25 replies to this topic

[Albo El Bows]

So recently i leveled my ranger and mesmer to 80, but only to find that i really felt no love for either class. To be quite honest, they began to bore me. I've been doing some reading here on the forums, and i am not entirely sure what class i want to look into playing next. So the questions' i ask to you is:

What profession have you found most fun to play with?

What about this class makes you love it?

What tips would you give to someone looking to play this class?

.. I understand these questions are opinionated and may not be to my benefit, but hey, it doesn't hurt to ask.

Thanks in advance guys and gals.

[Moony]

Personally, my main is a ranger, but I am in love with the Guardian. I enjoy the guardian gs immensely and all of the utility skills are useful imo. Tips are definitely spec for damage, because I have and I still almost never die.

[Critus]

My main and personal favorite is the guardian.

• Its a well rounded class and can fit most roles and excell in them
  
• You can put down spirit weapons /reflective walls
  
• Really cool looking t3 Norn heavy armor
  
• Great solo class.

[turbo234]

guardian. I find myself hardly ever dying, damage with the greatsword is awesome, good trait lines and skills, and great support with the staff. I play basically everything, but nothing else even comes close to guardians for me

[Pthisic]

The following is /totally biased.

I like mah Necro. It's the only class I've really played much but I have fun with it :3 have always been a fan of the warlock-type class for their dark style and tankyness despite their light armor through life stealing.

Random things I like about GW2 Necros: Condition combos (ex. Blood is Power + Deathly Swarm), 3 interesting teleports, possible perma-swiftness, an extra health bar that fills by attacking and killing things, Death Shroud triggers via traits (get rewarded for something you do all the time anyway? hokay then), Spectral Grasp (trololol), many lots of debuffings, and other stuff I don't recall atm.

Tips? Well, it helps to remember that Necros aren't meant to be bursty; they're about sustain, control, and damage over time. Even though they're pretty tanky, they still wear light armor and can be squished if not careful. I'm not sure how other professions play, but as a Necro it's best to not spam mindlessly as some of their skills are completely devastating when used in order, and just "ok" otherwise. Lastly, make sure to put Death Shroud and all its abilities to good use. Don't save it for when you're low on hp; if it's full or near full, use it, and exit (preferably) when it's around 50%, 'cause Life Blast's damage drops as your life force drops. This way you can use it multiple times per fight (more survivability) and deal more damage when doing so.

[deathmace]

I have a 50 something Guardian but i'm not really into it anymore... It's just the same swinging over and over and over.....!
I guess it's nice not dying a lot but it's just too repetetive for me!

I want to try something else haha.

[Ninja Battle Lion]

My favourite: Thief.
It simply feels more dynamic and fast-paced than the other melee classes.
Tip: load up on skill points asap and make SoS a priority, it really speeds up play.

[OhReallyNoWay]

1 on 1 battles: Mesmer

General PvE: Guardian

[CommanderPC]

Even though I haven't played my main too much since I made it a while ago, I love the necromancer.
I love the AoE's it has and love it in DE's. I usually just play some thrash metal or death metal while I play too since it fits the theme. I also love the survivabilty.

Advice for new necros? Learn to use your Death Shroud correctly. Know when to deploy it and when to exit.

[Sepp]

Guardian, for reasons others have stated.

Thief, because they are just so fast and bursty, they reward/require attention and movement.

I only PvE.

[Albo El Bows]

Seems to be a lot of guardian, thief, and necromancer love!

Thanks to those of you that have posted so far with such detailed responses.

I hope to see some more love for other professions as well

[caballo_oscuro]

Guardian is great fun. My main is engineer and as much as i love blowing stuff up, i think my guard and war will get alot more love in future.

Gw1 i played war & para alot but i played everything over my 6+ years there. Try something for 20 levels and see...

[matsif]

top 3 have been ranger, warrior, and engineer, but I haven't played guardian or thief yet.  the below is entirely for PvE only:

ranger: dat shortbow attack speed is nice, and I love throwing traps for some reason.  despite the monotony of just spamming autoattack from shortbow, I really enjoy the profession.  plus I get pet bears, and I love bears, despite awful pet AI.

warrior: love my hammer.  always aoe, tons of CC, good damage.  easy to survive for me, basically a faceroller's dream for the most part.  warrior was my first character in GW1 and my most played, and I like warrior again in GW2.

engy: my main and first character.  flamethrower is great despite its bugs.  grenades are good too.  easily the most balanced profession in the game imo, and definitely the best underwater combat class because of grenades.  wish the elites were a bit better, the only truly viable one is supply drop.

