Do you change builds for different missions?
Stixxx
My oldschool Shock war still pwns, so why change
Vinraith
I change around, both because different circumstances call for different strategies and because always playing the same build all the time is dull.
Alleji
For all characters except my mesmer, I have my "normal" PvE setup and I usually swap a couple skills for a specific area, such as brining mending touch on a warrior in Kaineng because every goddamn thing in there is trying to blind you, etc.
Str0b0
I rarely do but that's because I prefer to create builds that have a more or less universal application. The only toon I constantly switch skills on is my mesmer because if you play a mesmer and aren't swapping out your skill bar for every new mission or situation then you're playing a bad PvE mesmer.
Ouchie
As a ranger Yes I do change quite often
B/P
trapper
runner
crip shot
change spirits to go with other rangers
depends on where when and who else
As a Monk yes - again depends on where when and who else
B/P
trapper
runner
crip shot
change spirits to go with other rangers
depends on where when and who else
As a Monk yes - again depends on where when and who else
Dougal Kronik
For certain missions and depending on the party.
If Heros/Henchies, usually keep the same build except for specific missions and areas, like Hell's Precipice, Unwaking Waters, and Dasha Vestibule.
If playing with friends, usually change my build to better coinicide with the party synergy, and recommend they do likewise.
If Heros/Henchies, usually keep the same build except for specific missions and areas, like Hell's Precipice, Unwaking Waters, and Dasha Vestibule.
If playing with friends, usually change my build to better coinicide with the party synergy, and recommend they do likewise.
Sir Seifus Halbred
It depends-I usually make my own builds. I add skills i want and meh whatever...and if i do change it is usually a few skills.
Cymmina
Yes. Some builds just plain work better than others for certain missions. Do my heroes change builds for each mission? No, other than a few instances where 1 or 2 skills makes all the difference in the world.
I get bored of playing the same build all the time and regularly switch up my "favorite" build. Like, my ele started by exclusively using earth, then discovered water, had a bit of fun with fire, and is now exploring air.
While my mesmer has one build that pretty much works in any mission (heh, even monks will try attacking with Ineptitude on them), I do change things up almost every mission.
I get bored of playing the same build all the time and regularly switch up my "favorite" build. Like, my ele started by exclusively using earth, then discovered water, had a bit of fun with fire, and is now exploring air.
While my mesmer has one build that pretty much works in any mission (heh, even monks will try attacking with Ineptitude on them), I do change things up almost every mission.
Anghardel
I change my build based both on the mission at hand and the desires of the team that I am with.
A good example of this would be my experience with the Domain of Anguish area. I usually play a tank, and for the most part one build is asked for when I am playing - Obsidian Flesh. So I take a handful of health buffing skills and some anti-spell bits, just like everyone else.
I've had teams there who have not dictated that my build be Obsidian Flesh, so I've also used a Defy Pain, Dolyak Signet, Endure Pain, Signet of stamina etc. build, which I've seen many other people use. I've even been allowed to use a hammer heavy build once or twice.
- - - -
How much I change depends more on the mission, however, than the people. Outside of the "elite" areas of the game I will change based on what sort of damage I want to put out or defense I want to help add. I sometimes use Paragon as my warrior's secondary for some extra team buffing, or monk with my elementalist to act as a healing boost as well. I rarely use the common searing flames build, preferring a proper mix of water, fire, and knockdown, so on and so forth.
Then, of course, there is what the situation actually calls for. After I set up my build I tweak it for what I know I will be presented with. In FoW, for example, I usually bring Dolyak signet, Charging Strike, For Great Justice, and Backbreaker or Devastating hammer. I can use Charging and Great Justice to run up to things like Abyssals and when I hit them automatically have a charged up Devastating Hammer or an almost charged backbreaker (Charging gives 4 adrenaline, FGJ doubles it = 8 when I strike, devastating hammer @ 7 necessary.)
But any good build takes coordination, so I build based on the group and how cooperative they seem to be before we leave the outpost.
A good example of this would be my experience with the Domain of Anguish area. I usually play a tank, and for the most part one build is asked for when I am playing - Obsidian Flesh. So I take a handful of health buffing skills and some anti-spell bits, just like everyone else.
I've had teams there who have not dictated that my build be Obsidian Flesh, so I've also used a Defy Pain, Dolyak Signet, Endure Pain, Signet of stamina etc. build, which I've seen many other people use. I've even been allowed to use a hammer heavy build once or twice.
