Ascended gear isn't really needed (one can say even exotic isn't needed and exotic gives a bigger boost from rare than ascended from exotic) except for FoTM.
What ascended gear is though, is grindy and not friendly for either alts and/or different builds.
Of course atm for WvW one generally wants PVT for armor most often than nor and for PvW one wants beserker.
Although Anet claimed they are looking at fixing the preponderance of zerker gear in PvE.
Currently playing: GW2 Going cardboard starter kit: Ticket to ride, Pandemic, Carcassonne, Dominion, 7 Wonders
Ascended gear isn't really needed (one can say even exotic isn't needed and exotic gives a bigger boost from rare than ascended from exotic) except for FoTM.
What ascended gear is though, is grindy and not friendly for either alts and/or different builds.
Of course atm for WvW one generally wants PVT for armor most often than nor and for PvW one wants beserker.
Although Anet claimed they are looking at fixing the preponderance of zerker gear in PvE.
I think thats only true ..partially.. as far as not being alt friendly. If you run fotm enough and if you get to 40+ on a single character.. rings drop waaayyy too frequently and weapon drops are common too...
Currently I have a ton of infused rings in my bank just waiting for them to... well.. give me something to do with them aside from selling them for a few silver...
The only thing I find to be annoying is the lack of ways to purchase ascended trinkets... but amulets and rings.. I mean... they have to find something else to use these pristine fractal relics for.. because they're pretty trivial once you get 20+ in fotm.
Otherwise the actual ascended gear.. really isn't that important, no... and it doesn't even look that good visually for most of the sets. I was extremely disappointed when I crafted my ascended weapon - even - just because it wasn't nearly as shiny as it should have been for all the work I put into it.
How is GW2 P2W lol? A 12% stat increase in a skill based game is not much of anything.
How is GW2 even remotely skill based? Tab or aim -> use skills when off CD -> dodge if need be. There's nothing any more skill based than any other MMO out there. So yeah that little bit of stats makes a huge difference. If it's such a skill based game why do they balance out all the gear and levels for spvp? In order to actually make a skill a factor instead of gear. GW2 is not a skill based game no matter how much you'd like it to be. There's a reason their pvp and e-sports efforts flopped so hard.
Every post arguing with OP: "Yeah the ascended gear has decidedly better stats. But you don't REALLY need it." Uh yeah if it has better stats and is considered BIS you kinda do. Otherwise you're just weaker than the person who has it. Since the game isn't skill based anyone you run into with the same skill as you with better gear will win every time. No one in this thread can even accurately point out how much the stats are worth I see everything from .5% - 25% better. Even at 12% that means they finish the fight having done 12% dps more, taken 12% less dmg, etc. I don't know how you people saying it doesn't matter ever made it through high school math.
How is GW2 P2W lol? A 12% stat increase in a skill based game is not much of anything.
How is GW2 even remotely skill based? Tab or aim -> use skills when off CD -> dodge if need be. There's nothing any more skill based than any other MMO out there. So yeah that little bit of stats makes a huge difference. If it's such a skill based game why do they balance out all the gear and levels for spvp? In order to actually make a skill a factor instead of gear. GW2 is not a skill based game no matter how much you'd like it to be. There's a reason their pvp and e-sports efforts flopped so hard.
Every post arguing with OP: "Yeah the ascended gear has decidedly better stats. But you don't REALLY need it." Uh yeah if it has better stats and is considered BIS you kinda do. Otherwise you're just weaker than the person who has it. Since the game isn't skill based anyone you run into with the same skill as you with better gear will win every time. No one in this thread can even accurately point out how much the stats are worth I see everything from .5% - 25% better. Even at 12% that means they finish the fight having done 12% dps more, taken 12% less dmg, etc. I don't know how you people saying it doesn't matter ever made it through high school math.
I'll disagree with that... I mean in tpvp, which I play quite a bit of, I can run up against people with they same exact skills as I have, running almost identical specs, and still beat them... despite the fact neither of us has a gear advantage. Many times I can do this without getting even remotely close to dying...
Extrapolate that, if the same characters had 15% better stats than me? 15% more power when dead doesn't make them anymore alive, as 15% isn't going to change the outcome when it comes to the better player, just like having a legendary weapon in WvW doesn't automatically make you win against a guy using an exotic weapon...
When considering that the skill required is build construction > rotation management > class understanding > situational awareness > ability awareness -- its about as skillful as you'll get in an MMO without an easily exploitable targeting system like FPS targeting.
How is GW2 P2W lol? A 12% stat increase in a skill based game is not much of anything.
How is GW2 even remotely skill based? Tab or aim -> use skills when off CD -> dodge if need be. There's nothing any more skill based than any other MMO out there. So yeah that little bit of stats makes a huge difference. If it's such a skill based game why do they balance out all the gear and levels for spvp? In order to actually make a skill a factor instead of gear. GW2 is not a skill based game no matter how much you'd like it to be. There's a reason their pvp and e-sports efforts flopped so hard.
