Difference between revisions of "Firebrand - Condi Firebrand"

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Line 73: Line 73:
  
  
===Viper===
+
===Viper DPS Equipment===
This set uses gear similar to that of [[Build:Firebrand_-_Condi_DPS]], making it a good option for general PVE.
+
This variant uses equipment similar to existing Condi DPS Firebrand raid builds, making it an easy gearing option for general PVE.
 
{{PvE equipment
 
{{PvE equipment
 
| weight = Heavy
 
| weight = Heavy
 
| stats = Viper
 
| stats = Viper
| rune = Superior Rune of Balthazar
+
| rune = Superior Rune of the Renegade
 
| rune-qt = 6
 
| rune-qt = 6
 
| weapon1 = Axe
 
| weapon1 = Axe
 
| weapon2 = Torch
 
| weapon2 = Torch
| sigil1 = Superior Sigil of Torment
+
| sigil1 = Superior Sigil of Smoldering
 
| sigil2 = Superior Sigil of Bursting
 
| sigil2 = Superior Sigil of Bursting
 
| weapon3 = Scepter
 
| weapon3 = Scepter
 
| weapon4 = x
 
| weapon4 = x
| sigil3 = Superior Sigil of Geomancy
+
| sigil3 = Superior Sigil of Smoldering
 
| sigil4 = Superior Sigil of  
 
| sigil4 = Superior Sigil of  
 
}}
 
}}
* Full {{Tooltip|Dire}} or {{Tooltip|Carrion}} can be used along with {{Rune|Superior Rune of Balthazar}} and {{Sigil|Superior Sigil of Smoldering}} as a budget option. It is recommended to upgrade to proper gear as soon as possible.
 
* {{Sigil|Superior Sigil of Earth}}, {{Sigil|Superior Sigil of Geomancy}} - budget dps
 
 
  
===Quickness Variant===
+
===Viper Quickness Equipment===
This set uses gear similar to that of [[Build:Firebrand_-_Quickness_Support_Condi_DPS]], making it a very strong support/dps set for general PVE.
+
This variant uses equipment similar to existing Condi Quickbrand raid builds, making it an easy gearing option for general PVE.
 
{{PvE equipment
 
{{PvE equipment
 
| weight = Heavy
 
| weight = Heavy
Line 111: Line 108:
 
* This variant should be run with {{Trait|Liberator's Vow}} and {{Trait|Stalwart Speed}}. It is also recommended to take {{Skill|"Feel My Wrath!"}}.
 
* This variant should be run with {{Trait|Liberator's Vow}} and {{Trait|Stalwart Speed}}. It is also recommended to take {{Skill|"Feel My Wrath!"}}.
  
 +
===Ritualist Generalist Equipment===
 +
Ritualist is a fantastic set for open world as it can perform both of the above mentioned roles with the same equipment, swapping only one weapon sigil rather than an entire set of runes. It does sacrifice a very small amount of damage (less than 500 DPS) to accomplish this but the versatility can make it well worth it for people that only want to invest in one set. As a bonus, Ritualist provides us with a very significant boost to HP, making it an incredible choice for open world.
 +
{{PvE equipment
 +
| weight = Heavy
 +
| stats = Viper
 +
| rune = Superior Rune of the Renegade
 +
| rune-qt = 6
 +
| weapon1 = Axe
 +
| weapon2 = Torch
 +
| sigil1 = Superior Sigil of Smoldering
 +
| sigil2 = Superior Sigil of Bursting
 +
| weapon3 = Axe
 +
| weapon4 = Torch
 +
| sigil3 = Superior Sigil of Smoldering
 +
| sigil4 = Superior Sigil of Concentration
 +
}}
 +
 +
===Trailblazer Bruiser Firebrand===
 +
This bruiser build features extremely high passive defense while sacrificing practically no damage. Its primary tradeoffs are a lack of flexibility, a lack of burst damage, and that the build is restricted for use in solo play only; it will not be good in large group or instanced activities. This set relies on the insane synergy between {{Tooltip|Trailblazer}}, {{Rune|Superior Rune of the Undead}}, {{Utility|Corsair Tuning Crystal}}, and {{Food|Fishy Rice Bowl}}. Along with a {{Sigil|Superior Sigil of Smoldering}}, this build caps out at 100% {{Tooltip|Burning}} duration with extremely high condition damage.
 +
{{PvE equipment
 +
| weight = Heavy
 +
| stats = Trailblazer
 +
| rune = Superior Rune of the Undead
 +
| rune-qt = 6
 +
| weapon1 = Axe
 +
| weapon2 = Torch
 +
| sigil1 = Superior Sigil of Smoldering
 +
| sigil2 = Superior Sigil of Bursting
 +
| weapon3 = Scepter
 +
| weapon4 =
 +
| sigil3 = Superior Sigil of Smoldering
 +
| sigil4 =
 +
| back = Dire
 +
}}
 +
 +
===Other Equipment===
 +
Open World allows players to be incredibly versatile with their build. If the above options aren't to your liking, you can customize your build with some of the options below. Keep in mind that the options listed below are not generally accepted in raids, fractals, or other instanced PVE which may limit the versatility or usability of your build.
  
