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hey guys, i dont play gw2 all that often and haven't really done anything like dungeons or whatever endgame activities there are. mostly getting through the story. im currently up to one of the living worlds before path of fire, progression-wise. but its getting harder to play and survive. i have two 80s, necromancer (sand necro, forgot the name of the spec) and mesmer. neither of them have gotten any gear upgrades since hitting 80. and if i dont play carefully ill even die to a normal pull of 1 or 2 mobs. barely can beat veterans and avoid champions entirely. ive played through an entire expansion at 80 and not once i got a gear upgrade, is it supposed to be like this? can i expect the same from path of fire? is gear with higher stats locked behind dungeons or something? im not really knowledgeable about the game at all, so if im missing something obvious please be gentle lmao. how do i improve my characters?

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The endgame of Guildwars 2, beyond the personal Story, requires a few modifications of your character, also known as build. A build consists of a 4 simple segments:

  • Gear with a certain stat-combination, Runes & Sigils
  • Passives/Traits
  • Weapons/Utility Skills/Elite Skill
  • Rotations

In the best case, those four segments are linked to each others and improve each others. This is called build-optimization or build-design. There are pre-designed builds which you can just copy/paste. They work, but they are designed only for certain game-aspects. That means they perform significantly well in those parts of the game, but still function OKish in other game-modes.

As you are not much of a hardcore-player, I would assume just adjusting your current build might be a better option. The first step is to determine what damage-type you are. We have condition-damage (with damage-over-time) and power-damage (with direct instant damage output). In most classes, that can be easily checked by the weapons you prefer to use.

There is also the build-editor where you can just make a copy of your current character build. Once you are done, you can press the button "Get quick link" in the bottom right corner and copy-paste that link in a post here, so we can see what is your situation. The tool is also quite useful to test different things and play with "What if?" questions, as it calculates stat-changes automatically.

However, we cannot make any useful suggestions about proper gear-stats and acquisition-methods until we know what we are looking for. Link us your current build from that editor, or just tell us what weapons you use.

! In addition, I have to link the pages with the pre-designed builds:! - Metabattle! - Snowcrows! - Discretize [qT]!! Note: Those pages offer pre-designed builds optimized for different aspects of the game. They create optimal results. However those only appear IF you follow the instructions exactly. That means all of the four above mentioned segments. In my opinion, those are a little too restrictive. But there are many players out there who love to get told what button to press when. It is a personal decision.

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Firstly it's worth bearing in mind that GW2 doesn't have the same seperation between open-world and "end game" content that some games do where the open-world is always easier and aimed purely at low level and very casual players while everything difficult is instanced. In this game a lot of the open-world maps _are _end-game activities which experienced players will return to. Champions are not intended to be fought solo (it's possible with some of them, but if you can't beat them alone that doesn't necessarily mean you're doing anything wrong) and a lot of events will require large groups of players working together to complete. This is especially noticable in Heart of Thorns where each map has a large meta-event (event made up of lots of smaller event chains) which requires multiple large groups of players to complete. Even if you haven't joined in with those intentionally I can't imagine you went all through the expansion and didn't participate in some of the relevant events. So you are already doing end-game content.

To answer your question gear in GW2 is quite different from other games you might be used to. In terms of straight forward progression it's fairly simple, there's only 6 tiers: common/white, fine/blue, masterwork/green, rare/yellow, exotic/orange and ascended/pink (there's also legendary/purple, but that's got the same stats as ascended). All items with the same tier and level requirement have the same amount of stats no matter where they come from. If you get a rare level 80 item from a random open-world enemy and one from the final boss of a dungeon or raid they'll have the same stats. So the problem isn't that you're not playing the right content to get good rewards.

