Blocking eggs & husks
Blocking eggs & husks
Blocking at Triple Trouble is as important as having commanders who lead their squads. It makes the event much easier. Here you can learn more about blocking!
See TT Blocking Guide Video for the general video guide - class specific videos are linked in the video description.
NOTE: The video guides are not completely up to date to reflect all recent game updates. Please, refer to the written guides!
"Blocking" at Triple Trouble means preventing the wurm from spitting out eggs, husks, and possibly drool (aoe spits).
Usually, at least one player stays inside each of the wurms and uses projectile-destroy, reflection or invulnerability skills when the wurm is about to spit.
As result, the arena will be clear of eggs and larvae (which can hatch from eggs), and husks.
Blockers can adapt to only block eggs, but let out husks when there is a condi-team to kill the husks (= "reflecting").
Type of skills:
Eggs can be blocked with projectile destroy / reflection / block or invulnerability skills.
Husks and drool can only be blocked with invulnerability skills.
All of these skills must be used/placed on the "invuln spot" (see below - 1.3. Positioning).
Duration:
At least 3.5s of reflect/ invulnerability are necessary to block a full spit of eggs or husks. You can either use a single blocking skill or chain multiple skills to reach the full duration. Each spit is split into 3 parts ("coughs") of either 1 - 1 - 1 husk or 3 - 3 - 4 eggs.
Cooldowns:
The wurm can spit eggs every 40s, and husks every 90s on Amber and Crimson / every 80s on Cobalt.
These timers do NOT reset with damage phases. The wurm can still decide to do another attack, even if a spit is ready.
Attacks:
This video shows the first phase animations from inside the wurm - https://youtu.be/uR3OQGfRnec .
Check 1st phase attacks to see animation from outside the wurm and how to deal with them!
The main attacks are:
- Wide Spin (large aoe knockback + damage near the wurm, wurm head stays higher up) -> dodge/evade/(personal) block
- Small Sping + Drool Spit (large aoe knockback + damage near the wurm, wurm head will be near the ground, followed by drool spit - many small aoes) -> dodge/evade or invuln block
- Egg & Husk Spit -> use blocking skills, you will find detailed info on this in the 2. Class guides section
Attacks before/after damage phases:
Crimson can still start a new attack after the containers have been filled and you see the message that the wurm is vulnerable.
Crimson and Cobalt usually do a wide spin after each burn phase while Amber can spit again immediately.
Pattern:
All wurms usually start the event with one (or two) wide spin attacks, followed by a double spit (= the wurm does the egg/husk-spit animation twice in a row. Either it spits eggs first and husks second, or first husks and then eggs. The order is random. See 1.4. Spit - eggs or husks? ). An easy way to keep track of what can possibly be spit by the wurm is noting down/remembering the husk timer: If husks are still and cooldown and the wurm starts spitting, it will be eggs.
This pattern does not always apply, e.g. the wurm can do a spin in between spits, even if eggs/husks are ready!
Using a skill that makes you invulnerable or that reflects on a small radius, you need to stand/place the skill on the "invuln spot", which is right in the middle of the wurm.
Some skills with bigger radius can be placed more freely; as long as the correct spot is covered they will block.
You know that you are standing on the right spot when you see the white "invulnerable" message on your screen when you block eggs, husks or drool with invulnerability skills. Reflections (like Feedback!) will not show this message. Attacking the wurm will show "0" on the spot.
Finding the invuln spot:
To find the correct spot, you can go into the wurm and zoom in. You should see the ground, not the wurm around you. On the ground you can see a ring of rocks (that is where the wurm comes out) with a free area in the middle. Find the very middle, that is the spot you want to stand on.
For another method [picture to the left], go into the wurm, zoom all the way in, then out two times - you should not see the wurm.
Turn the camera to look onto your character from above and auto-attack. You will see "0" as damage numbers.
The numbers for critical hits are a bit bigger and have a red background. The position of this bigger "0" is where you want to position your character.
Blocking overlay:
There is an in-game overlay that offers a timer and an indicator if you are on the correct spot for blocking.
You need to download Blish HUD first, then install the module for TT Blocking (you can find more info on https://github.com/Lorfdail/TTBlockersStuff).
This will open a window when you are in one of the wurm arenas. Getting close to the blocking spot will show an indicator on the top left of the window - it changes depending on your position.
Both, egg and husk spit, have the same animation. This means you need another way to tell what the wurm is spitting when you use invulnerability skills.
You might be able to see eggs/husks on the wurm's "mouth" just for just a moment, even when they are blocked, but you want to have a more reliable method.
"Invulnerable" text
For every egg, every husk, and also every drool that has been blocked with invulnerability, one white "invulnerable" text will appear. (Projectile destroys/reflects will not show this text).
The wurm will always spit multiple eggs at once (three/four with each cough/part spit), but only one husk per cough. So seeing multiple "invulnerable" texts when blocking a spit with invuln generally means you have blocked eggs, seeing only one "invulnerable" at a time means you have blocked husks.
Be aware, it's possible to see extra invuln texts if veteran wurms or other adds attack you at the same time. This can lead to multiple texts on a husk spit. Also, only one blocker will get these texts (we call this block priority/prio). It can happen that priority is split and one blocker will block one egg while the other blocks two eggs of the same part spit. Here one of the blockers may think they are blocking husks. This is why communication between blockers is important!
Chat messages
You can change your chat settings to let the game tell you if you have blocked eggs or husks. Just like the "invuln" text, only one blocker will get these messages and only when using invulnerability. But it's a definite way to tell whether the wurm spits eggs or husks when you have prio.
Click on the + to the right of you chat tabs to add a new one (or use an already existing tab) and click on the little arrow to the left of the tab's name. Check Combat and click on the arrow to the right, check Incoming Mitigated Damage. You may also want to see other chats, especially party chat, to still see what other blockers/commander etc write.
The game will show the following messages:
Husks: "You absorb [wurm name]'s Disgorge Husk."
Eggs: "You absorb [wurm name]'s Spit."
Drool (aoe spit): "You absorb [wurm name]'s Drool"
Subgroups:
Typically, blockers and commanders join the second group of the squad. You can click on your squad icon and drag yourself there. Now you can use the party chat to talk to your commi and other blockers. [Note: on NA servers blockers are often in a seperate squad - the defense squad, green tag]
When going for fullblock, you want to tell each other if you have blocked eggs or husks as only one player can see the chat messages and "invulnerable" text. You can type "e" or "h" for that. Also, it can be helpful to write down when the wurm spit out husks the last time to keep track of the timer (e.g. 11:40 h).
Condis for killing husks usually join the third (or sometimes also the second) subgroup of the squad. If you see a player there, check with them and your commanders, if they want you to let husks out.
Timer:
Instead of writing spit times in the chat, you can use the block timer at https://tripletrouble.today/blocker. By clicking on an icon for what you have blocked (eggs or husks), a timer will start and show you when these (eggs / husks) are ready again. By filling in the same string into the room field, you can share the same timer with another person.
Voice chat:
Joining TS/discord will make communication between you and the commander easier and faster. The commander can ask you e.g. to block or not to block husks or drool.
Being able to talk on can be helpful, too, but it is not required. If you have any issues during the run like veteran wurms annoying you, lag spikes, or you have missed some eggs or husks, you can tell your commander on voice or via group chat ingame.
As a blocker you have your own, special task, so you do not have to follow the commander's calls (for the mechanic) and stack with them.
Subgroups:
Typically, blockers and commanders join the second group of the squad. You can click on your squad icon and drag yourself there. Now you can use the party chat to talk to your commi and other blockers. [Note: on NA servers blockers are often in a seperate squad - the defense squad, green tag]
When going for fullblock, you want to tell each other if you have blocked eggs or husks as only one player can see the chat messages and "invulnerable" text. You can type "e" or "h" for that. Also, it can be helpful to write down when the wurm spit out husks the last time to keep track of the timer (e.g. 11:40 h).
Condis for killing husks usually join the third (or sometimes also the second) subgroup of the squad. If you see a player there, check with them and your commanders, if they want you to let husks out.
Timer:
Instead of writing spit times in the chat, you can use the block timer at https://tripletrouble.today/blocker. By clicking on an icon for what you have blocked (eggs or husks), a timer will start and show you when these (eggs / husks) are ready again. By filling in the same string into the room field, you can share the same timer with another person.
Voice chat:
Joining TS/discord will make communication between you and the commander easier and faster. The commander can ask you e.g. to block or not to block husks or drool.
Being able to talk on can be helpful, too, but it is not required. If you have any issues during the run like veteran wurms annoying you, lag spikes, or you have missed some eggs or husks, you can tell your commander on voice or via group chat ingame.
As a blocker you have your own, special task, so you do not have to follow the commander's calls (for the mechanic) and stack with them.
