Guild Wars 2

I will say it’s been refreshing to see mesmers more recently in tourneys. Seems they are running the 2 builds PhDusk mentioned – standard shatter build but I also see 20/20/30 commonly, which has established itself in the meta.

Last weekend supcutie mentioned on his stream that 20/20/30 is the most viable mesmer build at the moment.

Thanks for the call out
My utility wizard build is also meant for large group denial (similar to a glamour build), but it’s a different type of lockdown using blinds.

Honestly the biggest issue with using Imbued Diversion (and Confounding Suggestions for that matter) in zergs is opposing zerg stability. If you have a coordinated team this isn’t nearly as much of an issue. On the same token, PUG zergs aren’t as knowledgeable about spamming AE stability so you can get away with some impressive AoE interrupts with Imbued Diversion.

Also I think the notion of needing DE with Imbued Diversion isn’t quite true and I would actually argue the opposite. The reason DE is not needed is because of the the traited 35s recharge on Diversion, which is plenty of time for that mirror blade or iBerserker or phase retreat to become available when Diversion is. Even if you use signet of illusions to get an instant recharge, or even if illusionary invigoration recharges it for you at half health, you aren’t having a problem generating a clone to bomb with – at least I don’t.

Now if Anet would buff Imbued Diversion a bit to implement a global CD reduction on Diversion by taking the trait, active clone generation would be much more important to get the most out of it.

I don’t think anyone would say it’s a bad idea, and it certainly isn’t

My 2 honest cents -

I’m just not sure if the time taken to create this would be worth the benefit we’d get from it, given the small number of folks who rep the guild on-going. I’d say for the most part, OMFG is an auxiliary guild for most people, who rep it when nothing is going on with their primary guilds (which is of course perfectly fine).

That’s not to say we can’t organize events and such, but to my knowledge the past events have not resulted in many participants. I’ve heard great things about those events though and I’m sure they greatly benefited those involved.

So with that downer out of the way, at the very least it would be a good means to organize events for the few that are semi-active in the guild. At the most, it might help connect OMFG a little better, but that would remain to be seen. I for one would gladly participate and try to be active on the web site. If you’re looking for a number to gauge interest you can count me in. I would gladly support the vision for something like this.

You should learn how to use the focus pull, which is called “Into the Void”. This replaces Temporal Curtain after you lay it down.

You can position the temporal curtain in front of your foes (about 400-ish range). Once you’ve placed the curtain, cast iWarden. During the iWarden cast channel, destroy the curtain (Into the Void). This will pull all your foes into the center of where the curtain used to be and your iWarden next to them hacking away (AoE). So here’s how it would go:

Cast iBerserker > Swap to Sw/F > Temporal Curtain > iWarden – Into the Void

At this point the mob is balled up together. Now, you can use iLeap/Swap to AoE immobilize the mob you just pulled:

iLeap > Swap > Blurred Frenzy/Mind Wrack at the same time. That will shatter 3 illusions (iBerserker/iWarden/clone from iLeap).

It takes practice to get the curtain/iWarden combo down:

Place curtain down > During casting of iWarden > Into the Void.

I demonstrate the combo numerous times in this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukzQplj_Dlc

Ross Biddle.2367:

Don’t know till I see all the new runes.

Yeah I was hoping I missed a new blog post about the new runes
We do know of a couple that were discussed on the last ready up but have no knowledge of most of them.

Hey all, just a remdiner that the OMFG custom arena is still open for use and could use some of your love!

To contribute, purchase custom arena time tokens from the gem store. It’s easy to add time, steps are here: Adding time to Custom Arenas. You will want the “If it’s someone else’s custom arena” instructions. Purchasing 5 tokens is easier on the gold, but purchasing 20 in bulk is a much better deal.

Once you have your tokens, to find the arena go to the PvP browser and search for [OMFG].

We very much appreciate any donation, even if just 1 token. Many of you have contributed that way, and a few have made some substantial contributions, both of which I am incredibly grateful, so thank you!

The arena has been a great place to hang out, share ideas, practice concepts and yes, even duel. I know it has made me a better player and I hope many of you can say the same.

Let’s keep it going strong!

^^^ or pieces of downstate, my favorite.

Me Games Ma.8426:

To be honest I never really saw anything of supcutie. Don’t know why^^ Is he no longer active?

