During the Path of Fire expansion for Guild Wars 2, the Mirage was added as the Mesmer's second elite specialization. These expert illusionists from Elona's sandy dunes have discovered a means to alter their dodging abilities. Instead of dodging, Mirages activate their brand-new Mirage Cloak power. They avoid attacks, and when the cloak disappears, a Mirage Mirror is left on the ground and is available for pickup. Mirages temporarily switch out their auto-attack skill for more potent strikes using new Ambush skills and acts similarly to how a Thief gains access to Stealth attacks. With this in mind, let's examine some of the top PvE and PvP builds (sPvP and World vs. World) and see how lethal they are in the hands of a skilled Mirage.
5. Low-Intensity Condition Alacrity Mirage - Instanced PvE (Raids, Strike Missions, Dungeons, Fractals)
Why Low-Intensity Condition Alacrity Mirage is great
- The L.I. Mirage can deal a lot of damage in a short amount of time while putting in very little effort, which is great for players with certain limitations.
- The build is relatively easy to use and master.
- Unlike the majority of the builds on this list, their skill rotation is relatively simple to master and remember. It does not have to constantly rely on excessive input to cause harm.
Choose this build if:
- You have physical limitations that prevent you from playing as a Mesmer, or you prefer a more relaxed and chill build.
- You want a Mirage build that is simple to use and can be used in both open world and instanced PvE while still melting your enemies.
- You don't have to focus on casting illusions and using your Shatter abilities right away because it isn't the point of the build.
Full Build Details:
Major Perks and Traits
- Chaos - Method of Madness, Chaotic Potency, Chaotic Interruption
- Dueling - Phantasmal Fury, Blinding Dissipation, Ineptitude
- Mirage - Self-Deception, Desert Distortion, Infinite Horizon
Equipment
- Armor - 6 armor pieces with Viper’s stats (power + condition damage + precision + expertise)
- 6 pieces of Superior Runes of the Nightmare (increases condition damage, fear and condition duration, and deals a blow that blinds foes and transfers a condition onto them from you when you use an elite skill)
- Trinkets - 6 trinkets with Viper’s stats
- Weapon set 1 and 2 - 2 pieces of Viper stat two-handed staves with Superior Sigils of Bursting (increases outgoing condition damage) and Energy (upon switching weapons, gain some Endurance)
Consumables
- Food - Cilantro and Cured Meat Flatbread (gain a chance to steal some health when landing a critical hit, increases both condition damage and expertise, boosts Karma, experience from all sources, magic and gold find, and World Experience)
- Utility - Tuning Icicle (increases condition damage based on a percentage of both your precision and expertise, experience gained from killing foes, and boosts Karma)
Utility Skills
- Heal skill - False Oasis - A Mirage healing Deception skill that creates a mirage at your location and heals you. It creates a Mirage Mirror after the skill expires.
- Skill 1 - Crystal Sands - A Mirage Deception skill that launches an area-of-effect that deals damage and inflicts Confusion debuffs. It creates a Mirage Mirror where the crystals reach.
- Skill 2 - Signet of Domination - A core Mesmer signet skill that passively increases condition damage. When activated, it stuns your target foe and damages its Defiance Bar.
- Skill 3 - Signet of Midnight - A core Mesmer signet skill that passively increases expertise. When activated, it grants you Stealth buffs while inflicting Blindness debuffs on surrounding enemies. The skill is unblockable and acts as a stun break when activated.
- Elite Skill - Jaunt - The Mirage’s Elite skill that teleports the player to the target area and inflicts Confusion debuffs on your foes. It acts as a Leap Combo Finisher.
For more build details, check this link: Hardstuck.gg
4. Chaos Staff Mirage - Structured PvP
Why Chaos Staff Mirage is great
- The build focuses on the Mirage's ability to go one-on-one with its opponents.
- When things become too dangerous, the Chaos Staff Mirage's high mobility allows her to flee or quickly reach other nodes in need of assistance.
- The Chaos Staff Mirage has a power variant for those who want to focus on boon removal and go all-in as a pure duelist, demonstrating the build's versatility.
Choose this build if:
- You want a strong Mirage build that can help the team by defending your nodes.
- You want to be able to get to areas quickly when necessary without having to use a Thief.
- You enjoy inflicting the Confusion debuff on enemies and watching them collapse.
Full Build Details:
Major Perks and Traits
- Dueling - Duelist’s Discipline, Blinding Dissipation, Ineptitude
- Chaos - Method of Madness, Auspicious Anguish, Chaotic Interruption
- Mirage - Renewing Oasis, Desert Distortion, Infinite Horizon
Equipment
- Armor - Not applicable in sPvP
- 6 pieces of Superior Runes of Orr (decreases incoming condition duration, increases condition damage and maximum health)
- Trinkets - PvP Amulet with Sage stats (power + condition damage + vitality + healing)
- Weapon set 1 - Two-handed staff with Superior Sigils of Energy (upon switching weapons, gain some Endurance) and Doom (upon switching weapons, your next attack inflicts Poison debuffs)
- Weapon set 2 - Main-hand sword and off-hand pistol with Superior Sigils of Energy and Doom
Consumables
- Food - Not applicable in sPvP
- Utility - Not applicable in sPvP
Utility Skills
- Heal skill - False Oasis - A Mirage healing Deception skill that creates a mirage at your location and heals you. It creates a Mirage Mirror after the skill expires.
