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Need advice for a newbie GW2 toon

Laoch de na Ulchabhan Dubh
verve
Laoch de na Ulchabhan Dubh
  • ESO: @verve
Posted On: 08/02/2015 at 04:09 PM
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I own GW2, have started/stopped X2, would like to take advantage of GW 101, and G-Ma Fog's runs to learn the game, the issue is I really have not enjoyed gameplay (lovin' ESO).  I did a bunch of reading before starting and Warrior (made it to lvl 20) and Ranger (lvl 3) seemed to be the easiest to learn to play.  In ESO I'm mostly a caster/healer.

Is it possible for some of our GW2 Guru's to point me toward a class/race/build that will allow me to learn the game and level relatively quickly, and maybe even be enjoyable to play?

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Caomhnoir de na Fhiaigh Buí
Cyvil
Caomhnoir de na Fhiaigh Buí
Replied On: 08/02/2015 at 06:32 PM PDT

What about the game play seems to be lacking? I ask because this game is more different from ESO than ESO is from other games. Knowing a little about what you are looking for in GW2 may help us point you in the right direction. 

You pointed out that you are a caster/healer in ESO. I can help with the caster part, but heling only kind of exists in GW2. If you are looking for a specific role in the Trinity, we won't be able to get you there. GW2 is designed around active defense (dodges, blocks, evades, etc) and minimizes healing.

That said, Necro is an active caster, and can be both melee and ranged. In the support spectrum, Necro is way down at the bottom of the list. Elementalist and Guardian can either be melee or ranged as well, although Ele is usually ranged, and Guard is usually melee. Both are at the high end of the support spectrum, including healing and boons. I have not found race to be much of a factor, ecepting that I prefer leveling in the human (Kryta) and Asuran (Maguuma) zones. That doesn't really matter though, as you can level what ever class in whichever zone you choose.

I find eles to be squishy, especially when leveling. Eles work differently than the rest of the GW classes, and I haven't caught on to them yet. Guardian is relatively easy leveling, somewhat sturdy (in spite of low health pool) and I have found them to be a lot of fun to play. Warrior is easy, but I find them to be somewhat boring to play, but YMMV.

As far as leveling quickly, find Dynamic Events while working on your hearts/quests. Story line offers good experience. When you are somewhat comfortable with your character, you might give either World versus World, or Edge of the Mists a try. EotM will be better for experience, but you will find more GSCH to wander with in WvW. Also, I am not sure of the various level requirements, but dungeons offer something like 75% of your current level in experience as one of several rewards. You should get an in game mail when you reach the right level for each dungeon. Goat runs a story mode group for those dungeons, as an introduction to help get started.

Also, logging in daily earns a reward. Some of those rewards include a book that will give a level boost. Completing the "Daily" will offer a couple of "writs of experience" that grant 5% to your current level.

 

I am sure I missed a bunch, hope something here helps. Please ask more questions, it will help me to ramble less.

 

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Draoi de na Griobhta Bán
Kitty
Draoi de na Griobhta Bán
  • GW2: Kitty.6219
Replied On: 08/02/2015 at 07:10 PM PDT
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I believe that the most important thing of GW2 is understanding the combat field. Learn your fields and finishers, remember what the combo does for each of them. There is no trinity, as Cyvil said, most classes can fill almost any role. I disagree with necro being way down at the bottom of support, a good well-o-mancer can keep a party in full health, taking conditions from allies and spreading them to the enemies.

Unlike ESO, GW2 is made for communities, not much for playing alone, so doing lots of events, hearts, stories, dungeons is very easy and fun to do with friends, be either from GSCH or random pugs. WvW looks like a facebook game compared to AvA, but it's still fun and it has good fights/moments.

Do ask questions in guild chat and in gamevox, we will be more than happy to assist you!

"Be the player you want to meet".- Foghladha
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Laoch de na Ulchabhan Dubh
verve
Laoch de na Ulchabhan Dubh
  • ESO: @verve
Replied On: 08/03/2015 at 05:04 AM PDT
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Thank you for the responses.  I've given it some thought...what don't I like;  I don't like using the rt mouse to move camera view/change direction (don't know if this can be changed in settings), I don't fully understand the combat system (lots of button mashing), dislike the cartoon graphics (i know it is what it is, and i just need to get past it), the two Family events I attended I had no idea what i was doing/should be doing (low level map clear and WvW).