Every post arguing with OP: "Yeah the ascended gear has decidedly better stats. But you don't REALLY need it." Uh yeah if it has better stats and is considered BIS you kinda do. Otherwise you're just weaker than the person who has it. Since the game isn't skill based anyone you run into with the same skill as you with better gear will win every time. No one in this thread can even accurately point out how much the stats are worth I see everything from .5% - 25% better. Even at 12% that means they finish the fight having done 12% dps more, taken 12% less dmg, etc. I don't know how you people saying it doesn't matter ever made it through high school math.
You'll do better in PvE with exotic zerker/assassin than ascended whatever else.
First no one aims in GW2 - most people are in melee range anyway or up to 600 range so you just shoot/swing at whatever is in front of you.
In current state of PvE taking damage either kills you or it is irrelevant - compared to dodge and active blocks stats like toughness and armor mean nothing.
You'll do better in WvW running exotic PVT armor with exotic zerker trinkets than anyone running ascended wahtever else (in WvW there is a bit more variety, but this is mostly true).
In WvW 1vs1 is basically you winning if your build can defeat the other guy. If the other guy has a build that is good versus yours, he can be in exotics and you in ascended and you won't be able to kill him.
In WvW small group vs small group it is mostly coordination, although in two equally skilled groups that make no mistakes, ascended might make a tiny difference.
In WvW army vs army it is all about coordination and size - you go in, use your stability skills and invulns properly and you come out on the other side unless you are severely outnumbered.
In GW2 active defense usage beats ascended.
Currently playing: GW2 Going cardboard starter kit: Ticket to ride, Pandemic, Carcassonne, Dominion, 7 Wonders
How is GW2 P2W lol? A 12% stat increase in a skill based game is not much of anything.
How is GW2 even remotely skill based? Tab or aim -> use skills when off CD -> dodge if need be. There's nothing any more skill based than any other MMO out there. So yeah that little bit of stats makes a huge difference. If it's such a skill based game why do they balance out all the gear and levels for spvp? In order to actually make a skill a factor instead of gear. GW2 is not a skill based game no matter how much you'd like it to be. There's a reason their pvp and e-sports efforts flopped so hard.
Every post arguing with OP: "Yeah the ascended gear has decidedly better stats. But you don't REALLY need it." Uh yeah if it has better stats and is considered BIS you kinda do. Otherwise you're just weaker than the person who has it. Since the game isn't skill based anyone you run into with the same skill as you with better gear will win every time. No one in this thread can even accurately point out how much the stats are worth I see everything from .5% - 25% better. Even at 12% that means they finish the fight having done 12% dps more, taken 12% less dmg, etc. I don't know how you people saying it doesn't matter ever made it through high school math.
I'll disagree with that... I mean in tpvp, which I play quite a bit of, I can run up against people with they same exact skills as I have, running almost identical specs, and still beat them... despite the fact neither of us has a gear advantage. Many times I can do this without getting even remotely close to dying...
Extrapolate that, if the same characters had 15% better stats than me? 15% more power when dead doesn't make them anymore alive, as 15% isn't going to change the outcome when it comes to the better player, just like having a legendary weapon in WvW doesn't automatically make you win against a guy using an exotic weapon...
When considering that the skill required is build construction > rotation management > class understanding > situational awareness > ability awareness -- its about as skillful as you'll get in an MMO without an easily exploitable targeting system like FPS targeting.
If the 15% better dude showed up we have no idea what would happen because that can never happen in sPvP. I'm sure you and I could go naked into sPvP and own people all day, but that's not really what I meant. The people your beating are probably not as good as you. This doesn't make the game skills based though. 'm not saying the game takes NO skill or that an infant could play it. Just because it requries motor and visual skills does not make it a skill based game.
Also in my aforementioned example I'm talking 2 EVENLY SKILLED people, both alert to the fight that's about to occur, on equal footing, etc. That means that if I'm at the skill cap and someone else is too, if they have better gear, they will win the fight every time. That's just plain math and removes any point of skill whatsoever.
I will just say that I have a problem with games that sell "convenience items" because earning loot, gold and crafting resources is supposed to be part of what makes these games games, now your hard work feels stupid and you feel cheap because you played instead of paid.
GW2 has very minimal grind. I mean if you want to get nitty gritty you can say the entire game is a grind, but then again, any mmorpg, and or rpg would be a grind too. You have to do something to progress whether it be collect x, kill x, talk to x, find x, hide x, defend x, whatever the objective is you gotta do it.
If you start to get that feeling that something is "grind" then you are doing it to frequently and you are getting bored. If you are talking about grind as we generally understand it then it is a game mechanic.
To get certain items, in GW2, as well as any other mmorpg, you have to "work" for it. They have kept the traditional "grind" to a minimum if you ask me.