- - - -
How much I change depends more on the mission, however, than the people. Outside of the "elite" areas of the game I will change based on what sort of damage I want to put out or defense I want to help add. I sometimes use Paragon as my warrior's secondary for some extra team buffing, or monk with my elementalist to act as a healing boost as well. I rarely use the common searing flames build, preferring a proper mix of water, fire, and knockdown, so on and so forth.
Then, of course, there is what the situation actually calls for. After I set up my build I tweak it for what I know I will be presented with. In FoW, for example, I usually bring Dolyak signet, Charging Strike, For Great Justice, and Backbreaker or Devastating hammer. I can use Charging and Great Justice to run up to things like Abyssals and when I hit them automatically have a charged up Devastating Hammer or an almost charged backbreaker (Charging gives 4 adrenaline, FGJ doubles it = 8 when I strike, devastating hammer @ 7 necessary.)
But any good build takes coordination, so I build based on the group and how cooperative they seem to be before we leave the outpost.
CagedinSanity
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Vandal2k6
Just wondered if anyone changes their builds depending on the mission they're going to take. I don't mean things like FoW or the UW, just normal game missions. Reason I ask is that I've almost finished NF with my Paragon using the same skills I've had from the start (apart from one elite I added about a 3rd into the game). It works for me but wanted to know if people found it easier if they set their skills specifically for the coming mission?
Ta. |
With my dervish I occasionally switch out one elite and *maybe* another skill. Mainly because I have all 5 forms and I anticipate what I'm about to fight and equip the most useful form. (Whether it be vs. players or monsters)
Other than my dervish, very little skill-switching.
Iuris
I tend to have a core build, with 2-3 skill slots changed for each area, according to needs.
For example, my warrior will always (well, almost) start the skill bar with Triple chop, Penetrating blow and chop, Executioner's strike, Flail and Enraging charge. As needed, I will then add Dolyak signet for KD/heavy tank needs, Lightbringer gaze for RoT, Disrupting chop for caster heavies, ...
For example, my warrior will always (well, almost) start the skill bar with Triple chop, Penetrating blow and chop, Executioner's strike, Flail and Enraging charge. As needed, I will then add Dolyak signet for KD/heavy tank needs, Lightbringer gaze for RoT, Disrupting chop for caster heavies, ...
Hauki
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Deleet
SF eles work for 99.9% of pve, why change?
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GourangaPizza
I often only change my build when I'm in certain regions aka. Shiverpeak, Crystal Desert, RoF...
Eg. In desert I will go plague touch for my warrior since there is so many blind conditions. While else in RoF, I will opt for mantra of flame to make my warrior lasts longer.
Eg. In desert I will go plague touch for my warrior since there is so many blind conditions. While else in RoF, I will opt for mantra of flame to make my warrior lasts longer.
Avarre
I used to, until I realized all of PvE is essentially fighting the same thing, only packaged in a different mob. Since November 05, I've barely changed my Mesmer build for anything except new chapters/skill updates, as far as general PvE is concerned.
'Elite' areas in Factions and DoA are the only real exception... and for solo farming.
'Elite' areas in Factions and DoA are the only real exception... and for solo farming.
Shanaeri Rynale
The best PvE players will look at the composition of their team, what their skills are and the environment they are fighting. Some professions lend themselves to change more than others(e.g mesmer) but in reality a player should be able to roll to any variation of the profession they are playing.
A well set up team can make the difference between failure, scraping by or doing a mission with ease.
A well set up team can make the difference between failure, scraping by or doing a mission with ease.
RTSFirebat
I don't change my Ranger Build that often. Only because it works fine the way it is. I always found myself being a damage dealing and a interrupter. Which my build covers both perfectly.
Of course some missions I change based on the requirements of the mission or team. For example the Ruins of Morah where using Burning arrow works wonders.
Of course some missions I change based on the requirements of the mission or team. For example the Ruins of Morah where using Burning arrow works wonders.
-Loki-
Not unless I'm getting bored. PvE doesn't require you to be adaptive. I've never come across a mission that couldn't be beaten easily by a pug with no preparation but with a little communication when playing it.
Fender
Every once in a while, but not often. Extinguish or broad head arrow (on a hero) when I know I'm going up against a SF boss. A snare (on a hero) for the Moddok Crevice bonus, etc. Change from a hybird heal/prot to LoD/HP&GoLE for the last couple of NF missions. But generally, no. I switch which heroes I bring along, but generally their skill bars are pretty set as well. There isn't much need if your builds are already optimized. You can power through most anything with just simple DPS.
bungusmaximus
I do it all the time, because I can and it makes life easier. It's more fun. Having a 10 inch love rod while only using 5 is quite pointless imo. Try to fight the giant squid in boreas seabed without interrupts :P.
