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Difference between revisions of "Dragonhunter - Power Dragonhunter"
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}}
 
}}
−
 
  
 
==Skill Bar==
 
==Skill Bar==
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{{Skill|Bane Signet}} can be replaced easily by any options below.
 
{{Skill|Bane Signet}} can be replaced easily by any options below.
 +
 +
===Event Farming===
 +
When Event Farming, consider running {{Skill|"Stand Your Ground!"}}, {{Skill|Sword of Justice}}, and {{Skill|"Advance!"}} alongside the Event Farm Equipment listed below.
  
 
===Weapons===
 
===Weapons===
Line 54: Line 56:
 
* {{Skill|Test of Faith}} - can replace {{Skill|Bane Signet}} for significantly higher burst and a bit of {{Tooltip|Protection}}.  
 
* {{Skill|Test of Faith}} - can replace {{Skill|Bane Signet}} for significantly higher burst and a bit of {{Tooltip|Protection}}.  
 
* {{Skill|"Stand Your Ground!"}} - this is an incredibly powerful stunbreak that generates {{Tooltip|Stability}} and {{Tooltip|Resolution}} in zergs. This can be a strong defensive tool for allies and also covers {{Skill|Resolution}} if running the Radiance variant below.
 
* {{Skill|"Stand Your Ground!"}} - this is an incredibly powerful stunbreak that generates {{Tooltip|Stability}} and {{Tooltip|Resolution}} in zergs. This can be a strong defensive tool for allies and also covers {{Skill|Resolution}} if running the Radiance variant below.
−
* {{Skill|Hallowed Ground}} - provides AOE {{Skill|Stability}} and {{Skill|Resolution}}.  
+
* {{Skill|Hallowed Ground}} - provides AOE {{Tooltip|Stability}} and {{Tooltip|Resolution}}.  
 
* {{Skill|Smite Condition}} - condi cleanse
 
* {{Skill|Smite Condition}} - condi cleanse
 
* {{Skill|Wall of Reflection}} - if you need to reflect projectiles.
 
* {{Skill|Wall of Reflection}} - if you need to reflect projectiles.
Line 104: Line 106:
 