I hope finding a Class more suited to me will make a difference.  I understand about healing and no "normal" triad.  Looking for fun to play and helpful in group settings.  Looks like Necro and Elemental are the direction to head, stop me if you have other thoughts.

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Draoi de na Griobhta Bán
Kitty
Draoi de na Griobhta Bán
  • GW2: Kitty.6219
Replied On: 08/03/2015 at 06:36 AM PDT
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Necromancer is a fun class because you can press F1 to get another health bar to continue fighting. Elementalist may take a while to get used to "Play the piano" with the different attunements, it's also my favorite class because it can do so much damage and still support the group so much <3

Yes, the combat can be a mess of sparkles, and fields and glitter, but once you remember fire=might, water=regeneration, both with a Blast Finisher, you are quite good to go.

The best events to learn about the game I think is with Aoibheann, Leslie, Rayne (wvw) and OldGoat (dungeons), they know much about the game, have lots of patience, and are great teachers.

"Be the player you want to meet".- Foghladha
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Muintir
Jymm
Muintir
Replied On: 08/03/2015 at 08:58 AM PDT
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This has been a helpful thread for me as well.  While I have been playing GW2 since it came out, I have played solo, and the group tactics are still a mystery to me.  I have two level 80s (Guardian and Elementalist) but I have been hesitant to participate  in any PVE instances due to my inexperience.  Is there a good dungeon to start on?  

 

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Caomhnoir de na Ulchabhan Donn
Gaspara112
Caomhnoir de na Ulchabhan Donn
Replied On: 08/03/2015 at 10:37 AM PDT
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I'd like to do my best to respond to each of your dislikes/concerns so that we can work past them and find ways to build around what you do like in gw2.

1) rt mouse to move camera view/change direction (don't know if this can be changed in settings)

How would you like to change camera view/change direction? I believe by defaults a&d also rotate the camera with q&e being L/R strafe/side stepping so by default there are two options to move the camera.

2) I don't fully understand the combat system (lots of button mashing)

Guild wars 2 combat system is designed to be fast paced and highly skill based. The combat system was a top focus for the game and designed around the possibility of a competitive PvP environment. Learning what you different abilities do, how/when to dodge, and what the different boons, conditions, fields and finishers do will make you a much better player. For example it is rarely the right choice to use every skill you have when your not being attacked and you want to maximize damage. If your the kind of person that struggles with quickly recalling from memory what skills do what and when to use them I highly recommend you focus on only 1 or 2 characters so that their abilities become muscle memory as taking the time to think about each action can greatly hamper you.

3) dislike the cartoon graphics (i know it is what it is, and i just need to get past it)

I was very surprised by this statement as GW2 is one of the most beautiful and least cartoony MMOs on the market. But since that is a matter of a opinion and there are no options for drastically changing the graphics there is nothing I can do to help you with that one.

4) the two Family events I attended I had no idea what i was doing/should be doing (low level map clear and WvW).

This is the easiest answer to give you of all, though depending on your personality may be hardest for you to implement. Ask for help! There are so many awesome people in the family that are always willing to drop what they are doing to help explain some or hep you overcome a challenge you cannot do on your own.

 

Now for what you do like:

 

1) You said you usually play the caster/healer role in game, why is that? You like support your teammates? You like filling the heavily needed niche that others avoid? You like having the ability to heal yourself to fall back on when needed?

2) In the grand scheme of things are you looking for an easier to play class that you can more quickly master to get into the main action more quickly or if it wasn't for the many confusing other things in the game would you prefer to play a more complex class but are asking about easy classes to give yourself one less thing to worry about as an entrance barrier?

 

3) What are your favorite things to do/ how do you spend your time in other MMOS such as ESO?

 

 

General tid bits worth knowing:

1) In the grand scheme of things race has a near zero effect on gameplay or where your allowed to go. Its main effects are the first 1/3 of the story (and some npc dialogs in the world) and your appearance. As a result its best to pick your race based off of mainly appearance with an minor consideration for the area you would like to level early on and which race you want to learn more lore about.

