r/GuildWars2Builds • u/Bit_Butt • Feb 19 '20

Discussion Vanilla specs viable?

Some context I’ve played Guild Wars 2 on and off since launch SUPER casually, I’ve recently come back to the game with a new found appreciation for the world and story but am too stubborn to buy the expansions until I complete the base story and living worlds.

Are any of the classes viable for Dungeons and general PvE using only vanilla specs? I feel every build I’ve seen on meta battle uses an elite spec, I understand I can use basically anything for exploration but from my limited dungeon experience some folks take it super seriously and I’d like to be able to pull my own weight.

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u/drjhordan Feb 19 '20

I think all professions are viable. The only one I didn't like as vanilla is ranger. Mesmer is ok, not really superb. Never used vanilla Engie, thief or elementalist, but they are good I guess. Warrior and guardian are really good as vanilla, I got one of each.

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u/Bit_Butt Feb 19 '20

I assume by Warrior you mean banners, right? I’ve used a banner warrior to 2 man the first couple story dungeons, but other than the obvious buffs and the break bars I felt like I wasn’t really doing much and was basically being carried by my Mesmer friend xD

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u/drjhordan Feb 19 '20 edited Feb 19 '20

Yup, banners. They are somewhat a special case. They are quite strong and self sufficient alone; Take the banner trait, and focus on having lots of might. But since they ARE buffers, whoever plays with you, will take the bonus from the banners, from the Empowered Allies if you have it, and bonus might from Phalanx Strenght, so yeah, they will end up stronger than you (given they are traited and equiped for damage).

I think it is not a problem. That's actually exactly why I like the build, it is damage focused but with a somewhat support role. But if you do prefer a pure damage, well, there is still Guardian.

Here, this is how I use it. I don't think there is anything you can't do without the expansions, as far as I remember. Oh yeah and probably people would prefer to use Rampage over Battle Standard, but I personally like the revives and extra boons from it.

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u/ThaVolt Mar 03 '20

Vanilla condi engi/flamethrower isn't terrible.

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u/drjhordan Mar 03 '20

I don't think there is any terrible one. Engie in specific is actually quite good at vanilla, but will take more of you to excel at damage with all the kits handling.

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u/Luna_EclipseRS Feb 19 '20

Yeah everything works in vanilla open world/ dungeons. The later dungeons (like arah) will require you to be a bit more skilful in how you play but it's still workable. In general it's just that elite specs are just better, but that doesn't mean vanilla isn't viable.

Just find a class you actually enjoy the playstyle of and go from there.

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u/Geronimo-Rocket Feb 19 '20

Minion master necro is very viable. Warrior will always be viable I think and guardian is still a great choice

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u/ThrowawayLocal8622 Aug 21 '22

Metabattle has some very good PVE core build that are SUPER helpful for leveling.

I'm super casual and they have helped me a lot when starting out. I've tweaked them along the way to adapt to my preferences but it's a fine launching point.