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Difference between revisions of "Open World"

 
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__NOTOC__
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{{SEO|description=Open World builds for Guild Wars 2. A wide variety of GW2 builds and guides for all classes.}}__NOTOC__Open World builds for Guild Wars 2. A wide variety of GW2 builds and guides for all classes.
  
* [[Open_World/Resources|Important Resources]]
+
<div class="alert alert-success" style="margin-top: 15px;">Section builds are up to date for the {{Last updated|PvE}} patch.</div>
* Looking for leveling builds? See our [[Guide:Leveling_Up|Leveling Guide]]
 
 
 
<div class="alert alert-success" style="margin-top: 15px;">Section revised on: <b>October 04, 2021</b></div>
 
  
 
==General Builds==
 
==General Builds==
Builds meant for general open world. Useful for general open world and story-mode play, such as events, zerging, map completion, and random shenanigans.
+
Builds meant for general open world play. Useful for general open world and story-mode play, such as events, zerging, map completion, and random shenanigans. These builds typically suggest similar gear to their instanced PvE counterparts (Raids/Fractals/Strikes) for ease of gearing but if you are not worried about this or don't mind investing in a separate gear set for open world then feel free to alter your equipment.
 
<div class="d-flex align-items-center build-row-header meta-header" id="elementalist">Elementalist</div>
 
<div class="d-flex align-items-center build-row-header meta-header" id="elementalist">Elementalist</div>
 
{{#ask:
 
{{#ask:
 
[[Category:Open World General builds]]
 
[[Category:Open World General builds]]
 
[[Category:Elementalist builds]]
 
[[Category:Elementalist builds]]
 +
[[Is archived build::false]]
 
|?Is for elite specialization
 
|?Is for elite specialization
 
|?Is for profession
 
|?Is for profession
Line 19: Line 17:
 
|?Has elite skill
 
|?Has elite skill
 
|?Has specializations
 
|?Has specializations
 +
|?Is meta build
 +
|?Is test build
 +
|?Is draft build
 +
|?Has build rating
 +
|?Has build difficulty
 +
|?Has PvE relic
 
|format=template
 
|format=template
 
|template=PvE build row
 
|template=PvE build row
 
}}
 
}}
 +
<div id="inca1"></div>
 
<div class="d-flex align-items-center build-row-header meta-header" id="engineer">Engineer</div>
 
<div class="d-flex align-items-center build-row-header meta-header" id="engineer">Engineer</div>
 
{{#ask:
 
{{#ask:
 
[[Category:Open World General builds]]
 
[[Category:Open World General builds]]
 
[[Category:Engineer builds]]
 
[[Category:Engineer builds]]
 +
[[Is archived build::false]]
 
|?Is for elite specialization
 
|?Is for elite specialization
 
|?Is for profession
 
|?Is for profession
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|?Has elite skill
 
|?Has elite skill
 
|?Has specializations
 
|?Has specializations
 +
|?Is meta build
 +
|?Is test build
 +
|?Is draft build
 +
|?Has build rating
 +
|?Has build difficulty
 +
|?Has PvE relic
 
|format=template
 
|format=template
 
|template=PvE build row
 
|template=PvE build row
Line 40: Line 52:
 
[[Category:Open World General builds]]
 
[[Category:Open World General builds]]
 
[[Category:Guardian builds]]
 
[[Category:Guardian builds]]
 +
[[Is archived build::false]]
 
|?Is for elite specialization
 
|?Is for elite specialization
 
|?Is for profession
 
|?Is for profession
Line 47: Line 60:
 
|?Has elite skill
 
|?Has elite skill
 
|?Has specializations
 
|?Has specializations
 +
|?Is meta build
 +
|?Is test build
 +
|?Is draft build
 +
|?Has build rating
 +
|?Has build difficulty
 +
|?Has PvE relic
 
|format=template
 
|format=template
 
|template=PvE build row
 
|template=PvE build row
Line 54: Line 73:
 
[[Category:Open World General builds]]
 
[[Category:Open World General builds]]
 
[[Category:Mesmer builds]]
 