Try fight shiro without stance enders.
Maelstrom does miracle works for the gain olias quest while I normally never use it.
Broadhead arrow + ruby djinn = ownage
etc. etc.
Try fight shiro without stance enders.
Maelstrom does miracle works for the gain olias quest while I normally never use it.
Broadhead arrow + ruby djinn = ownage
etc. etc.
Gert Butterfing
Each of my chars has at least 2 or 3 templates I change depending on when and where that char is...
My warrior has 2 templates for each weapon (so 2 for Hammer, Sword and Axe) - if I feel like bashing stuff I switch to Hammer; Sword is mainly for melee focussed areas and Axe is just for sheer carnage...
My Rit has a Spirit based template and a weapon spell template - that's used when a secondary healer is needed.
My Paragon has either dmg buff or defense buff templates...
Going with the same each time is boring imo
My warrior has 2 templates for each weapon (so 2 for Hammer, Sword and Axe) - if I feel like bashing stuff I switch to Hammer; Sword is mainly for melee focussed areas and Axe is just for sheer carnage...
My Rit has a Spirit based template and a weapon spell template - that's used when a secondary healer is needed.
My Paragon has either dmg buff or defense buff templates...
Going with the same each time is boring imo
Maxiemonster
For most missions, quests and skill caps, I just go with Zealous Benediction, because I really enjoy playing with this build. I adjust slightly from time to time, but the concept of ZB is always in there. All the PvE that's consired easy by most others, including myself, isn't really worth switching for, and is usually not needed, so I just pick the one I enjoy playing most (so I don't get bored).
jackie
Have to admit that I'm too lazy to change my skillbar between normal missions 
.
I change builds only for heroes (i.e pack manual SB or couple spirits)
. I change builds only for heroes (i.e pack manual SB or couple spirits)
Crom The Pale
I change my build on an hourly basis
When I log in and find an update for skills the first thing I do is equip them to see what works and what doesn't.
New builds are a way to add fun to the game, and you can most always add a skill set that works best for any given mission/quest.
Keep in mind that the most efficient build may not be the most fun, so keep trying new things and never forget this is a game, it is meant to be FUN!
When I log in and find an update for skills the first thing I do is equip them to see what works and what doesn't.
New builds are a way to add fun to the game, and you can most always add a skill set that works best for any given mission/quest.
Keep in mind that the most efficient build may not be the most fun, so keep trying new things and never forget this is a game, it is meant to be FUN!
Koross
I have a general setup for all my characters that uses the same build 80% of the time. But when I play with my guildmates or PuG, I change my build accordingly depending on what kind of enemies we will be facing. So, yeah I do change my builds but when I play by myself there is a standard build that I run with for maximum fun.
Cherno
I will change builds per chapter. I may ran through all of prophecies on my ele as a pyromancer, factions as an aeromance and Nightfall as a Geomancer. Will probably do chapter 4 as a hydromancer (yuck) or at least run a completely different build type in the other elements that I have already played.
You should definately change up at least a few skills when going into different missions for some classes. Some areas are much easier if you have certain skills along that would not be a standard part of your normal skill bar. Interrupts, anti stance, blind, anti condition,anti hex for example.
You should definately change up at least a few skills when going into different missions for some classes. Some areas are much easier if you have certain skills along that would not be a standard part of your normal skill bar. Interrupts, anti stance, blind, anti condition,anti hex for example.
Makkert
hardly never tbh.
it just isn't often necessary with a somewhat balanced build.
it just isn't often necessary with a somewhat balanced build.
SotiCoto
I have a few different builds that I alternate between dependant on the circumstances. I don't tend to do much specific skill-tweaks from one area to the next.... I just know some builds work better in some areas.
Typically I use one of three builds depending on the circumstances:
Pseudo-SS A/N => Particularly useful when I have to maintain distance from the enemy (e.g. to avoid Afflicted Soul Explosion), where the enemy clusters together, and when I need to take down strongly self-repairing groups (e.g. [wiki]Mungri Magicbox[/wiki]).
ID+ A/Me => For areas where the enemies are more spread out, for where there is a lot of AoE damage, and generally where I need to run fast and tank. I typically go ID+ for Maishang Hills runs.
Assassin's Promise A/any => Where lots of individually weak enemies have to be killed as quickly as possible (and where SS wouldn't be effective for whatever reason). I don't use this one as often.
