191 replies to this topic

[maverick777]

PsychD, on 25 September 2012 - 02:59 PM, said:

I've been playing around with a build of my own, and I'm will be testing it the coming days, it's based around the principles Red_falcon has posted in the OP.
I liked the idea of the Guardian being a frontline fighter, using various abilities to boost his comrades - So I've been focusing on a build with Empowered Might, but the only problem I have is the gear choice. So far I'm pretty set on getting some Knight (P/P/T) gear, but I'm a bit afraid my HP will suffer to much as a result of this, which is why I'm coming here for some gear advice. If I go with Knight's Gear, should I focus on vitality for my accesories or something different?

For the very reason you stated, I'm also going full Knight's with Superior Rune of the Soldier and full Vakyrie accessories.

[ShocknAwe]

PsychD, on 25 September 2012 - 02:59 PM, said:

I've been playing around with a build of my own, and I'm will be testing it the coming days, it's based around the principles Red_falcon has posted in the OP.
I liked the idea of the Guardian being a frontline fighter, using various abilities to boost his comrades - So I've been focusing on a build with Empowered Might, but the only problem I have is the gear choice. So far I'm pretty set on getting some Knight (P/P/T) gear, but I'm a bit afraid my HP will suffer to much as a result of this, which is why I'm coming here for some gear advice. If I go with Knight's Gear, should I focus on vitality for my accesories or something different?

You can get Power/Vitality/Toughness armor and accessories.  The armor comes from honor tokens, HotW/Se/AC tokens, or karma vendors at 42k a piece.  Getting 60 a first completion from dungeon runs now will make getting the armor much easier.  You can get armor/weapons from honor vendors.

[nistriss]

Reposting since I got absolutely no responses...


Hey, i'm currently level 46 and I'm not doing any duneons until i level up a bit more. I've been using this: http://gw2skills.net...2Su1SghAHB2C8EA.

Looking at this post and thinking about things a bit more, with the points i have available i'm going to use this: http://gw2skills.net...Ef4ERuA7DEsqQ8A. I'd lead with Judge's Intervention/Binding Blade (depends) - PF - SoW - WW - Switch Wpn (VoJ Spam obvobv). I'm building all Power/Vitality, and basically AoE farming hearts. I don't know where to allocate points from here, before I was just pumping Zeal for the Power/Precision boost.

Considering I won't be doing dungeons, and I'm soloing, is there anything you would suggest I switch skill wise, trait wise, or armor/weapon stat wise? And where should my extra trait points be headed until I can get the full set-up suggested and start playing a more well rounded approach.

[Breck]

Renewed Justice is so bad in dungeons.  It's completely useless against bosses and if you're actually killing things fast enough to proc it often then that means it's already superfluous.  Also, building around Consecrations and Spirit Bow isn't that great for dungeons considering the long cooldowns and the fact that most of the time they get wasted because people end up running away from them.  To present this "guide" as the required template to be a good guardian is rather ridiculous.

[ShocknAwe]

Breck, on 25 September 2012 - 03:47 PM, said:

Also, building around Consecrations and Spirit Bow isn't that great for dungeons considering the long cooldowns and the fact that most of the time they get wasted because people end up running away from them.

Get better teammates.

[indure]

ShocknAwe, on 25 September 2012 - 04:28 PM, said:

Get better teammates.

LOL

[Xarjarie]

I'm not 80, but I prepared this build.
I'm thinking about how good is retalation, so I'm focusing on it and aegis.

http://gw2skills.net...LZWrNGQc2Y7wzBA

What do you think? How could I improve it?

[Red_Falcon]

nistriss, on 25 September 2012 - 03:33 PM, said:

Reposting since I got absolutely no responses...


Hey, i'm currently level 46 and I'm not doing any duneons until i level up a bit more. I've been using this: http://gw2skills.net...2Su1SghAHB2C8EA.

Looking at this post and thinking about things a bit more, with the points i have available i'm going to use this: http://gw2skills.net...Ef4ERuA7DEsqQ8A. I'd lead with Judge's Intervention/Binding Blade (depends) - PF - SoW - WW - Switch Wpn (VoJ Spam obvobv). I'm building all Power/Vitality, and basically AoE farming hearts. I don't know where to allocate points from here, before I was just pumping Zeal for the Power/Precision boost.

