Difference between revisions of "Guardian - Core Power"

Latest revision as of 17:12, 8 August 2025

The community gave this build a rating, making it second-tier: Good

Focused on: Direct damage

Designed for: Open World and Open World General

Difficulty:

Easy

This build was last updated on August 08, 2025 and is up to date for the August 19, 2025 patch.

Overview

Power build for guardian which is F2P/Core accessible and can handle most open world content.

This build can be played while levelling, while working on acquiring elite specializations, or by free-to-play players. It leads nicely into power dragonhunter or power willbender.

Skill Bar

Greatsword

Sword/Focus

Utility

Weapon Variants

Always keep Greatsword. Sword+focus can replaced by:

Spear - deals more damage and increases your Resolution uptime. Requires the expansion Janthir Wilds.
Longbow - high damage ranged option. Requires the expansion Secrets of the Obscure for Weaponmastery.

Skill Variants

Signet of Resolve - an easy-to-use, reliable heal.
"Advance!" - defense + mobility
"Hold the Line!" - defense for yourself and nearby allies
Smite Condition - condi cleanse
Wall of Reflection - projectile reflection
Sanctuary - projectile hate and extreme CC; very long cooldown

Template Code

[&DQEqOxA9LjUmDwMBSAEtATYBigD+AP4AiRI3AQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA=]

Copy Template Code

Specializations

Equipment

Ascended gear and stat infusions are not required; you can use exotic gear with the same stats.

Standard Equipment

This setup uses basic, easily obtained equipment that performs very well in open world and is functional in endgame PVE.

Head
Berserker

Shoulders
Berserker

Chest
Dragon

Hands
Berserker

Legs
Dragon

Feet
Berserker

Backpiece
Dragon

Accessory
Berserker

Amulet
Dragon

Ring
Dragon

Greatsword
Berserker

Sigil

Sword
Berserker

Focus
Berserker

Sigil

Rune
x6

Relic

If you are gearing this character from zero, start with exotic quality gear. Search the trading post for "Devona" armor. Then search for the weapons you want to use: "Ebonblade" greatsword, "Bonetti's Rapier" sword, "Adam" focus. Upgrade to ascended gear as you progress. See also: Guide:How to Gear a Character.

Dragon stats are a very minor optimisation. Full Berserker stats is easier to acquire and you won't notice the difference.
Players with access to expansions should run Greatsword + Spear.
You can use Relic of Zakiros to trade a minor amount of damage for sustain, Relic of the Cavalier to start combat with boons, or Relic of Durability for a little extra defense.
For defense, equip the highest tier Jade Core you can afford. Use defensive food or skills if required.

Consumables

Budget consumables are acceptable for use in open world.

DPS

Prioritize Steak Ascended food.
/
/

Defense

Farming

Prioritize Steak Ascended food.
/
(and variants)

Usage

Damage Basics

Maintain Resolution as much as possible to activate Radiance traits. Most notably Righteous Instincts.
Use Virtue of Courage and Virtue of Resolve to maintain Inspiring Virtue and Resolution.
Spam Virtue of Justice against trash enemies. It will reset thanks to Renewed Justice. Avoid this against bosses, as the passive Burning generated from this skill is more valuable due to Radiant Power and Inner Fire.
Your symbols apply Vulnerability every tick.
Unscathed Contender means we want to stay high HP and maintain Aegis when possible, so do your best to avoid damage.

Damage Priorities

Follow the skill priorities below. Fill gaps with auto-attacks and Sword of Justice. Generally, you want to use your symbols at least twice per weapon loop.

Greatsword:

Symbol of Resolution
Whirling Wrath
Binding Blade
Leap of Faith
Do not interrupt your autoattack chain.

Sword/ Focus:

Ray of Judgment
Symbol of Blades
Zealot's Defense
Do not interrupt your autoattack chain.

If using Spear:

Symbol of Luminance
Helio Rush
Gleaming Disc
Solar Storm
Do not interrupt your autoattack chain.

If using Longbow:

Hunter's Ward
True Shot
Hunter's Ward
Deflecting Shot

Defense

Virtue of Courage - blocks attacks, breaks stun
"Stand Your Ground!" - breaks stun
Leap of Faith - blind
Virtue of Justice - blind
Litany of Wrath - massive heal, but requires you to continue dealing damage
Ray of Judgment - cleanses one condition if it hits you

Crowd Control

Binding Blade
Sanctuary consider this if you need lots of cc.
Deflecting Shot if using longbow
Bane Signet (as a last resort)

