When the Firebrand was first introduced in the Path of Fire expansion pack, it gave the Guardian profession even more ways to supplement its already excellent support skills with more offensive options. With its special Tome skills that convert Virtue F1-F3 skills into weapon kits, it opens up new possibilities for the Firebrand that core Guardians can only dream of. Here are some of the best and most powerful Firebrand builds available right now.
5. Healbrand - Instanced PvE
The Healbrand is the nickname given to the support powerhouse that can keep their team alive with tons of healing and boon upkeep. With its defensive and offensive boons at the ready, raids, strike missions, dungeons and fractals are a piece of cake. All that’s left is for the rest of the team to do their part while you do yours.
Why Healbrand is great
- The Healbrand is renowned to be one of the most powerful support builds in the game. While the build can be used in Instanced PvE, it can also find success in the open world.
- The Healbrand is a very forgiving build. Even if you happen to mess up, you can always go back to the start and begin all over again.
- Raids are difficult by nature, and this build promises to fill that void. With its multiple sources of providing utility, it can be a very busy role to fulfill for those who are into that.
Choose this build if...
- You want to always have a spot within teams looking to do instanced content such as raids, strike missions, fractals, and even dungeons.
- You are a capable Firebrand who knows their core mechanics well, using their tomes effectively and when to prioritize the usage of certain skills.
- You are willing to let others take the glory while you carry them to victory.
Full build details:
Traits and Major Perks
- Honor - Protector’s Restoration, Honorable Staff, Writ of Persistence
- Virtues - Resolute Subconscious, Absolute Resolve, Battle Presence
- Firebrand - Liberator’s Vow, Weighty Terms, Loremaster
Equipment
- Armor with Harrier stats (power + healing + concentration)
- Superior Runes of the Monk (increased healing and boon duration)
- Main-hand Harrier mace and off-hand shield with Superior Sigils of Superior Sigils of Transference (increased healing power to allies) and Concentration (increases boon duration).
- Switch to a Magi stat (precision + healing + vitality) two-handed staff with Superior Sigils of Transference and Concentration.
- Trinkets and backpiece with Harrier stats.
Consumables
- Food - Bowl of Fruit Salad with Mint Garnish (increases outgoing healing, healing power, concentration, amount of Karma, Magic Find, Gold, overworld and World vs World experience)
- Utility - Bountiful Maintenance Oil (increases outgoing healing based on healing power and concentration percentage, as well as experience gained from kills)
Utility Skills
- Heal Slot - Mantra of Solace - A Firebrand healing Mantra skill that heals you and your allies. It also grants additional defensive boons for your team.
- Skill 1 - Mantra of Potence - A Firebrand Mantra skill that allies Quickness boons to you and your allies..
- Skil 2 - Bow of Truth - A core Guardian Spirit Weapon skill that summons a spirit bow that shoots an AoE healing spell at a targeted area.
- Skill 3 - Mantra of Lore - A Firebrand Mantra skill that cleanses conditions from you and your allies with the addition of a Regeneration buff.
- Elite Skill - “Feel My Wrath!” - A core Guardian elite Shout skill that grants Fury and Quickness boons for you and allies. If you already have Quickness on yourself, you receive it doubled.
For more details, check this link: Hardstuck.gg
4. Celestial Firebrand - Overworld PvE
Similar to the Healbrand build, the Celestial Firebrand does it similarly, but focuses on a more well-rounded approach. It still is a great support profession but it also can do some meaty damage. The Celestial Firebrand becomes an easy build to create, especially for players that used the level 80 boost since it already provides the Celestial stat exotic equipment.
Why Celestial Firebrand is great
- Think of this build as the lite version of the Healbrand. It may be slightly weaker than it, but it offsets this by being more offensive-oriented while being able to maintain its boon uptime.
- The Celestial Firebrand can basically do it all from the get-go. Want to do some solo content? Feel like taking part in group activities? Go right ahead.