Pay to win? Not a chance...sPvP all gear is equal, better players will win. WvW, well that is broken for other reasons, aside from the fact of whether person X has exotics and person Y has ascended gear, such a very, very, very, very minor difference in stats. Correct me if I am wrong but you cannot even get ascended materials from items purchasable by gold?
Originally posted by Arskaaa "when players learned tacticks in dungeon/raids, its bread".
Also in my aforementioned example I'm talking 2 EVENLY SKILLED people, both alert to the fight that's about to occur, on equal footing, etc. That means that if I'm at the skill cap and someone else is too, if they have better gear, they will win the fight every time. That's just plain math and removes any point of skill whatsoever.
Yes, if you are both the same class with the exact same talents, have the same weapon types in the same hands, and use the same rotations but the only difference is he has better gear, then yes he will beat you every time. However, the odds two players like that coming up on a 1 vs 1 setting like that to where they are identical clones in every way except their gear in WvW is probably along the lines of being struck by lightning. I mean sure, it CAN happen. But does it? Not really.
How is GW2 P2W lol? A 12% stat increase in a skill based game is not much of anything.
How is GW2 even remotely skill based? Tab or aim -> use skills when off CD -> dodge if need be. There's nothing any more skill based than any other MMO out there. So yeah that little bit of stats makes a huge difference. If it's such a skill based game why do they balance out all the gear and levels for spvp? In order to actually make a skill a factor instead of gear. GW2 is not a skill based game no matter how much you'd like it to be. There's a reason their pvp and e-sports efforts flopped so hard.
Every post arguing with OP: "Yeah the ascended gear has decidedly better stats. But you don't REALLY need it." Uh yeah if it has better stats and is considered BIS you kinda do. Otherwise you're just weaker than the person who has it. Since the game isn't skill based anyone you run into with the same skill as you with better gear will win every time. No one in this thread can even accurately point out how much the stats are worth I see everything from .5% - 25% better. Even at 12% that means they finish the fight having done 12% dps more, taken 12% less dmg, etc. I don't know how you people saying it doesn't matter ever made it through high school math.
You'll do better in PvE with exotic zerker/assassin than ascended whatever else.
First no one aims in GW2 - most people are in melee range anyway or up to 600 range so you just shoot/swing at whatever is in front of you.
In current state of PvE taking damage either kills you or it is irrelevant - compared to dodge and active blocks stats like toughness and armor mean nothing.
You'll do better in WvW running exotic PVT armor with exotic zerker trinkets than anyone running ascended wahtever else (in WvW there is a bit more variety, but this is mostly true).
In WvW 1vs1 is basically you winning if your build can defeat the other guy. If the other guy has a build that is good versus yours, he can be in exotics and you in ascended and you won't be able to kill him.
In WvW small group vs small group it is mostly coordination, although in two equally skilled groups that make no mistakes, ascended might make a tiny difference.
In WvW army vs army it is all about coordination and size - you go in, use your stability skills and invulns properly and you come out on the other side unless you are severely outnumbered.
In GW2 active defense usage beats ascended.
at 1st, you had me a bit confused. I admit I'd been out of the game since Ascended weapons were introduced. So I actually had to go look this up. You had said that Exo Soldiers is better than Ascended Anything else. At 1st I took that to mean that Soldiers/Sentinel's wasn't available for the new Ascended gear. But the Wiki shows me that it is. So I was confused. as to why would you argue that Ascended really isn't enough of an improvement over Exo to make huge differences by saying that Soldier's is better than Berzerker's in WVW. But, After mulling it over, I think I get where you are coming from. Are you saying that most players aren't really in much of a position to have multiple sets of Ascended specifically for WVW and PVE? And that they want to wear Ascended gear, they have to use their Fractal set and that they are better off just wearing their Exos for WVW instead?
If that's your argument, I can agree with that. Because that's basically where I would be at. But then we are getting back to the whol excessive grind for small rewards issue if we want to compare Ascended Solders to Exo Solder's.
Although someone else in this thread said that after a certain point, he has more Ascended gear than he knows what to do with, So....meh.
Originally posted by bcbully @gia gw2 does not have an active block button. Please do not redefine. You can not put up you guard at any time to mitigate any attack.
GW2 has active skills that block.
For example an Engineer in WvW use Pistol/Shield.
Shield five is a block that can block any number of ranged attacks for 2 secs or a single melee attack (it will stun and deal damage).
An engineer also uses tool kit (quite popular in WvW). Skill #4 is a block that lasts for 3 secs and can block any number of attacks.
Ranger Greatsword 4 is another skill that last a few seconds and that will block 1 attack (and perform a counter attack) or block any number of ranged attacks for a short duration.
The use of the blocks is limited by your weapon/skills load out and their recharge.
I've asked you before - how many attacks can you block/how long can you have your guard up in ESO?
I doubt it is infinite and it has some recharge/cooldown mechanism (even if it is called something else).
