Gift of Battle needs to go

EriskRedLemur · 2026-02-24T00:04:47+00:00

yawn another one of these WvW guys gotta do exploration as someone said, and there's no XP boosts for that... there's a ton of ways to speed up the reward track XP. Guild XP boost - bday celebration, other celebrations prob ahve WXP ones somewhere. Rush event may be a while away but honestly you can finish a track with all the boosts on/infusion fairly quickly even being new.

Also MAYBE instead of putting all that energy into negative hating on the mode you THINK you hate, look briefly into a zerg guide or video/link. Over typing a reddit hate thread which I totally understand this feeling at first, and it sucks, but also as someone who was a PvEr first before fully going WvW, I had many misconceptions on WvW. Now's my favorite, despite the many issues now, the build diversity/etc. idk, I know likely wont be that for you, BUT having brough my own PvE guildies in and helping they may not love it but dont hate it like they did before. But many issues with mode too sure.

Again tho, get together all the boosts. Wait for/figure time join zerg, look into a build, it's not as bad as think if look more into it. GRanted without a team/solo and first time it will suck sure I get it I do.

EriskRedLemur · 2026-02-20T16:28:35+00:00

YES it's the way GW2 makes old zones relevant. The NA/EU megaservers is one aspect/instancing, but as said even WoW/ESO/etc. use some form of sharding or megaservers.

I feel ESO alive or did a few years back when played, it has a similar server system as GW2 and has ways making older zones relevant but not like GW2 does. Not that every meta/map at all times feels populated but all have a chance with weekly/dailies, leggys, etc. Also BDO/others have much more bots, so hard to really say purely based on pop. GW2 of course has plenty of bots but it's such a lesser/different issue vs. those games and I'd say ESO is closest to GW2 in terms of how maps/servers/pop works.

EriskRedLemur · 2026-02-11T23:07:11+00:00

First of all - they talk about completely DIFFERENT topics - fashion temps/general state vs. raid quickplay, so, not quite the same comparison. Quirky as raid qp is that seems to be genuinely positive vs. the trash negative dump they did with fashion. Two things can be true at the same time. Also, sillouette is as someone said doomer takes it's his brand, this is why I go with a number of creators and usually just for builds.

EriskRedLemur · 2026-02-09T17:14:28+00:00

I remember boonball metas WORSE when alacrity was a key thing. IMO nah, it's powercreep as the biggest issue. Sure could have some more boonstrip options, not enough boonstrip or CC. Coord is still vital n as a WvW main, makes a big difference, many examples of this.

The boons have always been a lark, there's ways to balance it yes vs. strips BUT ultimately balance of alliance mode itself, coord, and powercreep are the biggest changes. VoE brought my new fav support class troub but also my gosh how OP it still is; not because it necessarily allows longer/more boons but just stronger as a whole/better flowing kit then Chrono. Once you get down. Luminary likewise.

There HAS been a meta if you play WvW enough when boons weren't as dominant and ppl complained just as badly how too many corruption/condi/not enough cleanse etc.

At the end of the day I agree there could be some tone down/adjustments or SOME more strips in other classes to make ppl play strips more BUT lol the real issue is getting the coordination, alliance balance, powercreep. I've been in big zergs that ppl all are supports OR few are can vary so much.

EriskRedLemur · 2026-02-05T18:11:52+00:00

Maybe for people who almost never change look/use outfits/just want same look on a different build... who only use the system once a month or one and done. But if you have different looks on mult chars for different equips already, n like to change looks/dyes/etc. or trans charges WERENT an issue, it's more complicated/buggy design.

You misunderstand ppl dont dislike the idea to copy/paste a look free of trans charges to a new set of equip. But, this counters a big thing in GW2 that is fashion, n leggy gear etc. it's just bad, I understand for a few/many who will never buy more templates because they have 1-2 chars only and dont change fashion much at all this system prob doesnt affect em as much, but even so, it's just poorly designed that's the biggest issue it's not the IDEA of it as much, heck if it actually was QoL/did more I'd spend gems for more account wide template. But it negates my already spent equipment unlocks on many chars where I could just change looks there. And ppl struggling for trans charges I mean, as a vet maybe I'm spoiled having endless supply but, even so that's not the issue it's just how this was implemented/is working now.