Considering I won't be doing dungeons, and I'm soloing, is there anything you would suggest I switch skill wise, trait wise, or armor/weapon stat wise? And where should my extra trait points be headed until I can get the full set-up suggested and start playing a more well rounded approach.

If you're not doing dungeons grab the DPS spec with 20% dmg to conditioned and JI, SY, Ret for map warping imo.

Xarjarie, on 25 September 2012 - 08:30 PM, said:

I'm not 80, but I prepared this build.
I'm thinking about how good is retalation, so I'm focusing on it and aegis.

http://gw2skills.net...LZWrNGQc2Y7wzBA

What do you think? How could I improve it?

Wrathful spirit / Vengeful kinda useless for PvE (retailation not so good against mobs), SoJ isn't very good too, and get away from Zeal completely.
There are much better replacements, like these: http://gw2skills.net...LZWrNGQc2Y7wzBA

[PBS]

All you Hammer users out there, I'm curious as to what sigil you are using on your weapon?  I tried Water for a while but I barely noticed it's effect.  Should I just go for straight up damage over support?  Like Air or Fire?

[Odokuro]

http://gw2skills.net...2Su1qgRBnCeFMLA

Would this also work?

Scepter/Torch + Staff Power Burn ect.

[jpg1]

Littlefeather, on 25 September 2012 - 12:04 PM, said:

Yes my build is totally different, i have 30 tough, 20 power, 20 vit. "Make the group happy' well im pretty certain that the pugs i run with on a daily basis are happy the boss is not on them, and im not only keeping myself up, but them aswell when i roll by them after an aoe. I only use GS, unless in wvw which i occasionally switch to scepter and torch.

Nowhere in this guide was 30 Toughness (Valor) was said wrong, nor was it stated that 20 points to Honor is wrong. And by no means did this guide say that putting points into Zeal was a sin. (Although I think 10 is more than enough at the moment)

If I were to guess - on your Honor Tree, you have 2H Mastery (that was covered by this guide) and maybe Superior Aria, as Shouts are the best way to keep your party "happy." You wouldn't be using Empowering Might as you don't have any Traits into Radiance which ups Critical Chance. (There is a slight possibility that you are using it if you pump enough Precision in your gear but I don't think so.)

For Valor, it's either you got Altruistic Healing or Monk's Focus. Any Valor build will get any of the two. For open world you would probably run with Monk's Focus. But since you have regular mates you roll with, AH seems to be an equal option for you. (Again, these were suggested by the guide as well)

The only difference between your best build was Zeal (Power as you put it). The guide didn't mention anything under that because maybe that tree feels lackluster at the moment. You can get enough juice from it at 10 Points, IMO.  In the end you basically didn't get 5-10 points to Virtues. With at least 5 points there, you give your mates additional buffs to keep them more happy.

But you are not wrong doing that. As the guide had its disclaimer: "You can neglect on one of these fundamental pillars only if the outcome is really worth it." You figured that, "Hey I'm better off with 20 points in Zeal" Good! That's the point of this guide, figuring out what's good for you. What's best for you. But for those you haven't figured it out yet, I think Red_Falcon's "mandatory"  stuff seem to be a good spring board.

Your build has similarities with the points given here, more than you care to admit. (Your build that you can't even care to link so we can all point out what commonalities it bears with the rest of the world.) Reality is, there are only few really worthy Traits for the Guardian right now, and the Guide whether you agree or not, covered a lot of it.

Again if you do disagree, point it out like everybody else. Everybody would like to hear your thoughts. Don't go off like you're being challenge. We don't need to resort to video show-offs as those can have different factors in play for players involved, or the servers in general.

Edited by jpg1, 26 September 2012 - 01:02 AM.

[Nox_Aeterna]

Being blunt , i recognize OP is a better guardian than im.

Therefore i will follow this till i can build the build i want to play , not the generic one.

I like the guardian class , but i personally focus more on offense than support , sure keeping my team happy and alive is great , but it is not my "job" , it is an option guardian usually make and that is all.

Edit: on a side note , what is the recommended generic gear?

Edited by Nox_Aeterna, 26 September 2012 - 02:43 AM.

[jpg1]

Nox_Aeterna, on 26 September 2012 - 02:39 AM, said:

Edit: on a side note , what is the recommended generic gear?