 

2) Skill plays a MASSIVE role in the combat system, so learning combat basics and which weapons/slot skills work best in what situations is by far the best place to start when attempting to get better at GW2.

 

3) GW2 is about the journey not the destination. Don't rush to get to max level because you will end up doing the same things you would have been doing but you will no longer get the added satisfaction of getting more powerful. For this reason I suggest not using tomes of knowledge/ writs of experience on your first character.

 

4) The GW2 community is incredibly nice(not just GSCH) if your honest with them. If you go to join a dungeon you have never done before or are lost or confused about how to get to a vista on a map. Don't be afraid to tell tell the group or ask for help in map chat. Occasionally this will result in a negative feedback but for the most part someone will help you out.

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Ban Fili de na Iolair Corcra
Soren
Ban Fili de na Iolair Corcra
  • GW2: Soren.9316
Replied On: 08/03/2015 at 10:56 AM PDT
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Hey Verve. Based of of what you have said I suggest taking a guardian out for a spin. Once you hit level 80 and open up all your traits I've found guards to be the closest thing to a healer GW2 support/healer (will conceded ele does a better job of the heals with water attunement and is more caster but I find guards much more tankier.) I run an altruistic healing build for group play (mostly teq and wvw) and I am able to shell out a fair amount of boons and healing with nomads gear.

As others have mentioned above you aren't going to find trinity play here but you can get close :) If you want my build just ask and I'll post something up for you.

If you meet yourself on the testing track, don't make eye contact. Lab boys tell me that'll wipe out time. Entirely.
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Caomhnoir de na Fhiaigh Buí
Cyvil
Caomhnoir de na Fhiaigh Buí
Replied On: 08/03/2015 at 11:19 AM PDT

There is an option to rebind your camera movement. Look in options, the gear in the upper left hand corner of the screen, then click on the mouse and scroll down about 2/3 of the way.

The combat system is very different. Skill use, very generally, in GW2 is more situational than some of the other games I have played. Those other games seem to be much more rotational in skill use. That can be a big adjustment. Problem for me is that I am so used to GW2 now, I am not sure I can give much informed advice here. To break my button mashing tendencies, I started mashing 1, even though it is not necessary. I tend to have to look over the build and skills of each class, if I haven't played them much and say to myself "use this in these situations."

GW2 is built around 95% offense. That can be a big adjustment too. You might take a look at the stats on your leveling gear, and decide whether or not to add more power and/or precision. The Meta from 1-80 is mostly about "more power" (insert Tom the Toolman Taylor grunts here). I tend to throw in a bit of vitality and/or toughness into the mix as a bit of a cushion. Adding PPF (berserker's stats) has improved my game. 

Were you in voice when participating in the family events? If so, feel free to ask questions, if not that may be part of the issue. I have not run across any member of the GSCH community that looked down, or seemed impatient, if asked for help. WvW especially, relies on voice coms (Team Speak). If you see me in game, I would be happy to jump on Game Vox and answer questions directly.

 

Jymm - try out Goat's Story Mode on Sundays. That is an easy introduction to the dungeon's/instances. You need only be of the level required by the instance. Once you feel comfortable there, Leslie runs a couple of explorable dungeons each Monday evening/afternoon. I am not a big dungeon frequenter myself, so I am hesitant to offer to lead you through one. 

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Laoch de na Aracos Liath
LeslieoftheStars
Laoch de na Aracos Liath
  • GW2: Leslie of the Stars.1706
Replied On: 08/03/2015 at 01:08 PM PDT
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Hi Verve, just load up a guardian and a necro - you will have one condi caster and can level with minions having a lot of fun and the guardian will be your melee/heal support character. There are many ways to level as Cyvil said and there are many of us here to help. Jump in and join one of our WvW events at least once a week - you will level and learn what you are doing as you go. I have all races, however, I love my Norn characters and found them to be the easiest to get through the first humps of storyline, etc. If you still don't like it after trying that, you may just be addicted to ESO..hugs:).