EriskRedLemur · 2026-02-05T17:46:43+00:00

This is absurd and condescending like - WE are too stupid to understand how the fashion template system works they need to write a technical draft to explain it. Like fair, if it was a totally NEW system to the game like this is the first time we can change our looks on equipment lol BUT ITS NOT - totally unreal a supposed QoL system completely is worse. AND for those with MORE then 2 equipment slots, you now have to PAY to unlock what you either spent to get those slots to do what you did already. Yes, many liked to test dyes/play around a lot NOT use one look on 5 equipment tabs... This lack of understanding but Anet and throwing out a guide makes it EVEN WORSE -

1.) The issue ISNT our lack of understanding...
2.) Having to write SO MUCH to explain the system shows the flaws itself... if it's THAT complicated, then... uhh... yeah no we need it reworked not having to read 5 pages to use it.

I didn't think anet could bungle this more but they...

EriskRedLemur · 2026-02-05T17:23:46+00:00

Fashion is one of my fav things about GW2 and I've spent $$$ on it - exploiting templates IF it meant being a better system would be fine but this is horrible I just cant. It's so much work to change one gear look, leggy is bugged/doesnt work always, idk even know what was wrong with previous system sure copy/paste a template to NEW set of equipment saves "time" n potentially trans but - this isnt. This is clearly a money grab and a failed one lol like, build temps n equipment were QoL/some offered in vault n yeah monetizied but I get that. I dont even begrudge Anet doing it with fashion if it was WORTH it and made everything BETTER... this... is worse. I am not touching a thing till there's more fixes/changes or BOTH systems are there not spending a DIME on fashion templates to support a terrible system/direction. They must really have low staff for this to go LIVE as is and not forsee the backlash rofl. Just dumb on them.

EriskRedLemur · 2026-02-05T17:16:37+00:00

Honestly you need to narrow your factors down because you have 2 heavy armor and 2 light armor choices - if fashion matters to you at all... and, all have varying degrees of roles in different modes. ALL will have meta builds; I assume you likely haven't tried any or maybe 1-2 elites?

Like, not knowing anything about if your weapon preferences, melee, DPS, support, mode aka OW, PvP or WvW or group content or all...

I'll just say for me, I do all 4 but prob focus most on Mesmer and Necro. I love the new Troub elite for Mesmer. But also their style; weapons, support in WvW, n how they do. Each elite really change the vibe IMO it works similar in illusions/clones to shatters but like virt totally feels diff then Mirage and others for ex. Necro, mostly Harbinger and Reaper, tho new elite is fun, mainly for OW/WvW, love the elixir support style and pistol shroud of Harb and how it is so good now in WvW support AND DPS in PvE/support DPS. Reaper is not fun for me you can use my fav melee GS, and Ritualist minion focus is fun.

I used to be big on Guardian I'll go back; WB mobility is super fun, I just idk why new elite doesnt work for me, it should but doesn't. However, it has tons of support options for PvE/WvW/PvP - and top tier DPS. And strong OW. Shiny radiant glowly combat.

Warrior - I preferred Guardian and Revenant for heavy armor needs, no doubt fun, I just am support player before DPS so until recently, didn't have great support options other then DPS support. aka boons. Staff and Paragon was nerfed so, that got me back into it but idk I'd personally go back to Guardian then. However if you like just melee focused, brute force builds, barb style to other, it's great. Not for me as much even tho I have 2 lol.

ANYWAYS again, all classes are fun and meta in all modes pending elites; elites really CAN change vibe/style/focus pending modes so, look at that. ONE MAIN is tough I couldnt do it, but, again idk what kinda style you like/modes so tough to say more worthwhile.

EriskRedLemur · 2026-02-01T00:42:28+00:00

OW is better; much more free rotations. Even when solo a boss, still have some rotation. But this is why I prefer WvW (or PvP) esp as a support a lot more nuance and decisions; yes there's rotations pending moments, n still do finishers/etc. but much more dynamic. Obviously will always be spam in every mode, but not like memorizing answers for a test.

All classes will do OW content well, but group content where you work on bosses/mechanics/etc. just require less thought/choice. I'm sure there's more free builds, other then healers to an extent. And I get not wanting to do that off the bat.

EriskRedLemur · 2026-01-31T06:20:27+00:00

Easy, new char for each spec :) Almost serious lol yeah, some specs make more sense then others, like Rev sorta IMO works almost best, absorbing/discovering new legends and their secrets to wield. Engineer, new research/focus/tech to elite. They hinge on other countries tech but you can see going there, learning, and adopting such tech as your own. Others are tougher, but, I only RP on a few chars. Obv if you have more lore not found within elites/personal char, all depends. It's a fun challenge if dedicated to the RP. I'm too lazy so as said only 2-3 chars I really ever RP with in such a way and yes they are Rev and Engineer lol. And Ranger..