Yeah he’s actively playing the game, not sure if he’s on a competitive team atm though. He’s the author of the most comprehensive shatter guide I’ve ever seen, posted on these forums a few months back:
https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/professions/mesmer/Supcutie-s-Comprehensive-PvP-Shatter-Guide/first

Well, it might be too early to tell, but my problem may be solved. I’ve been playing for a long time with a frame rate limiter, set via nvidia inspector. I turned it off in favor of using the in-game 60 limit just because I wanted a bit smoother experience. After doing this, I’ve had no throttling issues since. Granted it’s only been like 24 hours but my experience is a ton better. I do still experience small throttle type behavior when opening the BL trading post, but I don’t think that’s unique to me.

I had originally set the limiter at 45fps because I wanted to limit the heat output of my GPU, I believe in relation to this throttling issue. That would point to their being a problem before I started using the frame limiter but honestly I’ve been dealing with this for many weeks so I don’t recall all the details. It could be that I turned the limiter off during that couple week period where it was working for me, because I do recall switching it back/forth – I just never associated my throttling behavior to something as simple as this.

Regardless, knock on wood, hopefully I’m in the clear.

Me Games Ma.8426:

I wanna

• know as mutch as Pyro
• be as creative as Chaos Archangle
• be as skilled as Sensotix
• be a troll like Alissah

Thank you guys for advising the people in this forum even if you didn’t know you are the ones that tought me what to do. :>

It’s not like these are the only ones I like, I love any mesmer here <3

How could any mesmer idol list not include supcutie

Mystogan.4157:

How r they nerfing lyssa runes

Instead of removing all your conditions, it will convert up to 5 of your conditions into 5 boons.

Another thing – why are you taking compounding celerity when you already have ample access to swiftness? I think I might at least trait glamours for that extra 18s reduced veil recharge.

Some thoughts -

You make some good points about the ether signet. While the net heal is definitely larger with ether feast, there’s more to consider than just that. I play the same way with a spec built around sustain, the utility wizard. The obvious requirement is the need to keep 3 illusions up at all times. I’m sure you do that well with your build, using DE. I don’t use DE but don’t seem to have too much trouble with phase retreat on a 6s recharge.

Is this supposed to be a bunker? Doesn’t really seem like it with PU in the build. If not a bunker, I have to wonder about your damage. I don’t see the build doing that much aside from a 45% chance your phantasms crit. You mention the retaliation – is that a big portion of it? Sure the might you gain from interrupts is going to help a lot, but even still, do you have enough damage mitigation and avoidance to last longer fights using GS/Sw-F?

Losing lyssa runes puts your already low precision in the toilet and hampers damage even more. Pack runes might be another option which will give you more power (ala hoelbrak) while also boosting your precision close to the 25% you had with lyssa. On top of that, the #4 procs quite often (dat fury!), which would help your personal damage that much more, and is on a short 10s recharge. The swiftness and might also have good synergy with what you have going with the build.

nope
/15 chars

I’ve not tried an OS wipe/re-install yet. I’d like to try to rule out the PSU first before going to that effort, but not sure the best way to do that – doing some research. Any suggestions on that? I wish I had a spare PSU laying around to try, but unfortunately do not.

So do these things sound like reasonable things to try?

• Disable Cool’n’Quiet technology.
• Enable HPC Mode (this one sounds the most promising).
• I play over WIFI and have a solid connection, but could try ethernet.

Chaos Archangel.5071:

So bumping this, dueling this build yesterday made me realize how it really emphasizes the effectiveness of blinds. One of the most interesting factors was dropping Null Field on someone and using the resulting blind as a sort of interrupt, it screwed up my phantasm summons pretty hard and put it on a full cooldown.

It also makes me reconsider Signet of Midnight: While the passive needs a buff desperately, the active is surprisingly effective. o_O

Also.. Bunker Mesmer ftw!

Yeah to be honest, I was surprised I did so well against the 20/20/30 lockdown spec, though only 2 duels doesn’t really say a whole lot. I’ll continue to experiment with it but for sure the ether signet added some significant survivability versus w/out, even without DE in the build.

I’m playing the build a bit different now than when I originally posted, opting for a condition focused sc/f-staff 0/0/30/20/20 (build linked in OP). It feels so much stronger and I’m killing things decently, much better than the original. The little bit of dueling I’ve done has been really successful. Mesmers are the hardest class by far because the blinds are difficult to land on both the mesmer and phantasms.

