Is an engineer just a support class?

[Bauz]

Is the engineer class just going to be there to support others or are the classes all balanced? I've always liked being the leader of a group but I'd reconsider playing and engineer if they're just back-up.

[theoriginalaks]

Going by ArenaNet's team builds they mainly used the engineer for point guarding.

[Armory]

Mate, no class is simply a support class. No class is simply a dps class. Every and all classes can vary their playstyle to different aspects that you'll enjoy based on the weapons you choose. I'd be inclined to say that engineer is more of a dps oriented playstyle overall, but I'm sure you'll be able to mix up some CC and whatnot to support when needed. I like to think that the best leaders get shit done (DPS) but when their comrades are pinned down and falling, they're also the guys who lend them a shoulder and get them back on their feet (Support).

TLDR: You can play the class effectively as a DPS purely, as all classes are balanced (to a degree) around fulfilling all roles.

Guardian for example, most people assume that I'm going to be a lot of support and while yeah I'll be doing that, I'm gonna make sure that the Greatsword and AoE dps aspects of my class are my priority, where as some others will set their builds up to be more of a support build.

[Centaur]

Hi Bauz, welcome to these forums. As Armory pointed out, all professions are able to play various playstyles. ArenaNet have set up each profession so that it is balanced in many different ways. True, it is easy to set up the engineer as support, but you can just as easily switch to different weapons/kits/packs and take a lead role (or solo). No profession in GW2 is designed purely for one role, they are meant to be versatile and adaptable to whatever situation they are in.

[Bauz]

Thanks for the replies guys!
You've put my mind to rest a little. I can't wait to jump in as an engineer. I played WoW for six years and always rolled a Tank so I could lead raids and such but by the way GW2 is looking to shape up, it's going to be alot more of a "play what you want to play, you can clear that dungeon with five thieves" etc
The real question now is: What race should I play as?!
I was considering an Asura :P

[Centaur]

Well, I can't answer that question for you. Me, I'm going to play at least 1 of each, starting with the Sylvari.

[JohnnyV]

Thanks for the replies guys!
You've put my mind to rest a little. I can't wait to jump in as an engineer. I played WoW for six years and always rolled a Tank so I could lead raids and such but by the way GW2 is looking to shape up, it's going to be alot more of a "play what you want to play, you can clear that dungeon with five thieves" etc
The real question now is: What race should I play as?!
I was considering an Asura :P

Roll asura, all the cool kids are doing it.

[Salx55]

Roll asura, all the cool kids are doing it.

Oh, Johnny you silly rat.. Of course you have to play Charr! You gotta be able to lift heavy things like bombs, an Asura couldn't possibly be able to do that..

[Armory]

Let's see here..
There's giant kitty.
Pokemon.
Twig.
Waay too big human.
Human.

Now that should make it easier.

[Brytwend]

You make everything sound so right Armory.

I was wondering if the Engineer would be a support class as well. After rummaging through numerous interviews and such and such, it's become clear that every class is technically capable of being a support class. You pick your class, then you pick whether you want to play offensively, defensively, or both.

As for Engineers after watching the youtube clips of them in PvP it's really cool that they're capable of high damage, especially with rifles, as well as support with their elite skill and the elixir gun. Lucky for us Engineers there doesn't seem to be anything we can't do!