~Leslie

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Laoch de na Ulchabhan Dubh
verve
Laoch de na Ulchabhan Dubh
  • ESO: @verve
Replied On: 08/03/2015 at 06:37 PM PDT
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rolled a necro, got to lvl 7 in a couple hours, may try the guardian next.  will look at camera controls, and yep lots of button 1 spamming.  struggled with aoe placement, prob need to chat with someone re. 1 hand vs. 2 hand staff and related skills.

we will see.

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Caomhnoir de na Fhiaigh Buí
Cyvil
Caomhnoir de na Fhiaigh Buí
Replied On: 08/04/2015 at 04:30 AM PDT

There are settings for the AOE placement. I have mine set to show the AOE circle such that it is green within range and red if out of range. When you push the button the skill is queued, when you release the button, the skill is placed. I am not in game, but I think that setting is on the first tab/page in the options screen.

I run a power build, and have found Dagger/Dagger or Dagger/Warhorn to be a lot of fun. I also run staff and a couple of wells. At level 7, I don't think you have all of those options yet. You may want to try out a conditions flavor, and I have found that to synergize well with Sceptor/X and staff. Necro conditions are mainly about bleeds, chill and fear which are good but tend to have a high ramp up time. At level 10, I think it is, you should unlock weapon swapping (default is the " ' " key) which will allow you a second weapon set to "spam." I have found the Axe to be less than stellar.

I really like the Necro, high health pool and Death Shroud (F1) as a second health bar. Necros are  tanky for a light armor class. My suggestion would be to experiment around with the weapons and decide if you like conditions or power better, then start working towards unlocking the skills and traits that synergize best. Try out the minions and see if you like those.

Unfortunately, unless you go for map completion, you will have only enough hero points to unlock one build, along with some extra utility skills. Unless you want to end up with a potpourri build, you have to decide somewhat early,  and work towards a single build. 

When is your typical play time? I would be happy to join up with you, if you are of a mind to do so.



» Edited on: 2015-08-04 04:32:53



» Edited on: 2015-08-04 06:52:02

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Laoch de na Iolair Dearg
Lakshmi
Laoch de na Iolair Dearg
  • GW2: Lakshmi.5941
Replied On: 08/04/2015 at 07:08 AM PDT
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Let me step back from the class advice and  talk about one thing you can do to improve your enjoyment of events.  Specifically: keeping up with the leader (tag)! 

It sounds simple, but IMO this is the single most important factor in one's enjoyment of events (and leveling) in GW2.  You'll need to learn your way around, of course, but there's also a more subtle factor: run speed.  There are no mounts in GW2, but nearly every class has a trait or utility that gives them a permanent +25% run speed buff. 

Honestly, this is the first place I'd spent my hero points on any new character.  To be sure, there will be many occasions in the later levels where you won't use these, but it makes a HUGE difference for open world PVE and WvW where most folks level up.

Necro, for example, has Signet of the Locust.  Here's table of movement buffs that are practical for a lowbie to consider.  I vastly prefer the passive signets and traits on a new character because they are 100% uptime.  The alternative-- swiftness buffs, blink and leaps -- are something that you'll have to repeat every few seconds for temporary bursts of speed.  (Much more button-mashy.)  

Profession

Signet (perma +25%) 

Trait (perma +25%)

Swiftness (short duration +33% run speed)

"Blink" / Leap

Elementalist   

Signet of Air 

Air Minor Trait #1 + Attune to Air  

Air > Staff 4
Air > Dagger 5

Lightning Flash (slot skill)
Air > Dagger 4

Mesmer

   

Focus 4
Signet of Inspiration (randomly)

Blink (slot skill)

Necro

Signet of the Locust

 Blood Trait "Quenching Thirst"  + Dagger   

Warhorn 5
Spectral Walk (slot skill)

 

Ranger

Signet of the Hunt

 

Warhorn 5

Greatsword 3

Engineer

 

Mecha Legs (Inventions)

Elixir B (slot skill)

Rocket Boots (slot skill)

Thief

Signet of Shadows

   

Shortbow 5

Guardian

   

Staff 2
Retreat! (slot skill)
Save Yourselves! (slot skill)

Greatsword 3
Judge's Intervention (slot skill)

Warrior

 

Warrior's Sprint (Discipline)

Warhorn 4
Balanced Stance (slot skill)

Sword 2
Greatsword 3
Greatsword 5

 

(NOTE: I left out a few more options that aren't practical for OOC travel, or take a lots of hero points to acquire, or high levels to slot.)