- Skill 1 - Illusionary Ambush - A Mirage Deception skill that teleports you and your illusions around your target at a random spot.
- Skill 2 - Signet of Illusions - A core Mesmer Signet skill that passively summons an illusion to fight alongside you. When activated, it recharges your Shatter skills.
- Skill 3 - Blink - A core Mesmer Manipulation skill that teleports you to a targeted area and acts as a stun break.
- Elite Skill - Jaunt - The Mirage’s Elite skill that teleports the player to the target area and inflicts Confusion debuffs on your foes. It acts as a Leap Combo Finisher.
For more build details, check this link: GuildJen.com
3. Booster Mirage - Open World PvE
Why Booster Mirage is great
- The Booster Mirage is simply constructed by utilizing the Level 80 booster to create a Mesmer and then collecting several hero points in any of the expansion maps.
- After using the Level 80 booster, the Booster Mirage already has its equipment ready. If not, they can easily make the armor, weapons, and trinkets themselves or buy them from the Trading Post.
- Celestial stat-focused builds are typically tanky, and the Booster Mirage makes good use of this. It is also the attribute provided by the Level 80 booster for its free equipment.
Choose this build if:
- You want to make a great solo build for open world PvE and you want to do it as a Mirage.
- You have saved up the Level 80 boost item for a Mesmer because they are one of the more difficult classes to level up.
- You want a beginner-friendly build that will allow you to grow stronger once you've mastered being a Mirage.
Full Build Details:
Major Perks and Traits
- Dueling - Phantasmal Fury, Blinding Dissipation, Ineptitude
- Chaos - Method of Madness, Chaotic Potency, Bountiful Disillusionment
- Mirage - Renewing Oasis, Mirage Mantle, Infinite Horizon
Equipment
- Armor - 6 armor pieces with Celestial stats (increases all stats minimally)
- 6 pieces of Superior Runes of the Traveler)
- Trinkets - 6 trinkets with Celestial stats
- Weapon set 1 and 2 - 2 pieces of Celestial stat two-handed staves with Superior Sigils of Energy (upon switching weapons, gain some Endurance) and Malice (increases outgoing condition duration)
Consumables
- Food - Not applicable for booster builds
- Utility - Not applicable for booster builds
Utility Skills
- Heal skill - False Oasis - A Mirage healing Deception skill that creates a mirage at your location and heals you. It creates a Mirage Mirror after the skill expires.
- Skill 1 - Blink - A core Mesmer Manipulation skill that teleports you to a targeted area and acts as a stun break.
- Skill 2 - Signet of Domination - A core Mesmer signet skill that passively increases condition damage. When activated, it stuns your target foe and damages its Defiance Bar.
- Skill 3 - Signet of Midnight - A core Mesmer signet skill that passively increases expertise. When activated, it grants you Stealth buffs while inflicting Blindness debuffs on surrounding enemies. The skill is unblockable and acts as a stun break when activated.
- Elite Skill - Jaunt - The Mirage’s Elite skill that teleports the player to the target area and inflicts Confusion debuffs on your foes. It acts as a Leap Combo Finisher.
For more build details, check this link: Hardstuck.gg
2. Power Ambush Mirage - World versus World Roamer
Why Power Ambush Mirage is great
- The Power Ambush Mirage is deadly from long range and equally so in close range.
- Despite not intended to be a burst-heavy damage dealer, it pumps out decent burst damage.
- The build can easily lockdown foes and apply tons of pressure when needed thanks to its skills and can be quite elusive, making them tricky to deal with.
Choose this build if:
- You prefer to deal damage over time rather than the usual burst damage of other Mesmer builds.
- You want a build that can get the job done for you and your party or squad while roaming the map.
- You enjoy spamming illusions and using Distortion and can time it perfectly to avoid danger.
Full Build Details:
Major Perks and Traits
- Inspiration - Medic’s Feedback, Restorative Illusions, Blurred Inscriptions
- Dueling - Duelist’s Discipline, Fencer’s Finesse, Deceptive Evasion
- Mirage - Renewing Oasis, Desert Distortion, Infinite Horizon
Equipment
- Armor - 6 armor pieces with Marauder’s stats (power + ferocity + precision + vitality)
- 6 pieces of Superior Runes of Fireworks (increases power, boon duration, movement speed, and grants stacks of Might, Fury, and Vigor buffs while in combat)
- Trinkets - 6 trinkets with Marauder’s stats
- Weapon set 1 - Main-hand Marauder stat sword and off-hand pistol with Superior Sigils of Energy (upon switching weapons, gain some Endurance) and Cleansing (upon switching weapons, cleanse conditions off of you)
- Weapon set 2 - Two-handed Marauder stat greatsword with Superior Sigils of Energy and Cleansing
Consumables
- Food - Bowl of Orrian Truffle and Meat Stew (gain Might buffs whenever you dodge, increases your Endurance regeneration, and experience gained from killing foes)
- Utility - Superior Sharpening Stone (increases power based on a percentage of both your precision and ferocity, and experience gained from killing foes)
Infusions (optional)
- 18 pieces of Mighty WvW Infusions (increases power)
Utility Skills
- Heal skill - Signet of the Ether - A core Mesmer healing Signet skill that passively heals you whenever you summon an illusion. When activated, it reduces the cooldown of your phantasm skills and heals you.
