Guild Wars 2

Osicat.4139:

@Trooper, alot due to the tortch blast. I often use the torch to stealth, cast its phantasm and then move close to a enemy in a combat situation hittin scepter nr 2,s block. This Often ressult in they hit my block in stealth get the tormen applied just as the burn hits and the image condusion tock. After this I swap to s/p to utilice the sword nr 2 immunity while my revealed buff is up, as soon its away I stealth again and cast a iduelist in stealth.

This combo put a extreme preasure on a enemy players from seveal differen conditions and the only few sec he accualy can hit back I have a immunity up.

Also this give a good set of defensive / offenive gameplay. Torch + scepter give you condi removal, block and stealth, I use this when I in agroup situation is preasured. Swird/pistol is a stunbarker, a stun/interupt + immobelice. I use this for offensive gameplay.

I also always in wvwvw when about to fight 3+ players alternative a camp swap the sword/pistol to staff. As stealth is so easy accesable in the build its easy to swap depending on what you going to fight. but pistol is and remain a lesser alterative for gourp fights as its primary dmg is single target. For a 1-2 vs 1 its pure gold thu.

/Osicat

Can you tell me which runes, sigils and amulet you used in your spvp video you posted earlier? I usually go with superior battle+crit in first set and superior battle+energy on the “defensive” set. Amulet I used Soldier for long time. Switched to berserker lately. Runes I tend to use Hoelbrak, Strength or Ogre… the rockdog is so cute

ty

A thing I haven’t seen anyone asking (maybe it’s only me) would be to have those 3 pink dots above the action bar to display, once you hover it with the mouse, the name (or the type) of illusions active in the world. When a fight gets very long I find difficult remembering which illusion I have out. That could help

Yeah, I know it’s nothing major but I felt that would be cool

@osi

why do you feel sword/pistol & scepter/torch is better than sword/torch & scepter/pistol? I cannot really make up my mind about it as I keep swapping but moving towards the latter eventually…

This post is very similar to the one I opened few days ago about DE and it ended up with Psych and Nuka Cola arguing (probably due to some old rust between the two)

https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/professions/mesmer/Can-you/first#post2491257

Anyway, DE is a great talent whichever way you look at it but I hate being forced to pick it up so I am trying to get used to play without it. And the result seems ok for now

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fgAQRAra8flwzipXUzgGb9IhpH923An0DV76XXqAuB-T4Ag0CtICSFkLITQygsBNIYJy+jTATReBA

I tried to pump the max power possible while having good survival. Crit is the down side in this build but my duelist really hits like a truck!!!

Nice thing about it is how easily and reliably I can stack might due to Bountiful Interruption+Domination sigil, pistol #5 and runes. Also, a minimum of 2 stealth (depending which elite you choose it could be 3) with PU makes it a great build for controlling the game. Not much to do with conditions thought, but I felt it is intersting for you guys to evaluate.

Thank you! I knew it reflects damage but I did not know all the details. I may give it a try even if I do not run with a staff! Thanks!!!!

The wiki does not give me an answer on how this boon works. It says it reflects the attack causing damage equal to 198.45 + (0.075 * Power).

- Does reflect mean that no damage will come through during the 3 second window?
- Will the first attack reflected consume the boon regardless of the duration left?
- will the damage caused be the same regardless of the potency of the attack?

I have been using Prismatic Understanding for a while and just realized how many blocks I get from it. Plus, I have been using scepter and its block… so I was thinking to minmax the blocks by using Retaliatory Shield. It isn’t bad if after a block you neglect all damage for three seconds right after it. Or, isn’t this the way it works? Can someone explain it to me, please?

Thank you

Although I would like to learn to play without it I have to say that Deceptive Evasions is a must, unfortunately. So:

- Deceptive Evasions
- Prismatic Understanding
- All weapons CD reduction
- Illusionary Persona
- Bountiful interruption + Signet of Domination. Really like the combo

Mei Mato.5478:

trooper.2650:

Hello. I have been using the same build with exception of 2nd weapon set which is scepter+pistol. I would like someone to fine tune my sigils too if possible, although I am concerned with spvp for now. Here it is the build:

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fgAQRAra8flwzipXUzgGb9IipHBnvBckUoavWJF42FC-TwAA1CtICSFkLITQygsBNgYJy+jZBA

Thanks!

