Hold on tight for the coming balance update slated to happen on January 30th, 2024 for Guild Wars 2! This is a new patch that promises a number of tweaks and overhauls across various classes. Take note of these changes going into specifics such as adjustments in skills, traits and even new weapon preparations.

 

• General Updates
• Class-Specific Changes
• Key Highlights
• Final Thoughts

 

↖ General Updates

• Underperforming Relics Tuning: Relic of Carosa as well as Relic of the Flock among other relics will have been improved. Some of the changes include reduced cooldowns as well as additional effects like heals and might.
• Elementalist Tweaks: Skills like Singing Strike and Ground Pound received modifications to burning as well as bleeding durations so that condition builds could be more balanced.
• Engineer Adjustments: Look for changes in Condition Holosmith and Power Scrapper. Bullart Gyro now focuses on barrier generation, and Adaptive Armor has been reworked for support builds.

 

↖ Class-Specific Changes

• Guardian: PvP support Firebrand sees Radiant Fire and Mantras being changed.
• Mesmer: Expect reductions in Alacrity access in World vs. World, with Condition Mirage toned down.
• Necromancer: Minor tweaks, focusing mainly on Transfusion trait in World vs. World.
• Ranger: Enhancing power builds are Quickness Untamed and Greatsword skills adjustments that increase might generation.
• Revenant: PVV Power Vindicator gets damage reduction along with Axe skills alterations.
• Thief: In PVP, Dead Eye's Deaths Advance increases initiative costs for better balancing.
• Warrior: Quickness Berserker shifts power from Bloody Roar to Bloody Reaction.

 

↖ Key Highlights

• Addressing Overperforming Builds-This update will address over-dominant builds especially in PVE and PVP.
• Enhancing Gameplay Variety - Introducing might to Let Loose ranger trait and reworking mantras on guardian which will enable more different and enjoyable gaming experiences.
• Preparing for New Weapons – For future releases, this update is preparing the ground for new weapons.
• Community Feedback Matters - These changes are subject to change based on the feedback from the players.

 

↖ Final Thoughts

This balance update, scheduled for January 30, brings a mix of tweaks and overhauls across various classes. While some changes tone down overperforming builds others open up new possibilities for underused skills and traits. As always, GW2 would like to hear your thoughts through our blogs on these changes that may affect your in-game strategies.