This build is for general Hard Mode play: Vanquishing, Missions, ZBounties, Dungeons & FOW. Slight modifications are required for UW, DoA and Slavers!
How to play
You don't need any micro other than flagging heroes behind while aggroing foes to have 'em somewhat close to each other.I suggest pre-casting spirits on the ST for greater survivability.
It appears my test subjects weren't truthful about not flagging heroes around so I removed that line.
Recommended Equipment
Zealous sword, minor weapon rune on yourself & 40/40 set of the attribute of the heroes' elite skill. +armor insignia, Superior Vigor & Vitae runes on empty slots on heroes.
There are crafters for 20/20 Wands & Focii in Vasburg Armory & Leviathan Pits.
Quote:
The Build7H general HM build for the advanced warrior
EFGJack
Warrior - OQASEZKT8VVi7gTNXF9Fzk0k
Swordsmanship: 12+1+1
Strength: 12+1
Sentinel's Insignia on all 5 pieces
Mesmers - OQNEAnwT22MEoBTPcqpjIkBubA - OQNEAnwT22MEOBTPcqpjIkBubA
Variations: Power Drain can be swapped for Auspicious Incantation - it's really great albeit you need to micro it every once in a while as the heroes forget to use it when they're low on energy
Domination: 12+1+2
Fast Casting: 7+2
Inspiration: 9+2
Healing Prayers: 6
Clamor Ritualist - OAWjIohq4OYMv5v0xVONdSTmJA
Variations: Spirit Rift can be replaced with Kaolai if additional redbarring is required & Unnatural Signet -> Signet of Clumsiness - I prefer Unnatural Signet due to it's condition is met easier
Channeling: 11+1+3
Restoration: 10+1
Domination: 10
ST Ritualist - OAWjIogLpOmOrJ2Mca9ecOzkLA
Variations: Signet of Creation -> Signet of Disruption OR Unnatural Signet -> Signet of Clumsiness and keep SoCreation
Communing: 11+1+2
Spawning: 10+2
Domination: 10
Blood Necro - OAhjQwGYoOeNw2gYolcncDzqKA
Variations: SoLS -> MB&S if you face conditions
Blood Magic: 12+1+3
Soul Reaping: 8+1
Restoration: 10
Foc Necros - OAljYkHsZOfiLhLEOYJ2x17qKA - OAljYkHsZO7uLhLEOYJ2xshqKA
Curses: 12+1+3
Soul Reaping: 9+1
Command: 9 A few explanations...
Signets of Rejuvenation on the mesmers: Heals that I couldn't fit on any other hero. Signets because I can't strain the mesmer's energy any further.
Panic: Panic offers Hidden DPS and Protection. Every heal interrupted equals that amount of damage done to the target of the interrupted heal. Same goes for interrupted damage spells. And interruptions mean less healing required by your heroes = more time casting damage spells. Panic is very strong.
Clamor & Spirit Rift: Added AOE on the Splinter&AR bot.
Unnatural Signets: Free Armor-ignoring AOE.
Blood Bond: With the lack of healing in this build Blood Bond certainly carries it's weight as one of the 64 skills. It heals you for a hundred every time a foe hexed by it dies next to you. It's too good to pass on. Plus it serves as an AOE hex for Feasts of Corruption.
Right. I know it's not a good idea for me to play a build and publish it and assume everyone will have similar success rate with it, so I shared the build with several belgian guildmates of mine and they successfully made their way through the labyrinth without getting zapped too much. And believe me, if they're getting results with this build I'm sure you will find this build to be extremely effective in general HM PvE. I accept critique and ideas to replace skill X with skill Y but only from people who have tested this build in more than 1 area.
Go and try it yourself. I'll argue you'll never run anything else (unless ofc you like to play with one hand in a bucket of kfc)
LexTalionis
I have a question that's neither a comment nor a critique so you won't need to feel defensive about it: What about this build makes it Warrior main specific?
