What are you guard's running in PVP?

[IgnisFox.7368]

Just got back after a bit, been enjoying this and that, but I'm not quite sure what's up in PVP. I remember running symbolbrand but that doesn't seem so hot right now. Burn DH is something that apparently got nerfed so it isn't as good and I know there is a support guardian build I believe? I'm a bit fuzzy on the specifics! 

So, again, what are folk runnin'?

[Fueki.4753]

I used to run a Core Guardian specializing in Symbols and Meditations, wielding Sword+Focus and Greatsword.

 

While it never was an especially effective build, I found it much more fun than META builds.

[Hogwarts Zebra.8597]

1 hour ago, Fueki.4753 said:

I used to run a Core Guardian specializing in Symbols and Meditations, wielding Sword+Focus and Greatsword.

 

While it never was an especially effective build, I found it much more fun than META builds.

unfortunately this is about as meta as guard gets, unless u want to play the 😴 support build

[Artcules.2965]

Hello, i had the same questions as you and found great success in using Vallun's build, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9Qbwr2ioAs .

 

He talks about the retaliation nerfs that hurt some of the "meta" core guardian builds and such in this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYsfa8LeSFc and then later recommend the above burn DH build that has not been affected by the supposed DH burn nerfs recently.

 

Hope this helps :)

[Hogwarts Zebra.8597]

1 hour ago, Artcules.2965 said:

Hello, i had the same questions as you and found great success in using Vallun's build, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9Qbwr2ioAs .

 

He talks about the retaliation nerfs that hurt some of the "meta" core guardian builds and such in this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYsfa8LeSFc and then later recommend the above burn DH build that has not been affected by the supposed DH burn nerfs recently.

 

Hope this helps 🙂

it has still been affected drastically. a literal 30% damage nerf overall, and purging flames is less effective both defensively and offensively

Guard only has viable power builds now. Any burn build will be inferior to the corresponding non-burn version, except for FB which is just trash regardless of power or condi

 

The only viable build at the moment is this: https://metabattle.com/wiki/Build:Dragonhunter_-_Turbo_Trapper , except using shield instead of focus. 

 

You could also run the core medi GS build from like 5 years ago, but that's just a straight up worse version of prot holo

Edited June 3, 2021 by Hogwarts Zebra.8597

[Fueki.4753]

7 hours ago, Hogwarts Zebra.8597 said:

unfortunately this is about as meta as guard gets

You think core Guardian was even remotely close to META in times were Firebrand excelled in everything that core can do?

 

I doubt that very much.

Edited June 3, 2021 by Fueki.4753

[Hogwarts Zebra.8597]

9 hours ago, Fueki.4753 said:

You think core Guardian was even remotely close to META in times were Firebrand excelled in everything that core can do?

 

I doubt that very much.

I meant in the current meta. Core guard and LB DH are pretty much the only semi viable builds now

Edited June 3, 2021 by Hogwarts Zebra.8597

[Guirssane.7082]

Core guardian greatsword/sword-focus

It's squishy you gotta put your burst correctly but it's fun and can reach high rank. Support core is still the best if you don't have a support though. DH trapper is good as well, just low condi clear so you gotta be careful with condis

Edited June 4, 2021 by Guirssane.7082

[DanSH.6143]

The best build atm is Core Support and the only one that's considered meta.

But if you want to play a damage spec you can go for one of these off-meta but still decent builds:

(You can find most of these builds on Metabattle)

 

Zerk Medi Guard: I recommend starting with Marauder amulet until you get the hang of it.

 

Burn Medi Guard: It was nerfed but it is still strong in lower ranks as you can apply a lot of aoe burn pressure if not focused.

 

Burn DH: Same as Core basicaly. The main diference is that Dragon's Maw is really good in team fights.

 

Zerk LB DH: It's now quite popular after the recent LB buffs, as with medi guard I recommend using Marauder Amulet first.

 

Condi/Support Firebrand: It's actually better than most people expect, it has some decent AoE pressure and CC, much harder to play than most other guardian specs though.

 

Condi/Support Core Guardian: it's actually very good, supports just as well as the regular core support build but can actually deal some dmg on its own.