Introduction on the Guild Wars 2 Guardians

Guardians specialize in protective and defensive magic. A deep sense of loyalty to their allies fuels their passion and power. As a soldier profession, guardians wear heavy armor. The guardian's special ability is the use of three virtues. Each virtue provides a passive on-going benefit to the guardian; Virtue of Courage periodically provides Aegis to block against an attack, Virtue of Justice periodically allows an attack to cause burning, and Virtue of Resolve gives health regeneration. The virtues may also be activated by the guardian to bestow a temporary benefit to all nearby allies (including themselves), at the cost of being disabled for a long period, similar to how signet skills are used. Virtues help to balance the guardian; for example, they have a lower base health than the warrior profession but compensate for this with their higher health regeneration granted by Virtue of Resolve.

The Guardian's Specific attribute is Willpower. Special skill types include Chains: three skills that share a single skill slot, which are executed in sequence on a single target. Shouts: these instantly buff allies or de-buff enemies when used. Spirit Weapons — summon ephemeral weapons to fight alongside the guardian. Spirit weapons cannot be attacked by enemies and can be commanded to inflict a powerful attack before disappearing. Symbols — these ground-targetted skills inflict damage to enemies or deliver a benefit to allies. Symbols persist for a few seconds and then dissipate. Wards — a marked area on the ground that stops enemies from passing through while allowing allies to move freely. The guardian has five general trait lines: Zeal, Radiance, Valor, Honor and Virtues. The guardian is a soldier profession and thus wears heavy armor.

Hammer Provides powerful close range AoE attacks and abilities. Greatsword: Imbue allies with retaliation and control foes with leaping attacks and blinds. Staff: Controls enemies with wards and AoE damage and supports allies with defensive spells. Mace: Gives access to a chain of mace attacks, as well as support abilities. Scepter: Offensive spellcasting weapon to bind and smite single enemy. Sword:  A melee weapon with a good balance of offense and defense. Focus: Provides supportive spells for both offense and defense. Shield: A protective off-hand shield for local area of effect shielding. Torch: Scorches enemies while cleansing allies of conditions. Spear: Used for rapid, close range damage. Trident: Magical, long range support. There are twelve possible weapon sets for this profession and two weapon sets while underwater. The guardian can equip and alternate between two weapon sets during Guild Wars 2 powerleveling combat.