[POF] Mirage - Builds and Discussion

[DuckDuckBOOM.4097]

> @Exciton.8942 said:

> > @Ojimaru.8970 said:

> > > @Exciton.8942 said:

> > > > @Ojimaru.8970 said:

> > > > [Here's my PVE Condi build I'll be running](http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vhAQRAna3PnELDVohNoBMMjlXDz//VAXglVgeTwBNAkTeOA-jxhHQBaUJI9U/pWPBAAcSAK3+DEU5H50PQKgFVWB-e).

> > > >

> > > > Features 98.87% bonus Condition Duration on Bleeding targets, where Bleeds are supplied by the axe chain attack and Phantasmal Duelists. One aspect of the build I want to test out will be Vigor up time, and thereby benefit from Nomad's Endurance.

> > > >

> > > > Currently unsure whether to switch out Ineptitude for Deceptive Evasion.

> > >

> > > You want scepter GM trait + phantasmal haste for a raid condition mesmer.

> >

> > Interesting. May I know the basis of your statement, taking into consideration the lack of Mirage benchmarks, even with the stress test numbers?

> The logic is simple. The condition mirage playstyle will be identical to condition mesmer, summon 3 duelists and stack bleeds. Your damage comes from the phantasms so you want to boost their damage. The only addition is that you will dodge to proc dune cloak bleeds.

>

> BTW, I think the new phantasm trait in illusion might be better than scepter trait. But you definitely don't want shatter trait as shattering phantasms always means a loss of dps.

 

Just wanted to add to this. Pretty sure the 3 duelists and never shattering is the way to go regardless of what gear is picked. Sigil of energy/geo is the way to go as an extra ambush and mirage cloak every 10 seconds is too good to pass up. As far as traits, compounding power and phantasmal haste are better. Axe if frequent target swapping/cleave is needed. Otherwise, scepter is better. Choosing GM traits and gear is where it gets interesting/complicated.

 

Confusion/torment got buffed to better than bleed levels in PvE so I understand wanting to get to 100% condi duration but viper/berserker rune has such a low crit chance that sharper images is a large chunk of the damage. Illusions also gives 33% confusion duration so krait+sinister/rampager could get high crit chance, 100% bleed, 88% confusion, 55% torment duration. Scepter trait and ineptitude for GMs. Possibly the nightmare/trapper combo to cap all 3 conditions with a viper, sinister, rampager mix.

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vhAQRAra3fnsICVohNoB2LDMMjlcjC9HWiZoMAStWzf9j/7H-jxhHQBgY/BypfIjKBzl6PA4kAEgnAwuU+RKgFVWB-e

However, grievers is also a thing which brings the power/condi hybrid a bit more to reality. Furthermore, dueling and illusions have two great power DPS GMs. Scepter 3, ambush and duelists hit relatively hard power wise. Crit chance is still really low though and might also require some rampagers to make the ferocity worthwhile.

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vhAQRAra3fnsICVohNoB2LDMMjlVDDdLcGqC+HwG4EssDUcCAA-jBiHQBkZ/Blq0Coq/8UlgEUZC50PAgTCQAeCAkCYRlVA-e

 

 

[ProtoGunner.4953]

Hey guys, I plan to go for Mirage and do the story. So a few question to the experts:

- what's the best gear? I plan to use full Viper's gear, what runes are best?

- dueling/illusion/mirage or dueling/domination/mirage?

- weapon sets?

Thanks for suggestions.

[Cave Rock.4869]

> @Michiel.3608 said:

> With the new forums up and the build editor finally updated with the new elites specs., show us what build you would like to try out.

>

> Link to editor: http://en.gw2skills.net/editor/

 

Thanks for being so helpful and getting discussion started on the Mirage. Sadly I am not so good at core mesmer or chronomancer. But I hope to be able to figure out a good build for the Mirage. My concerns are with the mirage cloaks being too complicated to use and the difficult learning curve on ambushes. I will keep an eye on some of these builds, especially for my friend who mains as a mesmer and nothing else. As he is concerned by the future of the profession, I just keep saying stay positive it will all be fine when PoF launches.