Imho, you build is quite different. Since you want to stick with another set , one of the viable things to do is to boost you duelist, in order to gain HUGE advantage from it.

http://tinyurl.com/pxq7ncb

• The stealth strategy still remains intact.
  Torch cleanse & reduction + Prismatic Understanding

• Your duelist now hits like a truck.
  During duelist casting time, use Feedback. Then Stun/Confusing Images.

• For sigils now you can stack Mights on swap, and reach 60% crit chance
  Your original build has 14% crit. chance… so bleed on crit is far from happens.

• Since you heavy rely on stealth and not on clone replacement, the clone on dodge would only reveals your position, so it’s discarted.

mmm… thank you for trying but it is not what I was looking for. I will give it a try as soon as I have a chance but after discussing about Deceptive Evasion in this post https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/professions/mesmer/Can-you I can safely tell that I will not do without it.

Hello. I have been using the same build with exception of 2nd weapon set which is scepter+pistol. I would like someone to fine tune my sigils too if possible, although I am concerned with spvp for now. Here it is the build:

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fgAQRAra8flwzipXUzgGb9IipHBnvBckUoavWJF42FC-TwAA1CtICSFkLITQygsBNgYJy+jZBA

Thanks!

But Nuka has a point here:

“People say DE destroy phantasms, yes, it does, ‘if’ you have three up, and you’re dodging but so does, iLeap, Phase Retreat, Mirror Blade and so on. Do some of you just spam auto attacks while running a phantasm build or what o.O”

Being careful of which skill you use it is possible to have 3 phantasms out at the same time. However it is hard to achieve it in a pve scenario. I can’t imagine achieving it in pvp. Any time you use a skill which summons a clone the third phantasm would be replaced. In an ideal situation you would end up floating between 2 phantasm+1clone and 3 phantasms with the third lasting very little. This does not take in consideration that phantasms die easily. Anyway, I guess good players can manage to do without DE.

However, my post is more concerned with a pvp scenario. With this being said I firmly believe DE is still a must

Palu.3405:

Nuka Cola.8520:

People say DE destroy phantasms, yes, it does, ‘if’ you have three up, and you’re dodging but so does, iLeap, Phase Retreat, Mirror Blade and so on. Do some of you just spam auto attacks while running a phantasm build or what o.O

No, we use those abilities (or at least I do). In my phantasm build that I use for tpvp I generally have an iDuelist up, an iZerker up, and a clone from using iLeap/Mirror Blade. I have no need to create a clone every time I dodge. Unless my opponent is an idiot (at which point I don’t need to worry about losing to them), he is going to target me before I have anything summoned. I will then have the opportunity to use Decoy to break target, but that will generate a clone to disorient him.

I see no reason to take Deceptive Evasion over Duelist’s Discipline or Blade Training in a majority of phantasm builds. In fact, depending on one’s weapon and trait choices, some of the points in dueling could be entirely reallocated elsewhere to be more useful.

That being said, Deceptive Evasion is a great trait. Most shatter and condition builds really have little to no reason for not taking it. However, you can’t claim that it’s a staple of every mesmer build, phantasms included. If you want to make that claim, could you please enlighten me as to what benefit Deceptive Evasion provides for a phantasm mesmer who doesn’t need lots of clones and how that benefit outweighs all the other traits available to said mesmer?

Essentially two:

- Survival: it provides more cover for you/your phantasms creating distraction. In my build stealth as much as iDuelist is a core skill. Disappearing and being able to have a clone out by dodging is just great (like decoy does). At the same time you also have the effect associated to the illusion kill (the purple burst) , which helps… quite a lot I would say since confusing enemies is inherent to the mesmer profession whether it does damage or not. I know it may sound pretentious but the x factor can help (like necros with all the minions/pets/golem out)
- having always three illusions out is core to Ether feast and Illusionary defense.

I’d love to get rid of it but unfortunately my performance isn’t the same when I play without it.

Psych.6527:

If i had to play to survive longer i would be dead, but i have to play to kill my enemy as fast as i can before they get me.

This.
DE helps with survival (and dps for certain builds)
Without DE survival gets kitten.
This is in my own experience of course.

Well, I am glad I’m not the only one
Yesterday I did few runs in spvp without DE and tried improved sword and later improved pistol.

