Basics, Builds, and Banter

[rutherfjord]

For everyone that hasn't had a chance to play around with Mesmers, or for people who aren't quite sure what sort of build they want, I'm going to post some items that I've collected over the past couple months.

Anyone else with input, corrections, or other opinions please share them!

Taugrim's 21 July Tip of the Day: clones generally deal very low damage, but if you trait Sharper Images, at least they add bleeds to the mix

How to Mesmer: A Guide to Shooting Purple at Mobs
www.guildwars2guru.com/topic/46560-how-to-mesmer-spvp-in-work/

Taugrim's Mesmer PvP 1st Look:
taugrim.com/2012/07/28/gw2-mesmer-pvp-video-core-mechanics/

I plan on running a glass cannon type build, but haven't quite perfected it yet. Feel free to post your ideas or builds for comparison, critique, or just simple advice.

I've based this build (prototype v3) off quite a bit of research and it seems to run fairly well in PvP
www.gw2db.com/skills/calc/mesmer#7|0|2647|4090|4091|4088|2686|20|1750|1744|0|30|1759|2304|2209|10|2220|0|0|0|0|0|0|10|1775|0|0|2|10|

[daetrin]

First I'll just say I love that this game lets all classes have glass cannon to tanky builds. So cool that it is that flexible.

That's a great set of links. Thanks for sharing. I have some reading to do!

Guessing from the talent that your alt weapon set is Sword / Pistol? That with the greatsword do look like the best for raw damage output. Have you put any thought into shifting points more over to the bleed effects (e.g. Dueling 10 move to option 6). While you will not see the big numbers, I suspect you will get more dps.

A bit weak on the escape and condition removers for my taste, but you will hit hard. I guess with the right gear it could balance out. Have you thought about using some of the retaliation options in the talents to help when you are targeted? Less cannon, but still keeps to the damage theme.

Take all of this with a big grain of salt. I'm still learning how this all works so it could be lousy advice.

[rutherfjord]

Thanks for the feedback daetrin!

Yes, alt weapon is sword/pistol right now. I actually already had option 6 selected, just on Dueling 20. My thought was that giving them fury (Dueling 10 option 2) would increase the rate of crits, allowing more bleed damage. It really is a rewarding feeling seeing that rapid string of bleed blending in with the huge hits from the greatsword.

You're absolutely right, the condition removal is pretty dismal but so far it hasn't hindered too much. I liked having two different stun breaking skills, which I've been mostly using as makeshift evasion/escape techniques. However, I'm considering getting rid of Blink and swapping it for something else. Still undecided.

[daetrin]

I think early on in pvp you will be fine w/o escapes. Part of the fun of a new game. Just avoid those double mace warriors as they will be your nemesis with stun locks. As people learn to play you can always adjust.

I read through the links you provided. I like Taugrim's "legion" build. Very much my play style. I use to follow him back in Rift and glad to see he is picking up GW2.

While reading through some sub-links on what you had I also found some other builds I'll list out here just for reference.

The creator called this the "Power" build.
gw2skills.net/editor/en/?fgUQNAsaWlwzKoHVzoGZNJxpHJH6PHVBwTqQrLpA31G;TsAg0CnoqxUjoGbNuak1sqYUxkCA

Four builds here on the Guru site that the poster claims are becoming cookie cutter.
www.guildwars2guru.com/topic/51775-everyones-doing-it-pvp-builds/

Toying around with a build tool to try and make something with your weapon theme and high dps. Phantasms for damage, clones to escape. When I finished I realized I went too defensive for what you were looking for. I might still try it if I can convince myself to give up the staff.
gw2skills.net/editor/en/?fgAQNAR8alwzSqHTzoGbNJxZGRn6oFQqgqL9o24e2A;TsAA2CooqxUjoGbNuak1sEZIyuCA