 

Btw fellow Mesmers check out my Guild Wars 2 Path of Fire vid, its an overview and discussion on the nine new elite specialisations. Cheers all good luck with working out some Mirage builds.

 

[Pascaltw.5893]

It will be interesting to see which raid dps style will work best:

 

1) Condi mesmer: 3x phantasms. Replace Chaos with Mirage for higher personal dps.

2) [shattering Mirage](http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vhAQRAnf76GNohVoBMMjlXDDNAkTOC+/vC4CssC0bCOA-jxhHQBEU5H50PoRlgA4kAQP1fK3+D16JAQKgFVWB-e "Shattering Mirage") (Illusion trait compounding power may still be stronger)

 

#Condition application of shatters:

A three illusion shatter will give:

* 4x 6s Confusion (illusion trait _"Illusionary Retribution"_)

* 4x 11.88s Torment (illusion trait _"Maim the Disillusioned"_)

* 4x Blind (dueling trait _"Blinding Dissipation"_)

* 8x 10s Confusion (dueling trait _"Ineptitude"_)

 

* (Cry of Frustration (F2) will give an additional 4x 6s Confusion)

 

#The above is only for shatters. Mirage also gets consistent application on:

* Axe 1 (strike 3) - 10.75 Bleeding + 10.75s Torment (clones can use this)

* Axe 2 - 3x 7.25s Torment

* Axe 3 - 5x 8s Confusion + 1x 8s confusion per axe clone

* Scepter AutoAttack chain is reasonable (clones can use this)

* Scepter 2 - 5x 14.25s Torment (with 1,271 damage) on a short 4.75s cooldown... and it gives an illusion

* Scepter 3 - 6x 14s Confusion (with 3,048 damage)

 

All shatters will also refresh the Riddle of Sand trait for 2x 10s Confusion on your next ambush

Scepter ambush deals 1750 damage (5 hits) with 5x Confusion (8s) or Torment (7.25s)

Mirage Cloak will also give 2x 10.75s bleeding from _"Dune Cloak"_

 

* Axe 3/Scepter 3 cooldowns fit nicely into the 10s weapon swap for Geomancy.

* Use phantasms off cooldown: Allow them to finish attacking but don't worry about keeping them alive.

* Only shatter with 3 illusions, only ambush after shattering.

* Aim for 3x illusions available when switching to Scepter so you can Ambush-Shatter-Ambush (Scepter ambush skill is stronger than Axe's)

* Use Axe 3 after using Axe 2 twice (extra confusion stacks).

* Always complete AutoAttack chains.

 

If this all works out it could be seriously high condition application with quite a fun playstyle.

Lots of resources to manage - Weapon & Shatter cooldowns, Number of illusions, Phantasm attacks, Dodges timed into rotation, Riddle of Sand trait.

 

The specialisation needs some work, but we have the makings of a solid dps build.

Excited to try it out!

[bart.3687]

> @Pascaltw.5893 said:

> #Condition application of shatters:

> A three illusion shatter will give:

> * 4x Blind (dueling trait _"Blinding Dissipation"_)

 

Blinding Dissipation doesn't cause your illusions to inflict blindness around them when they are shattered. It just triggers single AoE blindness around you when you use a shatter skill.

[Pascaltw.5893]

> @bart.3687 said:

> > @Pascaltw.5893 said:

> > #Condition application of shatters:

> > A three illusion shatter will give:

> > * 4x Blind (dueling trait _"Blinding Dissipation"_)

>

> Blinding Dissipation doesn't cause your illusions to inflict blindness around them when they are shattered. It just triggers single AoE blindness around you when you use a shatter skill.

 

Ah... Hm. That might be death of the build then. Thanks for the info.

