Basically what I've been wondering recently is if there are any useless class combinations - ie. out of the 30 combinations there are, if any of them are useless.
I had thought that Warrior secondary isn't very useful, as you'll never have the armour to compete as a warrior secondary (without a specialised Elementalist build using something like Kinetic Armour). Given you have a good self-heal, but would that be enough to make anyone consider it?
Alternatively, Warrior primary works with just about anything.
Are there any other combinations that you really should avoid?
Sorry if there's already a thread, but I couldn't think of appropriate search keywords (ie. ones that wouldn't get too many hits).
Are there any useless class combinations?
AaronSwitchblade
Diablo???
W/Mo
Just kidding. But seriously, every class combination can be used to the fullest. Its the player that makes it usefull.
Just kidding. But seriously, every class combination can be used to the fullest. Its the player that makes it usefull.
VGJustice
Maybe Me/R, but I doubt it.
Every class combo gains some kind of benefit. It's just up to the player to figure out what that benefit is.
Every class combo gains some kind of benefit. It's just up to the player to figure out what that benefit is.
96TSi
before i got bored of my mesmer, she was Me/R. people tend to think mesmers are the weaker class so you get picked on alot.
ranger defense skills are a great addition to any character class
VGJustice is right 100% every prof has some benifit, just gotta find it
ranger defense skills are a great addition to any character class
VGJustice is right 100% every prof has some benifit, just gotta find it
Killmur
E/W... One may think Healing Sig is great even with say 100 Health Bonus but uh it aint. Max AL is 60 for Eles so yea as you cast that baby your at AL20... At the later parts of the game your toast if you use HS during combat cause 2 or 3 hits will be enought to kill you. I went with E/R for the Unguent. I rely on Unguent and the Monk to keep me healthy and maxed at AL60.
DoctorEvil
Quote:
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Originally Posted by VGJustice
Maybe Me/R, but I doubt it.
Every class combo gains some kind of benefit. It's just up to the player to figure out what that benefit is. |
I started out as a Me/R. At lower levels I thought it was a very nice combination with being able to use a bow for attacking and having a pet as a meatshield. But it was certainly less useful at higher levels.
I don't think there are any "useless" profession combinations, just certain combinations that have stronger synergies with each other thus they're more efficient. Conversely, "usefullness" is dependent on what you're trying to accomplish. There are certainly combinations that don't work well for solo Ettin farming, that work very in a PvP environment.
Ctb
I would see how the ele could beef up defense with many of the stances, however.
I think the flip combo is less useful: w/ele. With the high cost of so many of the ele spells, and the low energy and recharge, I don't see how it's useful for anything but spike damage against single enemies.
I think the flip combo is less useful: w/ele. With the high cost of so many of the ele spells, and the low energy and recharge, I don't see how it's useful for anything but spike damage against single enemies.
Esprit
W/E = Gale Warriors. A build that is still used in PvP, maybe not as much as before the skill updates.
MelechRic
No build combination is truly gimped. What messes people up is when they decide to use a line from their secondary that they can't put points into. Classic example is the caster/Ranger that uses a bow. Expertise is so important for lowering the costs of bow attacks. Even with better regen than a ranger you still have a hard time using all the prep/attacks because the Ranger secondary lacks Expertise.
There are other examples, but that's the one that comes to mind.
There are other examples, but that's the one that comes to mind.
Count to Potato
What about E/W, and N/W?
Akhilleus
pretty much anything with an ele, that doesnt involve a mana-well HP healer. 
Elementalist Tara
Quote:
| What about E/W, and N/W? |
N/W's I've seen but never used....Points in Axes(or whatever weapon you want :P) + touches seems like i'd work nicely if you do it right?...
I don't think there is any useless classes it's all in the way you play your charcters and set up what is best for you....=)
Serafita Kayin
I'm a Me/W that focuses on sword degen-gash, sever artery, conjure phantasm, backfire, empathy, the list goes on and cause I do multiple types of damage, you're not equipped against them all. Add to that Ether Feast and Endure pain for self heals/critical situations and I can be a monster.
Iskrah
Me/R may be the best Mind Wrack possible.
Serpent's Quickness can add a lot of waves of E-Surge over the course of a game...
Serpent's Quickness can add a lot of waves of E-Surge over the course of a game...
eudas
bit of derailing into builds, so ignore a bit if youre not interested.
before i collected IW for my Me/Wa, i was using a little custom build i had made...
