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 August 29, 2023 and is up to date for the March 19, 2024 patch.

Overview

This is a very basic guardian build which is F2P/Core accessible and can handle most open world content.

Skill Bar

Greatsword

Sword/Focus

Utility

Weapon Variants

Always keep Greatsword:

• Sword/ Focus - replaces Longbow if you do not have Weaponmaster.
• Staff - alternative ranged option

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 hate
• 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
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

Relic

Free-to-play 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
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

Relic

Equipment Variants

Other Options

• Rune of Superior Rune of the Scholar - nearly identical damage to Rune of Superior Rune of the Dragonhunter.

Relics

There are many good relics for general play in open world and others that may be specific to this build. Swap based on preference.

• Relic of Cerus - dps
• Relic of the Cavalier - dps/defense; use with Skyscale's Fire Field for stacking boons.
• Relic of Speed - mobility
• Relic of the Adventurer - defense
• Relic of Durability - defense
• Relic of the Zephyrite - defense

Defense

• Invest in a Jade Core for additional HP and access to Jade Protocols.
• Knight's Trinkets - extra defense
• Sigil of Superior Sigil of Energy - increased evasion

Budget

• Rune of Superior Rune of Infiltration
• Sigil of Superior Sigil of Air

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

• Spam Virtue of Justice against trash enemies. Use Virtue of Courage and Virtue of Resolve to maintain Inspiring Virtue and Resolution. Avoid this against bosses, as the passive Burning generated from this trait is more valuable due to Radiant Power and Inner Fire.
• Maintain Resolution as much as possible to proc Radiance traits.
• 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 [auto-attack chains].

Longbow:

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

Sword/ Focus:

1. Ray of Judgment
2. Zealot's Defense
3. Symbol of Blades
4. Do not interrupt [auto-attack chains].

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
• Deflecting Shot
• Bane Signet (as a last resort)