| sigil4 = Superior Sigil of Impact
 
| sigil4 = Superior Sigil of Impact
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 +
===Virtues/Honor Equipment===
 +
This equipment is often used with instanced PVE builds that utilize Virtues over Radiance. This requires a higher investment in to Precision / Crit Chance due to the missing 35% from Radiance. This equipment is higher DPS for non-Radiance Dragonhunter builds, including the Honor build we're using above. However, this equipment is not compatible with Radiance, making it less versatile.
 +
{{PvE equipment
 +
| stats = Berserker
 +
| weight = Heavy
 +
| rune = Superior Rune of the Thief
 +
| rune-qt = 6
 +
| weapon1 = Greatsword
 +
| weapon2 =
 +
| sigil1 = Superior Sigil of Force
 +
| sigil2 = Superior Sigil of Accuracy
 +
| weapon3 = Longbow
 +
| weapon4 =
 +
| sigil3 = Superior Sigil of Force
 +
| sigil4 = Superior Sigil of Accuracy
 +
| variant = y
 +
<!-- Custom stats -->
 +
| head = Assassin
 +
| shoulders = Assassin
 +
| chest =
 +
| hands = Assassin
 +
| legs =
 +
| feet = Assassin
 +
| backpiece =
 +
| accessory1 =
 +
| accessory2 =
 +
| amulet =
 +
| ring1 =
 +
| ring2 =
 +
}}
 +
 +
===Marauder Equipment===
 +
This set uses {{Tooltip|Marauder}} and {{Tooltip|Dragon}} gear to achieve over 20k HP with a Tier 10 Jade Bot Core. This does sacrifice a significant portion of our DPS, however: Roughly 15%. Additionally this gear is not usable in instanced content, which limits it exclusively to open world. This set is optimized for use with the Honor or Virtues variant above. If using Radiance, trade the majority of your Marauder equipment for Dragon instead.
 +
{{PvE equipment
 +
| stats = Marauder
 +
| weight = Heavy
 +
| rune = Superior Rune of the Thief
 +
| rune-qt = 6
 +
| weapon1 = Greatsword
 +
| weapon2 =
 +
| sigil1 = Superior Sigil of Force
 +
| sigil2 = Superior Sigil of Accuracy
 +
| weapon3 = Longbow
 +
| weapon4 =
 +
| sigil3 = Superior Sigil of Force
 +
| sigil4 = Superior Sigil of Accuracy
 +
<!-- Custom stats -->
 +
| ring1 = Dragon
 +
| accessory1 = Dragon
 +
| amulet = Dragon
 +
}}
 +
* If full exotic, use a Marauder ring.
 +
 +
===Event Farming===
 +
This set is specifically designed for comfortable event farming in open world. This makes it a luxury set that is not usable in instanced PVE. Use this Equipment with the Event Farming variant above, namely running {{Skill|"Advance!"}} and {{Skill|"Stand Your Ground!"}}.
 +
{{PvE equipment
 +
| stats = Berserker
 +
| weight = Heavy
 +
| rune = Superior Rune of Speed
 +
| rune-qt = 6
 +
| weapon1 = Greatsword
 +
| weapon2 =
 +
| sigil1 = Superior Sigil of Force
 +
| sigil2 = Superior Sigil of Accuracy
 +
| weapon3 = Longbow
 +
| weapon4 =
 +
| sigil3 = Superior Sigil of Force
 +
| sigil4 = Superior Sigil of Speed
 +
}}
 +
 +
===Other Equipment Options===
 +
Guild Wars 2's Open World allows us to be versatile with our gear selection, within reason. While the default equipment listed above is the most generally-useful set due to being usable in virtually all areas of PVE, it is also acceptable to run equipment exclusively for open world, provided you understand that you cannot take it into instanced content. The equipment options below provide extra defense, alternative playstyles, and extra versatility.
 +
 +
====Budget====
 +
Some of the gear above can be relatively expensive, particularly {{Rune|Superior Rune of the Scholar}} and {{Sigil|Superior Sigil of Impact}}. Anything that costs less than 2g on the Trading Post is not particularly pricey and you should just suck it up and buy it. Do your dailies, thanks.
 +
* As a note for this build, full exotics work perfectly fine. Ruby Orichalcum Trinkets and Devona's armor on the trading post will run you just over 10 gold. Backpieces can be a pain to get: If you have 400 in a given crafting profession, you should craft that profession's level 78 backpack. If not, feel free to use a Rare (Yellow) backpiece from the Trading Post.
 +
* {{Rune|Superior Rune of the Scholar}} can be replaced with {{Rune|Superior Rune of Infiltration}}. If using non-radiance variants, {{Rune|Superior Rune of Strength}} is also an excellent option. {{Rune|Superior Rune of the Fireworks}} is a decent choice for a more utility oriented rune.
 +
* {{Sigil|Superior Sigil of Impact}} can be replace with {{Sigil|Superior Sigil of Accuracy}} in the Standard Equipment, or {{Sigil|Superior Sigil of Air}} in other variants. In some cases, {{Sigil|Superior Sigil of Strength}} can be a good pick and allows you to swap {{Trait|Zealous Scepter}} to {{Trait|Fiery Wrath}}.
 +
 +
====Defense====
 +
Many players often look for defensive options in open world, especially when they're new to the class. The following options can be used for extra defense, but should not be taken into raids, fractals, or other instanced PVE.
 +
* {{Tooltip|Knight}} or {{Tooltip|Soldier}} trinkets can provide a significant boost to defense. Using anything more than trinkets is not recommended.
 +
* {{Rune|Superior Rune of Vampirism}} is a very cheap and effective rune for power builds in open world and comes highly recommended.
 +
* Alternatively, {{Sigil|Superior Sigil of Energy}} is a fantastic defensive option that can replace {{Sigil|Superior Sigil of Impact}} / {{Sigil|Superior Sigil of Accuracy}}. It's cheap, effective, and promotes learning the game's intended mitigation mechanic: Dodging and i-frames. We play Budget Dark Souls here.
 +
 +
====A note on other alternatives====
 +
Open World is a flexible game mode that allows us to use what we find comfortable. While it can be important for us to learn the game's intended systems (Dodging, Rotations, Boon Application), it's perfectly acceptable to adjust a build how you see fit, provided it is used in Open World rather than Instanced PVE. Just remember this game rewards skill expression and proper DPS much more than passive defense, but don't be afraid to find a sweet spot of Comfort vs Effectiveness for yourself.
  