===Variant Equipment===
+
====Defense====
For both variants, there are a number of options to customize the build.
+
Defensive equipment options are sometimes popular with players that only play open world or that want to play "bruiser" / "juggernaut" playstyles. These options are never accepted in instanced PVE and always sacrifice some level of DPS.
* Trade {{Tooltip|Viper}} for {{Tooltip|Trailblazer}} and {{Tooltip|Sinister}} for {{Tooltip|Dire}} to create a tanky but expensive defensive option.
+
* {{Tooltip|Trailblazer}} stats can be used in place of {{Tooltip|Viper}}, as we see in the Trailblazer variant above. This provides a dramatic boost to passive defense at a relatively small drop in DPS. {{Rune|Superior Rune of the Undead}} can be combo'd with this set for a solo build that actually deals practically the same damage as the glass setup.
* {{Sigil|Superior Sigil of Energy}} - defense
+
* {{Tooltip|Celestial}} stats synergize extremely well with Firebrand's kit. This can be used in place of {{Tooltip|Viper}} for a flat defensive upgrade or it can open up entirely new playstyles. See [[Build:Firebrand_-_Celestial_Firebrand]].
 +
* {{Tooltip|Carrion}} / {{Tooltip|Dire}} can be very cheap budget defensive gear when paired with {{Rune|Superior Rune of Balthazar}}.  
 +
* {{Sigil|Superior Sigil of Energy}} can be used in place of {{Sigil|Superior Sigil of Bursting}} for a moderate boost to defense, but at a significant drop in damage.
  
 +
====Budget====
 +
Some budget options are available for the builds above, though with this build in particular the budget options perform significantly worse than the full gear.
 +
* There is no adequate budget option for the Viper Quickbrand or Ritualist setups.
 +
* {{Tooltip|Carrion}} stats can be used as a budget replacement for {{Tooltip|Viper}} in the DPS build but must be paired with {{Rune|Superior Rune of Balthazar}}. This is a considerable drop in DPS but can be very cheap as Carrion gear on the TP costs less than 15g for a full set.
 +
* {{Sigil|Superior Sigil of Bursting}} can be quite expensive but has no "good" replacement. Use {{Sigil|Superior Sigil of Earth}} if you have to, but note that it's a relatively large DPS loss.
 +
 +
====Other Options====
 +
Since this build does not rely on its runes for condition duration, as most condition builds do, we have the freedom to take runes such as {{Rune|Superior Rune of Speed}} for use in farm trains. Runes like this are often up to player preference in open world, but aren't recommended by default due to the fact that they are not used in instanced PVE.
  
