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Difference between revisions of "Guardian - Core Power"

 
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| profession = guardian
 
| profession = guardian
 
| specialization =  
 
| specialization =  
| designed for = open world, open world general, open world core, open world dps
+
| designed for = open world, open world general
| focus = strike damage
+
| focus = direct damage
 
| rating = good
 
| rating = good
 
| xpac =  
 
| xpac =  
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==Overview==
 
==Overview==
This is a very basic guardian build which is F2P/Core accessible and can handle most open world content.
+
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.
  
  
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|weapon4 = Focus
 
|weapon4 = Focus
 
|healing = Litany of Wrath
 
|healing = Litany of Wrath
|utility1 = Bane Signet
+
|utility1 = Sword of Justice
|utility2 = Sword of Justice
+
|utility2 = "Stand Your Ground!"
|utility3 = Purging Flames
+
|utility3 = Bane Signet
 
|elite = "Feel My Wrath!"
 
|elite = "Feel My Wrath!"
 
}}
 
}}
Line 30: Line 32:
  
 
===Weapon Variants===
 
===Weapon Variants===
Always keep Greatsword due to our reliance on {{Tooltip|Resolution}}.
+
Always keep {{Tooltip|Greatsword}}:
* Staff should be used for zerg farming
+
* {{Tooltip|Longbow}} - great damage and range. Requires [https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Weaponmaster_Training Weaponmaster Training] from Secrets of the Obscure.
* Scepter is our strongest ranged option for solo fights.
+
* {{Tooltip|Staff}} - alternative ranged option
  
 
===Skill Variants===
 
===Skill Variants===
Note that {{Skill|Litany of Wrath}} is Guardian's strongest heal, by far, and you should spend time learning how to use it and getting used to the skill before switching it out. See the [[Build:Guardian_-_Core_Power#Usage|Usage]] section below for more details. It is never recommended to drop {{Skill|Sword of Justice}}, as this is our most powerful DPS skill.
 
* {{Skill|Shelter}} - can be chained with {{Skill|Renewed Focus}} to cheese certain mechanics
 
 
* {{Skill|Signet of Resolve}} - an easy-to-use, reliable heal.
 
* {{Skill|Signet of Resolve}} - an easy-to-use, reliable heal.
* {{Skill|"Stand Your Ground!"}} - useful if even more {{Tooltip|Stability}} is needed, very strong in farm zergs.
+
* {{Skill|"Advance!"}} - defense + mobility
* {{Skill|"Advance!"}} - provides on-demand {{Tooltip|Aegis}} and {{Tooltip|Swiftness}}. Good in zergs or when fighting enemies with predictable attack patterns.
+
* {{Skill|"Hold the Line!"}} - defense for yourself and nearby allies
* {{Skill|"Hold the Line!"}} - {{Tooltip|Protection}} for yourself and allies.
 
 
* {{Skill|Smite Condition}} - condi cleanse
 
* {{Skill|Smite Condition}} - condi cleanse
* {{Skill|Wall of Reflection}} - excellent projectile hate
+
* {{Skill|Wall of Reflection}} - projectile reflection
* {{Skill|Sanctuary}} - projectile hate and extreme CC, though it has a long cooldown
+
* {{Skill|Sanctuary}} - projectile hate and extreme CC; very long cooldown
* {{Skill|"Feel My Wrath!"}} - {{Tooltip|Quickness}} and {{Tooltip|Fury}}
+
 
* {{Skill|Renewed Focus}} - can be chained with {{Skill|Shelter}} to cheese certain mechanics
 
  
 
==Template Code==
 
==Template Code==
 
{{TemplateCode|
 
{{TemplateCode|
code = [&DQEqOxA/MS8mDwMBTAEtAUgBigD+AP4AiRI3AQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA=]
+
code = [&DQEqOxA9LjUmDwMBSAEtATYBigD+AP4AiRI3AQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA=]
 
}}
 
}}
 
  
 
==Specializations==
 
==Specializations==
Zeal and Radiance make up the core of this build, providing us with very high {{Tooltip|Vulnerability}} and {{Tooltip|Might}} uptime, along with additional crit chance thanks to {{Tooltip|Resolution}}. Honor pairs best with these, as the extended symbol duration from {{Trait|Writ of Persistence}} increases uptime on all of the aforementioned buffs. Honor also grants us some endurance regeneration and {{Tooltip|Protection}}, which come in handy against stronger enemies.
 
