Giving Guild Wars a better try before GW2 - Guild Wars Forums

Gotham343 · Dec 21, 2011, 01:35 AM // 01:35

I have played Guild Wars since around 2005/2006 and my first character was a Dervish on Nightfall. I enjoyed the game so much that I continued to buy each game so I could continue to experience the world and went on to also make a Necromancer.

Somewhere along the way though, it lost its appeal to me and I stopped playing. However all the recent news and hype surrounding Guild Wars 2, I decided to pick it back up with hopes of getting things from HoM. Every time I tried picking it up though, my interest didn't stick for long. I'm thinking it is because of losing interest in my class and because of that, I was wondering if I could get help picking a good class for me that hopefully would working into Guild Wars 2 as well.

The main thing I want is a magic class that can solo well. I'm fine with close combat, but I would prefer keeping a distance. I would like it to be a class that require thought to operate, but can be lax occasionally. Once again, I have all the games so any class suggestions will work and if anyone has any other questions, I would be happy to answer if it helps me choose a better class.

Thank you to anyone for their help and time

Star_Jewel · Dec 21, 2011, 02:09 AM // 02:09

When you say "solo well," you mean play on your own with henchmen/heroes, or a character that can solo farm as the only member of the party?

If the former, I'd recommend mesmer, as you can go pure damage/degen when feeling lazy, or do interrupts and trickier stuff when wanting to be more on your toes.

If the latter, go ritualist. They actually have a number of playstyles that aren't just spirit spam. Though spirit spam can be pretty brainless if you want to go that way. And they can solo farm pretty well.

Gotham343 · Dec 21, 2011, 03:19 AM // 03:19

The former is what I am saying. I am slowly opening up to working with groups and other people since there are things I have not been able to do with henchmen or heroes alone.

Would you have a Campaign you recommend for the Mesmer?

wilebill · Dec 21, 2011, 04:41 AM // 04:41

I've got a Mesmer and an Ele. Both work very well including HM, although in HM ele is a lightning ele and puts on conditions rather than doing heavy damage. Mesmer I would start in Nightfall, get those heroes full up and equipped. Then rock on!

Mesmer with a good group is not terribly fragile, although it is by nature a fragile character and you have to keep that in mind. Years ago someone was commenting on Mesmer skills as they were at that time and came to channeling which gives energy per skill used for each foe in the area. Her comment was, "In the area?????" Never forgot that. With a mesmer you want no foes nearby, use s key to back off, turn and run if necessary. Do your heavy damage from afar. Once this habit is established, you are a true mesmer.

Gotham343 · Dec 21, 2011, 05:19 AM // 05:19

Thank both of you for your advice. I am used to dealing damage from far and know when to run so it should work out very well I hope. Not only that,but then I will have a class I know I'll like for Guild Wars 2

Star_Jewel · Dec 21, 2011, 10:19 AM // 10:19

There are benefits to starting in Nightfall, where you get heroes right away... But Pre-Searing is something everyone should experience at least once, so you understand how deep the Tyrian story runs.
It's really a matter of personal preference: Whether you want things slow and easy or as fast as possible (character appearance also plays a role, and that's how I've always chosen a campaign).

I had another thought about your class selection quandary: When you played your necromancer, did you mostly play as a Death minion master, or a Curser?
If you did minions and didn't like it, ritualist probably wouldn't be much for you either. Conversely, if you did Curse hexes, you might not like the hexing of the mesmer either. Just something to consider when making your final selection.

But if you do stick with mesmer, yeah, it'll give you a nice lead-in to that class in GW2 (which looks wicked, truly living up to the mind-effing reputation of the profession!

).

akelarumi · Dec 21, 2011, 10:35 AM // 10:35

True,

If you never started in pre-seering, that's imo a must do it.
Specially when wanting to experience the whole Tyrian story for GW2. You learn a lot more bout the role of King Adelbern, wich has some significance in GW2.