Unfortunately I have to confirm everything said until now. The talent is too good, almost mandatory. When I am alone vs 2 or more there is not chance you can come out alive if without it (at least in spvp, not talking about wvw now). Not having the thief burst you cannot kill anyone simply by hiding often with torch/decoy/MI. Anyone with a grain of salt would know what to do as soon as you reappear.
In a 1v1 scenario you can do still do a good job. However, the clones from DE can work has a fodder for phantasms which otherwise wouldn’t last long.

Ultimately I can say from my experience that Deceptive Evasion is a must talent in any pvp build. I guess I could do without in wvw zergs and pve scenarios but still it would be useful there too. It’s not a coincidence that all pro and not pro players posting videos have DE (very few exceptions here)

I would be glad if someone could prove me wrong.

Helios.3598:

I tested this the other day. I spawned three phantasms and then started spawning clones. The first clone destroys the oldest phantasm. The second clone destroys the first clone. The third clone destroys the second clone and so on, so I don’t see anything wrong in taking DE for just about any build.

I had a thief yell at me last night in spvp that mesmers are OP…

As for “bunker” builds, I don’t really understand what those are. Does it require a staff? Is there a minimum amount of toughness? Regardless, I run with a similar build as Trooper and just faceroll in spvp and compete well in tpvp. You can have 1800 toughness and still do an excessive amount of damage.

Thanks Helios.

Maybe it’s me that wasn’t good, but since I started using this build I found myself to be really strong/hard to kill even vs multiple foes. I know there is plenty of videos on youtube about a single mesmer killing groups of enemies in wvw (osicat/seven and so on) but they use builds which I am not too comfortable with. I guess I will have to find out myself how important deceptive evasion is for my play style regardless of how much this trait gels with the overall build. In the end I just wanted to have either the sword or the pistol to recharge faster to the detriment of a skill which help to confuse enemies.

I posted my build on one of the previous reply. I would like to keep 10 points in duelling and have at the same time phantasmal fury + blade trainig (or duelist’s discipline, which one should I pick?) hence all the rant regarding deceptive evasion

Still I do not see why this talent shouldn’t be in any build. Whether this skill is core to a play style or not it’s always useful to be able to confuse the enemy. The only time I wouldn’t, if given the option, get a clone out of a dodge is when in stealth since it can give your position away.

I guess I will have to play without it again and see if I can get used to not having easy popping clones

Dawdler.8521:

Bunker builds is what you want to avoid it. You dont want to squirt clones every time you dodge, because it destroys one of your phantasms (and you need those for dps). And by being bunker, you dont need to move around so much. Also, you want to preserve your skillpoints for defensive traits, leaving the Dueling trait line on a “only if you must” basis. Even if you do go 20 points down it, you also have the mantra cooldown competing with the clone on dodge – very powerfull trait for bunker builds.

I haven’t seen a mesmer standing in the middle of the fight without moving/avoiding direct damage just because traited like a bunker. I have over 2800 armor and some times I wish I had more.

And squirting clones every dodge will not replace phantasms. At least this is what I noticed. Priority is replacing another clone. Phantasms are replaced by creating a new phantasm if no clones are out. If no clones are “summoned” you will end up with 3 phantasms. Using Deceptive evasion will kill 1 phantasm leaving you with 1 clone and 2 phantasms. By doing the same again your only clone should be replaced by a new one. Isn’t this how it works?

can you post a bunker build, please? (with gear too if possible)

at the moment I run this
http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fgAQRAsf7alwzipXUzgGb9IipH9mvBckUoavWJF42FC-TwAA1CtICSFkLITQygsBNIYFxWk5HA

with blade training over phantasmal fury sometimes, but I would like both….

After so many builds I realized I cannot do without Deceptive Evasion (clone on dodge). When playing without it I feel like naked…
To me it has become a compulsory talent in any pvp build and I do not like this much because it tunnels me in one direction.
Don’t take me wrong, the talent is good, maybe too good! Played it in conjunction with any form of cloaking it really drives not expert players crazy, and may help survival vs advanced players.

How many of you area actually doing pvp in any form, decided not to take this talent, feel are doing well and decided they can do without it? Just a curiosity to see if I too should make the step not to take this talent and never look back again.

Is Arcane thievery reliable? Is it better than null field?

