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Difference between revisions of "Guardian - Core Power"
 
(36 intermediate revisions by 5 users not shown)
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{{SEO|description=This is a very basic guardian build which is F2P/Core accessible and can handle most open world content.}}
 
 
{{Build
 
{{Build
 
| profession = guardian
 
| profession = guardian
 
| specialization =  
 
| 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
 
| rating = good
 
| xpac =  
 
| xpac =  
 +
| difficulty = 1
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
==Overview==
 
==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.
−
==Template Code==
 
−
{{TemplateCode|
 
−
code = [&DQEQPyo7LjUmDwMB/gAtAUgBigA2Af4ANwE3AQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA=]
 
−
}}
 
  
  
Line 28: Line 24:
 
|weapon4 = Focus
 
|weapon4 = Focus
 
|healing = Litany of Wrath
 
|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!"
 
|elite = "Feel My Wrath!"
 
}}
 
}}
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===Weapon Variants===
 
===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===
 
===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
 +
* {{Skill|Wall of Reflection}} - projectile reflection
 +
* {{Skill|Sanctuary}} - projectile hate and extreme CC; very long cooldown
  
  
−
====Utility Skills====
+
==Template Code==
−
* {{Skill|Hallowed Ground}} - grants more Resolution for boss fights where you can't proc {{Trait|Renewed Justice}} much.
+
{{TemplateCode|
−
* {{Skill|Hammer of Wisdom}} - more crowd control.
+
code = [&DQEqOxA9LjUmDwMBSAEtATYBigD+AP4AiRI3AQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA=]
−
* {{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.
 
−
 
 
  
 
==Specializations==
 
==Specializations==
 
{{Specialization|Zeal|bot|mid|bot}}
 
{{Specialization|Zeal|bot|mid|bot}}
−
{{Specialization|Radiance|bot|bot|bot}}
+
{{Specialization|Radiance|top|bot|bot}}
 
{{Specialization|Virtues|top|top|bot}}
 
{{Specialization|Virtues|top|top|bot}}
−
 
−
 
−
===Honor===
 
−
Honor can be taken for more defense at the cost of damage.
 
−
{{Specialization|Honor|bot|mid|mid|variant=y}}
 
−
* {{Trait|Pure of Voice}} - extreme condition cleanse
 
−
* {{Trait|Empowering Might}} - extra might uptime
 
−
 
−
 
−
===Virtues===
 
−
Virtues can be taken for more {{Tooltip|Resolution}} uptime and ally support at the cost of damage.
 
−
{{Specialization|Virtues|top|top|bot|variant=y}}
 
−
* {{Trait|Master of Consecrations}} - if taking consecrations
 
−
* {{Trait|Resolute Subconscious}} - if cc is an issue
 
  
  
 
==Equipment==
 
==Equipment==
 
Ascended gear and stat infusions are not required; you can use exotic gear with the same stats.<br>
 
Ascended gear and stat infusions are not required; you can use exotic gear with the same stats.<br>
−
This set uses similar gear to [[Build:Dragonhunter_-_Power_DPS]], making it good for general PVE
+
 
 +
===Standard Equipment===
 +
This setup uses basic, easily obtained equipment that performs very well in open world and is functional in endgame PVE.
 
{{PvE equipment
 
{{PvE equipment
 +
| stats = Berserker
 
| weight = Heavy
 
| weight = Heavy
−
| stats = Berserker
+
| rune = Superior Rune of the Dragonhunter
−
| rune = Superior Rune of the Scholar
 
 
| rune-qt = 6
 
| rune-qt = 6
 
| weapon1 = Greatsword
 
| weapon1 = Greatsword
 
| weapon2 =  
 
| weapon2 =  
 
| sigil1 = Superior Sigil of Force
 
| sigil1 = Superior Sigil of Force
−
| sigil2 = Superior Sigil of Accuracy
+
| sigil2 = Superior Sigil of Impact
 
| weapon3 = Sword
 
| weapon3 = Sword
 
| weapon4 = Focus
 
| weapon4 = Focus
 
| sigil3 = Superior Sigil of Force
 
| sigil3 = Superior Sigil of Force
−
| sigil4 = Superior Sigil of Accuracy
+
| sigil4 = Superior Sigil of Impact
 +
| relic = Relic of the Thief
 +
| chest = Dragon
 +
| legs = Dragon
 +
| backpiece = Dragon
 +
| amulet = Dragon
 +
| ring1 =  Dragon
 +
| ring2 = Dragon
 
}}
 
}}
−
* Use {{Tooltip|Marauder}} or some {{Tooltip|Knight}} trinkets for extra defense  
+
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==
 
==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
 
−
* {{food|Dragon's Breath Bun}}, {{food|Plate of Truffle Steak}} - DPS
 
−
* {{food|Bowl of Orrian Truffle and Meat Stew}} - defense
 
  
−
:'''Utility'''
+
===DPS===
−
* {{Utility|Sharpening Skull}} (and variants) - farming
+
* Prioritize '''Steak''' Ascended food.
−
* {{utility|Tin of Fruitcake}}, {{utility|Superior Sharpening Stone}} - dps
+
* {{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}}
 +
 
 +
===Farming===
 +
* Prioritize '''Steak''' Ascended food.
 +
* {{Item|Birthday Blaster}} / {{Item|Feast of Delectable Birthday Cake}}
 +
* {{Food|Peppermint Omnomberry Bar}}
 +
* {{Utility|Sharpening Skull}} (and variants)
  
  
 
==Usage==
 
==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.
 
