First of all I like many aspects of GW2, its a great game and I am having alot of fun exploring what the game has to offer.
Instances though, I have had some good times and some extremely frustrating times in instances.
I have had the opportunity now at level 60 to run the first 3 story modes versions and several explorable versions of the instances. I have probably run a total of 12 instances so far (story mode several times for different guildies). My experience isn't large in this area which is why I am hoping people will tell me that it gets better or there are GW2 specific tactics that I am missing (outside of dodging, focus fire, ect) to make these more enjoyable.
I play melee, portions of the instance experience were with a warrior and most with a guardian. I also understand there is a learning curve, I am hoping some players can shed some tips on how to do better as a group in instances.
Some Trash pulls are just nuts, there are ground mechanics to avoid but there is also unavoidable damage that goes out to the group based on who the enemy has aggro on.How does aggro work? Sometimes i think its proximity, sometimes i think its the first to hit the mob, sometimes i think its an actual threat number based off damage (as seen when my wife AoEs the shit out of a pack and instantly gets aggrod/gibbed)
Alot of the utility abilities I use as a Guardian (shouts) have a range limitation on them so they work well on a bunched up group, but the combat pushes you to always be moving out of traps, dodging, reviving, ect which is a very fun aspect and adds some new elements. However this seems to cause people to be spread out alot and my abilities only hit 60% of the group alot of times.
Is the idea to constantly be spreading to dodge then collapsing afterwards kind of like synchronzied swimming exhibition?
I play melee but find it impossible to tell whats going on with all the spell effects going on. I also have over time learned that you can't stand in melee all the time you need to be going in and out of melee range.I find it extremely hard to track CC in the instances, if the group is focusing mob A and B and C are running around, I find it hard to know if they are Blinded or not or what is going on in general with them outside of if its melee kite it and possibly root it. Ranged mobs just seem to roll face regardless.
Please anyone who can share some insight or tips on how to instance in GW2 better please share. I have done pug runs and guild runs in vent as well so I could coordinate better if that is a solution.
The difficulty is fun and a breath of fresh air, but the frustrating aspect of doing these instances is bothering me. Thanks for you feedback ahead of time.