Help for an open world hybrid Renegade

[Hevoskuuri.3891]

I've been a Mesmer main forever, but have always been interested in revenant as a secondary class. Though I've always found it complex to learn and can't wrap my mind around the rotations, but now that Renegade is out, I decided to give it another go and made an open world hybrid build for goofing around, and so far I'm having tons of fun with it. I seem to die very easily though, so I'm looking for some general advice and build adjustments, as well as weapon rotation tips as well.

To my build:-Mallyx/Kalla-Dire armor with Berserker runes-Dire shortbow & mace/axe with Strenght/Earth sigils-Zerker trinkets & backpiece-Corruption 3-2-1-Invocation 3-3-1-Renegade 2-2-2

I'd appreciate any fine-tuning tips for the build (since this is only for goofing around in open world PvE, I'm not going to start crafting expensive Viper/Trailblazer gear, so my existing Dire set will have to do as a source for condition damage.) I think I've got the power/condi balance about right, my damage output is very satisfying. The problem is, like I mentioned, I still don't know revenant all that well, so I keep dying to champion mobs and such. I'd also appreciate tips on weapon rotations, as well as when/in what situations should I swap stances and use their utility skills.

Thanks in advance Renegades!

[Redfeather.6401]

Here is what I am using for open world.http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vlAQJAVinfNWMTuJvmRHlZzskytZ4SZ3Mor8bmFNlqtACgGItDChS4vHLylE-jRCBQBM8CA4n9HokSwdo+DXU+lIdAA4RAonjAAq0EAA-e

• It gets 100% crit chance at full endurance and I don't ever use fury. Builds up Kalla's Fervor in seconds.
• The sigil of draining complements Darkrazor's Daring, and acts as a heal over time. More enemies in Darkrazor's AoE the faster you heal up. Using Spiritcrush on enemies slows them increasing the interrupt potential of Darkrazor.
• The mad king runes boost both the crit damage and bleed stacks. Every 45 seconds you'll get access to mad king's ravens when you use Soulcleave's Summit. Standing in Soulcleave's aoe will heal you over time as the ravens attack enemies. More enemies means faster heal. It will also give dps increase.
• Hammer can be swapped to when you need more burst and CC. It has 2 blast finishers to use on Soulcleave (as Soulcleave is a fire field) to grant might stacks.
• Don't forget to keep up might stacks from Heroic Command, as it benefits all forms of dps and makes each stack of kalla's fervor more effective.

My shortbow is celestial in that build because it was the only stat choice collection reward offered that fit a hybrid build.My hammer is zealot because it's from another class I play and it's a hand-me-down.I am thinking of dropping the Sigils of Accuracy once I get the weapon stats swapped. :sweat_smile:

[Hevoskuuri.3891]

That's an interesting build you got there! Didn't even think about Rampager, I'll consider giving it a shot. I really like Dire for the added tankiness though, before I git gud I would probably melt even faster without the extra toughness and vit, lol. However rampager seems like a solid pick for the added power/crit boost. Mad King runes were a great suggestion, I'll try those out. Also, hammer is fun, but I prefer getting up close with mace/axe.

I'd still welcome some tips on the actual rotations, I have no idea which stance to use in which situation, if the Kalla utilities are worth using outside groups, and whether to engage with my shortbow and then swap to melee, or the other way around. Again, thanks in advance!

[Obtena.7952]

Are you taking Dire armor because you find you're dying in open world? IF that's the case, I would put the Dire stats on the trinkets and make the Armor your more offensive stat ...you may find in the future you want more damage as you learn and get better and it's easier to get new trinkets and swap as your situation permits than it is to swap your armor stats.

It's pretty hard to set stats around the Roiling Mists trait with the Renegade Crit stuff. ... I'm attempting the same build. If you aren't careful you get a lot of wastes stats in precision.

[Redfeather.6401]

@Hevoskuuri.3891 said:That's an interesting build you got there! Didn't even think about Rampager, I'll consider giving it a shot. I really like Dire for the added tankiness though, before I git gud I would probably melt even faster without the extra toughness and vit, lol. However rampager seems like a solid pick for the added power/crit boost. Mad King runes were a great suggestion, I'll try those out. Also, hammer is fun, but I prefer getting up close with mace/axe.