Beside, it isn't pre-seering thats the really long/boring part. It is the part afterwards till LA, but with some resources in your chest (wich is available by then) you can make yourself more powerfull by getting a run, better armor, hero's and better weapons. After you did that and return, it is a walk in the park, beside, when it gets boring you have the rest of the game open as well cause of the run.

Gotham343 · Dec 21, 2011, 03:55 PM // 15:55

Star, I was an MM as Necromancer. I even do remember trying Ritualist after getting Factions now that I think about it. I dipped a little into curses, but not enough to really say I used it proficiently. And actually the reveal for Mesmer pushed me to this because it looks like it can be an amazing character if used properly.

I have done pre-Searing, that was my Nercromancer, and I have done every main story arch, except Eye of the North due to a stupid worm that I can't kill without actual people helping and so I have to force myself to group, which is a good thing.

Overall, its a tie between Original and Nightfall which story I prefer. Its the difference between a somewhat classic feel of a story and a more mystic feel and both are done very well, although the journey from post-Searing to Lions Arch is a pain, I will agree.

Quaker · Dec 21, 2011, 07:27 PM // 19:27

I'd say that you should try Elementalist or Necro for a pure caster class.

But, a great class in order to do both a bit of caster damage and physical damage would be Ritualist. Ritualists solo well too.

You could also try Ranger. It's not so much into spell damage, but does keep you out of melee range and has many options available. Also, a pet acts as a good body blocker.

tonini · Dec 21, 2011, 08:10 PM // 20:10

its just my opinion but playing with others can help keep the game fun so doin things like zv and zm sort of help you along cuz its not much fun even if you do start playing your favorite prof, joining a helpful and fun guild can help as well

and id suggest an ele since their just about due for an update which can make it more interesting for you to play

Gotham343 · Dec 22, 2011, 12:06 AM // 00:06

I agree on grouping and being in a guild helping with making the experience more fun,as I have realized recently. The main problem is that I feel I'll be playing Guild Wars now just to make sure I have a class I like and then to build up my Hall of Monuments both before Guild Wars 2 comes out.

JEVillen · Dec 22, 2011, 12:12 AM // 00:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gotham343

Star, I was an MM as Necromancer. I even do remember trying Ritualist after getting Factions now that I think about it. I dipped a little into curses, but not enough to really say I used it proficiently. And actually the reveal for Mesmer pushed me to this because it looks like it can be an amazing character if used properly.

If you were like me and played Ritualist before just at the release in Factions, you'll want to try it out again. The buffs that they did to the class over the years, especially the MASSIVE reduction in casting time for spirits and weapon spells has really changed how the class plays. You can truly go between support and damage depending on what you feel like that day, unlike before where going support with a Ritualist meant slowing the group down with 3+ second binding ritual casting time.
That said, I am really tempted to roll myself a new Mesmer just to have the that experience of setting up just the right set of skills to watch my enemy self-destruct.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gotham343

I have done pre-Searing, that was my Nercromancer, and I have done every main story arch, except Eye of the North due to a stupid worm that I can't kill without actual people helping and so I have to force myself to group, which is a good thing.

Off topic, but this Wurm?
http://wiki.guildwars.com/wiki/Cyndr_the_Mountain_Heart
A Ritualist hero makes it possible to do without a group if needed. It requires some flagging handywork or heavy damage reduction / heal, but if you can get offensive spirits to some place it doesn't shoot at, it will go down after about 2 powder kegs + the spirits shooting at it.

Gotham343 · Dec 22, 2011, 12:35 AM // 00:35

It was probably 2007/2008 when I tried a Ritualist last, probably didn't try it longer than up to Minister Cho's Estate.

And that is the Wurm...every time I've gone back I've tried to think of another way to beat it, tried and failed and I WILL beat it before I go to Guild Wars 2.