But what is important is what those stats actually are. Bigger numbers won't do you any good if they're for something you're not even using - lots of condition damage on a character that doesn't use conditions for example. You can find out about the different attributes (stats) and what they do here: https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Attribute and you can see all the combinations which are available here: https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Attribute_combinations

But here's a quick summary:

  • Power - increases direct damage
  • Precision - increases your chance of getting a critical hit
  • Ferocity - increases the damage your critical hits will do
  • Condition Damage - increases the damage done by harmful conditions like burning or poison
  • Expertise - increases the time your conditions last
  • Toughness - increases your armour rating
  • Vitality - increases your health
  • Concentration - increases the time your boons (buffs) last
  • Healing Power - increases the strength of your healing skills (any skill which heals, not just skill 6)

It's also important to have a matching set of runes on your armour and sigils on your weapons as these provide additional bonuses.

TL;DR start here:

You didn't say what equipment you're actually using, but if it's whatever you picked up as you were going through the story I suspect there's two problems:1) Level 80 content is balanced around players using a full set of level 80 exotics and exotics are very rare as open-world drops or even as story rewards so you may not have a full set yet.2) You've probably got a random mix of stats which don't work together and don't work for your build and either mismatched runes or none at all.

Fortunately the solution to both is quite simple:1) Decide which stat combination is best for your character using the links above. For now I recommend sticking to ones with 3 attributes rather than 4 because they're easier to get.2) Get a set of level 80 exotics with those stats. Don't worry, outside of random drops exotics are pretty easy and cheap to get compared to end-game appropriate gear in other games. Since you've focused on story content probably the easiest way for you to do that is to go to the temples in Orr and buy a set of armour with karma (as you're likely to have a lot of karma), or if you've got enough gold you can buy them from the Trading Post. Weapons, runes and sigils are definitely easiest to get from the TP.

TL;DR ends

If you're buying from the trading post make sure to use the advanced search icons to specify which stats you want rather than just putting in the prefix name as that will give you cheaper options. And remember what I said above - all level 80 exotics with the same stat combination are equally good. Prices will range from less than 1g to hundreds or thousands of gold but that does not mean more expensive items have better stats. It's usually because they have rarer skins (collecting skins is popular in this game) and occasionally it's because that specific item is rarely sold, there were none listed at the time and the person selling the one you're looking at is wildly optimistic about what it's worth. If you just want good stats go for the cheapest level 80 exotics with the right stat combination. (You can always use the wardrobe to change what they look like.)

Other options include crafting them, buying them with badges of honour in WvW, doing dungeons for dungeon tokens to buy them or getting them from achievements but those are all more complicated, time consuming and potentially expensive. But the options are there if you want them. The attribute combinations page has links to each sets page which will tell you exactly how it can be obtained.

Other things to think about:

GW2 combat is very active, with lots of movement required. Make sure you're moving out of red circles and away from dangerous enemies, especially when they're winding up for a big attack, or (even better) using the dodge ability to stop those big attacks hitting you.

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Previous posts already gave you very good advice.I would just add that Scourge... unless you are a minion master, isn't exactly the best for soloing stuff.Use minions.Rune up your gear.Upgrade weapons.Go through your specialisations too.Match them with your gear and upgrades for better results.

One example.Use a sigil that causes chill.Use a spec that makes chill cause more damage and last longer.Or chill also causes certain other conditions.You can the create a chain of attack that works better for you.

If you want to invest more on power or condition damage.Take your time to build up your playstyle.

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I wanted to clarify something from your post. Have you been relying on personal story rewards and monster drops to gear up your character? I couldn't tell from your post whether that was the case or not.

If that's the case, your first order of business should be to head to the Auction House and buy a full set of exotic armor and trinkets and weapons - probably with Berserker stats (Power, Precision, Ferocity). You're going to need at least that much to wander around the world and do events in the Path of Fire and Heart of Thorns maps.

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Alright, hi, thanks for the replies. I just filled out that Build editor for my necro. I've mostly been gearing up with quest rewards but I have bought some stuff off the trading post like sigils and a couple exotic weapons I think. My mesmer is a different story, I boosted that toon and have just been using the gear it came with since I saw it was basically the same stats as the other level 80 stuff on the trading post too. Its defs harder to play her - it took me like 2 hours for the final mission of heart of thorns, but my necro is main so its what i'd like to focus on here.I've defs played a few meta events while questing through the zones and trying to get map completion too. Heart of thorns was really hard even with other people around, along with the maps being confusing and filled to the brim with enemies, I defs couldn't do much without a big group around.As far as builds go, ive looked up a few sites looking for open world builds, or generally high rated builds that use the weapons I like to play with.Ive been levelling an elementalist on the side as well and noticed that even the level 40 stuff its like being a glass cannon. What classes would be good for survivability that I could look into playing?

