Mesmer or Elementalist?? which to choose... - Guild Wars Forums

SiLeNcEr · Jul 27, 2008, 12:41 PM // 12:41

I have decided to make a new character but am having trouble deciding between a mesmer and elementalist.
i own all campaigns including expansion, and was wanting the communties thoughts on which to choose and why would you choose that proffession.

MESMER OR ELEMENTALIST

ty no flames plz.

Panais · Jul 27, 2008, 12:56 PM // 12:56

ele can get into more groups, but mesmers can be alot better when used correctly

MagmaRed · Jul 27, 2008, 01:04 PM // 13:04

It would depend on what you enjoy. Elementalist is geared for mass damage. Mesmer is geared for disabling an enemy. If you just want to do as much damage as possible to as many targets as possible, run an Elementalist. If you know how other classes work, and how to disable them, run a Mesmer.

PvE will not show much PUG love to a Mesmer, but friends and guilds will see the value in one for virtually anything. Elementalist will have a LOT of PUG love, and they also have several options for solo farming.

zelgadissan · Jul 27, 2008, 01:45 PM // 13:45

Depends on if you like PuGs or not. If so, out of those two you have to take ele.

If you get joy out of watching enemies fail at what they do, take mesmer (like me). You're already off to a good start if you own all the campaigns because that means you probably know by now how all the professions work. Trust me, there is no joy in GW like catching a 1/4 cast spell in an interrupt.

If you enjoy watching stuff blow up (at least for a while), take ele. You will also probably be more accepted in harder areas like DoA and UW, whether it's a balanced team or Ursan crap.

Smarty · Jul 27, 2008, 02:02 PM // 14:02

Which other classes have you played? Do you do any PvP? How are your unlocks for your heroes? Are you a member of a guild or do you need to rely on PUGs for stuff you don't want to/can't do hero/hench? Will this be a possible main character for doing hard mode title chasing with? Do you have a character you can do solo-farming on yet? They're all factors in which would be the best class for you to try next.

Chances are ele will be your best bet if you're looking for skill unlocks for heroes or wanting to PUG or title chase. If you don't care about any of that and just want to have fun watching things kill themselves, play a mesmer. They're a tonne of fun and a lot more versatile than many people realise. You'll do better at it if you've played a variety of other classes already, though, as you'll have a better understanding of what to do to make your target suffer.

Tyla · Jul 27, 2008, 02:04 PM // 14:04

Mesmers, even used by the best of players are the least effective profession in PvE. Their main interrupts can be ran by any profession, their primary isn't as favourable and single target shutdown is less effective in PvE. Play it if you're into disruption, shutdown and crap though. It's PvE and anything works.

Elementalists have great utility, can power skills such as Great Dwarf Weapon on 3 people with ease aswell as Mesmer interrupts or Cry of Pain, can blind, deal moderate damage and are more accessable in PuGs.

Bottom line: Elementalists are generally a superior choice, but if you prefer the role of the Mesmer, go do that, it's PvE!

Lykan · Jul 27, 2008, 02:52 PM // 14:52

If you dont know the difference right now then go ele.

Anson Carmichael · Jul 27, 2008, 03:35 PM // 15:35

Be aware that mesmers have a serious lack of self-heal, that is always a concern.

That said, I find the several play styles of mesmers to be quite entertaining. In PvE, I've found interrupts to be of varying use, but Power Block is extraordinary for shutting down enemy monks and elementalists. With silly mobs that congregate in one place, chaos storm, especially when echo'd, can cause AoE energy denial with some marginal damage. Ether nightmare, the factions pve mesmer skill, is an amazing skill that goes with almost any profession. I would concur with other people, though, that finding a PUG with a mesmer is hard if not impossible some times. I've been kicked a few times without explanation. Just be careful, if you play a mesmer, that you're using for its class and not only as a faster casting version of other classes, because you'll probably be happier playing the other classes.

Elementalist is the greatest farming class in existence. Earth magic is fun. That is all.

