Balance gymnastics: August 2017 edition

[spltscreen 46]

Link to the upcoming balance changes:

https://forum-en.guildwars2.com/forum/game/gw2/Upcoming-Stat-Changes-in-the-Q3-Balance-Update

Let's collect our theories and analysis here, specifically as it affects the raid encounters. Thanks!

[Mold 43]

If my sad math is right, power-based Chronos will now have access to about 13% boon duration from consumables, compared to 30% previously. There's going to be a lot more commander's gear in the mix or more builds with Chaos in them. And Minstrel-based builds are comparatively more appealing, given the way the new M. Oils will work. I think this reduces build diversity a bit. Playing without Conc. Sigil is not an option anymore, eh?

Condi builds seem like they're hit very hard, no? You can only get about 10% condi duration from consumables.

[Mr.Pyropuffin 32]

Condi builds will go back to using sigil of malice likely and will take a beating but they won't be hit as hard.  The Earth and Geomancy sigils are only like 2k dps each or something like that so replacing one won't be the end of the world.  Condi PS is probably going to take the big hit as they have to use sigil of strength so we may see a return to the Smoldering sigil/Fried Golden Dumplings meta in order to still max out on burn duration.  For all those sneaky beaky investors, Superior Sigils of Malice are craftable and require 1 Orichalcum Ingot, 1 Glob of Ectoplasm, 1 Corrupted Lodestone, and 250 Watchwork Sprockets.  May not be a bad investment into some of those markets.

[Maia 85]

qT posted their guesses on Reddit. That's a lot of commanders stuff for chronos 

 

[Mr.Pyropuffin 32]

I was right about warrior! Also a PSA to anyone who does not know, HoT runes and sigils like leadership runes are available for proof of heroics instead of the corresponding HoT currency if you play a lot of wvw and want to save yourself some farming when the new builds are cemented etc.

[oddGo 12]

With the new explosives traits, I think there is potentially for Engineer to be either a primary, or very strong supplementary might stacker. Both Power and Condi setups would be modifications of the DPS setups, swapping Scholar to Strength and Berserker to Aristocracy for example, but I am unsure exactly utilities to setup with. Power is a bit simpler, I wanted to experiment with going ham on the blasts and bringing very strong CC in the form of Thumper + Traited Mine + Bomb Kit. Maybe keep Nades for the new toolbelt over Thumper to retain that damage. 

[Maia 85]

Thought I'd post these for anyone who's not stalk--- err...following all the members of qT on YouTube. (Not to mention my flight is delayed so...) I don't think they have updated the website yet.

Chrono:

Domi/Illus

Domi/Insp

Domi/Duel

Chaos/Insp

Illu/Insp

Mesmer:

Power without staff

Tempest:

Condi

Standard staff

Daredevil:

Condi D/D solo

Condi D/D group

Staff

Ranger

Condi with sylvan hound

Condi with entangle

Revenant

Condi

 

[Maia 85]

Condi PS

[Mr.Pyropuffin 32]

So I've been playing around with the warrior set-ups myself for a want to do 100CM more often and having something other than necro to bring in tryhard comps and honestly I am inclined to agree with Nike that the best way to build the class is either option that uses Geomancy sigils.  the setup I'm running right now is the Malice/Strength setup with full viper's and Rare Veggie Pizza's and the adrenaline bar is awkward to base your rotation around without that little oomph from the geomancy sigil in my opinion.  I will report back when I've done more testing with and without the geo sigils.

[Maia 85]

Fresh air staff tempest

 

Sorry temerity:(

[Maia 85]

Another

Condi Tempest 

video. Looks like the same gear though, everything sinister except for focus and chest piece which are vipers I believe?

[Maia 85]

Condi Mesmer

for matthias and cairn

(No one has asked me to stop spamming this stuff yet! I'm disappointed in you guys!)

Edited August 14, 2017 by Maia

[Maia 85]

Condi DPS warrior

D/D thief  (still not meta)

[Bone 26]

Thanks for posting these, Maia. You're making it easier to track the balance changes on the road.

[Maia 85]

1 hour ago, Bone said:

Thanks for posting these, Maia. You're making it easier to track the balance changes on the road.

Hi Bone! Has it been 6 weeks yet? We miss you!