Currently playing: GW2 Going cardboard starter kit: Ticket to ride, Pandemic, Carcassonne, Dominion, 7 Wonders
at 1st, you had me a bit confused. I admit I'd been out of the game since Ascended weapons were introduced. So I actually had to go look this up. You had said that Exo Soldiers is better than Ascended Anything else. At 1st I took that to mean that Soldiers/Sentinel's wasn't available for the new Ascended gear. But the Wiki shows me that it is. So I was confused. as to why would you argue that Ascended really isn't enough of an improvement over Exo to make huge differences by saying that Soldier's is better than Berzerker's in WVW. But, After mulling it over, I think I get where you are coming from. Are you saying that most players aren't really in much of a position to have multiple sets of Ascended specifically for WVW and PVE? And that they want to wear Ascended gear, they have to use their Fractal set and that they are better off just wearing their Exos for WVW instead?
If that's your argument, I can agree with that. Because that's basically where I would be at. But then we are getting back to the whol excessive grind for small rewards issue if we want to compare Ascended Solders to Exo Solder's.
Although someone else in this thread said that after a certain point, he has more Ascended gear than he knows what to do with, So....meh.
I'm saying it is better to use exotic PVT in WvW than ascended zerker. Of course using Ascended PVT is better than exotic PVT.
Likewise it is better to use exotic zerker/assassin in PVE than using something like Ascended cleric's. Of course Ascended zerker/assassin is better than ascended zerker/assassin.
So what I'm saying is that stat combos make a bigger difference than ascended.
If you do fractals you will get tons of rings and should have decent access to ascended back slots (although there is new recipes for ascended back slots for those that do not do fractals).
Amulets and rings are easy. Earrings are easy if you are in a guild that does guild missions. Otherwise at 50 ectos a pop it is a bit harder.
The hard part of ascended weapons is actually level the crafting from 400 to 500. The weapon itself isn't to bad.
Ascended armor on the other hand is a big grind.
Currently playing: GW2 Going cardboard starter kit: Ticket to ride, Pandemic, Carcassonne, Dominion, 7 Wonders
Originally posted by bcbully @gia gw2 does not have an active block button. Please do not redefine. You can not put up you guard at any time to mitigate any attack.
Gaia didn't say GW2 has an active block button, just active blocks in which it does. It depends on the class and the weapon such as:
1) warrior with shield using the ability shield stance
2) warrior using mace and counter blow
3) guardian using a sword and zealot's defense
4) messemer using a sword and illusionary riposte
5) messemer using a scepter and illusionary counter
and so on....
There are many more but I didn't feel like listing them all. You are right, there is no dedicated active block button you can hold to spam block. It depends on the class and what hand the weapon is located which determines the button you will use to actively block, which is usually the number 4 or 5. There is of course a cool down between uses of these block abilities but they mitigate 100% damage and usually trigger a counter of some sort.
Originally posted by bcbully @gia gw2 does not have an active block button. Please do not redefine. You can not put up you guard at any time to mitigate any attack.
Gaia didn't say GW2 has an active block button, just active blocks in which it does. It depends on the class and the weapon such as:
1) warrior with shield using the ability shield stance
2) warrior using mace and counter blow
3) guardian using a sword and zealot's defense
4) messemer using a sword and illusionary riposte
5) messemer using a scepter and illusionary counter
and so on....
There are many more but I didn't feel like listing them all. You are right, there is no dedicated active block button you can hold to spam block. It depends on the class and what hand the weapon is located which determines the button you will use to actively block, which is usually the number 4 or 5. There is of course a cool down between uses of these block abilities but they mitigate 100% damage and usually trigger a counter of some sort.
So just like every other mmorpg that's been made with special class abilities that allow for mitigation on CD.
YOU know there is a huge difference between this and the active block ESO or Wushu offers.
Originally posted by bcbully @gia gw2 does not have an active block button. Please do not redefine. You can not put up you guard at any time to mitigate any attack.
GW2 has active skills that block.
For example an Engineer in WvW use Pistol/Shield.
Shield five is a block that can block any number of ranged attacks for 2 secs or a single melee attack (it will stun and deal damage).
An engineer also uses tool kit (quite popular in WvW). Skill #4 is a block that lasts for 3 secs and can block any number of attacks.
Ranger Greatsword 4 is another skill that last a few seconds and that will block 1 attack (and perform a counter attack) or block any number of ranged attacks for a short duration.
The use of the blocks is limited by your weapon/skills load out and their recharge.
I've asked you before - how many attacks can you block/how long can you have your guard up in ESO?
I doubt it is infinite and it has some recharge/cooldown mechanism (even if it is called something else).
And I told you Gia.. Just try it. I'm not being an ass, but GW2 does not have it. You will understand once you try in ESO or Wushu. It's not even close.
Again in ESO or Wushu all classes and builds can block any attack at anytime. There is block/parry endurance eventually if you just hold block in ESO you will lose energy. In Wushu you parry will break, or be broken by a feint attack.
