Skill Update Speculation - Guild Wars Guru archive powered by Guild Wars Legacy

Karate Jesus

Forge Runner

Join Date: Apr 2008

Texas

Reign of Judgment [RoJ]

Me/

08 Nov 2010 at 22:48 - 1

There are rumors of a skill update this Thursday, and I just wanted to find out what people have heard or what people think is coming.

I'm not going to host any of the leaks I've seen, and out of respect for the people I've heard from, I will not post names or specific changes.

I've recently seen some more "stuff" and I have to apologize for something. Apparently, the dervish buffs that were leaked months ago (search Google) are still in the works.

Here's the lowdown I recently received, without any specific leaks:

Scheduled on or before November 11th (meant to be prior to the November mATs)

GvG Heal party monk flaggers are probably getting nerfed. This may or may not include changes to Heal Party
Ritualists are being pushed as the primary flag runners with possible unnerfs and buffs.
Hexway in GvG (and possibly other heavy pressure builds) getting a nerf. This probably means blood necs, sins, VoR/empathy mesmers, and MoI eles.

Scheduled (hopefully) before Christmas
Dervish changes

Mysticism buff (won't give specifics, but it's nice)
Avatars buffed
AoHM buff
Many enchantments changed to "Flash Enchantments". The exact definition I will not provide.
Many, many changes to Dervish enchants
Some attack skills given adrenaline cost
Some attack skills given more utility
Possibly change to attack speed and crit chance of scythes

There's more than that, but I don't want to give any specifics or host any leaks.

Again, a reminder, none or all of this could happen. This is based on rumors and things that have been posted, hosted, or passed around. It could be widely inaccurate or spot-on. Do not take these as fact or as a leak. They are neither.

To reiterate, this is not a thread for leaks and not for specifics. This is a speculation thread meant to guess at what is upcoming in the skill update considering that there are so many rumors flying around.

Let's hear what you think!

Space

Academy Page

Join Date: Jul 2009

UK

No Goats No Glory (BAAA)

08 Nov 2010 at 22:50 - 2

empathy nerf please.

Memmax

Pre-Searing Cadet

Join Date: May 2009

Reign Of Judgement [RoJ]

R/Rt

08 Nov 2010 at 23:02 - 3

well I hope that VoR doesn't get nerfed as that would cause me to rethink the UW team build that we use.

Also I have a friend that would be really pissed if AP gets a nerf.

Karate Jesus

Forge Runner

Join Date: Apr 2008

Texas

Reign of Judgment [RoJ]

Me/

08 Nov 2010 at 23:02 - 4

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aljasha

nice try, but you contradict yourself.

If that's directed at me, I haven't listed anything specific, and none of what I've posted is directly from leaks I've seen.

The stuff I've posted are rumors that have been passed around on forums and in-game. The leaks may support them, but they are not present here.

Meridon

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Dec 2008

Funny Business Inc [FBI]

08 Nov 2010 at 23:04 - 5

Speaking of Canthan content, could a mod/admin please specify if the recent lock of LA ID2 is considered a leak or not, and therefore clear to discuss? Saved a screenshot from it that was posted in Mumble, with admins present, but I dont want to get into any trouble so yeah

Elnino

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: May 2008

In a house

Proof Of A Nets Laziness[HB]

A/W

08 Nov 2010 at 23:07 - 6

Errr, I don't see why VoR or blood necros should get nerfed.

And, whatever they do with sins is gonna be shit.

Karate Jesus

Forge Runner

Join Date: Apr 2008

Texas

Reign of Judgment [RoJ]

Me/

08 Nov 2010 at 23:10 - 7

Meridon, I hope you can post that. I have no idea what you're talking about.

Jaigoda

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Oct 2007

IGN Eat Scythes

08 Nov 2010 at 23:15 - 8

Probably any nerfs they give will be directed only at PvP. Way too many people would cry if they lost their (AP) Discord caller. As a general rule, unless it's literally breaking PvE (i.e. Ursan), they simply don't nerf skills in PvE.

Also, ESurge deserves a hit at least as much as VoR.