 
{{Specialization|Zeal|bot|mid|bot}}
 
{{Specialization|Zeal|bot|mid|bot}}
{{Specialization|Radiance|bot|bot|bot}}
+
{{Specialization|Radiance|top|bot|bot}}
{{Specialization|Honor|bot|bot|mid}}
+
{{Specialization|Virtues|top|top|bot}}
  
===Virtues===
 
Virtues is lower DPS and defense than Honor when alone, however with allies it becomes our best choice for DPS thanks to higher uptime on {{Trait|Inspired Virtue}} and {{Tooltip|Unscathed Contender}}. It also provides us a very powerful group stunbreak via {{Trait|Indomitable Courage}}.
 
{{Specialization|Virtues|top|top|bot|variant=y}}
 
  
 
==Equipment==
 
==Equipment==
 
Ascended gear and stat infusions are not required; you can use exotic gear with the same stats.<br>
 
Ascended gear and stat infusions are not required; you can use exotic gear with the same stats.<br>
  
===Basic Equipment===
+
===Standard Equipment===
 
This setup uses basic, easily obtained equipment that performs very well in open world and is functional in endgame PVE.
 
This setup uses basic, easily obtained equipment that performs very well in open world and is functional in endgame PVE.
 
{{PvE equipment
 
{{PvE equipment
 +
| stats = Assassin
 
| weight = Heavy
 
| weight = Heavy
| stats = Berserker
+
| rune = Superior Rune of the Dragonhunter
| rune = Superior Rune of the Scholar
 
 
| rune-qt = 6
 
| rune-qt = 6
 
| weapon1 = Greatsword
 
| weapon1 = Greatsword
 
| weapon2 =  
 
| weapon2 =  
 
| sigil1 = Superior Sigil of Force
 
| sigil1 = Superior Sigil of Force
| sigil2 = Superior Sigil of Impact
+
| sigil2 = Superior Sigil of Accuracy
 
| weapon3 = Sword
 
| weapon3 = Sword
 
| weapon4 = Focus
 
| weapon4 = Focus
 
| sigil3 = Superior Sigil of Force
 
| sigil3 = Superior Sigil of Force
| sigil4 = Superior Sigil of Impact
+
| sigil4 = Superior Sigil of Accuracy
 +
| relic = Relic of the Thief
 +
| head = Berserker
 +
| ring1 = Berserker
 
}}
 
}}
* Use {{Tooltip|Knight}} trinkets for extra defense if required.
+
* You can use {{Relic|Relic of Zakiros}} to trade a minor amount of damage for sustain, {{Relic|Relic of the Cavalier}} to start combat with boons, or {{Relic|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 {{Tooltip|Knight}} trinkets.  
  
===Dragon===
 
This set uses similar gear to [[Build:Dragonhunter_-_Power_DPS]], making it a highly versatile setup for general PVE that performs very well in both open world and endgame PVE.
 
{{PvE equipment
 
| stats = Dragon
 
| weight = Heavy
 
| rune = Superior Rune of the Scholar
 
| rune-qt = 6
 
| weapon1 = Greatsword
 
| weapon2 =
 
| sigil1 = Superior Sigil of Force
 
| sigil2 = Superior Sigil of Impact
 
| weapon3 = Sword
 
| weapon4 = Focus
 
| sigil3 = Superior Sigil of Force
 
| sigil4 = Superior Sigil of Impact
 
| weapon1-stats = Berserker
 
| weapon3-stats = Berserker
 
| weapon4-stats = Berserker
 
| variant =
 
<!-- Custom stats -->
 
| head =
 
| shoulders = Berserker
 
| chest =
 
| hands = Berserker
 
| legs =
 
| feet = Berserker
 
| backpiece =
 
| accessory1 =
 
| accessory2 = Berserker
 
| amulet =
 
| ring1 =
 
| ring2 =
 
}}
 
  
===Other Equipment===
+
==Consumables==
Open World allows players to be incredibly versatile with their build. If the above equipment above isn't to your liking, you can customize your build with some of the options below. Keep in mind that the variants listed below are not generally accepted in raids, fractals, or other instanced PVE which may limit the versatility or usability of your build.  
+
Budget consumables are acceptable for use in open world.
 