[[Category:Mesmer builds]]
 +
[[Is archived build::false]]
 
|?Is for elite specialization
 
|?Is for elite specialization
 
|?Is for profession
 
|?Is for profession
Line 61: Line 81:
 
|?Has elite skill
 
|?Has elite skill
 
|?Has specializations
 
|?Has specializations
 +
|?Is meta build
 +
|?Is test build
 +
|?Is draft build
 +
|?Has build rating
 +
|?Has build difficulty
 +
|?Has PvE relic
 
|format=template
 
|format=template
 
|template=PvE build row
 
|template=PvE build row
 
}}
 
}}
 +
<div id="inca2"></div>
 
<div class="d-flex align-items-center build-row-header meta-header" id="necromancer">Necromancer</div>
 
<div class="d-flex align-items-center build-row-header meta-header" id="necromancer">Necromancer</div>
 
{{#ask:
 
{{#ask:
 
[[Category:Open World General builds]]
 
[[Category:Open World General builds]]
 
[[Category:Necromancer builds]]
 
[[Category:Necromancer builds]]
 +
[[Is archived build::false]]
 
|?Is for elite specialization
 
|?Is for elite specialization
 
|?Is for profession
 
|?Is for profession
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|?Has elite skill
 
|?Has elite skill
 
|?Has specializations
 
|?Has specializations
 +
|?Is meta build
 +
|?Is test build
 +
|?Is draft build
 +
|?Has build rating
 +
|?Has build difficulty
 +
|?Has PvE relic
 
|format=template
 
|format=template
 
|template=PvE build row
 
|template=PvE build row
Line 82: Line 116:
 
[[Category:Open World General builds]]
 
[[Category:Open World General builds]]
 
[[Category:Ranger builds]]
 
[[Category:Ranger builds]]
 +
[[Is archived build::false]]
 
|?Is for elite specialization
 
|?Is for elite specialization
 
|?Is for profession
 
|?Is for profession
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|?Has elite skill
 
|?Has elite skill
 
|?Has specializations
 
|?Has specializations
 +
|?Is meta build
 +
|?Is test build
 +
|?Is draft build
 +
|?Has build rating
 +
|?Has build difficulty
 +
|?Has PvE relic
 
|format=template
 
|format=template
 
|template=PvE build row
 
|template=PvE build row
Line 96: Line 137:
 
[[Category:Open World General builds]]
 
[[Category:Open World General builds]]
 
[[Category:Revenant builds]]
 
[[Category:Revenant builds]]
 +
[[Is archived build::false]]
 
|?Is for elite specialization
 
|?Is for elite specialization
 
|?Is for profession
 
|?Is for profession
Line 103: Line 145:
 
|?Has elite skill
 
|?Has elite skill
 
|?Has specializations
 
|?Has specializations
 +
|?Is meta build
 +
|?Is test build
 +
|?Is draft build
 +
|?Has build rating
 +
|?Has build difficulty
 +
|?Has PvE relic
 
|?Has legend 1
 
|?Has legend 1
 
|?Has legend 2
 
|?Has legend 2
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|template=PvE build row
 
|template=PvE build row
 
}}
 
}}
 +
<div id="inca3"></div>
 
<div class="d-flex align-items-center build-row-header meta-header" id="thief">Thief</div>
 
<div class="d-flex align-items-center build-row-header meta-header" id="thief">Thief</div>
 
{{#ask:
 
{{#ask:
 
[[Category:Open World General builds]]
 
[[Category:Open World General builds]]
 
[[Category:Thief builds]]
 
[[Category:Thief builds]]
 +
[[Is archived build::false]]
 
|?Is for elite specialization
 
|?Is for elite specialization
 
|?Is for profession
 
|?Is for profession
Line 119: Line 169:
 
|?Has elite skill
 
|?Has elite skill
 
|?Has specializations
 
|?Has specializations
 +
|?Is meta build
 +
|?Is test build
 +
|?Is draft build
 +
|?Has build rating
 +
|?Has build difficulty
 +
|?Has PvE relic
 
|format=template
 
|format=template
 
|template=PvE build row
 
|template=PvE build row
Line 126: Line 182:
 
[[Category:Open World General builds]]
 
[[Category:Open World General builds]]
 