Here is an example of the flow of combat in ESO post in another thread -
You see things like Player A opens with slow, heavy duel dagger attack. Player B blocks the attack and counters with a quick light two handed weapon attack. Player B then follows up with a second heavier medium attack, but is blocked/interrupted (RMB+LMB) by Player A, putting player B in a dazed state. Notice NO class or weapon abilities have been used in this scenario.
edit - and it's also a timing thing... not a CD that lasts X amount of time. When you get a look, you will understand.
Originally posted by bcbully @gia gw2 does not have an active block button. Please do not redefine. You can not put up you guard at any time to mitigate any attack.
Gaia didn't say GW2 has an active block button, just active blocks in which it does. It depends on the class and the weapon such as:
1) warrior with shield using the ability shield stance
2) warrior using mace and counter blow
3) guardian using a sword and zealot's defense
4) messemer using a sword and illusionary riposte
5) messemer using a scepter and illusionary counter
and so on....
There are many more but I didn't feel like listing them all. You are right, there is no dedicated active block button you can hold to spam block. It depends on the class and what hand the weapon is located which determines the button you will use to actively block, which is usually the number 4 or 5. There is of course a cool down between uses of these block abilities but they mitigate 100% damage and usually trigger a counter of some sort.
So just like every other mmorpg that's been made with special class abilities that allow for mitigation on CD.
YOU know there is a huge difference between this and the active block ESO or Wushu offers.
Well I actually have no idea how it works in ESO so I can't comment on it, though I do know how it works in Skyrim and Oblivion. In those games you lose some stamina per hit while blocked and you still take some damage, so it isn't something that can be held indefinitely. Like you said in the other forums, I havn't played Wushu in over 8 months so I can't honestly remember if there is any resource management to blocking. Is there? So it basically boils down to having a block that mitigates 100% every 15-30 seconds or something that eats up some other source other than time. Then it's just decided on which style you prefer. I think all versions have their merits and skill on knowing when to use them.
Originally posted by bcbully @gia gw2 does not have an active block button. Please do not redefine. You can not put up you guard at any time to mitigate any attack.
Gaia didn't say GW2 has an active block button, just active blocks in which it does. It depends on the class and the weapon such as:
1) warrior with shield using the ability shield stance
2) warrior using mace and counter blow
3) guardian using a sword and zealot's defense
4) messemer using a sword and illusionary riposte
5) messemer using a scepter and illusionary counter
and so on....
There are many more but I didn't feel like listing them all. You are right, there is no dedicated active block button you can hold to spam block. It depends on the class and what hand the weapon is located which determines the button you will use to actively block, which is usually the number 4 or 5. There is of course a cool down between uses of these block abilities but they mitigate 100% damage and usually trigger a counter of some sort.
So just like every other mmorpg that's been made with special class abilities that allow for mitigation on CD.
YOU know there is a huge difference between this and the active block ESO or Wushu offers.
Well I actually have no idea how it works in ESO so I can't comment on it, though I do know how it works in Skyrim and Oblivion. In those games you lose some stamina per hit while blocked and you still take some damage, so it isn't something that can be held indefinitely. Like you said in the other forums, I havn't played Wushu in over 8 months so I can't honestly remember if there is any resource management to blocking. Is there? So it basically boils down to having a block that mitigates 100% every 15-30 seconds or something that eats up some other source other than time. Then it's just decided on which style you prefer. I think all versions have their merits and skill on knowing when to use them.
No man.. there is no 15-30 secs thing. It's like two knights fighting... Here like this but faster (Lulz) in a video game way... but cooler likethis. You see, no cool downs. You see the attack you choose to block, dodge, or eat it, at all times.
Anything more, and I will feel like you're trolling me...
edit - "Then it's just decided on which style you prefer. I think all versions have their merits and skill on knowing when to use them." Dude that's me showing you a car, and you saying you have one too, then showing me a horse, then saying it boils down to which type a car a person prefers. omg... You have a horse, and that's fine, but for ffs don't call it a car.
I'm a fan of the prerelease GW2, the one that Colin Johanson told us so much about, the game that never came to be.
I believed Colin when he said he wanted to make a game that wasn't grindy.
I believed Colin when he said he wanted to make a game that wasn't pay to win.
It was a lie. GW2 is grindy. GW2 is pay to win.
Legendary Weapons are BIS. Ascended armor and accessories are BIS. Legendary and Ascended have ridiculous material lists and are time gated... unless you buy the required mats from the TP.
How might one go about obtaining gold to purchase said implements of end-game destruction you might ask? Well hero, one easy way is to purchase gems with real money and then convert them to gold. (Hence forth known as PAY TO WIN.)
We were told that the gear in GW2 would be fluff, cosmetic, without power creep. We were lied to.