Cleric's as an armor set seems to give a good balance - but if you're focusing on Offense, then it would be good to get Knight's instead. The added Precision makes good results if you have points towards Valor and Radiance, as these two traits increase Critical Damage and Chance respectively. If you go with Knight's a mix of Valkyrie and/or Cleric's Trinkets will give you a good mix of Healing, and/or Additional Crit Chance.

Edited by jpg1, 26 September 2012 - 03:03 AM.

[CalVarnson]

Our Grandmaster traits are very underwhelming.  Zealous Blade and Perfect Inscriptions are crap.  I haven't run the numbers, but I'd be surprised if Wrathful Spirits was not also crap.  Altruistic Healing requires too much hoop-jumping to be worthwhile.  Monk's Focus is great in sPvP, but encourages a selfish playstyle everywhere else.  Permeating Wrath is fine for trash, but becomes a liability on ranged encounters.  Shielded Mind, assuming it only applies to yourself, is similarly underwhelming.

One-Handed Strength, Pure of Voice, and Battle Presence are the only really decent ones, even if Pure of Voice is bugged, and two of those are competing for the same slot.  I feel like I'm wasting too much potential with any build that doesn't go 30 into Honor.  The shout buff is great, most of the Master traits are useful.  More importantly, the minor traits are fantastic--Selfless Daring is an aoe heal with a freaking 1:1 healing power ratio and a 10 second cooldown. That's ridiculous.  Elusive Power is pretty much a permanent 10% damage buff.  Every serious dungeon or WvW build I've tried so far has had 30 Honor.

Same goes for 10 Virtues.  The 5 point trait is obviously awesome, buff duration is great, and consecrations are too good to ignore.  This is what I've been running for most of my time at 80.  The traits are relatively constant, but the weapon, utilities, and elite will usually change once or twice a run.

http://gw2skills.net...a9ggG0fYPwI87IA

The Radiance minor are also quite strong.  The Justice is Blind/Renewed Justice/Inspired Virtue combo isn't as good in dungeons as it is in world events, but it's still noticeable.  Radiant Power is another permanent 10% boost, better than most every trait in Zeal and Valor.  One-Handed Strength isn't quite as good for damage without any +crit damage gear, but it does help fuel Vigorous Precision, and in turn Selfless Daring, plus Empowering Might.  I've seen Empowering Might take a lot of flak, and used to think it was pretty bad myself, but even if you're only keeping two stacks up on a full party, that's still a net 350 Power and 350 Condition Damage.

I'm still working on full exotics, but I'm running this build with Cleric's armor.  You've got highly efficient and spammable heals, condition removal conversion, decent damage, lots of escapes, anti-projectiles, and party boons.  The other neat feature is that it's fairly modular with respect to weapons.  All the alternatives to one-handed strength are pretty situational, but Empowering Might can be swapped out for Two-Handed Mastery or symbol buffs, and the crit is decent enough even with only one one-handed set.  I haven't been that impressed by the mace, for what it's worth, even in a healing power heavy build.  The sword might end up being a better fit.

I've also been trying out this somewhat gimmicky setup:

http://gw2skills.net...BrUEP4D2DMKj6IA

Similar to the previous build, but less committed to the one-hander angle.  Binding Jeopardy is probably too cute, but it can transform into a strong spirit seapons build if you're into that kind of thing, swapping Pure of Voice out for Battle Presence and covering the condition removal with Bow of Truth and Absolute Resolve.  You could even pull off some sort of greatsword/retaliation thing.

I do like flexiblity of the Honor and Virtues trees, and the power of many of our minor traits. I would like to see the other lines, particularly Zeal get some love in the Grandmaster department however, as right now there's really nothing good there for group play.

[jpg1]

Personally, I'm torn between:

[A] 0/0/30/30/10 build which have great avenue for personal survival and party healing. Which could be easily converted into a semi-critical build that can do the critical healing with Empowering Might. But I think it lacks sauce when it comes to the maximization of virtues. Unlocking T1 Virtues can only afford you CD Reduction on Consecrations.

[B] 0/0/30/20/20 build which is still great for party support, with reduced party healing. Again, still convertible to a Critical Build but with a expanded utility on virtues.

Or

[C] 0/0/30/10/30 build which maximizes Virtues at the price of little Vitality bonus, and some of the awesome traits that come with Honor.

