Shutdown Builds

loc87

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Jul 2005

I know the knocklock warrior, ranger, and mesmer can effectively shutdown characters. I was wondering if any other classes can do the same thing, as well as which of these classes best shuts down another character while dealing most damage?

octaviancmb

octaviancmb

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: May 2005

Me/

My guess would be the most damage is going to come from a Ranger shutdown build, assuming all you want to do is shut down casters with it. With the right long-range bow, you can effectively destroy someone without their being able to do anything about it. You run the risk of being shutdown yourself, though, if you become blind or they dodge, or etc.

Likely the most damage up close to shutdown anyone is going to be the knockdown Warrior. You run the risk of being in melee, though, and of having to have your blows land before they do any shutting down.

The Mesmer shutdown avoids having to rely on attacking, but also does less damage unless you build for it in an interesting way. The drawback is having to rely on spells, for the most part, so you can, yourself, be shut down.

It's rock/paper/scissors, really. But for the simplest and safest consistent damage and consistent shutdown, I'd say Ranger is your best bet. But don't discount the others.

Good luck with the build,
CMB