I am sorry that I spoke out for this game and its developers. I am sorry that I may have misled people by repeating the lies I was told. I promised that if I were wrong I'd return and say as much and here I am. I was wrong. Gw2 is in fact grindy and pay to win.
And I thought you were going to say sorry for bothering us with your story whic has been posted numerous of times...
Originally posted by Gaia_Hunter So one is limited by cooldown and duration, the other is limited by a resource that will drain out.
So what if your horse eats grass and mine eats gas, they are both horses huh? NO THEY ARE NOT omg ty for the laugh. I hope you get a chance to try it. When you do, please pm me and say "I UNDERSTAND!"
Originally posted by Gaia_Hunter So one is limited by cooldown and duration, the other is limited by a resource that will drain out.
So what if your horse eats grass and mine eats gas, they are both horses huh? NO THEY ARE NOT omg ty for the laugh. I hope you get a chance to try it. When you do, please pm me and say "I UNDERSTAND!"
I've seen your knight video.
Somehow it is quite close to this .
Warrior raise its shield and block the attacks.
Shame you didn't link to game footage.
Currently playing: GW2 Going cardboard starter kit: Ticket to ride, Pandemic, Carcassonne, Dominion, 7 Wonders
Comments
Ascended gear isn't really needed (one can say even exotic isn't needed and exotic gives a bigger boost from rare than ascended from exotic) except for FoTM.
What ascended gear is though, is grindy and not friendly for either alts and/or different builds.
Of course atm for WvW one generally wants PVT for armor most often than nor and for PvW one wants beserker.
Although Anet claimed they are looking at fixing the preponderance of zerker gear in PvE.
Currently playing: GW2
Going cardboard starter kit: Ticket to ride, Pandemic, Carcassonne, Dominion, 7 Wonders
I think thats only true ..partially.. as far as not being alt friendly. If you run fotm enough and if you get to 40+ on a single character.. rings drop waaayyy too frequently and weapon drops are common too...
Currently I have a ton of infused rings in my bank just waiting for them to... well.. give me something to do with them aside from selling them for a few silver...
The only thing I find to be annoying is the lack of ways to purchase ascended trinkets... but amulets and rings.. I mean... they have to find something else to use these pristine fractal relics for.. because they're pretty trivial once you get 20+ in fotm.
Otherwise the actual ascended gear.. really isn't that important, no... and it doesn't even look that good visually for most of the sets. I was extremely disappointed when I crafted my ascended weapon - even - just because it wasn't nearly as shiny as it should have been for all the work I put into it.
How is GW2 even remotely skill based? Tab or aim -> use skills when off CD -> dodge if need be. There's nothing any more skill based than any other MMO out there. So yeah that little bit of stats makes a huge difference. If it's such a skill based game why do they balance out all the gear and levels for spvp? In order to actually make a skill a factor instead of gear. GW2 is not a skill based game no matter how much you'd like it to be. There's a reason their pvp and e-sports efforts flopped so hard.
Every post arguing with OP: "Yeah the ascended gear has decidedly better stats. But you don't REALLY need it." Uh yeah if it has better stats and is considered BIS you kinda do. Otherwise you're just weaker than the person who has it. Since the game isn't skill based anyone you run into with the same skill as you with better gear will win every time. No one in this thread can even accurately point out how much the stats are worth I see everything from .5% - 25% better. Even at 12% that means they finish the fight having done 12% dps more, taken 12% less dmg, etc. I don't know how you people saying it doesn't matter ever made it through high school math.
Steam: Neph
I'll disagree with that... I mean in tpvp, which I play quite a bit of, I can run up against people with they same exact skills as I have, running almost identical specs, and still beat them... despite the fact neither of us has a gear advantage. Many times I can do this without getting even remotely close to dying...
Extrapolate that, if the same characters had 15% better stats than me? 15% more power when dead doesn't make them anymore alive, as 15% isn't going to change the outcome when it comes to the better player, just like having a legendary weapon in WvW doesn't automatically make you win against a guy using an exotic weapon...
When considering that the skill required is build construction > rotation management > class understanding > situational awareness > ability awareness -- its about as skillful as you'll get in an MMO without an easily exploitable targeting system like FPS targeting.
You'll do better in PvE with exotic zerker/assassin than ascended whatever else.
First no one aims in GW2 - most people are in melee range anyway or up to 600 range so you just shoot/swing at whatever is in front of you.
In current state of PvE taking damage either kills you or it is irrelevant - compared to dodge and active blocks stats like toughness and armor mean nothing.
You'll do better in WvW running exotic PVT armor with exotic zerker trinkets than anyone running ascended wahtever else (in WvW there is a bit more variety, but this is mostly true).
In WvW 1vs1 is basically you winning if your build can defeat the other guy. If the other guy has a build that is good versus yours, he can be in exotics and you in ascended and you won't be able to kill him.
In WvW small group vs small group it is mostly coordination, although in two equally skilled groups that make no mistakes, ascended might make a tiny difference.