Superior sigil of purity is an option I did not think of and since I am not sure of the one I am using now on sword I will definitely give it a go. What do you think of the other sigils I chose?
My play style is exactly how you describe it. In and out like a thief almost. I always underestimated Prismatic understanding but I have to say it’s amazing and don’t see myself going back from there. I would use arcane thievery but what could I drop? Honestly… I have 3 stealth skills and 3 ways to control the game (sword pistol and sigil). I really feel powerful except for necros (good ones. I managed to beat few but they weren’t a real thread).

@ Armageddon. This is my new build I have worked out few days ago. I have tried many different builds but I find this superior in survival and control. It let me do anything I want. I have been doing mainly spvp. Still have to try it in WvW zergs but as far as mall fights it is great. So far I am in love with torch and prismatic and don’t want to change it.
Your advise about chaos tree is good and will give it a try. Ty for feedback.

Is Moa a possible alternative instead of invisibility?

This is the build

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fgAQRAsa7flwzipXUzgGb9IipHE3xBckUUavWJF42FC-TwAA1CtIMSZkzIjRSjsGNGY9xWgpIA

I really like it cose it gives me a lot of control, high survival, good enough damage and some cond. removal. However it’s not enough vs necros. I had a great fight today with a Necro which lasted several minutes. I was in control for most of the fight but then I probably made a mistake and lost it. I do not know the Necro class very well for I never played one so I am not sure how to counter them. I learnt about the green wall they cast on the ground which keeps giving you fear if walked on. I know they can change the boons in to conditions but I do not know what I can do about it. How can avoid that?Other things I should be aware of?

I use sigil of Dom. which helps a lot and clones that cripple. My weapon set up gives me incredible survival. Swapping to Gs it’s something I wouldn’t like… More help?

Hey guys, I don’t know you but I am having troubles with good Necros. Lots of fear and conditions which I can take off with improved torch and improved sigil plus runes of Melandru for shorter duration.

Running a 20 (V/IX)-20 (II/X)-30 (III/IX/XII)-0-0 Prismatic Understanding with sword/pistol + scepter/torch which I am enjoying very much and having a blast with.

However good Necros are a real pain and can last very long slowly draining your hp. Tips on how to kill them?

I know there was a 3d on this subject but I cannot find it. My apologies for opening a new one

What is the phantasms damage based on? Does our crit/pow reflect on them or they have their own stats and only traits like Phantasmal fury/strength can affect them (other than boons which I know affect phantasms)

You see, I did try a build called “Cripple Forever” with GS, 30 points in domination III/V/X
20 in duelist II/X and 20 in Chaos V/VII, superior hobbling on GS and it was really fun to see people hobble along for over 15-20 seconds

The thing is I think we all need an offensive and defensive set of weapon. If you use a GS and don’t want to give up on the pistol you ain’t going to have much of a defensive set even with scepter/pistol. So since pistol is for me conpulsory and atm I am in love with scepter/pistol then I need a defensive set. That could be the staff but I like torch more atm and I think it couples nicely with sword. It has a completely different feel and it pivots around survivability while letting bleeds and iduelist do the job.

I am not saying it’s the best. Maybe I will play it a bit and then change things around. It isn’t bad either. Won few 1vs1 so it’s good enough for me

ArmageddonAsh.6430:

trooper.2650:

Wanna some bleedings? Try this then
http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fgAQRAra8flwzKqHVzgGb9IiZGBHFimx15dlUgbXIA-T4AAzCpImRBjDGzMSfs+MCYVx+jTAzKeBA

Unfortunately it’s very single target oriented Other than that it’s amazing

Not to bad, though getting that extra Bleed duration comes at a cost elsewhere. I think the 25 in Illusions would be better spent elsewhere – Domination would be a good choice for even longer duration on ALL conditions, then you could remove some of those runes and put them to better use.

1 Bleed would last more then 11seconds(with 20 in dom) currently. reduce a bit by taking other runes , take up the Greatsword and see the bleeds ^^

25 points in Illusions gives stronger bleeds. For the duration those runes will take care of it. With that set up I can get 1500 cond. damage. Can you?
Other conditions? Confusion is sorted with 30% from talent. Not using staff everything else I am not too concerned about since I am not really in control of them (cannot apply them reliably)

Of course I would like a better runes setup (full centaur for example) but cannot afford it if I want stronger bleeds. Can you come up with longer bleeds 20/30 points in Domination and still dish out cond damage close to 1500?