[[Category:Warrior builds]]
 
[[Category:Warrior builds]]
 +
[[Is archived build::false]]
 
|?Is for elite specialization
 
|?Is for elite specialization
 
|?Is for profession
 
|?Is for profession
Line 133: Line 190:
 
|?Has elite skill
 
|?Has elite skill
 
|?Has specializations
 
|?Has specializations
 +
|?Is meta build
 +
|?Is test build
 +
|?Is draft build
 +
|?Has build rating
 +
|?Has build difficulty
 +
|?Has PvE relic
 
|format=template
 
|format=template
 
|template=PvE build row
 
|template=PvE build row
Line 140: Line 203:
 
[[Category:Open World General builds]]
 
[[Category:Open World General builds]]
 
[[Category:Test builds]]
 
[[Category:Test builds]]
 +
[[Is archived build::false]]
 
|?Is for elite specialization
 
|?Is for elite specialization
 
|?Is for profession
 
|?Is for profession
Line 147: Line 211:
 
|?Has elite skill
 
|?Has elite skill
 
|?Has specializations
 
|?Has specializations
 +
|?Is meta build
 +
|?Is test build
 +
|?Is draft build
 +
|?Has build rating
 +
|?Has build difficulty
 +
|?Has PvE relic
 
|?Has legend 1
 
|?Has legend 1
 
|?Has legend 2
 
|?Has legend 2
 
|format=template
 
|format=template
 
|template=PvE build row
 
|template=PvE build row
 +
|default=There are currently no test Open World General builds
 
}}
 
}}
 
<div class="d-flex align-items-center build-row-header draft-header" id="draft">Draft</div>
 
<div class="d-flex align-items-center build-row-header draft-header" id="draft">Draft</div>
Line 156: Line 227:
 
[[Category:Open World General builds]]
 
[[Category:Open World General builds]]
 
[[Category:Draft builds]]
 
[[Category:Draft builds]]
 +
[[Is archived build::false]]
 
|?Is for elite specialization
 
|?Is for elite specialization
 
|?Is for profession
 
|?Is for profession
Line 163: Line 235:
 
|?Has elite skill
 
|?Has elite skill
 
|?Has specializations
 
|?Has specializations
 +
|?Is meta build
 +
|?Is test build
 +
|?Is draft build
 +
|?Has build rating
 +
|?Has build difficulty
 +
|?Has PvE relic
 
|?Has legend 1
 
|?Has legend 1
 
|?Has legend 2
 
|?Has legend 2
 
|format=template
 
|format=template
 
|template=PvE build row
 
|template=PvE build row
 +
|default=There are currently no draft Open World General builds
 
}}
 
}}
 +
<div id="inca4"></div>
  
  
==Support Builds==
+
==Core Builds==
Support builds for playing with groups
+
Core builds are builds that do not feature an elite specialization and have gear variants which are accessible to Free To Play players.
 
{{#ask:
 
{{#ask:
[[Category:Open World Support builds]]
+
[[Category:Open World Core builds]]
 +
[[Is archived build::false]]
 
|?Is for elite specialization
 
|?Is for elite specialization
 
|?Is for profession
 
|?Is for profession
Line 181: Line 262:
 
|?Has elite skill
 
|?Has elite skill
 
|?Has specializations
 
|?Has specializations
 +
|?Is meta build
 +
|?Is test build
 +
|?Is draft build
 +
|?Has build rating
 +
|?Has build difficulty
 +
|?Has PvE relic
 
|?Has legend 1
 
|?Has legend 1
 
|?Has legend 2
 
|?Has legend 2
Line 186: Line 273:
 