[Mikkel.8427]

For WvW:

The Immortal Mergling

 

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vhAQJARRnsnBtphlpBmLDMMjlVDzvAuAjglRgjTAwcGMN6JA-jxBDQBCU9HJq8Te6C+oSwJcJAAwTAge7PQKgq0aB-e

 

For easy ZvZ tagging with extremely high survivability. Turn off Auto-attack (obviously). Bonus: One-man Laser Show!

 

For PvE I'm thinking something like this:

 

.... But I'm really not sure yet

 

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vhAQNAraWnsICFMjNoBWoBMMjlVDrsDccCA+FwF4EEdLcGeCA-jhxHQB6S5HuU/hWPBQfAGVC+h9HAwpAgUALq3C-e

 

Maybe change to Rampagers and switch the the endurance food...

[Pyroatheist.9031]

> @Mikkel.8427 said:

> For WvW:

> The Immortal Mergling

>

> http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vhAQJARRnsnBtphlpBmLDMMjlVDzvAuAjglRgjTAwcGMN6JA-jxBDQBCU9HJq8Te6C+oSwJcJAAwTAge7PQKgq0aB-e

>

> For easy ZvZ tagging with extremely high survivability. Turn off Auto-attack (obviously). Bonus: One-man Laser Show!

 

GS/GS wewlad.

 

Yeah, it'll work for tagging, but you might as well be afk in spawn for the amount of help you're giving the group. If you want brainless tagging, play apothecary scourge. You get a 20 target cap, spammable aoes, powerful barrier support, and strong damage combined with corruptions.

[Esplen.3940]

> Yeah, it'll work for tagging, but you might as well be afk in spawn for the amount of help you're giving the group.

 

If you really wanna just tag things, Chrono is better with wells.

[pinkglow.3429]

Here is my build I have been thinking about, lots of clone generation and quite tanky in order to make the enemy scratch their head, hopefully it will work when cruising around the world as well, what do you think? (with info about new mirage runes I will probably use those, and also blink could be swapped for signet of inspiration for speed, or signet of illusions for making illusions last as long as possible):

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vhAQNAW7flknhG1YZawTNwsGLzGVZAcbJjf9v//P6SUc/AA-jFSHQBC4hAAgLAgv2fIAHBg5p+zAV+NOdPWUJIpAKStF-w

 

Sure, I'm not using any of the mirage utilities, but I got a sour taste in the mouth when testing them in beta :/ If the ult gets better range then perhaps I swap moa for it :)

So, what do you say?=)

[Cave Rock.4869]

Keep the ideas coming Mirages. Lets stay the course and remain positive about some great builds being an option when PoF launches in 7 days. are we excited?

[Greasy.7609]

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vhAQNAnfWnELDFMjFoBOoBMMjlXDDNAkTeO+9vC4BsMB0biGA-jpRAQBp8QAUyHAAAOCACa/ByUGIAnAAA

 

This is the build I'd like to try out when I get my computer fixed axe/torch staff. I already have Rodgort/Bifrost.

 

As much as I wanted Balthazar runes for fire damage scavenger is the better bet for better overall damage. Shatter build but also to let the mirage cloak boost damage and deceptions to let me use mirage cloak often.

[Exciton.8942]

PvP build idea

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vhAQNAsfWnknB1qhdoBmpBMMjlTDjMAsAWOoRgky3xvBOBzgA-jJRHwAILDA4JAI4UA0b/BA

 

traitline

domi/illusion/mirage

 

For mirage line, the only good traits currently are the defensive traits. Mirage mirror and clone ambush are just not reliable in PvP setting.

Then we need to find the offensive power in other trait lines.

 

My idea is to take advantage of the synergy between sword ambush daze and confounding suggestions. The trait turns 1/4sec daze into 1sec stun which can set up shatter burst perfectly.

 

The other trait line would be illusion since the condition application and reduction on shatter/illusion summoning CD is just too good to pass.

