animaillusionaria

How useful is this at higher levels?

im runnign it now as a distraction and it works ok  just as d/d im still in range for most aoe attacks and the elemental dies rather quickly.

will it get better, worse or should i just replace it?

Started my mesmer a earlier and tested a few things out, im just torn  between the weapons so i cant lay out a trait set up either.

i looked up some of the builds and threads here already i just cant seem to find the answer im looking for.


i tried out combinations of GS/Staff/Sword&Pistol as i plan to go for a power build, most likely a phantasm  build as i didn't like the shatter set up that much.

GS/S&P gave me very good dmg just if i had 3 duelists out i couldn't use mirror blade anymore unless i dint mind one of the duelist getting destroyed.

If i switched set in combat against  harder mobs , after using duelist and blurred frenzy i sat there waiting for weaponswap  as i couldn't stay in melee.
I think this could be problematic if up against harder mobs/bosses( would like some input on this from somebody with more experience as it was a major reason why i didn't settle on it

Staff/S&P had similar issues also made it harder to take on larger groups with lack of spammable Aoe the GS provided

GS/ Staff didn't have any range issue but still had the phantasm override issue but felt weak once chaos storm was on CD

like i said i don't know how it will be later on so if anybody can clarify and give some input on each set combo for the  higher leveled zones it would be nice.

Heres my Build

http://gw2skills.net...qxUjoGbNuak1MIA

as for Traits

Explosions

Free bomb on dodge & Minefield at 25% are both free dmg passives

You stack Vulnerability like a champ for a nice dmg increase

Incendiary powder for extra  Dps ( depending on Gear might need to swap out due to low natural Crit Chance)

Enhanced performance  for permanent 4 stacks of Might   ( better than 10% explosive dmg and also increases Condition dmg)

Grenadier for extra Range&Grenade to maximize your dmg output



Alchemy
Free Elixir B at 75% health & Extra dmg for Each boon on you are once more free dmg passives
low chance to convert conditions into boons

20% Faster Elixir Cooldown & Duration

Might on Elixir use

Tools

Endurace rechagre on Toolbeltskill use

Major Trait is personal preference, Speedy kits for exploring   or static discharge for extra dps


Comments


You can keep and maintain between 6-7 stacks of might on yourself all the time and up to 12-14 for a few sec ( nice with Elixir U for huge burst )

12 seconds downtime on Elixir B buffs ( with the exception of might ) wich offsets your lack of precision slightly by having Fury up "most" of the time

Even without Traits your rifle stil does nice dmg thanks to all the buffs and pistols also work thanks to might increasing condition dmg as well.


For Dungeons & Party activities swap potent Elixirs for Cleasing Formula to remove conditons, replace Elxir U with Elixir R or both

You can give Teamates Might often.

i went with  Power/Prec/Toughness with a special focus on precision to offset the  low crit chance during the 12 seconds where i dont have Fury from Elixir B overall this makes me really tanky and thanks to Elixir Buffs my dmg remains still very high  and i keep a lot of utility while partying.

as you can see its not necessary to respec for dungeons just swap some traits around you will then act as a party buffer/ condition cleanser/ Vulnerability stacker.

Swapping out elixir H for the turret is a viable option to incrase youre party survival in that case.