I suppose it also could be a matter of moving around more in fights, running away to heal myself, watching pulls more carefully?

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@"deathsex.8402" said:Alright, hi, thanks for the replies. I just filled out that Build editor for my necro. I've mostly been gearing up with quest rewards but I have bought some stuff off the trading post like sigils and a couple exotic weapons I think. My mesmer is a different story, I boosted that toon and have just been using the gear it came with since I saw it was basically the same stats as the other level 80 stuff on the trading post too. Its defs harder to play her - it took me like 2 hours for the final mission of heart of thorns, but my necro is main so its what i'd like to focus on here.I've defs played a few meta events while questing through the zones and trying to get map completion too. Heart of thorns was really hard even with other people around, along with the maps being confusing and filled to the brim with enemies, I defs couldn't do much without a big group around.As far as builds go, ive looked up a few sites looking for open world builds, or generally high rated builds that use the weapons I like to play with.Ive been levelling an elementalist on the side as well and noticed that even the level 40 stuff its like being a glass cannon. What classes would be good for survivability that I could look into playing?

I suppose it also could be a matter of moving around more in fights, running away to heal myself, watching pulls more carefully?

The problem with the generally recommended builds is that they are developed by experienced players who are likely also quite skilled. They tend to prioritize damage with the idea being that most open world enemies will be dead long before they present a threat. But if you're struggling this much with HoT, that may not be the best build for you.

Check out this video. It demonstrates a build that is designed to be as simple to play as possible as well as inexpensive to gear, but able to effortlessly handle multiple tough veterans at once (hydras), groups of enemies (forged raiding parties), and even champions (Tazula Mindclouder). In the video, I intentionally stand motionless during these encounters (except for the Tazula Mindclouder fight, where I'm forced to move due to unstable magic effects), even when I'm standing in fire.

The build link is in the comment under the video. It's nearing 2 years old at this point, but nothing has really changed. It still works. Of course, you'll probably do better if you take a weapon swap like axe/torch or scepter/pistol and get rid of some of those signets. But really no matter what you do, as long as your gear has condition damage on it and you push 1 and dodge a lot, you'll be fine.

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@"deathsex.8402" said:Alright, hi, thanks for the replies. I just filled out that Build editor for my necro.

Thank you very much! I currently lack the time to write. The following lines are the "work" of three days.

Looking at your build I see two rather easy options to boost it. Either towards enhanced condition damage output or leaning towards Minion-Master, which is by far the path with the best Open World performance at the moment.


(I) Boost Condition-Damagea.) Gear, Runes & SigilsWe keep the Viper's parts you already own. This is pretty much what the meta aims for. Although Viper's is technically not a true condition stat-combo, as it significantly boosts power. But we neglect that here. The pieces of Viper's gear you own can stay. Same goes for your ascended trinkets with Rampager's stats. In fact we turn your entire trinket-set and the backpiece into that direction. That gives you a good base critical-hit rate, which is required later.

The weapons and armor pieces which are NOT Viper's are getting adjusted to Carrion stats. It is both cheap and quite efficient when it comes to empowering condition damage. In addition, it boosts your vitality, which results in a greater health-pool = better survival.

The rune-set can stay, Balthazar is acceptable and rather cheap on TP. Sigil wise, we go for Superior Sigil of Torment, to increase the number of burn stacks on your enemies. Smoldering is also rather cheap and improves your burning duration, which will enhance your long term damage on enemies with larger HP pools.

Everything can be purchased from the TP. If you are short with money, focus on one gear-segment at a time. Weapons & Armor, Trinkets & Backpiece.

