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Mar 20, 2011, 09:50 PM // 21:50
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Desert Nomad
Join Date: May 2006
Profession: N/
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Hero Meta: A Guide
** This guide is a long way from done. I wanted to get this up in a base format so that players may read it and make suggestions/changes while I am in the process of writing it. This way, it won't take me weeks to write it AND add the changes, since I can do it all at once. Feel free to post here and give me a helping hand or just let me know what you think! **
Recently, many new players have found the forums, lost and in search of ideas or improvements for their customizable companions. You can hardly blame them; there are over 1000 unique skills to choose from! Some of these skills are better choices than others, so if Dwayna has a few hundred I.O.U.'s with your name on 'em or if you are just looking for tips in general, you've come to the right place. Welcome to Hero Meta: A Guide! Here I will discuss, to the best of my abilities, the Hero Meta and what makes these skills "better" than other available skills as of the game's current status. Before we begin, if you are looking for a guide more on the general use of Heroes and skill selection, please see Cebe's comprehensive (and massively excellent) guide here. You will also notice that many of the templates here are incomplete. This is because many single character builds are built loosely around a set of core skills, usually 4 to 6. I have only included the basic templates in any builds, but you will find a list of "desirable" skills listed in each build's info section as well as a section dedicated to each class's "desirable" skills and a section for "desirable" sub class skills. Use any of these to fill in the rest of the slots based on your needs and preferences! Finally, you may be asking yourself, "What does this have that GWPvX Wiki doesn't?" Well, for one, you can find all the info you need on any class in one location; this guide will give you the prime selection of build choice, right here. Second, while GWPvX Wiki is a great source of info, I often see players pulling builds from it without really knowing what put that build in "Meta" or "Great" in the first place. This leads to sub-par selection and performance when the player has to make any decisions or combine them. This guide will list the builds as well as the reasons players are using them. Now, let's get started! 1. Article Contents
2. Current Meta Team Builds (as of March 18, 2011) The builds in this section are the top team builds used by players. They work great in most situations and can easily get you through any non-elite area in the game. There are currently 3 of them. For suggestions on the empty slots, see the "Info" section below them, the "Class Specific Meta Builds" section or the "Secondary Skill Set Meta" section. 2A. Casterway Casterway is exactly what it sounds like: a build designed around the use of many casters, and often, exclusively casters. The build is based around 2 Ritualists, 2 Mesmers, and 2 Necromancers with one optional slot. The Pain of Disenchantment Necromancer can also be considered optional, but was standard enough to warrant listing as well. Casterway achieves it's kills through many large packets of armor ignoring AoE damage; these skills are also a large portion of the build's damage mitigation, meaning the same skills that are damaging foes are also interrupting, punishing, and otherwise shutting down the enemy as well. There are also a fair amount of Spirits and Minions present acting as distractions for foes to pound on. This build provides a balanced amount of Prots, Heals, Shut Downs, and Meat Shields. It's excels at taking down groups of foes, but has a weak ability to spike down targets on demand. Dangerous foes will need to be shut down, since they cannot be eliminated outright. Casterway - Slot 1: Optional Template code: n/a Info: Casterway - Slot 2: N/Rt Pain of Disenchantment Template code: OAhAMV1nqloMYHAAAAAA Signet of Lost Souls | Pain of Disenchantment | Mark of Pain | Barbs | Enfeebling Blood Info: Casterway - Slot 3: N/Mo Minion Bomber Template code: http://gwpvx.gamepedia.com/Special:P...o=Submit+Query Aura of the Lich | Animate Bone Minions | Putrid Bile | Death Nova | Protective Spirit | Aegis Info: Casterway - Slot 4: Me/X Ineptitude Mesmer Template code: OQBAQvArAIg5ZZALfAAAA Ineptitude | Clumsiness | Wandering Eye | Signet of Clumsiness | Power Drain | Waste Not, Want Not Info: Casterway - Slot 5: Me/X Panic Mesmer Template code: OQBAM0gpXOw0lBW+AAAA Panic | Mistrust | Cry of Frustration | Unnatural Signet | Power Drain | Waste Not, Want Not Info: Casterway - Slot 6: Rt/X Spirit Spammer Template code: OACAMO7M3mLaf2+mWTnJ Signet of Ghostly Might | Dissonance | Disenchantment | Anguish | Shadowsong | Pain | Signet of Creation | Boon of Creation Info: Casterway - Slot 7: Rt/X Signet of Spirits Support Healer Template code: OACAMXTmJGTaO5GmAAAA Signet of Spirits | Spirit Siphon | Splinter Weapon | Mend Body and Soul | Spirit Light | Protective Was Kaolai Info: 2B. Discordway Discordway is actually a variant of Casterway. It uses many of the same builds, but focuses a large portion of it's class pool to high, single target spike damage via the skill Discord. This build is also built around 2 Ritualists and 2 Mesmers but differs itself through 3 (essential) Necromancers to fill out the rest. Discordway still has moderate amounts of high damage armor ignoring AoE, but the main feature is the addition Discord on all 3 Necromancers. This allows the player to more easily eliminate the more threatening targets first. This build maintains Casterway's meatshield base, even though the minions are split between 2 or 3 characters. This build provides a moderate amount of protection with a massive amount of healing. It's AoE is strong enough to weaken the enemy, allowing the high spike damage to finish off targets who may otherwise take multiple spikes to kill. Dangerous foes can be killed on demand, but this build relies heavily on minions to operate effectively. Without them acting as meat shields and batteries (via soul reaping), the Necromancers will be forced to spam heals until they run out of energy. Make sure there are a decent supply of corpses for this build! Discordway - Slot 1: N/Rt Resto Discord Template code: OAhAMV1Y2R9iNMncSTAA Signet of Lost Souls | Discord | Animate Shambling Horror | Flesh of My Flesh | Protective Was Kaolai | Spirit Light | Mend Body and Soul Info: Discordway - Slot 2: N/Rt Resto Discord #2 Template code: OAhAMV1Y2R1OMMncSzxJ Signet of Lost Souls | Discord | Animate Shambling Horror | Enfeebling Blood | Protective Was Kaolai | Spirit Light | Mend Body and Soul | Life Info: Discordway - Slot 3: N/Mo Prot Discord Template code: OANAQVVxMVBKgoB1DBEAA Signet