I’ve heard that the Catalyst spec can be one of the most resilient builds in Guild Wars 2, which got me thinking about survivability options for Elementalists. I usually play a power Tempest, but I find it can be quite squishy at times. I’m interested in exploring a new build that offers better survivability, especially for open-world content. What are your thoughts on the most effective elite specs or builds for an Elementalist that can help me survive better?
3 Answers
Any Ele spec can have decent sustain with the right setup. Tempest and Catalyst obviously excel in this area, but Weaver is viable if you enjoy its playstyle. For example, I use a Weaver build focused on arcane traits with a sword/focus combo and celestial gear, which makes surviving even solo bounties manageable. You might want to check this out: [link to build]!
Both Tempest and Catalyst can be pretty tanky if you build them right for open-world play. Personally, I lean towards Catalyst because it gives you permanent quickness and access to a lot of boons, which can greatly enhance your survivability while dealing solid damage.
Are you focusing on open-world content? Tempest can offer good damage mitigation and regeneration. On the other hand, Weaver has a ton of evades and barriers, plus some great traits that help clear conditions. That said, if you want casual tankiness, Catalyst is a solid choice. Just a heads up, if you prioritize survivability over damage, Weaver can become nearly unkillable in skilled hands!