The problem was that I've had previous poor group experiences, not Guild Wars, that made me reluctant to group and (hopefully don't trigger any flames) after playing The Old Republic, I have been given hope that there are intelligent people to group with, I was just given horrible groups a lot.

So far, this weekend I will probably roll a Mesmer, Elementalist, and Ritualist. The problem is that with online games, I get to a point where I have to have a class that I can relate to so that I can be comfortable with playing for a long time, otherwise I lose interest.

Star_Jewel · Dec 22, 2011, 02:02 AM // 02:02

One key to Cyndr is life-steal. You can do it with heroes, you just have to load up the right builds. That wiki link posted above has some good general tactics. I also encourage you to do some searches of Guru for threads about it. Lots of people have run into your problem, and have come out the other side after putting in a little research.

As for your past PUG problems, there are good and bad PUGs in any game.... GW is the same way. If you do intend to PUG for Heart of the Shiverpeaks, I suggest hitting up our Guilds and Grouping subforum, where you can either find a guild of knowledgeable people to help you, or set up a mission group of people who will probably know a little more what they're doing. I often see people in the Eye spamming "lfg HotS" -- I assume they're begging to group because they don't know what's going on either. If you PUG with other "OMG, I can't beat that wurm!" types, that just seems like a recipe for failure.
Pick your PUGs wisely. If you see lots of groups forming in an area where that day's Zaishen Quest is going on, there's a good chance the people will mostly know what they're doing -- but they'll likely want you to be uber-efficient and do it in HM. Otherwise, it's a good bet they want a group because they need help. Very few competent players PUG for pleasure any more.
While I know some people do -- don't jump down my throat, pro-PUG'ers! -- they're spread out and can be difficult to find just as a random pick-up.

Lastly, I'm glad you'll be trying out the other caster classes. I, personally, always loved the ritualist, even before the buff a few years ago. I wasn't very far in the game before I said to my friend, "Wow...the power!"

As for elementalist, don't blow it off too quickly after you try it. Come the new year, they'll be getting a much-needed overhaul.

If you have all the games, you have plenty of character slots to play with. Since you're not fond of melee/physical, that leaves you room to try out all the ones you might fancy. Having several characters to do the quick and profitable Zaishen Quests can really help in funding your HoM.

Dec 21, 2011, 01:35 AM // 01:35	#1
Gotham343 Pre-Searing Cadet Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Oklahoma Profession: N/R	Giving Guild Wars a better try before GW2 I have played Guild Wars since around 2005/2006 and my first character was a Dervish on Nightfall. I enjoyed the game so much that I continued to buy each game so I could continue to experience the world and went on to also make a Necromancer. Somewhere along the way though, it lost its appeal to me and I stopped playing. However all the recent news and hype surrounding Guild Wars 2, I decided to pick it back up with hopes of getting things from HoM. Every time I tried picking it up though, my interest didn't stick for long. I'm thinking it is because of losing interest in my class and because of that, I was wondering if I could get help picking a good class for me that hopefully would working into Guild Wars 2 as well. The main thing I want is a magic class that can solo well. I'm fine with close combat, but I would prefer keeping a distance. I would like it to be a class that require thought to operate, but can be lax occasionally. Once again, I have all the games so any class suggestions will work and if anyone has any other questions, I would be happy to answer if it helps me choose a better class. Thank you to anyone for their help and time

Dec 21, 2011, 02:09 AM // 02:09	#2
Star_Jewel Jungle Guide Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Denizen of Tyria since Feb. 2009	When you say "solo well," you mean play on your own with henchmen/heroes, or a character that can solo farm as the only member of the party? If the former, I'd recommend mesmer, as you can go pure damage/degen when feeling lazy, or do interrupts and trickier stuff when wanting to be more on your toes. If the latter, go ritualist. They actually have a number of playstyles that aren't just spirit spam. Though spirit spam can be pretty brainless if you want to go that way. And they can solo farm pretty well.