I’ll also note that I’m really looking forward to the new patch when I can play the 0/0/30/20/20 WvW build, but with the 20 in Illusions going to Illusionary Elasticity. I’ll likely take mirror images as well which will replace signet of midnight for roaming and could swap in and out when zerging or squad play. Blinding befuddlement goes away as a result, but is really just trash which desperately needs to be taken out to the curb.

After a few days of testing I’m still stumped. I’ve done the torture test in prime 95 and after 20-30 minutes did not notice any throttling of the CPU. I have noticed that when the issue occurs, both the GPU and CPU throttle down considerably, almost to no utilization before coming right back to where it was.

I thought maybe the VRM’s – I looked and my motherboard is notorious for having high VRM temps (Gigabyte GA-MA785GM-US2H rev 1.0):
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article1003-page6.html (see cooling section)
http://www.overclock.net/t/946407/amd-motherboards-vrm-info-database

My VRM’s are really hot even at idle, burning to the touch if I keep on them for more than a few seconds. So I opened my case, blew a desk fan directly on them while playing and still had the same problem.

Finally I switched out my hard drive today. I was using a 40GB ultra ATA 6 IDE drive and switched to a fairly new 250GB SATA, re-installed GW2 and tonight had the same issues. I’m kinda at a loss as to what is causing the problem and running out of things to try.

PSU was mentioned – I have a Seasonic (this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151095) and no reason to believe it’s going bad, but welcome any suggestions on how to check it.

Here are some things I’ve read (or thought) about but haven’t tried yet:

• Disable Cool’n’Quiet technology.
• Enable HPC Mode (this one sounds the most promising).
• I play over WIFI and have a solid connection, but could try ethernet.

MailMail.6534:

So I’m trying out all types of things. I run MoD on my main power interrupt build and I honestly can’t help but have it on this one instead of MoR. Mantra of Distraction for me is so clutch because I can lock them in an iWarden whirl or Chaos Storm. Depending on curtain/storm alone doesn’t feel like enough lockdown for me. Of course, you’re sacrificing a huge chunk of condi clear, but when using Mirror (a heal I NEVER use) it seems to work on this tankier build.

I’m also running Blink and portal just so that I feel extra helpful in terms of mobility for my team.

Thanks so much for the inspiration. I’m liking this build right now as we all anxiously await the feature patch! <33

Interesting ideas. I find that between traited chaos storm and temporal curtain, they’re readily available, tossing in an F3 shatter here and there. For pure lockdown however, yeah MoD is hard to go without.

I’ve toyed around in the past (not on this build) with using MoD instead of one of my stun breaks – using MoD defensively. So you get stunned, anticipate the burst and daze them. Obviously it’s not as sure-fire as an actual stun break but you also have the utility at your disposal offensively if you need it.

So, I may try swapping decoy for MoD or like you, MoR for it (oh brave one).

MailMail.6534:

Omg yeah, that Curtain/iWarden/CI is KILLER. Just imagine when iWarden is fixed! :P

I don’t run condition interrupt. That’s such a unique playstyle. Thanks for the inspiration. I’m going to try out my own version of your build and play around with it. What’s your experience with Ice versus Grenth? Obviously, you prefer the latter; why? Do you tend to shatter a lot? If not, I always find the signet to be more helpful overall even though the burst on Ether is a lot better. I may even try out the mantra heal for extra condi removal.

I currently run Staff/Sword/Focus. 20/20/30.

Hit me up in-game @ Chokawaii

Yeah I usually roll with grenth runes in PvP with tormenting or perplexity in WvW. Grenth is the best condition based rune set for everyday tpvp IMO. As my damage comes from conditions, ice runes are vitality based and would cripple my damage too much. I do however use those commonly on my chillruption power based build.

I tend to not shatter in order to proc debilitating dissipation as often as possible, but I will throw in a strategic daze shatter when they get to around half health or I see them lunging for an attack that I’m guaranteed to interrupt.

For heals mirror honestly works best because of it’s low cooldown to proc #6 rune effects and to clear conditions via mender’s purity. Ether feast is still amazing ofc and can be used. The signet just doesn’t work due to the build’s on heal run procs, though could potentially work with perplexity runes.