of Lost Souls | Discord | Animate Bone Minions | Putrid Bile | Death Nova | Protective Spirit | Aegis Info: Discordway - Slot 4: Me/X Ineptitude Mesmer Template code: OQBAQvArAIgkA5ZZALfAA Ineptitude | Clumsiness | Wandering Eye | Arcane Conundrum | Signet of Clumsiness | Power Drain | Waste Not, Want Not Info: Discordway - Slot 5: Me/X Panic Mesmer Template code: OQBAM0gpXOw0lBW+AAAA Panic | Mistrust | Cry of Frustration | Unnatural Signet | Power Drain | Waste Not, Want Not Info: Discordway - Slot 6: Rt/X Spirit Spammer Template code: OACAMO7M3mLaf2+mWTnJ Signet of Ghostly Might | Dissonance | Disenchantment | Anguish | Shadowsong | Pain | Signet of Creation | Boon of Creation Info: Discordway - Slot 7: Rt/X Signet of Spirits Support Healer Template code: OACAMXTmJGTaO5GmAAAA Signet of Spirits | Spirit Siphon | Splinter Weapon | Mend Body and Soul | Spirit Light | Protective Was Kaolai Info: 2C. Physway And now we come to the last of the mainstream team builds: Physway. This build uses overwhelming physical damage to spike targets down, usually one at a time, but depending on the setup and with a little luck, it can occasionally spike down an entire group at once. There are many variants to this build, too many to put here, but the structure remains the same: 3 to 4 support classes, 3 to 4 physical/damage characters. Physway achieves it's kills by pummeling target after target with buffed physical damage characters. It's damage mitigation comes through it's ability to instantly eliminate threatening targets and through the involved class's innate durability. This build is a prime example of offense being the best defense. The specific strengths and weaknesses depend heavily on the choices the Player makes during skill selection. This build has a decent level of protection on top of the inherent durability of it's classes. Heals are usually party wide with a single power healer to take care of spikes. Shutdown is lacking, but as mentioned above, any character that needs to be shut down can simply be killed instead. This build can be found completely void of any meat shields, or patrolling with a miniature army depending on the setup. There are melee versions as well as ranged versions, with the latter being more common and effective. Some choose to run both. Rather or not the Player is a Caster or Physical Damage Character also plays an important role in choosing your team's skills. The build options are so diverse that it's hard to divulge a single Meta setup. Instead, I have a few examples to show the concept of this build style. I have one for Casters and one for Physical Characters. When creating your own, check the Class Specific Meta Builds if you get stuck. Also, keep in mind that these builds here might have a few of my own personal preferences. Click the links for the builds. (I didn't put them here because these files are quite large and I'm trying to save ya'll some load time!) - Physway: Caster Player - Physway (Caster) - Player: X/A Caster Player Template code: OAdAQLQ2kxkAAAAAAAAAA Assassin's Promise | "You Move Like a Dwarf!" | "Finish Him!" Info: Physway (Caster) - Slot 2: P/X Song of Purification Motigon Template code: OQCAQiY+iDZpYqYcYybAA Song of Purification | Spear of Redemption | Merciless Spear | Finale of Restoration | Mending Refrain | Ballad of Restoration | Signet of Return Info: Physway (Caster) - Slot 3: P/Me Expel Hexes Motigon Template code: OQWAM6OFcROF3h5wybAA Expel Hexes | Blazing Spear | Wild Throw | Finale of Restoration | Chorus of Restoration | Ballad of Restoration | Signet of Return Info: Physway (Caster) - Slot 4: R/P Heal as One Spearchucker Template code: OgkAQrS4GehBZagWY7YAA Heal as One | Scavenger Strike | Feral Aggression | Vicious Attack | Chest Thumper | "Go for the Eyes!" | "Fall Back!" Info: Physway (Caster) - Slot 5: R/P Heal as One Spearchucker Template code: OgkAQrS4GehBZagWY7YAA Heal as One | Scavenger Strike | Feral Aggression | Vicious Attack | Chest Thumper | "Go for the Eyes!" | "Fall Back!" Info: Physway (Caster) - Slot 6: N/Mo Jagged Bones Minion Bomber Protter Template code: OANAQVVLVVBoBKgbh1DBE Signet of Lost Souls | Jagged Bones | Animate Bone Minions | Death Nova | Putrid Bile | Masochism | Protective Spirit | Aegis Info: Physway (Caster) - Slot 7: N/X Cultist's Fervor Orders Support Template code: OANAImshMJDtd8JAAAA Cultist's Fervor | Order of Pain | Dark Fury | Blood Bond | Enfeebling Blood | Weaken Armor Info: Physway (Caster) - Slot 8: Rt/X Signet of Spirits Support Healer Template code: OACAMXzxJzEj5NlmTuhJ Signet of Spirits | Life | Spirit Siphon | Splinter Weapon | Ancestors' Rage | Mend Body and Soul | Spirit Light | Protective Was Kaolai Info: - Physway: Physical Damage Player - Physway (Physical) - Player: X/X Physical Damage Player Template code: OQGAQ5ixgAhAAAAAAAAAA Ebon Battle Standard of Honor | "Save Yourselves!" (Kurzick) | "There's Nothing to Fear!" Info: Physway (Physical) - Slot 2: X/X Optional Template code: n/a Info: Physway (Physical) - Slot 3: P/Me Expel Hexes Motigon Template code: OQWAM6O3tCuI3hTxcY5N Expel Hexes | Aggressive Refrain | Blazing Spear | Wild Throw | Chorus of Restoration | Finale of Restoration | Ballad of Restoration | Signet of Return Info: Physway (Physical) - Slot 4: P/X Song of Purification Motigon Template code: OQCAQiYub+iDZBZpYqYyb Song of Purification | Aggressive Refrain | Spear of Redemption | Merciless Spear | Vicious Attack | Finale of Restoration | Mending Refrain | Signet of Return Info: Physway (Physical) - Slot 5: P/X Focused Anger Commandagon Template code: OQCAMpb3dQuIfhtw14dM Focused Anger | Aggressive Refrain | Vicious Attack | Wild Throw | Anthem of Envy | "Go for the Eyes!" | "Stand Your Ground!" | "Fall Back!" Info: Physway (Physical) - Slot 6: R/P Heal as One Spearchucker Template code: OgkAQrSehBZag4GWYFH7Y Heal as One | Feral Aggression | Vicious Attack | Chest Thumper | Scavenger Strike | "Go for the Eyes!" | Lightning Reflexes | "Fall Back!" Info: Physway (Physical) - Slot 7: N/X Cultist's Fervor Orders Support Template code: OAhAImshMJD9nYHAAAA Cultist's Fervor | Order of Pain | Dark Fury | Blood Bond | Weaken Armor | Enfeebling Blood Info: Physway (Physical) - Slot 8: Rt/X Signet of Spirits Support Healer Template code: OACAMXzyJz0bixkmTuhJ Signet of Spirits | Bloodsong | Spirit Siphon | Ancestors' Rage | Splinter Weapon | Mend Body and Soul | Spirit Light | Protective Was Kaolai Info: 3. Class Specific Meta Builds This section is composed of a series of builds, organized by class, that have been proven the most effective in the current Meta Game. If you have unused party slots or are unsure if what you are running is the current prime selection of skills, check here. 3A. Warrior 3Aa. Party Roles The Warrior's role in the party is somewhat deceiving. Despite the armor-clad appearance, the Warrior's best role is actually damage dealer. Any tanking that needs to be done can usually be achieved through one or two skills, while the rest of the bar focuses on putting big numbers on the screen. Unfortunately, Hero melee AI is lacking to say the least, leaving Warriors on the bench for the time being. There are still a few popular builds that are being run, but you might be better off with a Dervish. 