Valan Luca

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: May 2005

08 Nov 2010 at 23:17 - 9

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaigoda

Probably any nerfs they give will be directed only at PvP. Way too many people would cry if they lost their (AP) Discord caller. As a general rule, unless it's literally breaking PvE (i.e. Ursan), they simply don't nerf skills in PvE.

Also, ESurge deserves a hit at least as much as VoR.

Because of all the rampant abuse of AP in PVP? .....

If the OP is correct and there is an AP nerf, Discord is exactly the reason for it.

Jaigoda

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Oct 2007

IGN Eat Scythes

08 Nov 2010 at 23:29 - 10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valan Luca

Because of all the rampant abuse of AP in PVP? .....

If the OP is correct and there is an AP nerf, Discord is exactly the reason for it.

I could be wrong of course, but I don't see ANet nerfing Discord. It has little value for farming (which is what they're always most concerned with), and anyway, it's not like it's even the most OP stuff in PvE anymore. Spiritway and other stuff involving Mesmers and Rits are better than Discord in general. It would also make monking very annoying since monks really don't have any directly offensive builds outside of AP caller, and maybe a scythe build, and it's way easier to use hench when you're actually calling targets and stuff. And just to note, I really don't use Discord except occasionally on my Monk when I'm feeling too lazy to both heal and call targets.

IMO, nerf spirits in PvE, nerf sin stuff in PvP, and maybe nerf Heal Party. The rest doesn't make sense to me, tbh.

EDIT: Also, AP actually sees a pretty saddeningly high amount of use in low-level arenas, especially AB. Though of course so do no-secondary Orison monks, so that's obviously not saying much.

Xenomortis

Tea Powered

Join Date: May 2008

UK

N/

08 Nov 2010 at 23:40 - 11

I wouldn't be too surprised if they nerfed a number of the standard hero setups with the 7 hero thing coming along - that at least would work with the supposed AP nerf mentioned.
That said, I don't think they actually will do it, or at least not hit them very hard.

I wouldn't be at all surprised if they couldn't find anything sensible to do with Dervishes. However I would be surprised if they didn't push out some stupid bullshit with them.

A PvP buff to Temple Strike would make me nervous.

Heal Party nerf? Does party healing really need another hit? I haven't been paying attention to GvG of late.

Reformed

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Aug 2009

08 Nov 2010 at 23:45 - 12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karate Jesus

...but basically there has been absolutely no news about dervish updates, and even rumors that they may not get updated at all - in favor of Canthan Content.

I'll get flamed but w/e...if it comes down to a choice of allocating resources to a profession that is nowhere near the bottom in PvE vs. new content this is basically a no-brainer. I have a really hard time feeling sorry for them when Eles suck so much worse "at their job", especially in HM, and are much older.

Jaigoda

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Oct 2007

IGN Eat Scythes

09 Nov 2010 at 00:08 - 13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reformed

I'll get flamed but w/e...if it comes down to a choice of allocating resources to a profession that is nowhere near the bottom in PvE vs. new content this is basically a no-brainer. I have a really hard time feeling sorry for them when Eles suck so much worse "at their job", especially in HM, and are much older.

This. Ele's have been noticeably underpowered since the introduction of Hard Mode, due to the big increase in armor level of monsters. They're the ones that need the buff.

HigherMinion

Forge Runner

Join Date: May 2008

East Anglia, UK

Order of [Thay]

N/

09 Nov 2010 at 00:22 - 14

I think they'll make AP work the same as Oath Shot or GoR.
Party Healing is all the monk has really, so gl with that.
Dervish aren't that bad.
VoR is bad.

FoxBat

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Apr 2006

Amazon Basin [AB]

Mo/Me

09 Nov 2010 at 00:29 - 15

Translation: Krewe members and other insiders, please post vague non-incriminating hints based on confidential knowledge.

bhavv

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Sep 2006

09 Nov 2010 at 00:56 - 16

Why VoR and Empathy nerfs?

No one even uses them anymore. In PVE Panic or Ineptitude are vastly better, in PVP, most mesmers are playing energy surge or PI / Tease.

lemming

The Hotshot

Join Date: May 2006

Honolulu

International District [id???]