−
* Try to fight enemies in your symbols to get the stacking damage buff from {{Trait|Symbolic Avenger}}.
 
−
* If using {{Trait|Unscathed Contender}}, try not to get hit
 
  
 +
===Damage Priorities===
 +
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.
  
−
===Defense===
+
{{Tooltip|Greatsword}}:
−
* {{Skill|Shield of Wrath}} is a powerful defensive skill.
+
# {{Skill|Symbol of Resolution}}
−
* {{Skill|Virtue of Justice}}, {{Skill|Leap of Faith}}, and {{Skill|Symbol of Blades}} blind enemies.
+
# {{Skill|Whirling Wrath}}
−
* {{Skill|Zealot's Defense}}, {{Skill|Wall of Reflection}} and {{Skill|Shield of the Avenger}} can be used against projectiles.
+
# {{Skill|Binding Blade}}
−
* Activating {{Skill|Virtue of Courage}} gives aegis, protection, Resolution, stability, and a stun break.
+
# {{Skill|Leap of Faith}}
−
* You can run {{Skill|Shelter}} for more active defense.
+
# Do not interrupt your autoattack chain.
−
* {{Skill|Renewed Focus}} is a 3-second invulnerability skill that also refreshes {{Skill|Virtue of Resolve}} and {{Skill|Virtue of Courage}}.
+
 
−
* Remember to always dodge and sidestep attacks if possible. Don't get hit by anything you can move out of.
+
{{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.
  
−
===Sustain===
+
If using {{Tooltip|Longbow}}:
−
* This build doesn't have much sustained healing, so avoiding damage is extremely important in long fights.
+
# {{Skill|Hunter's Ward}}
−
* Use {{Skill|Leap of Faith}} to heal yourself for each enemy you hit.
+
# {{Skill|True Shot}}
−
* When at extremely low health, activate {{Skill|Litany of Wrath}}, then use {{Skill|Whirling Wrath}} for an immense amount of self-healing.
+
# {{Skill|Hunter's Ward}}
−
* You can activate {{Skill|Virtue of Resolve}} for an emergency heal and condition cleanse.
+
# {{Skill|Deflecting Shot}}
−
* For a big condition cleanse, use {{Skill|Shield of Wrath}} while in a light field.
 
  
 +
===Defense===
 +
* {{Skill|Virtue of Courage}} - blocks attacks, breaks stun
 +
* {{Skill|"Stand Your Ground!"}} - breaks stun
 +
* {{Skill|Leap of Faith}} - blind
 +
* {{Skill|Virtue of Justice}} - blind
 +
* {{Skill|Litany of Wrath}} - massive heal, but requires you to continue dealing damage
 +
* {{Skill|Ray of Judgment}} - cleanses one condition if it hits you
  
 
===Crowd Control===
 
===Crowd Control===
 
* {{Skill|Binding Blade}}
 
* {{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)
 
* {{Skill|Bane Signet}} (as a last resort)

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 Greatsword. Sword+focus can replaced by:

  • Spear Spear - deals more damage and increases your Resolution Resolution uptime. Requires the expansion Janthir Wilds.
  • Longbow 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
Accessory
Berserker
Amulet
Dragon
Ring
Dragon
Ring
Dragon
Greatsword
Berserker
Sigil
Sigil
Sword
Berserker
Focus
Berserker
Sigil
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 Dragon stats are a very minor optimisation. Full Berserker stats Berserker stats is easier to acquire and you won't notice the difference.
  • Players with access to expansions should run Greatsword + Spear 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 Resolution as much as possible to activate Radiance Radiance traits. Most notably Righteous Instincts.
  • Use Virtue of Courage and Virtue of Resolve to maintain Inspiring Virtue and Resolution Resolution.
  • Spam Virtue of Justice against trash enemies. It will reset thanks to Renewed Justice. Avoid this against bosses, as the passive Burning Burning generated from this skill is more valuable due to Radiant Power and Inner Fire.
  • Your symbols apply Vulnerability Vulnerability every tick.
  • Unscathed Contender means we want to stay high HP and maintain Aegis 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 Greatsword:

  1. Symbol of Resolution
  2. Whirling Wrath
  3. Binding Blade
  4. Leap of Faith
  5. Do not interrupt your autoattack chain.

Sword Sword/Focus Focus:

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

If using Spear Spear:

  1. Symbol of Luminance
  2. Helio Rush
  3. Gleaming Disc
  4. Solar Storm
  5. Do not interrupt your autoattack chain.

If using Longbow Longbow:

  1. Hunter's Ward
  2. True Shot
  3. Hunter's Ward
  4. 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)
Retrieved from "https://metabattle.com/wiki/index.php?title=Build:Guardian_-_Core_Power&oldid=22419"


Ratings

This build has a rating of 5 stars based on 3 votes.
Log in or register to rate this build.
5 stars
Foofur73 gave this build 5 stars • June 2025
From maining Paladin for many years, this class feels so natural..
4 stars
Marcdepuma gave this build 4 stars • August 2024
Pretty good build, but requires an expansion or weaponmaster training for two of the weapons, not core.
5 stars
Starlitjupiter gave this build 5 stars • April 2023
As far as core specs go, guardian really takes the cake. While its condition variant is stronger, the power variant holds its own weight and can even compete with some elite specializations. There's not really a stronger core option as far as classes go.

Comments

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