3Ab. Meta Builds Here are some of the top Warrior builds being run. See below for the template code and explanations. Slot 1: W/X Warrior's Endurance Template code: OQAAE29qAAAAAAAAA Warrior's Endurance | For Great Justice! Info: This build is simple; use Warrior's Endurance to power energy intensive attack skills from the Dervish, Assassin, or Warrior Weapon lines. You may or may not be using "For Great Justice!" depending on your skill selection. This build has fallen slightly out of favor but can still be run very effectively on heroes. Slot 2: W/X Earth Shaker Spam Template code: OQAAMilwC2nvaYvKAAAA Earth Shaker | Crude Swing | Pulverizing Smash | Flail | Enraging Charge | For Great Justice! Info: This build uses AoE hammer attacks to power Earth Shaker, which can keep several foes on the floor. Heroes do not have the best judgement on when not to use Flail (such as 3 seconds before the fight is over), so make sure to disable Enraging Charge and micro it. Slot 3: W/X Dragon Slash Spam Template code: OQAAMLupGf1waYuKAAAA Dragon Slash | Sun and Moon Slash | Flail | Enraging Charge | Savage Slash | For Great Justice! Info: Here, we have a build designed to spam Dragon Slash, which will recharge itself with "For Great Justice!". This build is normally reserved for humans (which use it to power "Save Yourselves!"), but heroes run it decently as well. Be sure to micro Enraging Charge. Slot 4: W/X Hundred Blades Warrior Template code: OQAAM9lpGf1waYuKAAAA Hundred Blades | Sun and Moon Slash | Flail | Enraging Charge | Savage Slash | For Great Justice! Info: One Hundred Blades is a skill a Warrior brings to achieve decent amounts of AoE damage. Players may choose this build if they are bringing Barbs or Mark of Pain from the Necromancer line. Enraging Charge will, once again, need to be micro'd to be effective. 3Ac. Desirable Skills These skills are the more desirable skills to bring on a Warrior primary. Strength: Body Blow, Enraging Charge, Flail, Power Attack, Protector's Strike, Warrior's Endurance Axe Mastery: Executioner's Strike, Dismember, Disrupting Chop, Triple Chop Hammer Mastery: Crude Swing, Counter Blow, Auspicious Blow, Mighty Blow, Mokele Smash, Pulverizing Smash, Earth Shaker Swordsmanship: Sever Artery, Gash, Savage Slash, Sun and Moon Slash, Hundred Blades, Dragon Slash Tactics: Fear Me!, Watch Yourself!, To the Limit!, Thrill of Victory, Soldier's Strike 3B. Ranger 3Ba. Party Roles The Ranger plays the offensive jack of all trades. They can do damage, spread conditions, and interrupt. They also have a meat shield at their disposal that can be pretty powerful. Since interrupting is generally reserved for Mesmers (or /Mesmers) and conditions are time consuming, the Ranger's primary Meta role is dealing damage. They get exceptionally more powerful with support, which makes them a prime candidate for Physway builds. 3Bb. Meta Builds Here are the top Ranger builds. See below for the template code and explanations. Slot 1: R/E Expert's Dexterity Marksman Template code: OgYAM86HDsxWAAAAAAAA Expert's Dexterity | Distracting Shot | Read the Wind | Conjure Flame Info: Throw a few attack skills on the bar, and this build is a single target damage king. Conjure Flame is optional (and certainly shouldn't be used in Physway). Slot 2: R/Me Broad Head Arrow Template code: OgUAMuyZjTAAAAAAAAAA Broad Head Arrow | Apply Poison | Epidemic Info: Semi-dated (due to Technobabble), but Broad Head Arrow still works great if it fills your build's niche. Apply Poison can be swapped for Rapid Fire if you prefer to lock the Ranger onto a Monk or other caster. Heroes don't have the best judgement with Epidemic, but it works well enough to have become mainstream. Watch your energy management on this character. Slot 3: R/Rt Splinter Barrage Template code: OggAILGGDAAAAAAAAAA Barrage | Splinter Weapon Info: This is THE Meta build for Rangers. This build packs a very large packet of damage upfront which can be increased through Physway buffs. There is a /P version of this build which uses Anthem of Envy and "Go for the Eyes!" when a supporter is casting Splinter Weapon. Slot 4: R/P Incendiary Arrows Template code: OgkAMsmXjF+CDAAAAAAA Incendiary Arrows | Ignite Arrows | "Go for the Eyes!" | Anthem of Envy Info: Similar to Splinter Barrage, Incendiary Arrows' secondary is interchangeable with the above. This build aims for a slight bit more initial AoE in situations where there are fewer but stronger enemies. It also buffs with Physway despite having Ignite Arrows. Slot 5: R/P Beastmaster Spearchucker Template code: OgkAQyS4GehBZPY0GAAAA Enraged Lunge | Scavenger Strike | Feral Aggression | Vicious Attack | Spear of Lightning | Comfort Animal Info: Here is the first example of a Beastmaster. Beastmasters provide an extra target to beat on, taking pressure of the team's members. It is also a source of extra damage. A bow can also be used in place of a shield and spear. Slot 6: R/P Beastmaster Spearchucker Template code: OgkAQrS4GehBZPYAAAAAA Heal as One | Scavenger Strike | Feral Aggression | Vicious Attack | Spear of Lightning Info: The Heal as One Beastmaster is more rugged than it's Enraged Lunge counterpart. Do not run Beast Mastery pet buffs, as they make the enemy AI ignore the pets. 3Bc. Desirable Skills These skills are more effective than other choices. Expertise: Distracting Shot, Expert Focus, Lightning Reflexes, Point Blank Shot, Zojun's Shot, Throw Dirt, Expert's Dexterity Beast Mastery: Comfort Animal, Call of Haste, Feral Aggression, Scavenger Strike, Otyugh's Cry, Poisonous Bite, Enraged Lunge, Heal as One Wilderness Survival: Apply Poison, Barbed Arrows, Ignite Arrows, Serpent's Quickness, Incendiary Arrows Marksmanship: Body Shot, Disrupting Shot, Keen Arrow, Volley, Penetrating Attack, Sundering Attack, Power Shot, Savage Shot, Broad Head Arrow, Barrage 3C. Monk 3Ca. Party Roles Monks. GW2 doesn't have 'em. Doesn't mean they don't get love here. The monk's primary roles are Protection, Healing, and Support. Their skill lines literally translate directly into that. Protection has taken more of a backseat with all the Necromancers and E/Mo's running around, so you will find most Monk builds running Healing (Healing Prayers, Divine Favor) and Support (Smiting Prayers). 