HackingHippie712 · Jul 27, 2008, 03:57 PM // 15:57

Id go mesmer, they are capable of perma sf for farming and can deal more damage than an ele in HM(armor ignoring FTW) i usually run something like this when my mesmer ventures into pve

Mantra of Recovery
Empathy
Backfire
Pain Inverter
Cry of Pain
Cry of Frustration
Power Drain
Rebirth

Don Doggy · Jul 27, 2008, 03:57 PM // 15:57

Most PUGs don't realise how useful a mesmer can be so for getting accepted into groups ele will have an easier time. Ele is also easier to use and play than a mesmer.

Morgan Crowe · Jul 27, 2008, 03:59 PM // 15:59

Choose mesmer, you can play fastcast ele anyway if you want/had to.

Tyla · Jul 27, 2008, 04:18 PM // 16:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hacking Hippie

Id go mesmer, they are capable of perma sf for farming and can deal more damage than an ele in HM(armor ignoring FTW) i usually run something like this when my mesmer ventures into pve

Because Cry of Pain is linked to an attribute, right?

crazybanshee · Jul 27, 2008, 04:22 PM // 16:22

Like everyone said, go ele if you're going to be pugging cause most groups won't take a mes. Mes requires a lot more skill and twitch, and oh yea a fast connection cause you won't be interrupting much on a slow ping.

Rothan Celt · Jul 27, 2008, 04:33 PM // 16:33

I suppose if it must be one of the 2 pick mesmer i chose ele but so much more can be done with a mesmer aswell as Me/E hybrid builds .... Male mesmers look iffy however :s

Elder III · Jul 27, 2008, 04:43 PM // 16:43

If you have not played either before I suggest Ele, as it is easier and will be sought out more by others. You can get it to lvl 20 in a very short time, so if you don't like it you can just reroll as a Mesmer.

HackingHippie712 · Jul 27, 2008, 04:46 PM // 16:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rothan Celt

I suppose if it must be one of the 2 pick mesmer i chose ele but so much more can be done with a mesmer aswell as Me/E hybrid builds .... Male mesmers look iffy however :s

are you kidding? my mesmer is a sexy mofo...and have you seen the mesmer for StS?

Highlander Of Alba · Jul 27, 2008, 05:34 PM // 17:34

Play what you wish to play

Yes both can be good...It may take you a little longer to learn the mesmer ..but its worth it in the end

I cant really what is best(term used loosely)as long as you enjoy the game thats all that matters....

You always have the option to add more slots/campaigns ect

So if you try the mesmer and dont like it then salvage everything before you delete your char putting gold into yout chestforwhat u salvaged ,,save bags also as saves you buying ..

Just a way if you dont have a lot in your bank

HackingHippie712 · Jul 27, 2008, 05:38 PM // 17:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tyla

Because Cry of Pain is linked to an attribute, right?

ahh, pardon my ignorance for thinking Mesmer hexes were best effective on a Mesmer

as far as pve goes anyway FC SoI Ele>Normal ele

plus when pressing 1,2,3,4 next group 1,2,3,4 next group 1,2,3,4 next group 1,2,3,4 gets boring with mesmer you could switch to a build that actually requires a thought process

Tyla · Jul 27, 2008, 05:56 PM // 17:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by HackingHippie712

ahh, pardon my ignorance for thinking Mesmer hexes were best effective on a Mesmer

Ah, pardon my ignorance for just using any Mesmer hex and still using it to it's full extent.

Quote:

as far as pve goes anyway FC SoI Ele>Normal ele

Not really. Splinter Weapon > your crap. Also, SoI sucks unless it's something gimmicky. Oh, and SoI only makes it eleven spec at sixteen Illusion.

Quote:

plus when pressing 1,2,3,4 next group 1,2,3,4 next group 1,2,3,4 next group 1,2,3,4 gets boring with mesmer you could switch to a build that actually requires a thought process

Oh, and who said other professions don't carry traits like these? Mesmer isn't the only class that requires basic skill, and single target shutdown is less effective in PvE.