  
 
==Consumables==
 
==Consumables==
−
:'''Food'''
+
Consumables are a major part of Guild Wars 2 and Food/Utilities are much more useful in this game than in other MMOs. You should definitely consider using these when roaming around in open world or farming map metas.
 +
 
 +
===Ascended Food===
 +
Ascended food, in this case '''Steak''', is always superior to other food options. Use it when it's available. The one exception to this is when utilizing {{Food|Bowl of Orrian Truffle and Meat Stew}} or its alternatives to achieve more dodges.
 +
 
 +
====DPS====
 +
When solo, DPS consumables can give us a rather drastic increase to damage due to their flat bonuses (this can sometimes be as high as an extra +15%). In open world, it is absolutely acceptable to use budget food.
 +
* For builds that don't Crit-Cap, {{Food|Bowl of Curry Butternut Squash Soup}} is generally the best option, though {{Food|Plate of Truffle Steak}} can compete with it. Neither of these foods are particularly expensive, but {{Food|Plate of Steak and Asparagus}} or {{Food|Bowl of Butternut Squash Soup}} are viable budget alternatives.
 +
* For Crit-Capped Builds, like the Marauder or Radiance options above, {{Food|Bowl of Sweet and Spicy Butternut Squash Soup}} is our highest DPS option. This food is rather expensive, however, so {{Tooltip|Avocado Smoothie}} can be utilized as a budget alternative.
 +
* Our utility should be {{Utility|Tin of Fruitcake}} or {{Utility|Superior Sharpening Stone}}. {{Utility|Hardened Sharpening Stone}} can be used as a budget option.
 +
* {{Food|Dragon's Breath Bun}} is the absolute best option for DPS while farming in big meta zergs. Ideally you should be running farm food, but sometimes you just want to see the numbers go up.
 +
 
 +
====Defense====
 +
Certain foods can provide a massive boost to defense. These are typically only useful when solo, and usually only when attempting to solo harder enemies.
 +
* Run {{Food|Orrian Truffle and Meat Stew}} for a massive boost to defense and a bit of extra {{Tooltip|Might}}. {{Food|Bowl of Meat and Winter Vegetable Stew}} is it's budget variant, however, since this food should be used so rarely it is fine to spring for a few of the stronger option.
 +
* {{Food|Scoop of Mintberry Swirl Ice Cream}} is a reasonable lifesteal food that gives us both damage and defense while also having good bonuses to profit/hr.
 +
 
 +
====Farming====
 
* Any ascended food is superior to any other food you could use. Steak for power, flatbread for conditions. Budget versions of these foods exist and are acceptable.
 
* Any ascended food is superior to any other food you could use. Steak for power, flatbread for conditions. Budget versions of these foods exist and are acceptable.
−
* {{food|Peppermint Omnomberry Bar}} - farming
+
* {{food|Peppermint Omnomberry Bar}} - farming'
−
* {{food|Dragon's Breath Bun}}, {{food|Plate of Truffle Steak}} - DPS
+
* {{Utility|Sharpening Skull}} (and variants) - farming
−
* {{food|Bowl of Orrian Truffle and Meat Stew}} - defense
 