I look forward to hearing how your experimentation goes.

When you proc HS/BI/CI, you get the benefit although it’s not a valid interrupt because the boss has defiant. This mean you didn’t really interrupt anything.

Because of that, I’m guessing the new trait won’t work on them unless they have 0 defiant stacks.

jenzie.4083:

I tried this but with torch instead of scepter, I got serious “issues” with the scepter. Now I can see it shine though and really question my torch choice (TORCH?!). When i put the build together it all seemed so nice but when I played with it I just couldn’t get it rolling.

jenzie – did you mean you tried it with torch instead of focus? Not sure I followed that.

When I see you play it I’m smiling like an idiot, good to see someone who can play using it Gotta give it another try with your version and guides.

Thanks – I’d be happy to answer any questions on the playstyle/combos here, via forum PM or in-game.

MailMail.6534:

looks nice! My interrupt build uses iwarden with CI. It’s oh so deliciois.

Thanks, yeah curtain/iWarden/CI is one of the best combos we have currently. Do you play condition interrupt? I’m the only one I know of that does, hehe. Obviously most play power.

To that end, I would be very curious if anyone else is playing an interrupt spice build with conditions being the primary damage source.

Really, the bobbleheads are enough.

Wyrden.4713:

skcamow.3527:

+1 for dodging and not worrying so much about how to combat their stabs with defense. I know this may seem easier to say than execute in practice, but it’s the best advice.

Thieves have tells, for example most of the backstabs come from cloak and dagger, and they can only be in stealth for 3 seconds. So when you see them stealth, it’s a generally good idea to count to 3 then dodge/BF, etc. Some thieves will try to bait that cooldown out, but most I’d say go for it.

At the very least, dodge is your friend so I’d be most concerned with your endurance output in your build if you have trouble with thieves.

count 2, it works 90% of the time, 3 is alrdy too late, i always go backwards when thief in cloak and dagger stealth, use blurred frenzy when i am between 1-2

hehe, it’s that “3 and” or “on 3” thingy … I guess I find most wait out the full stealth.
ofc this only works if it’s a d/d thief.

+1 for dodging and not worrying so much about how to combat their stabs with defense. I know this may seem easier to say than execute in practice, but it’s the best advice.

Thieves have tells, for example most of the backstabs come from cloak and dagger, and they can only be in stealth for 3 seconds. So when you see them stealth, it’s a generally good idea to count to 3 then dodge/BF, etc. Some thieves will try to bait that cooldown out, but most I’d say go for it.

At the very least, dodge is your friend so I’d be most concerned with your endurance output in your build if you have trouble with thieves.

Suggestion: Include information on how much health is added when taking signet of illusions (illusions), persisting images (phantasms), or both together. I’ve looked for it but can’t find it. Pyro posted this information awhile back; hoping he drops by and posts it.

Lately I’ve been running this build in WvW and PvP which provides good active defense in both weapon sets (without using PU):
https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/professions/mesmer/Build-Vid-Chaotic-Perdition-WvW-PvP

Wyrden.4713:

well it may not be better than pu condi , but it looks so much more fun than waiting for ur illusions to die next to ur enemy

cheers awesome video

and gz on the 2.5 k wxp item that dropped from the engi

Thanks on both counts
Yeah the build is a lot of fun. Since you’re not PU, you really learn to work with the tools you have (blinks/pulls/blocks) in order to survive. It’s very active and aggressive.

Yoh.8469:

Fairly similar to the build that I am running, except I opt for Pistol over Focus, and I’m going to put 20 into Illusions (at least) for Illusionary Elasticity.
They are fixing the bug with that, so now staff clones are effected as well.
Meaning you can effectively double the damage/conditions they can apply.

Thou I do have to opt for more condition removal in my utilities, either Null Field and/or Phantasmal Disenchanter.

You currently run 0/20/30/20/0, and chaotic interruption or PU?

For condition removal, the iDisenchanter actually works against me in many ways because it takes up a precious extra clone slot. I need 3 clones whenever possible to maximize damage output. Mantra of Resolve is great combined with mender’s purity if you have points for it. Null Field is decent though it has a fairly long cooldown.

Post 4/15 patch, mesmer condition builds will be much stronger no doubt. If playing with the staff, It’s going to make it difficult to not go at least 20 into illusions for many builds.

