Guardian - Core Power

The community gave this build a rating, making it second-tier: Good

Designed for: Open World and Open World General

Difficulty:

Easy

This build was last updated on March 23, 2025 and is up to date for the April 15, 2025 patch.

Overview

Power build for guardian which is F2P/Core accessible and can handle most open world content.

This build can be played while levelling, while working on acquiring elite specializations, or by free-to-play players. It leads nicely into power dragonhunter or power willbender.

Skill Bar

Greatsword

Sword/Focus

Utility

Weapon Variants

Always keep Greatsword. Sword+focus can replaced by:

Spear - deals more damage and increases your Resolution uptime. Requires the expansion Janthir Wilds.
Longbow - high damage ranged option. Requires the expansion Secrets of the Obscure for Weaponmastery.

Skill Variants

Signet of Resolve
- an easy-to-use, reliable heal.
"Advance!"
- defense + mobility
"Hold the Line!"
- defense for yourself and nearby allies
Smite Condition
- condi cleanse
Wall of Reflection
- projectile reflection
Sanctuary
- projectile hate and extreme CC; very long cooldown

Template Code

[&DQEqOxA9LjUmDwMBSAEtATYBigD+AP4AiRI3AQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA=]

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Specializations

Equipment

Ascended gear and stat infusions are not required; you can use exotic gear with the same stats.

Standard Equipment

This setup uses basic, easily obtained equipment that performs very well in open world and is functional in endgame PVE.

Head
Berserker

Shoulders
Berserker

Chest
Dragon

Hands
Berserker

Legs
Dragon

Feet
Berserker

Backpiece
Dragon

Accessory
Berserker

Amulet
Dragon

Ring
Dragon

Greatsword
Berserker

Sigil

Sword
Berserker

Focus
Berserker

Sigil

Rune
x6

Relic

Dragon stats are a very minor optimisation. Full Berserker stats is easier to acquire and you won't notice the difference.
Players with access to expansions should run Greatsword + Spear.
You can use
Relic of Zakiros
to trade a minor amount of damage for sustain,
Relic of the Cavalier
to start combat with boons, or
Relic of Durability
for a little extra defense.
For defense, equip the highest tier Jade Core you can afford. Use defensive food, traits, or skills if required. If necessary, use Knight trinkets.

Consumables

Budget consumables are acceptable for use in open world.

DPS

Prioritize Steak Ascended food.
Plate of Spicy Moa Wings
/
Bowl of Sweet and Spicy Butternut Squash Soup
Superior Sharpening Stone
/
Tin of Fruitcake

Defense

Farming

Prioritize Steak Ascended food.
Birthday Blaster
/
Feast of Delectable Birthday Cake
Peppermint Omnomberry Bar
Sharpening Skull
(and variants)

Usage

Damage Basics

Maintain Resolution as much as possible to activate Radiance traits. Most notably
Righteous Instincts
.
Use
Virtue of Courage
and
Virtue of Resolve
to maintain
Inspiring Virtue
and Resolution.
Spam
Virtue of Justice
against trash enemies. It will reset thanks to
Renewed Justice
. Avoid this against bosses, as the passive Burning generated from this skill is more valuable due to
Radiant Power
and
Inner Fire
.
Your symbols apply Vulnerability every tick.
Unscathed Contender
means we want to stay high HP and maintain Aegis when possible, so do your best to avoid damage.