 

Weapon choice is obviously sword/torch staff. Taking doom and energy sigils.

 

Utility will need more testing. Portal is obviously always strong. Then other 2 can change. Blink/Signet of illusion is an obvious safe choice that should work. However, you can potentially use illusionary ambush since you get the stun break on dodge already.

[Cave Rock.4869]

> @Greasy.7609 said:

> http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vhAQNAnfWnELDFMjFoBOoBMMjlXDDNAkTeO+9vC4BsMB0biGA-jpRAQBp8QAUyHAAAOCACa/ByUGIAnAAA

>

> This is the build I'd like to try out when I get my computer fixed axe/torch staff. I already have Rodgort/Bifrost.

>

> As much as I wanted Balthazar runes for fire damage scavenger is the better bet for better overall damage. Shatter build but also to let the mirage cloak boost damage and deceptions to let me use mirage cloak often.

 

My computer was also broken and I had to sell it, I feel your pain Greasy. But like me your doing a good job being here in spirit. In time bud we will get back in the game. Also it is great to see some more mirage build rolling on in keep it up. Btw Greasy check out my video and perhaps you to could still be a part of the community in that way, making youtube content to spread the word about the game and how great our community really is at times like these mate.

 

[InsaneQR.7412]

I made a pure mobilty spec with main dmg on condis and lots of chaos shield generation.

I played it during the stresstest and face tanked 3 hidras. Just use clones and all dodges. Shatter, blink arround, generate clones and repeat.

I may also use mirage runes, depending on what they do.

 

 

http://de.gw2skills.net/editor/?vhUQRAsf3dnknBFMjdqBmqBMMjlcjysCetHwf9j/5vMASteB-jRiAABAcCA44AKcxBBUCS9+DT8kCCw8XQq/AlyPZ0/AA-e

 

 

 

[FaboBabo.3581]

High Dps Build for Raids/Fractals ; http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vhAQRAna7anELD1LjVoBOoBMMjlVDDdLcGqCldgjTAwvA2AngA-jVSAQBWbfguquz6WYIkK/8wTAAAnEA2qEMg6HioKBrDGAmIlgZmZmGZmZmZmpUAVpsC-w

 

Reaches 100% Condi-duration for all dmg Condis through dune cloak. Most achievable endurance regenaration possible (for mesmer) through buff food + if vigour is on 100% uptime.

Start with iduellist into 2 scepter ambushes. Confusing immages, weapon swap, axe ambush + both axe 2 charges. Axe 3 and auto until axe 2 is up again. Axe 2 into second axe ambush and finally axe 3 again before weapon swap.

Heal skill + Crystal Sand off cooldown for mirrors + extra dmg. Same applies to Jaunt for dmg. Try to optimize ur Ambushes by doing more Scepter Ambushes then Axe ambushes. If u almost got a dodge on scepter when weaponswap is avaible u should wait and perform the scepter ambush i think.

 

Did not testet this build specifically so far, but could be nice i think.

[Windwalker.7421]

It seems that the myth that Mirage in PvP is mainly about Conditions is still going strong, but I will likely go for a Power build using Sw/To + GS with Mir/Dom/Due. That Sword/Jaunt/Blink mobility along with Stealth and high damage spikes is pretty nice. There is solid synergy between Sword & Dom, Mir & Duel, and even the much hated Mirrors will be better than most people are predicting.

 

Mirage will be a frustrating class to face, but in no way competes directly with Chrono. Apples & Oranges. It's a completely new way to play the Mesmer, and finally a solid Power Mesmer option. It will be great at point assaults, 1v1s, +1s, and picking off injured people trying to escape death. Certainly similar to Thieves, but still very different...less brutish, more stylish. :lol:

 

Remember: The GS Ambush is hitting #2 during Mirage Cloak not #1. :kissing_wink:

 

That doesn't mean I'm not looking forward to a long laundry list of improvements to Mirage. (Longer duration for Ambush & Mirrors, more synergies for Mirrors, 500-600 range for Jaunt, improvements to basically all of the Deceptions, significant improvements to Axe, better Ambush attacks, etc.)