Obviously for this build, the iWarden fix will be big. While I’m looking forward to the new sigil possibilities, I’ll likely need to run energy sigils in one slot to make up for the critical infusion nerf.

Some food for thought …

For one of the condition builds I play in sPvP, I struggled with whether to take chaotic transference when I had another major trait available. In your build you don’t have this issue unless you give up a major trait in another line.

Ultimately I decided that as strong as the trait is, I would have given up going 30 into dueling for it, which just didn’t seem worth it for the minor condition damage boost. The only thing that might sway me is if you could get condition damage really high, meaning undead runes, which might make it worth taking (in my build at least). Again though, undead runes and chaotic transference do nothing to uniquely define your build – they just boost stats.

I generally prefer to choose runes/traits that strengthen the build/focus I’m going for, IF I have to choose in a situation like this.

Here you go:
https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/professions/mesmer/DE-change-to-be-reverted/first#post

Chaos.3579:

ya this skill is fine as is. sadly though not many mesmer use it because its ONLy good against projectile users :/

That’s not entirely true. A projectile indeed is needed to initiate the block sequence, but that projectile can come from yourself. Once the that requirement is satisfied, mimic reflects all projectiles and blocks all other attacks of any kind (not just projectiles) for the remaining duration of the skill. Just wanted to clarify.

Also, OP – what exactly do you see as “needing fixed” for this skill?

Yeah I’ve got my fan settings such that my CPU never goes above 50C and GPU never above 60C.

I’m thinking the extra confusion duration (assuming it works) is going to be as potent as the confusion procs itself. Currently we can spike some decent confusion in PvP with condi-shatter but it doesn’t last very long. With perplexity, not only will it last longer, we’ll be able to stack more. I honestly don’t think it’s going to fly.

We’ll have to see what other changes are coming and how everything else fits into the new meta with the sigil changes, but I’m thinking perplexity will get nerfed.

Not only is the amount of confusion a potential problem, but the confusion duration the runes provide maybe even more.

A shatter mesmer can stack significant confusion via confusing images and two quick shatter bursts with mind wrack and cry of frustration (12 right there). Assuming the new changes, if they throw in a daze mantra for interrupt that’s another 5, plus say a lucky on hit for another 3. That’s 20 long lasting confusion stacks. I can see the QQ already.

Granted mesmers can get that 10-12 currently, but condi-shatter isn’t widely used because 1) The durations are so low and 2) People are much more aware of their conditions in PvP and don’t kill themselves as readily as WvW.

12 short lasting stacks versus 20 long lasting stacks. Yeah I can see a potential problem.

They showed perplex but I didn’t see it all before they moved to something else (was quick). I’m sure dulfy is on it. I do know the 4th bonus has the same effect, but a cool down of 25s now, much larger.

PLAYSTYLE (DEFENSE) –
Use the iWarden and curtain defensively. Opponents will be lured into the warden’s attack and become crippled by the curtain. Hide behind iWarden/curtain against ranged opponents as they take reflection damage. Destroy the curtain for strategic interrupts as needed. Learn to use those interrupts to your advantage. The CC effects from CI enable you to gather your bearings or re-position. The CI procs help keep your target immobile or slower (chill/cripple) which greatly increases the chance of a full confusing images attack to land (applying moderate confusion pressure), WoC clone bleed/burn stacking, and helps your iWarden stack bleeds.

PLAYSTYLE (OFFENSE) –
I typically start off with Scepter/Focus and try to land the torment on #2 block. Then play the curtain/iWarden/Confusing Images game. If they fall close to half health, try for a chain F3 daze shatter. This will often interrupt their heal attempt. It’s better to do this on Sc/F because after an initial iWarden spawn/attack, it becomes expendable. Scepter clones are not as dangerous as Staff clones, so you’re OK to shatter here. Then swap to staff and get 2 clones and iWarlock up ASAP. Kite around and this will lay on the conditions. Frequent debilitating dissipation (DD) procs and staff/scepter clone crits via sharper images ensure bleeds are keeping on them moderately. When I want a little more burst, I’ll dodge roll into them if there is a clone nearby, proc’ing DD (sigh, RnG) every time I’m full of clones.