09 Nov 2010 at 01:08 - 17

From what I've heard, the update sounds really exciting - mostly because there's not much stuff getting buffed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bhavv

Why VoR and Empathy nerfs?

No one even uses them anymore. In PVE Panic or Ineptitude are vastly better, in PVP, most mesmers are playing energy surge or PI / Tease.

Uh, what?

http://www.gw-memorial.net/nav/b_mat_i.php?id=558
http://www.gw-memorial.net/nav/b_mat_i.php?id=561
http://www.gw-memorial.net/nav/b_mat_i.php?id=564
http://www.gw-memorial.net/nav/b_mat_i.php?id=566
http://www.gw-memorial.net/nav/b_mat_i.php?id=567
http://www.gw-memorial.net/nav/b_mat_i.php?id=570

Lanier

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Jan 2010

[Pink]

P/

09 Nov 2010 at 01:11 - 18

Quote:

Originally Posted by carlos13

No dervish update then what was anet doing the past 3 months other then the mediocre halloween update

you mean the past 6 months? Last real update was in May. I can't believe that it has come to the point of anet giving us updates twice a year.

Nerfing VoR or Heal Party is laughable when skills like SoS, Discord, Assassin's Promise, Ether Renewal, and several of the eotn PvE skills exist in their current state. I mean, Heal Party doesnt even come close to being overpowered...

FoxBat

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Apr 2006

Amazon Basin [AB]

Mo/Me

09 Nov 2010 at 01:15 - 19

In case anyone forgot since it's been 6 months, nerfs are generally for PvP, and half the time result in a skill split. Anet has a record of lack of care about overpowered PvE shit, so stop trying to reason along those lines at all.

Elnino

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: May 2008

In a house

Proof Of A Nets Laziness[HB]

A/W

09 Nov 2010 at 01:23 - 20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lanier

you mean the past 6 months? Last real update was in May. I can't believe that it has come to the point of anet giving us updates twice a year.

Nerfing VoR or Heal Party is laughable when skills like SoS, Discord, Assassin's Promise, Ether Renewal, and several of the eotn PvE skills exist in their current state. I mean, Heal Party doesnt even come close to being overpowered...

press B

12 chars

End

Forge Runner

Join Date: Jan 2008

Rubbing Potassium on water fountains.

LF guild that teaches MTSC (did it long ago before gw2 came out and I quit...but I barely remember)

N/A

09 Nov 2010 at 01:26 - 21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lanier

you mean the past 6 months? Last real update was in May. I can't believe that it has come to the point of anet giving us updates twice a year.

Nerfing VoR or Heal Party is laughable when skills like SoS, Discord, Assassin's Promise, Ether Renewal, and several of the eotn PvE skills exist in their current state. I mean, Heal Party doesnt even come close to being overpowered...

I do believe the heal party nerf will be PvP only and theyre already working on a AP nerf. And yeah you missed Shadow Form *tried to close can of worms before it gets out of control*

Del

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Sep 2009

In a van, down by the river.

RED ENGINE GORED ENGINE GORED ENGINE GORED ENGINE GO if I know, ask Lynette.

R/

09 Nov 2010 at 01:44 - 22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lanier

you mean the past 6 months? Last real update was in May. I can't believe that it has come to the point of anet giving us updates twice a year.

Nerfing VoR or Heal Party is laughable when skills like SoS, Discord, Assassin's Promise, Ether Renewal, and several of the eotn PvE skills exist in their current state. I mean, Heal Party doesnt even come close to being overpowered...

Comparing the nerf-worthiness of skills in pvp to nerf-worthiness of skills in pve is laughable.

jazilla

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Aug 2006

Guernsey Milking Coalition[MiLk]

E/Me

09 Nov 2010 at 01:58 - 23

lolz, why go after AP? AP doesn't SpeedClear anything. That is a full on party build. It must be that too many people on the Krewe are too busy "showing stones" so they don't have the "stones" enough to put a 15 second cool down on SF? Unless I am getting trolled by KJ, in which case, kudos my man. If it's true though, it is perplexing.