Wanna some bleedings? Try this then
http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fgAQRAra8flwzKqHVzgGb9IiZGBHFimx15dlUgbXIA-T4AAzCpImRBjDGzMSfs+MCYVx+jTAzKeBA

Unfortunately it’s very single target oriented Other than that it’s amazing

I would say Phantasmal Strength and Fury are the must have for a Phantasms build.
Then, according to your taste, you could decide to go for Empowered Illusions. This as far as straight forward phantasms concerned talents.

However, I found that Deceptive Evasion is another must have talent in almost any builds. That makes 20 points in Dueling and 25 in Inspiration a strong starting point. The rest I would leave it up to your play style and personal taste.

For Utilities I would start from Decoy. Blink is a strong choice. Third slot is your call.

Sinaya.4201:

I’d love a link to a builder setup (into the mists, buildcraft, etc.) with this, as seeing the setup in a video isn’t convenient or user friendly for everyone.

Naouvi, see what I mean? it’s not about hate but you replied 4 times already and the time it took to answer would have been more than enough to write 10/10/0/25/25 or anything like that or just post a link. By now, although I liked your video I still do not know your set up and build. Whether you want to keep it secret and hidden that’s a different story…

Naouvi.2081:

Cempa.5619 if you do like my video and my type of play that makes me happy in the future videos I will be showing my gear and my status.
Thank you guys for your opinions and have a nice one.

I do not understand why making such a big deal with it. Already three people asked for your build. Instead of replying saying you will post it in another video to show how cool you are why don’t you just post it? fgs

keenlam.4753:

trooper.2650:

… I watched your videos and you were doing very well

You have me confused, I don’t have any videos of me playing this build.

I must have confused threads… sorry

I just realized the link to my build is wrong

Here is the right one:

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fgAQRArf8al0zipXUzmGbNJipCB3ZGQn0RqQpVmBudhA

Thank you for your feedback. I watched your videos and you were doing very well
I will follow your advice and play with the gear: luckily I have 3 pieces of rabid gear in my bank and see how it plays out!

I truly like the idea behind your build so I started fiddling with it a bit to suit my playing style more. But I would like to have your opinion on a couple of things.

First, this is the build: http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fgAQNAraWlwzKq3UzgGaNJipCBHaGXX1RqQpVmBudhA-TwAAzCoI+SVk7LzXyvsFNqYVxskXFA

It uses the same principle as your build but instead of relying only on conditions (I found your build lacking a bit in burst… it doesn’t have to be a shatter burst for instance, but a little extra damage doesn’t hurt…) it uses the offensive side of sword/pistol damage from iDuellist/BFrenzy and rely on the defensive one from scepter/torch.

You start “toying” with iMage, conditions and scepter to test the water. Then you can stealth with torch and swap to iduelist and close in with sword to put pressure. Rinse and repeat.
With Decoy, Torch and Mass Invisibility when you are not visible the enemy can only kill illusions and this will trigger cripple and random conditions which helps kiting

I found myself doing pretty well in most 1vs1 and during zergs clones die fast spreding conditions to nearby foes. The only thing I dislike is the short range of scepter but hey… you can’t have everything!

Now, the question. At the moment I am running with full knight armor and centaur’s runes which I love. Weapons are a mixture of previous set ups, mainly berserker. What flavour of weapons/armor/accessories should I be using? Given that my source of damage is split 50-50 between direct and condition damage, should I replace half of the knight gear with rabid? I would aim at 2.5/3k armor and 50ish crit chance for optimal survivability. What would you do?

theCOREYCOLAK.5698:

trooper.2650:

WvW/pve. But I already changed mind. 900 range isn’t good enough

To be perfectly honest here, WvW and PvE are very much different. You do not want to be running the same builds on both.

Don’t tell me you switch build every time you leave WvW… I neither have the money nor the will to do so. I want a build which is viable for both. I lately spend more time in WvW so if that is not possible I would sacrifice PvE.

I was watching some scepter videos and the weapon seems fine in short/middle range small/middle size fights. In fact, as I mentioned earlier, before trying the spec in WvW I was doing spvp and I did very well enjoying myself.
However, my experience (short) was mainly in zerg battles and I did not find myself comfortable with it: with 900 range you often get caught in huge aoes with no/little ways to escape, especially when rooted/crippled and so on.