Terms:
trainees: cannot block all eggs on their own; need another experienced blocker with them
(solo) egg blockers / reflectors: can confidently block all eggs on their own throughout entire event
solo / full blockers: can confidently block all eggs AND all 3 husks on their own (blocking drool is optional)
a shadow is an experienced solo blocker who will be inside the wurm as back-up for a trainee blocker and only blocks if the trainee misses a spit
parallel blocking means that two (or more) players both block at the same time as if they were solo blocking (one of them might be a trainee)
Blocking abilities by classes:
Full-block is possible by Mesmer, Elementalist, Thief, and Sylvari Mechanist (EoD Engineer Specialization).
Blocking all eggs + 2 husks (but no full-block) can be done by Guardian and Engineer.
Blocking all eggs (but no husks) can be done by Revenant, Druid/Untamed, Warrior, and Necromancer.
Stats:
The first priority for blockers is surviving, even if they have aggro from some veteran wurms, or in case they miss a dodge. Therefore you want to take tanky gear to block. For example, PVT (power-vitality-toughness) for dungeon tokens, for karma (Orr temples), or WvW armor can be used. If you are comfortable enough and able to stay alive, you can take more damage orientated gear. For most builds, anything can work (check out the class section for more info).
Food:
If you want to have special blocking food: Mango Pies will give you health regeneration. Bowl of Meat and Winter Vegetable Stew will give you higher endurance regeneration (if you feel like you need more dodges). But you can also take the food that is usually provided on the main waypoint on organized runs.
Preparations:
Use the information on this site to choose a class, gear it, and get a build (traits/skills). Detailed builds and descriptions for different classes can be found below.
First steps:
Get into the wurm! But don't worry, on your first tries - until you feel comfortable - you will not be alone. There will be an experienced blocker with you, who takes care of blocking everything that needs to be blocked.
In the meantime, you can take it slow: Start by learning to survive inside the wurm, recognize the animations, dodge the spin attacks.
Once you can avoid the attacks to stay alive, continue with trying to use the right skill at the right time to actually block. You can first focus on eggs or try to go for full-block right away. However, please, keep in mind that we only want to block husks if we do not have a condi team to deal with them.
Advanced:
Do you think you got the hang of blocking? You can ask the other blocker to let you solo block and only stay as a back-up. This way you can test if you can actually get the timings and skills right.
Another option is going to an unorganized map. Often, there are some players who try to go for at least one head. You can "use" them to get the escorts done. Then go to one of the heads and try. Sometimes you will find other blockers on those runs. You can check the other heads or ask them to let you train.
For most classes I recommended using the traits and skills as listed here, but not all of them are always necessary. Traits and skills which you need for blocking are marked red.
These builds aim at being beginner friendly, so as easy as possible. You may find other possible traits or skills for your way of blocking, or for additional boon support/damage. In the end it only matters that you can block everything you are supposed to block - not how!
Note, here "rotation" means: what skills to use when, depending on what the wurm is spitting.
You can copy a template code (looks like [ABC123] ) and paste it into your ingame chat to see the build or directly paste it to one of your build templates - this will overwrite an existing template.
Classes are listed in the general order of how much they can block and which I would recommend them in.
Click on a class icon to open its section!
Thief
can block all eggs, all husks, and most aoe spits (drool)
no elite specialization/expansion required
slight cast delay on invuln and evade skill - needs timing
requires preparation before each run to acquire invuln skill
invuln skill can be lost if skills are used in the wrong order
playing Sylvari allows you to block even more aoe spits (drool)
Engineer
can block all eggs and at least 2 out of 3 husks;
cannot block aoe spits (drool)
no elite specialization/expansion required (but helpful)
Sylvari Mechanist
can block all eggs and all husks, but cannot block most aoe spits (drool)
Sylvari race and EoD specialization/expansion required
constant skill pressing and dodging
needs to reposition during the run
Guardian
can block all eggs, and mostly 2 out of 3 husks*; cannot block aoe spits (drool)
no elite specialization/expansion required for blocking at Amber and Crimson
to be able to block husks at Cobalt you want to be on Willbender (EoD required) and need to reposition yourself often
access to a lot of aegis and supportive abilities
Mesmer (core or any elite specialization) offers multiple skills for blocking and can block all eggs, husks, drool spits and (for yourself) all wide spins easily and reliably.
Blocking only eggs can even be done from range.
In addition, Mirage and Chrono have good options for supporting the squad with boons during the damage phases.
Note: The video guide does not include Chrono and Virtuoso blocking - but you can watch it to learn about core Mesmer/Mirage and general Mesmer blocking.
Blocking relevant changes (click to view):
6th of February 2018 patch: A-net has changed the way phantasms work (they will only do their specific attack once, then they are destroyed and a clone spawns). Also phantasms do no longer add up to the illusion count and the Chronophantasma trait changed.
2nd of October 2018 patch: The “Blurred Inscriptions” trait was moved from the Domination to the Inspiration traitline. With that you do not have to use Domination any longer. Also, the cooldown of signets is no longer reduced.
16th of July 2019 patch: “Continuum Shift: This skill now replaces distortion in the F4 slot instead of taking the F5 slot. Additionally, it applies 1 second of distortion when cast. Duration has been rescaled based on the number of clones to 3/4.5/6 seconds. This skill now specifies that it cannot be reset by other mesmer skills.” - With that Chrono lost the possible 4sec invulnerability from distortion.
28th of February 2022 EoD release: Virtuoso was added to the game without access to the 4s invulnerability of distortion.
4th of October 2022 patch: Added Distortion (F4) to Virtuoso and (back) to Chrono, giving them the possibility of easily full blocking (again).
27th of June 2023 patch: Reduced the duration of Distortion (F4) on Virtuoso.
Bladeturn Requiem (Virtuoso F5) no longer blocks incoming attacks.
Blade Renewal: Reduced channel duration from 3 seconds to 2 seconds.
Torch 4 can no longer be used to get a clone (trait rework).
Reduced recharge time of Signet of Humility (60s now instead of 120s).
25th of June 2024 patch: Reduced the cooldown of Signet of Midnight from 30 to 20s (changes stated in patch preview).
This section is split into:
A) Overview of Mesmer weapons and skills (all builds)
B) Blocking idea and rotation
Double spit (both eggs and husks ready)
- Blocking by using double distortion with Signet of Illusions
- Blocking by using a signet to check what the wurm is spitting
- Combined methods/fallback to signet-checking
Single spit in between (egg spit while husks are on cooldown)
Blocking eggs only and possibly 1 or 2 husks
Blocking aoe spits (drool)
Avoiding wide spins
C) Builds and info by specialization
Core Mesmer
Mirage (sword/scepter)
Boon Mirage (staff)
Chrono
Virtuoso
Which variant should I choose?
That depends a lot on your personal preferences. If you play one variant and do not really like it, try a different one to find out which way you like the most. All Mesmer builds work in a similar way.
With double distortion you get enough block duration to block a full spit immediately, each time you use invulnerability for a spit. But you need to quickly get three new illusions (each build below provides a way to do this) .
With signet-checking you don't have to worry about getting illusions back up quickly, but you will have to react quickly to what the wurm spits to use the correct skill to get long enough block duration.
Elite specialization:
I'd recommend taking Mirage if available. The Mirage-dodge allows you to evade attacks (wide spins) without moving and can be used to get the invulnerability from signets, especially Signet of the Ether (heal skill) earlier, not having to worry about the cast delay for timing the skill. Mirage can help by providing some alacrity and might.
Chrono can be used for more boons - alacrity or (/and) quickness.
Virtuoso has a slightly reduced invuln duration of your F4 shatter (it can still block a full spit). Virtuoso uses blades instead of illusions, these are not bound to an enemy. If you have any issues with losing illusions, you may want to try Virtuoso.
Core Mesmer can be used if you don't have/don't want to use one of the other specializations.
Which weapons, skills, and traits you use depends on the specialization and way of blocking (double distort/signet checking) you choose. Here you can find an overview of weapons, skills, and traits that are possibly used across all Mesmer blocking builds - please, check the BUILDS section (C) to see which weapons/skills/traits to actually use!
Difference between illusions, phantasms, and clones:
"Illusions" is the generic term, including both - phantasms and clones.
Phantasms will perform a special attack and turn into clones afterwards. Phantasms will NOT count towards the amount of illusions/blades used for Distortion (seen as dots above shatter skills).
Clones will do the auto-attack chain of the weapon they have been spawned with and will be shattered with Distortion, increasing the duration with every clone present.
