially). I know I get eaten by condi spammers if I don’t get help from others, but you can’t have everything. If you give up more damage (and maybe mobility), you can get to PoV and also consider Soldier’s Runes for extra removal. I love the Sword & Focus. I’m rather undecided on GrSw vs Hammer, tho. Anyway, not claiming to be an expert. Just sharing ideas.

Here’s more just tweaks to her current build:
http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fIAQJASTjkOJvFPuQMRCE0DNkL2CThfQVwOSKODzA-jgwA0lAVFLiGLA-e

W/ Signet Mastery, she’ll have 36 out of 48 sec of speed and if she takes Runes of Lyssa, she’ll add another 6 sec. W/ 42 out of 48 sec of speed (not counting party buffs), she won’t miss Warrior’s Sprint. Also, Burning Arrows w/ boost bow damage. Then try working in zerker gear – usually trinkets and weapon 1st – to boost dps. She can leave the full PVT armor so she doesn’t lose too much def. And FGJ is a great party damage booster. W/ Signet of Rage and FGJ, she’ll have continuous Fury.

1. Ele
2. Ranger
3. Necro (nerf WvW, buff PvE)

Oh come on! Vengeance is OP. Haven’t you heard? Everything Warrior does is OP and we have the best of everything.

Seriously, I don’t like Vengeance. I would rather have it replaced by just about anything. But if it’s to stay, I think a 100% rally w/ a worthy kill (without taking that trait) would be more fair.

Metallus.7690:

Also, adrenal regen + healin signet provide a stable ca 800 heal. I can feel the power now

Thanks a lot again

I don’t want to be a buzzkill, but HS + AH ain’t 800 hps. AH is 360 every 3 sec – and that’s with full Adrenaline all the time (which you won’t have). AH is more like an extra avg 60 hps when F1 is used a lot. But hey, you’re havin’ fun.

Warlord.9074:

This is what I run. http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fIAQNAseRjkOtutQGPMxBE0jrQDxiLjxbK0HsDA-j0CBYLCiEBRkKAI7pIasVQFRjVXDT5SQWFLpWzAmzKaW0pWKglUGB-w

Been effective vs hammer warriors and anything I cant kill I can just run from.

Is food / Dogged March enough to survive some of the Condi spammers? Or are those some that you run from?

Looks like you got some good suggestions. While close, I like Julie’s build a bit better than the 1st suggestion. Mace has a block, but I’d rather have the sword for mobility (which helps in survival, too). Unless you’re hopping in Golums, I don’t see why Warrior Sprint would be needed in a zerg, tho.

Take Signet Recharge instead of Warrior Sprint. W/ Warhorn and +30% boon duration, you’d have perma-swiftness (52 sec of swiftness on a 48 sec CD).

BondageBill.4021:

Also, I notice that warriors don’t have a lot of swiftness, so do you tend to rely on Warrior’s Sprint to get around the maps?

What?! I have almost perma-swiftness with not much sacrifice. I’ve got +10% from traits, so just from Signet of Rage, that’s 33 sec of swiftness on a 48 sec timer (w/ Signet Mastery). I fill the blank w/ Lyssa Runes (‘nother 5.5 sec) and Balance Stance (8.8 sec). But I could also do it w/ either more + boon duration or hot swap a warhorn in and out.
Swiftness isn’t a problem; so with some care, not much need for Warrior Sprint.

Sorry, Ranger DanSH. You’re no friend of warriors.
Your post shows you have a weak understanding of the warrior trait line, too.
1) the Strength line doesn’t really synergize with much at all. It has a nice GS master trait that also works well w/ Berserker’s Power in the grandmaster slot (b/c GS F1 is so weak, it’s easy to ignore).
2) You increase build diversity by moving useful skills DOWN the chain – not up (and Berserker’s Might doesn’t count as a useful skill).
3) Your suggestions do not lead to “extremely effective” builds – far from it
4) Hambow’s been nerfed plenty already – with more to come

Thanks for the replies, everyone!

I’m not new to GW2, but I’m new to the Guardian. I’ve grown to appreciate having perma-swiftness in WvW (I main a Warrior). So, how do most Guardians solve the mobility issue?
1) Runes of the Centaur/Traveler?
2) Just deal with it because other Rune sets are more valuable (Soldiers?).
3) Patch together misc short swiftness buffs (Staff, Save Yourself, Retreat) and hope a companion can fill in the blanks?

If I were to try to do it, I would go GS / Sw + Sh. Take Arms 30 (w/ Deep Cuts, Forceful GS and either Last Chance or Opportunist) and at least Discipline 15 (w/ Signet Mastery). The other 25 are fairly flexible based on style. Perhaps 25 in Def w/ Shield Mastery, Cleansing Ire and Knight’s Gear. Or go more into Strength w/ more Berserker gear. For the 6 – 10 keys, Healing Signet and Signet of Rage, but Utilities to taste (at least something w/ Stability, tho).
For WvW, you have lots of mobility and you can try Leap Attack, Shield Stun, F1 Sword followed by Final Thrust or a swap and 100B as a go-to combo w/ everything on really short CD’s (except the shield stun – which isn’t that long, tho).
In PvE, GS is the thing, especially w/ the Might stacks from Forceful GS and 100B. The Shield Block will come in handy, too.
Good Luck!