3Cb. Meta Builds Here's what the Monks of today are bringing. Slot 1: Mo/Me Unyielding Aura Template code: OwUAMMkLSX871DyAAAAA Unyielding Aura | Divine Healing | Heaven's Delight | Deny Hexes | Leech Signet | Power Drain Info: The most popular Monk build of the Meta Game, the UA Monk provides a strong balance of party healing, spike healing, and (sometimes) prots with the added bonus of a resurrection skill. It's also very easy for a Hero to run. Options include Cure Hex in place of Deny Hexes, Dwayna's Kiss or Gift of Health for a spike heal, and Shield of Absorption or Aegis for a prot. Slot 2: Mo/Me Healer's Boon Template code: OwUAMx1Nyvb63DyAAAAA Healer's Boon | Dwayna's Kiss | Ethereal Light | Cure Hex | Leech Signet | Power Drain Info: Slightly old school, the Healer's Boon monk is the king power healer. They usually won't be seen carrying prots to maximize the effectiveness of Healer's Boon. If you are going to bring Heal Party, make sure to disable it and micro it's usage or your Hero is going to be out of energy very fast. Slot 3: Mo/Me Healing Burst Template code: OwUAMexNydb63DyAAAAA Healing Burst | Dwayna's Kiss | Signet of Rejuvenation | Cure Hex | Leech Signet | Power Drain Info: Healing Burst is the new kid on the block. It provides a strong party heal and spike heal in one skill. Prots are also an option on this monk, but keep them minor; since Healing Burst requires Divine Favor and Healing Prayers and you need Inspiration for energy management, your protection prayers are going to need to take a back seat. Slot 4: Mo/Me Word of Healing Template code: OwUAMakNydb63DyAAAAA Word of Healing | Dwayna's Kiss | Signet of Rejuvenation | Cure Hex | Leech Signet | Power Drain Info: This is the grandfather of monk builds. It probably the strongest spike healer available for Heroes. This build can also hybrid between Healing and Protection the most effectively, but has little power to heal the entire party at once. With the right attribute balance, this is one of the few Monk builds that can pack Protective Spirit without worrying heavily about energy. Slot 5: Mo/X Ray of Judgement Template code: OwUAM+MXy8w6DAAAAAAA Ray of Judgment | Smite Hex | Strength of Honor | Castigation Signet Info: This is the mother of all Support builds for melee physical setups. Smiting Prayers is rumored to have an update around the corner, so make sure to check back for changes to this build. 3Cc. Desirable Skills You party will appreciate you more if you bring these on your Hero. Divine Favor: Deny Hexes, Divine Healing, Heaven's Delight, Smiter's Boon, Unyielding Aura, Healer's Boon Healing Prayers: Cure Hex, Dwayna's Kiss, Dwayna's Sorrow, Ethereal Light, Gift of Health, Words of Comfort, Vigorous Spirit, Signet of Rejuvenation, Healing Burst, Word of Healing Smiting Prayers: Bane Signet, Castigation Signet, Judge's Intervention, Smite Hex, Spear of Light, Strength of Honor, Ray of Judgment Protection Prayers: Aegis, Mend Condition, Protective Spirit, Shield of Absorption, Shielding Hands No Attribute: Remove Hex 3D. Necromancer 3Da. Party Roles The master of death and hexes, the Necromancer has encompassed many roles in it's history, mostly thanks to Soul Reaping. This holds true to this day, as they currently have functioning Meta builds for Protection, Meat Shield Generation, Damage, Support, Healing, and even Shutdown. In fact, the only lacking area for the modern Necromancer is AoE damage, which really isn't the Necromancers fault, but the Mesmer's for outclassing everyone so bad. Regardless, most parties will find room for one Necromancer if not two. 3Db. Meta Builds If Grenth is your deity of choice, please him by running these. Slot 1: N/X Pain of Disenchantment Template code: OABAMV1nqloMgIAAAAAA Signet of Lost Souls | Pain of Disenchantment | Mark of Pain | Barbs | Shadow of Fear Info: This is your basic Curse Necromancer template. Most will opt to run either Mark of Pain or Barbs. Shadow of Fear can be swapped for Enfeebling Blood for similar results. Like all Necromancer builds, the choices for secondary skills are extensive. Slot 2: N/X Spiteful Spirit Hexer Template code: OABAMV18gloMYHAAAAAA Signet of Lost Souls | Spiteful Spirit | Mark of Pain | Barbs | Enfeebling Blood Info: The Spiteful Spirit Necromancer is what was run before Pain of Disenchantment become popular. Heroes don't spam Spiteful Spirit as much as they should, so the build fell out of favor; when the Mesmer update was introduced and armor ignoring AoE became prevalent, it was only insult to injury. Regardless, the build still puts out a substantial amount of damage and the Curse Necromancer is hardly outdated. Note that Shadow of Fear is a bad idea to run (in place of Enfeebling Blood) due to it's clashing with Spiteful Spirit. Slot 3: N/Mo Cultist's Fervor Orders Support (Melee) Template code: OANAMVVTmhYSM0cJzDAA Signet of Lost Souls | Cultist's Fervor | Order of Pain | Dark Fury | Blood Bond | Smite Hex | Strength of Honor Info: Cultist's Fervor is a battery for this Order's Platform. This is a common sight on Physway teams; the more physical characters you have, the more your damage is going to be increased by this build. Strength of Honor should only be used with Melee builds; a /Rt with Channeling may be better suited for ranged teams. Keep in mind that Cultist's Fervor also works with Curses, making N/X Blood and Curses another strong option. Slot 4: N/Mo Aura of the Lich Minion Bomber Prots Template code: OANAQVVyBVBoBKg1DBEAA Signet of Lost Souls | Aura of the Lich | Animate Bone Minions | Death Nova | Putrid Bile | Protective Spirit | Aegis Info: Quite possibly the most popular Necromancer build at the moment, the Aura of the Lich Minion Bomber excels in both the protection of the party as well as handing out armor ignoring AoE damage. The minions in this build are expendable, so don't worry about Blood of the Master. Shield of Absorption, Masochism, and Dwayna's Sorrow are popular skill selections for this build, as are various Hex Removals. The /Mo secondary can be swapped with nearly any other class; this build has a lot of energy to throw around. This Hero sometimes lags behind, so you might have to motivate them with a flag on occasion. Slot 5: N/P Jagged Bones Minion Bomber Support Template code: OAlAQVVLVVBoBKg1Y7YAA Signet of Lost Souls | Jagged Bones | Animate Bone Minions | Death Nova | Putrid Bile | "Stand Your Ground!" | "Fall Back!" Info: This is just a variant of the Aura of the Lich Minion Bomber. This one uses the skill Jagged Bones to create more minions. The secondary is also extremely versatile, like the previous Minion Bomber example. Remember to micro "Fall Back!", heroes don't use it so well! Slot 6: N/Rt Discord Base Template code: OAhAQVVxMHVoBKgAAAAAA Signet of Lost Souls | Discord | Animate Shambling Horror | Death Nova | Putrid Bile Info: Discord is usually a team concept, but it was popular enough to include here. This build is normally run with 2 others for maximum effectiveness. The popular secondaries are /Rt, /Mo, and /P. This build will usually carry the Healing and Protection spells for the rest of the party. Slot 7: N/Rt Restoration Healer *coming soon* 3Dc. Desirable Skills Necromancers have many neat skills, but these ones have been single out as the ones that work in the best. Soul Reaping: Signet of Lost Souls, Foul Feast, Masochism, Icy Veins Blood Magic: Blood Bond, Blood Ritual, Dark Fury, Order of Pain, Cultist's Fervor Death Magic: Animate Bone Minions, Animate Shambling Horror, Blood of the Master, Death Nova, Putrid Bile, Jagged Bones, Discord, Aura of the Lich Curses: Barbs, Enfeebling Blood, Mark of Pain, Reckless Haste, Rip Enchantment, Shadow of Fear, Weaken Armor, Spiteful Spirit, Pain of Disenchantment 3E. Mesmer 3Ea. Party Roles As a friend put it many, many years ago upon the morning of my introduction to Guildwars, it would suffice to say, when describing the Mesmer, "They do stuff." Mesmers are still great at "doing stuff." Their current role is massive armor ignoring AoE and Shutdown, and they do it well. Most parties have two. If you have mercenaries, you will probably have more, but will need to make sure that you're synergies are laid out properly and your roles aren't overlapping. 