Weapons:
Sword (mainhand, offhand)
sword 1: melee auto attack - helpful to find the blocking spot when using the damage-number-method; Mirage: the sword ambush attack is a dash - do NOT auto-attack right after dodging or you need to reposition yourself, turn off auto-attacking by holding ctrl + right click on the skill
sword 2: evade spins, but NOT for blocking eggs/husks/drool
sword 3: spawns a clone, instant; Virtuoso: do NOT use this skill, it will make you move off the block spot
sword 4: blocks 1 attack (spin) and creates a clone on block
sword 5: spawns a phantasm
Scepter (mainhand) - alternative to sword
scepter 1: ranged auto attack, creates a clone on every 3rd attack
scepter 2: block spins, but not for blocking eggs/husks/drool, spawns two clones when blocking an attack or one clone when double-tapped
scepter 3: irrelevant
Focus (offhand)
focus 4: blocks eggs if traited (requires Warden’s Feedback trait, Inspiration 2nd), place on the invul spot --> stand on the spot and double-click on the skill to place it onto yourself (this will not typically be used; only on some special builds that don't use Feedback, or to have a 2nd reflect skill as back-up)
focus 5: spawns a phantasm (not for blocking itself)
Torch (offhand)
torch 4: irrelevant
torch 5: spawns a phantasm
Shield (offhand - Chrono/SOTO)
shield 4: block for spins (can block a part of an egg spit as well), can be activated twice if you block an attack, spawns a phantasm
shield 5: might for damage phase
Staff (two-handed - only for boon Mirage builds)
staff 1: staff ambush attack (staff 1 after dodging) applies might, fury, and alacrity if traited - boons for damage phase and cooldown reduction
staff 2: teleport - do NOT use
staff 3: spawns 2 phantasms
staff 4: irrelevant
staff 5: chance to get aegis (not guaranteed); daze (can interrupt veteran wurms/other enemies)
Skills:
Healing skill
Signet of the Ether: 1s distortion (invuln) - used for blocking drool when Signet of Midnight is on cooldown (also can block eggs and husks as a back-up block); 1s cast delay - dodging as Mirage while using this Signet will give you the invulnerability instantly, so you don't have to time it; also refreshes the cooldowns of your phantasms
Utility skills
Signet of Midnight: 1s distortion (invuln) - blocks eggs, husks, and drool; also breaks stun; instant cast; mainly used for blocking drool or checking on signet-check builds
Signet of Illusions: refreshes the cooldown of F4 distortion, spawns a clone on activation and passively every 10s; mainly used for double distortion builds
other signets: 1s distortion (invuln) - can possibly be used for blocking drool or eggs/husks; mind the different cast times and cooldowns
Feedback: 6s reflect - main skill for blocking eggs, can even be used while stunned and from range (using feedback will NOT show any "invulnerable" messages!)
Mimic: reduces the cooldown of the next skill used after Mimic; can be used to have 2 Feedbacks when only blocking eggs
Mirror Images: spawns 2 clones (instant) - can be used instead of Feedback; use Focus 4 to block eggs instead of Feedback (for core Mesmer, not used on other builds)
Blade Renewal (Virtuoso): 2s invuln - can possibly be used to block some eggs/husks (not a full spit) or drool (on Virtuoso builds)
Elite skill
Timewarp: quickness for damage phase
Signet of Humility: 1s distortion (invuln) - can possibly be used for blocking drool or eggs/husks; not needed as you have enough other invuln skills
Jaunt (Mirage): spawns a clone when traited (with Self-Deception trait), 3 charges, teleports (click the skill/use it while mouse is over the interface to avoid the teleport, else you need to reposition yourself)
Profession skills and other:
F4 Distortion (core/Mirage/Chrono): up to 4s invulnerability (1s base duration + 1s for each illusion shattered) for husk or egg blocking, must be used standing on the invuln-spot;
F4 Distortion (Virtuoso): up to 3.75s invulnerability (0.75s for each blade) for husk or egg blocking, must be used standing on the invuln-spot
Dodge (Mirage only): evade spins without moving and spawn a clone if traited, but not for blocking - do NOT auto-attack on sword right after dodging or you need to reposition yourself, you can turn off auto-attacking by holding ctrl + right click on the skill
Continuum Split (Chrono): Skills used in CS will have their cooldown reset when CS ends, can be used for alternative blocking attempts or giving boons during damage phase; duration depends on number of clones shattered - do not use when you may need Distortion soon and would not have time to get illusions quickly enough
Traitlines/traits:
(1 = upper trait, 2 = middle trait, 3 = bottom trait)
Inspiration 1 - 1 - 3
All Mesmer blocking builds will use the Inspiration traitline.
Blurred Inscriptions: Gain distortion when activating a signet. Also, this makes your Signet of Illusions spawn a clone when activated.
Warden’s Feedback: Makes your focus skills reflect projectiles - required if you want to use focus 4 for blocking eggs. If you don't use focus, you can take the middle trait here instead (1 - 2 - 3)
Dueling 2 - 3 - 3
Recommended traitline for Mirage builds (especially Staff Mirage). Can be taken on other Mesmer builds as well, however, only on Mirage you can dodge without moving.
Deceptive Evasion: Spawn a clone when you dodge.
Fencer’s Finesse: Reduces recharge on sword skills.
Illusions 1 - 3 - 1
Can be taken on non-Mirage builds.
Master of Misdirection (minor trait): Reduces recharge time of shatter skills.
Elite specialization
The choice of your elite spec will mainly have an impact on how you get illusions for the Double Distortion builds and your supportive possibilities outside of blocking (boons/damage). Alternatively, you can block on core Mesmer/without elite spec.
- Mirage 1 or 2 - 2 - 2
Your dodge will not make you move. Good boon support potential with staff (alac + might + fury).
Self-Deception: Spawns a clone when you use a deception skill - required to get illusions with Jaunt. If you are not using Jaunt, take the middle trait instead.
- Chrono 2 - 2 - 1 or 2
Choice between giving additional quickness or alacrity
Illusionary Revision: Spawns a clone when you shatter with 3 active illusions.
Seize the Moment: Apply quickness to up to 5 people when you shatter and when you summon a phantasm. OR Stretched time: Apply alacrity to up to 5 people when you shatter and when you summon a phantasm.
- Virtuoso 2 or 3 - 2 - 2
Mental Focus or Jagged Mind: Increases power or condition damage dealt.
Infinite Forge: Gain a blade every 3s while in combat. Gain 2 blades when shattering with 5 blades.
Your main skill for blocking is your F4 Distortion. When you use it with 3 illusions (or 5 blades for Virtuoso), it lasts long enough to block an entire spit of eggs or husks. Feedback is your main eggblocking skill. Signets let you have extra invulnerability for drool spits.
Reminder: You will only get the "invulnerable" messages that tell you what the wurm spits when blocking with invulnerability (distorts from F4/signets with trait) and when no other blocker gets them. - Feedback will NOT show these messages!!!
Double spit (whenever both eggs and husks are ready; or for easier tracking: whenever husks are ready)
- The double distortion builds will use Signet of Illusions to reset the cooldown of Distortion, so it can be used for both spits of the double spit. This will require you to quickly get enough illusions/blades for the 2nd Distortion. You get illusions/blades immediately from clones and other certain skills and traits. One of the main differences between the Mesmer specializations is how you can get new illusions quickly. You can find more info on how to get illusions on the different builds in their sections below (C). Don't forget to also spawn illusions when the event starts. Here you can also use phantasms - they spawn illusions a bit slower, but you have enough time at the start.
When you have used Distortion on the first spit and blocked husks, you can simply use Feedback to block the 2nd spit which will then be eggs.
When you have used Distortion on an egg spit, use Signet of Illusions right away and get 3 new illusions (or 5 blades), then use Distortion again on the next spit which will then be husks.
- With the signet-checking builds you will use a signet, usually Signet of Midnight, to test/"check" what the wurm spits when it does the first spit. The signet will block the first part of the spit (either the first husk, or the first 3 eggs). Depending on what the wurm is spitting, you either add Distortion (for husks, 1 "invulnerable" text) or Feedback (for eggs, 3 "invulnerable" texts) right away to block the rest of the current spit. The other skill can be used for the 2nd spit of the double spit (Distortion for husks, if the first spit was eggs / Feedback for eggs, if the first spit was husks).
- Fallback from Double Distortion to Signet-Checking
When your squad triggers the first damage phase very fast, so that the wurm only gets to spit once before the burn (e.g. on Cobalt, when the squad is already stacked on the right keg spot and can run quickly, especially beach spot), and when this spit is eggs, the egg spit may come back off cooldown after the damage phase. Husks will still be ready as the wurm could only spit once before. This situation can occur later on as well, when damage phase and spit timings align in a similar way.
If you want to use Double Distortion and have used your Distortion on the first spit already, you may not have both, Distortion and Signet of Illusions, ready for the double spit. In this case, you can fall back to Signet-Checking: Use Signet of Illusions to refresh your Distortion cooldown (if you haven't done that yet). Use Signet of Midnight, to check what the wurm spits and add either Distortion (for husks), or Feedback (for eggs) and the other skill on the 2nd spit, as described above.