Dec 21, 2011, 03:19 AM // 03:19	#3
Gotham343 Pre-Searing Cadet Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Oklahoma Profession: N/R	The former is what I am saying. I am slowly opening up to working with groups and other people since there are things I have not been able to do with henchmen or heroes alone. Would you have a Campaign you recommend for the Mesmer?

Dec 21, 2011, 04:41 AM // 04:41	#4
wilebill Desert Nomad Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Mt Vernon, Ohio Guild: Band of the Hawk Profession: W/Mo	I've got a Mesmer and an Ele. Both work very well including HM, although in HM ele is a lightning ele and puts on conditions rather than doing heavy damage. Mesmer I would start in Nightfall, get those heroes full up and equipped. Then rock on! Mesmer with a good group is not terribly fragile, although it is by nature a fragile character and you have to keep that in mind. Years ago someone was commenting on Mesmer skills as they were at that time and came to channeling which gives energy per skill used for each foe in the area. Her comment was, "In the area?????" Never forgot that. With a mesmer you want no foes nearby, use s key to back off, turn and run if necessary. Do your heavy damage from afar. Once this habit is established, you are a true mesmer.

Dec 21, 2011, 05:19 AM // 05:19	#5
Gotham343 Pre-Searing Cadet Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Oklahoma Profession: N/R	Thank both of you for your advice. I am used to dealing damage from far and know when to run so it should work out very well I hope. Not only that,but then I will have a class I know I'll like for Guild Wars 2

Dec 21, 2011, 10:19 AM // 10:19	#6
Star_Jewel Jungle Guide Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Denizen of Tyria since Feb. 2009	There are benefits to starting in Nightfall, where you get heroes right away... But Pre-Searing is something everyone should experience at least once, so you understand how deep the Tyrian story runs. It's really a matter of personal preference: Whether you want things slow and easy or as fast as possible (character appearance also plays a role, and that's how I've always chosen a campaign). I had another thought about your class selection quandary: When you played your necromancer, did you mostly play as a Death minion master, or a Curser? If you did minions and didn't like it, ritualist probably wouldn't be much for you either. Conversely, if you did Curse hexes, you might not like the hexing of the mesmer either. Just something to consider when making your final selection. But if you do stick with mesmer, yeah, it'll give you a nice lead-in to that class in GW2 (which looks wicked, truly living up to the mind-effing reputation of the profession! ).

Dec 21, 2011, 10:35 AM // 10:35	#7
akelarumi Wilds Pathfinder Join Date: Nov 2009 Profession: E/	True, If you never started in pre-seering, that's imo a must do it. Specially when wanting to experience the whole Tyrian story for GW2. You learn a lot more bout the role of King Adelbern, wich has some significance in GW2. Beside, it isn't pre-seering thats the really long/boring part. It is the part afterwards till LA, but with some resources in your chest (wich is available by then) you can make yourself more powerfull by getting a run, better armor, hero's and better weapons. After you did that and return, it is a walk in the park, beside, when it gets boring you have the rest of the game open as well cause of the run.

Dec 21, 2011, 03:55 PM // 15:55	#8
Gotham343 Pre-Searing Cadet Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Oklahoma Profession: N/R	Star, I was an MM as Necromancer. I even do remember trying Ritualist after getting Factions now that I think about it. I dipped a little into curses, but not enough to really say I used it proficiently. And actually the reveal for Mesmer pushed me to this because it looks like it can be an amazing character if used properly. I have done pre-Searing, that was my Nercromancer, and I have done every main story arch, except Eye of the North due to a stupid worm that I can't kill without actual people helping and so I have to force myself to group, which is a good thing. Overall, its a tie between Original and Nightfall which story I prefer. Its the difference between a somewhat classic feel of a story and a more mystic feel and both are done very well, although the journey from post-Searing to Lions Arch is a pain, I will agree.