COSTS

! Trinkets & Backpiece! 1x Exotic Rampager's Ring = 1 gold! 1x Exotic Rampager's Earring = Coral Orichalcum Earring = 1 x 2 gold 20 silver! Note: That is quite expensive. You can go for budget and take the yellow/rare version which is barely 1/4 of the price (Coral Mithril Earring).! 1x Exotic Rampager's Backpack = Lucky Great Lanterns! Note: Those are quite expensive as well. The cheapest (boar) still costs 8 gold 20 silver. If you are on budget, stick to your current backpack.! 4x Exquisite Coral Jewels = 3x 40 silvers! SUM = 12 gold 60 silver!! Armor and Weapons! 1x Exoitc Carrion Helmet (Exalted) = 2 gold 40 silver! 1x Exotic Carrion Coat (Exalted) = 3 gold 90 silver! 1x Exotic Carrion Leggings (Exalted) = 2 gold 10 silver! 1x Exotic Carrion Boots (Exalted) = 5 gold 50 silver! 1x Exotic Carrion Scepter (Pearl) = 1 gold 20 silver! 1x Exotic Carrion Dagger (Pearl) = 1 gold 50 silver! SUM = 16 gold 60 silver!! Runes & Sigils! 4x Superior Rune of Balthazar (new) = 4 x 10 silver! 1x Superior Sigil of Torment = 4 gold 50 silver! 2x Superior Sigil of Smoldering = 2x 33 silver! SUM = 5 gold 56 silver

b.) Traits/PassivesCurses = Lingering Curse gets replaced by Parasitic ContagionLooks horrible on the first view, so much damage lost! But your sustain drastically boosts. Keep in mind we boost your overall condition-damage in this build and enhance your max. HP. Gaining 10 % healing from every condition-damage you deal has a great impact and helps you maintaining this large HP pool on a healthy level. If you feel you are not in the need of the additional healing, you are free to switch back of course.

Soul Reaping = The Meta suggests Soul Barbs instead of Vital Persistence. But as we are not running on Viper's, instead we use Carrion, you deal a lot less direct damage. It can be a good choice in situations where you are overrun by trash-mobs. Keep in mind, conditions require time to be effective. Trash mobs usually do not survive long enough to "benefit" from the true potential of condition damage.

Scourge = No suggestions. Good choices.

c.) Weapons/Utility Skills/Elite SkillsWeapons = No change. The build works for your weapons.

Utility Skills = Trail of Anguish for Signet of SpiteAnother questionable move that only sacrifices precious damage. Why I do that? The greatest threat you face in LW and the expansions is CC (= Crowd-Control). A lot of enemies have those abilities and they are frequently using them. As a Necromancer, you already have very less stun-breakers and stability-sources compared to other sustain-master classes. That means you often end up as a pin-ball on the battlefield, watching your enormous HP bar slowly depleting. Not fun! Trail of Anguish is a stun-breaker that also supplies you with stability. Stability as a buff prevents suffering from CC attacks. In addition you gain Swiftness and cleanse a condition. On the other hand, enemies which walk in your path get torment => burning. It is a good trade-off. As it is a punishment-skill from the Scourge specialization, it also has very low cooldown. You will probably use this skill most often.

Elite Skill = Plaguelands is fine for playing solo. If you are teamed up with other players or participate in meta-events, Ghastly Breach might be a good alternative. Slow (debuff) also counts as CC towards enemies with a defiance bar.

d.) Usage

  • Use your sand-shades frequently as they are also spreading your conditions. The more enemies you tag => the more damage you deal => the more HP you gain. There is almost never a reason to tag less mobs than possible.
  • Nefarious Favor and Deathly Swarm to get rid of your conditions
  • Only use Epidemic when your target has a significant stack of conditions. It is a very powerful skill, but requires some patience to reveal its true potential.
  • Sand Flare can be used offensive: Barrier requires incoming damage to work efficiently. Unused barrier is wasted. Sand Flare also casts torment => burning. So you can use Sand Flare right at the beginning of a fight. By the time your barrier is gone and your HP got reduced by ~ 3,000 or more, the skill should be off cooldown again.
  • Weak heal-skills (general): If a heal-skill recovers 25 % of your max. HP or less, you should always use it early. It is way too weak for an emergency-heal. So use it to maintain your HP level above 50 %. When it is off cooldown and your HP is between 50 % and maximum, use the heal-skill.
  • Use the shroud when you are about to receive massive damage you cannot dodge.