@@ Line 2: / Line 2: @@
 | profession = guardian
 | specialization =
-| designed for = open world, open world general, open world core
+| designed for = open world, open world general
-| focus = strike damage
+| focus = direct damage
 | rating = good
 | xpac =
@@ Line 10: / Line 10: @@
 ==Overview==
-This is a very basic guardian build which is F2P/Core accessible and can handle most open world content.
+Power build for guardian which is F2P/Core accessible and can handle most open world content.
+This build can be played while levelling, while working on acquiring elite specializations, or by free-to-play players. It leads nicely into power dragonhunter or power willbender.
@@ Line 22: / Line 24: @@
 |weapon4 = Focus
 |healing = Litany of Wrath
-|utility1 = Bane Signet
+|utility1 = Sword of Justice
-|utility2 = Sword of Justice
+|utility2 = "Stand Your Ground!"
-|utility3 = "Stand Your Ground!"
+|utility3 = Bane Signet
 |elite = "Feel My Wrath!"
 }}
@@ Line 30: / Line 32: @@
 ===Weapon Variants===
-* Scepter - ranged option
+Always keep {{Tooltip|Greatsword}}. Sword+focus can replaced by:
-* Staff - good for event farming with a group
+* {{Tooltip|Spear}} - deals more damage and increases your {{Tooltip|Resolution}} uptime. Requires the expansion Janthir Wilds.
+* {{Tooltip|Longbow}} - high damage ranged option. Requires the expansion Secrets of the Obscure for Weaponmastery.
 ===Skill Variants===
-====Healing Skills====
+* {{Skill|Signet of Resolve}} - an easy-to-use, reliable heal.
-* {{Skill|Shelter}} - defensive option. You can cancel the animation but keep the block by stowing your weapon during the cast. However, you won't receive any healing if you do this.
+* {{Skill|"Advance!"}} - defense + mobility
+* {{Skill|"Hold the Line!"}} - defense for yourself and nearby allies
+* {{Skill|Smite Condition}} - condi cleanse
-====Utility Skills====
+* {{Skill|Wall of Reflection}} - projectile reflection
-* {{Skill|Hallowed Ground}} - grants more Resolution for boss fights where you can't proc {{Trait|Renewed Justice}} much.
+* {{Skill|Sanctuary}} - projectile hate and extreme CC; very long cooldown
-* {{Skill|Hammer of Wisdom}} - more crowd control.
-* {{Skill|Smite Condition}} - if you need condition cleanse.
-* {{Skill|Wall of Reflection}} - if you need to reflect projectiles.
-* {{Skill|Shield of the Avenger}} - alternative projectile defense option.
-* {{Skill|"Advance!"}} - long-lasting swiftness while running.
 ==Template Code==
 {{TemplateCode|
-code = [&DQEqOxA/LjUmDwMB/gAtAUgBigA2Af4AiRI3AQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA=]
+code = [&DQEqOxA9LjUmDwMBSAEtATYBigD+AP4AiRI3AQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA=]
 }}
 ==Specializations==
 {{Specialization|Zeal|bot|mid|bot}}
-{{Specialization|Radiance|bot|bot|bot}}
+{{Specialization|Radiance|top|bot|bot}}
 {{Specialization|Virtues|top|top|bot}}
-* {{Trait|Permeating Wrath}} - Higher DPS than {{Trait|Indomitable Courage}} but at the cost of defenses.
-===Honor===
-Honor can be taken for more defense at the cost of damage. This should be taken in place of Virtues.
-{{Specialization|Honor|bot|bot|mid|variant=y}}
-* {{Trait|Pure of Voice}} - extreme condition cleanse
-* If taking Honor, it's possible to swap {{Trait|Zealous Scepter}} for {{Trait|Fiery Wrath}}. This will provide somewhat more consistent DPS.
 ==Equipment==
 Ascended gear and stat infusions are not required; you can use exotic gear with the same stats.<br>
-===Basic Equipment===
+===Standard Equipment===
 This setup uses basic, easily obtained equipment that performs very well in open world and is functional in endgame PVE.
 {{PvE equipment
-| weight = Heavy
 | stats = Berserker
-| rune = Superior Rune of the Scholar
-| rune-qt = 6
-| weapon1 = Greatsword
-| weapon2 =
-| sigil1 = Superior Sigil of Force
-| sigil2 = Superior Sigil of Impact
-| weapon3 = Sword
-| weapon4 = Focus
-| sigil3 = Superior Sigil of Force
-| sigil4 = Superior Sigil of Impact
-}}
