The Necromancer in Guild Wars 2 is a unique and versatile profession that draws power from death and the manipulation of life forces. This guide will cover everything you need to know about playing a Necromancer effectively, including builds, skills, traits, and strategies for both PvE and PvP. Whether you are a new player looking to explore the depths of the Necromancer or an experienced player aiming to refine your skills, this comprehensive guide will help you master the shadows.
Understanding the Necromancer
The Necromancer is known for its ability to wield dark magic and summon the dead to aid in battle. They excel in dealing damage over time, controlling the battlefield, and supporting allies through life-stealing abilities. The profession is divided into several core mechanics that define its playstyle:
Core Mechanics
1. Death Shroud: This mechanic allows the Necromancer to transform into a more powerful form, gaining new skills and increased survivability. While in Death Shroud, the Necromancer can deal damage and heal themselves through various abilities.
2. Minions: Necromancers can summon minions to fight alongside them. These minions can tank damage, deal damage, and even provide utility.
3. Conditions: Necromancers are adept at applying conditions to their enemies, such as Bleeding, Poison, and Chill. These conditions can be devastating over time and can turn the tide of battle.
4. Life Force: This resource is generated through certain actions, allowing the Necromancer to enter Death Shroud. Managing Life Force is crucial for maintaining uptime on this powerful ability.
Choosing Your Build
The Necromancer can be built for various playstyles, including DPS, support, and tanking. Here are some of the most popular builds categorized by their primary focus:
1. Power Reaper
This build focuses on dealing raw damage with high burst potential. The Reaper specialization allows the Necromancer to wield a greatsword and access powerful melee skills.
- Weapons: Greatsword (main), Dagger (offhand) or Staff (for ranged options)
- Key Traits:
- Grim Pressence: Increases damage dealt and allows for better condition application.
- Reaper's Mark: Creates a powerful mark on enemies, dealing damage when triggered.
2. Condition Scourge
The Scourge specialization excels at applying conditions and supporting allies through powerful area-of-effect skills.
- Weapons: Staff (main), Dagger (offhand)
- Key Traits:
- Soul Reaping: Increases condition damage and provides support to allies.
- Death Magic: Focuses on condition application and damage mitigation.
3. Minion Master
This build focuses on summoning minions to overwhelm foes while providing utility to the team.
- Weapons: Staff (main), Dagger (offhand)
- Key Traits:
- Minion Master: Enhances minion effectiveness and provides buffs.
- Death Magic: Increases survivability and condition application.
Skills and Abilities
Each Necromancer build revolves around different skills and abilities. Understanding what each skill does is essential for maximizing your effectiveness in battle.
Core Skills
- Death Shroud Skills:
- 1. Soul Reaping: A melee attack that deals damage and gains Life Force.
- 2. Spectral Grasp: A ranged attack that pulls enemies in and deals damage.
- 3. Life Transfer: Transfers health from enemies to the Necromancer.
- Minion Skills:
- Minion of Anguish: A minion that can deal damage and tank for the Necromancer.
- Bone Minions: Provides area control and damage.
- Utility Skills:
- Signet of Undeath: Revives downed allies.
- Well of Power: Provides a powerful area-of-effect heal and boon.
Traits and Specializations
Specializing into different traits allows you to enhance your playstyle and further customize your build. Here’s an overview of the trait lines:
1. Spite
This trait line enhances condition damage and offers powerful crowd control abilities.
- Key Traits:
- Vampiric: Provides healing through damaging opponents.
- Torment: Increases the effectiveness of Torment conditions.
2. Curses
Focusing on applying and amplifying conditions, this trait line is essential for Condition builds.
- Key Traits:
- Malice: Increases condition duration and damage.
- Deathly Clutches: Enhances the Necromancer’s ability to control enemies.
3. Soul Reaping
This trait line focuses on enhancing Death Shroud and Life Force management.
- Key Traits:
- Death Shroud: Increases the effectiveness of Death Shroud abilities.
- Life Siphon: Provides health regeneration based on conditions applied.
Gameplay Strategies
To fully harness the power of the Necromancer, it is vital to adopt effective gameplay strategies. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:
1. Managing Life Force
Life Force is your primary resource for entering Death Shroud. Focus on generating Life Force through:
- Dealing damage to enemies.
- Taking damage from enemies.
- Defeating foes.
Make sure to utilize Death Shroud wisely, as it grants you powerful abilities and survivability.
2. Positioning and Movement
As a Necromancer, positioning is critical. You often want to stay at a distance while applying conditions. However, with builds like Reaper, you will need to engage in melee combat. Always be aware of your surroundings and position yourself to maximize your damage output while avoiding danger.
3. Team Play
While Necromancers can deal significant damage alone, they shine in group scenarios. Provide support to teammates by:
- Reviving fallen allies using Signet of Undeath.
- Using wells for healing and boons.
- Summoning minions to control the battlefield.
Conclusion
The Necromancer in Guild Wars 2 is a powerful and flexible class that can adapt to various playstyles, whether dealing damage, controlling the battlefield, or supporting allies. By understanding the core mechanics, selecting the right build, mastering skills and traits, and employing effective strategies, you'll be well on your way to becoming a formidable force in Tyria. Remember to experiment with different builds and adjust your playstyle to fit your preferences, and soon you'll be dominating both PvE and PvP encounters as a master of the shadows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best traits for a PvE Necromancer build in Guild Wars 2?
For a PvE Necromancer build, consider using the Reaper specialization with traits like 'Grieve,' 'Death's Charge,' and 'Soul Reaping' for increased damage and survivability. Additionally, traits such as 'Scourge' can be beneficial for group play.
How do I effectively utilize minions as a Necromancer?
To effectively use minions, focus on traits that enhance their damage and survivability, such as 'Death Magic' and 'Minion Master.' Make sure to manage your minions actively, using skills like 'Summon Flesh Golem' to keep them up and deal damage.
What is the best weapon choice for a Necromancer in PvP?
In PvP, the staff is often the best choice for a Necromancer due to its strong area control and damage potential. The focus can also be used for additional utility and survivability, especially when combined with the right traits.
How can I maximize my damage output as a Scourge Necromancer?
To maximize damage as a Scourge Necromancer, prioritize traits that enhance your torment and condition damage, such as 'Sand Shroud' and 'Desolation.' Use skills like 'Sand Shade' to apply conditions and maintain pressure on your enemies.
What is the role of a Necromancer in a raid group?
In a raid group, a Necromancer can serve multiple roles, including damage dealer (especially as a Reaper or Scourge) and condition support. They excel in providing AoE damage and can also offer valuable utility through crowd control and self-sustain.
How do I improve my survivability as a Necromancer?
To improve survivability, focus on traits that enhance your health and toughness, such as 'Soul Reaping' and 'Death Magic.' Utilize your self-heal skills like 'Life Transfer' and 'Death Shroud' to mitigate damage during fights.
