In this guide, we'll delve into a unique approach to playing the Guardian profession, specifically focusing on the Firebrand Elite specialization and its interaction with the Longbow weapon. While this build may not be considered meta, it offers an interesting alternative that combines DPS capabilities with valuable group utility, such as providing boons-like Might and protection. We'll break down the gear, traits, skills, and strategies to help you master this intriguing Firebrand Longbow build.

 

• Gear and Runes
• Weapons and Sigils
• Utility Skills and Elite
• Trait Selection
• Tome Usage
• Playing the Build
• Tactical Options

 

↖ Gear and Runes

To get started with this unique Firebrand build, you'll want to equip full Diviner's gear. This gear setup provides a balance of Power, Precision, Ferocity, and Concentration. In addition to your armour, consider using Diviner's accessories and back items for optimal stat distribution. For runes, opt for the Superior Rune of the Pack, which not only enhances your Power and Precision but also boosts Boon duration, granting you and your allies increased effectiveness with boons.

 

↖ Weapons and Sigils

Your weapon choice is essential for this build. Go for the Longbow and the Hammer, as they offer valuable crowd-control effects that synergize with your traits and skills. For both Longbow and Hammer, use Superior Sigils of Concentration and Force to enhance your Boon duration and damage output further.

 

↖ Utility Skills and Elite

Your utility skills are a crucial part of this build. Utilize the following Mantras:

• Mantra of Solace: Provides healing and additional Might when charged.
• Mantra of Potence: Offers Might and Quickness when charged.
• Mantra of Blame: A defensive skill that can be used to mitigate incoming damage.
• Elite - Mantra of Liberation: Acts as a stun break and provides stability to allies, especially useful in challenging encounters.

 

↖ Trait Selection

This Firebrand build utilizes traits from Zeal, Honor, Virtues, and Firebrand specializations to maximize both damage and group utility.

 

Zeal	Fiery Wrath: Gain condition damage based on your Power.
	Kindle Zeal: Increases damage to foes when you trigger your symbols.
	Symbolic Avenger: Boosts damage to enemies when you activate symbols.
Honor	Protector's Restoration: Cast Lesser Symbol of Protection when using a healing skill, providing additional protection and vulnerability to nearby enemies.
	Empowering Might: Grants Might to nearby allies when you critically strike.
Firebrand	Archivist of Whispers: Enhances the F2 and F3 tomes, offering versatility in various situations.
	Legendary Lore: Amplifies Might generation with your F1 tome, making this build a potent source of Might for you and your allies.
	Stoic Demeanor: Grants resistance and Might to you and your allies when crowd-controlling enemies, further enhancing your group support capabilities.

 

↖ Tome Usage

The F1 Tome of Justice plays a crucial role in this build, as it grants significant stacks of Might to yourself and your allies. Position yourself strategically to maximize the benefit of its abilities, which provide Might on hits and in a cone area. Use Tome of Justice alongside your other abilities to generate extra Burning damage.

 

↖ Playing the Build

This build excels in small group scenarios, where you can provide substantial group utility through your Mantras and boons. In larger events like meta events, your specific build may matter less, but you can still make a meaningful impact by sharing boons and supporting your allies.

 

↖ Tactical Options

1. Longbow is ideal for ranged combat and crowd control, while the Hammer is effective in melee situations, thanks to its symbol application.
2. Use your F2 Tome of Resolve for healing when necessary and F3 Tome of Courage for defensive support.
3. Coordinate with your party to provide Quickness and stability when needed, using your Mantra of Potence and Elite Mantra of Liberation.
4. In tough situations, consider swapping to the Virtue of Courage for additional defensive abilities like Aegis and stability.

 

Conclusion:

While this Firebrand Longbow build may not be considered meta, it offers a fresh and engaging playstyle that combines DPS with valuable group utility. Experiment with this build, adapt it to your playstyle and don't hesitate to explore different situational options for utility skills and traits. By mastering this unique Guardian approach, you can become a versatile and supportive force in the world of Guild Wars 2. If you have any questions or suggestions, please leave them in the comments, and be sure to subscribe, like, and comment on the video to show your support.