Dec 21, 2011, 07:27 PM // 19:27	#9
Quaker Hell's Protector Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Canada Guild: Brothers Disgruntled	I'd say that you should try Elementalist or Necro for a pure caster class. But, a great class in order to do both a bit of caster damage and physical damage would be Ritualist. Ritualists solo well too. You could also try Ranger. It's not so much into spell damage, but does keep you out of melee range and has many options available. Also, a pet acts as a good body blocker.

Dec 21, 2011, 08:10 PM // 20:10	#10
tonini Forge Runner Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Retired from guildwars for good:D Guild: [] Profession: R/	its just my opinion but playing with others can help keep the game fun so doin things like zv and zm sort of help you along cuz its not much fun even if you do start playing your favorite prof, joining a helpful and fun guild can help as well and id suggest an ele since their just about due for an update which can make it more interesting for you to play

Dec 22, 2011, 12:06 AM // 00:06	#11
Gotham343 Pre-Searing Cadet Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Oklahoma Profession: N/R	I agree on grouping and being in a guild helping with making the experience more fun,as I have realized recently. The main problem is that I feel I'll be playing Guild Wars now just to make sure I have a class I like and then to build up my Hall of Monuments both before Guild Wars 2 comes out.

Dec 22, 2011, 12:35 AM // 00:35	#13
Gotham343 Pre-Searing Cadet Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Oklahoma Profession: N/R	It was probably 2007/2008 when I tried a Ritualist last, probably didn't try it longer than up to Minister Cho's Estate. And that is the Wurm...every time I've gone back I've tried to think of another way to beat it, tried and failed and I WILL beat it before I go to Guild Wars 2. The problem was that I've had previous poor group experiences, not Guild Wars, that made me reluctant to group and (hopefully don't trigger any flames) after playing The Old Republic, I have been given hope that there are intelligent people to group with, I was just given horrible groups a lot. So far, this weekend I will probably roll a Mesmer, Elementalist, and Ritualist. The problem is that with online games, I get to a point where I have to have a class that I can relate to so that I can be comfortable with playing for a long time, otherwise I lose interest.

Dec 22, 2011, 02:02 AM // 02:02	#14
Star_Jewel Jungle Guide Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Denizen of Tyria since Feb. 2009	One key to Cyndr is life-steal. You can do it with heroes, you just have to load up the right builds. That wiki link posted above has some good general tactics. I also encourage you to do some searches of Guru for threads about it. Lots of people have run into your problem, and have come out the other side after putting in a little research. As for your past PUG problems, there are good and bad PUGs in any game.... GW is the same way. If you do intend to PUG for Heart of the Shiverpeaks, I suggest hitting up our Guilds and Grouping subforum, where you can either find a guild of knowledgeable people to help you, or set up a mission group of people who will probably know a little more what they're doing. I often see people in the Eye spamming "lfg HotS" -- I assume they're begging to group because they don't know what's going on either. If you PUG with other "OMG, I can't beat that wurm!" types, that just seems like a recipe for failure. Pick your PUGs wisely. If you see lots of groups forming in an area where that day's Zaishen Quest is going on, there's a good chance the people will mostly know what they're doing -- but they'll likely want you to be uber-efficient and do it in HM. Otherwise, it's a good bet they want a group because they need help. Very few competent players PUG for pleasure any more. While I know some people do -- don't jump down my throat, pro-PUG'ers! -- they're spread out and can be difficult to find just as a random pick-up. Lastly, I'm glad you'll be trying out the other caster classes. I, personally, always loved the ritualist, even before the buff a few years ago. I wasn't very far in the game before I said to my friend, "Wow...the power!" As for elementalist, don't blow it off too quickly after you try it. Come the new year, they'll be getting a much-needed overhaul. If you have all the games, you have plenty of character slots to play with. Since you're not fond of melee/physical, that leaves you room to try out all the ones you might fancy. Having several characters to do the quick and profitable Zaishen Quests can really help in funding your HoM.