3Eb. Meta Builds Shut down and blow up your foes with these supremely effective builds. Slot 1: Me/X Keystone Signet Mesmer Template code: OQBAM/g8MXrH8A4pAAAA Keystone Signet | Signet of Clumsiness | Signet of Disruption | Leech Signet | Mantra of Inscriptions | Symbolic Celerity Info: Slot 2: Me/X Psychic Instability Template code: OQBAMhweQGAAAAAAAAAA Psychic Instability | Leech Signet | Power Drain Info: Slot 3: Me/Rt Tease Mesmer Template code: OQhAM+UAAAAAAAAAAAAA Tease Info: Slot 4: Me/X Ineptitude Mesmer Template code: OQBAQvArAIgkA5Z9AZAAA Ineptitude | Clumsiness | Wandering Eye | Arcane Conundrum | Signet of Clumsiness | Leech Signet | Power Drain Info: Slot 5: Me/X Fevered Dreams Mesmer Template code: OQBAM3gJAHMDs8BAAAAA Fevered Dreams | Fragility | Accumulated Pain | Power Drain | Waste Not, Want Not Slot 6: Me/X Panic Mesmer Template code: OQBAM0gpXOw01DyALfAA Panic | Mistrust | Cry of Frustration | Unnatural Signet | Leech Signet | Power Drain | Waste Not, Want Not Info: Slot 7: Me/X Energy Surge Mesmer Template code: OQBAInw0nDmePkBAAAA Energy Surge | Mistrust | Cry of Frustration | Unnatural Signet | Leech Signet | Power Drain Info: Slot 8: Me/X Visions of Regret Mesmer Template code: OQBAIu90nDmePkBAAAA Visions of Regret | Mistrust | Cry of Frustration | Unnatural Signet | Leech Signet | Power Drain Info: 3Ec. Desirable Skills You foes will hate you when you are bringing these skills along. Fast Casting: Symbolic Celerity, Keystone Signet, Psychic Instability Illusion Magic: Accumulated Pain, Arcane Conundrum, Calculated Risk, Clumsiness, Fragility, Signet of Clumsiness, Wandering Eye, Shared Burden, Ineptitude, Fevered Dreams Domination Magic: Chaos Storm, Cry of Frustration, Mistrust, Shatter Delusions, Shatter Hex, Signet of Disruption, Unnatural Signet, Wastrel's Demise, Wastrel's Worry, Energy Surge, Visions of Regret, Panic Inspiration Magic: Drain Enchantment, Hex Eater Signet, Leech Signet, Mantra of Inscriptions, Power Drain, Waste Not, Want Not, Tease No Attribute: Expel Hexes 3F. Elementalist 3Fa. Party Roles The Elementalist used to be the master of AoE damage, but due to the massive scaling of armor in hard mode and the lack of decent in-class energy management, the Elementalist has been reduced to a (very effective) protection role. In fact, no other class, including Necromancers, can lay out the Protection spells like an Ether Renewal Protter. 3Fb. Meta Builds The top build here is the only Hero Elementalist build that can be considered Meta. Just out of fairness, and since vanquishes tend to have lower armor levels, I have added a base template for each element. Slot 1: E/Mo Ether Renewal Protter Template code: OgNAE1iWBseAAAAAA Ether Renewal | Aura of Restoration | Aegis | Protective Spirit Info: Slot 2: E/X Searing Flames Elementalist Template code: OgBAM0txKtAXgMAAAAAA Searing Flames | Glowing Gaze | Aura of Restoration | Fire Attunement | Glyph of Lesser Energy Info: Slot 3: E/X Invoke Lightning Elementalist Template code: OgBAMA6vBtIcgMAAAAAA Invoke Lightning | Chain Lightning | Aura of Restoration | Air Attunement | Glyph of Lesser Energy Info: Slot 4: E/X Sandstorm Elementalist Template code: OgBAMcVmGtIVgMAAAAAA Sandstorm | Churning Earth | Aura of Restoration | Earth Attunement | Glyph of Lesser Energy Info: Slot 5: Shatterstone Elementalist Template code: OgBAQpMQi0CQDIDAAAAAA Shatterstone | Glowing Ice | Aura of Restoration | Water Attunement | Glyph of Lesser Energy Info: 3Fc. Desirable Skills Due to the nature of Elementalists having a single effective Elite, I have attempted to ballpark the better skills to bring if you do decide to take an Ele on your journeys. What this means is that the only Meta portion of the list below is Aura of Restoration and Ether Renewal. Energy Storage: Aura of Restoration, Ether Renewal, Glyph of Lesser Energy, Elemental Attunement Air Magic: Air Attunement, Chain Lightning, Invoke Lightning Earth Magic: Ash Blast, Churning Earth, Earth Attunement, Ebon Hawk, Eruption, Glowstone, Stoning, Ward Against Elements, Ward Against Melee, Sandstorm, Shockwave, Unsteady Ground Fire Magic: Fire Attunement, Fireball, Glowing Gaze, Immolate, Incendiary Bonds, Liquid Flame, Rodgort's Invocation, Mind Blast, Savannah Heat, Searing Flames Water Magic: Deep Freeze, Glowing Ice, Vapor Blade, Water Attunement, Mirror of Ice, Shatterstone 3G. Assassin 3Ga. Party Roles Unfortunately, Assassins have been benched along with Warriors in today's Meta. You will find little use for them until the melee AI is updated. If you are feeling bold and want to use one anyways, the main role the Assassin will fill is, naturally, damage. They will provide little of anything else. 3Gb. Meta Builds The Assassin Hero has no current Meta builds, but here is what has worked in the past. Slot 1: A/X Death Blossom Spam Template code: OwBAMxZHGD7gp/AAAAAA Way of the Assassin | Jagged Strike | Fox Fangs | Death Blossom | Critical Eye Info: Slot 2: A/R Critical Disruptor Template code: OwJAQsG4a7aLi6PAAAAAA Incendiary Arrows | Keen Arrow | Disrupting Accuracy | Way of the Master | Critical Eye Info: Slot 3: A/R Critical Barrage Template code: OwJAQLG4aLi6PAAAAAAAA Barrage | Keen Arrow | Way of the Master | Critical Eye Info: Slot 4: A/P Seeping Wound Critical Spearchucker Template code: OwlAQKQmZLi6PBZAAAAAA Seeping Wound | Deadly Haste | Way of the Master | Critical Eye | Vicious Attack Info: 3Gc. Desirable Skills Despite the title, this is the "Skills for Assassin Heroes that don't suck miserably" list. These are probably better than other options. Critical Strikes: Assassin's Remedy, Critical Defenses, Critical Eye, Deadly Haste, Way of the Master, Seeping Wound, Way of the Assassin Dagger Mastery: Death Blossom, Fox Fangs, Jagged Strike, Wild Strike Deadly Arts: Dancing Daggers, Deadly Paradox, Disrupting Dagger, Entangling Asp, Iron Palm, Signet of Deadly Corruption, Signet of Shadows, Signet of Toxic Shock, Assassin's Promise Shadow Arts: Shroud of Distress 3H. Ritualist 3Ha. Party Roles Probably the only people that can legitimately say they "See dead people", the Ritualists' current roles are Healing, Protection, Support, Meat Shield Generation, and Single Target Damage. Ritualists are currently very popular in the Metagame; most parties will have at least 1 Ritualist. 