|template=PvE build row
 
|template=PvE build row
 
}}
 
}}
 +
<br>
 +
==A Note From the Editor: Build Philosophy==
 +
Build Philosophy is something to be discussed with any build compendium. The builds in this section are fully managed and maintained by myself, though we do occasionally have other contributors. Because of this dynamic, I am often left making difficult decisions related to the section that can have ramifications for how builds are displayed, what type of builds we allow, and many other major issues.
 +
 +
To help keep this in check, it is important to establish a solid philosophy here. It is as follows:
 +
* Builds should be focused on the idea of "General Open World". That is, they should perform well with or without allies.
 +
* Builds should be tailored to a very broad audience including both casual and serious players.
 +
* Builds should be designed with simplicity in mind, especially when it comes to skill usage.
 +
* Builds should use gear similar to their raid counterparts, where available.
 +
* Builds should include basic skill usage for DPS, Defense, and CC.
 +
* Builds should use a priority and key concept system instead of rotations.
 +
* Builds should offer interesting or useful variants.
 +
* Builds should be merged into a single page if there are multiple very similar pages.
 +
* Builds should always list consumable options and encourage players to use them.
 +
 +
==Important Resources==
 +
 +
[[#Frequently_Asked_Questions|Frequently Asked Questions]]
 +
 +
[https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Main_Page Guild Wars 2 Wiki]
 +
 +
[https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Event_timers Event Timers]
 +
 +
[https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/World_boss#Global_schedule World Boss Schedule]
 +
 +
[[Guide:Leveling_Up|Leveling Up Guide]]
 +
 +
[[Guide:How to Gear a Character|How to Gear a Character]]
 +
 +
[[Guide:What_are_CC_and_Breakbars|What are CC and Breakbars?]]
 +
 +
[https://discord.gg/KBaGeDCCnv Guild Wars University], '''a welcoming place for newbies and veterans alike to learn more about the game!'''
 +
 +
==Frequently Asked Questions==
 +
 +
'''Q: Can I play these builds in fractals, strikes, and/or raids?'''
 +
 +
A: No, these builds are for open world. When joining a fractal, strike, or raid group, you should play a [[Fractal]] or [[Raid]] build.
  
  
==Core Builds==
+
'''Q: I don't have the right stats/runes/sigils/unlocked traits for this build. Can I still play it?'''
Builds that are accessible to F2P / Core players
+
 
 +
A: Yes, but your effectiveness will be limited. Having the right gear and traits is important for maximizing a build's potential. You can still run a build that's close to the recommended build, but you should work your way up to the right gear/traits eventually. Some builds will not function without certain traits, so its worth looking into.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
'''Q: I haven't reached level 80 and don't have these skills/traits unlocked. What should I do?'''
 +
 
 +
A: Under level 80 you shouldn't worry about running the absolute best build. Instead, you should try out different weapons, skills, and traits to learn how they work. If you start finding story missions/normal enemies difficult, make sure you're wearing gear appropriate to your level. If you aren't, you can always visit an Armorsmith or Weaponsmith which always offer basic gear within your level range.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
'''Q: The build suggests (X weapon/skill/trait) but I find (Y weapon/skill/trait) more fun to use. Can I use that instead?'''
 +
 
 +
A: These builds are meant to be templates which you modify to fit your preferences. Open World has no true "meta". With that said, certain builds hinge heavily on specific traits or gear combinations, so its worth studying and playing the build before you start modifying it.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
'''Q: I would like to contribute suggestions/gameplay tips/new builds. Where do I start?'''
 +
 
 +
A: MetaBattle is a community wiki where anyone can contribute! Feel free to edit the build pages or create your own build page. More information can be found at [[MetaBattle:Tutorial|Tutorial]] and [[MetaBattle:Style Manual|Style Manual]].</div>
 +
 
 +
<div class="section-header d-flex align-items-center">
 +
<div class="section-title me-auto">Featured PvE Guides</div>
 +
<div class="section-quick-browse">[[PvE Guides|Browse PvE Guides]]</div>
 +
</div>
 
{{#ask:
 
{{#ask:
[[Category:Open World Core builds]]
+
[[Category:PvE guides]]
|?Is for elite specialization
+
[[Is featured in::PvE]]
|?Is for profession
+
|?Has guide title
|?Has build name
+
|?Has guide description
|?Has heal skill
+
|?Is designed for
|?Has utilities
+
|?Has section
|?Has elite skill
+
|?Has icon
|?Has specializations
 
|?Has legend 1
 
|?Has legend 2
 
 
|format=template
 
|format=template
|template=PvE build row
+
|template=Guide row
 +
|link=none
 +
|limit=5
 +
|searchlabel=
 
}}
 
}}

Latest revision as of 13:39, 18 August 2025

Open World builds for Guild Wars 2. A wide variety of GW2 builds and guides for all classes.