Sword main hand can totally work as a power weapon, especially when you have some Might stacking, which helps normal and condition damage. Off-hand sword is more of a CD weapon. I posted my build about 20 topics back (“How’s My Build” post). I get a chance for Might on Crit w/ both Sword and GrSw, extra 10% dam to bleeding foes and a 90% crit, which does plenty of damage. I coupled it with a High Immobility which allows me to land the “haymakers” (Flurry, Final Thrust, and 100B). If they pop their condition clears too early, the bleeds get ‘em. I have zero CD gear – all power/crit. It’s been quite effective for me – and fun with all the leap attacks, haymakers, and really short cooldowns.

I’ve been having fun with a new build I’m trying. I was wondering if anyone plays something similar or has any suggested improvements. I’m more interested in feedback on Traits, Utilities, and perhaps off-hand choice. Gear and Off/Def balance seems to be more a matter of taste, but I included mine for reference.

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fIAQNAseRjkOxw5OCPMRCEThf48IJYilQpwO2wUBxA-jkCBYfBCDEkgAkyAgKAK7sIasVRFRjVtET7aR1aYASBMqwI-w

Yup. Mace MH is complete junk now.

No other advice? Just play what you want? I was hoping for something more … insightful.

I think there’s great choices for OH weapons, but MH / 2H choices are rather limited. Here’s the way I see it:

Axe: good damage, but not much mobility; good choice with other compensating skills. Best choice for high damage power builds.

Sword: good as always in condition builds and great mobility (but I don’t have much XP w/ it)

Great Sword: super mobility and 1-trick pony in 100B. Not great at sustaining damage and F1 is weak. A polarizing choice centered around view of 100B.

Mace: main role is as a compliment to Hammer for CC builds, but with the upcoming nerfs, I don’t see Mace as a viable choice any more. F1 was always the main attraction (but getting nerfed) (#2 skill pretty good, too), but attacks are slow, no range, and #1 is weak relative to speed of attack; overall, not a good choice – and especially bad when not paired w/ Hammer.

Rifle: Volley is a rock star, but the rest is weak; not worth it

Long Bow: upcoming nerfs are hard to take. Good at applying additional CD and preventing kiting, but F1 doesn’t shine in 1 v 1; maybe average choice for a roamer?

Hammer: upcoming nerfs a bit too much piled on. Nonetheless, F1 and #4 were the main draw and will still be attractive, but #1 damage is outclassed by other choices, so becomes a switch in / switch out type of weapon.

I’m choosing Axe/Shield and Hammer (switching in WH for travel/zerg) w/ a mix of Knight’s and Zerker gear (20-0-30-0-20).

Considering alternatives. I’m not super skilled, so I don’t mind the gimmickry of GrSw, but I can’t seem to fit 20 in the precision line w/ the Axe/Shield choice. I’ve thought about adding Sword MH instead of Hammer mainly for Savage Leap and Final Thrust, but Earthshaker is hella fun/useful.

Are my weapon assessments fair? Post-patch, should I consider other weapon choices?

Fiorrello.8126:

agreed.

arena net has said that they plan on trying to shave classes and builds that they feel are performing too well.

unsuspecting foe change
hammer damage reduction change
burst mastery nerf

all three of these changes at once doesn’t really feel like it’s in line with arena nets stated goal.

also if the plan is to emphasize the crowd control aspect of the hammer then does that mean the crowd control aspects of the hammer is getting a buff of some kind?

if you want to make warriors choose between either great crowd control or great damage, then how do i choose to do great damage over crowd control with the hammer with these changes?

Totally agree that ANet is planning to go overboard with the Hammer nerfs. However, when they say they want players to choose between CC or damage, I don’t think they mean with the same weapon. They mean hammer is great CC and other weapons (axe, sword, etc) are great damage.

+ preview/rationale = A+
- changes are mostly PvP / WvW

+ Thought many, many tweaks heading in right direction
- Vigor for all classes should be left alone for PvE

Thief:
+ thanks for nerfing perma-stealth IoS!
- don’t nerf Vigor – it defines the class

Ele:
+ Making Arcane 30 less mandatory = A
- Don’t move Cleansing Wave out of Adept!

Necro:
+ thanks for toning down their multi-condition vomiting

Guardian:
+ Good try on making a little more offense possible, but you missed
- only 1 CD (fire), so CD builds and buffing CD aren’t gonna do too much
- Why nerf Symbol of Swiftness? They aren’t all that mobile already

Warrior:
+ Making Skull Crack more able to be anticipated = good for skilled opps, but the mace MH was barely useful due to low dps and melee-range only; SC was it’s redeeming feature. If nerfing SC, give something to compensate – more dps, a cripple, a little more range on the newly easy to spot SC, or something – otherwise, dead weapon choice.
- PLEASE rework Tactics minor traits – all 3 revolve around reviving?! Weakest bunch of minor traits in the game. ANYTHING would be better.
+ thx for ignoring critics of Healing Signet – proof of balance? Look at the many Warrior builds – including mine – that don’t even run it (prefer Mending for condition removal)
- I know Hammer will get hammered, but I think ya overdid it. Consider nerfing Unsuspecting Foe to +25% instead of the huge damage decreases. Hammer already does only 2/3 damage of other weapons.

Soulbound is fair in general.
And – as Isende points out – you can effectively acct transfer items via transmutation stones, so you already have a lot of flexibility.

We should have an optional additional toolbar for frequently used items – food, oil, box o’ fun, 3rd weapon set, etc.
That way a player can have a small little bar for these popular items without having to show the whole inventory.

We should be able to filter on trading post by heavy, med, light armor. Or have an option to default/down-select to the type your current character is.

Totally agree. This should be a dye choice.