3Hb. Meta Builds Here are the builds that are putting Ritualists near the top of the charts. Slot 1: Rt/X Signet of Spirits Support Template code: OACAMXzyp3EjxMBAAAAA Signet of Spirits | Bloodsong | Ancestors' Rage | Splinter Weapon | Spirit Siphon Info: Slot 2: Rt/X Soul Twisting Protter Template code: OACAMYzHX406BNdmAAAA Soul Twisting | Union | Displacement | Shelter | Armor of Unfeeling | Boon of Creation Info: Slot 3: Rt/X Soul Twisting Spirit Spam Template code: OACAMYzo9Zbz5MBAAAAA Soul Twisting | Anguish | Shadowsong | Disenchantment | Boon of Creation Info: Slot 4: Rt/X Signet of Ghostly Might Spirit Spam Template code: OACAMO7o9Zbzl5+mWTnJ Signet of Ghostly Might | Anguish | Shadowsong | Disenchantment | Dissonance | Pain | Signet of Creation | Boon of Creation Info: 3Hc. Desirable Skills These skills will help you communicate with the dead better. Spawning Power: Boon of Creation, Explosive Growth, Signet of Creation, Spirit's Gift, Soul Twisting Communing: Anguish, Armor of Unfeeling, Disenchantment, Displacement, Dissonance, Pain, Shadowsong, Shelter, Union, Signet of Ghostly Might Restoration Magic: Blind Was Mingson, Death Pact Signet, Flesh of My Flesh, Life, Mend Body and Soul, Protective Was Kaolai, Recuperation, Rejuvenation, Soothing Memories, Spirit Light, Vengeful Weapon, Weapon of Warding, Weapon of Remedy, Xinrae's Weapon Channeling Magic: Ancestors' Rage, Bloodsong, Painful Bond, Spirit Rift, Spirit Siphon, Splinter Weapon, Signet of Spirits 3I. Paragon 3Ia. Party Roles Paragons are a very large part of the physical damage Meta Game right now. They are a very popular choice for Physway due to their ability to deal physical damage while protecting and supporting the party. Currently, Paragons are providing Single Target Damage, Protection, Party Heals, and Utility/Support. 3Ib. Meta Builds Due to the very synergy-intensive nature of Paragons, there aren't very solid Meta Builds. They usually come in Motivation and Command variants with different Elite skills depending on your needs for an area. Here are some examples. Slot 1: P/X Focused Anger Commandagon Template code: OQCAMu70tFOIXj3xAAAA Aggressive Refrain | Focused Anger | "Go for the Eyes!" | Vicious Attack | "Stand Your Ground!" | "Fall Back!" Info: Slot 2: P/X Song of Purification Motigon Template code: OQCAQubiY+iqYcYAAAAAA Aggressive Refrain | Song of Purification | Spear of Redemption | Mending Refrain | Ballad of Restoration Info: Slot 3: P/Mo Empathetic Removal Motigon Template code: OQOAMubzIQOFzhBAAAAA Aggressive Refrain | Empathic Removal | Barbed Spear | Finale of Restoration | Ballad of Restoration Info: Slot 4: P/Me Expel Hexes Motigon Template code: OQWAQub6O+icYAAAAAAAA Aggressive Refrain | Expel Hexes | Spear of Redemption | Ballad of Restoration Info: 3Ic. Desirable Skills Lead your team best with these skill choices. Some unlisted choices may be ideal if your team calls for it, since the paragon has many spell/signet/attack skill sensitive songs. Leadership: "They're on Fire!", Aggressive Refrain, Glowing Signet, Signet of Return, Focused Anger, Soldier's Fury Spear Mastery: Barbed Spear, Blazing Spear, Chest Thumper, Spear of Lightning, Spear of Redemption, Vicious Attack, Wild Throw, Stunning Strike Command: "Fall Back!", "Can't Touch This!", "Go for the Eyes!", "Stand Your Ground!", Anthem of Disruption, Anthem of Envy, Anthem of Weariness, "Incoming!" Motivation: Ballad of Restoration, Aria of Restoration, Chorus of Restoration, Finale of Restoration, Mending Refrain, Song of Purification 3J. Dervish 3Ja. Party Roles The Dervish is in an interesting state of flux right now. While melee isn't generally acceptable in the current Meta Game, the Dervish provides AoE options on many different levels, which is always invited in PvE. Their scythe inherently deals with groups better, Avatar of Dwayna allows for massive party healing, and several skills allow blanket condition application across entire groups of foes. Generally speaking, the Dervish's strongest points are AoE damage in small packets, AoE application of conditions, AoE healing, and Tanking/Aggro control. These mechanics are currently fighting to allow the Dervish a more consistent position in parties. 3Jb. Meta Builds Maximize your AoE with these builds, which seem to be forming the Dervish Meta Game. Slot 1: D/X Avatar of Lyssa AoE Scythe Template code: OgCAMxXzLCeALuBAAAAA Avatar of Lyssa | Sand Shards | Whirling Charge | Chilling Victory | Heart of Fury Info: Slot 2: D/X Avatar of Balthazar Template code: OgCAMuXzLC25KuBAAAAA Avatar of Balthazar | Sand Shards | Whirling Charge | Reap Impurities | Heart of Fury Info: Slot 3: D/X Avatar of Dwayna Support Healer Template code: OgCAMv3sr2V6KuBAAAAA Avatar of Dwayna | Dust Cloak | Staggering Force | Pious Assault | Heart of Fury Info: Slot 4: D/W Wounding Strike Dervish Template code: OgGAQAYOXjhVXibXFAAAA Wounding Strike | Reap Impurities | Crippling Victory | Grenth's Fingers | Heart of Fury | For Great Justice! Info: Slot 5: D/X Onslaught Dervish Template code: OgCAQabIYDYjhOXAAAAAA Onslaught | Whirling Charge | Chilling Victory | Crippling Victory | Reap Impurities Info: Slot 6: D/X Vow of Strength AoE Scythe Template code: OgCAMo3vt5FBPgF3AAAA Lyssa's Haste | Vow of Strength | Sand Shards | Whirling Charge | Chilling Victory | Heart of Fury Info: Slot 7: D/N Avatar of Dwayna Orders Template code: OgSAMvXDxkABffpvzX2L Avatar of Dwayna | Order of Pain | Dark Fury | Whirling Charge | Mystic Healing | Eremite's Zeal | Meditation | Mystic Regeneration Info: 3Jc. Desirable Skills The Dervish Meta is in flux, but these skills seem to be pulling ahead of the rest. Use these to make your Dervish the most efficient. Mysticism: Balthazar's Rage, Eremite's Zeal, Heart of Fury, Heart of Holy Flame, Meditation, Pious Fury, Pious Haste, Zealous Renewal, Aura Slicer, Avatar of Balthazar, Avatar of Grenth, Avatar of Dwayna, Avatar of Lyssa Scythe Mastery: Chilling Victory, Crippling Victory, Eremite's Attack, Pious Assault, Radiant Scythe, Reap Impurities, Twin Moon Sweep, Wearying Strike, Zealous Sweep, Wounding Strike Wind Prayers: Grenth's Aura, Grenth's Fingers, Lyssa's Haste, Mystic Healing, Whirling Charge, Onslaught Earth Prayers: Aura of Thorns, Dust Cloak, Sand Shards, Staggering Force, Vow of Strength 4. Secondary Skill Set Meta 4A. /Warrior *coming soon* 4B. /Ranger *coming soon* 4C. /Monk *coming soon* 4D. /Necromancer *coming soon* 4E. /Mesmer *coming soon* 4F. /Elementalist *coming soon* 4G. /Assassin *coming soon* 4H. /Ritualist *coming soon* 4I. /Paragon *coming soon* 4J. /Dervish *coming soon* 5. Player PvE Skill Meta *coming soon*6. End Notes And there you have it. These are all of the goto skills and builds that players are using to roam Guild Wars in the current Meta Game. Using these will help your party succeed and make your experience in Guild Wars more enjoyable.I will try to update this guide as much as possible, but it is a lot to monitor the entire PvE Meta Game alone. If you can contribute in any way, please post here with suggestions, changes, fixes, or additions that you feel will help the community. Thanks for reading, and good luck! Last edited by Marty Silverblade; Mar 18, 2015 at 01:18 AM // 01:18.. Reason: Cleaning up old links/code |