  
−
:'''Utility'''
+
Other options, such as [https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Feast_of_Delectable_Birthday_Cake Birthday Cake], [https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Homemade_Campfire_Treat Campfire Treats], [https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Spicy_Pumpkin_Cookie Spicy Pumpkin Cookie], or other similar food is fine to use. The general goal is to prioritize the following:
−
* {{Utility|Sharpening Skull}} (and variants) - farming
+
# Flat % Experience, like we see on Ascended Food
−
* {{utility|Tin of Fruitcake}}, {{utility|Superior Sharpening Stone}} - DPS
+
# % Karma Gain
 +
# % Magic Find
 +
# Experience from kills
 +
# % Gold find
  
 +
This assumes you are converting Karma and Spirit Shards to gold correctly. If you are not converting Karma or Spirit Shards, prioritize Magic Find.
  
 
==Usage==
 
==Usage==

Revision as of 02:32, 25 July 2023

The community gave this build a rating, making it top-tier: Great

Focused on: Strike damage

Designed for: Open World and Open World General

Expansions required: Heart of Thorns builds

Difficulty:
Normal
This build was last updated on July 25, 2023 and is up to date for the October 8, 2024 patch.

Overview

Power Dragonhunter (pDH) is a standard power DPS build that features excellent CC, good mobility, and very high burst damage. It has a versatile kit with many strong offensive and defensive utility and weapon options alongside plenty of AOE DPS to help cleave trash in Open World. Thanks to some of its traits and profession mechanics, Power Dragonhunter is a relatively defensive option even in glass gear. It has a small learning curve; for most people this build is easy to pick up but possesses a relatively high skill ceiling.

Template Code

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Skill Bar

Greatsword
Longbow
Utility

Variants

In addition to the above skill bar, some utilities or weapons may prove useful in various situations. You should always seek to adapt your build to the right situation. When deciding on which options to use, note that Litany of Wrath is the strongest heal in Guardian's kit by far and should not be replaced. Additionally, Sword of Justice and Procession of Blades are incredibly powerful when solo; only replace them as a last resort. If replacing Procession of Blades, consider running Sword/Focus instead of Greatsword.

Bane Signet can be replaced easily by any options below.

Event Farming

When Event Farming, consider running "Stand Your Ground!", Sword of Justice, and "Advance!" alongside the Event Farm Equipment listed below.

Weapons

  • Sword/Focus can be run when extra Fury Fury is beneficial or when using the block from Shield of Wrath. This set can replace Greatsword or Longbow. When replacing Greatsword, consider that you lose AOE damage from Whirling Wrath. When replacing Longbow, you are trading out your ranged option.
  • Staff can be run as an alternative tagging weapon. While it's generally inferior to Longbow, some people prefer it due to its large and fast AOE's from Symbol of Swiftness and Holy Strike.
  • When up against strong solo enemies with predictable skill patterns, such as the Avatar of Balthazar, Sword/Focus + Mace/Shield can be used to chain blocks and Aegis. This loadout has much lower DPS than others but can trivialize some solo fights.
  • Scepter/Focus is an alternative ranged option. If a fight dramatically benefits from ranged DPS, Scepter/Focus + Longbow can be used for reliable damage at 900 range.

Skill Variants

Heal Skills

  • Litany of Wrath is an incredibly powerful heal but has a bit of a learning curve. When using this skill, it is imperative that you continue to DPS; treat this ability like an invulnerability window. You can chain Litany with Shield of Courage to cover your entire opening rotation, allowing you to DPS freely without having to worry about (most) incoming damage. This is an important skill to learn for new Guardian players.
  • If you absolutely must change your heal, Signet of Resolve and Shelter are viable options.
  • Shelter in particular has some interesting applications in fights where long-duration blocks can cover major mechanics, similar to Renewed Focus.

Utility Skills

When choosing from the utilities below, it's often best to replace Bane Signet over other options. Keep in mind that for CC, simply activating Bane Signet is often your best choice as it provides 300 defiance damage on a 20s cooldown.

