GODMODE Chronomancer Build Guide

[@phandrel]

Join the Phamily! discord.gg/JGdQ6Hjny9 Build: en.gw2skills.net/editor/?PihAYRlVw8YJME2Ie8XZNfA-DyIY1o6/MyVq2hqShfAoRGfagKA-e

[@jmoore9157]

rune of the trapper are expensive to make so I went with rune of the sunless (less than 37 S for a full set of 6). Plenty of condition damage with some incoming condition damage reduction to boot. Very fun build. Thanks

[@phandrel]

Oh yes, that's definitely a more cost-effective option. Gonna note it down, because I'm working on a "cheaper runes" video. thanks!

[@Silentstrike46_]

Perfect timing, was just in the process of making my OW Chronomancer :D Thanks for the video!

[@wuzzle5261]

YES! YES YES YES! I've been absolutely adoring all aspects of Chrono for the last few months, but I couldn't make it work tooooooo well in harder open world stuff. I'm trying this *immediately*

[@USNTM2]

How did it go?

[@MrJAgb]

Yes do tell :)

[@jaychoi2423]

Excellent build and explanation, thank you for sharing, the SOTO grind had me take a long break but it's time to have a blast with this chrono build

[@phandrel]

Hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did!

[@JesseTribby]

Haven't played it recently (because I moved my Ascended Celestial to another character), but this is one of the most enjoyable open world builds I've ever played. Never got the Trapper runes. Look at alt rune recommendations in comments.

[@Havoqq]

Just tried the build and I love it. Benched 23.2k on the golem without swapping weapons, simply summoning and shattering stuff with CS and Ether. Nothing too fancy. Works like a charm while Champions are a complete joke. Went and killed the Champion Nature Elemental in Dragonfall as my first test, it's not even close to being a challenge. I like this build much more than Cele Mirage because even with staff I can burst harder with shatters.

[@phandrel]

Awesome! Ever since being told about this one, I can't swap back to others when the stakes are high. I'm playing around with Mirage a bit, but when a boss gets real tough, it's instant switch to this build.

[@emilei3069]

Very cool! I was just lamenting that my power chrono feels squishy in open world so I’m excited to give this a try. I’m interested to see how it compares to power mirage which has great survivability also. Thanks for sharing!

[@corruptedzeref2779]

Chrono is my favorite thing to play. I’m just coming back to game after about 2-3 yrs off when chrono was in a bad place right b4 EoD

[@phandrel]

They're in such a good place as well in group content: dps/alacdps/qdps is a single trait change alacheal/qheal works amazing too, with a lot of flexibility (stab, aegis, cc, etc)

[@changounchained2648]

How important is the relic in this build? TY! :D Great Vid!

[@phandrel]

It contributes to your overall damage, but you can definitely swap it out for various others. Fractal is often picked over Akeem, but you could also go for some extra defense for example. So feel free to experiment with those you have!

[@hazzfirst]

Excellent build and explanation. Can you make virtuoso work too in harder ow stuff? I've been searching for a solo virt build but I heard people saying it's too squishy. Thanks for sharing!

[@phandrel]

I'll take a look at that one. There's definitely ways to make it work, especially thanks to them having a trait that helps sustain you. I would assume that the margin for error would be smaller, but maybe we can solve that with an extra defensive or block.

[@hazzfirst]

@@phandrel Thanks! Looking forward to it

[@NBOZZ14]

What’s good alternative for Akeem?

[@phandrel]

Fractal could work, as you still inflict bleeding with your staff, or Demon Queen, as you have a few interrupts. You don't have bleeding/poison duration, so Fractal should be the first one to consider. Other than that, the ones that trigger on elite usage (something like Cerus) would technically work, but it'd get triggered only once every 60 second (or 20 if you use continuum split, but you need to leave 20 sec between 2 elite casts). Some of the defensives could also work, but you don't really need those to stay alive.

[@tctekes]

Hii! many gw2skills links are not working and this video's is sadly one of them. Do you have a workaround to see the linked build?

[@phandrel]

I'll look into it, I'm afraid I'll need to recreate all of them as something with gw2skills changed.

[@jamikornt4851]

I met the legend creating this awesome build while trying it out in the game!! How lucky 😊❤❤❤

[@phandrel]

Awesome! It's been my go to for harder bounties, although I've been also experimenting a bit with mirage again.

[@mrxatissimo3937]

Great build and it was amazing watching it in action!