As you can see, the only option to keep up with the leader as a lowbie mesmer or guardian is a lot of button mashing.  (Endgame rune sets and elite specializations can mitigate this, so you won't hear people complain about it at level 80.)  Something to factor into your choice for a first class, however.

Hope this helps!

~Shmi

 



» Edited on: 2015-08-04 15:56:48

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Seaimpin de na Capall Donn
Beaf
Seaimpin de na Capall Donn
  • ESO: @Beafsteak
Replied On: 08/04/2015 at 11:26 AM PDT

i play a healer/caster on ESO and if you enjoy your healer/caster try the guardian, i have an 80 of all classes but the guardian is almost all i play now days. give it a try

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Caomhnoir de na Fhiaigh Buí
Cyvil
Caomhnoir de na Fhiaigh Buí
Replied On: 08/04/2015 at 03:02 PM PDT

Schmi - Quickening Thirst is available in the Necro Blood line. +25% when Wielding a dagger.

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Laoch de na Iolair Dearg
Lakshmi
Laoch de na Iolair Dearg
  • GW2: Lakshmi.5941
Replied On: 08/04/2015 at 03:56 PM PDT
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Cyvil -- Funny that I forgot that one, since I run it on my baby necro :)

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Laoch de na Ulchabhan Dubh
verve
Laoch de na Ulchabhan Dubh
  • ESO: @verve
Replied On: 08/04/2015 at 05:01 PM PDT
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'preciate all the input.  Cyvil, I play am's eastern right now, but swapping to evenings next week, I like to spend some time with you learnin the ins and outs of this Necro

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Laoch de na Iolair Dearg
Lakshmi
Laoch de na Iolair Dearg
  • GW2: Lakshmi.5941
Replied On: 08/05/2015 at 01:22 PM PDT
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Just going to add a pitch for my current favorite class: Elementalist.  It's not the easiest class to learn to play (lots of knobs and very squishy).  But OH MY is it powerful.   Very strong healer (I've healed with Guardian but I feel more effective healing with Elementalist), awesome team buffs and a top tier DPS -- all in the same gear.

I don't think it's the right class to learn GW2 with, but once you get comfortable give it a spin.

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Caomhnoir de na Fhiaigh Buí
Cyvil
Caomhnoir de na Fhiaigh Buí
Replied On: 08/05/2015 at 05:07 PM PDT

I am central time and typically find an hour or two each weeknight. Weekends, I have more time. I added you to my friends list, and will keep an eye out for you.

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Draoi de na Griobhta Bán
Kitty
Draoi de na Griobhta Bán
  • GW2: Kitty.6219
Replied On: 08/06/2015 at 10:38 AM PDT
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I'm in the eastern mornings too most of the time :3

"Be the player you want to meet".- Foghladha
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Saighdiuir de na Iomproidh
Elidien
Saighdiuir de na Iomproidh
  • GW2: Elidien.9146
Replied On: 08/07/2015 at 05:48 PM PDT
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Thank you Verve for the thread. I feel the same way about GW2. I have started and stopped numerous times, mainly because I cannot find a class I am happy with.

I like hybrids. In ESO, I run a Nightblade with magic skills (forget the line). And also a stam based Sorcerer with Lightning.

I love playing a Thane in DAOC, SK in EQ, and many other hybrids.

I know in the GW2 expansion they are taking a lot of classes and adding in skill lines to make them more hybrid (depending on spec). However thats a long time to wait.

I would like to find a class with moderate survivability, a combo of ranged and melee dps, no pets required, etc....

I have been told a dagger elementalist before. I tried the Engineer and do not like it.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be most appreciated.

 

And what is GW 101?

