self>Falconeye: /* Weaknesses */

2019-08-14T00:07:21Z

Weaknesses

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[[Image:iwmesmerfinal.jpg|thumb|right|Mesmer casting Illusionary Weaponry]]

An [[IW mesmer]] refers to a [[Mesmer]] build based around the skill [[Illusionary Weaponry]]. It has not seen much use since the [[Feedback:Game_updates/20100521|May 21, 2010 game update]], which overhauled the profession.

== Background ==

Illusionary Weaponry allows a caster to inflict respectable amounts of melee-range damage that cannot miss or be blocked, since the caster's [[action]]s do not count as [[attack]]s. This also allowed the skill to serve as a cornerstone for [[Mesmer]] solo builds.

== Skills ==

* IW-builds rely on [[enchantment spells]] for their damage, so they must include cover enchantments, e.g. [[Illusion of Weakness]] (which also relies on [[Illusion Magic]] and has no [[duration]]).
* As with any melee build, they include skills that increase attack speed, notably [[Flurry]] (which does not reduce IW's damage output).
* As with any caster, IW mesmers require [[energy management]].
* Builds typically include [[interrupt]]s or other types of [[shutdown]]s.
* IW mesmers require self-heals to maintain survivability, e.g. [[Feigned Neutrality]] (which will not end while attacking with [[Illusionary Weaponry]]).

== Equipment ==

* IW requires a melee [[weapon]], typically a [[sword]] or [[axe]] (because an [[off-hand]] item can still be used). However, [[Dagger]]s can have a slightly higher attack speed because of double strikes and [[Scythe]]s can attack multiple enemies.
* [[Of Enchanting]] modifiers increase the duration of [[Illusionary Weaponry]] and the cover enchantments.
* Shield upgrades that trigger on being enchanted are useful, since the character will almost always be enchanted.

== Play style ==

There are three typical ways to play an IW mesmer:
# As a front-line melee fighter.
# As a mid-line caster, only using IW when the opportunity presents itself.
# As a combination of the two, typically using [[Domination Magic]] to punish opponents (e.g. with [[Empathy]]) or shut them down (e.g. using [[Distortion]]).

== Weaknesses ==
* The biggest weakness in the build is there are currently far superior and less risky ways of using [[Mesmer]]s to inflict armor-ignoring damage.

* IW mesmers are vulnerable to enchantment removal, so they are useless for much of the high-end and [[Beyond]] content.
* They only come into full productivity against heavily-armored opponents, since one of the build's primary advantages is the armor-ignoring damage.

{{Team Roles nav}}
[[Category:Mesmer builds]]
[[Category:Obsolete builds]]

IW mesmer - Revision history

self>Falconeye: /* Weaknesses */