This guide presents the possible skills of an Alliance Battles nuker. With powerful Fire Magic spells, fast movement speed and self-heals it can single-handedly capture any shrines.
Professions
- Elementalist primary is preferred.
- You can trade damage and maximum energy for Fast Casting with Mesmer primary.
Attribute selection
- Possible highest Fire Magic with headpiece and a minor Fire Magic rune.
- If there is no attribute spead, take 12+1 Energy Storage (or Fast Casting).
- Consider 12-10-8 or 12-11-6 attribute spreads based on the skills.
Skill selection
Build construction
- 3-4 damaging skills
- 1-2 energy management skill(s)
- 1 IMS
- 0-1 self-heal
- 0-1 shadow step
- 0-3 other skill(s)
Elite skills
The first step to assemble a nuker is choosing the elite skill. Some elites need different skillsets.
- One of the most powerful DoTAoE spells, it is able to wipe out an entrie shrine. A common choice because of the relatively low recharge and high effectiveness. Note that NPCs are likely to kite.
- This skill provides a way to nullify your spells' cooldown, making capping faster. Not to be used on players.
- A simple and fast-recharging touch-ranged spell. It is recommended to use with a shadow step and other PBAoE spells.
- A fast-recharging but costly AoE spell which is able to handle both player and non-player characters. Consider using along with Glyph of Lesser Energy and/or Glowing Gaze.
Damage dealing skills
Every nuker's trademark are the area-of-effect spells cast in fast succession.
- Nearly every worthwhile nuker takes this spell, usually with Glyph of Sacrifice. Prevents kiting and deals high damage.
- Deals moderate damage and synergies well with Meteor Shower.
- Another common way to inflict damage over time.
- Massive damage but expensive. Can be used aginst other players.
- Powerful point-blank spell with low recharge.
- Similar to Inferno but higher energy cost and range, lower recharge and damage.
- Ranged spell that is able to hit nearby foes when used right.
- A more simple version of Meteor Shower. Does not deal damage over time but much cheaper.
Shadow steps
Shadow steps are required when using point-blank spells.
- Effective shadow step because of the lack of aftercast and provides a way to retreat when used with Dash.
- A simple shadow step that heals for a small amount of health.
IMS skills
Increased movement speed skills are needed to move between shrines and avoid other players while doing so.
- A relatively good IMS that deals additional damage.
- Similar to Flame Djinn's Haste but lasts full duration even with no investment. Prevents energy regeneration though.
- A simple no attribute running stance. Ideal to use with Shadow Walk.
Self-heals
Self-heals are needed when you encounter other players or something goes wrong.
- A spell with fast casting, provides high armor and health regeneration.
- An effective self-heal with a fast casting time. Use with Fire Attunement and another enchantment.
- Heals for much health but unreliable.
- A decent heal with a random shadow step.
Energy Management
- Taking this spell is a must.
- A great way to reduce your spells' energy cost. Not to be used along with Glyph of Sacrifice.
- Minor damage and energy gain, might be useful with Searing Flames.
- Can be used with Meteor Shower or any other 15+ energy spells.
Other skills
A several skills that don't belong to the previous categories.
- Highly recommended to take along with Meteor Shower.
- Can be used to increase your spells' effectiveness.
- A defensive skill to counter physicals.
Examples
<pvxbig> [build prof=E/A fir=12+1+1 ene=10+1 dead=8 shadow=2][Assassin's Promise][Glyph of Sacrifice][Meteor Shower][Searing Heat][Teinai's Heat][Flame Djinn's Haste][Fire Attunement][Optional][/build] </pvxbig> <pvxbig> [build prof=E/A fire=12+1+1 energy=12+1][Glyph of Sacrifice][Meteor Shower][Shadow Walk][Star Burst][Inferno][Flame Burst][Dash][Fire Attunement][/build] </pvxbig> <pvxbig> [build prof=E/D fire=12+1+1 energy=10+1 earthp=8][Savannah Heat][Meteor][Rodgort's Invocation][Glyph of Lesser Energy][Shield of Force][Mystic Regeneration][Flame Djinn's Haste][Fire Attunement][/build] </pvxbig>
Equipment selection
- Survivor or Radiant insignias
- Insightful Staff of Fortitude
- 40/40 set
General usage
- Approach the shrine.
- Cast your spells in order.
- Keep your enchantments up.
- Use your IMS when moving between the shrines.
Notes
Your role is to swiftly and steadily take out NPCs. Unless your team is far ahead, do not attempt to fight other players. Your strength comes from the abuse of the AI. Simply take out a shrine and run to the next one.