Section builds are up to date for the June 24, 2025 patch.

General Builds

Builds meant for general open world play. Useful for general open world and story-mode play, such as events, zerging, map completion, and random shenanigans. These builds typically suggest similar gear to their instanced PvE counterparts (Raids/Fractals/Strikes) for ease of gearing but if you are not worried about this or don't mind investing in a separate gear set for open world then feel free to alter your equipment.

Elementalist
Engineer
Guardian
Mesmer
Necromancer
Ranger
Revenant
Thief
Warrior
Test

There are currently no test Open World General builds

Draft

There are currently no draft Open World General builds


Core Builds

Core builds are builds that do not feature an elite specialization and have gear variants which are accessible to Free To Play players.


A Note From the Editor: Build Philosophy

Build Philosophy is something to be discussed with any build compendium. The builds in this section are fully managed and maintained by myself, though we do occasionally have other contributors. Because of this dynamic, I am often left making difficult decisions related to the section that can have ramifications for how builds are displayed, what type of builds we allow, and many other major issues.

To help keep this in check, it is important to establish a solid philosophy here. It is as follows:

  • Builds should be focused on the idea of "General Open World". That is, they should perform well with or without allies.
  • Builds should be tailored to a very broad audience including both casual and serious players.
  • Builds should be designed with simplicity in mind, especially when it comes to skill usage.
  • Builds should use gear similar to their raid counterparts, where available.
  • Builds should include basic skill usage for DPS, Defense, and CC.
  • Builds should use a priority and key concept system instead of rotations.
  • Builds should offer interesting or useful variants.
  • Builds should be merged into a single page if there are multiple very similar pages.
  • Builds should always list consumable options and encourage players to use them.

Important Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Guild Wars 2 Wiki

Event Timers

World Boss Schedule

Leveling Up Guide

How to Gear a Character

What are CC and Breakbars?

Guild Wars University, a welcoming place for newbies and veterans alike to learn more about the game!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I play these builds in fractals, strikes, and/or raids?

A: No, these builds are for open world. When joining a fractal, strike, or raid group, you should play a Fractal or Raid build.


Q: I don't have the right stats/runes/sigils/unlocked traits for this build. Can I still play it?

A: Yes, but your effectiveness will be limited. Having the right gear and traits is important for maximizing a build's potential. You can still run a build that's close to the recommended build, but you should work your way up to the right gear/traits eventually. Some builds will not function without certain traits, so its worth looking into.


Q: I haven't reached level 80 and don't have these skills/traits unlocked. What should I do?

A: Under level 80 you shouldn't worry about running the absolute best build. Instead, you should try out different weapons, skills, and traits to learn how they work. If you start finding story missions/normal enemies difficult, make sure you're wearing gear appropriate to your level. If you aren't, you can always visit an Armorsmith or Weaponsmith which always offer basic gear within your level range.


Q: The build suggests (X weapon/skill/trait) but I find (Y weapon/skill/trait) more fun to use. Can I use that instead?

A: These builds are meant to be templates which you modify to fit your preferences. Open World has no true "meta". With that said, certain builds hinge heavily on specific traits or gear combinations, so its worth studying and playing the build before you start modifying it.


Q: I would like to contribute suggestions/gameplay tips/new builds. Where do I start?

A: MetaBattle is a community wiki where anyone can contribute! Feel free to edit the build pages or create your own build page. More information can be found at Tutorial and Style Manual.

Featured PvE Guides
Raid Portal.webp
Introduction to Raiding
Raid fundamentals, roles, group requirements, and team composition
Leveling.webp
Leveling Up
Basic advice for leveling a character that includes information and options which can make leveling more efficient
Settings.webp
Tips for Settings
Essential and optional game settings to make your gameplay more fluent in PvE, PvP and WvW
Gold.webp
Ways to Earn Gold
Overview of some of the best and most common ways to earn gold
Locked Profession.webp
What Profession Should I Play?
Help figuring out which Guild Wars 2 profession to try
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