[@phandrel]

It's so amazing, can highly recommend! Might push back my necro playing time even further though xD

[@thaiilungpanter6772]

Hello, can this work when using Greatsword or Sword/sword instead of rifle?

[@phandrel]

Heya, both of those scale off power damage, so I don't think they'll do you much good, to be honest. You could try with any of the other condi weapons, but do know that Rifle is somewhat important for clone generation and defense when you get in trouble (you could stick around on staff most of the time if you simply need more damage).

[@Ryan-lt8wm]

Any reason not to take Chaotic Transference in the Choas line? Sure oyu lose damage, but sometimes I feel chip damage is what catches me out on this build, more so with lots of lower teir mobs. Constant regen also gives concentration and expertise bonues.

[@phandrel]

That'd be a very valid option, to be honest. The build has some regen and I felt fine without the trait, that's why I went for the higher damage and (especially) staff cooldown reduction, which adds some defense as well. But if chip damage keeps accruing, or some mobs (like the new Janthir Wilds Titans) have enough pressure, then taking CT might be a safe pick.

[@Ryan-lt8wm]

@@phandrel I've been using this build pretty much exclusively since I came back and doing story, open world etc and what I found was once I took damage it was a little hard to get health back reliably. I do not have ascended gear, full exotics and maybe I am playing it wrong though.

[@nexeus7302]

You definitely haven't tried Mechanist with the new Relic, literally unkillable, and the best part you Mech actually gets heals from the relic + the signet too which means you get ungodly amount of heals while dashing out damage along with your mech. As long as you don't leave your mech in shit puddles, you're god amongst mere any boss or champions. Btw a good indicator if your build is good for "solo", is the four champions Djins, if you can solo those, then yes, your build is golden.

[@phandrel]

Sounds like I have some experimenting to do! I've been usually gliding to resummon my mech (at full health) when he gets low. But if we can just tank it, that'd be gold.

[@ryukaizen.4561]

which relic?

[@nexeus7302]

@@ryukaizen.4561 Zakiros

[@albertovb88]

Hey! Which build are you referring to? I wanted to update my mechanist for some open world content, and I would really love to see that build, is there any link? Ty in advance!

[@nexeus7302]

@@albertovb88 It seems won't let me to post any links. I did post a link with the build, but it got deleted. Use Zakiros with Explosive 2 - 3 - 3. Alchemy 3 - 1 - 3. Mechanist 2 - 2 - 1. The gear is also important. Celestial, BUT use pants with Marauder. Earings Marauder. Rifle Marauder too. Back piece I prefer Maradeur. Rest celestial. For runes; Rune of the Pack and weapons Sigils: Force and the one that gives 10+ Power on Kill.

[@KalibreSteelblast]

I was hesitant to play Chronomancer, I've been looking for a build to make use of Kasmeer's staff, but most non-melee staff options have, tradiationally, sucked for most classes. I'm glad Chrono makes it much better. :D

[@phandrel]

There's also an awesome staff/staff or staff/dagger-x open world mirage build! Technically, there's also alac mirage in group content, but I'm not sure how solid it is nowadays.

[@chrisjunkins1241]

How are you generating Quickness if you are running Chronophantasm?

[@fullmetalathlete]

Phantasmal Haste in the illusions trait line. You get a couple seconds for each phantasm you spawn so if you do the rotation right you can generate a bunch of uptime for yourself.

[@dhulghuldr1186]

hi. any update/changes like spear for this build?

[@phandrel]

Will try to bring 2-3 extra builds out this week, then the rest next week, so there should be an update soon-ish :)

[@robinfreebird4784]

LOVE this! Thank you ❤️

[@phandrel]

Hope you'll like it as much as I do :)

[@vicious9734]

Hi Phandrel, i gotta ask though, do you think that it is better than the solo herald?

[@phandrel]

It's way more intense, but I believe it has a higher ceiling.

[@vicious9734]

Thank you Phandrel!

[@arturstepien2714]

I was trying this build on a golem and reached max 7k dps (the only difference was relic of aristocracy but dont think it will bump up the dmg twice...) on staff while doing all combos etc... am I doing something wrong or is average golem without boons/debuffs harder than open world content?

