Guild Wars 2 (GW2) is a popular MMORPG known for its dynamic gameplay and frequent balance updates.
In this game, builds and strategies are constantly evolving to reflect changes in the meta – that is, the most effective ways to play based on the game’s current design and updates.
For many players, resources like Snowcrows are invaluable for finding the latest and best builds for various classes and roles in the game.
Recently, Snowcrows removed the Power Tempest (Pow Temp) build from its recommended list, sparking questions and discussions among GW2 players. So, why was Pow Temp removed from Snowcrows GW2?
In this article, we’ll explore why Pow Temp is no longer on Snowcrows, what this means for the Elementalist profession, how balance updates affected the viability of Pow Temp, and whether there are any alternatives to consider.
This article is targeted at GW2 players, especially those who rely on Snowcrows for build guidance and are wondering how to adapt to this change.
What is Pow Temp in Guild Wars 2?
Power Tempest or Pow Temp is a specific type of build for the Elementalist class, focusing on high power-based damage output.
Tempest, one of the Elementalist’s elite specializations, allows the Elementalist to access strong area-of-effect (AoE) abilities through overload skills.
The build is designed to maximize power-based damage (as opposed to condition-based damage) and has been popular in various end-game content, particularly for its burst potential and AoE capabilities.
Snowcrows and Their Role in GW2 Builds
Snowcrows is a website and community that specializes in providing high-quality, well-tested builds for GW2 players.
Snowcrows has become a go-to source for reliable and optimized builds, especially for high-level PvE content like raids and fractals.
Builds recommended by Snowcrows are generally trusted to perform well in challenging content, often representing the most efficient and effective way to play a class or role in the game.
The removal of Pow Temp from Snowcrows’ recommendations has left players wondering what changed. Why would such a reliable build be retired from the list?
Why Was Pow Temp Removed From Snowcrows GW2?
The decision to remove Pow Temp from Snowcrows likely stems from a combination of factors, primarily related to balance changes introduced by the developers and shifts in the game’s meta.
Let’s dive deeper into these possible reasons:
1. Balance Updates and Developer Changes
Guild Wars 2 frequently receives updates that adjust class abilities, stats, and other mechanics.
These updates are usually aimed at creating balance across the different professions, making sure that no single class or build dominates.
Power Tempest likely fell out of favor due to recent balance adjustments that reduced its effectiveness.
These changes may have impacted its damage potential, survivability, or energy efficiency, making it less competitive compared to other builds.
For example, if the developers weakened some of the core skills used by Power Tempest, such as the overload abilities, this would directly reduce the build’s ability to deal consistent damage.
In some cases, even slight adjustments to damage coefficients or skill cooldowns can have a significant impact, making the build less viable.
2. Changes in the Meta
The “meta” in GW2 refers to the most effective strategies or builds for each class based on the current game mechanics.
The meta in MMORPGs is highly fluid, shifting every time developers make adjustments to gameplay.
When Snowcrows removed Pow Temp, it was likely due to the build no longer being competitive within the current meta, especially in high-end PvE content like raids and fractals.
In recent updates, other classes and specializations may have received buffs, leading to new options that outperform Power Tempest.
This shift would make Pow Temp a less appealing choice for players looking to maximize efficiency in end-game content.
3. Outperformed by Other Elementalist Builds
Within the Elementalist class, other specializations such as Catalyst and Weaver have gained popularity and power, potentially overshadowing Tempest as the best option for players.
Catalyst, with its focus on orb generation and elemental empowerment, and Weaver, known for its unique dual-attunement mechanics, have proven to be strong contenders.
If these builds can provide equal or greater damage while offering additional benefits (such as more utility or survivability), it’s natural for players to gravitate toward them and for Snowcrows to update their recommendations accordingly.
4. Decline in Community Support and Popularity
Player preferences also influence build recommendations on sites like Snowcrows. If fewer players are using Power Tempest in high-level content, the build’s popularity declines, and it may no longer be seen as worth maintaining on recommendation lists.
Over time, if a build no longer has strong support from the community or if newer players aren’t adopting it, it could be retired in favor of other builds that are more widely used and tested.
How Do These Changes Affect Elementalist Players?
For players who loved using Power Tempest, this shift may feel disappointing. However, the good news is that the Elementalist profession remains versatile, and there are other powerful options to explore.
Alternatives to Power Tempest in the Current Meta
- Catalyst: Catalyst builds focus on sustained AoE damage and resilience, which can make them highly effective in both raids and fractals. With recent buffs to Catalyst, many players consider it one of the top choices for Elementalists in PvE.
- Weaver: Weaver builds offer high single-target damage potential and flexible playstyles through dual attunements. This build rewards skilled players who can take advantage of its complex mechanics to maximize damage output.
- Condition Tempest: While Pow Temp focused on power-based damage, a condition-based Tempest can still be effective. Condition Tempest may appeal to players who want to stay with the Tempest specialization but adapt to a different playstyle focused on conditions like burning and bleeding.
Tips for Transitioning from Pow Temp to a New Build
If you’re used to Power Tempest and need to adjust to a new build, consider the following tips:
- Practice in Low-Stakes Content: Before jumping into a raid or high-tier fractal, spend some time practicing with your new build in lower-difficulty areas to get comfortable with the mechanics.
- Read Build Guides: Check resources like Snowcrows and MetaBattle for detailed guides on your chosen build. Understanding the skills, traits, and rotations will make a big difference in mastering it.
- Seek Out Training Groups: Joining a training group or practicing with guild members can help you get feedback and improve more quickly with a new playstyle.
FAQs about Why Pow Temp Removed From Snowcrows GW2
Q: Why was Pow Temp removed from Snowcrows in Guild Wars 2?
Pow Temp was removed from Snowcrows because of balance updates and changes to the meta, which affected its effectiveness in end-game content. As other builds, such as Catalyst and Weaver, became stronger choices, Pow Temp fell out of favor.
Q: Can I still use Pow Temp in Guild Wars 2?
Yes, you can still use Pow Temp in GW2 if you enjoy it. However, it may not perform as well as other builds in high-end PvE content due to recent changes in the game.
Q: What are the best alternatives to Pow Temp for Elementalists?
Catalyst and Weaver are currently popular alternatives for Elementalists in PvE, as they provide high damage output and other benefits that suit the current meta.
Q: Will Pow Temp ever return to the Snowcrows recommendations?
It’s possible if future balance updates strengthen Tempest again, but it depends on developer changes and community testing.
Q: How often does the meta change in Guild Wars 2?
GW2’s meta can change with each major balance update, which typically occurs a few times per year, or with the release of new content and expansions.
Final Thoughts
The removal of Pow Temp from Snowcrows reflects the ongoing evolution of GW2’s meta and the efforts of the game’s community to adapt to balance changes.
While the loss of Pow Temp as a recommended build may be frustrating for some players, it also opens up opportunities to explore and master other playstyles within the Elementalist profession.
Adaptability is key in a constantly changing game environment, and with resources like Snowcrows providing updated guidance, players can stay on top of the latest strategies and enjoy all that GW2 has to offer.