All builds can be geared to do decent offense so I actually didn't spec so much into those. (And I don't mind being the slow guy when I'm alone as I actually like taking it easy in open world.) I'm more adamant in the belief that the Guardian's great weapon is to provide utility to the party versus personally dealing a lot of damage. I want the core to be about support but as you can see, a little adjustment to some traits creates a big difference. I can't figure out which is best among the three.

I can easily play around with the Gears. (Though it might be expensive to run around with different sets of Armor/Weapons/Trinkets.)
I think the builds could survive with two particular armor sets:

(1) An Exotic Cleric's (Power/Toughness/Healing)
(2) A "Dungeon Cleric Set" (Precision/Vitality/Healing)

For Trinket's it's either Knight's or Cleric's that I'm gunning for. Same goes with weapons, I think.

Any thoughts, fellow Guardians?

Edited by jpg1, 26 September 2012 - 08:41 AM.

[Bushidobrak89]

jpg1, I just dumped 13G into purchasing a Cleric's set (I decided to get the Orr body piece for 42k karma instead of Cleric's body). Hoping I didn't waste my money lol. I'm having similar problem deciding on which trait trees to roll with. I agree that our key purpose is supporting the party. To me, that's boon duration and buffs while being able to stay alive and do ok damage. I don't feel like I should be doing the most damage. It goes against the whole paladin/cleric mindset.
As far as the Power vs Prec gear sets, I'm going all power. With GS (or hammer/staff), I just don't hit fast enough to justify a heavy crit build for dungeons. I've always preferred consistent damage over spike anyways.
It's difficult to really pin a build down especially with so little experience with the game. We have so many different ways to support a group. Be it blinding mobs, AHealing, giving might, passives on virtues, the list goes on..

OP did a good job in making this outline and I thank him for it.

[CandyPanda]

To be honest, there isn't much playground with the Traits in Dungeons. OP pointed most of them out.
Obviously there are also preferences. Even if he is an elitist, it doesn't really matter because he is contributing to the community in my opinion

Questions to Guardians : How important is Precision to you guys in dungeons? I do feel a nice increase in Dmg but I sometimes feel like I contribute to the team more if I have more Toughness/Vit/Healing w/e

[Sureye]

First off I want to thank the OP for this, it's helping me understand the Guardian a lot more.
I have read the guide and have tried making a build for myself, however being a beginner there are some things I'm not sure about.

As a first thing, I'm not sure what weapons to use. I find that Staff is a must for me since i like the great support abilities, but I can't chose for the second weapon set.
I like Mace/Shield especially for the healing/blocking capabilities that have helped me alot, but I feel like my damage output suffers from this choice, however I don't know how to effectively set my traits for a Staff/Hammer setup.

For the traits themself, I don't think I feel the need to trait Radiance since I haven't been using Signets up untill now.

For the other traits I find myself kindoff lost.
I'm sure I want Superior Aria (10 Honor), since I use shouts a lot in Dungeons.
I also find Master of Consacrations a must (10 Virtues), especially for Wall Of Reflection that I have used in every single Dungeon.
Aswell as Valorous Defence (5 Valor)

At this point I'm at a 0/0/5/10/10 Trait setup and I don't know how to proceed. Of course this also depends from the fact I haven't chosen my second weapon/s yet.

What I am looking for is a build that allows me to be very supportive and make my team happy but also allows me some decent general solo PvE'ing.
I am looking to obtain a Cleric armor when I get to level 80, since I think the stats are the most usefull for a supportive build, is it a good choice?

0/0/5/30/10 (25 Trait points to assign) // For a Staff/Hammer setup I was thinking at 30 Honor for Pure of Voice since I use shouts often. Also in a Staff/Hammer setup Two Handed Mastery seems very, very usefull, although Writ of the Merciful seems good to be able to add some heal while giving Protection with the Hammer (or swiftness with the Staff), but is it worth it over Two Handed Mastery or Pure of Voice?
Or is the mace still a better choice over hammer?


0/0/30/30/10 // For a Staff/Mace-Shield setup, I was thinking at getting 30 into Valor, while still keeping 30 points in Honor:
Purity - Honestly didn't know what to pick here
Honorable Shield/Defender's Shield - I know it's now combined, seems the most usefull for a Mace/Shield setup
Altruistic Healing - This combined with shouts should help me and my party widely.
--
Superior Aria - Basically I like using shouts
2° Major Trait - ?
Pure Of Voice - More goodness from shouts


As I said I would like a very good support build that can also handle things in solo (wich doesn't mean I want to faceroll and win )

Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated as I'm really stuck with my build.