 
===Defense===
 
* {{Tooltip|Knight}} trinkets can be used for a boost to Toughness. With a Jade Core, these provide more EHP than something like {{Tooltip|Marauder}} but the DPS loss is a bit higher.
 
* {{Sigil|Energy}} can replace {{Sigil|Superior Sigil of Impact}}
 
  
===Budget===
 
* {{Sigil|Superior Sigil of Air}} is a very good budget replacement for {{Sigil|Superior Sigil of Force}}.
 
* {{Rune|Superior Rune of Infiltration}} is a budget replacement for {{Rune|Scholar}}
 
 
 
==Consumables==
 
 
===DPS===
 
===DPS===
* For builds that do not require precision to crit cap, use {{Food|Plate of Spicy Moa Wings}}. They are identical to {{Food|Bowl of Sweet and Spicy Butternut Squash Soup}} but also provide +1% experience, which is nice for profit. Avacado Smoothie is a budget option here, though {{Food|Spicier Flank Steak}} also works well for this build.
+
* Prioritize '''Steak''' Ascended food.
* {{Food|Dragon's Breath Bun}} and {{Food|Block of Tofu}} are our strongest options in situations where you can reliably proc their bonuses. There are many other on-kill options which often outclass other foods in open world. You can find them on the [https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Food The Guild Wars 2 Wiki's Food page by filtering on kill.]
+
* {{Food|Plate of Spicy Moa Wings}} / {{Food|Bowl of Sweet and Spicy Butternut Squash Soup}}
* All power builds should aim to use Sharpening Stones as their DPS utilities. In particular, {{Utility|Potent Sharpening Stone}} and {{Utility|Tin of Fruitcake}} are strong generic options, with {{Utility|Hardened Sharpening Stone}} being an acceptable budget option.
+
* {{Utility|Superior Sharpening Stone}} / {{Utility|Tin of Fruitcake}}
  
 
===Defense===
 
===Defense===
For dealing with particularly tough encounters, defensive food can sometimes be a boon.
+
* {{Food|Bowl of Orrian Truffle and Meat Stew}}
* {{Food|Bowl of Orrian Truffle and Meat Stew}} is generally the best defensive option, as this provides us additional endurance to dodge more often. {{Food|Bowl of Meat and Winter Vegetable Stew}} is the budget version.
+
* {{Food|Fried Oyster Sandwich}}
* For more passive options, see {{Food|Fried Oyster Sandwhich}}, {{Food|Oysters With Spicy Sauce}}, and {{Food|Bowl of Lemongrass Mussel Pasta}}.
+
* {{Food|Bowl of Lemongrass Mussel Pasta}}
* It is generally best to avoid food that regenerates health slowly overtime, as this regeneration is almost always less than 100 HP/s, which isn't enough to make a difference in any scenario. Stick to dodge food or % damage reduction if defense is needed.
 
  
 
===Farming===
 
===Farming===
;Food / Utilities
+
* Prioritize '''Steak''' Ascended food.
* 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.
+
* {{Item|Birthday Blaster}} / {{Item|Feast of Delectable Birthday Cake}}
* {{food|Peppermint Omnomberry Bar}}
+
* {{Food|Peppermint Omnomberry Bar}}
 
* {{Utility|Sharpening Skull}} (and variants)
 
* {{Utility|Sharpening Skull}} (and variants)
  
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:
 
# Flat % Experience, like we see on Ascended Food
 
# % 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 or use food that increases your DPS for faster farm speed.
+
==Usage==
 +
===Damage Basics===
 +
* Spam {{Skill|Virtue of Justice}} against trash enemies. It will reset thanks to {{Trait|Renewed Justice}}. Avoid this against bosses, as the passive {{Tooltip|Burning}} generated from this skill is more valuable due to {{Trait|Radiant Power}} and {{Trait|Inner Fire}}.
 +
* Use {{Skill|Virtue of Courage}} and {{Skill|Virtue of Resolve}} to maintain {{Trait|Inspiring Virtue}} and {{Tooltip|Resolution}}.
 +
* Maintain {{Tooltip|Resolution}} as much as possible to activate {{Tooltip|Radiance}} traits.
 +
* Your symbols apply {{Tooltip|Vulnerability}} every tick.
 +
* {{Trait|Unscathed Contender}} means we want to stay high HP and maintain {{Tooltip|Aegis}} when possible, so do your best to avoid damage.  
  