As for the others:
-I've gotten a necro to 56 and benched it, was boring because minion AI is so bad and wells were boring to me, didn't feel dynamic enough for my tastes, but will probably go back to it if anet gives them some love.  necro was my 2nd most played character in GW1.

-Got a mesmer to 43 and benched it, I had a ton of survivability issues and I prefer being able to do aoe damage a lot, which is something the profession overall doesn't excel at.  

-Ele is at 22 right now, but I'm thinking about benching it as well do to the evasive arcana nerf, which is what I was going for.  Not a fan of most of the weapons other than dagger, and the range is too close for me to feel safe with it for my preference.  the elites overall are pretty terrible as well imo.

going to try out guardian next to see how it goes, there's a few builds on here that really look like a lot of fun to me.  thief will be last because I've never liked the assassin/rogue/thief style of classes in other games, and I have a grudge against them because of sin's ruining PvE in GW1 when anet decided that shadow form being able to have 100% uptime was good design.

[DerekUrban]

My first 80 was a Ranger, but it's been pretty much benched in favor of my Necromancer who has become my main and I LOVE. I have a Wells/Lifesteal/Healing/Power build (D/D, D/W, Staff), which is incredible to be able to heal my entire team for 3-4k+ whenever I use Life Transfer in Dungeons. The aesthetic is cool, the minion AI doesn't bother me since I just use the bombs for bombing (Blast finishers) and the Flesh Golem as a damage sponge/knockdown bot. Death Shroud is super powerful as well, especially with the fear every 20 seconds that can be used during stuns, knockdowns, anything but daze really. I don't do a whole lot of spike damage, but I can whittle a crowd of mobs down while remaining mostly invincible when played right, and if I need to I can get up to 20+ stacks of might by using BiP and getting Might on Life Blast (Trait).

Necro Tips: Get used to Deathshroud, it's important. Also remember you don't HAVE to go condition build on a Necro, so many people assume I'm just a bleeder but really I don't stack conditions at all (Almost all my bleeds come from crits only).

Aside from that, I started a D/D Elementalist that I'm planning to go heavy support in which has been a ton of fun. Not far enough in to really say much about it though other than the playstyle seems right up my alley.

[Symbiont]

thief and mesmer, because i like to be in control.

both profession got their ways to take control over an battlefield; thief can go in and out of stealth, dictating what the fighting pace will be and mesmer just confuse the hell out of players.

Edited by Symbiont, 21 November 2012 - 06:04 PM.

[Loperdos]

My favorite to date is thief. Though I've recently started up a necro and quite enjoying it so far...

Anyway, I like the thief because of the dynamic and movement based combat that I get from the thief, moreso than I get from any of the other classes (eventhough movement is important for most of the classes for combat). Between that and the satisfaction I get from watching the mobs melt from my bleed stacks and I'm enjoying the thief more than any other profession I've played.

Tips: Move! Even if its not actively evading, do not not try and facetank, no matter what build you are using. It'll make your time playing the thief a LOT more enjoyable.

[Heart Collector]

Thief, Engineer and Mesmer. I think the Ranger is beginning to grow on me as well, but it's still too early to tell...

Thief, because of its nimbleness and fast paced combat. I love the Initiative system as I don't feel restricted to CDs and try to use it wisely, though more often than not you can get by by DBing the enemy to death I can take on impossible odds and survive but I can die just as easily if I don't pay attention. And I love the stealth mechanic! It doesn't have the "versatile" feeling I get with my Engi, nor the nuanced, subtle yet flamboyant combat of the Mes - but what it does, it does with style, and does it well.

I'd advise people who want to play a thief to play as dynamically as possible, and work on both their proactive and reactive skills as players - and to pay close attention to each mob, learn which attacks to be most mindful of, and learn when to use their abilities to greatest effect. You can tear the faces off of four same-level Ettins at the same time if you pay attention to the fight.

Engineer, because of the sheer amount of delightful toys it has at its disposal! Its versatility is amazing, and the sheer amount of interesting options it has keeps it fresh. Though - I believe it truly shines in a group, and played with a more team oriented, supporting mentality (even though it's still a good solo class).

