Curse

festerapd · Feb 06, 2010, 12:26 AM // 00:26

I'm 100% new, never played before. Based on some suggestions I'm going to try this game out. I'm interested in playing as close to a healbot as possible and am gathering that Monk is the way to go. (Coming from WoW duelist level arenas as Holy Paladin, Resto Druid and Disc Priest.)

So can anyone suggest a starting build that I can use with the PvP Access Kit. I'm dead set on PvP only and want to get into that asap. I don't mind grinding for the additional unlocks and gear I just need my PvP with the quickness.

emuking · Feb 06, 2010, 12:37 AM // 00:37

Fort Aspenwood, Jade Quarry, Alliance Battles, Zaishen and Zaishen Elite are all technically PvP environments with some NPCs, but they are generally not competitive like Guild vs Guild (GvG), Heroes Ascent (HA), and the mighty Codex Arena (jk).

Builds depend on your PvP platform.

If you wanna just get better at monking if you are completely brand new, run something with Word of healing, patient spirit, and a warrior defensive stance in Random Arenas (RA) which is the starting grounds for all PvPers basically. I'll go into more depth if you want to clarify which PvP setting you want to play in most.

Also, google PvX Guild Wars
It has a bunch of staple builds there that already have been proven to work better than most.

*lemming* · Feb 06, 2010, 01:17 AM // 01:17

http://pvx.wikia.com/wiki/Build:Mo/any_WoH_Arena_Monk

Play that bar with two of the warrior alternatives and you'll do fine in Random Arenas.

Getting into competitive PvP will be harder; good luck with that.

RorripopRane · Feb 06, 2010, 01:33 AM // 01:33

What emu and lemming said.

http://pvx.wikia.com/wiki/Category:G...king_RA_builds

For PvP monk builds to work toward.

Be warned, however, that as a Monk in RA, people in your random group will expect full competence from you right from the start. I would seriously consider getting a feel for the game choosing a different class first, then switch to Monk RAing when you're more comfortable. Or you could just do monk and other classes at the same time if you wanted.

An easy way to get faction and to learn about the subtle but important differences between builds is to trap (or "finish") at Zaishen Elite. Just complete all the training sessions in the Training Area and then move onto Zaishen Challenge. Beat the mishes there and then move onto Zaishen Elite where you can get a maximum 6k Balth faction a day (this faction cap is separate from the faction you'd get in RA or elsewhere).

http://pvx.wikia.com/wiki/Guide:Zaishen_Trapping

http://pvx.wikia.com/wiki/Build:Team...Triple_Trapper

Good luck.

festerapd · Feb 06, 2010, 01:53 AM // 01:53

Truly appreciated.

sonofthort · Feb 06, 2010, 05:40 AM // 05:40

I'de be happy to let you in my guild as a starting ground for you, show you the ropes when it comes to monking.

Trinity Fire Angel · Feb 06, 2010, 06:08 AM // 06:08

although this build takes a little bit of practice and knowledge of the skills involved i have found it to be tuff as nuts and a solid performer in RA and FA.

http://pvx.wikia.com/wiki/Build:Mo/R...esilience_Monk

It's my personal current RA build of choice as the number of hexes and conditions are over the top. Draw conditions and Melandru's resiliance = ftw. There used to be a great little thread in the TA section of the forums on different tactics for different team balances.

Holy veil is either for yourself or for your warrior / assassin. You have basically two hex removals and one of the best (apart from foul feast or RC) condition removal in the game. Make sure you use Disciples armour (+15AL whilst affected by a condition) on head, hands and feet and optionally chest and legs or at least survivor insignia on chest and legs. The general idea of playing monk in RA is for you and your team to survive long enough to stomp on the other team, hence being a tough monk is what you need to be as well as put out the heals and generally go the distance whilst conserving your own energy and health.

good luck

Pugs Not Drugs · Feb 06, 2010, 05:07 PM // 17:07

I really wish you guys wouldn't link straight to PVX to a new player. I know I used to have fun making my own builds when I first starter, because I was amazed at the sheer number of skills. Besides, most new players probably don't understand the bars and why they are superior to others. It would probably be better just giving him some tips on making an effective bar, and letting him do the rest.

deluxe · Feb 06, 2010, 08:42 PM // 20:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pugs Not Drugs

I really wish you guys wouldn't link straight to PVX to a new player. I know I used to have fun making my own builds when I first starter, because I was amazed at the sheer number of skills. Besides, most new players probably don't understand the bars and why they are superior to others. It would probably be better just giving him some tips on making an effective bar, and letting him do the rest.

When you're still learning its best to get the most optimal build available.
There is nothing wrong with copying other players or pvxwiki.
In RA there are a few builds that work among thousands of subpar "self-made" builds.

*lemming* · Feb 06, 2010, 10:15 PM // 22:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pugs Not Drugs

I really wish you guys wouldn't link straight to PVX to a new player. I know I used to have fun making my own builds when I first starter, because I was amazed at the sheer number of skills. Besides, most new players probably don't understand the bars and why they are superior to others. It would probably be better just giving him some tips on making an effective bar, and letting him do the rest.

He wanted to be competitive ASAP. There's not much to be gained letting him work it out by himself.

WoW's character diversity within classes comes from their talent specs, but regardless of how they spec, there's only around 20 skills a healer uses. GW's build selection system is significantly more complex, so why not start him off with something simpler?

festerapd · Feb 06, 2010, 10:49 PM // 22:49

Again, thanks for all the feedback.

So far I'm winning about 40% of my RA games on my first day. I understand why I lost some of those games which makes me even more upbeat.

However, there are two things are troubling me. First, I can't seem to survive melee. When I'm getting trained on by melee I'll manage to keep everyone up for about 10 seconds then fall over. Second, I'm having trouble finding max synergy between my action bar and and my attributes. The devs really seem to want to punish min/maxers here.

I'll figure out my bar/attributes issue with experience. However, the melee train dilemma in RA seems hopeless.

deluxe · Feb 06, 2010, 11:17 PM // 23:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by festerapd

I'll figure out my bar/attributes issue with experience. However, the melee train dilemma in RA seems hopeless.

I solve that with protectors defense, balanced stance and guardian.

zelgadissan · Feb 07, 2010, 01:13 AM // 01:13

Adding to what deluxe said, part of the fun/frustration of RA is knowing that your teammates suck ass. If you had a necro or mesmer on your team in any game of the melee trains (particularly the necro), feel free to pass the blame. If he can't be bothered to throw up a Faintheartedness, Insidious Parasite, or Empathy on the melee training you, don't feel bad for the loss. Of course, I noticed you said you like to play a healbot, and Guild Wars monking is equal parts preventing damage as healing it up, so it could also be your playstyle.

Welcome to the game - trying to play monk in PvP isn't something that I would suggest starting with but if you're enjoying yourself, all power to you.