8 replies to this topic

[Fancyqt]

Just starting to get into GW2 and have decided to play a norn guardian after playing a monk for years in GW1. Any tips on a leveling build?

[M1k3l]

This post has tons and tons of info for new guardians.

And welcome to GW2

Edited by M1k3l, 02 December 2012 - 07:34 AM.

[Elysen]

You really don't need a leveling build as a guardian, just equip a greatsword and go pew pew. Put all your points into Zeal/Radiance.

Call it a glass cannon? No, call it a steel cannon as your inate survivability is incredibly potent.

[GSSB Lunaspike]

M1k3l, on 02 December 2012 - 07:33 AM, said:

This post has tons and tons of info for new guardians.

And welcome to GW2

That post has some great information, I just hope the OP knows not to try leveling as support. Going solo will be so painfully boring you will want to hurt yourself.

[jpg1]

Don't over-spec into offense so much.

If you're going with Zeal, I'd recommend no more than 10 points if you're not going to make use of Spirit Weapons. If you are going for Spirit Weapons, I think 20 Points would suffice.  

Radiance is a more favorable offensive Trait for the class as Critical Chance improves damage, healing potential, and movement potential. (If paired with Honor Traits.)

I don't want to down-play the one commenting "Steel Cannon," he might be a better player than I am. But "Steel Cannon" is a bit of an exaggeration.

Here's a compendium of some of the great Guardian reads the forum has to offer. I've written some basic descriptions. The link shared earlier is also contained here. Good luck, and enjoy being a Guardian.

[Elysen]

jpg1, on 03 December 2012 - 08:18 AM, said:

...I don't want to down-play the one commenting "Steel Cannon," he might be a better player than I am. But "Steel Cannon" is a bit of an exaggeration...

I moreso said that to get the point across it's hardly glass cannon. I'm aware you can still take a beating, especially with large pulls & getting knocked down.

[Sovelin]

For me what really worked when leveling is 25 in radiance and 10 in zeal. In radiance, get Blind causes vulnerability, and either 5% sword damage or 20% signet cooldown (for your heal). In Zeal get 10% damage versus burning foes.

You can then run sword+torch to maximize your burning damage (but you generally should get enough from renewed justice). I tend to go Sword+Focus (excellent survivability with hotkey 5). Have your alt weapon be something ranged (either scepter + shield for kiting/survivability, or staff which gives you a host of great skills).

Alternatively if you really want to maximize killing potential (and reduce survivability) have a sword/torch and a GS alt. Exhaust hotkeys on your sword/torch then swap to GS to exhaust those. You will get through mobs insanely fast, although you will lose some momentum when taking on champions.

Throw five points into Virtues to get might each time you activate Justice (which renews on kill), and 5 in Honor to get Aegis (survivability).

[jpg1]

Xephenon, on 03 December 2012 - 06:59 PM, said:

I moreso said that to get the point across it's hardly glass cannon. I'm aware you can still take a beating, especially with large pulls & getting knocked down.

Yes, you basically told them that it's not a glass cannon but something better. Dumping all your points into Zeal/Radiance is a huge risk, which I wrote about in detail. Your post comes off as not as a warning that you might take a beating.

[wolfpaq777]

Whatever you do make sure you have 15 points in radiance and 5 points in virtues.

There is no better leveling trait combo for guardians, possibly for anyone than that 1-2-3 minor trait combo.

Getting to use VoJ every fight is quite the treat.  Scales beautifully with party play.

Edited by wolfpaq777, 05 December 2012 - 12:19 AM.