I'd still welcome some tips on the actual rotations, I have no idea which stance to use in which situation, if the Kalla utilities are worth using outside groups, and whether to engage with my shortbow and then swap to melee, or the other way around. Again, thanks in advance!

The build has very high self sustain. You best play it by fighting large groups of enemies. The bigger the group the bigger the dps per target and life leeching you'll have.

I did not put much in the way of strategies, since I am still learning the nuances to the class.One thing I am learning is that summons can affect each other. So if you are in a group, then after pulling multiple mobs, opening the fight with a Razorclaw's Rage + Icerazor's Ire will start stacking cripple+vulnerability+bleeding+kalla's fervor at really high rate (except for the bleeding as Razorclaw's buff feels super weak). Icerazor will also grab a lot of aggro from the mobs (Razorclaw gets no aggro because he's literally the worst). It is a super energy intensive opening strike, but it puts the fight immediately in your favour.If you are solo, then opening with Icerazor on his own is best. Shelf Razorclaw as he offers little use during solo play. Icerazor and Darkrazor are your main men.

If you anticipate that the fight is going to become too much for you, cast a spiritcrush to slow enemies while they are still crippled. Then cast Darkrazor's Daring to start seeing interrupts and life leeching. The timing is tricky on this because it's all very energy intensive and you'll need to gauge how the fight is going to play out before all the cripple wears off, but after you regen enough energy to be capable of doing a spiritcrush+darkrazor.

[Hevoskuuri.3891]

@Obtena.7952 said:Are you taking Dire armor because you find you're dying in open world? IF that's the case, I would put the Dire stats on the trinkets and make the Armor your more offensive stat ...you may find in the future you want more damage as you learn and get better and it's easier to get new trinkets and swap as your situation permits than it is to swap your armor stats.

Actually, I chose Dire mostly because I already had an existing set, and also because I thought having extra tankiness never hurts. Also, the zerker trinkets bring enough stats for decent power damage, and I personally feel like this is a good balance. Swapping them other-way-around is definitely an option, so I'll try that.

Also thanks to Redfeather, your strategy is indeed energy intensive, but feels solid.

[Redfeather.6401]

Hevoskuuri, I added you as friend in game. In case you ever wanted to group up and see how my build works.

[Celldrax.2849]

I've been playing around with Kalla/Mallyx a bit more (shortbow and mace/axe). And this is just my personal preference as a solo player, but I heavily gear my characters for survivability. So all equipment for this build is basically trailblazers, except for 5 pieces or armour which are dire.

I'm ok with taking a hit to raw damage though since mallyx does still have very high condition output, and kalla is better suited for the CC and minor healing support.

I personally like the invocation condition clear though and 2-2-2 for corruption. My standard procedure for most encounters is initiating combat with unyielding anguish, then follow up with mace 2 and 3. Easy 20 - 30+ torment when pulled off in quick succession.

[Obtena.7952]

I just finished unlocking Renegade today, so this thread is timely. I'm having quite a personal issue with the contradiction that you get using mainly conditions for damage ... but choosing Invocation and Renegade traits that have lots of Fury and crit effects. So far with Invocation I got this:

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vlAQNApXlnfNWMvNeNmbyr5eybStUmNXVeUujyu5rykSmUuNnVuUiuyv5xyuyFUlKNAKgEgNJeio4fETxXE-jRSCQBK7UA6LS2TAwZq/ANlBR4ACwSlgGTpHAOQAzc/BCBoYNA-e

That hang up with the Fury/Crit I have is going to push me to try a power build. Renegade with Invocation is just a rollercoaster of crit rates and makes your damage very inconsistent if you take Roiling Mists. I'm tempted to try:

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vlAQJAWinXNWMvNeNmayr5eybS9TmNXVeUugyu5rykSOUuNnVuUityv5xyuyFNl6vHPylsdBCgGgtMSj3A-jxRCABQq+jyaIETJId6Ci4ACAwBCYq9HlfkCQPtWA-e

[kKagari.6804]

@Obtena.7952 said:I just finished unlocking Renegade today, so this thread is timely. I'm having quite a personal issue with the contradiction that you get using mainly conditions for damage ... but choosing Invocation and Renegade traits that have lots of Fury and crit effects. So far with Invocation I got this:

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vlAQNApXlnfNWMvNeNmbyr5eybStUmNXVeUujyu5rykSmUuNnVuUiuyv5xyuyFUlKNAKgEgNJeio4fETxXE-jRSCQBK7UA6LS2TAwZq/ANlBR4ACwSlgGTpHAOQAzc/BCBoYNA-e

That hang up with the Fury/Crit I have is going to push me to try a power build. Renegade with Invocation is just a rollercoaster of crit rates and makes your damage very inconsistent if you take Roiling Mists. I'm tempted to try:

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vlAQJAWinXNWMvNeNmayr5eybS9TmNXVeUugyu5rykSOUuNnVuUityv5xyuyFNl6vHPylsdBCgGgtMSj3A-jxRCABQq+jyaIETJId6Ci4ACAwBCYq9HlfkCQPtWA-e

You've equipped Ferocious Strikes in a build that does not dual wield, in your second build.

[Ardent Heretic.8216]

I recommend the following:

Corruption 3-2-1 (standard cdps boost)Invocation 2-2-1 (reliable fury and stun breaks are very important to damage and survival)Renegade 2-2-1 (the might stacks super fast and is much more meaningful to your damage than an extra 5 stacks of Fervor)

Swap the Berserker runes to Balthazar for big burning bursts at a reasonable price since you won't be getting much expertise from equipment. On that note, grab Smoldering sigils. I find my burning and torment damage run neck-and-neck, but it's much cheaper to extend the burns.

As to rotations, I can only really speak to Mace. For max dps while in Kalla, use Mace 2 on cd immediately followed by exactly 1 skill, and auto in between. The priority of those skills is Citadel Bombardment>Icerazor>Mace 3>Axe 5. Use Darkrazor as an engage or escape tool or to break bars. For Mallyx, activate elite and use Mace 2>AA>Mace 2>Mace 3>AA>Mace 2>legend swap.

Unfortunately, Razorclaw just isn't good unless you've got a group of players stacked up. If you do, substitute it in for Icerazor.

[Hevoskuuri.3891]

@Redfeather.6401 said:Hevoskuuri, I added you as friend in game. In case you ever wanted to group up and see how my build works.

See you in game! :)

Also thanks everyone, I'll adjust my build according to your tips. My Renegade is going to be a beast!

[Obtena.7952]

@kKagari.6804 said:

@Obtena.7952 said:I just finished unlocking Renegade today, so this thread is timely. I'm having quite a personal issue with the contradiction that you get using mainly conditions for damage ... but choosing Invocation and Renegade traits that have lots of Fury and crit effects. So far with Invocation I got this:

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vlAQNApXlnfNWMvNeNmbyr5eybStUmNXVeUujyu5rykSmUuNnVuUiuyv5xyuyFUlKNAKgEgNJeio4fETxXE-jRSCQBK7UA6LS2TAwZq/ANlBR4ACwSlgGTpHAOQAzc/BCBoYNA-e

That hang up with the Fury/Crit I have is going to push me to try a power build. Renegade with Invocation is just a rollercoaster of crit rates and makes your damage very inconsistent if you take Roiling Mists. I'm tempted to try:

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vlAQJAWinXNWMvNeNmayr5eybS9TmNXVeUugyu5rykSOUuNnVuUityv5xyuyFNl6vHPylsdBCgGgtMSj3A-jxRCABQq+jyaIETJId6Ci4ACAwBCYq9HlfkCQPtWA-e

You've equipped Ferocious Strikes in a build that does not dual wield, in your second build.

Quite true. To be fair, I probably didn't remember to change it when I was swapping between dual swords and staff. Until l actually give it a go, I won't know what one I want to use.

[TheUndefined.1720]

I'd like to utilize my bow more often. Any suggestions on a skill rotation with bow like mace / axe? Generally, I just kind of mash buttons when I'm on the bow, I don't really know which to stick to over the other. Thanks in advance :)

[Obtena.7952]

@TheUndefined.1720 said:I'd like to utilize my bow more often. Any suggestions on a skill rotation with bow like mace / axe? Generally, I just kind of mash buttons when I'm on the bow, I don't really know which to stick to over the other. Thanks in advance :)

Some things to take attention of:

1. 4 has a Fire field, #1 and #3 have Combo finishers with a 20% chance to proc. Someone will have to confirm but I think the chance depends on how many hits you get in the duration of the field ... so seems to me you want to do 4, 3, then spam 1 until the field is gone.