-* Use {{Tooltip|Knight}} trinkets for extra defense if required.
-===Standard Equipment===
-This set uses similar gear to [[Build:Dragonhunter_-_Power_DPS]], making it a highly versatile setup for general PVE that performs very well in both open world and endgame PVE.
-{{PvE equipment
-| stats = Dragon
 | weight = Heavy
-| rune = Superior Rune of the Scholar
+| rune = Superior Rune of the Dragonhunter
 | rune-qt = 6
 | weapon1 = Greatsword
@@ Line 102: / Line 74: @@
 | sigil3 = Superior Sigil of Force
 | sigil4 = Superior Sigil of Impact
-| weapon1-stats = Berserker
+| relic = Relic of the Thief
-| weapon3-stats = Berserker
+| chest = Dragon
-| weapon4-stats = Berserker
+| legs = Dragon
-| variant =
+| backpiece = Dragon
-<!-- Custom stats -->
+| amulet = Dragon
-| head =
+| ring1 =  Dragon
-| shoulders = Berserker
+| ring2 = Dragon
-| chest =
-| hands = Berserker
-| legs =
-| feet = Berserker
-| backpiece =
-| accessory1 =
-| accessory2 = Berserker
-| amulet =
-| ring1 =
-| ring2 =
 }}
+If you are gearing this character from zero, start with '''exotic quality gear'''. Search the trading post for "Devona" armor. Then search for the weapons you want to use: "Ebonblade" greatsword, "Bonetti's Rapier" sword, "Adam" focus. Upgrade to ascended gear as you progress. See also: [[Guide:How to Gear a Character]].
+* {{Tooltip|Dragon stats}} are a very minor optimisation. Full {{Tooltip|Berserker stats}} is easier to acquire and you won't notice the difference.
+* Players with access to expansions should run Greatsword + {{Tooltip|Spear}}.
+* You can use {{Relic|Relic of Zakiros}} to trade a minor amount of damage for sustain, {{Relic|Relic of the Cavalier}} to start combat with boons, or {{Relic|Relic of Durability}} for a little extra defense.
+* For defense, equip the highest tier Jade Core you can afford. Use defensive food or skills if required.
 ==Consumables==
-:'''Food'''
+Budget consumables are acceptable for use in open world.
-* Any ascended food is superior to any other food you could use. Steak for power, flatbread for conditions. Budget versions of these foods exist and are acceptable.
-* {{food|Peppermint Omnomberry Bar}} - farming
+===DPS===
-* {{food|Dragon's Breath Bun}}, {{food|Plate of Truffle Steak}} - DPS
+* Prioritize '''Steak''' Ascended food.
-* {{food|Bowl of Orrian Truffle and Meat Stew}} - defense
+* {{Food|Plate of Spicy Moa Wings}} / {{Food|Bowl of Sweet and Spicy Butternut Squash Soup}}
+* {{Utility|Superior Sharpening Stone}} / {{Utility|Tin of Fruitcake}}
+===Defense===
+* {{Food|Bowl of Orrian Truffle and Meat Stew}}
+* {{Food|Fried Oyster Sandwich}}
+* {{Food|Bowl of Lemongrass Mussel Pasta}}
-:'''Utility'''
+===Farming===
-* {{Utility|Sharpening Skull}} (and variants) - farming
+* Prioritize '''Steak''' Ascended food.
-* {{utility|Tin of Fruitcake}}, {{utility|Superior Sharpening Stone}} - dps
+* {{Item|Birthday Blaster}} / {{Item|Feast of Delectable Birthday Cake}}
+* {{Food|Peppermint Omnomberry Bar}}
+* {{Utility|Sharpening Skull}} (and variants)
 ==Usage==
-===Damage===
+===Damage Basics===
-* Thanks to the Virtues traitline, you should be spamming {{Skill|Virtue of Justice}} as often as possible. Since it resets on kill, you can use it often for a significant damage boost.
+* Maintain {{Tooltip|Resolution}} as much as possible to activate {{Tooltip|Radiance}} traits. Most notably {{Trait|Righteous Instincts}}.
-* Your main damage skills are {{Skill|Symbol of Wrath}}, {{Skill|Whirling Wrath}}, {{Skill|Zealot's Defense}}, {{Skill|Ray of Judgment}}, {{Skill|Symbol of Blades}}, and {{Skill|Sword of Justice}}. Swap between your weapons using these skills whenever possible, and fill with autoattacks.
+* Use {{Skill|Virtue of Courage}} and {{Skill|Virtue of Resolve}} to maintain {{Trait|Inspiring Virtue}} and {{Tooltip|Resolution}}.
-** Never interrupt your autoattack chain as all the damage is loaded in the last hit.
