So the last weekend event a goal for myself was to find and test builds that did maximum ranged dps. For the next event my goal will be to find and test builds that do maximum melee DPS. I am hoping that this next event they will be testing lvl 30+ content, so there is a good chance that some traits, all the utility slots and even elite skills will come into play.
That in mind I am going to be comparing ranger melee to warrior melee, as I think those two professions will offer the best burst melee DPS (taking advantage of quickness).
First is the ranger build
http://www.gw2tools.com/skills#r;pkffa; ... Zace;ZYXgZ
Greatsword/Axe-Warhorn
The ranger is traited so that pet boons from signets apply to the ranger as well, then take the signet utility skills which give pet (and now you!) invulnerability and stability. Quickening zephyr of course, and rampage as one for elite skill for the nice buffs it gives.
Playstyle/basic-skill-combos; Open from auto attack axe/warhorn, DD with warhorn, pop warhorn buff, switch to greatsword, swoop, pop zephyr's quickness buff for max dmg and finish with auto attack on greatsword.
Can give extra axe attacks from range, or pop the other utilities as needed for defense or CC avoidance. The bread and butter of DPS for this build will just be straight auto of greatsword while on quickness, but the other weapon skills offer limited DPS boosts as well a rear stun in GS and a ranged snare in axe.
Gearing: Because of the invulnerability, and multitude of other buffs, I would gear this build almost exclusively for offense. Besides, quickening zephyr auto fires at 25% so best dmg is near low health anyway
As far as pets are concerned, I still don't know which are the best so that's gonna be work in progress.
And the Warrior build
http://www.gw2tools.com/skills#w;kfkak; ... baXe;bjYkZ
Warrior traits for almost an even mix of CC avoidance and dmg buffs. The endure pain at 25% health too of course. Utility skills are setup to provide a knockdown charge, invulnerability, a nice all around buff, and of course quickness buff from frenzy.
Playstyle/basic-skill-combos: Open from 2H. Pop the elite skill, signet of rage, before engaging target. Bullrush to engage, knocking down enemy, hit frenzy at the same time as you pop Hundred Blades weaponskill and all but the toughest targets should be dead. For additional burst dmg after quickness fades, switch out to axe/shield and pop Eviscerate. There is some item that gives auto crit after switching weapons, this makes the switch weapons/eviscerate do ridiculous damage. Not sure if this will be accessed next beta event though, but eviscerate on its own is still awesome. Cycle through axe skills as needed, and when hundred blades should have reset, shield bash to stun, swap to 2H and Hundred Blades to victory.
Gearing: Skills provide tons of CC immunity and endure pain is good for defense, but gear could still add some more in the defensive category. Damage should be high enough that 100% offensive gear shouldn't be critical. It is important that this build is geared for a high crit %, because its traited for the might buff on every crit. With gear and some adrenaline crit chance should be able to hit near 50%. So might should always be up. But again, not sure how far we will get into items, so no idea really how much control on gear for next event.
So those are the two builds I am planning on using for a baseline for the next event. If you see anything you'd critique or have comments I would appreciate them.
And I really hope to read some builds that others have made in anticipation of our next chance to play.
Cheers.