PLAYSTYLE (OTHER TACTICS) –
One of the best ways to use CI in this build is the Into the Void > iWarden pull. Lay the curtain down, gain swiftness from it and spawn iWarden while destroying the curtain. This will pull your opponent into the iWarden and its attack. Try to time this when your opponent is healing for ultimate effectiveness. If you interrupt, they’ll be immobilized due to the CI proc and they’re locked down pretty good. You’ll want to immediately follow with Confusing Images. Unless they cleanse immediately they will get a nice burst of damage and bleeding/confusion stacks. It’s usually game over unless they have massive condition removal available. Against ranged opponents, lay the curtain down and position behind it for a few seconds to proc reflection damage. Just before it disappears, spawn iWarden and destroy the curtain for the pull as described above (see fight with thief in video).

Above all, always try to be in range of opponents when healing to proc torment rune #6. Mirror is perfect for this setup on a short 15 second recharge. Use this offensively, spam it! Even if you’re at 75% health, you’re going to get benefit from it due to its smaller heal amount, and it’s usually available again when you really need the heal. The other gain here is you’re that much more protected from ranged attacks for those 2 seconds each time you pop it. This is a different style and a bit odd at first, but you get used to it. Ether Feast works, but honestly not quite as well as Mirror with the Tormenting runes. Try both and see how you fare.

WHAT ELSE CAN THIS DO?
Zerging is possible due to the AoE conditions and reflects. It’s not the best zerg build by a long shot, but if you want to switch from roaming to a PUG zerg without re-zoning, you can do so. Due to the 20 in inspiration, you can trait glamours or whatever you need.

The build is surprisingly effective in PvP (see PvP build link above). I’ve been very successful in both solo and team queue. I got on a team one night and we won a series of 5/6 in a row and this build was a big contributor. You have to go with Grenth runes currently (vs Tormenting), and the chill procs are quite intense. Grenth runes are incredibly strong. You can hold points decently will all the active defenses and natural regeneration the build provides.

I would never recommend a condition build for PvE simply because power builds are so much more effective, but the fun factor is really high with this. In open world, ball up 5-10 and just watch the decimation (especially taking Mirror Images and popping it with full clones).

Hey everyone, I’ve had this build for awhile but didn’t post it because the iWarden has been bugged. With the word it will be fixed in the coming patch, I’m comfortable sharing. I’ve included a video which is purely to demonstrate the play style. My opponents weren’t amazingly skilled, and don’t expect glorious 1vManys!

I’ve also spent a bit of time editing the video. I’d love any feedback on the build, video, or playing as I’d like to continue to improve my skills in all three of those areas!

DISCLAIMER –
Not to mislead anyone or ignore the elephant in the room, but this is not as strong as a PU based condition build (but is a really fun alternative!)

THE BUILD –
This is a condition build using the focus. I know right, strange combination. I invite you to explore this fairly uncommon play style.

WvW: http://tinyurl.com/mbuzhg2
PvP: http://tinyurl.com/onncv56
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukzQplj_Dlc

TRAITS/GEAR –
Staff-Scepter/Focus, trait selection is 0/20/30/20/0. See build link for details. I don’t recommend it, but if you’re comfortable playing without chaotic dampening; you can take bountiful interruption for large might stacking potential.

• Runes: Tormenting. Alternatives: Perplexity. In PvP I play Grenth Runes due to lack of Torment runes.
• Sigils: Staff=Torment and Sc/F=Bursting and Doom.
• Food: Rare Veggie Pizza (or Koi Cakes) and Toxic Focusing Crystals for 50% condition duration.

This build inflicts all the conditions in the game except fear. Most of these are inflicted AoE, via the following:

• Burning: Winds of Chaos (hereafter WoC)
• Confusion: Confusing Images, Chaos Armor, Cry of Frustration, iWarden+Chaos Storm combo (all AoE)
• Bleeding: WoC, iWarden (AoE), Debilitating Dissipation (AoE)
• Posion: Chaos Storm (AoE), Doom sigil (on Sc/F)
• Torment: Illusionary Counter, on heal (AoE on heal), Staff (AoE 30% on crit)
• Vulnerability: WoC, Debilitating Dissipation (AoE)
• Weakness: Chaos Storm, Debilitating Dissipation (AoE)
• Chill: Chaos Storm, Chaotic Interruption (AoE)
• Blind: Illusionary Counter (AoE), Chaotic Interruption (AoE), Chaos Armor (AoE)
• Immobilize: Chaotic Interruption (AoE)
• Cripple: Temporal Curtain, Chaotic Interruption, Chaos Armor (AoE)