  • Test of Faith - can replace Bane Signet for significantly higher burst and a bit of Protection Protection.
  • "Stand Your Ground!" - this is an incredibly powerful stunbreak that generates Stability Stability and Resolution Resolution in zergs. This can be a strong defensive tool for allies and also covers Resolution if running the Radiance variant below.
  • Hallowed Ground - provides AOE Stability Stability and Resolution Resolution.
  • Smite Condition - condi cleanse
  • Wall of Reflection - if you need to reflect projectiles.
  • "Advance!" - long-lasting swiftness while running, also gives aegis
  • Judge's Intervention - teleport with a moderate cooldown

Elite Skills

  • Renewed Focus - This ability can be chained with Shelter and Shield of Courage, alongside tools such as "Advance!", for an extremely long-duration series of blocks and invulnerability. In some situations this can cover powerful boss mechanics that would otherwise be extremely punishing.
  • "Feel My Wrath!" - DPS / party support; this is superior to Dragon's Maw if your party needs help with Quickness Quickness uptime.

Specializations

Standard Traits

Zeal is the core of any good guardian build due to its high Vulnerability Vulnerability application and considerable number of flat % strike mods such as Symbolic Avenger and Symbolic Exposure. Especially when Solo, Zeal should always be taken over other options due to its extraordinarily high DPS increase.

As this is a Dragonhunter build, we obviously take Dragonhunter. We're opting for Heavy Light over Big Game Hunter here as it allows us a more flexible rotation at very minimal DPS loss.

Honor is taken as our third specialization. While it may be unintuitive and many view Honor as exclusively a defensive traitline, Honor provides us with a significant increase in damage over both Radiance and Zeal due to the synergy of Writ of Persistence and Zeal. Longer symbol duration provides us with more consistent Vulnerability Vulnerability and Symbolic Avenger uptime and the wider radius drastically helps in cleave situations. Honor also provides some Might Might through Empowering Might and an extra symbol when we use our heal. With Honor also providing some passive endurance regen, it's clearly the best option for open world play.

  • If someone else is providing you Might Might or you are capped from other sources, use Fiery Wrath in Zeal.

Virtues

Virtues is a popular option for DPS Dragonhunter builds due to its high number of flat modifiers, similar to Zeal. While it can be somewhat reliant on Aegis Aegis uptime to achieve the best results, even with no uptime it is competitive with Radiance. Virtues also isn't reliant on Resolution Resolution, though it is heavily reliant on boons in general thanks to Inspired Virtue. It is additionally reliant on Alacrity Alacrity due to Inspired Virtue and its modifiers are conditional on essentially not being hit. Because of this, Virtues is a poor choice for solo play but can be extremely powerful in groups.

  • Battle Presence or Indomitable Courage can provide ally support at a very minimal DPS loss.

Radiance

Many Guardian builds use Radiance in instanced PVE due to its high increase to Crit Chance (35%). When solo, Radiance also offers significant Might Might generation, enabling us to take Fiery Wrath in Zeal. The primary weakness of Radiance is its reliance on Resolution Resolution, and if we choose to use it in solo open world we may find ourselves being forced to use "Stand Your Ground!" over Bane Signet to maintain our buffs. This isn't ideal, and Radiance is not recommended... However, for some players this playstyle is preferred, and so it is listed here as a variant. Note that the Standard Equipment gear below is actually optimized to be played with Radiance, since it is the default for raids.

  • If someone else is providing you Resolution Resolution, use Right-Hand Strength.

Equipment

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

Standard Equipment

This set uses gear that is very similar to Build:Dragonhunter_-_Power_DPS, making it excellent for general PVE. This gear is not min-maxed to the Honor/Virtues variant, since Radiance is the default PDH raid build in the current meta, however it will work perfectly fine with Honor/Virtues in open world.