Tearz1993 · Jul 27, 2008, 06:07 PM // 18:07

Cry of Frustration is more fun than any ele skill you will find.

Jul 27, 2008, 12:41 PM // 12:41	#1
SiLeNcEr Pre-Searing Cadet Join Date: Apr 2008 Guild: ICUP Profession: W/R	Mesmer or Elementalist?? which to choose... I have decided to make a new character but am having trouble deciding between a mesmer and elementalist. i own all campaigns including expansion, and was wanting the communties thoughts on which to choose and why would you choose that proffession. MESMER OR ELEMENTALIST ty no flames plz.

Jul 27, 2008, 02:02 PM // 14:02	#5
Smarty Krytan Explorer Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: England Profession: Me/	Which other classes have you played? Do you do any PvP? How are your unlocks for your heroes? Are you a member of a guild or do you need to rely on PUGs for stuff you don't want to/can't do hero/hench? Will this be a possible main character for doing hard mode title chasing with? Do you have a character you can do solo-farming on yet? They're all factors in which would be the best class for you to try next. Chances are ele will be your best bet if you're looking for skill unlocks for heroes or wanting to PUG or title chase. If you don't care about any of that and just want to have fun watching things kill themselves, play a mesmer. They're a tonne of fun and a lot more versatile than many people realise. You'll do better at it if you've played a variety of other classes already, though, as you'll have a better understanding of what to do to make your target suffer. Last edited by Smarty; Jul 27, 2008 at 02:06 PM // 14:06..

Jul 27, 2008, 12:56 PM // 12:56	#2
Panais Frost Gate Guardian Join Date: Mar 2008 Guild: Binge And Purge [HET] Profession: D/W	ele can get into more groups, but mesmers can be alot better when used correctly

Jul 27, 2008, 01:04 PM // 13:04	#3
MagmaRed Furnace Stoker Join Date: Mar 2007 Guild: Our Crabs Know True [LOVE] Profession: R/	It would depend on what you enjoy. Elementalist is geared for mass damage. Mesmer is geared for disabling an enemy. If you just want to do as much damage as possible to as many targets as possible, run an Elementalist. If you know how other classes work, and how to disable them, run a Mesmer. PvE will not show much PUG love to a Mesmer, but friends and guilds will see the value in one for virtually anything. Elementalist will have a LOT of PUG love, and they also have several options for solo farming.

Jul 27, 2008, 01:45 PM // 13:45	#4
zelgadissan Forge Runner Join Date: Feb 2008 Guild: The Warrior Priests [WP] Profession: Me/Rt	Depends on if you like PuGs or not. If so, out of those two you have to take ele. If you get joy out of watching enemies fail at what they do, take mesmer (like me). You're already off to a good start if you own all the campaigns because that means you probably know by now how all the professions work. Trust me, there is no joy in GW like catching a 1/4 cast spell in an interrupt. If you enjoy watching stuff blow up (at least for a while), take ele. You will also probably be more accepted in harder areas like DoA and UW, whether it's a balanced team or Ursan crap.

Jul 27, 2008, 02:04 PM // 14:04	#6
Tyla Emo Goth Italics Join Date: Sep 2006	Mesmers, even used by the best of players are the least effective profession in PvE. Their main interrupts can be ran by any profession, their primary isn't as favourable and single target shutdown is less effective in PvE. Play it if you're into disruption, shutdown and crap though. It's PvE and anything works. Elementalists have great utility, can power skills such as Great Dwarf Weapon on 3 people with ease aswell as Mesmer interrupts or Cry of Pain, can blind, deal moderate damage and are more accessable in PuGs. Bottom line: Elementalists are generally a superior choice, but if you prefer the role of the Mesmer, go do that, it's PvE!

Jul 27, 2008, 02:52 PM // 14:52	#7
Lykan Forge Runner Join Date: May 2005 Guild: StP Profession: R/	If you dont know the difference right now then go ele.

