illusion or domination

[lordneon]

which is better illusion or domination? or a combo

[Nobleman Azure]

what do you want to do? punish casters or punish warriors?

Domination specializes in anti caster spells while Illusion specializes in anti-warrior or melee type spells.

[rodigee]

I've got to say Domination. Throughout this entire game I've tried to bring myself to love Illusion, but other than Illusion of Weakness and the adrenaline denial skills I've been disappointed.

I've had many hours of mesmering, however. Hours during which a certain playstyle has evolved. If you're just starting out, I think you should spread your points out in a 5-10-10-10 sort of build. Mess around with everything, use what you like, and dump what you don't.

[Nobleman Azure]

Alot of people fail to see how illusion can really mess up opponents. Other than being IW, Illusion skills can stop fleers, stop chasers, give heavy DOT damage + conditions/effects, and deal constant damage to any character that attacks alot.

Most people go for domination because of the mistake that i call the "damage basis". Most people look into a class or skills and initially gauge its usefulness through the basis of damage. Does it take away damage? (Healing) Does it directly prevent damage? (Protection) Does it deal really high amounts of damage? (Nuking).

Apparently, The Illusion tree focuses more on manipulation (The Illusion ELites especially give good manipulations) and slow DOT damage instead of spike damages that the Domination line can bring through several skills such as Shatter Hex, Shatter Enchantment, Wastrels Worry etc. etc. and especially Backfire, come on 120+ damage per spell cast? Not many people can say no to a skill like that.

[rodigee]

I really like Blackout and Powerblock :)

That's really all it boils down to.

[Tsume]

Apparently, The Illusion tree focuses more on manipulation
While I understand the point you make Noble, I'm gonna have to disagree slightly. Being a Mesmer is all about manipulation, no matter what attribute branch you use. In Illusion you have a lot of skils that allow you to control your opponent (speed, attacking, anti adrenaline, etc) then you have Inspiration which either protects your or debilitates your opponent, and Domination where your mainly useing skills that play off of the enemy or force them into a certain situation.

I just dont think I could label one of them the manipulation branch but if I had to, I think I would go Domination, becuase you try to play the opponent against himself, which is the essence of manpulation. Illusion is that way too (Clusiness, Ineptitude) but the slowing skills, life degen, I see that more as countering them, if that makes sense.

Welcome to the boards Lordneon, and the GWOnline.net community. :howdy:

Now you really just cant plainly state which is better. It all depends on what you want to do really.

As in my above statements, Domination is geared a lot towards caster manipulation, though it has some great all around and mellee specific skills as well. Illusion is more applicable to any opponent, meaning most skills are equally effective on any opponent with key exceptions like anti warrior skills sympathetic visage and soothing immages, or Migraine and Arcane Conundrumw hich are more for casters. Inspiration is more about energy conservation (part of self preservation) and is a ver self beneficial heavy class. Though it holds some great spells like Spirit of Failure and Spirit Shackles which have great use, especially use in conjunction with others. Its really based off of energy.

And thats the basics. There is no real 'better' branch.

[Saikyo]

And thats the basics. There is no real 'better' branch.

Well said. Asking which branch is better between illusion and domination is like asking if ax or sword skills are better. They both have their merits and detriments it's all a matter of your playing style and skill with them.

I would advise against a combo of illusion and domination though. Using them both at the same time is very hard on your energy supply since both are rather costly without some points in inspiration. Not to say you couldn't do it, but you would need to be much more careful with your energy and use skills like Guilt, Shame and Ethreal Burden to keep your energy high.

[lordneon]

thanks for the help :)

[Rizzy]

50/50 with just +5 to fast cast to be able to activate Emp and Backfire at a significantly faster rate, and with a +20% increase cast rate, sometimes Emp and Backfire = Instant cast