    (II) Minion-Mastera.) Gear, Runes & SigilsThe gear & runes can be kept from above. In terms of Sigils you can replace the Superior Sigil of Smoldering on your Dagger for a Superior Sigil of Corruption. Whenever you are on Dagger, you get a +10 stacking bonus on condition damage. You keep that even if you switch back to torch. As a Minion-Master you almost never die, so the Corruption Sigil is worth it. Just make sure to equip a 2nd Sigil on any of your underwater weapons, or the stacks will be lost whenever you go into water.

b.) Traits/PassivesParasitic Contagion should not be needed anymore. Your pets receive all the damage. So it is safe to use Lingering Curse. Death Magic for Soul Reaping traitline, because it boosts the use of Minions.

c.) Weapons/Utility Skills/Elite SkillWeapons remain untouched again. Heal-Skill, two Utility Skills and the Elite Skill should be replaced by the minions.

d.) Usage

  • Stay ranged and watch your minions ^^.
  • When you are about to receive some CC, use the attack-skill of your Elite Minion. It grants 3 stacks of Stability, which should be plenty to sustain whatever CC is launched on you.

    Sorry for the 2nd part to be much less detailed and shorter. I ran out of time :S.

Notes:

  • Ignore underwater-weapons of both builds. Totally forgot about those. Just copy/paste the land-weapon stats/sigils.
  • Gear is on budget: As cheap as possible. Easy to acquire, even for players who rarely log in and do not have the time to farm a full Viper's set.
  • Builds are adjusted to your preferred weapon-combo. The meta-builds are different in several aspects. But the core-functionality should remain.
  • Cheap & Useful food = Bowl of Pumpkin Bisque + Tuning Icicle
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@"AliamRationem.5172" said:The problem with the generally recommended builds is that they are developed by experienced players who are likely also quite skilled. They tend to prioritize damage with the idea being that most open world enemies will be dead long before they present a threat. But if you're struggling this much with HoT, that may not be the best build for you.

Check out this video. It demonstrates a build that is designed to be as simple to play as possible as well as inexpensive to gear, but able to effortlessly handle multiple tough veterans at once (hydras), groups of enemies (forged raiding parties), and even champions (Tazula Mindclouder). In the video, I intentionally stand motionless during these encounters (except for the Tazula Mindclouder fight, where I'm forced to move due to unstable magic effects), even when I'm standing in fire.

The build link is in the comment under the video. It's nearing 2 years old at this point, but nothing has really changed. It still works. Of course, you'll probably do better if you take a weapon swap like axe/torch or scepter/pistol and get rid of some of those signets. But really no matter what you do, as long as your gear has condition damage on it and you push 1 and dodge a lot, you'll be fine.

holy crap, that video is insane. gotta try out that build on my mesmer. you literally never took any damage ahaha. definitely looks useful.

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@HnRkLnXqZ.1870wow, massive write up. i appreciate the time you spent tailoring your answers. detailed and thorough and explains well why the choices are better than others. ill get on today most likely and tweak my build to incorporate your tips.but yeah, lol i only have about 60 gold or something, so was trying to cut costs when it came to the runes and whatever else. but yeah this all looks really good, cant thank you enough

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@"deathsex.8402" said:holy kitten, that video is insane. gotta try out that build on my mesmer. you literally never took any damage ahaha. definitely looks useful.

I tried it and it works.

Its hard to die, but it also kills mobs slow. You do kill them tho.

Key is endurance. For dodge(mirage version). Vigor boon is your "life" and your "power".

Build is kinda weird, but in a good way. It feels like its easier to kill big mobs(veteran or bigger), then lots of small critters.

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