2. 5 is going to break defiance so unless you fight a NPC with a bar, just spam #5 off cooldown.

3. Spam #2 on cooldown while your fire field is NOT present.

Make sense? That's not including any condi applied with Mallyx skills either.

[TheUndefined.1720]

@Obtena.7952

Thanks! That totally makes sense. I was honestly just spamming 2 and 3 with auto in between lol. I'll try it out and see how it works :)

[Ojimaru.8970]

@Obtena.7952 said:

@TheUndefined.1720 said:I'd like to utilize my bow more often. Any suggestions on a skill rotation with bow like mace / axe? Generally, I just kind of mash buttons when I'm on the bow, I don't really know which to stick to over the other. Thanks in advance :)

Some things to take attention of:

1. 4 has a Fire field, #1 and #3 have Combo finishers with a 20% chance to proc. Someone will have to confirm but I think the chance depends on how many hits you get in the duration of the field ... so seems to me you want to do 4, 3, then spam 1 until the field is gone.

2. 5 is going to break defiance so unless you fight a NPC with a bar, just spam #5 off cooldown.
3. Spam #2 on cooldown while your fire field is NOT present.

Make sense? That's not including any condi applied with Mallyx skills either.

Shattershot and Sevenshot have a 20% chance for each projectile to be tagged as a "Projectile Finisher" and allow it to combo off the Fire Field of Spiritcrush. As far as I can tell, Spiritcrush has some real targeting issues when not used in conjunction with Snap to Ground Target (found in Gameplay Options), so consider using that.

As far as rotations go, you won't be using the same rotations as Mace/Axe due to the much higher costs of shortbow skills, as well as the likelihood you'll be at a distance from your enemy. As mentioned above, prioritize using #4 then #3, and use Citadel Bombardment off cooldown. If you are using Kalla, summon Razorclaw whenever possible.

Finally, mace/axe still far outpaces shortbow in terms of damage in most situations. I switch to shortbow if, say, the bounty target has Polluter (drops expanding poison field) or Scorcher (drops multiple burning fields).

[TheUndefined.1720]

So, I'm squishier than a wet napkin :( I definitely cannot solo elites without them 2-3 shotting me. I'm currently using the Kalla / Mallyx build with a mace / axe and shortbow on back weapon. My build is effective, I'm just not surviving long enough to end the battles before the kill my character. I know I'm wearing the wrong gear (Beserkers), but I don't have access to Viper's / Trailblazers (Not a crafter).

So, considering I'm currently attempting to restock gold; is there another set I could go after? Carrion? Rabid? I really want to keep my attack up without falling into the in-effective tanking stats.

Suggestions? XD

(Sidenote, I don't really understand the effects stats have on my dps - ex; precision good for debuffs? Ferocity better for conditions? etc)

[Redfeather.6401]

@TheUndefined.1720 said:So, I'm squishier than a wet napkin :( I definitely cannot solo elites without them 2-3 shotting me. I'm currently using the Kalla / Mallyx build with a mace / axe and shortbow on back weapon. My build is effective, I'm just not surviving long enough to end the battles before the kill my character. I know I'm wearing the wrong gear (Beserkers), but I don't have access to Viper's / Trailblazers (Not a crafter).

So, considering I'm currently attempting to restock gold; is there another set I could go after? Carrion? Rabid? I really want to keep my attack up without falling into the in-effective tanking stats.

Suggestions? XD

(Sidenote, I don't really understand the effects stats have on my dps - ex; precision good for debuffs? Ferocity better for conditions? etc)

Yeah, I think you need help learning stuff before going too far. Did you use a level booster? It's okay if you did, just take some time to learn about attributes and stuff.https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Attribute

The good news is, that you needn't worry about losing effectiveness. Right now you are using shortbow+maxe/axe with stats that don't benefit them much. So you can only go up from here!

edit: I posted my build above near the top of this topic, if you want to try it. Rampager gear is cheap. It's just the runes and sigil that require work to get.