[@phandrel]

It sounds like either a gear or rotation problem. Gear needs to be of course on par with the one in the video, as that can already cause different results. If that's covered, then make sure you do the general combo right: Staff 2 + Mirror Images to start Continuum Shift, during which you want to use all of your F abilities, and prioritize using staff 3, heal (which resets staff 3), then staff 3 again. When continuum shift ends, you'll be able to repeat that whole sequence again, which should put you above 7k. It will take some practice, though, as it's a lot to think about in a very short time span.

[@arturstepien2714]

@@phandrel thanks for the tip! I was wondering how can I use all of those F skills in continuum shift but I guess I need to use only F2 when its 3 clones and spam the rest without any clones no? Btw I figured out that I've used inspiration instead of illusion... :D so it raised up to 11k dps after changing but still far from your outcome so need to try harded :)

[@phandrel]

@@arturstepien2714 Nice! The utilities can indeed make a massive difference. As for the F abilities, you can indeed mash all of them during Continuum Shift. You'll get them back a couple of seconds after. Out of CS, try to use F2 with 3 clones up and F1 with either 2 (in staff) or 3 (in rifle).

[@sebastianhanichen8516]

Interesting build, but i'm really enjoying the stationary dodging on mirage.

[@phandrel]

Mirage is also a different flavor and will allow for a much more relaxed playstyle. Overall, mesmer is doing well (and has been for a while) in the build department.

[@Inugamiz]

Is hard to learn? I have the game since release and havent really played it.

[@phandrel]

This is definitely one of the more challenging ones, for sure. But you can simplify it heavily by remembering these combos: Staff 3 > Heal > Steaff 3, Rifle 2-3-4, F2 > F1 (use F3-F4 whenever you see fit).

[@MrPhyxsyus]

I find Dagger celestial mirage with midnigth king relic and trapper runes is easier and kills everytging faster

[@xAstrologyx]

Well I guess my Mesmer is about to get used... Thank you!!

[@Occi_Sims]

Fantastic! Going to try this one out 💖

[@phandrel]

I might use it more on stream, since I can't stop soloing champions now :P

[@taa347]

It really looks like just the normal god mirage solo build but slapped on a chronomancer chassis. Maybe I'm missing something

[@phandrel]

They're different flavors but have the same objective. The Mirage build is definitely easier to play, but this one has been performing better for me on really difficult bounties. The boon coverage is also rather different, with chrono having access to many more, and is easier to recover from when you mess up. But in no way is the mirage build inferior, just different.

[@taa347]

@@phandrel That's fair. Thank you for the clarification

[@fullmetalathlete]

Interesting. I hadnt heard many people using the rifle chrono offensively. Ive been enjoying the hell out of heal rifle chrono in pvp but usually go for my condi Mirage for soloing harder bosses. I'll have to give it a try. Just gotta buy a real rifle for OW.

[@phandrel]

I'm a huge fan of incorporating the new weapons as well, and the rifle works surprisingly well. I originally wrote it off as a group content weapon, but I was wrong.

[@zona_val]

im benching around 16k with weapon swap and fooding, was this nerfed?

[@phandrel]

There's a couple of changes to some cooldowns, but nothing major changed with the June 25 Balance Update. I haven't been benching it further, so I haven't reached J_Halver's numbers, instead I've been using it in the open world. I also hit the 16k mark consistently, with a couple of outliers on the higher side.

[@briancatt7813]

Thank you for sharing. I like it.

[@richardpurvis4532]

Will try this out soon to be sure.....saw your stream when you created it and make it a stable build .If I can "mirror" your play style I too can be a hero,,,thx

[@phandrel]

Let me know how it works out for you!

[@Ham68229]

18 to 20K dps?? Seems a bit low to me or am I missing something here? Not against the build just, feel like it should produce higher, like 25 to 27K and yes I get it, it's celestial but still. Thanks for sharing. Cheers :)

[@NordpeakConsulting]

nice one, thanks !

[@phandrel]

Hope you'll like it as much as I did! It replaced my champion soloing builds in a single session.

[@ThatDudeJCrash]

How does this build fair in WvW?

[@phandrel]

I haven't tested it out in there, yet. I'm not the greatest wvw/pvp player, so I might not be the best reference on that one.