(If enough time passes, with good alacrity, or when using the Illusions traitline, you may get the Distortion cooldown back before the wurm can spit again.)
Single spit in between (egg spit while husks are on cooldown)
After blocking husks, you have 80-90s that husks are on cooldown. When the wurm spits during this time, you know it's spitting eggs. Use Feedback to block the egg spit.
Blocking eggs only or blocking eggs + 1 or 2 husks only (if you don't want to block all husks)
Note: this can be done with any of the builds listed under section C.
For blocking eggs only, you start with using reflect on the first spit (Feedback or focus 4) so you will block eggs, but no husks.
If you see husks flying, you will have to use another reflect (Feedback or focus 4) or even Distortion on the next spit to block the eggs.
If you do not see anything flying, you have blocked eggs. In that case you can wait for the next egg spit in about 40s.
(If there is another blocker inside the wurm with you, there is a chance that they have blocked husks by mistake, you will not be able to see a difference. You can use one of your reflect skills on each spit to block eggs for sure.)
To block 1 or 2 husks, you can activate Distortion when the wurm is about to spit the 2nd or 3rd husk. You want to have at least 2 illusions/3 blades up to block 2 husks.
Blocking drool (aoe spits)
You have enough invulnerability from your signets to block every drool the wurm spits. On the double distortion builds (or when only blocking eggs and 1 or 2 husks), that will be Signet of Midnight mainly (preferred as it has no cast time) and Signet of the Ether (heal) if Midnight is on cooldown.
On signet-checking builds, you can use the third signet for blocking drool if Midnight and Ether are on cooldown/when you need to keep Midnight for an incoming double spit (check spit timers). This third signet will be either the Signet of Illusions, or you can replace Illusions with another signet (Signet of Inspiration or Domination) as you will not need to refresh the Distortion cooldown on these builds. Mind the different cast times and cooldowns.
Avoiding wide spins
Use blocks/evades from your weapon skills to avoid the wurm's spin attacks. For example sword 2/scepter 2, sword 4, shield 4, dodge on Mirage.
Double Distortion blocking
Signet-Check blocking
Below you can find different builds for blocking (weapons, skills, traits) for the different Mesmer specializations with additional info.
All of these builds are made to work with Double Distortion, however, the same builds can be used for Signet-Checking as well - in this case, not all of the listed weapons/skills/traits are necessarily required - especially Signet of Illusions can be swapped to a different skill. Same goes for blocking eggs only and possibly 1-2 husks.
Reminder: You will only get the "invulnerable" messages that tell you what the wurm spits when blocking with invulnerability (distorts from F4/signets with trait) and when no other blocker gets them. - Feedback will NOT show these messages!!!
Basic blocking build for those who do not have access to any elite specialization.
Weapons:
sword main hand (or scepter), sword and focus off hand
Traits:
Inspiration 1 1 3
Illusions 1 3 1
Dueling 2 3 3 [or other]
Skills:
Heal: Signet of the Ether
Utility: Signet of Midnight, Feedback, Signet of Illusions
Elite: Timewarp
Template:
[&DQcXNRgdAT4jDyMPgwGDAX8BfwGCAYIBvAG8AQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABWQAA]
Info:
Double Distortion blocking:
To quickly get 3 new illusions after distorting, you can use (1) sword 5 as soon as possible so the phantasm can do its attack and become a clone, (2) Signet of Illusions, (3) sword 3.
[Alternative: using a scepter as main hand weapon and using the auto attack chain and double tapping scepter 2]
Basic blocking build. With Mirage you can dodge without moving to avoid spins.
Weapons:
sword main hand (or scepter), sword and focus off hand [or shield with SotO]
Traits:
Inspiration 1 1 3
Dueling 2 3 3
Mirage 2 2 2 (or 1 2 2 if you want to use Jaunt for Illusions)
Skills:
Heal: Signet of the Ether
Utility: Signet of Midnight, Feedback, Signet of Illusions
Elite: Timewarp (or Jaunt)
Template:
[&DQcXNQE+OyojDyMPgwGDAX8BfwGCAYIBvAG8AQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA=]
Info:
Double Distortion blocking:
To quickly get 3 new illusions after distorting, you can use (1) Signet of Illusions, (2) sword 3, (3) dodge. Or use Jaunt (requires trait).
Do NOT use the sword ambush skill (auto attack after dodging) - turn off auto-attacking by holding ctrl + right click on the skill.
You can trigger the invulnerability from signets with cast time early by dodging (this will not interrupt the cast).
Can provide a lot of alacrity and might + fury, and a bit of quickness in addition to blocking.
It is recommended to have some experience with blocking already before trying this build.
Weapons + gear:
Staff + staff (each with Superior Sigil of Energy for best effectiveness - if you do not want to use the sigil you don't need a 2nd staff)
Gear with boon duration can be taken to increase the supportive aspect of this build -> concentration stat, Superior Sigil of Concentration, also Bowl of Orrian Truffle and Meat Stew food for more dodges can be used.
Traits:
Inspiration 1 2 3
Dueling 2 1 3
Mirage 2 2 1
Skills:
Heal: Signet of the Ether
Utility: Signet of Midnight*, Feedback, Signet of Illusions
Elite: Timewarp
Alternatively, Signet of Midnight can be replaced with Signet of Inspiration for even more boon upkeep if you are fine with the increased cast delay of this signet.
Template:
[&DQcXOQE2OxojDyMPgwGDAX8BfwGCAYIBvAG8AQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABWQAA]
Info:
Double Distortion blocking:
To quickly get 3 new illusions after distorting, you can use (1) Signet of Illusions, (2) dodge, (3) (possibly weapon swap to get endurance) dodge.
Instead of dodging twice, you can use staff 3 as soon as you see the wurm spitting. This will spawn 2 illusions after a delay - used early enough the illusions will be up for the 2nd Distortion.
For the damage phase, you can keep using dodge + staff ambush attack to share boons (might, fury and alacrity). Outside of the damage phase, you can use dodge + ambush attack to get some extra alacrity to reduce skill cooldowns. Make sure to keep a dodge to avoid wide spins and to get illusions after distorting.
You can trigger the invulnerability from signets early by dodging.
Blocking build for Chrono with the possibility of providing boons (quickness and/or alacrity) for the damage phases.
Weapons + gear:
sword main hand (or scepter), shield off hand (+ focus optionally - the reflect on focus 4 with trait can be used instead of Feedback to free up a utility skill slot to provide extra boons [only for experienced blockers])
Gear with boon duration can be taken to increase the boon output of this build -> concentration stat, Superior Sigil of Concentration. Note: Signet of Inspiration is not affected by boon duration.
Traits:
Inspiration 1 1 3
Illusions 1 3 1
Chrono 2 2 1 (for extra alacrity, or 2 2 2 for extra quickness)
Skills:
Heal: Signet of the Ether
Utility: Signet of Midnight*, Feedback*, Signet of Illusions
Elite: Timewarp
Alternatively, Signet of Midnight can be replaced with Signet of Inspiration for higher boon upkeep if you are fine with the increased cast delay of this signet.
If you take a focus in your other weapon set, Feedback can be replaced with Mimic to use Signet of Inspiration twice.
Template:
normal - [&DQcXNRgdKCojDyMPgwGDAX8BfwGCAYIBvAG8AQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABWQAA]
more boons - [&DQcXNRgdKCojDyMPgAGDAbYBfwGCAYIBvAG8AQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABWQAA]
Info:
Double Distortion blocking:
To quickly get 3 new illusions after distorting, you can use (1) Signet of Illusions and (2) sword 3; (3) by shattering with 3 illusions you will automatically get another one thanks to the trait Illusionary Revision.
[experienced blockers] For the damage phase, you can support your squad with quickness/alacrity, depending on your trait choices:
Summoning phantasms, Timewarp, F1-3 shatters, Signet of Inspiration (possibly used twice with Mimic), shiled 5.
Your F5 Continuum Split can be used to be able to use your boon skills twice during the damage phase (or to have a reduced cooldown on Timewarp for the next damage phase) -> skills used during CS will have their cooldowns reset when CS ends (does not work for Mimic).
Blocking build for Virtuoso. If possible, take another Mesmer build over this one as Virtuoso has reduced invulnerability duration from F4 Distortion.
Weapons:
e.g. sword main hand (or scepter), sword and focus off hand [or shield with SotO] - any weapon works, but make sure to have a block for spins
Traits:
Inspiration 1 1 3
Illusions 1 3 1
Virtuoso 3 2 2 (or 2 2 2 for power builds)
Skills:
Heal: Signet of the Ether
Utility: Signet of Midnight, Feedback, Signet of Illusions
Elite: Timewarp
Template:
[&DQcXNRgdQisjDyMPgwGDAX8BfwGCAYIB7RK8AQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABWQAA]
Info:
Double Distortion blocking:
You need to get 5 new blades to get enough invuln duration again. (1) You get 1 blade from activating Signet of Illusions; (2+3) you get 2 blades from shattering with 5 blades with the trait Infinite Forge, (4+5) and 2 blades will be generated over time by the trait Infinite Forge.