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Mar 20, 2011, 09:51 PM // 21:51
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#2 |
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Desert Nomad
Join Date: May 2006
Profession: N/
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6A. Possible Changes/Additions
- Finishing the guide. Derp. - Casterway's lack of labeling for the builds in the picture. - Addition of desirable secondary skills along with each build's info. - Separation of builds into a Build Pic/Info, Build Pic/Info format. - Text on the giant class icons. - Editing of the white backgrounds to be tan or transparent. - Possible addition of "Info" sections below the build templates in the Team Builds section. - Minor format changes. - Add ER Orders Spammer. - Remove Splinter Weapon from Casterway and Discord Way. - Add N/Rt Healer. - Expanding the Physway section to better explain the options and possibly provide examples. - Unsteady Ground over Standstorm on the Earth Ele. - Take SoLS off the Cultist's Fervor Order bar. - Discordway: Replace instances of Shadow of Fear with Reckless Haste. - Discordway: Add another Shambling Horror. - Add a Soldier's Fury Paragon. - Rust/Ice Spikes/Deep Freeze on the Water Ele Bar. Last edited by Kaida the Heartless; Mar 21, 2011 at 06:35 PM // 18:35.. |
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Mar 20, 2011, 09:52 PM // 21:52
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#3 |
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Desert Nomad
Join Date: May 2006
Profession: N/
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[Saved Space: The Revenge of Space Saving]
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Mar 20, 2011, 09:59 PM // 21:59
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#4 |
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Permanently Banned
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Northern Ireland
Guild: Nowhere To Run Nowhere To [Hide]
Profession: N/
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This is awsome :P Enjoy stickied thread
__________________
The best goodbyes are like a knife in the dark: short, simple and to the point
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Mar 20, 2011, 10:11 PM // 22:11
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#5 |
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Lion's Arch Merchant
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: America|Austria
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dont really need it but it will help a lot of ppl i guess
good job dude |
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Mar 20, 2011, 10:18 PM // 22:18
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#6 |
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Frost Gate Guardian
Join Date: Nov 2010
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Awesome! Thanks for posting! Will keep checking in! =D
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Mar 20, 2011, 10:19 PM // 22:19
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#7 |
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Jungle Guide
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Italy, Turin
Guild: Lake
Profession: E/
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Impressive work, even if not finished yet.
I've liked first of all the presence of so many optional skill slots. It allow to tweak builds as you prefer even if copy/paste in gw. Just two things i've seen with first look: -sos in caster/discord way is carring Splinter. Unless the player is a physical, it isn't that useful, i'd put it on optional. -i'm not an expert, but i've seen around ER used to spam orders too. Dunno how well works compared to a necro or a dwayna derv, but could deserve a little mention anyways. Again, GJ! I'll keep an eye on this thread..feedback/suggestions and such.
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Mar 20, 2011, 10:23 PM // 22:23
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#8 |
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Atra esternà ono thelduin
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Madness Incarnate
Guild: [Duo]
Profession: W/P
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excellent work on the guide!
looks awesome 
__________________
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Mar 20, 2011, 10:48 PM // 22:48
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#9 |
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Lion's Arch Merchant
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: The Underworld
Profession: Mo/
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great guide!!!!! was hoping someone would do something like this soon
you're awsome
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Mar 20, 2011, 10:57 PM // 22:57
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#10 |
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Frost Gate Guardian
Join Date: Feb 2009
Guild: Angeldustrial Bonsai Muffins [FFS]
Profession: N/Me
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This is a great guide.
A lot of these terms and build names get tossed around but it having everything spelled out so neatly is so much better. Thank you so much.
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Mar 20, 2011, 11:01 PM // 23:01
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#11 |
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Ascalonian Squire
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: NC
Guild: Lost Animosity
Profession: P/
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Absolutely, incredibly well done. I can't wait to see continued updates
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Mar 20, 2011, 11:07 PM // 23:07
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#12 |
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Furnace Stoker
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Ign: Miniature Julia
Guild: Teh Academy[PhD]
Profession: W/
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Looking forward to see the complete guide!