Wouldn't this be viable with say, a Dervish with 10 Mysticism in it and Vow of Strength?
Wouldn't this be viable with say, a Dervish with 10 Mysticism in it and Vow of Strength?
ShaneOfMach
I'd recommend a Smiting Prayers monk with Ray of Judgment, Smite Hex, Smite Condition, Strength of Honor, and Judge's Insight.
It makes your melee damage huge.
It makes your melee damage huge.
EFGJack
Lex: It's viable with a Dervish or any X/D X/W with Hundred Blades or VoS. But it's easier to say it's for warrior than any 100b variant.
Shane: Tested with Mo/Rt with ROJ, Melee buffs, Splinter, AR instead of the Clamor & I've tested with 2 ROJ monks instead of ST & Clamor but the ritualists outclass the ROJ alternative. There's nothing that's unclear to me about it. ROJ causes unwanted scatter most of the time, plus the melee damage you get doesn't really matter as the general damage is high.
I played with 2 melee support monks for years so I'm aware that it makes my damage "huge" (although you can achieve this by using the user interface scaler, too) I'm confident when I say you can easily drop the melee support when you play this build. Trust me, you don't need SOH or JI.
Shane: Tested with Mo/Rt with ROJ, Melee buffs, Splinter, AR instead of the Clamor & I've tested with 2 ROJ monks instead of ST & Clamor but the ritualists outclass the ROJ alternative. There's nothing that's unclear to me about it. ROJ causes unwanted scatter most of the time, plus the melee damage you get doesn't really matter as the general damage is high.
I played with 2 melee support monks for years so I'm aware that it makes my damage "huge" (although you can achieve this by using the user interface scaler, too) I'm confident when I say you can easily drop the melee support when you play this build. Trust me, you don't need SOH or JI.
Cors Seel
To start: build looks really great, i will definitely give this 7H build a try.
I know u don't take critiques unless i tested your build but i just want you to explain your choices actually
.
May i ask why you take Clamor of Souls instead of SoS. I understand it's great e-management and adds some AoE damage. To me this AoE dmg seems rather small since it isn't armor ignoring. And i would think Spirith Siphon provides all the energy you need. Although there isn't something like to much energy so i guess it isn't bad.
And about rip enchantment on one of the FoC necro's. You already got 2 drain enchantments and it's not a bad thing if there still remain some enchantments on the foes since this triggers extra damage from unnatural signet and defile- and desecrate enchantments. I would say enfeebling blood fits in nicely there.
I know u don't take critiques unless i tested your build but i just want you to explain your choices actually
.May i ask why you take Clamor of Souls instead of SoS. I understand it's great e-management and adds some AoE damage. To me this AoE dmg seems rather small since it isn't armor ignoring. And i would think Spirith Siphon provides all the energy you need. Although there isn't something like to much energy so i guess it isn't bad.
And about rip enchantment on one of the FoC necro's. You already got 2 drain enchantments and it's not a bad thing if there still remain some enchantments on the foes since this triggers extra damage from unnatural signet and defile- and desecrate enchantments. I would say enfeebling blood fits in nicely there.
EFGJack
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cors Seel
To start: build looks really great, i will definitely give this 7H build a try.
I know u don't take critiques unless i tested your build but i just want you to explain your choices actually.
May i ask why you take Clamor of Souls instead of SoS. I understand it's great e-management and adds some AoE damage. To me this AoE dmg seems rather small since it isn't armor ignoring. And i would think Spirith Siphon provides all the energy you need. Although there isn't something like to much energy so i guess it isn't bad.
And about rip enchantment on one of the FoC necro's. You already got 2 drain enchantments and it's not a bad thing if there still remain some enchantments on the foes since this triggers extra damage from unnatural signet and defile- and desecrate enchantments. I would say enfeebling blood fits in nicely there.