- Skill 1 - Signet of Midnight - A core Mesmer signet skill that passively increases expertise. When activated, it grants you Stealth buffs while inflicting Blindness debuffs on surrounding enemies. The skill is unblockable and acts as a stun break when
- Skill 2 - Signet of Illusions - A core Mesmer Signet skill that passively summons an illusion to fight alongside you. When activated, it recharges your Shatter skills.
- Skill 3 - Blink - A core Mesmer Manipulation skill that teleports you to a targeted area and acts as a stun break.
- Elite Skill - Jaunt - The Mirage’s Elite skill that teleports the player to the target area and inflicts Confusion debuffs on your foes. It acts as a Leap Combo Finisher.
For more build details, check this link: GuildJen.com
1. Condition Mirage - Instanced PvE
Why Condition Mirage is great
- It can easily destroy enemies and provides tons of condition damage through inflicting constant Confusion debuffs on enemies.
- The build is very similar to the Low-Intensity Mirage build mentioned previously and only needs to tweak a few perks and skills to become a stronger variant.
- The Condition Mirage is highly evasive thanks to its Distortion Shatter skill and can protect itself against deadly hits when timed correctly.
Choose this build if:
- You want to use a build similar to the Low-Intensity Mirage that has a bit more power and can play the game normally.
- You want to play as a DPS Powerhouse that is welcomed in almost every Raid encounter.
- You are a seasoned Mirage player and know the ins and outs of your profession’s mechanics.
Full Build Details:
Major Perks and Traits
- Dueling - Duelist’s Discipline, Blinding Dissipation, Ineptitude
- Chaos - Method of Madness, Chaotic Potency, Chaotic Interruption
- Mirage - Self-Deception, Mirrored Axes, Infinite Horizon
Equipment
- Armor - 6 armor pieces with Viper’s stats (power + condition damage + precision + expertise)
- 6 pieces of Superior Runes of the Nightmare (increases condition damage, fear and condition duration, and deals a blow that blinds foes and transfers a condition onto them from you when you use an elite skill)
- Trinkets - 6 trinkets with Viper’s stats
- Weapon set 1 - Main-hand Viper’s stat axe and off-hand pistol with Superior Sigils of Bursting (increases outgoing condition damage) and Energy (upon switching weapons, gain some Endurance)
- Weapon set 2 - Off-hand torch with Superior Sigil of Energy
Consumables
- Food - Cilantro and Cured Meat Flatbread (gain a chance to steal some health when landing a critical hit, increases both condition damage and expertise, boosts Karma, experience from all sources, magic and gold find, and World Experience)
- Utility - Tuning Icicle (increases condition damage based on a percentage of both your precision and expertise, experience gained from killing foes, and boosts Karma)
Infusions (optional)
- 13 pieces of Expertise WvW Infusion (increases expertise and damage done to enemy NPCs in WvW) and 5 pieces of Malign WvW Infusions (increases condition damage and damage done to enemy NPCs in WvW)
Utility Skills
- Heal skill - Signet of the Ether - A core Mesmer healing Signet skill that passively heals you whenever you summon an illusion. When activated, it reduces the cooldown of your phantasm skills and heals you.
- Skill 1 - Crystal Sands - A Mirage Deception skill that launches an area-of-effect that deals damage and inflicts Confusion debuffs. It creates a Mirage Mirror where the crystals reach.
- Skill 2 - Signet of Domination - A core Mesmer signet skill that passively increases condition damage. When activated, it stuns your target foe and damages its Defiance Bar.
- Skill 3 - Signet of Midnight - A core Mesmer signet skill that passively increases expertise. When activated, it grants you Stealth buffs while inflicting Blindness debuffs on surrounding enemies. The skill is unblockable and acts as a stun break when activated.
- Elite Skill - Jaunt - The Mirage’s Elite skill that teleports the player to the target area and inflicts Confusion debuffs on your foes. It acts as a Leap Combo Finisher.
For more build details, check this link: Hardstuck.gg
Closing Thoughts
The Mirage is one light armored profession you should never underestimate, no matter the game mode. They may appear fragile and brittle like illusions, but like glass, when hurled at enemies, cause massive damage and are tricky to deal with. What do you think, dear reader, have we included your favorite Mirage builds on our list? If you know of any other powerful builds, do let us know so we may update our list in the future.