Also, didn't Stumme say that they were delaying the Derv update so they could add new stuff to Costume Brawl? It would be odd that the Derv stuff would be ready so soon after Halloween is over. VoR already got hit with the nerf crotch bat, so why hit it more?

EDIT**How does AP get hit(if it's true) before DwG? DwG was singlehandedly responsible for dropping armbrace prices from 40e in February '10 to 17-20e just before the HoM Calculator showed up.

Kronk_Shaan

Academy Page

Join Date: Oct 2010

Missouri

Is it Friday Yet? (HI)

Mo/

09 Nov 2010 at 02:14 - 24

I've never used Discord for anything, and I'm only 17 areas from finishing the vanquish title, so no worries there. But Heal Party is about the only heal skill on my bar when doing vanq runs, so I'm hoping not.

Either way, like everyone who does or doesn't whine here, I will still be playing next week.

mrmango

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Oct 2006

Southern California

Charter Vanguard [CV]

Me/Rt

09 Nov 2010 at 02:20 - 25

Just add some range changes to HP.

NerfHerder

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Apr 2010

09 Nov 2010 at 02:32 - 26

Most of those sound like PvP changes. If they are even true. I just hope they decide to keep the skills split.

An AP nerf in PvE might have bothered me a year ago. But, Ive moved away from Discord and PvE skill spamming, in lieu of more unique/OP hero builds. I find it strange that AP would be nerfed and not Shadow Form, Rt Spirits(specially the solo farming), or even DwG.

Dropping the Dervish Update doesnt seem likely. Anyone remember Mysticism "..." ? Same thing happend a few weeks to a month before Fast Casting changed. Although, I would be happy with tieing AoHM to Mysticism, HoF buff, make the avatars more appealing, and call it a wrap.

What bothers me more are the things not even being rumored. Elementalists cant do much dmg in NM, let alone HM. Paragons have one build in PvE. For a support profession, the variety of support they offer isnt much. Not unless you add 2 or three more Paragons, then it borders on OP(what gives?). Even Rangers could use some love. And with 7 heros on the way, a buff to the smiting line would make sense.

Cuilan

Forge Runner

Join Date: Mar 2008

Me/

09 Nov 2010 at 02:40 - 27

Quote:

Originally Posted by NerfHerder

Elementalists cant do much dmg in NM, let alone HM.

Air seems okay in hard mode. If a player is having a hard time in normal mode with nukes...well...then I don't know what to say.

Necromas

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Jul 2005

09 Nov 2010 at 03:09 - 28

Assassin's Promise users and Discord heroes are two entirely different things, only related by the fact that they are both strong and AP players can easily cause a hex and a condition.

Deviant Angel

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Apr 2006

On a boat!

Homeless.

Mo/

09 Nov 2010 at 03:22 - 29

Quote:

Originally Posted by jazilla

VoR already got hit with the nerf crotch bat, so why hit it more?

It wasn't rendered completely useless with the last one.

Personally, I don't have a problem with the skill or the others used with it. The VoR bar is what I tend to favor when I play mesmer, but I don't PvP enough to know why (aside from the fact people are still using it) it would need further nerfing.

NerfHerder

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Apr 2010

09 Nov 2010 at 03:37 - 30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cuilan

Air seems okay in hard mode. If a player is having a hard time in normal mode with nukes...well...then I don't know what to say.

Elementalists have been left behind the power creep. I'm not saying they are not useful, cant do any damage, or even obsolete. But, when you compare them to the DPS other casters can do, they are not what they use to be.

I might be old fashioned, but things seem kinda screwy when an ER Ele can out prot a Monk and a Monk with RoJ can substitute for an Eles job. I'm not saying they should nerf ER or RoJ, it just feels wierd.

ErrantVenture

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Nov 2010

Social Darwinism [SaD]

A/W

09 Nov 2010 at 03:39 - 31

VoR, Necro hexes, and sins are the biggest gimmicks/problems in GvG right now. They're getting targeted and brought down. That's been pretty much confirmed by almost every player I've talked to on the TK (6-7 of them). Same people are telling me that dervishes aren't getting talked about at all anymore, if any changes are gonna happen it's not gonna be until after Christmas if they happen at all.