I chose clamor over SoS because I wanted to cramp as much aoe on the bar as possible, plus the spirits won't get to shine during general play. and I'm not exactly sure why there is a rip enchantment, I must've been playing on an enchantment heavy zone. You're right - it can be replaced by Enf. Blood, or whatever utility you can get from a Paragon profession. Brain Enchantments are there for mostly for the double purpose - E-management + enchant removal.
And I forgot to mention this build may not be the build for select areas from Factions campaign either.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icf8YQaBiwY This is as much micro as you will ever need with this build. It's poor quality but it should be sensible if you expand the video. no LB title displayed during the recording of the video.
I know u don't take critiques unless i tested your build but i just want you to explain your choices actually
.May i ask why you take Clamor of Souls instead of SoS. I understand it's great e-management and adds some AoE damage. To me this AoE dmg seems rather small since it isn't armor ignoring. And i would think Spirith Siphon provides all the energy you need. Although there isn't something like to much energy so i guess it isn't bad.
And about rip enchantment on one of the FoC necro's. You already got 2 drain enchantments and it's not a bad thing if there still remain some enchantments on the foes since this triggers extra damage from unnatural signet and defile- and desecrate enchantments. I would say enfeebling blood fits in nicely there.
I chose clamor over SoS because I wanted to cramp as much aoe on the bar as possible, plus the spirits won't get to shine during general play. and I'm not exactly sure why there is a rip enchantment, I must've been playing on an enchantment heavy zone. You're right - it can be replaced by Enf. Blood, or whatever utility you can get from a Paragon profession. Brain Enchantments are there for mostly for the double purpose - E-management + enchant removal.
And I forgot to mention this build may not be the build for select areas from Factions campaign either.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icf8YQaBiwY This is as much micro as you will ever need with this build. It's poor quality but it should be sensible if you expand the video. no LB title displayed during the recording of the video.
Gard
Would this work on a DB spam sin with SY! aswell?
EFGJack
Surely it will work. But you won't get everything out of the Marks of Pain with a DB assassin.
Gard
I could always try running that bar on a sin, looks like fun to play.
FoxBat
I am the strongest -> ebon battle standard of honor, you seem to have the energy, and it will enormously buff your sword aoe...
EFGJack
EBSoH is very powerful, but it's down to personal preference. I like IATS as it's instant.
scratchdude
Those builds seem to work very well, when I see EFGJack in a thread it's a quality seal. I'm gonna try them as soon as possible on my SY derv. May I ask what are the slight changes you make for harder areas?
Xenomortis
If you are in enchantment heavy areas, wouldn't PoD be more suitable over FoC+Rip?
And no adrenaline boosts?
And no adrenaline boosts?
HigherMinion
Looks like everything has a self-heal ^^
@Xeno; why does he need adren boost with Hundred Blades?
@Xeno; why does he need adren boost with Hundred Blades?
Xenomortis
EFGJack
@Scratchdude - I'll edit the changes to the OP at a later time
@Xeno - Can't fit adrenaline boosts without heavily modifying the hero. I believe FGJ is more than enough
@Jeydra - I don't believe Raisu speedclears are the pinnacle of end-game PvE, but I assume with all skips and max micro you could squeeze a sub 8-mins clear if you get lucky with spawns and that monsters don't bodyblock M&T too much. Not going to bother trying, though.
@Xeno - Can't fit adrenaline boosts without heavily modifying the hero. I believe FGJ is more than enough
@Jeydra - I don't believe Raisu speedclears are the pinnacle of end-game PvE, but I assume with all skips and max micro you could squeeze a sub 8-mins clear if you get lucky with spawns and that monsters don't bodyblock M&T too much. Not going to bother trying, though.
Xenomortis
Does Barbed Signet really pull it's weight? Or is it just an energy issue?
EFGJack
Quote:
Originally Posted by Xenomortis
Does Barbed Signet really pull it's weight? Or is it just an energy issue?