 
==Consumables==
 
==Consumables==
:'''Food'''
+
===DPS====
 +
When trying to maximize DPS, all of the above variants rely on {{Food|Fishy Rice Bowl}} to cap {{Tooltip|Burning}} duration. This has no good budget option, but the food is not especially expensive. Our DPS utilities break down into {{Utility|Tuning Icicle}} or {{Utility|Master Tuning Crystal}}, using cheap crystals like {{Utility|Quality Tuning Crystal}} as a budget utility.
 +
 
 +
Notably, the {{Tooltip|Ritualist}} variant above requires {{Utility|Furious Tuning Crystal}}, which can be quite expensive. Other crystals can be used in its place but will be roughly a 2-3% dps loss.
 +
 
 +
===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}}
* {{food|Koi Cake}} - DPS
+
* {{Utility|Sharpening Skull}} (and variants)
* {{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|Tuning Icicle}}, {{utility|Master Tuning Crystal}} - dps
+
# % Karma Gain
* {{utility|Corsair Tuning Crystal}} - dps if using gear with high toughness
+
# % 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 16:53, 27 July 2023

Part of the current metagame

Our curator decided this build is in the current metagame regardless of rating. The community gave this build a rating, making it top-tier: Great

Focused on: Condition damage and Support

Designed for: Open WorldOpen World General, [[|]] and [[|]]

Expansions required: Path of Fire Builds

Difficulty:
Normal
This build was last updated on July 27, 2023 and is up to date for the March 19, 2024 patch.

Overview

Condition Firebrand is simultaneously one of the strongest DPS and Support options for open world farming in a group, and is also one of the best solo options available.

The DPS version of this build offers exceptionally high damage, competing for the highest DPS slots if it has allies, while also providing very high Aegis Aegis uptime. Most of its damage is AOE, making it one of the strongest cleave options available, and its primary damage source being Burning Burning means that it has burst that rivals power builds, something most condition builds cannot offers. Its primary weakness is its reliance on melee-ranged abilities and its lack of mobility, both of which can be somewhat mitigated by the use of Scepter or Sword as backbar weapons.

Similarly, the Support version of this build (Dubbed "Condi Quickbrand") maintains very high DPS for a support while providing up to 4 allies with permanent Quickness Quickness and very high Aegis Aegis uptime.

Both builds can dip into further ally support through the use of skills such as "Hold the Line!", "Stand Your Ground!", and "Advance!", along with being able to enter into their more defensive tomes should the situation call for it. This versatility makes them incredibly strong picks for general PVE, and especially for open world farming.


Template Code

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Skill Bar

Axe/Torch
Scepter/X
Utility


Weapon Variants

  • Staff - the best option for ranged AOE
  • Sword, Greatsword - higher burst than Scepter


Skill Variants

  • Sword of Justice - strong option for power-based variants to provide extra vuln
  • "Stand Your Ground!" can be used to provide extra Stability Stability.
  • Mantra of Lore for more condition cleanse.
  • Mantra of Truth for Blind Blind on demand.
  • Hammer of Wisdom or Bane Signet for more crowd control.
  • Shield of the Avenger or Wall of Reflection if projectiles are a problem.
  • "Hold the Line!" - party Protection Protection
  • "Feel My Wrath!" - more quickness uptime


Specializations


Honor

Honor offers higher might generation for yourself and nearby allies, longer boon duration from symbols, and higher defensive utility thanks to endurance regeneration and the small amount of sustain. It does this at a very small DPS loss (under 10% when compared to Virtues). Replaces Virtues.


Equipment

Ascended gear is not required. You can use exotic gear with the same stats instead. Due to the nature of Firebrand, multiple Default options are listed.


Viper DPS Equipment

This variant uses equipment similar to existing Condi DPS Firebrand raid builds, making it an easy gearing option for general PVE.

Head
Viper
Shoulders
Viper
Chest
Viper
Hands
Viper
Legs
Viper
Feet
Viper
Backpiece
Viper
Accessory
Viper
Accessory
Viper
Amulet
Viper
Ring
Viper
Ring
Viper
Axe
Viper
Torch
Viper
Sigil
Sigil
Scepter
Viper
x
Viper
Sigil
Sigil
Rune
x6


Viper Quickness Equipment

This variant uses equipment similar to existing Condi Quickbrand raid builds, making it an easy gearing option for general PVE.