The build is aptly named due to the generous amounts of torment being handed out. It specializes in AoE conditions which ensure constant pressure that opponents can’t keep up with once you get going. Making things especially difficult is the lockdown spice of the build due to Chaotic Interruption. Your frequent interrupts from a traited Chaos Storm/Temporal Curtain will inflict immobilize and either chill, cripple or blind. These soft cc conditions also serve as nice covers for the damaging ones. Due to the moderate amount of CC, you have strong defense on both weapon sets. If Staff is the Mesmer’s best defensive weapon, Scepter/Focus is right behind it. With the scepter block and crowd control with a traited Focus, you can be effective in 1vMany scenarios.

A good example where this build shines with its AoE conditions is when capturing camps (non-upgraded). This can be done in about a minute or less due to the ability to ball up opponents and let the iWarden hack them up with bleeds. Add to this the AoE effects of Chaos Storm, Debilitating Dissipation and torment on heal and you’re flipping camps fast.

You’re handing out conditions like mad, but how are you managing them yourself? Between Mender’s Purity, Mantra of Resolve and decent permanent regeneration at ~150/sec from your phantasms, you have strong defense against conditions. Add to this the occasional iWarden/Temporal Curtain combo finisher and you couldn’t ask for more. For stun breaks, you have two solid options in Decoy and Blink.

One of my favorite things about this build is the mobility. You can actually catch opponents if you want (yes, in a condition build!), or disengage well. Between swiftness gained from temporal curtain and chaos storm, and teleports from phase retreat and blink, you’re getting around quickly.

Entertaining as all get out (as usual). Keep ’em coming!!

Chaos Archangel.5071:

As much as I wanna applaud you for using apothecary’s, its only going to effect the regeneration you grant. Consider trying out Rabid gear for a significant damage boost, both to your condition damage and because Precision is important to a condition Mesmer for the extra bleeds your staff clones will proc on crit.

Hm, personal healing power stats affect phantasm regeneration as well (I know you know that … just making sure I understand what you’re trying to say).

Also OP – just to give you more ideas, check out this build I posted awhile back: The Utility Wizard. It’s close to the same trait spread with the support concept focused on reflects, blind spamming, healing and boon share.

I don’t think high level tpvp will work but it certainly could be fine in other PvP areas.

One thing that is kind of confusing with the description of the trait is that it states “your target”, but they compare it to rending shatter which is AoE. I think they just meant to explain the amount of torment applied by drawing that comparison, but I do wonder a little. If the torment application was AoE, obviously that’d be much, much stronger.

So in addition to lack of burst, the lack of AoE torment application with shatters is what I think hurts it the most (as Pyro pointed out the one on one advantage). If they just made the torment AoE like confusion … but oh well. Even still, I’m not going to write it off until I see it isn’t viable in PvP.

I believe WvW is going to have the real potential with this however, with the ability to buff yourself much more significantly than in PvP.

The lack of any real burst is, yeah, unfortunate but sustain will be all there. It’s going to make condition damage builds that already work to some degree that much stronger, or open up new condition build possibilities that I believe can work.

Of course this is all speculation until we can get our hands dirty with it to see how it plays in practice.

Yeah DS is a pile ‘o dung IMO. Way too unreliable for any good use. Maybe I’ll eventually get around to playing with it but doubtful.

Jury’s still out on maimed though. It has potential, but that duration is pretty crummy.

Just FYI all, I got some clarification on Disruptor’s Sustainment and Maim the Disillusioned:
https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/pvp/pvp/Dev-livestream-Ready-Up-March-28-12pm-PvP-Rewards-Next-phase/first#post3822725

NOT excited about DS, but maimed could be really good.

Allie Murdock.8152:

skcamow.3527:

Great Allie! Any chance we can get these clarification questions answered about the announced mesmer grandmaster traits?

• Disruptor’s Sustainment – Gain 1,000 healing power for 5s upon interrupting a foe.
  Does this stack in intensity or duration (or at all)?

• Maim the Disillusioned – Enemies hit by shatter skills are inflicted with torment.
  Is torment applied per illusion hit or per landed shattered skill? How much torment is applied?