There aren't many alternatives in the blood magic line. It's Barbed Signet & Opressive Gaze against additional heals against adrenaline boosts against vampiric swarm & dark pact. I find the current bar to be the most satisfying from all the possible variations.
Xenomortis
Well you could keep Oppressive Gaze - particularly if you dropped Rip Enchantment for Enfeebling Blood as mentioned earlier since that makes it more likely the target will be conditioned.
Meh, it hardly matters though.
Meh, it hardly matters though.
paK0
Mh. It looks interesting, I might just try it (as A/W).
Few questions though:
- Is FB necessary for battle or just so you can move faster from group to group?
- How does this do in areas where the party size is limited to 4 or 6?
Few questions though:
- Is FB necessary for battle or just so you can move faster from group to group?
- How does this do in areas where the party size is limited to 4 or 6?
Chthon
I assume this should go with saying, but...
...tank-n-spank tactics, right?
...tank-n-spank tactics, right?
EFGJack
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chthon
I assume this should go with saying, but...
...tank-n-spank tactics, right? Read the OP. But yes, you get better results if you make sure the foes are close to each other. Check out the clip I posted earlier, that's hardly considered T&S.
>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icf8YQaBiwY
...tank-n-spank tactics, right? Read the OP. But yes, you get better results if you make sure the foes are close to each other. Check out the clip I posted earlier, that's hardly considered T&S.
>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icf8YQaBiwY
Plutoman
Looks interesting for sure. I'd give feedback, but I pretty much exclusively play ele (sometimes other casters), just 'cause I'm a fantasy geek carrying over my love for wizards from games like Neverwinter Nights and etc. So I can't give much feedback as an ele.
Xenomortis
hunter
Quote:
Originally Posted by EFGJack
How to play
You don't need any micro other than flagging heroes behind while aggroing foes to have 'em somewhat close to eachother. Although my test subjects reported good results even without flagging heroes. I suggest pre-casting spirits on the ST for greater survivability.
Recommended Equipment
Zealous sword, minor weapon rune on yourself & 40/40 set of the attribute of the heroes' elite skill. +armor insignia, Superior Vigor & Vitae runes on empty slots on heroes.
There are crafters for 20/20 Wands & Focii in Vasburg Armory & Leviathan Pits.
A few explanations...
Signets of Rejuvenation on the mesmers: Heals that I couldn't fit on any other hero. Signets because I can't strain the mesmer's energy any further.
Panic: Panic offers Hidden DPS and Protection. Every heal interrupted equals that amount of damage done to the target of the interrupted heal. Same goes for interrupted damage spells. And interruptions mean less healing required by your heroes = more time casting damage spells. Panic is very strong.
Clamor & Spirit Rift: Added AOE on the Splinter&AR bot.
Unnatural Signets: Free Armor-ignoring AOE.
Blood Bond: With the lack of healing in this build Blood Bond certainly carries it's weight as one of the 64 skills. It heals you for a hundred every time a foe hexed by it dies next to you. It's too good to pass on. Plus it serves as an AOE hex for Feasts of Corruption.
Right. I know it's not a good idea for me to play a build and publish it and assume everyone will have similar success rate with it, so I shared the build with several belgian guildmates of mine and they successfully made their way through the labyrinth without getting zapped too much. And believe me, if they're getting results with this build I'm sure you will find this build to be extremely effective in general HM PvE. I accept critique and ideas to replace skill X with skill Y but only from people who have tested this build in more than 1 area.
Go and try it yourself. I'll argue you'll never run anything else (unless ofc you have mercs) Took it out for a spin on Morostav trail HM. Results, wiped 4x. Wiped a lot more than my usual build and i actually had to micro heroes all the time to avoid death.
Flagging and microing does not equal good general PVE build.
Problems:
Lacks a proper healer. 1 half asses N/RT does not it. Rejuv signet on mes at 6 attributes is a joke either
Lacks a proper rez: Death pact signet is ridiculous because it actually gives you more problems than what its worth.