Bae Over Bay...Always
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Laoch de na Ulchabhan Dubh
verve
Laoch de na Ulchabhan Dubh
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Replied On: 08/08/2015 at 02:10 AM PDT
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Part 1 of the GW2 101 series;  http://www.gaiscioch.com/events/2816/

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Caomhnoir de na Fhiaigh Buí
Cyvil
Caomhnoir de na Fhiaigh Buí
Replied On: 08/08/2015 at 04:43 AM PDT

Elidien - most classes can be played as either melee or ranged, it is the moderate survivability that would seem to be the key. If your only attempts have been Elementalist and Engineer, you picked the two that are in my opinion the most difficult to play. 

Keeping in mind that this is just my opinion, that "survivability" can mean different things to different people, and that a good build often requires at least level 40, sometimes 60, here is a list that may be helpful:

Warrior - most resilient class that I have found. High health, high armor, good condition removal. Shines in melee, ranged is mainly single target, with limited AoE range.

Necro - High health (two health bars), low armor, no better class for condition removal. Solid melee, one of the best for AoE ranged. Pets are optional, and not frequently seen (except for SPvP and is one of several options).

Guardian - Low health, high armor, good condition clear. In spite of the low health pool, Guardian can be a fairly tanky class. Gaurdians are built around active defense, past the dodges that the other classes have. They also have access to many boons that improve their, and their parties performance. Shines in melee, relatively heavy hitting single target ranged, and option for somewhat weak AoE ranged.

Ranger - Good survivability, condition clear, melee, & ranged options. I think of ranger as the jack of all trades, master of none. They require pets, though.

Mesmer - Mesmer's are light armor, and do not have a terribly high health pool. They have good melee and ranged options. They rely on distortion, evades, invisibility, and teleports for their survivability. I tend to have more health issues on mesmers than I do on the classes listed above. When my timing is off, Guardian survavibility is close to my mesmer. I am not an expert with either, by any means.

Thief - this is a glass cannon class. They rely on teleports, evades, blinds and invisibility for survival.

Elementalist - lots of survivability options, depending on what you are doing. Lots of condition clearing, and healing options. I have not mastered the attunement swapping. I started my ele last, and I think I am too used to the weapon swapping on the other classes to be comfortable with the attunements. Those attunements can be very powerful, however. A good ele can 1v1 just about any other class. Dagger/Dagger ele is considered to be a cheese build by more than a few in PvP. 

Engineer - Engineer takes quite a bit of thought to play. Many, many options, as far as weapon sets go. The tool kits allow for ranged AoE, melee and survability. The problem is that each kit is essentially a new weapon set, and keeping track of the skills available takes a bit to pick up. Engineer is middle of the pack for survivability, at least for me. 

All that said, a couple of general points. GW2 does not rely on, or even allow for, a trinity. All classes are DPS and rely on dodges for survival. Because of this, most of the builds are glass cannon. It is all about damage. I found that I needed, and on some classes still need, more health or toughness, when learning a class. That said, power, precision, and ferocity are king. One of the challenges that I have found with the DPS only philosophy is that I need access to almost all of the traits and skills for each class, to find a build that works for me. Unfortunately, that means that I needed a fair amount of play time after max level to get access to what I needed to be comfortable playing a class. 

My recommendation to you, is Necro. Necros are relatively straight forward to learn, they have good ranged options, and with a dagger, and the blood trait line, survive in melee. Necros do lack gap closers and have limited CC options, though. Warrior is solid too, and can be so easy to play that I find them somewhat boring (I still actively play one though).

 

Hope this helps!

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Elidien
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Replied On: 08/08/2015 at 06:47 AM PDT
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Thank you Verve for the link!

 

Cyvil - That does help a lot! Thank you for providing the kind of info that I was looking for. I think Warrior and Necro are the two I should focus on and try. I know with the expansion, a Greatsword wielding Necro sounds right up my alley but thats a long way off. You summed up my feeling on Ele and Eng perfectly. It good to hear Necro pets are optional too and that is why I have not tried one is I viewed them as a pet class (like ranger). I think a Norn Necro is my future.