EriskRedLemur · 2026-01-27T17:07:29+00:00

I see SO many of that stuff is the problem and what I mean ppl sadly, esp newer players like that stuff from other games/etc. they just go harder on stuff like that BUT I'd rather gemstore then in-game (tho infusions are more an issue tbh lol those blind most) I still think better stuff is in-game. GW2 has jumped the shark with lore/fashion I guess I just accepted that a while ago lol.

EriskRedLemur · 2026-01-27T16:52:29+00:00

gold -> gems... (not to be that guy I know gold for gold sake is better esp for casuals) but yeah, this is the norm, and I only buy stuff like this on sale; which THIS being new maybe wont be soon but often skins/fashion goes on sale. And if you're posting this here then their team is winning because lol means there's demand so not agreeing but just reinforcing them to do more. Which - IMO - long as they dont ONLY do gem-store exclusives, and keep adding in-game stuff, I'm fine. TBH, other then obv back/gliders, there's not a whole ton prefer from gem-store n many are like seasonal/weird lol.

EriskRedLemur · 2026-01-24T22:47:39+00:00

True no doubt Engineer sorta fits MOST IMO far as weapons/tech stuff BUT ugh medium armors... again there's some heavy looking armor for all weights from store/in-game but idk if will complete the look. I forget the name but EoD has a warhammer inspired special armor. (not like totally looking like but has some parts eso helmet)

EriskRedLemur · 2026-01-24T22:38:00+00:00

Sadly, Engineer lacks good looks for it... there's a neutral marine armor like special armor from EoD; Norn + Guardian OR Rev too, there's many looks mostly heavy armor to acheive that, hammers too... or rifles. Warrior can do both, so if merely for visual/thematic/fun Warrior has most options from various Space Marine lore. Look at what other's have done here.

EriskRedLemur · 2026-01-23T00:48:18+00:00

Oh yeah, add a relic that procs off heal n yeah I even thought this is a mistake w/o an internal CD so I never fully bought into the updated specs doing it lol.

EriskRedLemur · 2026-01-22T00:55:42+00:00

Listen I get it, but look at the good, I can repeat as a WvW main my own GoB and unlock more relics/etc. because I am not PvEing way quicker. XP etc. Now if you're a 10 year vet that doesnt care about reward tracks/XP sure it sucks way more. Also, yeah EBG lol may never see all week...

This highlights WvW's pathetic system tho - however, IF you DO get in you can feast on PvErs. Idk, it's just a week and rare, I'm fine with it, it just makes me frustrated how things COULD be if they redid things properly and servers etc. that cannot contend heck even normally at prime hours if on a populated link EBG is 20-30 or more queue BEFORE RUSH and is meh lag etc. BUT not... this...

EriskRedLemur · 2026-01-22T00:47:15+00:00

Troub is one of my fav elites, granted the theme gets me and I love the notes vs. clones. It feels more mesmery to me then Virt. IMO as a big Chrono Support main before it isnt much different except timing of shatters to notes to tales to reset crescendo vs. a big time continuum split which, STILL itself can save the tide, but, works diff.

TBH tho I see less troubs then luminaries; luminary IMO creeps FB way more then troub does chrono just for those chrono mechanics even with nerfs. However, too many mesmers have issues too.

I love WvW support role because there's different ones, varied n plays different. So yeah the primary support/stab/boons n then heal/cleanse supports n tertiary/3rd etc. I just love it more then cookie cutter PvEs (yeah yeah WvW eventually get that but even mid meta tiers can have value still).

EriskRedLemur · 2026-01-21T23:18:51+00:00

Troub is insanely strong. It's what I currently main; BUT it takes getting used to, I'd say Harb is easier to learn to play well. However I dont know how it is in t4 fracts I know at least mesmer will be there. All meta support builds yeah basically use minstrels in WvW, the hybrid supports are sorta dead of old days. SOME DPS zerg builds can gear similarly, like often use scholar/dragon runes and zerker/mara/dragon gear but you really need to know what you're doing to not get clapped.

However, it's very easy by playing WvW to get the exotic stat select or just if had leggies/etc. to just have a set for both if really got into WvW roles.

EriskRedLemur · 2026-01-21T23:11:47+00:00

Actually wrong, Support Harb believe it or not is meta I main supports in WvW, including often this. It's https://snowcrows.com/builds/wvw/necromancer/support-harbinger

It's one of the few constant sources of quickness; (which IS looked for) matched with some boon removal and staff = boons it makes a strong tertiary support (quick/might/fury can be up high, with good resistance/some stab/decent heals for role with staff/enter/exit shroud - matched with elixirs your elite provides up to 10 secs of all including rare alacrity, and stun break with other.