;Boosters
+
===Damage Priorities===
Boosters are Black Lion items that come from leveling up, map completion, the black lion trading company, and a few other sources. If you have these, you'll probably want to use them:
+
Follow the skill priorities below. Fill gaps with auto-attacks and {{Skill|Sword of Justice}}. Generally, you want to use your symbols at least twice per weapon loop.
* [https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Candy_Corn_Gobbler Candy Corn Gobbler] - Can provide you with some of the buffs listed below for a very low price!
 
* [https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Item_Booster Item Booster]
 
* [https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Birthday_Booster Birthday Booster] / [https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Celebration_Booster Celebration Booster]
 
* [https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Black_Lion_Booster Black Lion Booster]
 
* [https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Magic_Find_Booster Magic Find Booster]
 
  
;Other Buffs
+
{{Tooltip|Greatsword}}:
* [https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Magical_Enrichment Magic Find Enrichment] (Requires an Ascended Amulet)
+
# {{Skill|Symbol of Resolution}}
* [https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/New_Year%27s_Gift New Year's Gift]
+
# {{Skill|Whirling Wrath}}
* [https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Guild_Item_Research Guild Item Research]
+
# {{Skill|Binding Blade}}
* [https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Spirit_Banner Spirit Banner]
+
# {{Skill|Leap of Faith}}
* [https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Guild_Gold_and_Magic_Find_Banner Guild Gold & Magic Find Banner]
+
# Do not interrupt your autoattack chain.
  
==Usage==
+
{{Tooltip|Sword}}/{{Tooltip|Focus}}:
===Damage===
+
# {{Skill|Ray of Judgment}}
* Thanks to the Virtues traitline, you should be spamming {{Skill|Virtue of Justice}} as often as possible. Since it resets on kill, you can use it often for a significant damage boost.
+
# {{Skill|Zealot's Defense}}
* Your main damage skills are {{Skill|Symbol of Wrath}}, {{Skill|Whirling Wrath}}, {{Skill|Zealot's Defense}}, {{Skill|Ray of Judgment}}, {{Skill|Symbol of Blades}}, and {{Skill|Sword of Justice}}. Swap between your weapons using these skills whenever possible, and fill with autoattacks.
+
# {{Skill|Symbol of Blades}}
** Never interrupt your autoattack chain as all the damage is loaded in the last hit.
+
# Do not interrupt your autoattack chain.
* {{Tooltip|Resolution}} is a massive damage boost so you should try to have it up as much as possible. Your main Resolution sources are {{Skill|Virtue of Justice}}, {{Skill|Symbol of Wrath}}, {{Trait|Healer's Resolution}}, and {{Skill|"Stand Your Ground!"}}
+
 
** {{Skill|Virtue of Justice}} resets off every kill thanks to {{Trait|Renewed Justice}}.
+
If using {{Tooltip|Longbow}}:
** In long fights where you can't reset {{Skill|Virtue of Justice}} you can consider bringing {{Skill|Hallowed Ground}} and traiting {{Trait|Master of Consecrations}}.
+
# {{Skill|Symbol of Energy}}
* If you want more stacks of might; Consider using {{Trait|Zealous Scepter}} instead of {{Trait|Fiery Wrath}}. Choosing Either of them will not cost you any loss of damage.
+
# {{Skill|True Shot}}
* Try to fight enemies in your symbols to get the stacking damage buff from {{Trait|Symbolic Avenger}}.
+
# {{Skill|Hunter's Ward}}
* If using {{Trait|Unscathed Contender}}, try not to get hit
+
# {{Skill|Deflecting Shot}}
  