Now, what I did not like of these two weapons combo scepter/pistol and sword/torch is this: when someone is running away/trying to enter a gate you can only stop them by using pistol or leap dependign which set your using in that moment. If that isn’t enough you have to wait and swap set in order to use the leap from sword or the other way round. Changing weapons combo to the more popular sword/pistol gives you two “immobilize” in one set making this one your primary source of damage and control. Swapping to scepter/torch gives you the defensive option which I like.

Obviously I am still experimenting here but I started wondering if it’s worth using a full phantasm build when I have the iDuelist as the only damaging phantasm available (not counting the iMage ). I guess I will have to think of something else

WvW/pve. But I already changed mind. 900 range isn’t good enough

Thank you again for your feedback.

I tried it in spvp and I was quite happy, good survivabilty, good damage… until I went out in the open, and realized scepter has a major drawback: 900yards range. When fighting on the nodes I didn’t realize it!
What it also kitten es me off is that pistol trained, not only the tooltip, but its effective range doesn’t change. Bug?

Anyway, the scepter short range in wvw is unworkab for me le so I immediately switched back to 2h + sword pistol

thank you for the reply.

In fact I did not really know where to put those 5 points
Tbh I thought of Persisting images but wasn’t too sure about it. I will follow your advise and try it. Eventually I will try Restorative Illusions and lastly, if everything fails do as you say and get 30 points in dueling.

The thing is that when I use iDuelist without P.Haste it seems it’s taking ages between an attack and the other. I guess it’s just a matter of getting used to it… But you assume the images always dye immediately. When they do not dye and you have 2-3 of them out (in a pve environment for example, it doesn’t have to be always a wvw zerg) they can deal a lot of damage.

But more important. What do you think of Scepter and Scepter trained? I see majority of ppl using pistol in conjunction with sword. How do you see Scepter and Pistol for a ranged solution? Sword/torch I’m not too worried about. It should work, shouldn’t it?

Here it is: http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fgQQRAsf7al0zipXUTgGbNJhZBnZAdpjSB29eJF4O3A-jU0AorIjxyIuLIUAM6TiJRAEBQqAUCsIas1sioxqtxUuAa4UriTk5Oz27gYwjqMAVLA-w

I know Phantasm build isn’t the best for larger fights but I don’t mind giving up some power on that if I get stronger somewhere else… for now.

Basically I wanted a strong range option without using neither Staff or GS. What’s left? Scepter (btw, reading the patch notes it could be a good weapon choice so I would like to test it now and get ready for when patch will come out since I never used it and I am not good with it yet) Duelist and Mage.

By picking the three Phantasm traits (fury, damage and haste) the Duelist becomes really strong. By using Scepter in conjunction with pistol it should allow me to stay far, deal damage and put pressure (hopefully). The target is to have at least two/three Duelists out.

Eventually I would be closing in by switching weapon set Leap/Blurred frenzy and escape with torch, gain some distance and repeat.

Gear mainly knight/cavalier
Having 4 weapons I would use these sigils:
Battle/Accuracy on sword/torch
Damage/Energy on scepter/pistol

I haven’t tested it yet.
What do you think? Do you see any lacking points/weaknesses?
Suggestions?

Ty

Question: Do you guys use the same build and weapon set up for all game aspects?
Let alone utilities which they all have a niche… but what about build and weapons?

I personally tried to come up with a build to satisfy both PvE and WvW regardless of the size of the battle. Then I started runing sPVP with the same traits more and more and found that my build requires some tweaking. I guess it also has to do with how “pro” a player is… being able to maximise every aspect of the game. But switching build every time I am doing something different it is a hassle. Also, constantly switching weapons it doesn’t necessarily make you a better player since you will not find your own groove/patterns.

What do you say?

Pyroatheist.9031:

trooper.2650:

Excuse me for the noob question. Why isn’t Phantasmal Haste worth in a Phantasmal build? Wouldn’t it be a straight dps increase?

Phantasmal haste doesn’t work with swordsmen, so that’s one reason. Also, in larger fights it’s rare to have a phantasm survive long enough to attack twice, so phantasmal haste becomes unimportant.

Thank you

I know it doesn’t work with swordsman and that’s why I wouldn’t use off hand sword
if I’d pick that trait.