In WvW army vs army it is all about coordination and size - you go in, use your stability skills and invulns properly and you come out on the other side unless you are severely outnumbered.
In GW2 active defense usage beats ascended.
Currently playing: GW2
Going cardboard starter kit: Ticket to ride, Pandemic, Carcassonne, Dominion, 7 Wonders
If the 15% better dude showed up we have no idea what would happen because that can never happen in sPvP. I'm sure you and I could go naked into sPvP and own people all day, but that's not really what I meant. The people your beating are probably not as good as you. This doesn't make the game skills based though. 'm not saying the game takes NO skill or that an infant could play it. Just because it requries motor and visual skills does not make it a skill based game.
Also in my aforementioned example I'm talking 2 EVENLY SKILLED people, both alert to the fight that's about to occur, on equal footing, etc. That means that if I'm at the skill cap and someone else is too, if they have better gear, they will win the fight every time. That's just plain math and removes any point of skill whatsoever.
Steam: Neph
I will just say that I have a problem with games that sell "convenience items" because earning loot, gold and crafting resources is supposed to be part of what makes these games games, now your hard work feels stupid and you feel cheap because you played instead of paid.
This is why I prefer sub games with no mtx.
GW2 has very minimal grind. I mean if you want to get nitty gritty you can say the entire game is a grind, but then again, any mmorpg, and or rpg would be a grind too. You have to do something to progress whether it be collect x, kill x, talk to x, find x, hide x, defend x, whatever the objective is you gotta do it.
If you start to get that feeling that something is "grind" then you are doing it to frequently and you are getting bored. If you are talking about grind as we generally understand it then it is a game mechanic.
To get certain items, in GW2, as well as any other mmorpg, you have to "work" for it. They have kept the traditional "grind" to a minimum if you ask me.
Pay to win? Not a chance...sPvP all gear is equal, better players will win. WvW, well that is broken for other reasons, aside from the fact of whether person X has exotics and person Y has ascended gear, such a very, very, very, very minor difference in stats. Correct me if I am wrong but you cannot even get ascended materials from items purchasable by gold?
Originally posted by Arskaaa
"when players learned tacticks in dungeon/raids, its bread".
Yes, if you are both the same class with the exact same talents, have the same weapon types in the same hands, and use the same rotations but the only difference is he has better gear, then yes he will beat you every time. However, the odds two players like that coming up on a 1 vs 1 setting like that to where they are identical clones in every way except their gear in WvW is probably along the lines of being struck by lightning. I mean sure, it CAN happen. But does it? Not really.
"If I offended you, you needed it" -Corey Taylor
at 1st, you had me a bit confused. I admit I'd been out of the game since Ascended weapons were introduced. So I actually had to go look this up. You had said that Exo Soldiers is better than Ascended Anything else. At 1st I took that to mean that Soldiers/Sentinel's wasn't available for the new Ascended gear. But the Wiki shows me that it is. So I was confused. as to why would you argue that Ascended really isn't enough of an improvement over Exo to make huge differences by saying that Soldier's is better than Berzerker's in WVW. But, After mulling it over, I think I get where you are coming from. Are you saying that most players aren't really in much of a position to have multiple sets of Ascended specifically for WVW and PVE? And that they want to wear Ascended gear, they have to use their Fractal set and that they are better off just wearing their Exos for WVW instead?
If that's your argument, I can agree with that. Because that's basically where I would be at. But then we are getting back to the whol excessive grind for small rewards issue if we want to compare Ascended Solders to Exo Solder's.
Although someone else in this thread said that after a certain point, he has more Ascended gear than he knows what to do with, So....meh.
GW2 has active skills that block.
For example an Engineer in WvW use Pistol/Shield.
Shield five is a block that can block any number of ranged attacks for 2 secs or a single melee attack (it will stun and deal damage).
An engineer also uses tool kit (quite popular in WvW). Skill #4 is a block that lasts for 3 secs and can block any number of attacks.
Warrior Shield #5 block any number of attacks.
Ranger Greatsword 4 is another skill that last a few seconds and that will block 1 attack (and perform a counter attack) or block any number of ranged attacks for a short duration.
The use of the blocks is limited by your weapon/skills load out and their recharge.
I've asked you before - how many attacks can you block/how long can you have your guard up in ESO?
I doubt it is infinite and it has some recharge/cooldown mechanism (even if it is called something else).
Currently playing: GW2
Going cardboard starter kit: Ticket to ride, Pandemic, Carcassonne, Dominion, 7 Wonders
I'm saying it is better to use exotic PVT in WvW than ascended zerker. Of course using Ascended PVT is better than exotic PVT.
Likewise it is better to use exotic zerker/assassin in PVE than using something like Ascended cleric's. Of course Ascended zerker/assassin is better than ascended zerker/assassin.
So what I'm saying is that stat combos make a bigger difference than ascended.