1-empathy
2-sever artery
3-gash
4-distortion
5-bonetti's defense
6-healing signet
7-backfire
8-res signet
8 illusion for distortion, 7 tactics for my shield and the tactics based skills, 10 or so in domination for the empathy/backfire damage, and 8 in swordsmanship for my zealous sword.
worked reasonably well as a backup fighter, the distortion/bonetti's is the core of it as it keeps you safe. 8 illusion drops the distortion cost down to -2 mana per hit avoided, and when you run low on mana, use bonetti's as it's charged up by that point. sever/gash spreads some love around on the enemies, and empathy on fighters and backfire on casters deals a fair bit of dam as well. had a few points in fast cast (like 4 or 5) for the benefit on some of the longer spells, but it wasn't a priority as empathy/backfire are usually cast before you get into melee range anyway.
wonder if i should put that build up on guildwiki, or if it's just suck city, or what... i think it worked reasonably well, but one weak point was if you were the primary tank, and had lots of aggro on you, the distortion could make you bottom out on mana before bonetti's was ready to go.
eudas
before i collected IW for my Me/Wa, i was using a little custom build i had made...
1-empathy
2-sever artery
3-gash
4-distortion
5-bonetti's defense
6-healing signet
7-backfire
8-res signet
8 illusion for distortion, 7 tactics for my shield and the tactics based skills, 10 or so in domination for the empathy/backfire damage, and 8 in swordsmanship for my zealous sword.
worked reasonably well as a backup fighter, the distortion/bonetti's is the core of it as it keeps you safe. 8 illusion drops the distortion cost down to -2 mana per hit avoided, and when you run low on mana, use bonetti's as it's charged up by that point. sever/gash spreads some love around on the enemies, and empathy on fighters and backfire on casters deals a fair bit of dam as well. had a few points in fast cast (like 4 or 5) for the benefit on some of the longer spells, but it wasn't a priority as empathy/backfire are usually cast before you get into melee range anyway.
wonder if i should put that build up on guildwiki, or if it's just suck city, or what... i think it worked reasonably well, but one weak point was if you were the primary tank, and had lots of aggro on you, the distortion could make you bottom out on mana before bonetti's was ready to go.
eudas
LouAl
hmmm, I think all the combos can be good.
IMO if you use even one skill from your secondary you are making it useful. I use my Me/E and use one glyph, it works great. I have used Me/R and used Serpent's Quickness, great combo (you could also be an interrupting machine if you wanted to go that route, between the 2 classes you would have about 58 interrupts available). I even have a E/R (because I wanted to unlock it all) that I use excess points in Marksmanship and then plink away at people with my bow, it works pretty well especially when I thrown in Serpent's or Meledru's Resiliance...E/W would be cool too if you used the W half as support and didn't do something stupid like heal sig while getting spanked by a mob of baddies. You could make a dang solid E/W tank with kinetic, armor of earth, dolyak sig, etc...you'd only take about 1 damage from just about any attack.
Never used a N/W but I have seen plenty that do just fine.
Warrior with a caster secondary works well if you do a weapon switch (My W/Me has about 42 max energy when not using a shield or hamer).
IMO if you use even one skill from your secondary you are making it useful. I use my Me/E and use one glyph, it works great. I have used Me/R and used Serpent's Quickness, great combo (you could also be an interrupting machine if you wanted to go that route, between the 2 classes you would have about 58 interrupts available). I even have a E/R (because I wanted to unlock it all) that I use excess points in Marksmanship and then plink away at people with my bow, it works pretty well especially when I thrown in Serpent's or Meledru's Resiliance...E/W would be cool too if you used the W half as support and didn't do something stupid like heal sig while getting spanked by a mob of baddies. You could make a dang solid E/W tank with kinetic, armor of earth, dolyak sig, etc...you'd only take about 1 damage from just about any attack.
Never used a N/W but I have seen plenty that do just fine.
Warrior with a caster secondary works well if you do a weapon switch (My W/Me has about 42 max energy when not using a shield or hamer).
crimsonfilms
Quote:
| Serpent's Quickness can add a lot of waves of E-Surge over the course of a game... |
N/W works because there are some 'touch' skills for necro. Add tactics for defense so you can get close - its a possible PvP build.
W/E - has been a staple in PvP as far as beta - KD/AS, Gale and Shock. It was the Gale warrior that got Gale nerfed - badly.