But do you agree you cannot have the “best” build for every single situation? If you come up with the “ideal” build for larger fights it will probably be not ideal for 1Vs1/2 and the other way round.

Excuse me for the noob question. Why isn’t Phantasmal Haste worth in a Phantasmal build? Wouldn’t it be a straight dps increase?

This is exactly what I was trying to get at with my post but no one replied:

https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/professions/mesmer/Build-advise/first#post2157885

I find myself in the same situation as yours meaning that I both like shatter and phantasms but find pro&cons in both builds.

But let me ask why is bouncing trait (Illusionary elasticity) bugged? I’ve tried it last night and didn’t notice anything in particular. In view of this I would run:

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fgAQNAR8alwzipXUzpGb9IBqHYP7fnUhWX6Bu5duB-TsAg0CnImRNjbGzMyZszM+Y9xuAA

If bouncing trait is indeed bugged I would swap it for -20% on phantasms recharge.
Also, I may swap sword specialization for clone on dodge but since I use mirror and decoy I hope I can do without.
Last, I will try sword/pistol – sword/torch for an extra escape method so that I can drop extra bounce, which I really like in conjunction with GS.

Nice to get someone with my same problems

After a period where I was 110% sure of my build and weapon set/play style I found I didn’t have the survivability I wanted and started to explore other ways.
Aside survivability my aim is to have a valid build for pvp and pve without the need to change drastically my play style or gear (although according to fights and specific situations little changes are acceptable though)

Using berserk gear, first I changed staff with GS and second I am back to sword/pistol. I find GS and pistol phantasms among the best.

Now. My doubt is really between focusing on phantasms with the following build

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fgAQNAR8alwzKqHVzpGb9IxZGQP6oeg9s79yHwNA-TIAg0CnA

or using similar concept but focused on the weapons I am using like this:

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fgAQNAR8alwzKqHVzpGb9IBqHYP7enkCVn6SK4duB-TIAg0CnA

To cut it short, what does provide more dps? is it best to have strong phantasms (+15% damage and fury) or to have your weapon skills ready any time you need them without waiting for them to come off cd (among GS, sword and pistol only GS trait grants +50power while wielding it and thus a granted increase of dps).

Thank you for feedback

thank you nemo. I guess I have a very bad timing for switching build I did not know of the nerf. I have been reading here and there and noticed of the general complaint from most of the mesmers… I guess I will stick to shatter (which I love) and find alternatives in phantasms build. What else is left?

So, has Master of misdirection became kind of useless? What about sceptre and torch which both apply confusion? Are they badly nerfed and not viable any more for a condition build? What would be a good condition spec and which weapons would you use? Sorry for these many questions but I am trying to move away from shatter in pve and don’t have much clue about heavy conditions builds.

PS: Would this spec be viable?
http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fgQQNArfWlwzipHVzgGaNJhZG9G5nUQdpjqw1LfA3A-jQxAkAQiAAdAKHWEN2qZR0YBA-e

Sorry for asking but I’m not 100% sure about this.
Are bleed. confusion and poison the only damage conditions we have at our disposal?
Can you point me to a reliable spec for GS and Staff user too (should I foget shatter
if I start using 2hs?)

My play style has always been around a melee range/shatter type of combat focusing on sword. I guess the rabid gear will force me to change it. Am I correct?
What gear should I be using if I wanted to keep using the melee centric shatter build other than Berserk?

Ty

I come from a full Zerk gear/Shatter build 20-20-0-0-30 (Sw-Torch/Sw-Focus) but I find my survivability to be too low in a pve environmnet.

So I started to acquire different gear. I now have 3 pieces of rabid Cond/Pre/Tho set (those you get with karma) and just realized that this gear set may not be ideal for a shatter build. Can anyone confirm/deny it?
Which weapons and game style does rabid pair up the best with?

ty

Thank you guys.
Yes, we aren’t bad but we do not excel either. I see it more like Nemo does rather than Carighan. But anyway, it isn’t a major issue. I guess my complaint comes from the fact than I do not see pack of mobs melting away under my #5 staff skill which also has a long CD (and I do not want to trait for) .

But what about gearing? Is toughness overall better than pure health pool? Should I go for a mix? Does it make any sense at all to buy an ascendant dps amulet (pow/crit/pre) and go for defensive slot choice?