Head
Berserker
Shoulders
Berserker
Chest
Berserker
Hands
Berserker
Legs
Berserker
Feet
Berserker
Backpiece
Berserker
Accessory
Berserker
Accessory
Berserker
Amulet
Berserker
Ring
Berserker
Ring
Berserker
Greatsword
Berserker
Sigil
Sigil
Longbow
Berserker
Sigil
Sigil
Rune
x6


Virtues/Honor Equipment

This equipment is often used with instanced PVE builds that utilize Virtues over Radiance. This requires a higher investment in to Precision / Crit Chance due to the missing 35% from Radiance. This equipment is higher DPS for non-Radiance Dragonhunter builds, including the Honor build we're using above. However, this equipment is not compatible with Radiance, making it less versatile.

Head
Assassin
Shoulders
Assassin
Chest
Berserker
Hands
Assassin
Legs
Berserker
Feet
Assassin
Backpiece
Berserker
Accessory
Berserker
Accessory
Berserker
Amulet
Berserker
Ring
Berserker
Ring
Berserker
Greatsword
Berserker
Sigil
Sigil
Longbow
Berserker
Sigil
Sigil
Rune
x6


Marauder Equipment

This set uses Marauder Marauder and 24px Dragon gear to achieve over 20k HP with a Tier 10 Jade Bot Core. This does sacrifice a significant portion of our DPS, however: Roughly 15%. Additionally this gear is not usable in instanced content, which limits it exclusively to open world. This set is optimized for use with the Honor or Virtues variant above. If using Radiance, trade the majority of your Marauder equipment for Dragon instead.

Head
Marauder
Shoulders
Marauder
Chest
Marauder
Hands
Marauder
Legs
Marauder
Feet
Marauder
Backpiece
Marauder
Accessory
Dragon
Accessory
Marauder
Amulet
Dragon
Ring
Dragon
Ring
Marauder
Greatsword
Marauder
Sigil
Sigil
Longbow
Marauder
Sigil
Sigil
Rune
x6


  • If full exotic, use a Marauder ring.

Event Farming

This set is specifically designed for comfortable event farming in open world. This makes it a luxury set that is not usable in instanced PVE. Use this Equipment with the Event Farming variant above, namely running "Advance!" and "Stand Your Ground!".

Head
Berserker
Shoulders
Berserker
Chest
Berserker
Hands
Berserker
Legs
Berserker
Feet
Berserker
Backpiece
Berserker
Accessory
Berserker
Accessory
Berserker
Amulet
Berserker
Ring
Berserker
Ring
Berserker
Greatsword
Berserker
Sigil
Sigil
Longbow
Berserker
Sigil
Sigil
Rune
x6


Other Equipment Options

Guild Wars 2's Open World allows us to be versatile with our gear selection, within reason. While the default equipment listed above is the most generally-useful set due to being usable in virtually all areas of PVE, it is also acceptable to run equipment exclusively for open world, provided you understand that you cannot take it into instanced content. The equipment options below provide extra defense, alternative playstyles, and extra versatility.

Budget

Some of the gear above can be relatively expensive, particularly Rune of Superior Rune of the Scholar and Sigil of Superior Sigil of Impact. Anything that costs less than 2g on the Trading Post is not particularly pricey and you should just suck it up and buy it. Do your dailies, thanks.

  • As a note for this build, full exotics work perfectly fine. Ruby Orichalcum Trinkets and Devona's armor on the trading post will run you just over 10 gold. Backpieces can be a pain to get: If you have 400 in a given crafting profession, you should craft that profession's level 78 backpack. If not, feel free to use a Rare (Yellow) backpiece from the Trading Post.
  • Rune of Superior Rune of the Scholar can be replaced with Rune of Superior Rune of Infiltration. If using non-radiance variants, Rune of Superior Rune of Strength is also an excellent option. Rune of Superior Rune of the Fireworks is a decent choice for a more utility oriented rune.
  • Sigil of Superior Sigil of Impact can be replace with Sigil of Superior Sigil of Accuracy in the Standard Equipment, or Sigil of Superior Sigil of Air in other variants. In some cases, Sigil of Superior Sigil of Strength can be a good pick and allows you to swap Zealous Scepter to Fiery Wrath.

Defense

Many players often look for defensive options in open world, especially when they're new to the class. The following options can be used for extra defense, but should not be taken into raids, fractals, or other instanced PVE.