Edit: This is what I got for a Staff/Shield-Mace build up untill now.
http://gw2skills.net...i9AjasjXPcoEZIA

Edited by Sureye, 26 September 2012 - 10:44 PM.

[Red_Falcon]

Sureye, on 26 September 2012 - 10:28 PM, said:

First off I want to thank the OP for this, it's helping me understand the Guardian a lot more.
I have read the guide and have tried making a build for myself, however being a beginner there are some things I'm not sure about.

As a first thing, I'm not sure what weapons to use. I find that Staff is a must for me since i like the great support abilities, but I can't chose for the second weapon set.
I like Mace/Shield especially for the healing/blocking capabilities that have helped me alot, but I feel like my damage output suffers from this choice, however I don't know how to effectively set my traits for a Staff/Hammer setup.

Depends on the kind of content you're facing.
When facing mobile combat it's best to use greatsword for great movement and movement control.
Hammer is great mostly for control, through ring/immob/knockback.
Mace+Shield/Focus I find great for long-lasting battles against melee bosses.
Sword+Shield by all means against rangeds.
And yes... Scepter for those bugged fights where the boss one-shots constantly without possible comebacks (although most of them are fixed right now).

Staff is a bit lackluster in endgame to be honest.

Sureye, on 26 September 2012 - 10:28 PM, said:

For the traits themself, I don't think I feel the need to trait Radiance since I haven't been using Signets up untill now.

Are you using Signet of Resolve?
Btw Radiance is also for RJ, which really gives you a solid advantage in fights vs group and soloing.

Sureye, on 26 September 2012 - 10:28 PM, said:

For the other traits I find myself kindoff lost.
I'm sure I want Superior Aria (10 Honor), since I use shouts a lot in Dungeons.
I also find Master of Consacrations a must (10 Virtues), especially for Wall Of Reflection that I have used in every single Dungeon.
Aswell as Valorous Defence (5 Valor)

At this point I'm at a 0/0/5/10/10 Trait setup and I don't know how to proceed. Of course this also depends from the fact I haven't chosen my second weapon/s yet.

You said it
Since you haven't chosen your weapon setup nor soiled your playstyle, it is hard to recommend a good build for you.

I suggest to test weapons furhter and realize what fits you best, then I can help you building.

Sureye, on 26 September 2012 - 10:28 PM, said:

What I am looking for is a build that allows me to be very supportive and make my team happy but also allows me some decent general solo PvE'ing.
I am looking to obtain a Cleric armor when I get to level 80, since I think the stats are the most usefull for a supportive build, is it a good choice?

I'm personally not fond of Cleric armor because healing power doesn't do as much for me compared to alternatives, but it is definitely a good setup.

As long as you have very high Toughness and enough Vitality to last 3 hits from most things, other stats are up to your preference.

Sureye, on 26 September 2012 - 10:28 PM, said:

For a Staff/Hammer setup I was thinking at 30 Honor for Pure of Voice. Also in a Staff/Hammer setup Two Handed Mastery seems very, very usefull, although Writ of the Merciful seems good to be able to add some heal while giving Protection with the Hammer (or swiftness with the Staff), but is it worth it over Two Handed Mastery or Pure of Voice?

Totally not.

Note that in most situations symbols are going to be mostly useless because:
1) If your team members are ranged, they will not be anywhere near your symbols.
2) Landing SoP has long cast, aka very sensible to interruption and ineffective during mobile fights.

Sureye, on 26 September 2012 - 10:28 PM, said:

Or is the mace still a better choice over hammer.

Mace is better against bosses, Hammer better against CCable/stoppable foes.

[nistriss]

Red_Falcon, on 25 September 2012 - 09:54 PM, said:

If you're not doing dungeons grab the DPS spec with 20% dmg to conditioned and JI, SY, Ret for map warping imo.

Does Ret mean Retributive Armor, or the skill Retreat?

[Red_Falcon]

nistriss, on 27 September 2012 - 12:49 AM, said:

Does Ret mean Retributive Armor, or the skill Retreat?

Retreat.

[nistriss]

Do you use retreat while moving cross-map mostly?