Do NOT use sword 3 on Virtuoso builds (it'd move you off the invuln spot).
Can block all eggs, all husks, most drools.
Blocking on Elementalist is not the easiest, as you will either have to combine skills for a single spit in order to be able to (full)block, or time them 100% correctly.
Weapons:
sword (or dagger if not weaver/without SotO) + focus
Traits:
Earth 3 2 2 (reduced recharge of earth skill; damage reduction and stability)
Air 1 2 2 (Fresh Air: you can swap back to air after a critical hit)
Catalyst 3 3 1 (extra invulnerability with elite) OR Tempest 1 2 2 (Harmonious Conduit: Stability on Overload; Lucid Singularity: Alacrity) OR Weaver 3 3 3 (extra evades)
Choice of elite specialization:
It is recommended to use either Catalyst or Tempest.
Gear with concentration/higher boon duration will help with keeping up alacrity on Tempest. Tanky gear is recommended if you want to use stability for not having to dodge spin attacks.
Skills:
Heal: Signet of Restoration (or other)
Utility: Conjure Earth Shield, Mistform, Arcane Shield OR Twist of Fate (Weaver skill) [OR "Aftershock" (Tempest skill)]
Elite: Elemental Celerity (Catalyst) OR Take Root (as Sylvari if not Catalyst) - else "Rebound" (Tempest) or other
Template:
Catalyst: [&DQYaKykpQx90AHQA5gDrAOsA7xr2APYA9xqWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADWgAxAC8AAA==]
Tempest*: [&DQYaKykpMCl0AHQA5gCOAOsA6wD2APYAmRIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADWgAxAC8AAA==]
Weaver*: [&DQYaKykpOD90AHQA5gCOAOsA6wD1FfYAEhcSFwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADWgAxAC8AAA==]
*use Take Root as Tempest or Weaver
Skill usage:
air 4: 6s reflect, main block skill for eggs
earth 4: 3s reflect, can block up to 2 part spits (you need to stand on the "invuln"-spot)
earth 5: 3.5s invulnerability, can block an entire spit if timed very well (you need to stand on the "invuln"-spot)
Conjure Earth Shield: Using this skill will spawn 2 earth shields - one in your hands and an additional one on the ground, which can be picked up by anyone. Both shields stay for about 30s. While holding a shield you will have different weapon skills. Do not use the auto attack chain nor skill 3 - they will move you off the blocking spot. If possible, pick up the 2nd shield from the ground before it despawns for skill 5 (and 2).
- Earth Shield: skill 2 -> 2s block for wide spins
- Earth Shield: skill 5 -> 3.5s invulnerability, can block an entire spit if timed very well (you need to stand on the "invuln"-spot)
Mistform: 3s invulnerability, can block up to 2 part spits (you need to stand on the "invuln"-spot)
Arcane Shield: block for wide spins and stun break
Armor of Earth: alternative to Arcane Shield; stability (can be used if you have to be afraid of being knocked out of the wurm by veteran wurms or husks when the wurm is just about to spit) and stun break (note: Arcane Shield will prevent you from taking spin damage, while the stability from Armor of Earth only prevents the knockback, not the damage)
sword 2 earth: 1s evade for spins
dagger 2 earth: reflect for a part egg spit - can be combined with earth 4 to block an entire egg spit, needs to be well-timed
Twist of Fate: 1s evade + stun break (Weaver) for spins
"Aftershock": 4 reflect, can block an entire egg spit (you need to stand on the “invul”-spot) (Tempest)
Elemental Celerity: resets the cool downs of your currently equipped weapon skills (use while in earth to refresh focus 5)
"Rebound": emergency to not go down, not for blocking (Tempest)
Overloads (F1-4): stability with trait and stun-break (Tempest); keep using your overloads (primarily air) to get alacrity, swap to another attunement after using overload air and attack to be able to swap back to air again
Take Root (as Sylvari if not on Catalyst): 3s invulnerability, mostly used as back-up block for drool spits, can block up to 2 part spits (you need to stand on the "invuln"-spot)
Note: All your invulnerabilities (Conjure earth shield - skill 5, focus earth 5, Mistform, and maybe Take Root as Sylvari) show a duration of "3s". However, these skills have slightly different durations.
Mistform and Take Root can only block two part spits at most.
Conjure Earth Shield --> skill 5 and focus earth 5 can last long enough to block an entire spit. This requires precise timing and is very diffiicult, especially for someone who has just started blocking.
Below you can find two rotations - the first one will combine skills to ensure you have enough block duration without having to time single skills for a full spit. This will treat all your invulnerability skills as if they can only block 2 partial spits.
If you are more experienced and used to the timing, you can use the second rotation that will use earth shield 5 and focus earth 5 as single skills for full spits.
(use one of these 2 skills on the first spit and the other on the 2nd spit if the first one was eggs - OR as Catalyst you can use earth 5 -> reset its cool down with the elite Elemental Celerity and use earth 5 again) and use Mistform and possibly Take Root for drool.
Rotation:
A) fullblock 1 - safe way of combining skills
This rotation assumes that you can only block 2 part spits with any of your invuln skills, thus you need to combine skills to fullblock.
I recommend, when using Earth shield skill 5 to use it as the first of two skills and Mistform as second of two skills.
Start in earth attunement as Catalyst/Tempest/core or start in air main/earth secondary as Weaver (so first attune to earth, then air).
Precast Conjure earth shield. When the wurm is spitting for the first time (or later when it can spit both husks or eggs timer-wise) and use Earth shield skill 5. You can block 1 or 2 part spits this way, for the 3rd one you will have to use another skill:
- seeing 1 "invulnerable" per spit means you have blocked a husk - add Mistform to block the 2nd/3rd husk.
- seeing 3 "invulnerable" per spit means you have blocked eggs - add earth 4 to block the rest of the egg spit.
For the 2nd spit right after:
- if the 1st spit was husks, swap to air and use air 4 to block eggs [or if using dagger: use earth 4 + 2]
- if the 1st spit was eggs, you can use earth 5 + Mistform to block eggs
While husks are on cool down (80-90s) you can use air 4 for the next egg spit that will most likely happen before the wurm can spit husks again.
Swap back to earth and repeat.
You can use your invulnerability skills to block drool aoes as long as they will be back for the next husk spit. Pick up your 2nd earth shield from the ground for the extra invulnerability. As Catalyst you can use the elite Elemental Celerity while attuned to earth to reset the cooldown of earth 5 to get access to more invuln.
To avoid wide spins without dodging, you can use the utility Arcane Shield (or Armor of Earth) and Earth Shield 2; also sword 2 on earth, stability from Overloads as Tempest, or stability from auras as Catalyst, or Twist of Fate as Weaver.
B) fullblock 2 - precise timing
This rotation uses focus 5 and Earth Shield 5 to block a full spit with just one skill, thus having more invuln skills for blocking drool, but requiring more precise timing.
Start in earth attunement as Catalyst/Tempest/core or start in air main/earth secondary as Weaver (so first attune to earth, then air).
When the wurm is spitting for the first time (or later when it can spit both husks or eggs timer-wise) and use earth 5
- seeing 1 "invulnerable" per spit means you are blocking husks
- seeing 3-4 "invulnerable" per spit means you are blocking eggs
For the 2nd spit right after:
- if the 1st spit was husks, swap to air and use air 4 to block eggs [or if using dagger: use earth 4 + 2]
- if the 1st spit was eggs, precast your Conjure Earth Shield as soon as the first spit is over and use skill 5 to block eggs afterwards [or as Catalyst you can use the elite Elemental Celerity to reset the cooldown of earth skills and use earth 5 again]
While husks are on cool down (80-90s) you can use air 4 for the next egg spit that will most likely happen before the wurm can spit husks again.
Swap back to earth and repeat.
You can use your invulnerability skills to block drool aoes, but make sure you will have enough invulnerability for the next husk/double spit. Pick up your 2nd earth shield from the ground for the extra invulnerability. As Catalyst you can use the elite Elemental Celerity while attuned to earth to reset the cooldown of earth 5 to get access to more invuln.
To avoid wide spins without dodging, you can use the utility Arcane Shield (or Armor of Earth) and Earth Shield 2; also sword 2 on earth, stability from Overloads as Tempest, or stability from auras as Catalyst, or Twist of Fate as Weaver.
blocking eggs only (also for blocking eggs + 1 or 2 husks)
You want to start with reflect for the first spit to block eggs, but not husks. Start with air 4 on the first spit.
- If you see husks flying, you will have to use another block on the next spit to block the eggs. You can use earth 5 + 4 or (Aftershock) to block eggs then.