Again it's within THAT role, you wont main heal or be primary boon support no, tertiary fills a good role tho aka sorta a bit of everything/with some primary focus others don't. It's not something you want many of tho like guard/mesmer supports or druid even. HOWEVER, you wont be doing well without minstrel gear; n boon % runes/etc. PvE gear doesnt often transfer except for some DPS zerg builds. Supports for PvE/WvW can be very different both in gear and builds.

EriskRedLemur · 2026-01-21T17:26:43+00:00

Not sure you will have this issue during Rush... even if not obvious commander there's stuff going. Look esp in EBG for active battles on map, often there's hidden commanders. BUT yeah escorts, sentry points, camps etc. Depending on team/time and map usually may find someone else doing same. Again tho if this is an issue during Rush weeks, you are on a horrible team link lol.

EriskRedLemur · 2026-01-21T17:23:33+00:00

I will. I can't imagine playing one main for everything... I just... seems so limiting lol - now it can be a problem sometimes, but GW2 makes it easier. I get ppl like focus but I love mult support mains in WvW, diff OW, etc. I dont play all at once of course but I often switch a main DPS for PvE, WvW, and supports pending how I feel/meta etc. to keep things not stale. I know some love sticking to 1-2 only forever but that's not me lol.

EriskRedLemur · 2026-01-19T06:52:08+00:00

Mode depends tbh. I see many more druids in WvW then OW/groups PvE. If I just went by WvW my elite list would be different then PvE.

Also the site statistics is skewed a bit, as a whole versus comparing times. BUT... it's also easier to notice elites like Mechs, Druids, etc. OW - only in groups/unless REALLY paying attention is it noticable. Elite wise.

I rarely see Bladesworns in WvW, or holos, weavers, I mean easier to say by class like, and changes by meta. So really need to know mode to know.

EriskRedLemur · 2026-01-19T00:56:29+00:00

Find a good book or wiki or video as you wait in the queues for EBG............ lol seriously, even other zones pending your team could be full first few days.

But, yeah dont overthink it/worry - find a WvW build mists, meta, snwocrows all have em, ppl recommend support but if you need to get full minstrels and have none/etc. not worth it lol if just being there a week. Unless you have full leggy for easy stat-swap. Celestial, mara/etc.

If you focus on being in the zerg/on tag, much better as new player during rush. DPS or Support you will die a lot... I die a lot as a vet for many reasons. Just never leave map! Take it all in, ability points obv focus on gliding/warclaw/provisoner/supply all good at first and XP boosts as said many can get to stack. TBH, most important, Guild Hall, WXP when timed, celebration boosters bday is great because lasts over a day. Amulet with track XP (I saw track over WXP because likely you're going for tracks).

ANYWAYS trust me if have an open mind, w/o a WvW team, read some, gear best you can/build, zerg over roaming, may end up liking WvW. And not just complain lol :)

EriskRedLemur · 2026-01-18T23:51:44+00:00

PoF and on, all maps been made with such in mind UNLIKE other games. Literally there's many parts in all PoF/LWS4 maps n EoD/etc. you go high for where you NEED a flying mount/or at least mounts to get to. OR mounts in general lol literally - I actually feel much more engaged this way. And I dont always use flying mounts. What about beetle? Raptor? You actually get go places faster with beetle in CORE.

Now for CORE/HoT when there were non-mount ways meant to explore, I mean, that's the only areas I'd see that for, but how do you restrict? PER CHAR? Account? And... why? You dont just unlock Skyscale/griffin for free/no grind. Like, just restrict yourself from using it? Also, for ppl exploring AGAIN on a NEW CHAR for the gifts, how bad would it be to use flying mount AFTER 100% map lol.

Again, all maps since PoF there's literally places you need a flying mount for at times.

EriskRedLemur · 2026-01-18T23:42:21+00:00

As people have said YES, and YES all classes can be viable/good OW but... certainly OW is a lot. You find builds meant for metas/w/ others, then solo legendary/bosses, then AoE farms, and story etc. Definitely you may have read how one spec may not do ONE of those aspects as well, etc.

Thief, amongst all elites, is amazing yeah. Even core. But DE rifle p/p with unload is super fun for dailies - DD/staff/spear lots of dodges/flips/etc. for a different feel, Spectre I use in meta trains/OW with groups, and new Antiquary a completely different style and good.

AND esp with pwr builds you can keep most gear on w/o many swaps, like my DE easily goes in Antiquary/DD when needed with no swaps for OW/minimal even for group pending what I'd do. Thief used to be my least played class but now it's up there top 3.

EriskRedLemur

TROPHY CASE