[Exciton.8942]

> @Windwalker.7421 said:

> It seems that the myth that Mirage in PvP is mainly about Conditions is still going strong, but I will likely go for a Power build using Sw/To + GS with Mir/Dom/Due. That Sword/Jaunt/Blink mobility along with Stealth and high damage spikes is pretty nice. There is solid synergy between Sword & Dom, Mir & Duel, and even the much hated Mirrors will be better than most people are predicting.

>

> Mirage will be a frustrating class to face, but in no way competes directly with Chrono. Apples & Oranges. It's a completely new way to play the Mesmer, and finally a solid Power Mesmer option. It will be great at point assaults, 1v1s, +1s, and picking off injured people trying to escape death. Certainly similar to Thieves, but still very different...less brutish, more stylish. :lol:

>

> Remember: The GS Ambush is hitting #2 during Mirage Cloak not #1. :kissing_wink:

>

> That doesn't mean I'm not looking forward to a long laundry list of improvements to Mirage. (Longer duration for Ambush & Mirrors, more synergies for Mirrors, 500-600 range for Jaunt, improvements to basically all of the Deceptions, significant improvements to Axe, better Ambush attacks, etc.)

 

I prefer condition not because of the mirage. It is simply that the mesmer class in general favors condition right now.

 

Power build still has its place with high burst damage. But it lacks source of sustained damage. It is the same with either chrono or mirage.

 

One key problem is that illusion line is probably our best damage dealing line because it reduces CD on both shatter and illusion summoning skills. But this line also heavily favors condition. If I am going for illusion anyway, why don't I just go for condition to take advantage of it?

[Lotheap Mitty.6103]

I feel like the ambush system allows for a single-target power build to be viable.

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vhIQJArcnELDFMj1LDmLDMMjlVDzvAmAfgobhqzToMCMCCAA-jxBBABVq+TAnQBsU+dmSw80zQz+DA8gCCAcAse1Dqv+6r/8zP/8zPvvP/8zP/8zP/8zPvUAjKCD-e

seems to give a decent amount of ambushes and regen with it.

[Greasy.7609]

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vhAQNAnfRnELDFMjFoBOoBMMjlXDDNA8FeOlTgeT0wv/VAPgA-jphAQB0rMgHPCAl8QA8j9HI5DAAAnAAA Or I can use a power might build with runes of hoelbrak. Might generation addsup as the phantasmal mage adds fury to me or to an ally. Use the mirage cloak often to boost damage and confuse baddies

[takatsu.9416]

I tested Mirage during the demos but still this is my first time actually trying to work with it. I'm trying to attempt an evasion/block machine lol is it possible to keep an almost 100% evade/damage avoidance uptime is my question? but I have no idea whether it will have enough burst damage/pressure to put down an opponent, especially if I don't have the full ascended stats I put down here. I imagine the playstyle is to stick close to opponent and keep evading while ambush and shattering etc, try to stack vulnerability. Don't really care about the illusions doing the ambush, though that trait should honestly be a base thing. I've never been good enough at using the builds I theorize at its max potential so I wouldn't know how this is... there are probably a lot more tweaks that can optimize it and it's all over the place...the gear stats can be changed. let's say for wvw roaming or something

 

- Dodges are mirage cloaks

- sword 2 evade, sword 4 block, scepter 2 block (also could use focus for a projectile absorb if necessary)

- sword ambush daze/interrupt, pistol 5 stun/daze/interrupt, shatter daze/interrupt (might consider signet of domination for stun/interrupt)

- on weapon swap, heal, shatter and food endurance regain

- shatter, signet heal, signet illusions and moa signet for distortion

- sand through glass evade and mirage mirror, illusionary ambush for mirage cloak evade