Head
Viper
Shoulders
Viper
Chest
Viper
Hands
Viper
Legs
Viper
Feet
Viper
Backpiece
Viper
Accessory
Viper
Accessory
Viper
Amulet
Viper
Ring
Viper
Ring
Viper
Axe
Viper
Torch
Viper
Sigil
Sigil
Scepter
Viper
x
Viper
Sigil
Sigil
Rune
x6


  • This variant should be run with Liberator's Vow and Stalwart Speed. It is also recommended to take "Feel My Wrath!".

Ritualist Generalist Equipment

Ritualist is a fantastic set for open world as it can perform both of the above mentioned roles with the same equipment, swapping only one weapon sigil rather than an entire set of runes. It does sacrifice a very small amount of damage (less than 500 DPS) to accomplish this but the versatility can make it well worth it for people that only want to invest in one set. As a bonus, Ritualist provides us with a very significant boost to HP, making it an incredible choice for open world.

Head
Viper
Shoulders
Viper
Chest
Viper
Hands
Viper
Legs
Viper
Feet
Viper
Backpiece
Viper
Accessory
Viper
Accessory
Viper
Amulet
Viper
Ring
Viper
Ring
Viper
Axe
Viper
Torch
Viper
Sigil
Sigil
Axe
Viper
Torch
Viper
Sigil
Sigil
Rune
x6


Trailblazer Bruiser Firebrand

This bruiser build features extremely high passive defense while sacrificing practically no damage. Its primary tradeoffs are a lack of flexibility, a lack of burst damage, and that the build is restricted for use in solo play only; it will not be good in large group or instanced activities. This set relies on the insane synergy between Trailblazer Trailblazer, Rune of Superior Rune of the Undead, , and . Along with a Sigil of Superior Sigil of Smoldering, this build caps out at 100% Burning Burning duration with extremely high condition damage.

Head
Trailblazer
Shoulders
Trailblazer
Chest
Trailblazer
Hands
Trailblazer
Legs
Trailblazer
Feet
Trailblazer
Backpiece
Trailblazer
Accessory
Trailblazer
Accessory
Trailblazer
Amulet
Trailblazer
Ring
Trailblazer
Ring
Trailblazer
Axe
Trailblazer
Torch
Trailblazer
Sigil
Sigil
Scepter
Trailblazer
Sigil
Rune
x6


Other Equipment

Open World allows players to be incredibly versatile with their build. If the above options aren't to your liking, you can customize your build with some of the options below. Keep in mind that the options listed below are not generally accepted in raids, fractals, or other instanced PVE which may limit the versatility or usability of your build.

Defense

Defensive equipment options are sometimes popular with players that only play open world or that want to play "bruiser" / "juggernaut" playstyles. These options are never accepted in instanced PVE and always sacrifice some level of DPS.

  • Trailblazer Trailblazer stats can be used in place of Viper Viper, as we see in the Trailblazer variant above. This provides a dramatic boost to passive defense at a relatively small drop in DPS. Rune of Superior Rune of the Undead can be combo'd with this set for a solo build that actually deals practically the same damage as the glass setup.
  • Celestial Celestial stats synergize extremely well with Firebrand's kit. This can be used in place of Viper Viper for a flat defensive upgrade or it can open up entirely new playstyles. See Build:Firebrand_-_Celestial_Firebrand.
  • Carrion Carrion / Dire Dire can be very cheap budget defensive gear when paired with Rune of Superior Rune of Balthazar.
  • Sigil of Superior Sigil of Energy can be used in place of Sigil of Superior Sigil of Bursting for a moderate boost to defense, but at a significant drop in damage.

Budget

Some budget options are available for the builds above, though with this build in particular the budget options perform significantly worse than the full gear.

  • There is no adequate budget option for the Viper Quickbrand or Ritualist setups.
  • Carrion Carrion stats can be used as a budget replacement for Viper Viper in the DPS build but must be paired with Rune of Superior Rune of Balthazar. This is a considerable drop in DPS but can be very cheap as Carrion gear on the TP costs less than 15g for a full set.
  • Sigil of Superior Sigil of Bursting can be quite expensive but has no "good" replacement. Use Sigil of Superior Sigil of Earth if you have to, but note that it's a relatively large DPS loss.