I'd say that people who want to play an Engi should keep an open mind, try out new things and keep experimenting! There are tons of options for this class, don't be afraid to try them all!

Mesmer, because of its unique feel and comparatively steep learning curve. It's not easy at lower levels (my Mes is only level 13), but I'm finding that I can pull off really crazy stuff if I play flawlessly. There's a lot to manage at the same time - enemies, cooldowns, shatters, illusions - but it's all the more rewarding to play with for that!

I'm a complete newb to the Mes, but so far my advice would be to control the fight. Plan ahead but have a backup in mind for when things go awry. Be alert at all times, learn your abilities inside out, learn how to time your shatters and when to better use them (they can really turn the tide of any fight either way!) - and be persistent. It's incredibly rewarding to play!

As for the Ranger, I just started one but it's growing on me. Mostly because it feels quite relaxed to play, with the pet tanking things are easy most of the time. However there is still a lot of depth to the class for those who would master it, with proper positioning, situation assessment and pet management being very rewarding. It's very newb friendly, but has a ton of nuances for more experienced players to discover.

My 2 cents

[ukgamer23]

What profession have you found most fun to play with?
Engineer.
I started with a ranger, fun class in its own right but by level 80 it seems lackluster compared to most classes and the fun and gone a little. So I went alt hunting, first was warrior but was bored by level 10, then was guardian but bored by level 16 and I decided to try somthing out of left field in the engineer.
I enjoyed it from the get go, playing mainly grenades the targeting keeps you on your toes and was looking over all these cool gadgets and weapon kits and really started to love the idea of the engineer.
I started with grenades, then moved to bombs, then moved to flamethrower, then went all support with the elixir gun during my path to 80. It was just a ton of fun, it wasnt over-powered but didnt feel useless either.
So content felt both challenging and engaging, also its pretty epic shooting flames 10 feet as a little asura. Or hoping around laying mines at your feet. Also underwater combat is fun with the engineer.
What about this class makes you love it?
^above

What tips would you give to someone looking to play this class?
Mess around, have fun. Throw on your engineer cap and try all the different kits and options as there are loads as the engineer.

[Delques]

My 1st 80 was a ranger, liked it, the shortbow was AWESOME. I traited it in a way that by switching a few major traits i can switch from Trapper ranger to Spirit Ranger. despite the monotony of just spamming autoattack from shortbow, i found that i have time to think and MANEUVER around my team to give the most benefits from my spirits and micro manage my pets, which is quite fun.

BUT with that said, my FAVORITE class is the GLASS CANNON WARRIOR.  YES seeing that 25k dmg from mobs is FUN, YES alot ppl say its bad. BUT i think its cuz many people don't have the skill to ply it WELL. They don't have the skills to DODGE and SURVIVE w/ the build. It takes true skill and situation awareness to see WHEN to go in for that 100b, WHEN to back out and kite w/ ur rifle, and to see each and every opportunity and openings of your opponent and CAPITALIZE on their weakness. Its a very fun build if you can handle it. Think of it like walking on a tread between 2 100 story buildings. ITS VERY FUN!

[Xunlai Agent]

What profession have you found most fun to play with?
I have thoroughly enjoyed playing Warrior among others.

What about this class makes you love it?
The fact that you are an unstoppable juggernaut with good damage and decent support.

What tips would you give to someone looking to play this class?

• Put “For Great Justice!” and Signet of Rage on your skillbar and activate them on recharge.
  
• Killing neutral creatures (such as armadillos) will grant you adrenaline if killed and count towards the daily kills and daily kill variety achievments.
  
• The combination of a mace and a shield or dual maces are probably the strongest control sets that warriors have available to them.

[Ojikes]

What profession have you found most fun to play with?
Engineer, It seems to be one of the most versatile professions in the game.


What about this class makes you love it?
You can do anything almost, good support, good control and a few options for really good damage.

What tips would you give to someone looking to play this class?
I have leveled a thief and guardian to 80 and necro to 61.. And i think that engineer is probably the class that is the hardest to master of those 4. Thief has their mobility, guardian their strong defense and necro in hp and aoe cond damage abilities.
Explore your kits, skills and you will probably find a way to play that you like alot on a engineer!