+* Spam {{Skill|Virtue of Justice}} against trash enemies. It will reset thanks to {{Trait|Renewed Justice}}. Avoid this against bosses, as the passive {{Tooltip|Burning}} generated from this skill is more valuable due to {{Trait|Radiant Power}} and {{Trait|Inner Fire}}.
-* {{Tooltip|Resolution}} is a massive damage boost so you should try to have it up as much as possible. Your main Resolution sources are {{Skill|Virtue of Justice}}, {{Skill|Symbol of Wrath}}, {{Trait|Healer's Resolution}}, and {{Skill|"Stand Your Ground!"}}
+* Your symbols apply {{Tooltip|Vulnerability}} every tick.
-** {{Skill|Virtue of Justice}} resets off every kill thanks to {{Trait|Renewed Justice}}.
+* {{Trait|Unscathed Contender}} means we want to stay high HP and maintain {{Tooltip|Aegis}} when possible, so do your best to avoid damage.
-** In long fights where you can't reset {{Skill|Virtue of Justice}} you can consider bringing {{Skill|Hallowed Ground}} and traiting {{Trait|Master of Consecrations}}.
-* If you want more stacks of might; Consider using {{Trait|Zealous Scepter}} instead of {{Trait|Fiery Wrath}}. Choosing Either of them will not cost you any loss of damage.
+===Damage Priorities===
-* Try to fight enemies in your symbols to get the stacking damage buff from {{Trait|Symbolic Avenger}}.
+Follow the skill priorities below. Fill gaps with auto-attacks and {{Skill|Sword of Justice}}. Generally, you want to use your symbols at least twice per weapon loop.
-* If using {{Trait|Unscathed Contender}}, try not to get hit
+{{Tooltip|Greatsword}}:
+# {{Skill|Symbol of Resolution}}
+# {{Skill|Whirling Wrath}}
+# {{Skill|Binding Blade}}
+# {{Skill|Leap of Faith}}
+# Do not interrupt your autoattack chain.
+{{Tooltip|Sword}}/{{Tooltip|Focus}}:
+# {{Skill|Ray of Judgment}}
+# {{Skill|Symbol of Blades}}
+# {{Skill|Zealot's Defense}}
+# Do not interrupt your autoattack chain.
+If using {{Tooltip|Spear}}:
+# {{Skill|Symbol of Luminance}}
+# {{Skill|Helio Rush}}
+# {{Skill|Gleaming Disc}}
+# {{Skill|Solar Storm}}
+# Do not interrupt your autoattack chain.
+If using {{Tooltip|Longbow}}:
+# {{Skill|Hunter's Ward}}
+# {{Skill|True Shot}}
+# {{Skill|Hunter's Ward}}
+# {{Skill|Deflecting Shot}}
 ===Defense===
-* {{Skill|Shield of Wrath}} is a powerful defensive skill.
+* {{Skill|Virtue of Courage}} - blocks attacks, breaks stun
-* {{Skill|Virtue of Justice}}, {{Skill|Leap of Faith}}, and {{Skill|Symbol of Blades}} blind enemies.
+* {{Skill|"Stand Your Ground!"}} - breaks stun
-* {{Skill|Zealot's Defense}}, {{Skill|Wall of Reflection}} and {{Skill|Shield of the Avenger}} can be used against projectiles.
+* {{Skill|Leap of Faith}} - blind
-* Activating {{Skill|Virtue of Courage}} gives aegis, protection, Resolution, stability, and a stun break.
+* {{Skill|Virtue of Justice}} - blind
-* You can run {{Skill|Shelter}} for more active defense.
+* {{Skill|Litany of Wrath}} - massive heal, but requires you to continue dealing damage
-* {{Skill|Renewed Focus}} is a 3-second invulnerability skill that also refreshes {{Skill|Virtue of Resolve}} and {{Skill|Virtue of Courage}}.
+* {{Skill|Ray of Judgment}} - cleanses one condition if it hits you
-* Remember to always dodge and sidestep attacks if possible. Don't get hit by anything you can move out of.
-===Sustain===
-* This build doesn't have much sustained healing, so avoiding damage is extremely important in long fights.
-* Use {{Skill|Leap of Faith}} to heal yourself for each enemy you hit.
-* When at extremely low health, activate {{Skill|Litany of Wrath}}, then use {{Skill|Whirling Wrath}} for an immense amount of self-healing.
-* You can activate {{Skill|Virtue of Resolve}} for an emergency heal and condition cleanse.
-* For a big condition cleanse, use {{Skill|Shield of Wrath}} while in a light field.
 ===Crowd Control===
 * {{Skill|Binding Blade}}
-* {{Skill|Hammer of Wisdom}}
+* {{Skill|Sanctuary}} consider this if you need lots of cc.
+* {{Skill|Deflecting Shot}} if using longbow
 * {{Skill|Bane Signet}} (as a last resort)

Difference between revisions of "Guardian - Core Power"

Latest revision as of 17:12, 8 August 2025

Contents

Overview