- condi cleanse on heal, on shatters, on dodge

- stunbreak on dodges and sand through glass

 

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vhAQRAra8cnsICdohlLDGMDMrhFYDzv/9/OgnDhfQxhMAcByNA-jFTBQBA4gA4MdAmRJo0UpAPaGuiSlGquSHVW1sHAgGODA9TLQV2fgUAVp1C-w

 

[Esplen.3940]

> @takatsu.9416 said:

> I tested Mirage during the demos but still this is my first time actually trying to work with it. I'm trying to attempt an evasion/block machine lol is it possible to keep an almost 100% evade uptime is my question?

 

No, you can keep above 50% uptime on damage mitigation, but it involves doing less damage than the mythical [forever dodger](

)

 

 

[takatsu.9416]

> @Esplen.3940 said:

>

> No, you can keep above 50% uptime on damage mitigation, but it involves doing less damage than the mythical [forever dodger](

)

>

>

 

Well, sword 2 and sword 4 are both on 12 s cd, there is scepter 2 and some well timed daze/interrupts, fill in the gap with mirage dodges on as much endurance gain as possible, distortion and so on, I'm hoping that you can keep up taking minimal (aiming for no) damage for at least a time, without sacrificing any paper stats?

[Esplen.3940]

Ok, we can calculate it.

 

Endurance Regen (90%): 0.75s evade every 5.26s (14% evade uptime).

Sword2 (Traited): 2.5s evade every 9.5s (26% evade uptime).

Sword4 (Traited once): 0.5s evade every 9.5s (5% evade uptime).

Sigil of Energy: 0.75s evade every 9s (8% evade uptime).

Rune of the Adventurer (Theoretical): 0.75s evade every 10s (7.5% evade uptime).

Signet (Traited): 1s invuln every 24s (4% evade uptime).

Sand through Glass: 1.5s evade every 30s (5% evade uptime).

Crystal Sands: 1s evade every 20s (5% evade uptime).

Humility (Traited): 1s invuln every 180s (0.5% evade uptime).

Distortion: 4s invuln every 50s (8% invuln uptime).

 

This gives you a theoretical 84.4% evade/invuln uptime.

 

The strict requirements are:

100% Vigor uptime (unrealistic as a Mesmer).

Orrian Truffle and Steak Stew (not usable in s/tPvP).

Sword/Sword with Sigil of Energy (or Sword/ + /Sword). No other weapons can be used.

Weapon swap off cooldown.

Mantra of Recovery + 1 charge every 10s (Mantra does not trigger Rune and has a cast time, so the actual uptime is less than 7.5%).

 

Since we're looking at pure theoreticals, if you toss in 100% Alacrity, you get to 103% evade/invuln uptimes.

None of this is practical or usable, as the actual realistic percentages don't line up. What this means is that even though you can theoretically reach 80-100% damage negation, it's not applicable, as you'll have huge gaps in your uptime followed by points where you have too much uptime (and lots of overlap).

[takatsu.9416]

> @Esplen.3940 said:

> Ok, we can calculate it.

>

> None of this is practical or usable, as the actual realistic percentages don't line up. What this means is that even though you can theoretically reach 80-100% damage negation, it's not applicable, as you'll have huge gaps in your uptime followed by points where you have too much uptime (and lots of overlap).

 

Wow thanks for doing some math on this. That's more than I expected already lol. I completely agree; I'm not expecting to constantly evade, obviously you'll only be using it when necessary. Plus two blocks, plus condi cleanse, interrupt/daze, put some pressure on, and so on. In combat, other elements come into play both against and for you. So it's definitely not meant to be an actual continuous evade like the evade thief does. There will of course be little gaps to deal with. It's about responding to the opponent and situation. But this math to means it is more than enough evades to avoid a lot of damage to me. I'm horrible at math though. Now I'm wondering how the damage will math up