- The build is a great choice for experienced players that use the Level 80 boost they receive from purchasing the expansion packs, although they will need to unlock additional hero points for Firebrand. At least you receive the exotic Celestial equipment you need at the start if you choose this route.
Choose this build if...
- You want a jack-of-all-trades Firebrand build that gives a little bit of everything.
- You love doing various activities in Guild Wars 2 and can do it with one build.
- You still have that booster saved up and are thinking of using it in creating a Guardian.
Full build details:
Traits and Major Perks
- Virtues - Master of Consecrations, Glacial Heart, Permeating Wrath
- Radiance - Right Hand Strength, Radiant Fire, Amplified Wrath
- Firebrand - Liberator’s Vow, Stalwart Speed, Loremaster
Equipment
- Armor with Celestial stats (increases all stats)
- Superior Runes of Leadership (increases all stats, boon duration, and can convert conditions on allies whenever you use your elite skill)
- Main hand Celestial stat axe and offhand torch with Superior Sigils of Malice (increases condition duration) and Smoldering (increases inflicted burn duration on enemies).
- Switch to main hand Celestial stat sword with Superior Sigil of Malice.
- Trinkets with Celestial stats
Consumables
- Food - Dragon’s Revelry Starcake (increases all stats, Magic Find, and experience gained from kills)
- Utility - Tuning Icicle (increases condition damage based on your precision and expertise, while gaining additional experience from kills and Karma)
Utility Skills
- Heal Slot - Mantra of Solace - A Firebrand healing Mantra skill that heals you and your allies. It also grants additional defensive boons for your team.
- Skill 1 - Mantra of Potence - A Firebrand Mantra skill that allies Quickness boons to you and your allies..
- Skil 2 - Sword of Justice - A core Guardian Spirit Weapon skill that summons a spirit sword that will attack nearby enemies.
- Skill 3 - Purging Flames - A core Guardian Consecration skill that creates an AoE that pulses condition cleanses for allies inside while inflicting Burn on enemies.
- Elite Skill - “Feel My Wrath!” - A core Guardian elite Shout skill that grants Fury and Quickness boons for you and allies. If you already have Quickness on yourself, you receive it doubled.
For more information on this build, click this link: Metabattle.com
3. Support Firebrand - Structured PvP
Even in PvP, your enemies are vulnerable to the supporting flames of a Firebrand that comes to the aid of its allies in battle. The Support Firebrand's playstyle may appear to be more defensive, but in reality it takes the fight to the enemies. It chills their enemies with hard-hitting CCs and potentially launches opponents away from downed allies with its mighty hammer.
Why Support Firebrand is great
- Take the supportive strength of the Firebrand to PvP and give it an offensive twist by using the hammer to lock your opponents, effectively controlling their movements and letting your teammates pick them off.
- With your hammer 4 weapon skill and offhand shield 5 weapon skill, you can launch enemies off teammates who are attempting to kill downed allies, preferably from elevated areas.
- Your shouts work well with the runes and do little to mitigate condition damage dealt to you and your allies.
Choose this build if...
- You are an experienced PvPer that can pull off coordinated attacks with your teammate.
- You love annoying your enemies with your hammer and can easily fend off the area.
- You may be a support profession but it doesn’t mean you can’t have fun throwing down in the arena.
Full build details:
Traits and Major Perks
- Honor - Protective Reviver, Pure of Heart, Pure of Voice
- Virtues - Master of Consecrations, Glacial Heart, Battle Presence
- Firebrand - Liberator’s Vow, Stalwart Speed, Loremaster
Equipment
- In PvP, you don’t use your PvE / WvW equipment. You use an amulet that has different stat combinations instead. Your traits, skills, and elite specializations (as long as you have the expansion packs) are fully unlocked while in this game mode and can be used to try out builds with the training golems within the game mode.