Thanks in advance

Asked, and answered:

1: Does not stack in intensity or duration.
2: This trait applies 4 seconds of torment each time a clone shatter hits your target. 3 clones shattered = 3 torment applied, similar to how Rending Shatter functions.

Thanks Allie!

Great Allie! Any chance we can get these clarification questions answered about the announced mesmer grandmaster traits?

• Disruptor’s Sustainment – Gain 1,000 healing power for 5s upon interrupting a foe.
  Does this stack in intensity or duration (or at all)?

• Maim the Disillusioned – Enemies hit by shatter skills are inflicted with torment.
  Is torment applied per illusion hit or per landed shattered skill? How much torment is applied?

Thanks in advance

Thanks for the response. For a few weeks there the problem was gone. All I had done was the steps I outlined in my OP, plus removing/re-creating the pagefile. It seems that did it. Now a few days ago it’s back and with a vengeance. Even as I type it’s occuring seemingly once every 30 seconds, and every time it’s like a 5 second lag spike – CPU util goes from like ~65-ish to around 10, then back up again. I haven’t done anything differently.

This time around I did as sirsquishy recommended with wiping my old drivers using DDU in safe mode and freshly installing the latest. I also tried playing without a pagefile at all and I still had the issue. So it doesn’t appear to be an issue with a corrupt pagefile.

Things left to try are:

• Play GW2 from a different hard drive. That was the next thing I was going to do before it magically started working.
• Go through the steps outlined by XFlyingBeeX. Could be VRMs, who knows.

I have some PC info in the thread here, let me know if anything else would be helpful.

Don’t forget about your homies close to home
I’m always looking for more people to run with when my small guild isn’t on (which seems to be often)

SjaakDakpan.2839:

skcamow.3527:

Allie, thanks for the link.

I’m wondering if you or the guys can clarify two mesmer traits that were discussed.

• Disruptor’s Sustainment – Gain 1,000 healing power for 5s upon interrupting a foe.
  Does this stack in intensity or duration (or at all)?

• Maim the Disillusioned – Enemies hit by shatter skills are inflicted with torment.
  Is torment applied per illusion hit or per landed shattered skill? How much torment is applied?

Thanks in advance

Perhaps open another topic for this? I do hope this will be noted.

Yeah I tried:
https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/pvp/pvp/Question-Mesmer-Grandmaster-Traits

Justin ODell.9517:

Thedenofsin.7340:

Justin ODell.9517:

Thedenofsin.7340:

Justin ODell.9517:

Solo Arena:

• Roy, 272,
• Evan, 428,
• Grouch, 876

Team Arena:

• Grouch, 67
• Roy, 309,
• Allie, 353 (wut?)
• Tyler B, 92%
• Evan, 91%

OK

Can you cull out the ones that are not playing Warrior, decap engie or Thief as their main?

Done. Hugh plays a Hambow, but he played it before it was cool. I’m pretty sure he’s been using that same warrior (Nightmare) since launch.

OK, which one plays a Mesmer? Which one plays an Ele?

I main Mesmer, and I think Evan has a Mesmer alt. Branden plays Ele, and Allie use to play Ele before she went over to the dark side and started playing Necro. I don’t know what Roy and Tyler B run.

Justin, out of curiosity what build do you run in PvP?

Pyroathiest.4168:

snip

Yeah you’ve definitely explained why the build isn’t very effective at shatter when comparing against a build with DE. I’m definitely not debating if the build is good, not sure I’d run it myself but it’s interesting nonetheless. I was more generally speaking of the ability to do damage (period) with that trait spread, and it just depends on how it’s geared. Obviously with DE and switching 10 points around you would be much, much more powerful, which goes without saying.

On the surface I can easily see one looking at that build and thinking it’s not going to kill anything. I can understand your comments looking through that lens. But you don’t really know until you see how it’s geared. You can go full cleric with it (and do no damage) or full zerker and actually do some damage all whilst providing essentially the same capabilities via the traits.

I’d be curious how Ansau is doing with it.

BTW pyro why you using a different account to post with

Why don’t you play with shattered concentration in PvP?

sirrealist.1360:

Can anyone confirm if Illusionary Elasticity now affects staff clones?

According to the devs, it will in the feature patch coming April 15.