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Mar 20, 2011, 11:39 PM // 23:39
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#13 |
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Krytan Explorer
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Home
Guild: En Caligne Veritas [DARK]
Profession: R/Rt
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wow! Thanks! Wonderful guide!
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Mar 20, 2011, 11:52 PM // 23:52
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#14 |
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Furnace Stoker
Join Date: Jun 2005
Guild: gwpvx.com/user:dzjudz
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I think that the Physway build in particular needs some work. 3x Orders and 3x Splinter is a bit too much, Strength of Honor isn't going to work on spear chuckers so 2 copies is unneeded, 2x SoS will override each other.
I like the thread in general though, kudos! Edit: I just realised that you might not have intended the 7-hero Physway as an actual 7-hero build  .
Last edited by Dzjudz; Mar 20, 2011 at 11:54 PM // 23:54.. |
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Mar 20, 2011, 11:56 PM // 23:56
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#15 | ||
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Forge Runner
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Texas
Guild: Reign of Judgment [RoJ]
Profession: Me/
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Quote:
Quote:
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Mar 20, 2011, 11:57 PM // 23:57
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#16 | |
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Academy Page
Join Date: Nov 2010
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Quote:
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Mar 21, 2011, 12:49 AM // 00:49
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#17 | |
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Furnace Stoker
Join Date: Jun 2005
Guild: gwpvx.com/user:dzjudz
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Quote:
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Mar 21, 2011, 01:03 AM // 01:03
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#18 |
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Academy Page
Join Date: Jul 2009
Profession: Mo/
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As cool as this is you're really leading a lot of people in the wrong direction.
Casterway: PoD is mostly useless unless you're in an area where every group is enchanted and removing the enchantments is important which is pretty much never. Spiteful Spirit says hi. AoTL with Death Nova is counter productive because Death Nova relies on minions dying and AoTL pumps up minions leves and health along with making Horrors instead of Minions. Although their is a slight damage boost to death nova in the case it is just that, a slight boost. Hardly worth it. You have 3 different normal interupts, 2 of which are being used for interupts and the 3rd just for aoe rupt/damage while you also have Panic. You get very little to interupt in the first place with panic going off along with taking away from energy management via power drain if you rupt stuff with cry or panic. Also the dom mesmer doesn't have empathy and the illusion mesmer could probably use arcane conundrum. Mainbar painful bond with 2 spirit spammers... Discordway: Everything about the mesmers from before and painful bond. With 7 heros relying on the discords to inflict hexes and conditions or healing is less important when you can put those jobs in other places. The old discord builds used in the 3 hero discordway arent as effective as more specialized ones toward offense and less on prep or healing. Make a decision and have them do that. Phyway: Lack of res in pretty much all the builds. Even if it isn't the exact team you don't mention to specifically take any even though you leave it out. The team is really confusing if you don't read and you may confuse people into running 3 orders and 2 sos chars. Phys Heros: Just don't because besides dervishes really they just suck, especially hammer warriors and daggers. There's no point in running an assassin bow over a ranger bow really so I'd just take that out. Just take focused anger out of that para build and put in incoming tell people to micro if they take fall back too for perma 33% ims. Monk Heros: They will also suffer from the energy management via rupts with panic and other rupts in the party along with if there is nothing to rupt they have no energy management. At least replace leech with waste not want not especially since they use leech on anything and this way they aren't useless with no spells around. The UA doesn't have a single direct heal main barred, don't do that please for the love of god. Also you never mention Patient Spirit even once ever. Necro Builds: AoTL again. Don't put optionals as part of the build you make it seem like someone should only run prots with AoTL and shouts with jagged. Mesmer Builds: Same thing with the leech power drain again, especially the panic bar which has 3 interupts with panic along with waste not want not to manage energy and not a single dom bar has empathy. Please just don't run keystone it sucks at everything other than spiking with such a small range and mediocre damage. Ele Builds: Don't need to mainbar aura really it helps if you're in an eleway sorta build which you don't mention so the healing isn't really necessary and energy is negligible. Just don't even suggest water at all. Rit Builds: You have 2 very similar builds list a reason to use either one or just take one out. Derv Builds: Well you're missing grenth at least. Lyssa is kinda useless really but thats personal decision. Don't really think melee is worth even mentioning until it's fixed but idk looks alright. In general you don't need a build for every elite or element or whatever especially if you're skipping some of the important ones like prot monks and n/rt's especially. I wouldn't consider this a meta hero guide either if you skip some of the bigger more important builds and only really cover 3 different team builds. You need a more general template to put heros together because otherwise all you do is just list builds and hope for people to use them. Hope this helps. |
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Mar 21, 2011, 01:19 AM // 01:19
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#19 | |
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Academy Page
Join Date: Nov 2010
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Quote:
Agree on PoD - enchantment also likely to be removed by disenchantment spirit, making this skill worthless. Disagree on SS - people need to wake up and realize it sucks with two mesmers shutting everything down. Disagree on Aotl with death nova - with horrors, it's better walling before they blow up, so a bit better defense in exchange for delayed offense - this is up to personal preference; people also need to wake up and realize there's nothing wrong with having stronger minions just because you're putting death nova on them; the utility from minions does not JUST come from when they blow up, even if the build is called a minion bomber Disagree on too many rupts - you'd be surprised how many skills get through even with panic, etc. - the more complete shutdown is absolutely a good thing Agree on Arcane Conundrum. Would say the same thing I said with SS about empathy but apparently there's an anomaly where empathy does trigger on failed attacks. Last edited by spray04; Mar 21, 2011 at 01:23 AM // 01:23.. |
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Mar 21, 2011, 03:03 AM // 03:03
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#20 |
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Desert Nomad
Join Date: May 2006
Profession: N/
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Thanks for the input and support already! I really appreciate it!
We are off to a good start. I'm redoing the way the builds are listed completely. The new design will be more intuitive, easier to replace outdated metas, easier to update with new metas, and will add much more room to include insight about why the skills were chosen and what the best optional skills are per Hero build. Hope to have Casterway and Discordway done by tomorrow. Also, seeing as how this is a Meta guide, I need some opinions on skills: Painful Bond: Is this skill used often enough to warrant being main-bared in Casterway and Discordway, since there are 2 spirit spammers, or should I simply include it with the "optionals" for that build? Empathy: Should this skill be main-bared on the Panic Mesmers, should it be optional, or should it be left out entirely? Ether Signet: Is this skill decent enough to warrant a position as an optional skill for any build? There seem to be mixed feelings from info I've gathered. UA Monk: Should I include Dwayna's Kiss or Gift of Health on the main bar? They will be under the optionals for sure. Arcane Conundrum: Main bar or optional? The build doesn't NEED it but it seems to be used often. Aura of Restoration: Worth main-baring on the Ele builds, or should it be in the optional section? I'm leaning towards main bar. Discordway: Are the three Discord Bars current? There are some reservations about what should be run on them. And finally... Would anyone find it beneficial if I eventually added a "Process for Build Creation" section? Last edited by Kaida the Heartless; Mar 21, 2011 at 03:06 AM // 03:06.. |
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