Lacks AoE healing: Heavy curse areas and/or Condition spam woudl cripple this build in a few seconds. There is simply not enough AoE healing to take care of it.
Lacks Single target prots: 1 party member being focused => death. Don't give me the shelter bullshit. Shelter is a buffer, As soon as shelter goes down, someone dies. You need prot spells.
Lacks melee shutdown. As soon as shelter goes down your midline/backline drops like flies to melee mobs. I realize you can body block stuff but IF you are claiming this is a general PVE no micro build than you should not need to body block to get through areas you can normally clear with 0 micro
Solutions:
Add UA monk, its a must for both AoE heals and a strong rez, which you lack
Add prot magic somewhere in there. whether its ER prot or a prot on a necro i don't care, just add it.
Change a mes to ineptitude and illusion, you need melee/pjysical shutdown.
Wenspire
My impression from comparing the video and what hunter has commented on is that if there are melee enemies involved, there will probably be a need to do some form of body blocking. This even-more-so since you are not using spirits or minions. However, with being able to do that I can see how quick the build can kill groups of enemies.
EFGJack
Apparently my dutch labrats aren't as bad as I initially thought.. Tell me. If I doublepull DOA HM with next to no deaths and very little micro, how can you wipe in Morostrav trail, not once, but four times? I must add the following line: In order to succesfully play GW with the build presented in this thread you must play with two hands on keyboard and mouse & two eyes on the monitor!
I'm perfectly aware of the potential this build has and that it indeed is a glass cannon, but just because you need three heroes.backline in Morostrav Trail I refuse to modify a perfectly viable build.
But I will investigate Morostrav Trail without micro when I get up tomorrow.
I'm perfectly aware of the potential this build has and that it indeed is a glass cannon, but just because you need three heroes.backline in Morostrav Trail I refuse to modify a perfectly viable build.
But I will investigate Morostrav Trail without micro when I get up tomorrow.
Dzjudz
I didn't see much (if any?) melee in that video though, so his comments about fragility vs melee are probably correct. Your Shelter can take 7 hits before dying, that can only protect a party of 8 so much.
mage767
Been there, done that. Can't argue with the main build (except for EbSOH). My 100b war GWAMM retired last year.
Heroes may need be changed/adjusted depending on specific area.
BTW, I agree with Hunters post #1 on team build criticisms.
Heroes may need be changed/adjusted depending on specific area.
BTW, I agree with Hunters post #1 on team build criticisms.
How strange.
Jeydra
I don't have to, because you kind of admitted that you fail with the build because you're bad at using it 
When I fail with any build / area, I generally try to improve my playing style before changing the build. I did just that many times while trying 4H, all the while using either exactly the same build or with just minor variations. EFGJack's a lot more willing to go for the big changes though, which is why he brought in MT + Barbed Trap ...
PS: If never having to flag or micro heroes is your priority, I suggest you run BDSM.
When I fail with any build / area, I generally try to improve my playing style before changing the build. I did just that many times while trying 4H, all the while using either exactly the same build or with just minor variations. EFGJack's a lot more willing to go for the big changes though, which is why he brought in MT + Barbed Trap ...PS: If never having to flag or micro heroes is your priority, I suggest you run BDSM.
Wenspire
@Jeydra: I think the issue here is according to the title, this group setup is aiming to be an all-around HM VQ, missions, etc setup for general play. Unfortunately, I think most people's idea of general play is rushing head-long into groups one after another (which I don't really think is a good idea).
However people, keep in mind that in the OP's initial post, it does make mention of minor flagging of heroes while the tank goes in. Therefore, trying to play this build without at least a little bit of tactics probably would not yield the best results.
However people, keep in mind that in the OP's initial post, it does make mention of minor flagging of heroes while the tank goes in. Therefore, trying to play this build without at least a little bit of tactics probably would not yield the best results.