LifeInfusion
Every profession has a benefit. It is just some have more than others... :/
For example, E/W. You can only use the tactics line unless you use a melee weapon.
For example, E/W. You can only use the tactics line unless you use a melee weapon.
Mandy Memory
E/W can run up with the warriors and start dropping wards, and use tactics to survive
when factions comes out they can throw up more wards, put on sliver armor to survive and deal damage, and throw up protectors stance to save the warriors (he also doesnt have to be up front...just within a decent range)
when factions comes out they can throw up more wards, put on sliver armor to survive and deal damage, and throw up protectors stance to save the warriors (he also doesnt have to be up front...just within a decent range)
Alleji
Some professions interact less easily than others, but there's always one or two skills that would complement your primary.
For example, the only popular W/N skill is plague touch, but there are enough W/Ns just because of that one skill. They don't even spend any attributes on their secondary, just toss plague touch on their bar.
For example, the only popular W/N skill is plague touch, but there are enough W/Ns just because of that one skill. They don't even spend any attributes on their secondary, just toss plague touch on their bar.
Age
E/W would be fine in PvE but not PvP.I tried this build out in PvP and got no where and died lots.
Elementalist Tara
I pvp with E/W.....
"Shields up!" is amazing for Anti-Ranger...Granted it is more effective in HA against Ranger spike Teams it is still effecttive against anti-intrupts and +armor against Peircing Damage...(Especially when part of a Small GvG rushing Team...you can use it on you and warrior and evade damage or reduce it)
Deflect Arrows works as well but I don't like the conditionary effect on it...Also started trying out Balanced Stance to not fall against Hammer Warriors/Shock Warriors/Air Intrupters (haha surge and T-Clap!)
"Shields up!" is amazing for Anti-Ranger...Granted it is more effective in HA against Ranger spike Teams it is still effecttive against anti-intrupts and +armor against Peircing Damage...(Especially when part of a Small GvG rushing Team...you can use it on you and warrior and evade damage or reduce it)
Deflect Arrows works as well but I don't like the conditionary effect on it...Also started trying out Balanced Stance to not fall against Hammer Warriors/Shock Warriors/Air Intrupters (haha surge and T-Clap!)
Tarkin
No one class combination is useless, but x/w is the worst ones...
Dont say me i have a goodly build x/w, because you have "one", good build...
Dont say me i have a goodly build x/w, because you have "one", good build...
lyra_song
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Tarkin
No one class combination is useless, but x/w is the worst ones...
Dont say me i have a goodly build x/w, because you have "one", good build... |
Tarkin
Quote:
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Originally Posted by lyra_song
X/W hmn...ability to use a shield, warrior stances, and buffs. I dont see how thats so bad?
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W/X you can have 5 very good class combinations... You can make 10?<>30? good builds?
but
X/W you will have less good class combinations... 4? <>10? good builds?
Because this i say X/W is the worst... not because you can't make good builds with X/W...
Corinthian
All classes have at least one useful non-attribute skill for an otherwise pure primary whatever.
bpphantom
I went with a Me/Wa after seeing the Illusionary Warrior build. Needless to say it takes awhile to get to... Oi. Still, I've managed to spec into a pretty good build that I enjoy in teams and with meat... erm, henchies.
Carinae
It just depends on the build, really.
For example, there are many W/N warriors, but W/N as a MM doesn't work. Neither does W/E as a nuker, for the same reason.
EDIT: Not picking on W/N! Just saying there are 'less than optimal' combinations for certain builds.
For example, there are many W/N warriors, but W/N as a MM doesn't work. Neither does W/E as a nuker, for the same reason.
EDIT: Not picking on W/N! Just saying there are 'less than optimal' combinations for certain builds.
Fred Kiwi
no. moreletters
Ctb
Quote:
| For example, the only popular W/N skill is plague touch, but there are enough W/Ns just because of that one skill. They don't even spend any attributes on their secondary, just toss plague touch on their bar. |
Any combo of Mesmer and Warrior is made of pure awesomeness:
1. Sever Artery
2. Gash
3. Watch Yourself!
4. Power Strike
5. Physical Resistance
6. Mantra of (Relevant Element)
7. Chaos Storm (no points in domination magic though)
8. Ether Feast
Hit either #5 or #6 when you're approaching mobs, build some adrenaline, then it's #1, #2, #3, #4 in quick succession to take down anything but the most powerful enemies. If you get low on hp, hit #7, as soon as they run, #8 to heal.