Jul 27, 2008, 03:35 PM // 15:35	#8
Anson Carmichael Ascalonian Squire Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: US Guild: Lost Guardians of Vormis	Be aware that mesmers have a serious lack of self-heal, that is always a concern. That said, I find the several play styles of mesmers to be quite entertaining. In PvE, I've found interrupts to be of varying use, but Power Block is extraordinary for shutting down enemy monks and elementalists. With silly mobs that congregate in one place, chaos storm, especially when echo'd, can cause AoE energy denial with some marginal damage. Ether nightmare, the factions pve mesmer skill, is an amazing skill that goes with almost any profession. I would concur with other people, though, that finding a PUG with a mesmer is hard if not impossible some times. I've been kicked a few times without explanation. Just be careful, if you play a mesmer, that you're using for its class and not only as a faster casting version of other classes, because you'll probably be happier playing the other classes. Elementalist is the greatest farming class in existence. Earth magic is fun. That is all.

Jul 27, 2008, 03:57 PM // 15:57	#9
HackingHippie712 Academy Page Join Date: Mar 2008 Guild: West Kentshire Pony Club [Pony] Profession: Me/A	Id go mesmer, they are capable of perma sf for farming and can deal more damage than an ele in HM(armor ignoring FTW) i usually run something like this when my mesmer ventures into pve Mantra of Recovery Empathy Backfire Pain Inverter Cry of Pain Cry of Frustration Power Drain Rebirth

Jul 27, 2008, 03:57 PM // 15:57	#10
Don Doggy Lion's Arch Merchant Join Date: Oct 2006 Profession: W/	Most PUGs don't realise how useful a mesmer can be so for getting accepted into groups ele will have an easier time. Ele is also easier to use and play than a mesmer.

Jul 27, 2008, 03:59 PM // 15:59	#11
Morgan Crowe Frost Gate Guardian Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Austria. Guild: The Country Called Europe [EUR] Profession: W/	Choose mesmer, you can play fastcast ele anyway if you want/had to.

Jul 27, 2008, 04:22 PM // 16:22	#13
crazybanshee Desert Nomad Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Look out! Profession: E/	Like everyone said, go ele if you're going to be pugging cause most groups won't take a mes. Mes requires a lot more skill and twitch, and oh yea a fast connection cause you won't be interrupting much on a slow ping.

Jul 27, 2008, 04:33 PM // 16:33	#14
Rothan Celt Jungle Guide Join Date: Feb 2008 Guild: Aura Profession: Mo/R	I suppose if it must be one of the 2 pick mesmer i chose ele but so much more can be done with a mesmer aswell as Me/E hybrid builds .... Male mesmers look iffy however :s

Jul 27, 2008, 04:43 PM // 16:43	#15
Elder III Furnace Stoker Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Ohio Guild: I Will Never Join Your Guild (NTY) Profession: R/	If you have not played either before I suggest Ele, as it is easier and will be sought out more by others. You can get it to lvl 20 in a very short time, so if you don't like it you can just reroll as a Mesmer.

Jul 27, 2008, 05:34 PM // 17:34	#17
Highlander Of Alba Wilds Pathfinder Join Date: Jan 2007 Guild: Real Rogue Clan Profession: Rt/Mo	Play what you wish to play Yes both can be good...It may take you a little longer to learn the mesmer ..but its worth it in the end I cant really what is best(term used loosely)as long as you enjoy the game thats all that matters.... You always have the option to add more slots/campaigns ect So if you try the mesmer and dont like it then salvage everything before you delete your char putting gold into yout chestforwhat u salvaged ,,save bags also as saves you buying .. Just a way if you dont have a lot in your bank

Jul 27, 2008, 06:07 PM // 18:07	#20
Tearz1993 Wilds Pathfinder Join Date: Jul 2007 Guild: Relentless Aggressors [rA] Profession: R/Mo	Cry of Frustration is more fun than any ele skill you will find.