- If you do not see anything flying, you have blocked eggs. In that case you can wait for the next egg spit in about 40s and use air 4 again
If there is another blocker inside the wurm with you, there is a chance that he/she has blocked husks by mistake, you will not be able to see a difference.
If you want to block 1 or 2 husks, you can activate Mistform or earth 5 when the wurm is about to spit the 2nd or 3rd husk.
If you do not block husks, you can use Mistform and Earth shield skill 5 freely to block drool.
Can block all eggs, all husks, and most drools.
Blocking itself is quite easy on thief once you get the timing. But you need to prepare before the event and pay attention to not press the stolen skill twice by mistake. Also, you will have to keep repositioning yourself. I recommend Mesmer over Thief for beginners.
The build works thanks to the Improvisation trait (you get 2 charges of the stolen skill) and the fact that stealing on objectives, which do not give a stolen skill by themselves (like the wurm), refreshes the 2nd charge of the stolen skill.
Deadeye and Specter do not have access to the required stolen skill Drink and should not be used.
Weapons:
sword main hand, pistol off hand (+ staff on Daredevil/SotO or daggers for damage)
Traits:
Deadly Arts 1 3 2 (Improvisation to use stolen skills twice)
Acrobatics 1 2 1 (Swindler's Equilibrium to recharge the Steal cooldown by 2s when evading while on sword)
Trickery 3 1 2 (Sleight of Hand for reduced Steal cd)
OR instead of Acrobatics: Daredevil 1 2 3 (damage, but less Steal cd reduction)
Skills:
Heal: whatever you like
Utility: Prepare Seal Area, Smoke Screen, Bandit’s Defense (Daredevil) or other
Elite: Dagger Storm or other
Template:
core Thief: [&DQUcLTYZLCcMAYUAuwE0AVMBMwFZAVcBJQAoAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA=]
Daredevil: [&DQUcLTYZBzkMAQAAthIAAFMBAABZAQAAnwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA=]
Skill usage:
Steal: get a stolen skill depending on what you steal from; stealing from the wurm (with Improvisation trait) will refresh the 2nd charge of the stolen skill; it is a teleport, too, so check if you need to reposition yourself; only works on core Thief and Daredevil
Drink (stolen skill): 4+s (?) invulnerability for blocking husks, eggs, drool - the block duration is longer than stated in the skill’s description and long enough for a full spit of eggs/husks, 0.5s cast delay
Smoke Screen: 7s projectile block
Prepare Seal Area --> Seal Area: 8s projectile block (prepare when the wurm spawns, activate when the wurm spits)
Bandit's Defense (Daredevil): 1.5s block as personal block for wide spins, can also block 1 part egg spit, stun break
Dagger Storm: 4s reflect, you do not need this skill as extra reflect, as Sylvari use Take Root instead
sword 2: first part = teleport, 2nd part = teleport back to your previous location; use the first part before using Steal, then use the 2nd part to teleport back onto the invuln spot
sword-pistol 3: evade for wide spins and to reduce Steal cooldown (with trait when evading an attack), after short delay; evade is not mentioned in the skill’s description
Prearation:
You need to prepare before the event/before you start blocking by stealing from pirates to get the stolen skill Drink.
Pirates can be found e.g. on the Laughing Gull Island (where the Taidha event takes place), near and north of the Remanda Waypoint, and in the area of the Merchantman’s Strait in between. You may need a few tries to get the right skill as Drink is only one out of a few possible stolen skills from pirates.
There will be more pirates in the Cobalt arena near the keg spots. If you, by mistake, use both charges of Drink, or in case of a dc or stealing on another enemy, you can re-steal from the pirates there. But be aware that, again, you only have a chance to get the correct stolen skill, so do not rely on it! However, especially for beginners, it can help to go to Cobalt to block on thief.
Rotation:
fullblock
Prepare as described above to get Drink. Always keep 1 charge of it - NEVER use the 2nd charge!
Prepare Seal Area.
When the wurm is spitting for the 1st time (or later when it can spit both husks or eggs timer-wise) use the first charge of your stolen skill Drink.
- Seeing 3x 1 “invulnerable” means you have blocked husks.
- Seeing 3x 3 “invulnerable” means you have blocked eggs.
For the 2nd spit right after:
- If the 1st spit was husks, use Seal Area or Smoke Screen on the 2nd spit.
- If the 1st spit was eggs, use Steal on the wurm right after and you will again have two charges of Drink; use it for the 2nd spit which will be husks.
While husks are on cool down (80-90sec) you can use Seal Area or Smoke Screen for the next egg spit, that will most likely happen before the wurm can spit husks again.
Drink can be used to block drool as well, but keep the timer for husks in mind! After blocking drool, you want to be able to steal before the wurm can spit husks again to get the 2nd charge of Drink AND you want steal to have not more than ~5s cooldown afterwards when the wurm can spit husks again. This way you can make sure that you are ready to block all husks and eggs.
blocking eggs only (also for blocking eggs + 1 or 2 husks)
You have 2 utility skills (Smoke Screen and Prepare Seal Area -> Seal Area) which both can block an entire egg spit. Use one of these skills when the wurm does its first spit. If you see husks flying, use the other skill on the 2nd spit. (You might as well put one of the skills on every spit without caring about what the wurm is spitting.)
If you want to block 1 or 2 husks, you can use Drink when the wurm is about to spit the 2nd or 3rd husk. You need to prepare this by stealing from pirates before you start blocking (see preparation and fullblock above).
You can use Drink to block drool as long as you can get the 2nd charge back (steal) before the wurm can spit husks again.
Sylvari Mechanist can block all eggs and all husks and an occasional drool spit. You need to keep pressing skills and dodging, which means you will have to keep repositioning yourself as well. I do not recommend Mechanist fullblock to beginners.
Mechanist requires the EoD expansion; the Sylvari race is required for Mechanist blocking to gain access to the Take Root skill.
Scrapper/Mechanist (any race) can block all eggs and 2 out of 3 husks reliably. Situationally, blocking 3 husks is possible (you need to know that the wurm will spit husks next).
Scrapper requires the HoT expansion, Mechanist requires the EoD expansion - blocking on core Engineer works, but is a little more complicated.
Blocking relevant changes:
With the 10th of July 2018 Patch, Toss Elixir U can no longer be used for blocking.
Can block all eggs and all husks, but not recommended for beginners.
Weapons:
mace / shield
Gear:
Stat combinations with concentration will increase your boon duration and so help upkeep alacrity and vigor. Energy Sigil helps a lot by granting endurance for an extra dodge after weapon swapping (every 9s).
Traits:
Alchemy 1 2 1 (HGH for increased elixir duration)
Tools 3 1 2 (Power Wrench to reduce your elite skill cooldown by 3s each time you dodge; increased endurance regeneration)
Mechanist 2 2 2 (alacrity from barrier)
Skills:
Heal: any
Utility: Barrier Signet, Tool Kit (other Engineering Kits could be taken instead) , Elixir S
Elite: Take Root (Sylvari skill)
Template:
Mechanist: [&DQMdGRUnRioNGxQBigEAAF4BAAALGwAAJQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA=]
Skill usage:
mace 1: barrier on 3rd attack chain - gain alacrity with trait
mace 2: vigor + regeneration, this skill makes you move, you need to reposition yourself
shield 4: 3s reflect (blocks up to 2 part egg spits)
shield 5: 2.5s block (blocks 1 part egg spit or for spins)
Barrier Signet: 5s reflect dome + barrier (alacrity with trait); this dome will be placed on your mech (your "pet") and follow it - or when your mech is not up, it will be placed on and follow you
Elixir S: 3s Invulnerability for blocking up to 2 husks, 3.75sec with HGH trait for blocking up to 3 husks
Tool Kit: changing between a kit and your normal weapon skills will trigger sigils like the Energy Sigil
Tool Kit - skill 4: 2s block (blocks 1 part egg spit or for spins)
Rotation:
fullblock
Idea: Engineer by itself (with any/no elite specialization) has exactly one invulnerability skill: Elixir S. This skill (with trait) lasts long enough to block all 3 husks of a spit. But Engineer misses a second skill to check whether the wurm spits eggs or husks to be able to use the elixir on the (full) husk spit. Take Root offers such a possibility for checking what the wurm spits, but it has a very high cool down - which means it is not enough to reliably fullblock with this elite without cool down reduction.
The Power Wrench trait allows you to reduce your elite skill's cool down by 3s each time you dodge (you do not have to actually evade an attack). With a lot of dodging and alacrity, the cool down can be reduced enough to have Take Root ready for each husk spit.
