Greatsword or Rifle?

[lankybrit]

Hi,

I've just started a Warrior and am having fun with a Sword and Shield.

However, I've been reading around a bit, and understand that Greatsword is great, and can do tons of damage. Also, I do like playing ranged, and saw that Warriors can use Rifles and play ranged. I never realized this, so am torn (and Norn ).

So, any suggestions?

Cheers.

[Stonesolid]

Use Greatsword and Rifle. Best of both worlds.

I have a lowbie Warrior and I use Greatsword and Mace/Shield but I wanted him to be all melee and I already had the weapon skins picked out.

[StacyX]

Use Greatsword and Rifle. Best of both worlds.

I agree. If you confine yourself to one type of weapon you're severely limiting the abilities of your class. They make weapon swapping a one button push in this game for a reason.

I'd say, go with both of course. Ranged weapon for when it's needed and the melee weapon when it's needed. I'd suggest starting the fight out with the ranged, and if the mob is still alive when it gets in melee range finish it off with the greatsword (as your ranged weapon skills will likely be on cooldown at that time anyway).

[MMOJumper]

My warrior always carries all of the available weapons so I'm prepared for various situations. I find myself switching my weapons out quite often, especially in dungeons between some fights. It's very handy to have a Rifle and/or Longbow on you for fights that you have to do from range. I tend to roll mainly with Sword/axe and Greatsword equipped and switch out as necessary.

I always felt i killed a lot slower if I started a fight with the rifle and switched to melee when it got close. Leaping in always seemed to be much more efficient, though it could just be how I chose to spec.

[lankybrit]

Yeah, I forgot about weapon swapping in GW2. So, Rifle and then switch to Greatsword when they get up close and personal. Sounds good.

Cheers.

[StacyX]

Yeah, I forgot about weapon swapping in GW2. So, Rifle and then switch to Greatsword when they get up close and personal. Sounds good.

Cheers.

Yeah, at least until you get the hang of the amount of battle movement needed in this game. When you first start out it's usually a good idea (at least it was for me) to work with ranged as much as possible, until you get used to the combat system in this game, which requires one to move a lot (at least with most classes).

But once you get used to moving in and out of your target's range and dodging their more powerful attacks you'll probably find yourself using your melee weapons more and not using your ranged as much. Anyway, I hope that helps some.

[lankybrit]

Well, I have a Rifle now and a Greatsword, and love and use them both.

I start out with the rifle, and if I can down them while backing up, fine. If they get in close, I switch to the GS.

Working fine. Thanks for all the advice.

Cheers.

[StacyX]

Well, I have a Rifle now and a Greatsword, and love and use them both.

I start out with the rifle, and if I can down them while backing up, fine. If they get in close, I switch to the GS.

Working fine. Thanks for all the advice.

Cheers.

Awesome! I'm glad you found a way that works well for you. Once you get the hang of the type of combat movement that is needed in this game I suspect you'll be using the rifle less and less and the melee weapon more. But even if you don't, as long as your style of combat works well for you don't let anyone tell you to do it "differently". heheh Do what works for you.

I'm glad we could help, lankybrit!

[lankybrit]

Actually, it's been quite the opposite. I'm level 35 now and using the Rifle more and more. Especially in solo play. I find kiting mobs, or Champions, or whatever, to be my preferred way of playing. Fire at them, knock them back when they come up. Bola them. Heal when knock back and Bola are on Cd. Rinse and repeat, all while backing away or moving in circles around them.

Cheers.

[JHCinSC]

If you enjoy ranged fighting then also consider a bow in addition to the rifle. I have my warrior parked at the Shatterer and she uses a rifle and bow during fights with the dragon (I have no desire to get within sword range with that beast). The bow will provide some burning/condition damage as an alternative/in addition to the damage from the rifle. When not fighting the Shatterer my norn warrior uses a rifle and greatsword.