- PvP Amulet with Avatar stats (power + precision + healing power + vitality)
- Superior Runes of the Soldier (increases vitality, toughness, and cleanses conditions on allies whenever you use a Shout skill)
- Main hand two-handed hammer Superior Sigils of Energy (after swapping from axe/shield, gain some Endurance) and Intelligence (after swapping from axe/shield, your next three attacks are guaranteed critical hits)
- Switch to main hand axe and offhand shield with Superior Sigil of Energy and Transference (increased healing power to allies)
Consumables
- Not applicable in PvP.
Utility Skills
- Heal Slot - Mantra of Solace - A Firebrand healing Mantra skill that heals you and your allies. It also grants additional defensive boons for your team.
- Skil 1 - “Stand Your Ground!” - A core Guardian Shout skill that breaks you and your allies out of stun and grants Stability boons. The skill triggers Superior Rune of the Soldier’s effect.
- Skil 2 - Sanctuary - A core Guardian Consecration skill that creates a protective barrier over you and your allies at a targeted area, protecting you from ranged, missile attacks.
- Skill 3 - “Advance!” - A core Guardian Shout skill that grants you and your allies Swiftness and Quickness buffs. The skill triggers Superior Rune of the Soldier’s effect.
- Elite Skill - Renewed Focus - A core Guardian Meditation skill that temporarily makes you invincible while recharging your Tome F1-F3 skills.
For more information on this build, click this link: GuildJen.com
2. Quickness Support Condi Firebrand - Instanced PvE
Take the support abilities of the Firebrand and push them further into an offensive build, and you’ve got the QS Condi Firebrand build. It guarantees a near-permanent uptime for crucial boons that increases the DPS of all characters while also being a powerhouse in its own right. The build lets the Firebrand be more offensive and takes the fight to their enemies.
Why QS Condi Firebrand is great
- With its skills, the QS Condi Firebrand can generate near-permanent Quickness and Fury, as well as condition cleanses and reflects from their Tome skills without sacrificing utility slots.
- You can switch your armor around to increase whichever stat you need (as long as you have the gold or a legendary armor set) from tankiness to boon duration to condition damage. It's an expensive build, but the results are well worth it.
- As of this writing, the build is up to date with the meta and is regarded as one of the best support builds for Raids.
Choose this build if...
- You want a more offensive Firebrand build that can still support its allies.
- You can easily rotate between your skills to provide tons of condition damage on enemies while keeping your team alive at all costs.
- You have enough funds to make this powerful build a reality.
Full build details:
Traits and Major Perks
- Virtues - Master of Consecrations, Inspiring Virtue, Permeating Wrath
- Radiance - Right Hand Strength, Radiant Fire, Amplified Wrath
- Firebrand - Liberator’s Vow, Weighty Terms, Quickfire
Equipment
- Head, shoulder, chest, and arm equipment with Ritualist stats (vitality + condition damage + concentration + expertise), and legs and boots with Viper stats (power + condition damage + precision + expertise)
- Superior Runes of the Firebrand (increases condition damage, quickness and boon duration, and inflict Burning debuff on enemies whenever you use an elite skill)
- Main hand Viper stat axe and offhand torch with Superior Sigils of Smoldering Smoldering (increases inflicted burn duration on enemies) and Bursting (increases condition damage).
- Switch to main hand Viper stat scepter with Superior Sigil of Smoldering.
- Trinkets with Viper stats
- Alternative: Increase Quickness duration by swapping more Viper equipment to Ritualist stats.
Consumables
- Food - Fishy Rice Bowl (increases outgoing Burning debuff duration, condition damage, and experience gained from killing enemies)
- Utility - Toxic Focusing Crystal (increases condition damage based on your power and precision, and increases experience gained from killing enemies)
Utility Skills
- Heal Slot - Mantra of Solace - A Firebrand healing Mantra skill that heals you and your allies. It also grants additional defensive boons for your team.
- Skill 1 - Mantra of Potence - A Firebrand Mantra skill that allies Quickness boons to you and your allies..