I also have my rare hybrid build for fun: The SS / Mark of Pain Friend-Killer... mostly involving targeting a tank in the middle of a group, dumping Mark of Pain on it (and sometimes SS too) and then laying into it with Black Lotus and Death Blossom... among other things.
On the whole though, I change my Hero builds more often than I make more for my own. Lately I've been sticking exclusively with Tahlkora, Olias and Acolyte Sousuke.... but sometimes I'll switch Sousuke for Dunkoro... or one of them for Zenmai...
Typically I use one of three builds depending on the circumstances:
Pseudo-SS A/N => Particularly useful when I have to maintain distance from the enemy (e.g. to avoid Afflicted Soul Explosion), where the enemy clusters together, and when I need to take down strongly self-repairing groups (e.g. [wiki]Mungri Magicbox[/wiki]).
ID+ A/Me => For areas where the enemies are more spread out, for where there is a lot of AoE damage, and generally where I need to run fast and tank. I typically go ID+ for Maishang Hills runs.
Assassin's Promise A/any => Where lots of individually weak enemies have to be killed as quickly as possible (and where SS wouldn't be effective for whatever reason). I don't use this one as often.
I also have my rare hybrid build for fun: The SS / Mark of Pain Friend-Killer... mostly involving targeting a tank in the middle of a group, dumping Mark of Pain on it (and sometimes SS too) and then laying into it with Black Lotus and Death Blossom... among other things.
On the whole though, I change my Hero builds more often than I make more for my own. Lately I've been sticking exclusively with Tahlkora, Olias and Acolyte Sousuke.... but sometimes I'll switch Sousuke for Dunkoro... or one of them for Zenmai...
Shmanka
I ask what weapon they want my warrior to use then I make up and use skills I don't often. Gives me some inspiration for gvg creation.
I just wanna know that crazy D/A droks running build... thats nuts
then I make up and use skills I don't often. Gives me some inspiration for gvg creation.I just wanna know that crazy D/A droks running build... thats nuts
Heimdallw32
Are you kidding me? I -am- tweaking. Constantly tweaking and adjusting saved builds for whatever I run into, or whatever the group is. No need to use Barbs if there's only a hammer warrior and a bunch of eles, while using Faintheartedness when there's a SS on the team is silly. Bringing Concussion Shot is pointless if there's only a few weak casters. Etc etc.
May take me a little longer to set up for a mission, but it's more fun for me when my skillbar is just how I like it. Sure, I use templates...not as much as I should, but each class does have roughly 6-10 (more in the case of my ele, necro, and ranger) templates...ah well. XD <3 customizing and tweaking.
May take me a little longer to set up for a mission, but it's more fun for me when my skillbar is just how I like it. Sure, I use templates...not as much as I should, but each class does have roughly 6-10 (more in the case of my ele, necro, and ranger) templates...ah well. XD <3 customizing and tweaking.
cloudbunny
I switch between 5 main builds, and often tweak 1-3 skills in each, dependent on area.
regards,
Cloudbunny
regards,
Cloudbunny
Malice Black
I rarely carry skills lol
1# Grab quest
2# choose heroes
3# set skills
4# leave
5# flag heroes to first group (I follow just inside aggro circle for xp) sometimes I control the heroes but most of the time I just leave them to it and watch a bit of TV.
PvE is challenging..
1# Grab quest
2# choose heroes
3# set skills
4# leave
5# flag heroes to first group (I follow just inside aggro circle for xp) sometimes I control the heroes but most of the time I just leave them to it and watch a bit of TV.
PvE is challenging..
Ferret
I have to say it really depends on the class i am playing.
I have a character for each playable class and some are always changing whereas some rarely change.
Like the OP of this thread, my Paragon build has pretty much stayed the same since the start and i even have survivor with them. My assassin is much the same, having completed the entire Factions game with the same 'Flashing Blades' based build. Also, my healer monk has a mostly static build that rarely changes, as it really has no need to.
Other characters like my mesmer, ele, ritualist and ranger change a lot, depending on what i'll be facing, but still have a base 'default' build. All i can say is thank you ANet for the ability to easily save and load your builds now.
I have a character for each playable class and some are always changing whereas some rarely change.
Like the OP of this thread, my Paragon build has pretty much stayed the same since the start and i even have survivor with them. My assassin is much the same, having completed the entire Factions game with the same 'Flashing Blades' based build. Also, my healer monk has a mostly static build that rarely changes, as it really has no need to.
