Simple question about caster weapons in HA - Guild Wars Forums

ibex333 · May 28, 2007, 08:34 PM // 20:34

I see an increasing number of Rits, Eles and other casters using one handed axes/spears/swords and shields in HA.

I'm wondering what is the reasoning behind these choices? I'm assuming the weapon is +5 energy, but what about the shield?

What are the benefits aside from good looks? What are the drawbacks?

I want to know EXACTLY which mods these people put on their weapon and on their shield/offhand. What is the "popular" choice?

Can such setups be used efficiently in PvE? Heck, I want to look wierd too!

Trevor · May 28, 2007, 09:24 PM // 21:24

Even if you don't meet the requirement for a shield, you still get 8 armor from it, which is what people use it for. Most people have it on one of their sets so when they're getting pounded on they can swap to their shield set and minimize the damage. The sword is a +5e +30h, and the shield a +30h +10 armor vs X. Most people have +10vsSlashing as standard, but swap it out depending on what's attacking them or what the opponent's build is, such as thumpers or sins. You should have a shield with a +10 mod for slashing, blunt, piercing, and each of the elements (although you really won't use those as much; you can pretty much get away with just having a +10vsFire). The really nice thing about having a shield out is that the potential +18 armor is universal, meaning it always activates, as compared to armor bonuses, where they only activate based on a percentage of where the opponent hits you.

There aren't any real drawbacks, except for the lack of extra energy and casting mods. Once you practice weapon swapping a bit, you should be able to sit on a staff or wand/focus set, and only swap to the shield when you're about to take a significant amount of damage.

Coridan · May 29, 2007, 12:02 AM // 00:02

i think trevor summed it up nicely for us noobs...thanks trevor...i had always realized that you get +8 armor from a shield but never put together the +10 AL vs xx to bring the total to +18.

Thanks again

Coloneh · May 29, 2007, 12:38 AM // 00:38

I wouldnt say there is an increase though. smart casters in pvp have always been using axe/sword/spear + shield

GreatLich · May 29, 2007, 04:14 AM // 04:14

true. but maybe more "not so smart" players are catching on? (and thus joining the ranks of the smart casters)

ichigo_panty · May 29, 2007, 08:29 AM // 08:29

Using caster weapon means you can spike better too. Without the 20HCT.

May 28, 2007, 08:34 PM // 20:34	#1
ibex333 Desert Nomad Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Brooklyn, NY Guild: [EYE] Profession: Rt/A	Simple question about caster weapons in HA I see an increasing number of Rits, Eles and other casters using one handed axes/spears/swords and shields in HA. I'm wondering what is the reasoning behind these choices? I'm assuming the weapon is +5 energy, but what about the shield? What are the benefits aside from good looks? What are the drawbacks? I want to know EXACTLY which mods these people put on their weapon and on their shield/offhand. What is the "popular" choice? Can such setups be used efficiently in PvE? Heck, I want to look wierd too!

May 28, 2007, 09:24 PM // 21:24	#2
Trevor Academy Page Join Date: Sep 2005 Guild: Team Flamingo [FFs] Profession: E/Mo	Even if you don't meet the requirement for a shield, you still get 8 armor from it, which is what people use it for. Most people have it on one of their sets so when they're getting pounded on they can swap to their shield set and minimize the damage. The sword is a +5e +30h, and the shield a +30h +10 armor vs X. Most people have +10vsSlashing as standard, but swap it out depending on what's attacking them or what the opponent's build is, such as thumpers or sins. You should have a shield with a +10 mod for slashing, blunt, piercing, and each of the elements (although you really won't use those as much; you can pretty much get away with just having a +10vsFire). The really nice thing about having a shield out is that the potential +18 armor is universal, meaning it always activates, as compared to armor bonuses, where they only activate based on a percentage of where the opponent hits you. There aren't any real drawbacks, except for the lack of extra energy and casting mods. Once you practice weapon swapping a bit, you should be able to sit on a staff or wand/focus set, and only swap to the shield when you're about to take a significant amount of damage. Last edited by Trevor; May 28, 2007 at 09:38 PM // 21:38..

May 29, 2007, 12:02 AM // 00:02	#3
Coridan Forge Runner Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: US Guild: Old Married Gamers {OMG} Profession: W/	i think trevor summed it up nicely for us noobs...thanks trevor...i had always realized that you get +8 armor from a shield but never put together the +10 AL vs xx to bring the total to +18. Thanks again

May 29, 2007, 12:38 AM // 00:38	#4
Coloneh Furnace Stoker Join Date: Nov 2006 Profession: D/W	I wouldnt say there is an increase though. smart casters in pvp have always been using axe/sword/spear + shield

May 29, 2007, 04:14 AM // 04:14	#5
GreatLich Lion's Arch Merchant Join Date: Aug 2005	true. but maybe more "not so smart" players are catching on? (and thus joining the ranks of the smart casters)

May 29, 2007, 08:29 AM // 08:29	#6
ichigo_panty Krytan Explorer Join Date: Nov 2006 Guild: Exiled And Forsaken[EnF]	Using caster weapon means you can spike better too. Without the 20HCT.