If you do fractals you will get tons of rings and should have decent access to ascended back slots (although there is new recipes for ascended back slots for those that do not do fractals).
Amulets and rings are easy. Earrings are easy if you are in a guild that does guild missions. Otherwise at 50 ectos a pop it is a bit harder.
The hard part of ascended weapons is actually level the crafting from 400 to 500. The weapon itself isn't to bad.
Ascended armor on the other hand is a big grind.
Currently playing: GW2
Going cardboard starter kit: Ticket to ride, Pandemic, Carcassonne, Dominion, 7 Wonders
Gaia didn't say GW2 has an active block button, just active blocks in which it does. It depends on the class and the weapon such as:
1) warrior with shield using the ability shield stance
2) warrior using mace and counter blow
3) guardian using a sword and zealot's defense
4) messemer using a sword and illusionary riposte
5) messemer using a scepter and illusionary counter
and so on....
There are many more but I didn't feel like listing them all. You are right, there is no dedicated active block button you can hold to spam block. It depends on the class and what hand the weapon is located which determines the button you will use to actively block, which is usually the number 4 or 5. There is of course a cool down between uses of these block abilities but they mitigate 100% damage and usually trigger a counter of some sort.
"If I offended you, you needed it" -Corey Taylor
So just like every other mmorpg that's been made with special class abilities that allow for mitigation on CD.
YOU know there is a huge difference between this and the active block ESO or Wushu offers.
And I told you Gia.. Just try it. I'm not being an ass, but GW2 does not have it. You will understand once you try in ESO or Wushu. It's not even close.
Again in ESO or Wushu all classes and builds can block any attack at anytime. There is block/parry endurance eventually if you just hold block in ESO you will lose energy. In Wushu you parry will break, or be broken by a feint attack.
Here is an example of the flow of combat in ESO post in another thread -
You see things like Player A opens with slow, heavy duel dagger attack. Player B blocks the attack and counters with a quick light two handed weapon attack. Player B then follows up with a second heavier medium attack, but is blocked/interrupted (RMB+LMB) by Player A, putting player B in a dazed state. Notice NO class or weapon abilities have been used in this scenario.
edit - and it's also a timing thing... not a CD that lasts X amount of time. When you get a look, you will understand.
Well I actually have no idea how it works in ESO so I can't comment on it, though I do know how it works in Skyrim and Oblivion. In those games you lose some stamina per hit while blocked and you still take some damage, so it isn't something that can be held indefinitely. Like you said in the other forums, I havn't played Wushu in over 8 months so I can't honestly remember if there is any resource management to blocking. Is there? So it basically boils down to having a block that mitigates 100% every 15-30 seconds or something that eats up some other source other than time. Then it's just decided on which style you prefer. I think all versions have their merits and skill on knowing when to use them.
"If I offended you, you needed it" -Corey Taylor
No man.. there is no 15-30 secs thing. It's like two knights fighting... Here like this but faster (Lulz) in a video game way... but cooler like this. You see, no cool downs. You see the attack you choose to block, dodge, or eat it, at all times.
Anything more, and I will feel like you're trolling me...
edit - "Then it's just decided on which style you prefer. I think all versions have their merits and skill on knowing when to use them." Dude that's me showing you a car, and you saying you have one too, then showing me a horse, then saying it boils down to which type a car a person prefers. omg... You have a horse, and that's fine, but for ffs don't call it a car.
GW1 you MAKE BiS items from shitty gold items.
The only real grind in gw1 was cosmetic or if you wanted to be top level pvper.
So...do you not like ascended because you for some reason require bis for PVE?
Quite frankly nobody gives a real shit if you're just in exotics.
PvP does not care about your silly paying for items.
Play for fun. Play to win. Play for perfection. Play with friends. Play in another world. Why do you play?
And I thought you were going to say sorry for bothering us with your story whic has been posted numerous of times...
Currently playing: GW2
Going cardboard starter kit: Ticket to ride, Pandemic, Carcassonne, Dominion, 7 Wonders
Yes, swords, daggers, arrows, spells, at anytime until your endurance runs out. You can even counter those attacks with RMB + LMB.
edit - to avoid confusion.
So one is limited by cooldown and duration, the other is limited by a resource that will drain out.
For some reason your knight video is quite similar to this
Currently playing: GW2
Going cardboard starter kit: Ticket to ride, Pandemic, Carcassonne, Dominion, 7 Wonders
So what if your horse eats grass and mine eats gas, they are both horses huh? NO THEY ARE NOT
omg ty for the laugh. I hope you get a chance to try it. When you do, please pm me and say "I UNDERSTAND!"
I've seen your knight video.
Somehow it is quite close to this
.
Warrior raise its shield and block the attacks.
Shame you didn't link to game footage.
Currently playing: GW2
Going cardboard starter kit: Ticket to ride, Pandemic, Carcassonne, Dominion, 7 Wonders