Other characters like my mesmer, ele, ritualist and ranger change a lot, depending on what i'll be facing, but still have a base 'default' build. All i can say is thank you ANet for the ability to easily save and load your builds now.
DvM
Since I got my ele, I dont change my skills that much, did a bit of twekaing before I got SF on her, no me and 2 ele heros carry SF. No need to change, everything drops in 5 seconds so.
Blackest Rose
Yes and no....
I feel all missions/quests can be completed using the same build - my sin finished factions with close/exactly the build she had about 2 missions in.
Although I have been experimenting more with builds - not to finish missions but to finish missions better and faster.
To hone better health and energy management - to increase armour, to spike better, to support better etc.
So yes I change skills/builds but it's not driven by any requirements due to mission or quests.
I feel all missions/quests can be completed using the same build - my sin finished factions with close/exactly the build she had about 2 missions in.
Although I have been experimenting more with builds - not to finish missions but to finish missions better and faster.
To hone better health and energy management - to increase armour, to spike better, to support better etc.
So yes I change skills/builds but it's not driven by any requirements due to mission or quests.
Redfeather1975
With my mesmer all the time. It makes a huge difference as I can fail miserably the first time, and then put together something the second time that is really effective. It usually takes a number of tries in a mission or area with my mesmer before I know what to expect and can put together a proper build.
With my ritualist, I rarely change my build except for special circumstances, such as a special boss that requires certain tactics.
With my ritualist, I rarely change my build except for special circumstances, such as a special boss that requires certain tactics.
Former Ruling
Changing builds takes time..and I'm lazy.
If it works I tend not to touch it. I've done missions with farming builds equipped :\
I play ranger mostly.
If it works I tend not to touch it. I've done missions with farming builds equipped :\
I play ranger mostly.
Morgenstern
No for myself, I regularly change my hero set up. AKA in heavy fighting style missions like Thunderhead Keep where all the fighting is in the same place, I use my 2 SF (cringe) ele's and a RC Prot Monk. But in quests i use Olias (MM), a RC Prot and a WoH, so I become a super tank lol.
SotiCoto
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Morgenstern
No for myself, I regularly change my hero set up. AKA in heavy fighting style missions like Thunderhead Keep where all the fighting is in the same place, I use my 2 SF (cringe) ele's and a RC Prot Monk. But in quests i use Olias (MM), a RC Prot and a WoH, so I become a super tank lol.
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I'm considering dumping Searing Flames from Acolyte Sousuke, switching his secondary to Ranger (maybe I should wait for Margrid the Sly instead) and kitting him with Greater Conflagration and Mark of Rodgort (along with Glowing Gaze of course)...... I expect with Olias's Minions attacking all over the place things could get a bit.... heated? ... I suppose if I really wanted to be cheeky, I'd give Chae Soon Mantra of Flame to toughen him up.
Think that'd work? ^_^
Yes.... I like dabbling with hero builds... moreso than my own...
[Thought: I've been meaning to test the whole Greater Conflagration + Winter alongside Mantra of Frost for a while now too, but I doubt that'll be as useful (takes too long to prep)... though if I kitted Olias as a battery with Spinal Shivers.... it might be amusing.]
Lord Sojar
Hi Monster. You use fire, my monks have mantra of flame. Dead monster.
Next area...
Hi Monster. You use water magic, my monks have mantra of frost. Dead monsters.
Next Area...
Hi monsters. You use, wtf air? Oh well, dead monster.
Next area...
You get the idea. Builds dont need to be editted that much in PvE because PvE monsters have retarded skill bars. They are like the Mo/N's in RA with awaken the blood and bip. OH FUN!
Case in point: The emotastic nightmare beasts in UW that use BiP AND Rend Enchants with no self heal. Hmmm, smart!
So, I change PvE builds by like 2-3 skill per area at most.
Next area...
Hi Monster. You use water magic, my monks have mantra of frost. Dead monsters.
Next Area...
Hi monsters. You use, wtf air? Oh well, dead monster.
Next area...
You get the idea. Builds dont need to be editted that much in PvE because PvE monsters have retarded skill bars. They are like the Mo/N's in RA with awaken the blood and bip. OH FUN!
Case in point: The emotastic nightmare beasts in UW that use BiP AND Rend Enchants with no self heal. Hmmm, smart!
So, I change PvE builds by like 2-3 skill per area at most.
Rodhin Kinning
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Rahja the Thief
Hi monsters. You use, wtf air? Oh well, dead monster.
Next area... |