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Lakshmi
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Replied On: 08/08/2015 at 06:56 AM PDT
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I'm going to talk a little about dungeons since I know from my time in ESO that Verve likes those.   They aren't required content by any means, so if you don't care about dungeons/fractals please ignore this post. :)

There's another factor in class choice: Group Utility.  As Cyvil mentions, every class can play the DPS role, so if you want to be great at PVE dungeons/fractals it's worth considering how you can help increase the entire team's DPS -- not just your personal DPS.

  • What DPS buffs can you apply to your party?  Might? Precision? Banners? Conjured weapons?  For example, the damage increase from 25 stacks of Might (+750 Power/+750 Condition Damage @ level 80) -- is very significant.
  • Can you reflect projectiles back at the boss (helping him to kill himself)?
  • Can you speed up your allies' attacks? 
  • Can you stealth or portal your team past enemies?
  • Can you put down Fire or Smoke fields?  Can you Blast fields?  (Blasting these fields gives the whole team Might and Invisibility, respectively)

You'll see that I don't ask "can you heal others?" or "can you tank?" because usually they aren't needed.  Everyone can heal themselves and tanking isn't a thing in current dungeons.  As Cyvil mentions, survivability in PVE is largely a matter of avoiding damage -- knowing the fights, positioning and well-timed dodging.  Group heals and group condition removals are needed only occasionally in dungeons, since players mostly look after themselves.

PVP & WVW need a broader range of group support, simply because enemy players are smarter and far more numerous than NPC enemies.  Group healing, condition damage, condition removal, defensive buffs, and rezzing all have a far larger role in PVP and WVW.   Necro, for example, is considered to be relatively weak for "buff your team's DPS" group utility in PVE dungeons/fractals, but it's immensely strong in PVP and WVW for the other types of group support it brings.

A caveat: we haven't heard details on any new raid-sized "Hard End-Game PVE" is coming in HoT.  It may require something different from current PVE dungeons/fractals, and healing or tanking or some other type of group support might actually become a thing in the new content.



» Edited on: 2015-08-08 07:06:03

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Muintir
Jymm
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Replied On: 08/10/2015 at 09:09 AM PDT
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I have to admit some of this is quite daunting to someone who has played primarily support roles in the past, and never focused as much on DPS.  I really enjoy the game and I am trying to adapt to the concept that I need to be self-survivable to play well in a group environment.  It does make me rethink which classes/weapon choices are better for me in the long run. 

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Lakshmi
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Replied On: 08/10/2015 at 09:34 AM PDT
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Jymm -- mostly it's just knowing the fights, and smart positioning.  That part is no different than the raiding I did in other MMOs as a healer (and I did LOTS).  

Learning to dodge effectively is the new twist, and it's a skill well worth learning.  Personally I find it makes the combat much more engaging.

BTW, I still watch health bars and pull out my group support tricks as needed.  It's one of the reason I like WVW -- more opportunities to play support. :)  I practiced some Tempest support in PVE over the beta weekend.... and my loot & experience dropped like a stone.  That's the downside. :(

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Eiahn
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Replied On: 08/12/2015 at 05:13 AM PDT
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Hey Verve, 

Been playing GW2 for a while now, and although I still consider myself a "noob" from all the stuff I don't know and don't quite understand still, I would say that you might enjoy playing an Elementalist when you get around to it. It takes a bit to get used to, but you have so much versatility with the spells from the different elements, all at your fingertips, that I think you may very well get a kick out of that.

Hit me up if you see me in game, or even on GameVox. It will always be a pleasure to fire that puppy up and go wreck havok with you.

Also, the WvW are a great place to level up while learning how to use your skills and passives! Anytime I have a question, even the first time I went there, on my level 10ish thief, everybody was very patient and friendly with me and made sure I could keep up with the group to have an enjoyable experience. 

For Dungeons, Old Goats runs are great! He takes the time to explain everything and what is needed for what.

Anyhow, I'm no expert but that is my two cents.

"Those Who Judge, Do Not Matter. Those Who Matter, Do Not Judge."
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ElizabethInAustin
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Replied On: 08/13/2015 at 09:04 AM PDT
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Verve I downloading my game again and I messing around with keybindings.  Maybe we should chat in Vox.

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