[blindude]

What profession have you found most fun to play with?
Elementalist
What about this class makes you love it?
You almost never use the autoattack.Has viable pve builds both on support and damage and has great utility.Very fast pased combat and if you go for d/d playstyle you will act like a ping pong ball just jumping all over the place.For me its either this or engineer for the sheer number of skills (and mesmer for the playstyle).
What tips would you give to someone looking to play this class?\
Ignore eveeryone here that says its too squishy or hits low at endgame..they dont know what they are talking about and im dead serious.Also give up from the beggining the mentality that fire is damage, earth is defence only etc.
If you dont dance through the attunements to set off combos and stay in fire you will probably die in challenging content and wont do much damage in the first place(even water can be set to increase your dps drastically through traits)
Downside is that need more commitement than other classes and a lot time to get used to it..But i find it fun so i thought i post about it anyway

[Hren]

What profession have you found most fun to play with?
Thief and Mesmer. I'm PvE only.

What about these classes makes you love them?
Mobility and adaptability. Both classes are very fluid during gameplay, and it only improves as you become familiar with the tools at your disposal.  For the mesmer, it's illusions and a cornucopia of status effects; for the thief, it's stealth, evasion, and positioning. I appreciate their active gameplay and the intricacy of their skills. While both are relatively squishy, that's what makes them fun--finding ways to escape harrowing situations.  My first character was a guardian, and while that class's durability and sturdiness is great, walking around feeling nigh unkillable is simply not as fun to actually play.

I also feel these classes allow for greater enjoyment of the explorative nature of the game. Sometimes I don't feel like killing every creature in sight, and just want to see what lies up yonder path.  Having stealth available allows me to do that. It's greater immersion, and more realistic than, say, walking through the forest behind my house and having to kill 4 bears, 2 packs of wolves, and a griffin just to look out over the nearby lake.

What tips would you give to someone looking to play these classes.
Experiment. Try every weapon combination for a significant period of time, until you find out what works best for you. Same with traits; having a well-rounded perspective is important. Sure, you can grab a build from the net, but being able to refine it takes familiarity. Also, don't give up. A lot of classes are frustrating at first, but gather momentum as they level, once you get the traits and higher skills that enable a class to flourish.

[Calebrus]

What profession have you found most fun to play with?
Between BWEs and following launch, I have played every single profession to level 30 at a minimum.  I recently decided that I was going to grab 100% completion on my Engineer and make him my main.  So obviously my answer is Engineer, and that answer does not come without play testing other professions.

What about this class makes you love it?
The versatility.  There is nothing that an Engineer cannot be spec'ed to do.  I know, I know, any profession can be spec'ed for any role - DPS/control/support - but no other profession can do all three so well.  Most professions can be outstanding at one of them, decent-to-good at another, and can perform minimally at the last one.  Engineer may not strictly be the best at any one of them, but can perform any and all of them extremely well when needed.  With certain builds, his role can be changed in a matter of moments, even without seeking a trait respec, simply by swapping some major traits and utility skills.

What tips would you give to someone looking to play this class?
Learn your skills.  All of them.  Even the ones that you wouldn't normally use, and especially your Kits, because I guarantee you there is a place for all of them somewhere in the game.

[Albo El Bows]

I've really enjoyed reading everyone's post thus far.

Please do keep them coming!

[Ark211049]

I tried all classes since launch to 30ish and a few to 60s-80, while necro deserves honrable mention, ultimately its between gaur & war for me
Gaurdian has the looks hands down, the GS skills are fairly entertaining to go through and the combo fields they synergise with add a new dimension, sword/torch is burn baby burn and the prbly the best dps youl hit on this class noone can argue with that, the other wepons are (in general opinion) not quite as useful they do serve a purpose, throw in those really game changing utilities and its just a ball to play.
Warrior has the stats, not overly inspireing at first sight i know, but you did say "fun" and thats a problem, winning is fun, it really is, consistently throwing out epic dps and in big fights even beating those clothy eles is just sick, the psychological implications of wanting the big numbers aside nothing and i mean nothing can say its on par with a might stacking strength runed GS warrior when it comes to sheer facerolling, and now we come to the problem both are great fun but for quite different reasons, personally i cant even decide myself which char is my main i.e. to srsly invest in, im actually hoarding gold/boosters/other crap until i pick one, not really helpful for you i gather mate, but its another angle on your question.