Sevans.4619

Maybe I'm in the minority here but I love staff precisely because it's all ground targeted; I just think the cooldowns are too long.

I'd like to see shorter CDs and a condition added to the auto attack even if it's something petty like Vulnerability. At least then it increases damage of the other attacks and now it also synergizes with the new Corruptor's Fervor.

Maybe guaranteed projectile combo so we can skillfully apply more conditions using fields.

I didn't know that I needed GW2 dueling videos with narrative until now.

Probably the GS Roamer you can find on Metabattle or some variation of it. Gravedigger is going to hit hard no matter what build you run.

Necromancer and it's elites tend to struggle with CC and being zoned out with ranged weapons.

What are you playing?

Absolutely hate the loss of Crippling Throw and even though I didn't use GS super often, I'll probably never use it with these changes.

Here's how I try to look at it:

* Monarch's Leap is now readily available on a pretty reasonable cooldown; it's a leap finisher and it is the highest damage move sword has by a pretty good margin. So we get easier access to a more damaging skill and it's easier to use with combo fields.

* Serpent's Strike is now attached to a lower cooldown than before, so we technically have more evade uptime with this change if we're actively using Monarch's Leap (and the patch notes don't say anything about needing to hit with ML to gain access to SS). I do agree that it sucks that we lose the 'instant' evade of it being a stand alone skill.

* Hornet Sting has always been a really bad skill - Even if used properly doing the flippidy-doo-das with the about face button (which isn't hard so I wish people would stop saying that). It does now reset the CD for Monarch's Leap which gives use even more access to leaps and evades and lends itself to the acrobatic style of the sword.

In my totally imaginary scenario, I would buff up and leap in with Monarch's Leap, evade something with Serpent's Strike because you know they're mashing, Hornet Sting out (resetting ML cooldown), drop target, turn around and Monarch's Leap again away from the opponent and switch to longbow. On paper you're now 1,000 Tyrian measurement units away and can continue the pressure with longbow.

I think the biggest blow we took here, and this has been referred to already, is that we have lost an additional instant evade; and it's a pretty big nerf. I think this could be fixed by making the Hornet's Sting evade frames active the moment you touch the button.

Also Monarch's Leap applies cripple which will play well with the new OH dagger changes. I'm still not convinced dagger will be worth taking in a power build but if they end up being better than I think they are, you get more evades with Stalker's Strike.

TL;DR - I'm not convinced they're nerfs just yet and I see potential in the new version of sword.

Excited to play with the sword changes as I've always preferred sword / offhand for its acrobatic style. They genuinely seem like good changes and Monarch's Leap does respectable damage so having it on the ready is nice.

Stalker's Strike change is interesting but I'm not sure I understand the purpose of it. I still won't take it over axe or warhorn on a power build (where the buff would make the biggest difference.)

GS changes are whatever. Sucks to lose the evade on auto.

As a long time metal fan this pleases me. It almost makes me want to reroll my mains to Charr so I can also be a part of the Metal Legion.

Thanks for the advice so far! Keep it coming!

Warrior is definitely a pain for me. I feel helpless against roaming core warriors; I just need to find one to practice against.

Is a core condi necro a viable option? I loved the old terrormancer and I think something like that would be pretty amazing to play so long as it's not totally gimped.

Hey everyone,

I'm a launch player returning from a pretty long hiatus (over a year since the last time I played with any sort of fervor) and I've returned with the desire to play Necromancer or Reaper.

I primarily play WvW and I've been attempting to run a glassy Reaper with only moderate success. It's been great in small group fights but I'm having some difficulty surviving against things like revenants and warriors.

I'm just here to ask for some advice on how to properly play this class. I was a ranger main for a very long time and the sustain via heals and mobility on that class is insane by comparison and I'm feeling like a sitting duck when I don't have shroud up to chop things to bits.

How do you sustain against bursty classes until the next heal? What (if any) passive methods of healing do you use to stay topped off? Do you have any general tips for playing? Videos or streamers to watch?

Thanks in advance and if anyone needs more details about what I'm running to help steer me in the right direction, I'll be happy to provide that.

Coming back from a bit of a hiatus and this has been one of the more entertaining videos I've seen to get up to speed.

Inspired me to roam with axes and birds to give it a shot!

Nice video as always, Stawk.

Anvil Rock, eh? ;)

Eyy, Stawk! Love the video, man.

I miss playin' with you and Nax. Mag is against BG for a little longer; I'm gonna try to find you guys tonight!