What Classes Can Use Scepter in Guild Wars 2?
The scepter in Guild Wars 2 is a versatile main-hand weapon favored by classes that prefer a mix of ranged damage, control, and utility. Specifically, the following classes can wield a scepter:
- Guardian: Guardians utilize the scepter for its combination of offensive and defensive capabilities.
- Elementalist: Elementalists harness the scepter to channel their elemental magic, delivering a range of ranged attacks.
- Mesmer: Mesmers employ the scepter to weave illusions and control the battlefield.
- Necromancer: Necromancers use the scepter to inflict conditions and manipulate life force.
These four classes can use a scepter as one of their primary weapons, making it a significant part of their builds and playstyles. Each class utilizes the scepter differently based on their core mechanics and unique abilities.
Scepter Gameplay Across Different Classes
Guardian
For Guardians, the scepter is a core weapon that offers a balance between offense and defense. Guardians can use the scepter to inflict damage at range while also providing some support to their allies. The scepter’s skills often involve projectiles of radiant light or magical energy, emphasizing the Guardian’s role as a protector. It’s often paired with a focus or shield in the off-hand to add even more control and survivability to their toolkit, making them a versatile class on the battlefield.
Elementalist
Elementalists wield the scepter as a conduit for their elemental powers. The scepter skills allow them to channel fire, water, air, and earth in ranged attacks. These skills can be designed for damage or supporting the team. The versatility of the scepter coupled with the Elementalist’s ability to change their elemental attunement makes it a powerful tool for any situation. An Elementalist’s scepter skills are highly dependent on their current attunement, meaning its capabilities will change depending on whether they are attuned to fire, water, air, or earth, offering various strategic options.
Mesmer
Mesmers use the scepter for ranged damage and, more importantly, for controlling enemies through illusions and manipulation. The scepter is often used by Mesmers for applying crowd control, hindering foes, and creating mind-bending illusions. The use of the scepter by the mesmer is all about disrupting enemies and allowing the mesmer to exert a high level of control on the battlefield. Its damage output can be lower than other weapons, but the control it offers is invaluable.
Necromancer
Necromancers use the scepter primarily to inflict conditions on their enemies. This weapon helps them deliver attacks that apply effects like poison, bleed, and other debuffs. The scepter’s mechanics are designed for condition damage builds. For Necromancers, their skill set revolves around inflicting conditions and gaining life force.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Scepters in Guild Wars 2
What is the main purpose of a scepter?
The scepter is a mid-ranged weapon that excels in damage and control. It is often used by classes who want to maintain a safe distance while still inflicting damage and manipulating the battlefield, offering a mix of offensive and supportive options.
Is the scepter a good weapon for beginners?
Yes, the scepter can be a good weapon for beginners, especially those playing Guardian, Elementalist, or Necromancer. Its ranged nature makes it less risky than melee weapons, and it offers straightforward damage dealing for many builds. Beginners using Mesmer should take note that the scepter offers a higher skill ceiling to get the best use out of it.
What are the best stats to look for on a scepter?
The best stats on a scepter depend on your class and build. Generally, for damage dealers, Power, Precision, and Ferocity are important. For condition builds, Condition Damage and Expertise are essential. For support builds, look for stats like Healing Power.
How do I obtain a scepter in Guild Wars 2?
Scepters can be purchased from NPC weaponsmiths throughout Tyria. They can also be obtained as loot from monsters, as rewards from completing various in-game activities, or purchased from the Trading Post using gold.
What are some common builds that use the scepter?
- Guardian: Power-based builds, including those focused on radiant damage or support through skills.
- Elementalist: Attunement-based ranged damage builds, using spells tied to fire, water, air, and earth.
- Mesmer: Illusion-based control builds, focusing on manipulating enemies with clones and phantasms.
- Necromancer: Condition damage builds, aiming to weaken enemies with poisons and other debuffs.
Can you dual-wield scepters in Guild Wars 2?
No, you cannot dual-wield scepters in Guild Wars 2. Scepters are one-handed main-hand weapons, meaning they can only be equipped in the primary hand and must be paired with an off-hand weapon.
Is the scepter good in PvP (Player versus Player)?
Yes, the scepter can be effective in PvP, especially for classes that use it for its ranged damage and control capabilities. It allows players to harass enemies from a distance and set up plays with the right timing.
How does the scepter compare to other ranged weapons?
The scepter is unique in that it offers a blend of ranged damage and utility. Compared to other ranged weapons like rifles and bows, scepters tend to offer more active control abilities and spell-like attacks, as opposed to direct physical attacks.
What is the largest scepter in the game?
Emberglow is considered the largest scepter in the game. It has a distinctive appearance resembling the Fire Wand from the original Guild Wars.
Does the scepter have any unique skins or appearances?
Yes, there are numerous unique scepter skins in the game, ranging from simple and elegant to extravagant and otherworldly. These can be earned through gameplay, purchased through the gem store, or traded for in the Trading Post, giving the user many options for customization.
What off-hand weapon works well with the scepter?
The best off-hand weapons to pair with a scepter depend on the class and build. Focus provides defensive boons and control, Shield offers protection and survivability, and Torch can add damage-over-time effects. It often boils down to what sort of role you want to play.
Can I use a scepter in all game modes?
Yes, scepters can be used in all game modes including PvE (Player versus Environment), PvP, and WvW (World versus World). This makes it a versatile option for any player that enjoys the core game modes.
Are scepters effective in solo play?
Yes, scepters can be very effective in solo play, especially when combined with the right build and off-hand weapon. Their ranged nature makes it easier to avoid damage while dealing significant damage to enemies, making it a great weapon for those who prefer to play alone.
Are there any class specializations that enhance scepter use?
Yes, there are several elite specializations that enhance scepter use for the classes that can use them. For example, Firebrand for Guardian, Weaver for Elementalist, and Mirage for Mesmer all have skills and traits that boost the effectiveness of the scepter.
What are some common mistakes new players make when using a scepter?
Some common mistakes include not understanding the range of the weapon, not maximizing the utility of the skills, and pairing it with the incorrect off-hand weapon. Also, new players may not understand how the scepter’s function changes based on their class’ core mechanics. Taking some time to review your class and the weapon itself will prevent some of the common pitfalls.
By understanding the intricacies of the scepter and its applications across different classes, players can maximize their potential and effectiveness in Guild Wars 2. Each class brings a unique flavor to scepter use, making it a versatile and valuable weapon in the game.