Other Options

Since this build does not rely on its runes for condition duration, as most condition builds do, we have the freedom to take runes such as Rune of Superior Rune of Speed for use in farm trains. Runes like this are often up to player preference in open world, but aren't recommended by default due to the fact that they are not used in instanced PVE.

Consumables

DPS=

When trying to maximize DPS, all of the above variants rely on to cap Burning Burning duration. This has no good budget option, but the food is not especially expensive. Our DPS utilities break down into or , using cheap crystals like as a budget utility.

Notably, the 24px Ritualist variant above requires , which can be quite expensive. Other crystals can be used in its place but will be roughly a 2-3% dps loss.

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.
  • (and variants)

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

Tome Breakdown

Firebrand has three tomes. Each is dedicated to a different specialty.

  1. Tome of Justice - Damage via Burning Burning
  2. Tome of Resolve - healing and condition cleanse
  3. Tome of Courage - defensive boons and projectile hate

In each of these tomes, you can often just spam skills to great effect, but it is strongly advised you sit down and learn what the skills in each tome do. Some big ones to memorize:

  1. Tome of Justice
    1. Chapter 3 Heated Rebuke Chapter 3 Heated Rebuke - circular pull that can group enemies
    2. Epilogue Ashes of the Just Epilogue Ashes of the Just - provides a very powerful buff to nearby allies
  2. Tome of Resolve
    1. Epilogue Eternal Oasis Epilogue Eternal Oasis - increases all healing allies (including you) receive
    2. Chapter 4 Shining River Chapter 4 Shining River - a large waterfield that heals
    3. Chapter 1 Desert Bloom Chapter 1 Desert Bloom - a powerful heal
  3. Tome of Courage
    1. Chapter 1 Unflinching Charge Chapter 1 Unflinching Charge - Provides stability, which grants quickness
    2. Chapter 3 Valiant Bulwark Chapter 3 Valiant Bulwark - a projectile-hate bubble
    3. Epilogue Unbroken Lines Epilogue Unbroken Lines - provides extreme defense to nearby allies for 5 seconds, also triggers Stalwart Speed


Damage

  1. Purging Flames
  2. Mantra of Flame
  3. Zealot's Flame
  4. Symbol of Vengeance / Symbol of Punishment
  5. Cleansing Flame
  • Use Zealot's Flame whenever available.
  • If everything you have is on cooldown, fill with auto-attacks


Boons

  • Use your "Feel My Wrath!" and Mantra of Potence off cooldown for Quickness Quickness.
  • Use your Mantra of Solace approximately every 7 seconds for Quickness Quickness from Liberator's Vow and Stalwart Speed.


Defense

  • Tome of Courage has many good defensive skills. You can go into it and press a few skills (including Epilogue Unbroken Lines Epilogue Unbroken Lines if possible) to quickly stack defensive boons.
  • Carefully time your activation of Mantra of Solace to block dangerous attacks.


Crowd Control


Ratings

This build has a rating of 5 stars based on 2 votes.
Log in or register to rate this build.
5 stars
Frostbyte gave this build 5 stars • July 2023
Simply *outstanding* build. I have used it to great effect in not only PvE in nearly all variations but WvW zerg environments, as well, especially with the latest updates. I have to give props to the author. Unless FB is considerably nerfed in the near future, this is the build to learn inside and out. The trick is to find the variation that works for you and for your desired roles/areas (e.g., DPS or Off-support, open world vs. fractals, etc.) The other types of PvE have their own builds, of course, but I would even suggest using this (with perhaps very slight modifications) for fractals, for instance, as it is a solid, balanced and powerful build with great sustain and excellent damage output.
5 stars
Starlitjupiter gave this build 5 stars • July 2023
Condi Firebrand and Condi Quickbrand are some of the strongest DPS options in the game and they transfer very well into open world. High solo DPS, high group DPS, great utility, even a little emergency healing. Strongly recommend for open world.

Comments

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