  • Knight Knight or Soldier Soldier trinkets can provide a significant boost to defense. Using anything more than trinkets is not recommended.
  • Rune of Superior Rune of Vampirism is a very cheap and effective rune for power builds in open world and comes highly recommended.
  • Alternatively, Sigil of Superior Sigil of Energy is a fantastic defensive option that can replace Sigil of Superior Sigil of Impact / Sigil of Superior Sigil of Accuracy. It's cheap, effective, and promotes learning the game's intended mitigation mechanic: Dodging and i-frames. We play Budget Dark Souls here.

A note on other alternatives

Open World is a flexible game mode that allows us to use what we find comfortable. While it can be important for us to learn the game's intended systems (Dodging, Rotations, Boon Application), it's perfectly acceptable to adjust a build how you see fit, provided it is used in Open World rather than Instanced PVE. Just remember this game rewards skill expression and proper DPS much more than passive defense, but don't be afraid to find a sweet spot of Comfort vs Effectiveness for yourself.


Consumables

Consumables are a major part of Guild Wars 2 and Food/Utilities are much more useful in this game than in other MMOs. You should definitely consider using these when roaming around in open world or farming map metas.

Ascended Food

Ascended food, in this case Steak, is always superior to other food options. Use it when it's available. The one exception to this is when utilizing or its alternatives to achieve more dodges.

DPS

When solo, DPS consumables can give us a rather drastic increase to damage due to their flat bonuses (this can sometimes be as high as an extra +15%). In open world, it is absolutely acceptable to use budget food.

  • For builds that don't Crit-Cap, is generally the best option, though can compete with it. Neither of these foods are particularly expensive, but or are viable budget alternatives.
  • For Crit-Capped Builds, like the Marauder or Radiance options above, is our highest DPS option. This food is rather expensive, however, so 24px Avocado Smoothie can be utilized as a budget alternative.
  • Our utility should be or . can be used as a budget option.
  • is the absolute best option for DPS while farming in big meta zergs. Ideally you should be running farm food, but sometimes you just want to see the numbers go up.

Defense

Certain foods can provide a massive boost to defense. These are typically only useful when solo, and usually only when attempting to solo harder enemies.

  • Run for a massive boost to defense and a bit of extra Might Might. is it's budget variant, however, since this food should be used so rarely it is fine to spring for a few of the stronger option.
  • is a reasonable lifesteal food that gives us both damage and defense while also having good bonuses to profit/hr.

Farming

  • Any ascended food is superior to any other food you could use. Steak for power, flatbread for conditions. Budget versions of these foods exist and are acceptable.
  • - farming'
  • (and variants) - farming

Other options, such as Birthday Cake, Campfire Treats, Spicy Pumpkin Cookie, or other similar food is fine to use. The general goal is to prioritize the following:

  1. Flat % Experience, like we see on Ascended Food
  2. % Karma Gain
  3. % Magic Find
  4. Experience from kills
  5. % Gold find

This assumes you are converting Karma and Spirit Shards to gold correctly. If you are not converting Karma or Spirit Shards, prioritize Magic Find.

Usage

Damage

General Advice

  • Note that to play this build optimally you must turn off "Melee Attack Assist" in your Options menu. This is so you can stand inside of boss hitboxes.
  • Your main damage skills are Whirling Wrath, Symbol of Resolution, True Shot, Symbol of Energy, and Hunter's Ward.
    • Never interrupt your Greatsword or Sword autoattack chains as all the damage is loaded in the last hit.
  • Fight enemies in your symbols to get the damage buff from Symbolic Avenger.

Generic Opener

While this opener may not apply in every situation, it is a good general-use rotation to start with. Open on Longbow.