When the wurm spits for the first time (or later when it can spit both husks or eggs timer-wise), use Take Root to block the first part spit
- seeing 1 “invulnerable” means you have blocked a husk - use Elixir S right away to block the rest of the spit
- seeing 3 “invulnerable” means you have blocked eggs - you can either use Barrier Signet right away or use one of these: shield 4 / shield 5 / Tool Kit 4 to block the rest of the spit
For the spit right after:
- if the 1st spit was husks, use Barrier Signet on the 2nd spit to block eggs (alternatively, use shield 4 + 5)
- if the 1st spit was eggs, use Elixir S for the 2nd spit to block husks
While husks are on cool down (80-90s) you can use Barrier Signet (or shield 4 + 5) for the next egg spit that will most likely happen before the wurm can spit husks again
You want Take Root to be ready when the wurm can spit husks again. Here comes the funny part: After using your elite skill, spam your dodge + anything that lets you dodge more often (swap to Tool Kit for vigor + Energy Sigil proc, possibly mace 2) and give yourself alacrity (F2 + F3, auto attacks). However, make sure to dodge/block the spin attacks.
Elixir S can be used in between two husk spits to block an additional drool. If you are not sure about the timing/want to be safe, don't use the elixir on drools.
blocking eggs only (also for blocking eggs + 1 or 2 husks)
When the wurm does its first spit, use Barrier Signet. If you see husks flying, use shield 4 +5 on the 2nd spit. (The order of skills does not matter. You can use reflects on every spit without having to care what the wurm is spitting.)
If you want to block 1 or 2 husks, you can use Elixir S when the wurm is about to spit the 2nd or 3rd husk.
Scrapper cannot (reliably) block all husks, but it can quite easily block all eggs and at least 2 of 3 husks each spit.
Weapons:
pistol / shield
Traits:
Alchemy 2 2 1 (HGH for increased elixir duration)
Inventions 1 1 1 (Experimental Turrets for turret reflect)
Scrapper 3 3 1
Skills:
Heal: Healing turret
Utility: Bulwark Gyro (for toolbelt skill), Tool Kit, Elixir S
Elite: Sneak Gyro
Template:
Scrapper: [&DQMdGi8VKx8oARQBDhMOE14BXgGKAaMAJQCDEgAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA=]
Skill usage:
shield 4: 3s reflect (blocks up to 2 part egg spits)
shield 5: 2.5s block (blocks 1 part egg spit or for spins)
Tool Kit -> skill 4: 2s block (blocks 1 part egg spit or for spins)
Defense Field: (toolbelt skill): 5s reflect
Elixir S: 3s Invulnerability for blocking up to 2 husks, 3.75sec with HGH trait for blocking up to 3 husks
Heal-turret: 4s reflect with trait (Inventions), big delay until reflect is up, extra reflect (not needed)
Rotation:
egg blocking
One possibility for blocking is activating shield 4 when the wurm starts its first spit. It can block up to 2 parts of an egg spit.
- If you do not see anything flying, you have blocked eggs. Use Defense Field immediately to block the rest of the spit (if there is another blocker inside the wurm with you, there is a chance that he/she has blocked husks by mistake, you will not be able to see a difference).
- If you see husks flying, do not do anything else. The next spit (eggs) can fully be blocked with Defense Field.
The other possibility is activating Defense Field on the first spit.
- If you do not see anything flying, you have blocked eggs. If there is another blocker inside the wurm with you, there is a chance that he/she has blocked husks by mistake, you will not be able to see a difference.
- If it was husks, use shield 4 + 5 to block the second spit.
If you play base Engineer, which means you do not have access to Defense Field, you can activate Tool Kit skill 4 on the first part of the first spit to see whether the wurm is spitting eggs (add shield 4 for the second part of the first spit) or husks (wait and use shield 4 + 5 on the second spit.
Also, you can use the turrets as back up reflect.
husk blocking
Only your Elixir S can block husks. Use it after the wurm spat out the first (or second) husk to block 2 or 1 husk(s). With HGH trait you can even block 3 husks. However, you cannot reliably fullblock, as you only have 1 invul skill. If you are lucky and the wurm spits eggs first you can fullblock however! Also, the sylvari elite can be used for "checking" what the wurm spits first (see 2.10. below for a full-block-attempt rotation).
Can block all eggs and 2 out of 3 husks.
Guardians can block all eggs reliably and for the most part up to 2 husks per spit*. You gain good defense from traits and can grant yourself a lot of aegis. That makes it a beginner friendly blocking class, however, you cannot block all husks and no drool.
*The cooldown of your only husk blocking skill is 90s. If the wurm spits husks as soon as they are ready, you will not be able to block all husks on Cobalt. Also, on Amber and Crimson the timing is quite close. You can take Willbender to grant yourself alacrity to be able to catch all husks, even on Cobalt. However, applying alacrity will move you off the invuln-spot and requires you to reposition yourself.
Weapons:
(Mace mainhand) / Shield (+Focus offhand)
Traits:
(all core traits are optional)
Valor 3 1 1
Virtues 3 2 3 (Indomitable Courage stunbreak on F3)
Willbender 2 1 1 (OR, if you do not have Willbender: Firebrand 3 2 3 (additional reflects) // Honor 2 3 1 )
Skills:
Heal: Shelter
Utility: Wall of Reflection (or Shield of the Avenger), “Stand Your Ground!”, “Advance!”
Elite: Renewed Focus
Templates:
Willbender: [&DQEuOw0XQRYDAQMBSgEAAP8AAAAtAQAANwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADWgAxADIAAA==]
Firebrand: [&DQEuOw0XPjsDAQMBSgEAAEgBAAAtAQAANwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADWgAxADIAAA==]
Core guardian: [&DQEuOw0XMR4DAQMBSgEAAEgBAAAtAQAANwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADWgAxADIAAA==]
Skill usage:
shield 4: grants aegis (with aegis you do not have to dodge spins, but you still want to dodge aoe spits; be careful if wurms or other adds are close as they can remove your aegis)
shield 5: 4s reflect
shelter: 2s block - can be used to block spins instead of dodging, can block 1 part egg spit
Wall of Reflection: 8s reflect (10s with trait), place it on the invul-spot, therefore you can stand on the spot and double-click the skill to place it on yourself
Shield of the Avenger 5s reflect, 3 charges
"Stand Your Ground!": stability and stun-break
"Advance!": aegis
Renewed Focus: 3s invulnerability, this is your only invul skill
Flowing Resolve (F2 on WB): gain alacrity and gain alacrity when attacking an enemy; also moves you off the invuln spot, so reposition yourself afterwards
Tome of Courage (FB) --> Chapter 3: Valiant Bulwark: 5s reflect on low cool down, 3/4s cast delay
Rotation:
egg blocking
The two skills that you will be using for blocking are Wall of Reflection and Shield of the Avenger (or possibly shield 5). However, Shield 5 must be really well-timed to be able to block a full spit.
On the first spit use either Wall of Reflection or a charge of Shield of the Avenger. If you see husks flying, use the other skill / another charge of Shield of the Avenger on the 2nd spit. You might as well put one of these skills on every spit without caring about what the wurm is spitting. (If there is another blocker inside the wurm with you, there is a chance that they have blocked husks, you will not be able to see a difference.)
As Firebrand you can use Tome of Courage --> Chapter 3: Valiant Bulwark to block an entire spit, too. As Chapter 3: Valiant Bulwark has a cast delay you will have to recognize the spit animation early enough to get your block up in time.
husk blocking
Only your elite Renewed Focus can block husks. Use it after the wurm spit out the first (or second) husk to block 2 or 1 husk(s).
The cooldown of Renewed Focus is 90s, which is the same as the husk cooldown on Amber and Crimson, and about 5-10s more than the husk cooldown on Cobalt. That means, you will need to take Willbender for alacrity to be able to block husks on Cobalt reliably.
Use your F2 Flowing Resolve and attack the wurm to gain alacrity.
Druid/Untamed can block all eggs.
Druid requires the HoT expansion. Untamed requires the EoD expansion.
As Sylvari (race required) you can take the elite skill Take Root for blocking 2 husks occasionally.
Weapons:
(sword mainhand) / axe offhand (+ staff as Druid)
Traits:
no special traits required; take the Druid or Untamed traitline
Skills:
no special skills required; spirits can be taken for group buffs
Template:
(Druid example): [&DQQeFRkdBRsJEyUPvAC9AL0AvADmErkAlwGXAT0vAS8AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA=]
Skill usage:
axe 5: 5s reflect (you need to stand and stay on the “invul”-spot), don't move to not cancel this skill
Enveloping Haze (Untamed F3 while pet unleashed): 5s projectile destroy, spawns on your pet (you don't have to stand on the invul spot yourself as long as the pet is close to it)
staff 5 (Druid): 5s projectile destroy, place it on the invul-spot, therefore you can stand on the spot and double-click the skill to place it on yourself.
Glyph of Equality: stun-break
other utility skills and most traits can be used to buff your zerg during the burn phase
Blocking:
You have 2 skills (axe 5 and staff 5 as Druid / Enveloping Haze (F3) as Untamed) which can block an entire egg spit.