 
===Defense===
 
===Defense===
* {{Skill|Shield of Wrath}} is a powerful defensive skill.
+
* {{Skill|Virtue of Courage}} - blocks attacks, breaks stun
* {{Skill|Virtue of Justice}}, {{Skill|Leap of Faith}}, and {{Skill|Symbol of Blades}} blind enemies.
+
* {{Skill|"Stand Your Ground!"}} - breaks stun
* {{Skill|Zealot's Defense}}, {{Skill|Wall of Reflection}} and {{Skill|Shield of the Avenger}} can be used against projectiles.
+
* {{Skill|Leap of Faith}} - blind
* Activating {{Skill|Virtue of Courage}} gives aegis, protection, Resolution, stability, and a stun break.
+
* {{Skill|Virtue of Justice}} - blind
* You can run {{Skill|Shelter}} for more active defense.
+
* {{Skill|Litany of Wrath}} - massive heal, but requires you to continue dealing damage
* {{Skill|Renewed Focus}} is a 3-second invulnerability skill that also refreshes {{Skill|Virtue of Resolve}} and {{Skill|Virtue of Courage}}.
 
* 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, so avoiding damage is extremely important in long fights.
 
* Use {{Skill|Leap of Faith}} to heal yourself for each enemy you hit.
 
* When at extremely low health, activate {{Skill|Litany of Wrath}}, then use {{Skill|Whirling Wrath}} for an immense amount of self-healing.
 
* You can activate {{Skill|Virtue of Resolve}} for an emergency heal and condition cleanse.
 
* For a big condition cleanse, use {{Skill|Shield of Wrath}} while in a light field.
 
  
 
===Crowd Control===
 
===Crowd Control===
 
* {{Skill|Binding Blade}}
 
* {{Skill|Binding Blade}}
* {{Skill|Hammer of Wisdom}}
+
* {{Skill|Sanctuary}} consider this if you need lots of cc.
 +
* {{Skill|Deflecting Shot}} if using longbow
 
* {{Skill|Bane Signet}} (as a last resort)
 
* {{Skill|Bane Signet}} (as a last resort)

Latest revision as of 19:28, 16 September 2024

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

Focused on: Direct damage

Designed for: Open World and Open World General

Difficulty:
Easy
This build was last updated on September 16, 2024 and is up to date for the October 8, 2024 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 Greatsword:

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=]
Copy Template Code

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
Assassin
Chest
Assassin
Hands
Assassin
Legs
Assassin
Feet
Assassin
Backpiece
Assassin
Accessory
Assassin
Accessory
Assassin
Amulet
Assassin
Ring
Berserker
Ring
Assassin
Greatsword
Assassin
Sigil
Sigil
Sword
Assassin
Focus
Assassin
Sigil
Sigil
Rune
x6


Relic
  • 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 Knight trinkets.


Consumables

Budget consumables are acceptable for use in open world.

DPS

  • Prioritize Steak Ascended food.
  • /
  • /

Defense

Farming

  • Prioritize Steak Ascended food.
  • /
  • (and variants)


Usage

Damage Basics

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

Damage Priorities

Follow the skill priorities below. Fill gaps with auto-attacks and Sword of Justice. Generally, you want to use your symbols at least twice per weapon loop.

Greatsword Greatsword:

  1. Symbol of Resolution
  2. Whirling Wrath
  3. Binding Blade
  4. Leap of Faith
  5. Do not interrupt your autoattack chain.

Sword Sword/Focus Focus:

  1. Ray of Judgment
  2. Zealot's Defense
  3. Symbol of Blades
  4. Do not interrupt your autoattack chain.

If using Longbow Longbow:

  1. Symbol of Energy
  2. True Shot
  3. Hunter's Ward
  4. Deflecting Shot

Defense

  • Virtue of Courage - blocks attacks, breaks stun
  • "Stand Your Ground!" - breaks stun
  • Leap of Faith - blind
  • Virtue of Justice - blind
  • Litany of Wrath - massive heal, but requires you to continue dealing damage

Crowd Control

  • Binding Blade
  • Sanctuary consider this if you need lots of cc.
  • Deflecting Shot if using longbow
  • Bane Signet (as a last resort)


Ratings

This build has a rating of 5 stars based on 2 votes.
Log in or register to rate this build.
4 stars
Marcdepuma gave this build 4 stars • August 2024
Pretty good build, but requires an expansion or weaponmaster training for two of the weapons, not core.
5 stars
Starlitjupiter gave this build 5 stars • April 2023
As far as core specs go, guardian really takes the cake. While its condition variant is stronger, the power variant holds its own weight and can even compete with some elite specializations. There's not really a stronger core option as far as classes go.

Comments

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