User:Kaga/Big bosses and the cautious approach
Tactical Manual page 3
Big bosses and the cautious approach[edit]
Sometimes it simply isn't possible to let go and just bash randomly into things. There are multiple times when you will have to keep moving, or that if you are close to the Main boss you might get hit with nasty Area effects. This is where having a more defense oriented setup can really save the day.
One of the most effective and defensive setups for warriors I find is the sword/shield & rifle combo. Using defense traits ( such as the master-level Shield Master!) to boost toughness ( and hence overall armor, on top of the armor rating of your shield ) and having the flexibility to block if in a bad position are things that simply cannot be underestimated. The rifle on the other hand bring you harassing power ( via Bleeding Shot ) , a good spread of conditions with cripple and vulnerability ( via Aimed Shot & Brutal Shot (rifle skill) ) a high powered multishot attack ( the amazing adrenaline building power of Volley ) and finally a quite excellent knockback attack (Rifle Butt which allows you to really influence the range at which you are fighting.
So you're in a situation where a full frontal assault might not be the best ? Harass and open up with the rifle, keeping the range until you've built up the adrenaline. Get closer as you finish your final shots and slam your opponent with Rifle Butt. Immediatly switch to Sword/shield, jump in with Savage Leap, stun using Shield Bash and use your builtup adren with Flurry. Before your opponent wakes up, Cripple him quickly with Hamstring and block/dodge out ( using Shield Stance if required). Switch back to rifle, keep ranged and buildup for another strike!
This simple strategy works really well against big things like golems, certain vets or bosses where AOEs mean you have to keep on the move. The setup works also quite well when applied to pvp like World Versus World ( or WvW for short) as it is a basic strategy derived from the basic weapon skills we have, as a tool, to fight for our respective worlds.