[@MageSkeleton]

So firstly, you need like 50 CHARGED QUARTZ CRYSTAL which you can only turn 25 Quartz Crystals into one once a day. Then, you have to purchase the recipe to make the celestial gear (thank goodness this is a recipe players can sell on the AH). For those doing Jewelry, you can purchase the recipes the same way, Exquisite something. i found Superior Rune of the Sunset, it's cheap and basically does the same thing just reduces incoming condition damage instead of increasing condition damage duration. The RIFLE is a new weapon the Mesmur can gain use of after completing an achievement or earning thing in WvW content. i wish people would note if CHARGED QUARTZ CRYSTAL is needed and about how much. And if the build makes use of a thing that's locked behind progression. Sometimes i feel like i can't enjoy the story of the game because it's in my way to acquire things that would make playing the game more fun. THEN once i have the "META build" i like and the latest features/mounts gained i won't have anything to do but have to do the story on a separate character.

[@eueu2]

was it so then? 50 quartz needed? and rifle only usable after WxW achievement?

[@IKronicX]

I’m skeptical. I tried this out. Doesn’t seem viable for legendary bounties. I’d like to see a video of a solo leggy. Doesn’t seem likely especially for average player

[@GamblingDedicated]

Another middle finger to Mirage. Love to see it.

[@phandrel]

Mirage is still a top contender, imo. But this one is definitely giving it a run for its money.

[@1996technique]

​@phandrel with the chrono burst dps against trash mobs would you still rate mirage higher? I can't stand mirage against normal mobs I only use it on a hp sponge

[@fullmetalathlete]

Sadge...I prefer Mirage so much more than Chrono but you can't deny the numbers 😢

[@campioneri]

@@1996technique Mirage is still better for solo content. It does like 22k dps in extended fights and with dagger/pistol its burst against trash mobs is tolerable. But this chrono build can tank more hits and survive with sloppier play, and also has more utility in a group setting. But if you want a build for normal mobs gear up a berserker's power mirage and swap to it when necessary, kills things crazy fast.

[@MrPhyxsyus]

There's a staff/staff mirage build that can solo any champion too. Look for it on Guildjen.

[@wildcarts3867]

Not really usefull in Open world. Only for Boss Fights. But for me ITS too complicated. I still use Mech 111 or Nekro all in CD. Easy and i Hit many Mobs. Dir Open world aoe ranged ist the only Option for me to get loot and stay Alive. For raids this is still to complicated. I never get so much dps while reacting to biss mechanics. Btw i dont understand why there no Build-Code to copy. Its always annoying to pause/play videos and write everything insteaed of copy paste.

[@dulcetwho5770]

That's great that you have something "better" but some people don't want to just hit 1 button and win, it's mind numbing and boring imo so while you might get by taking the lazy route, some, myself included, just don't find it capable of making the Open World content not dull. Also, just because you find it "hard" does not mean it is objectively difficult. I watched the whole video and use this very build and while it's a tad busy, I wouldn't call it complicated. Why are you even taking this into raids? It's not meant for them. Finally, wdym no build code? You didn't look at this section you commented in? You could have just looked right below where you were typing and see that the gw2skills link is right there.

[@wildcarts3867]

@@dulcetwho5770 Theres nonbuild Code. I cant See it And im not wanted to use this build in RAID. Never Said that. This build ist Bad for Open world, cause U dont get enough Targets. Always If i Run melee i get 90% less loot, cause every mob is down before i reach IT xD So i need aoe ranged build. I dont understand how ppl get loot with meele in Silverwaste or other metas And i never understand ppl who say they Like IT to be very slow and have tobpress millions of Buttons for every little Mob in Open world. Never Met someone Like this. Everyone i Met in Events wants to kill fast with less Buttons. Cause ist Not fun, ist boring and Stress to use Rota. And Most of time u cant use the Rota cause Mob is down and your skills are on CD, so u cant start Rota in next Mob. Rota only usefull If u have static Boss and No need to move a Lot.

[@Azrub]

@@wildcarts3867 you are missing the point of this build. no one uses these cele builds for normal open world stuff, but only when you need survivability, for example solo legendary bounties or when you want to solo group events (particularly useful when you are doing achievements at late night). Have fun doing bounties solo or group events solo in berserker gear.

[@wildcarts3867]

@Azrub i dont use berserk Gear. Not really usefull to use high dmd builds If u dont habe a healer with u. I never use builds with skill.rotas, only builds where u use some or all skills in cooldown without weapon Switch. I dont Like IT conplicated

[@Azrub]

@@wildcarts3867 skill issue, there is also cele scourge which is very strong against tough monsters and extremely easy btw

[@KmKrysteK]

I dont like it. Looks like worse version of mirage staff build with celestial gear. Quality of the video is also bad o.O