FoxBat

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Apr 2006

Amazon Basin [AB]

Mo/Me

09 Nov 2010 at 03:43 - 32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Necromas

Assassin's Promise users and Discord heroes are two entirely different things, only related by the fact that they are both strong and AP players can easily cause a hex and a condition.

Discord generally cannot compete with spiritway without it's enabling of AP/PvE skill spam. Mesmers do more dps even.

Just Sai

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Oct 2009

aotearoa

Mo/

09 Nov 2010 at 04:06 - 33

i can spell SoS

i concur with above post
press b

Zodiac Meteor

Imma Firin Mah Rojway!

Join Date: Aug 2008

At the Mac Store laughing at people that walk out with anything.

E/Mo

09 Nov 2010 at 04:17 - 34

If heal party gets nerfed everyone will be running Ether Prism Ele's instead.

Forgot BBway, it would be like the 3rd nerf to back breaker.

I also want to see Esurge nerfed, I really shouldn't be on my low energy weapon set 99% of of the time...

Luminarus

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Aug 2007

Sydney, Australia

Haze of Light [pure]

R/

09 Nov 2010 at 04:38 - 35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zodiac Meteor

If heal party gets nerfed everyone will be running Ether Prism Ele's instead.

Forgot BBway, it would be like the 3rd nerf to back breaker.

I also want to see Esurge nerfed, I really shouldn't be on my low energy weapon set 99% of of the time...

The issue isnt backbreaker... its the stupid dagger attacks.

Lanier

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Jan 2010

[Pink]

P/

09 Nov 2010 at 04:42 - 36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Del

Comparing the nerf-worthiness of skills in pvp to nerf-worthiness of skills in pve is laughable.

its only laughable to those who care about pvp. I play pve, so i don't know which skills need nerfs in pvp nor do i care.

North Dragon Slayer

Academy Page

Join Date: Sep 2008

USA

W/A

09 Nov 2010 at 04:58 - 37

I think you're totally wrong, I beleive the only skill that needs an instant nerf is psychic instability, all other skills seem pretty balanced to me

FengShuiDove

Forge Runner

Join Date: Sep 2007

Trinity of the Ascended [ToA]

A/

09 Nov 2010 at 05:00 - 38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just Sai

i can spell SoS

This is weak. I'm not sure what your point is.

Also, dartboard PvE nerfs? AP enables some very fun (and not really overpowered) builds in PvE. The elite dagger mastery skills have always sucked, so it'll be interesting to see what happens to those I... guess.

Nothing really exciting honestly

. Unexpected maybe, but not really exciting.

bhavv

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Sep 2006

09 Nov 2010 at 05:28 - 39

Quote:

Originally Posted by lemming

From what I've heard, the update sounds really exciting - mostly because there's not much stuff getting buffed.

Uh, what?

http://www.gw-memorial.net/nav/b_mat_i.php?id=558
http://www.gw-memorial.net/nav/b_mat_i.php?id=561
http://www.gw-memorial.net/nav/b_mat_i.php?id=564
http://www.gw-memorial.net/nav/b_mat_i.php?id=566
http://www.gw-memorial.net/nav/b_mat_i.php?id=567
http://www.gw-memorial.net/nav/b_mat_i.php?id=570

I dont play GVG sorry, but Some of the guilds that ranked very well in that didnt use VoR or Empathy, and they still seem to have managed better than other teams that were using it. VoR seems to be balanced to me from looking at those results.

reaper with no name

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Apr 2009

FaZ

D/

09 Nov 2010 at 05:57 - 40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reformed

I'll get flamed but w/e...if it comes down to a choice of allocating resources to a profession that is nowhere near the bottom in PvE vs. new content this is basically a no-brainer. I have a really hard time feeling sorry for them when Eles suck so much worse "at their job", especially in HM, and are much older.

Give me any dervish build in PvE that isn't absolutely worthless, and I will give you a build for another profession that does it better. At least Elementalists get ER.

Also, Rangers have it just as hard as Elementalists.