Build:Guardian - Core Power

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 January 24, 2025 and is up to date for the August 19, 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.

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

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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

Accessory
Berserker

Amulet
Dragon

Ring
Dragon

Ring
Dragon

Greatsword
Berserker

Sigil

Sigil

Sword
Berserker

Focus
Berserker

Sigil

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.
• /
• /

Farming

• Prioritize Steak Ascended food.
• /
• (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.

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:

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

Sword/ Focus:

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

If using Spear:

1. Symbol of Luminance
2. Helio Rush
3. Gleaming Disc
4. Solar Storm
5. Do not interrupt your autoattack chain.

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)