Greetings.
Last BWE (3) and Stress test yesterday I participated in pvp (non-structured) to see how the game feels in its pvp aspect and here are my impressions as a warrior.
I tried focused melee build aimed at high crits: http://gw2skills.net/editor/en/?fIMQ...xWjrGZNLOGcszA
Also used another build wielding dual axes / axe + shield but same items just different traits.
From what I saw, raw damage output is just not enough. Raw survivability shouldn't be either. Build needs fine-tuning by the player, so that one has teamwide utility not just personal. Although the case might be different for some classes which could be more effective to the team by just being "selfish" on their builds. (Warriors DO seem like that case, unlike engineer/guardian)
Going rogue and capturing bases alone can be an effective guerrilla tactic but unless you're confident on your 1v1 and 1v2 skills do not try it. It is better to move around in duos/trios than going solo 99% of time.
Crowd Controll skills such as fear/knockback/stuns/root are a must, especially for a melee heavy focused build, but also for ranged as well, if they intend to do well. Kiting and Locking down are of great importance and this is where the good use of dodging comes into play (Skill Factor).
Teammates are the most important thing in GW2 "BGs". You dont just need them to be around, you dont simply rely on them, you NEED to have a good team to win a battleground fight, not just a couple good players.
Sure, having a good player or two on your team on say a 8v8 match is good, but if the rest of team isn't quite up to average they can't win a team that consist of 70% average skill players.
Insticts matter. In a non-coordinated team effort such as a hot joinable pvp fight, where one simply goes wherever he pleases, knowing which could be a nice spot to cap or to defend can win the fight.
Stats screen says nothing. A top player sure did more than the last, but the last could have just played an equally important role in winning a game as the top player.
Crazy lucky crits. It happens. I heard rumors in the wind of warriors nuking down 100%-->0% in a bull's charge with a greatsword. Deal with it. Most times you'll die cause 2-3 ppl focused you down. Sometimes it'll happen cause someone got his full combo burst hit on you. Your fault either way.
Even though I was okay player in GW1, GW2 is a totally different game. The dodge mechanic alone, allows for great display of skill, rewards the good players, and the lucky ones while not punishing the not-so-good ones. PvE seems fun too, unlike most other mmorpgs or even single player rpgs. Overall GW2 is going to be one of my favourite games.
Additional Profession specific notes/questions:
Warriors are strong in damage output, but the insane amount of CC and knockbacks I ate on my face yesterday makes me think that going into pvp without balanced stance is like a death wish. Endure pain seems great talent for those that cant afford the points in defense trait line, but you'll lose Frenzy or Bolas (or bulls charge).
-Still cannot determine if bull's charge is superior to bolas.
-A shield seems like a must for the short cd charge-stun and shield blocking (5th skill) - great abilities for pvp.
-Not sure if Frenzy is worth it (considering using Endure pain).
-Norn or Charr? The ultimate warrior question (:Was Charr in BWE3, leaning towards Norn atm: The way armor looks on Charr can be repelling
-2Hand Axes? - One can only dream the awesomeness.
-Axe/Axe vs Sword/Axe ? I like sword's mobility/condition. Do not like the burst skill compared to axe.
-Rifle and/or Longbow build viable for pvp? Did not have enough time to try them out.
-Norn sword animations (1h) seem quite off or just me? They look like they stab the ground.
-The Singet of Rage (Elite) seems quite superior to the others. (Non racial ones at least)