[TheUndefined.1720]

No level booster, I just never really got into learning stats aside from power = bigger attacks on non condition, precision = crit, and condi damage = bigger debuff hits.

I'm asking about stats effecting condi revenant in particular b/c I don't want to waste stats in the armor (like ferocity if I have Kalla's fervor).

I also don't want to invest in throwaway stats that aren't going to make a big enough difference out in a fight (like the effectiveness toughness overall compared to loss of dps in taking it).

Just looking for a general direction - Dire / Rabid / Rampagers / etc. Thanks :)

[EDIT] I saw your build, I was concerned with Rampagers b/c my issue is not being able to take more than few hits. I'm not an expert with revenant, so I was wondering if that would bite me in the end.

[Redfeather.6401]

@TheUndefined.1720 said:[EDIT] I saw your build, I was concerned with Rampagers b/c my issue is not being able to take more than few hits. I'm not an expert with revenant, so I was wondering if that would bite me in the end.

It might not be right for you then. The build is constantly healing itself through life leeching from multiple sources, but I do get downed from big hits if I can't dodge them. If you are good at dodging the big hits, then it's all good. But if you are not, then it won't work.

edit: The single biggest threat I face so far in game are these Abomination creatures in PoF. They use a reflect/knockback shield and I get downed in seconds.https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Veteran_Awakened_Abomination

[TheUndefined.1720]

@Redfeather.6401 said:

@TheUndefined.1720 said:[EDIT] I saw your build, I was concerned with Rampagers b/c my issue is not being able to take more than few hits. I'm not an expert with revenant, so I was wondering if that would bite me in the end.

It might not be right for you then. The build is constantly healing itself through life leeching from multiple sources, but I do get downed from big hits if I can't dodge them. If you are good at dodging the big hits, then it's all good. But if you are not, then it won't work.

edit: The single biggest threat I face so far in game are these Abomination creatures in PoF. They use a reflect/knockback shield and I get downed in seconds.

https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Veteran_Awakened_Abomination

Any suggestion for just a general gear build then? I was thinking maybe rampagers gear / weapons with rabid trinkets?

[Redfeather.6401]

@TheUndefined.1720 said:

@Redfeather.6401 said:

@TheUndefined.1720 said:[EDIT] I saw your build, I was concerned with Rampagers b/c my issue is not being able to take more than few hits. I'm not an expert with revenant, so I was wondering if that would bite me in the end.

It might not be right for you then. The build is constantly healing itself through life leeching from multiple sources, but I do get downed from big hits if I can't dodge them. If you are good at dodging the big hits, then it's all good. But if you are not, then it won't work.

edit: The single biggest threat I face so far in game are these Abomination creatures in PoF. They use a reflect/knockback shield and I get downed in seconds.

https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Veteran_Awakened_Abomination

Any suggestion for just a general gear build then? I was thinking maybe rampagers gear / weapons with rabid trinkets?

I used to use Ventari Tablet + salvation + celestial trinkets for survival. With kalla/mallyx I have only used life leech + rampagers. So I don't know what you can use if you want to stick with kalla/mallyx but rely on stats for defense.

[TheUndefined.1720]

@Redfeather.6401 said:

@TheUndefined.1720 said:

@Redfeather.6401 said:

@TheUndefined.1720 said:[EDIT] I saw your build, I was concerned with Rampagers b/c my issue is not being able to take more than few hits. I'm not an expert with revenant, so I was wondering if that would bite me in the end.

It might not be right for you then. The build is constantly healing itself through life leeching from multiple sources, but I do get downed from big hits if I can't dodge them. If you are good at dodging the big hits, then it's all good. But if you are not, then it won't work.

edit: The single biggest threat I face so far in game are these Abomination creatures in PoF. They use a reflect/knockback shield and I get downed in seconds.

https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Veteran_Awakened_Abomination

Any suggestion for just a general gear build then? I was thinking maybe rampagers gear / weapons with rabid trinkets?

I used to use Ventari Tablet + salvation + celestial trinkets for survival. With kalla/mallyx I have only used life leech + rampagers. So I don't know what you can use if you want to stick with kalla/mallyx but rely on stats for defense.

Cool, thank you so much for the info :)