[jpg1]

Bushidobrak89, on 26 September 2012 - 09:29 AM, said:

jpg1, I just dumped 13G into purchasing a Cleric's set (I decided to get the Orr body piece for 42k karma instead of Cleric's body). Hoping I didn't waste my money lol.

I actually intend to complete the 42K Karma Set since that's pretty easy. (I actually got the Shoulder Armor last night, as I found it visually appealing piece of all the pieces in the set. The skulls aren't really my thing.)

I hope you got the one with Power/Toughness/Vitality as that Stat set-up can't be crafted.

@Red_Falcon. Any advice on a solid WvW? I haven't gotten my 50 Kills yet. Historically, I've done a few kills but I'd say I have minimal experience when doing world. Would appreciate some help from you, sir.

[Red_Falcon]

nistriss, on 27 September 2012 - 01:07 AM, said:

Do you use retreat while moving cross-map mostly?

Yes.
Retreat is a versatile skill, can be used for swiftness or to give a complete hit negation to your whole team.
I always find myself using a combination of shouts and consecrations depending on the situation, with bow of truth in certain cases.

@jpg PM'd you.

[Alaroxr]

You don't need 10 points in Virtues, 5 points is enough. You also don't need ANY in Valor, one Aegis at 50% health is rarely a life saver, and if in a build 5 points will get you to another good trait, I wouldn't tell someone to NOT take that trait over 5 in Valor.

That being said, here's my base:

http://gw2skills.net...ggGE7hG9YGvKQRA

Obviously have the capacity to swap Utilities, one trait in Honor for shouts to remove conditions, and being able to change the Major in Virtues.

Also, I focus mostly on damage output with gear (but just enough survival to where I'm satisfied).

Edited by Alaroxr, 27 September 2012 - 04:00 AM.

[Cali_Golemtinker]

PBS, on 25 September 2012 - 11:14 PM, said:

All you Hammer users out there, I'm curious as to what sigil you are using on your weapon?  I tried Water for a while but I barely noticed it's effect.  Should I just go for straight up damage over support?  Like Air or Fire?

Go for 5% critical hit chance if you have the Vigor on critical, Water is mainly if you have room for two sigils in all honesty like 5% critical on mace and Water on shield/focus. The 5% critical is really very good if you have vigor procing all the time its a life saver on fights like Lupi in arah.

Edited by Cali_Golemtinker, 27 September 2012 - 04:04 AM.

[theoixio]

Hey all! Im new here, I have a 80 guardian i played for about 1 month, and recently checking out forums to find some optimal build for guardian.. I've learned alot thru this thread and personally wanna thanks all that contributed.. Anyway, seeing that this teaches us how to play a really good guardian. i wanna ask some active posters here some question.. The builds and guidelines stated in this thread, has it been used to run all the dungeons? (most of the hard bosses?)

Er btw, this question is for jpg1, i see that u havent completely geared out as a guardian, but u suggest alot that using a clerics set or knight set is really good, have this been tested in terms of completion of all of the hard dungeons and bosses? I wanna know this becoz if these suggestion is tested on most of the dungeons before than it will surely benefits alot that follows. thanks!

Edited by theoixio, 27 September 2012 - 07:05 AM.

[Weekender]

Alaroxr, on 27 September 2012 - 03:59 AM, said:

You don't need 10 points in Virtues, 5 points is enough. You also don't need ANY in Valor, one Aegis at 50% health is rarely a life saver, and if in a build 5 points will get you to another good trait, I wouldn't tell someone to NOT take that trait over 5 in Valor.

That being said, here's my base:

http://gw2skills.net...ggGE7hG9YGvKQRA

Obviously have the capacity to swap Utilities, one trait in Honor for shouts to remove conditions, and being able to change the Major in Virtues.

Also, I focus mostly on damage output with gear (but just enough survival to where I'm satisfied).

I used to run http://gw2skills.net...WfIeYP0oH/4VBKC and totally enjoyed it. agree on hammer being the best for guardians.

[Sureye]

Red_Falcon, on 26 September 2012 - 10:55 PM, said:

Depends on the kind of content you're facing.
When facing mobile combat it's best to use greatsword for great movement and movement control.
Hammer is great mostly for control, through ring/immob/knockback.
Mace+Shield/Focus I find great for long-lasting battles against melee bosses.
Sword+Shield by all means against rangeds.
And yes... Scepter for those bugged fights where the boss one-shots constantly without possible comebacks (although most of them are fixed right now).