- Skil 2 -Mantra of Flame - A Firebrand Mantra skill that inflicts damage and Burning debuff on enemies around and in front of you.
- Skill 3 - Purging Flames - A core Guardian Consecration skill that creates an AoE that pulses condition cleanses for allies inside while inflicting Burn on enemies.
- Elite Skill - “Feel My Wrath!” - A core Guardian elite Shout skill that grants Fury and Quickness boons for you and allies. If you already have Quickness on yourself, you receive it doubled.
For more information on this build, click this link: Metabattle.com
1. Minstrel Firebrand - World versus World
We have come to the final build and what better challenge for a Firebrand than to support a team in the realm of World versus World. The Minstrel Firebrand build is extremely versatile, capable of providing near-permanent stability for its team as they plow through their enemies in the Borderlands. Core Guardian has always been a game mode mainstay, and this support-heavy build adds to its already impressive collection.
Why Healbrand is great
- Firebrands have had a place in World of Warcraft since its inception due to their ability to provide constant boons, healing, condition cleanses, and so on.
- Maintaining Stability and Resistance buffs is relatively simple for the build, allowing you and your team to push through even the most crippling conditions.
- Firebrands are masters of support in both defense and offense. Their staff weapon has abilities that boost their allies as well as a strong movement block that is useful against enemies attempting to approach your team.
Choose this build if...
- You want mighty support to lead in the fight for your server’s Borderlands in WvW.
- You aren’t afraid to go toe-to-toe with other potentially powerful players in rival servers and can constantly support your team.
- You have invested in your build and are confident in your ability to protect your allies.
Full build details:
Traits and Major Perks
- Virtues - Master of Consecrations, Absolute Resolve, Indomitable Courage
- Honor - Invigorated Bulwark, Pure of Heart, Pure of Voice
- Firebrand - Archivist of Whispers, Weighty Terms, Loremaster
Equipment
- Armor with Minstrel stats (toughness + vitality + healing power + concentration)
- Superior Runes of Durability (increases toughness, boon duration, maximum health, and grants allies with defensive boons whenever you are struck)
- Main hand Minstrel stat mace and offhand shield with Superior Sigils of Bounty (killing foes grants you a charge that boosts your concentration stat with a cap of 25 charges) and Concentration (increases boon duration).
- Switch to main hand two-handed Minstrel staff with Superior Sigil of Energy (after swapping from mace/shield, gain Endurance) and Concentration.
- Trinkets with Minstrel stats
Consumables
- Food - Bowl of Fruit Salad with Mint Garnish (increases outgoing healing, healing power, concentration, amount of Karma, Magic Find, Gold, overworld and World vs World experience)
- Utility - Magnanimous Maintenance Oil (increases concentration based on your vitality and toughness, and increases your experience gained from killing enemies)
Utility Skills
- Heal Slot - Mantra of Solace - A Firebrand healing Mantra skill that heals you and your allies. It also grants additional defensive boons for your team.
- Skill 1 - Signet of Mercy - A core Guardian Signet skill that passively increases your concentration stat. Once activated, it will revive a downed ally nearby.
- Skil 2 - “Stand Your Ground!” - A core Guardian Shout skill that breaks you and your allies out of stun and grants Stability boons.
- Skill 3 - Hallowed Ground - A core Guardian Consecration skill that launches an AoE that pulses Stability boons for you and your allies. It also acts as a fire combo field that is useful for stacking Might boons with your team.
- Elite Skill - Mantra of Liberation - The Firebrand elite Mantra skill which grants you and your allies Stability and Resolution boons. It also acts as another stun break.
For more information on this build, click this link: Hardstuck.gg
Closing Thoughts
As you can see, dear reader, the Firebrand is a formidable profession capable of assisting its team in all game modes. Whether you choose a selfish build that focuses on self-sufficiency or a team-oriented build, the profession will be a strong utility player in the meta. If you believe we have missed any other builds, please let us know so that we can update the list in the future.
