View source for Meet the Dragonhunter: Guardian's Elite Specialization

{{ArenaNet content
|title=Meet the Dragonhunter: Guardian's Elite Specialization
|url=https://www.guildwars2.com/en/news/meet-the-dragonhunter-guardians-elite-specialization/
|author=Karl McLain
|date=2015/05/07
}}

Welcome, friends. I'm Karl McLain, and today we'll be talking about the [[guardian]]'s new elite [[specialization]]: the [[dragonhunter]]—a ferocious big-game hunter that specializes in ranged combat and back-line [[support]].

When we set out on the search for the guardian's elite specialization, we looked for areas in which the guardian lacked a solid role. It turns out that wielding light and virtue as power sources is actually somewhat difficult to do, and a guardian's abilities are fairly short-range or unconventional in their application. We thought about how the guardian might handle long-range combat and supporting allies while fighting on the back lines. To this end, we've decided to incorporate a more physical aspect into the guardian, and its powers in light-wielding have deepened to the point that they can better physically manifest objects into the world and send them flying as swift as an arrow.

== Virtuous Combat ==
With all of the changes to [[Tyria]], dragonhunters have learned to better control their abilities in the fight against [[Mordremoth]]. Instead of fire-and-forget, we'll be introducing more focused abilities that allow you to lend a better helping hand around the battlefield; [[virtue]]s will become corporeal and will require you to aim them to some extent. Here's the rundown on how your virtues will change.

[[Spear of Justice]]—The Virtue of Justice currently grants your allies the ability to [[burn]] enemies in addition to [[trait]] benefits. With the new specialization, you'll find that your [[Virtue of Justice]] is now a thrown [[spear]] that [[pierces]] through all unworthy foes, tethering them as long as they remain in range. You'll send out searing pulses to each enemy tethered, continuously burning them and ensuring an unpleasant experience for those affected.

[[Wings of Resolve]]—Your resolve against the enemies of Tyria has grown by leaps and bounds. Dragonhunters will find that their [[Virtue of Resolve]] no longer instantly [[heal]]s in an area, but that they can instead grow wings of light and [[leap]] into an area, healing allies. For those more offensively minded, you can also trait your Wings of Resolve to deliver an attack at your landing spot.

[[Shield of Courage]]—Instead of simply activating your Virtue of Courage and giving your allies [[aegis]], you'll now create a shield in front of you that [[block]]s attacks for allies within its radius. With excellent [[control]] through positioning, you'll find that you can block much more efficiently when facing the enemy, though you'll be exposed from your flanks.

Also please note that we'd like each new virtue to retain properties of the traits that affect them, such as [[Renewed Justice]] and [[Justice is Blind]]. When not recharging, they'll still have passive effects so that you can continue to provide [[Battle Presence]] and provide your allies with a full health pool as you currently do.

== Another Arrow in the Quiver ==
Along with their newfound powers in light manipulation, dragonhunters will have access to [[longbow]]s. Instead of shooting arrows, the guardian will focus on firing massive, single projectiles at a ferocious velocity. This weapon set will focus less on engaging enemies at close range but will have lots of potential in assisting allies around the battlefield. An example of this is that your [[Symbol of Energy]] can be launched to an area to grant allies [[vigor]]. If your enemy is using a [[projectile]] attack and is attacking your allies, you can fire your [[Deflecting Shot]] in its path and, with the right timing, destroy all of your enemy's projectiles along the way.

== Supremacy through Insight ==
Favor in battle can often be determined by foresight and preparation, and dragonhunters will be able to manifest light-based magical [[trap]]s that will activate when an enemy runs over them. These big-game traps will have a variety of effects, but none will be pleasant for an enemy unfortunate enough to be caught within them. Approach carefully, enemies of Tyria...or fall prey to the guardian and their [[Elite skill|elite]] [[Dragon's Maw]].

Since you're probably already asking, yes, the dragonhunter's [[Healing skill|healing ability]] is also a trap. Guardians will preemptively imbue light into the ground for a smaller heal. When enemies trigger the trap, the guardian will pull the light from the ground, striking and [[Blinded|blinding]] enemies while healing for a large amount.

== Advancing Forward ==
[[Guardian]]s will find that the new elite specialization gives them access to some [[condition]]s and functionality normally reserved for [[profession]]s of a more physical nature. They'll gain a bit of innate mobility, while the ability to [[Crippled|cripple]] or [[Bleeding|bleed]] enemies will become an option through their elite specialization traits. One of their elite specialization traits is Rending Light, which will enable all varieties of traps to bleed enemies. Whether taking on the masses or a single enemy, the dragonhunter is a predator to be feared.

Sharpen your [[Virtue of Justice|justice]]. Dust off your [[Virtue of Resolve|resolve]]. Brace your [[Virtue of Courage|courage]]. Guardians—the dragonhunter approaches. See you on the battlefield.