Use one of these skills when the wurm does its first spit.
- If you see husks flying, use the other skill on the 2nd spit.
- If you do not see anything flying, you have blocked eggs. If there is another blocker inside the wurm with you, there is a chance that he/she has blocked husks by mistake, you will not be able to see a difference. You might as well put one of the skills on every spit without caring about what the wurm is spitting.
If you use a Juvenile Pig/Boar as your pet, you will have the F2 skill Forage [while you (not your pet) are unleashed as Untamed]. Forage has a chance to give you an Elixir of Heroes - a bundle item that can be picked up for an extra invulnerability skill to either block husks or drool spits. However, the item only stays for a few seconds and it is random if you get it or another item, making it not a reliable option. Also, you will need to keep swapping between unleashing modes as Untamed.
Can block all eggs, but no husks/drool.
Blocking eggs on Revenant is very simple and can even be done from range. However, you do not have any invulnerability skills for blocking husks or drool.
Weapons:
no weapon required; can use sword / shield (block on skill 5)
Traits:
no special traits required, you can even take a dps build for the damage phases;
with the following build you can keep reflecting infinitely:
Corruption 3 2 2 (Replenishing Despair: reduces energy drain, allowing you to keep up the reflect skill longer, also torments yourself)
Retribution 2 1 3 (Steadfast Rejuvenation: healing - outheals the damage you take from torment)
Herald 1 3 1 (additional healing and damage reduction, also applies quickness) - or other traitline
Skills:
Which skills you will have depends on the legend you choose.
Legendary Centaur Stance (for blocking), Legendary Dragon or Renegade Stance (buffing during burn phase)
Template:
[&DQkOKwk2NB3cEQAAKxIAAAYSAADUEQAAyhEAAAYBAAArEtQRBhIAAAAAAAADMwBaAFcAAA==]
Blocking:
Place the tablet (heal skill while in Centaur Stance) inside the wurm.
You can go out of the wurm and stand just outside of wide-spin-range so you will not have to dodge spins, only drool aoes if they happen to target you.
You can attack the wurm to get into combat, to get more energy.
When the wurm spits for the first time, activate the Protective Solace skill (reflecting up to 20s until you deactivate it by pressing the skill again or you run out of energy)
- If the first spit was eggs (you see nothing flying), deactivate the skill and wait for the next egg spit in about 40s.
- If the first spit was husks (you see husks flying, unless another player blocks them), keep up the barrier to block the next eggs and deactivate it afterwards (or deactivate it as soon as you see the first husk, it has a 5s cooldown which should be enough to activate it again in time for the next spit).
Note: the tablet reflect can possibly interfere with skills used by other blockers, preventing them from seeing invuln-messages. If you are planning to block along with someone else, please, let them know!
Bladesworn (EoD) can block all eggs easily.
Core Warrior/ Spellbreaker can block all eggs (in theory), but it's difficult (too many small duration skills need to be combined, good positioning needed). Core Warrior/Spellbreaker is not recommended.
Warrior (any specialization) does not have any invulnerability skills for blocking husks or drool.
Weapons:
mace / shield (+ sword - Bladesworn can only have 1 weapon set)
Traits:
Tactics 2 3 1
Defense 1 1 1 (Shield Master to reflect when blocking)
Bladesworn 1 3 3 (or Spellbreaker 1 1 2 or other)
Skills:
Heal: any
Utility: Electric Fence (Bladesworn), Balanced Stance, Dolyak Signet | Elite: Winds of Disenchantment
Elite: Winds of Disenchantment (Spellbreaker) or other
Template(examples):
Bladesworn: [&DQIELgseRD2mAKYA7RqoALIAsgCzALMA/Br8GgAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACMgAFAAA=]
Spellbreaker: [&DQILHhYVPSWnAKcAqACoALIAsgCzALMAnRadFgAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADBQA2AFcAAA==]
Skill usage:
Electric Fence (Bladesworn): 5s reflect for blocking an entire egg spit, 2 charges, place it on the invuln-spot, therefore you can stand on the spot and double-click the skill to place it on yourself
mace 2: short duration block for 1 part egg spit
shield 5: 3s block for 2 part egg spits
sword 5: short duration block for 1 part egg spit
Endure Pain: stun break + personal block
Balanced Stance: stability + stun break
Dolyak Signet: activate for stability + stun break
Winds of Disenchantment (Spellbreaker): 5s projectile block, 1.5s cast time
Tactical Reload (Bladesworn): Makes you regain 1 charge of Electric Fence - this is not needed as the Fence already has enough charges on a short (30s) cool down.
Blocking:
Bladesworn:
You only need 1 skill for blocking: Electric Fence. Use one of its charges each time the wurm spits without caring if it's eggs or husks.
Core/Spellbreaker:
You have to combine shield 5 with one of the short duration blocks (mace 2 or sword 5) to block an entire egg spit.
Use either mace 2 or sword 5 when the wurm does its first spit.
- If you do not see anything flying, add shield 5 to block the rest of the (egg) spit.
- If you see husks flying, use the other skill (mace 2 or sword 5) and shield 5 on the 2nd spit. Winds of Disenchantment can be used for egg spits as well, but you need to recognize the spit animation early to be able to cast the skill in time.
Necromancer only has one skill (corrosive cloud) which can be used for blocking eggs.
To get a 2nd skill for checking what the wurm spits, the Relic of the Wizard's Tower must be used (SOTO required). This will give you 3s of reflect when you use an elite skill, on a 30s cooldown. You need to use an elite skill that has less cooldown than the husk spit (80-90s).
Blocking:
Use your elite skill when the wurm can spit both, eggs and husks. You will either see husks -> wait for the next spit and use corrosive cloud; or you will not see anything fly -> you're blocking eggs, use corrosive cloud immediately to cover the entire spit. Use corrosive cloud when the wurm spits while husks are still on cooldown.
[Note: if someone else is with you inside the wurm, it is possible that they are blocking husks, in that case you will not see anything come out either]
The Sylvari elite skill Take Root will make you invulnerable for 3s and can be used for blocking eggs, husks, or drool.
However, do not just take this skill on any class!
With 150s it has a really high cooldown.
Which classes should use Take Root?
[ - ] Mesmer:
You already have enough invulnerabilities to block everything the wurm could spit. That makes Take Root useless for you. If you are still learning and find yourself pressing skills at the wrong time, you could take it as a back-up skill without cast time. However, the Mesmer elite Signet of Humility offers another invul on a lower cooldown, but with 1s cast time. Otherwise, take Timewarp as elite for damage phase buffs.
[ + ] Thief:
Thieves should bring Take Root as extra block for some drool spits. Use it while saving Drink and Steal for an incoming husk spit.
[ - ] Catalyst (EoD Ele):
Take the Catalyst elite skill Elemental Celerity, this can for example reset your earth weapon skills to have the invulnerability from focus 5 twice on a shorter cool down than Take Root.
[ + ] Elementalist:
Eles can use Take Root to block some extradrool spits or as a back-up block.
[ - ] Guardian:
Do not take the sylvary elite - the Guardian elite Renewed Focus offers the same effect (3s instant invul) on a much lower cooldown.
[ + ] Engineer:
Bring Take Root to have a 2nd invulnerability skill.
On Mechanist it allows you to full block.
On Scrapper, it can either be used to take out an drool spit here and there, as a back-up for blocking husks (when blocking 1 or 2), or to attempt full-blocking:
- Start with Take Root when the wurm can spit both, eggs and husks.
- Seeing 1 “invulnerable” means you have blocked a husk - add Elixir S to block the 2nd/3rd husk.
- Seeing 3 “invulnerable” means you have blocked eggs - add Defense Shield to block the other eggs.
- For the 2nd spit right after:
- If the 1st spit was husks, use Defense Shield to block eggs.
- if the 1st spit was eggs, use Elixir S, which can block an entire spit if timed well!
- Take Root will only be available on every 2nd husk spit. These spits you can block as described above. For the husk spits in-between, pay close attention to the timer and hope for it to tell you whether the wurm can spit husks and eggs or only one.
- If the wurm can spit eggs and husks (timer-wise), but Take root is on cooldown, you have to start with reflect and add Elixir S for the husk spit (like used when blocking 2-3 husks)
[ + ] Druid, Warrior:
Usually, these two classes can block eggs only. Take Root can be used to take out a few husks (2 on every 2nd spit) or drool spits. This still requires the main group to deal with the husks and drools which get through, but it can help a bit.
[ - ] Revenant:
Revenant cannot use any racial skills. If this will be changed, Take Root can be taken to block a few extra husks or drool spits.
[ - ] Necromancer:
Necro needs to use an elite skill with a cooldown that's shorter than the husk cooldown to be able to block all eggs; Take Root's cooldown is too high.