I was having a lot of trouble with a build that could withstand the various degens in Talus like Conjure Phantasm and Bleeding, and this one handles VERY nicely. the only thing that's a problem is the ice imps and ice seige golemns because of their crippling, but they're easy enough to avoid. And, of course, if I get down toward Port Sledge the first two skills are useless against the shadows :\
jibikao
Try this if you are bored:
E/R
- Choose your favorite Conjure spell: Lightning, Fire or Water lvl 16
- Tiger's Fury 9s
And just wack your way with your staff for fun. You shoot quite fast but if you fight against a Ranger or Warrior, you are going to scratch their backs.
- You can choose your utility skills like water hexes or go for Mind Burn, fire.
Now, that's pretty useless except when a spell shutdown Mesmer thought you were going to cast a spell, OOPS WRONG! Tiger Fury FTW!!!
E/R
- Choose your favorite Conjure spell: Lightning, Fire or Water lvl 16
- Tiger's Fury 9s
And just wack your way with your staff for fun. You shoot quite fast but if you fight against a Ranger or Warrior, you are going to scratch their backs.
- You can choose your utility skills like water hexes or go for Mind Burn, fire.
Now, that's pretty useless except when a spell shutdown Mesmer thought you were going to cast a spell, OOPS WRONG! Tiger Fury FTW!!!
Lady Lozza
I think Tarkin has a point. There are some combos which have fewer good builds because there are real restrictions on what you can do. However taking it in context of the game, the primary profession basically determines what you do.
A warrior deals with the melee, a caster casts. It would be pointless to have a warrior casting. Nonetheless, in the arena there are some combinations which do not focus on the primary profession. Take the mesmer for instance, you can have a FC resmer, order, spiker, minion master, and more. These builds you would not nomally use anywhere else in the game.
A warrior deals with the melee, a caster casts. It would be pointless to have a warrior casting. Nonetheless, in the arena there are some combinations which do not focus on the primary profession. Take the mesmer for instance, you can have a FC resmer, order, spiker, minion master, and more. These builds you would not nomally use anywhere else in the game.
xiv
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Esprit
W/E = Gale Warriors. A build that is still used in PvP, maybe not as much as before the skill updates.
|
Vermilion Okeanos
I believe Mo/R win the crown.
They just have the fewest option to be effective.
They just have the fewest option to be effective.
MasterDinadan
Seeing as how you can be successful even using few or no skills from a secondary class, it isn't necessarily a big deal.
Now on the other hand, if you use a secondary that doesn't go well with the primary (E/W comes to mind), your options are very LIMITED (as in there are a ton of secondary skills that you will NEVER use as an elementalist), but there are always a few ways to set up your skills so that you will be competent enough.
Now on the other hand, if you use a secondary that doesn't go well with the primary (E/W comes to mind), your options are very LIMITED (as in there are a ton of secondary skills that you will NEVER use as an elementalist), but there are always a few ways to set up your skills so that you will be competent enough.
lonesky
~
Francis Crawford
There are combinations that are clearly suboptimal before Ascension. But I think everything has uses in PvE in some kind of build or other.
E.g.:
/W is useful in any solo build against grawl, just for Balanced Stance.
/N has Plague Touch
/Mo has Mend Ailment and much else
/R has Serpent's Quickness to accelerate skill recharge
W/E and R/E have the Conjure (element) spells
N/E and Me/E have Glyph of Lesser Energy
E/Me, N/Me, and Mo/Me each are popular combos
W/Me has IW
R/Me has extremist interrupting builds, Fragility spikes, and Mantra of Recall
Right there I've covered them all
E.g.:
/W is useful in any solo build against grawl, just for Balanced Stance.
/N has Plague Touch
/Mo has Mend Ailment and much else
/R has Serpent's Quickness to accelerate skill recharge
W/E and R/E have the Conjure (element) spells
N/E and Me/E have Glyph of Lesser Energy
E/Me, N/Me, and Mo/Me each are popular combos
W/Me has IW
R/Me has extremist interrupting builds, Fragility spikes, and Mantra of Recall
Right there I've covered them all
trecca
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Iskrah
Me/R may be the best Mind Wrack possible.
Serpent's Quickness can add a lot of waves of E-Surge over the course of a game... |
Lexar
W/Me is better with mantras and shields that give bonusses while in stance because most mantras can last up to 70 seconds, and not so good with IW. You will always do less dmg than a Me/W built for IW and you just don't have energy pool to keep it up.