12 replies to this topic

[Spector1331]

Has anyone tried a build specifically designed to maximize Phantasm damage?  Or is it generally considered inferior to a shatter build due to how squishy the Phantasms are?

[Jobuu]

While we're at it, does anyone know if phantasms benefit more from power or condition dmg?

[Kelthien]

Phantasms are squishy with long-ish cooldowns.  Great for bosses, but I find them frustrating on any fight with multiple, low-health enemies.  Some are better than others for sure.  Torch's phantasm is still pretty weak and Staff's is crazy-strong in groups.

I believe right now they benefit more from power/crit/crit damage than conditions.  Condition damage will increase the strength of their Bleeds caused by the Sharper Images trait as well as the conditions inflicted by the Torch phantasm.  However, an investment in power bumps their normal damage up quite significantly so most DPS-phantasm users seem to prefer it.

[Reikou]

I've been playing around with this Phantasm build for a while, and it seems to work pretty well.

Hopefully this will be of use to you.

http://intothemists....k6;2sV2DsV2D5Bi

[Snarvid]

See also wiki entry for what gear works on them.

http://wiki.guildwar...m/wiki/Illusion

http://wiki.guildwar...m/wiki/Phantasm

Edited by Snarvid, 29 November 2012 - 05:40 PM.

[XRay]

phantasm build I was using until the iberzerker bug appeared

http://gw2skills.net...6oUgdvTqgqLfA3A

[SpelignErrir]

Phantasms : Power

Clones (Staff, specifically) : Condition

[Kumakichi]

Spector1331, on 28 November 2012 - 06:03 PM, said:

Has anyone tried a build specifically designed to maximize Phantasm damage?  Or is it generally considered inferior to a shatter build due to how squishy the Phantasms are?

Its not inferior to shatters by a long shot but both you and phantasms are meant to work in concert together to maximize dps.  And phantasm benefit greatly from your traits, utilities and stats.  My phantasms are very sturdy but Ive lost some toughness so it is noticeable.  When I hit 80 I started running dungeons and my phantasms did a large part of my damage that I augmented with my shatters.  Now that my gear has improved it feels like they augment my damage.  My warden routinely hits groups for around 6k while my bezerker has hit up to 9k.  And my warlock has crit up to 11k although thats not the beauty of the warlock.

[gasp10]

i think phantasmal build is strong against boss, it lose something agaist low-heal mob.

the problem now is that i think a lots of skills for phantasmal build are bugged or not working as intended.
some example:
-signet of illusion apply only 1-2 second after the phantasm is summoned.
-phantasmal fury stay on only for 9 sec and don't refresh so it works only for the first attack.
-vengeful images don't apply the buff...it don't works...

[Kumakichi]

Yes many issues need to be addressed.  Fury bug is no good.  But phantasm share you power, precision and toughness stats.  On trash pulls many times I choose shatters after first phantasm attack and weapon switch while many skills are on cd.  Only time i dont shatter is on certain bosses.  I try to get 3 warlocks up if I can.

[Lamennt]

Hi all,

I've been speedily leveling my Mesmer char since I got GW2 yesterday. Already hit level 18 and that started to get me thinking of what i'd like to do in the long run. I've tried a multitude of playstyles so far with the different weapons and found myself continually gravitating back to the Staff as my prime weapon with a Septer and Torch as my secondary.

I really like the idea of trying out a Phantasmal build or "Illusionist" build as I coin it, but I can't seem to find a suitable build. Here's what I was thinking of trying out, but i'm not sure as to its effectiveness and want to get some input.

http://www.gw2db.com...|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|

Alternatively, what are some strong Staff builds? I perfer to be single target damage-heavy but love a great deal of flexibility in my play. I plan to play more pve oriented for the most part but am very interested in taking part in WvW. Anythoughts would be appreciated!

[Ikelos]

The distinction between phantasm and shatter builds: Shatter builds focus on quick bursts of damage, while phantasm builds rely on continuous DPS from phantasms. If you are focused specifically on damage I believe a shatter build is superior, except in very specific situations where you can get, say, 3 Phantasmal Warlocks out without any of them dying (almost never, if you have to ask).

IMO, the main advantage of a phantasm build is traiting for survivability without a huge sacrifice in DPS, especially with the protection on regeneration + regeneration with phantasms trait combination. Shatter DPS builds are kind of all-in in the sense that the basic shatter build is 10-20-0-0-30 with only 10 traits to potentially spare for defensive traits.

The basic trait build to hit the phantasm traits is 10-15-0-25-5, leaving you 15 points to use defensively with already 25 points invested in Inspiration. Putting 15 in Chaos leaves you with a steady stream of the Protection boon. Sacrificing another few offensive points (probably from dueling) can let you go 30 Inspiration, regaining you the use of your shatters but for defensive purposes (removing conditions or healing) while still doing respectable phantasm damage.

Additionally you are better suited for using abilities that are focused on having illusions out, i.e. Ether Feast, +% damage/defense per illusion, etc.

Edited by Ikelos, 30 November 2012 - 09:59 PM.

[Lamennt]

@Ikelos

Could you please put that in a build calculator and link? 10-15-0-25-5 sounds promising but i'd love to see the traits you placed in the 10 and 20 marks.

I'm personally more focused on the survivability aspect atm. So I would say i'm focused on having the phantasms out more.

Shatter does sound appealing, but I prefer to have some flexibility in playstyle whether it be able to heal others, cure others of conditions, or high mobility.

Also, What is the point of the Chaos tree? It feels to me like the developers weren't exactly sure what to do with it. I like the fact it makes us mesmers tougher, and i really like the staff bonus, but it doesn't seem to jive well with everything else. Any thoughts?

Edited by Lamennt, 01 December 2012 - 12:15 AM.