  1. Dragon's Maw / "Feel My Wrath!"
  2. Procession of Blades
  3. Sword of Justice
  4. True Shot
  5. Symbol of Energy
  6. Hunter's Ward
  7. Weapon Swap
  8. Symbol of Resolution
  9. Whirling Wrath
  10. Sword of Justice
  11. Auto-attack until Symbol of Resolution, Whirling Wrath, and Spear of Justice are back up
  12. Sword of Justice
  13. Symbol of Resolution
  14. Whirling Wrath
  15. Leap of Faith
  16. Binding Blade
  17. Weapon Swap
  18. Symbol of Energy
  19. True Shot

From there, your goal is to loop your weapon's big damage skills, True Shot and Whirling Wrath while filling the gaps with other weapon skills like Symbol of Energy and Symbol of Resolution. For Greatsword loops, you want to use Symbol of Resolution twice before weapon swapping. For Longbow loops, you want to get off at least three True Shots. For Sword/Focus loops, focus on three Zealous Blades (while also weaving in Symbol of Blades twice.)


Defense

  • Shield of Wrath is a powerful defensive skill. If you stand on top of an ally while this is active it can block attacks for them as well.
  • Wall of Reflection and Shield of the Avenger can be used against projectiles.
  • Shield of Courage is a block that also gives aegis, protection, Resolution, stability, and a stun break.
  • You can run Shelter for more active defense. You can also run Renewed Focus but this comes at the cost of one of your best burst damage skills.
  • Remember to always dodge and sidestep attacks if possible. Don't get hit by anything you can move out of.

Sustain

  • This build doesn't have much sustained healing unless you have Rune of Superior Rune of Vampirism, so avoiding damage is extremely important in long fights. You can run healing food, such as in these situations to relieve some pressure.
  • Wings of Resolve is a powerful heal and condition cleanse. You can also use Whirling Wrath in the light field from your symbols to cleanse conditions.

Zerging

  • When zerging, use your Puncture Shot, Deflecting Shot, and Symbol of Energy to tag mobs. Try to make sure your Sigil of Superior Sigil of Fire procs on groups so you get credit for all of them.
  • Against bosses or static groups of mobs (while the zerg isn't moving much), use your higher-damage weapon set such as Greatsword or Sword/Focus.

See Build:Dragonhunter_-_Power_Farmer for a much more detailed breakdown of zerg farming with guardian.

Crowd Control

  • Pull
  • Procession of Blades
  • Dragon's Maw
  • Hunter's Verdict
  • Hammer of Wisdom
  • Bane Signet (as a last resort)
Retrieved from "https://metabattle.com/wiki/index.php?title=Build:Dragonhunter_-_Power_Dragonhunter&oldid=12360"


Ratings

This build has a rating of 5 stars based on 3 votes.
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5 stars
HossamA.Eldin gave this build 5 stars • August 2023
Best Dps build for Guardian with alot of traps , Easy build
5 stars
Frostbyte gave this build 5 stars • July 2023
This is an outstanding build: flexible, sustainable and capable of inflicting fearsome damage on one's foes. In my experience, even if you *don't* replace Radiance/Virtues with Honor, you can still hold your own and do some decent damage. This flexibility, coupled with various alternate options in gearing (Berserker's vs. Marauder's/Dragon's and Longbow vs. Sword/Focus) as well as individual traits that can (and should) be swapped depending on context make it a proper "hybrid" build reminiscent of the classic Tank/DPS builds in games like WoW, for instance, and allow for extreme survivability and damage output in almost any situation. My *one* complaint is not with the build itself but rather the fact that certain sections of it have yet to be updated (e.g., the rotation/usage section still sings the praises of Resolution despite it not being used very much since the switch to Honor from Radiance). Thanks to the author. Very solid build that I'd recommend to any Zealous (pardon the pun) Guardian fan.
5 stars
Tao1013 gave this build 5 stars • March 2022
This DH open world build is a lot of fun to play. It's fast-paced and effective and with weapon variants like longbow available, it's flexible too. With two build options, this set up can be played seat of your pants glass cannon style or with the Honour variant it's a bit more tanky, so you won't get caught out if you run into more trouble than you were expecting. It's my build of choice for exploring and engaging in the new E.O.D. open world content and storyline.

Comments

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