Staff is a bit lackluster in endgame to be honest.



Are you using Signet of Resolve?
Btw Radiance is also for RJ, which really gives you a solid advantage in fights vs group and soloing.



You said it
Since you haven't chosen your weapon setup nor soiled your playstyle, it is hard to recommend a good build for you.

I suggest to test weapons furhter and realize what fits you best, then I can help you building.



I'm personally not fond of Cleric armor because healing power doesn't do as much for me compared to alternatives, but it is definitely a good setup.

As long as you have very high Toughness and enough Vitality to last 3 hits from most things, other stats are up to your preference.



Totally not.

Note that in most situations symbols are going to be mostly useless because:
1) If your team members are ranged, they will not be anywhere near your symbols.
2) Landing SoP has long cast, aka very sensible to interruption and ineffective during mobile fights.



Mace is better against bosses, Hammer better against CCable/stoppable foes.

Actually I haven't used Signet of Resolve untill now, I've tested it yesterday in a Dungeon and I must say it impressed me, I'm probably going to pick it over other heals.
I have tried making a build with both Mace/Shield and Hammer to test them out, here is what I came up with:
Mace/Shield - http://gw2skills.net...ggYPwYF74lCHKRA


0/10/20/30/10
10 Radiance, Renewed Justice seems interesting to make up for the damage i lose by using Mace/Shield, but I feel unsure about it since there are other things that I don't really want to give up to.
20 in Valor for the shield skill faster cooldown with Honorable Shield
30  Honor to trait the Shouts and also gain some more team goodness from them. The second Major Trait however is just a place-holder at the moment, I'm not sure on what to choose (momentarily Pure of Heart)
10 points in Virtues for Master of Consacration especially for WoR.
From what I've tested this build allows me to have great defensive and supportive ability and also great survivability, only thing I think I'm missing here is damage output I think.



This instead is the build I tried to make with the Hammer (it's incomplete)
http://gw2skills.net...RafggYPwYG74tAA

0/15/5/30/10-
15 Radiance - This time i went for Renewed Justice since Hammer has a bigger damage output compared to the mace, meaning in both generic PvE and in-between bosses in dungeon it will come in handy.
5 Valor - Valourous Defence
30 Honor - In this build like in the Mace/Shield I though of fully traiting shouts considering how much I use them. I also picked Two Handed Mastery considering I'm using Hammer/Staff.
10 Virtues - As above, for Master of Consacrations
This leaves me with 10 unspent trait points.

After testing both Mace/Shield & Hammer builds, I'm unsure about some things.
The Mace/Shield gives more survivability, but I also feel like the Hammer could be more versatile since it allows a higher damage output while still having some support, however I don't know how to complete this last build

In boss fight the regen & heal from Mace/Shield are for sure usefull, but are the hammer skills sufficient to handle them in an effective way?
Also would you choose another weapon over Staff?
I'm at level 62 at moment, not extremely far from the "endgame content" and I wonder what could be good alternatives.
I choose it mainly for team buffs/heals and for keeping mobs away with the wall, although having a Hammer could make up for the last thing.

Edit: I forgot to ask one last thing (sorry for the many questions), what do you think are good alternatives to the Cleric set?

Edited by Sureye, 27 September 2012 - 09:13 AM.

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Sureye, on 27 September 2012 - 09:08 AM, said:

Cut

Mace and Shield certainly has become interesting since the merging of some Traits, and the fact that Skill #5 can be used for decent emergency healing. I would use Focus over it still, as it provides Blinds and Blocks. It's just to bad that the Focus buff is buried in Zeal, which is only worthy of 10 - 15 points max.

For your second build, why not finish it off with 20 Virtues, so you buff your one of your activation even more? At the moment it seems the buff on Resolve is the one to pick, as the buffs for Justice and Courage are piece-meal with Grandmaster Traits.

It's also being debated whether the 5 points in Valor is worth the 50% Auto-Block. While it's good to be prepared for that point, I think it's better to fine-tune your skills so you don't end up dropping to 50% HP. It's a hard thing to envision, but practically speaking, the seconds you are spared from that one hit may not be a game-changer anyway. You'll still be at 50% HP, and the enemy will have something up his sleeves still to throw at you.