djemben.6924

FWIW this issue appeared to start (for me) right after the Halloween update was REMOVED and returned to normal. Anyone see a similar pattern? Seems to be a somewhat widespread issue and we've gotten no response so I'll put in a ticket for my account as well.

Newly encountering this error myself... been playing since launch with few issues... now I consider myself lucky if I can get through 1 sPvP match without being booted.

A simple, yet as far as I can see impossible solution, would be to rebalance skills so they can benefit allies more than oneself, or, say, earn additional benefits for hitting more than just oneself or more than one enemy. As an example, perhaps a piercing bullet bleeds when it hits more than 1 enemy. Some of this is already in place, but I think it could use more emphasis to improve the PvP scene. I've seen this design principle implemented in some MOBA games, and the gameplay was really fun and teamplay oriented. Unfortunately, I think as a design principle this fundamentally conflicts with the idea of being able to PvE by oneself effectively. Since the same game exists in PvE singleplayer as well as many multiplayer formats, it would be difficult to take away from those who enjoy playing alone. Yes, there is the possibility of adjusting skills to have PvP-only text; however, the level of change I'm imagining would create too big a difference between PvP and PvE to be even recognizable. This would drastically affect those who wish to transition from scene to scene, like myself. My conclusion: we have to make the best out of a game that is fundamentally designed to be able to enjoy alone... and in PvE (thus encouraging outrageously selfish abilities and talents)! I will still play PvP and enjoy it as long as the imbalances are not too influential on game outcomes at my mediocre play level.

Speaking for Elementalist in sPvP (mostly) and Open World (somewhat): I am deeply enjoying my Weaver experience with Sword/Focus. I feel as if this weapon choice negates a lot of the complaints about survivability in this thread. There may, however, be a fundamental survivability issue with the other weapon choices... Sw/Fo has the satisfying feel of a "battlemage" archetype, but I can also see why the general populace may want to see the ranged caster archetype as a viable option. To be more specific, my build uses Glyph of Elemental Power and Primordial Stance to dish out massive condition damage, and I can just evade while I watch everything around me bleed and burn to death. Probably not an optimal DPS build, but I've certainly outlasted my allies in battle time and time again. I use Earth specialization for the Stone Heart and suddenly I don't instantly die to a deadeye, burst mesmer, or warrior. I just wanted to share my success story with regards to Ele, since everyone here seems to be speaking negatively about balance issues. Don't forget to mention what you already like! I've found a build that works for me and has the general feel I enjoy in a character. I cannot speak for tempests or power-based builds, other than the fact that I know outright that I will defeat them in a 1v1... I guess that says something, though. Despite my general success, I do see (from reading, mostly) a few fundamental issues I think could use some attention:1) (ranged) Elementalists don't feel like a caster that should be feared, other than their one meteor shower if you're not paying attention.2) Conjure Weapons still don't feel useful in most circumstances. I would love to see a re-work of these with a creative new way to bring them in to a class who relies heavily on swapping what's available in skills 1-5. Recommendation for the others posting to this thread: try to clearly state the problems you're experiencing, rather than suggesting specific skill re-vamps or changes as solutions. We need to fully understand the problems and arrive at a few fundamental issues that we the player-base can agree upon. Then, the developers can, well, develop, solutions that address these problems involving specific skill, trait, or mechanic changes. Oh, and don't forget to mention the things that you really like, as well, because you wouldn't want to see those go away!