Welcome to another edition of the Vanguard!
Last week, I covered my dungeon build, which was the PvE setup I used as a blueprint for leveling from 41-80. It’s all about surviving the rigors of explorable mode dungeons, but it isn’t entirely defensive in scope. It’s a balanced approach featuring serious condition removal, group buffs and self-heals. It does exactly what I designed it to do, and works exceptionally well.
But there are times when a more aggressive approach is called for. One of our readers last week named Rahl asked if I could “create an article about Guardians inclined to more offensive traits.” Well, you’re in luck, Rahl! That’s what this column is all about.
(more…)
Hello, my shield brothers and sisters! This week, as promised, I’m going to provide you with some advice on leveling your Guardian from level 41-80. If you missed the first part of my Guardian leveling guide, where I covered levels 1-40, don’t worry–you can find it here.
Before we begin, there are some points I need to make in order to put this article into context.
Since this is the Guardian column, we’re going to move beyond general leveling advice and focus on specifics, broken down by level bracket. If you’d like to read more about general tips and guides, we have an extensive guide/tutorial section ready and waiting for you.
If you’re brand new to the profession, I provided an overview of the Guardian in a previous article as well. It’s a comprehensive summary of our weaponry, trait lines and unique abilities. For long-time readers, some of my suggestions here may contradict those I’ve expressed in earlier features. As a rule of thumb, always trust the most recent information. Abilities have changed over time, and so has my experience level. If we refuse to adapt, we fail to learn. If we fail to learn, we die.
Those disclaimers aside, let’s dive in!
(more…)
Greetings, shield brothers and sisters! This week I want to respond to a reader request and outline how Guardians benefit (and can benefit others) through the use of the cross-profession combination system. These combos prove that, when it comes to group play, the whole is truly greater than the sum of its parts. Where the inexperienced player may not even be aware that such combinations exist, a seasoned veteran will look for opportunities to use them to his or her advantage.
After today’s article, you’ll be able to count yourselves among the latter.
(more…)
Welcome once again, my shield brothers and sisters! This week I’m going to provide you with some advice on leveling your Guardian from level 1 to level 40.
Since this is the Guardian column, we’re going to move beyond general leveling advice and focus on specifics broken down by level bracket. If you’d like to read more about general tips and guides, we have an extensive guide/tutorial section ready and waiting for you. Feel free to browse it while at work, or during family functions on holiday weekends. That’s how I spent my Labor Day here in the States.
If you’re brand new to the profession, I provided an overview of the Guardian in a previous article as well. It’s a comprehensive summary of our weaponry, trait lines and unique abilities. For long-time readers, some of my suggestions here may contradict those I’ve expressed in earlier features. As a rule of thumb, always trust the most recent information. Abilities have changed over time, and so has my experience level. If we refuse to adapt, we fail to learn. If we fail to learn, we die.
Those disclaimers aside, let’s dive in! (more…)
Greetings, shield brothers and sisters! Now that the wait is over and we finally have boots on the ground in Tyria, I wanted to give you yet another reason to love your Guardian.
When people describe our profession, you’ll hear a lot about our support abilities and our defensive nature. While the former gets most of the attention, the latter is what we’ll be talking about today. Defense is often overlooked outside of traditional tanking roles. It isn’t as sexy or flashy as big numbers. With the Guardian, however, understanding the power behind a good defense is the key to a good offense.
(more…)