gloomhaven elementalist guide
This guide will explore the Elementalist class in Gloomhaven, detailing its strengths, weaknesses, and various build options. We’ll cover everything from early game strategy to level 10+ card choices and tips for maximizing your elemental potential. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a new player, this guide will help you master the Elementalist and unleash the full power of the elements.
Overview
The Elementalist is a versatile and powerful class in Gloomhaven, known for its ability to manipulate the elements and unleash devastating attacks. This Savvas character possesses a unique playstyle that revolves around generating and utilizing elements to enhance their abilities. While they may struggle early on, their potential for late-game dominance is undeniable. The Elementalist’s strength lies in their ability to adapt to various scenarios, utilizing different elements to inflict status effects, deal damage, and manipulate the battlefield. They are not a traditional tank, but their high health and access to defensive abilities allows them to survive in challenging encounters.
This guide will focus on a damage-focused build that prioritizes self-sufficiency in element generation. This means mastering the art of producing the elements you need to execute your chosen attacks, maximizing your damage potential, and applying debuffs strategically. While alternative builds like the “Curse-Monger” and “Tank” build exist, this guide focuses on the core strengths of the Elementalist as a devastating damage dealer.
The Elementalist’s card pool is diverse and allows for a wide range of tactical choices. You will learn how to optimize your card selections based on the scenario, your current level, and your desired playstyle. This guide will provide insights into the best cards to use at each stage of the game, along with strategies for maximizing their effectiveness.
Build Options
The Elementalist class offers a multitude of build options, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The most popular build is the “Triforce” build, which focuses on maximizing damage output through a combination of strong attacks and strategic element generation. This build excels at dealing significant damage to multiple enemies, making it ideal for scenarios with large groups of foes. However, it can be more difficult to manage early on, as the Elementalist’s reliance on elements can be challenging to balance with their limited resources.
Another popular build is the “Curse-Monger” build, which prioritizes the application of curses and debuffs to weaken enemies. This build relies heavily on the Elementalist’s ability to inflict multiple status effects, hindering enemy actions and making them easier for the party to defeat. While this build may not deal as much direct damage as the “Triforce” build, its ability to control the battlefield and disrupt enemy plans can be invaluable.
Finally, there is the “Tank” build, which focuses on the Elementalist’s high health and access to defensive abilities. This build emphasizes survivability, allowing the Elementalist to stand in the front lines and soak up damage while supporting their teammates. While it may not be as damage-focused as other builds, the “Tank” build offers a unique playstyle and can be a valuable asset to any team composition;
Triforce Build
The Triforce build, named after the iconic artifact from the Legend of Zelda series, is a damage-focused approach to the Elementalist class. It emphasizes the generation and utilization of elements to unleash devastating attacks. This build thrives on maximizing damage output, making it ideal for scenarios where dealing significant damage is paramount. The key to this build is mastering the Elementalist’s card pool to consistently generate the elements needed for powerful attacks.
The Triforce build often relies on cards like “Infernal Vortex,” “Tremulant Cyclone,” and “Formless Power” to generate elements like Frost, Wind, and Earth, respectively. These cards provide a consistent stream of elements, setting the stage for powerful attacks with cards like “Winters Edge,” “Obsidian Shards,” and “Vengeance.” The build prioritizes maximizing damage output by choosing cards with strong attacks, piercing damage, and the ability to hit multiple targets. The Triforce build excels at dealing significant damage to multiple enemies, making it an effective choice for scenarios with large enemy groups. However, it’s important to note that this build requires careful management of element resources and can be challenging early on, as the Elementalist’s reliance on elements can be difficult to balance with their limited resources.
Curse-Monger Build
The Curse-Monger build, a less common but highly effective approach to the Elementalist, focuses on applying curses and debuffs to enemies. This build utilizes the Elementalist’s ability to generate elements like Dark and Light, which are essential for applying curses and debuffs. It emphasizes cards like “Eternal Equilibrium,” “Volatile Consumption,” and “Ethereal Manifestation,” which offer powerful curses, debuffs, and even the ability to summon creatures.
The Curse-Monger build thrives on hindering enemy actions and making them less effective in combat. By applying curses and debuffs, this build can significantly weaken enemies, making them easier for the party to defeat. This build is particularly effective against powerful enemies with high health or special abilities, as it can significantly reduce their effectiveness. However, it’s important to note that this build requires careful coordination with the party, as the Elementalist’s reliance on elements can make it difficult to contribute directly to damage output. The Curse-Monger build requires a strategic approach and a strong understanding of the Elementalist’s card pool to effectively utilize curses and debuffs to support the party.
Tank Build
The Tank build for the Elementalist is a unique and unconventional approach, leveraging the class’s high health and element generation to create a surprisingly resilient frontline presence. This build focuses on drawing enemy attention and protecting allies by using cards like “Boiling Arc,” “Crystallizing Blast,” and “Gravel Vortex,” which offer both damage and movement options, allowing the Elementalist to position themselves strategically in the midst of combat. The Tank build isn’t about soaking up damage in the traditional sense, but rather about using elements to create a defensive barrier and disrupt enemy attacks.
While the Elementalist lacks the natural defensive abilities of classes like the Brute or Cragheart, this build utilizes elements like Earth and Ice to create a defensive perimeter. Cards like “Crystallizing Blast” can be enhanced with a “Curse” modifier, slowing enemies and forcing them to attack the Elementalist. Furthermore, the “Gravel Vortex” card provides a strong AoE attack while also offering a “Loot 2” ability, allowing the Elementalist to acquire resources while engaging enemies. This build requires careful planning and a deep understanding of the Elementalist’s card pool to effectively utilize elements and movement to protect allies and control the battlefield.
Early Game
The early game for the Elementalist can be challenging, as the class’s full potential relies on building up a strong element generation engine. Your focus should be on acquiring cards that provide a consistent source of elements and maximizing your movement options. The first few levels are crucial for establishing a solid foundation for your build. Prioritize cards with Move 2 actions and element generation on the bottom, such as “Infernal Vortex,” “Tremulant Cyclone,” and “Formless Power.” These cards will allow you to position yourself strategically and gain valuable elements for later use.
Strive to build a modifier deck that is primarily focused on generating elements. Avoid cards that offer additional damage or status effects unless they also produce an element. Your modifier deck will be your primary source of element generation, so it’s essential to make it as effective as possible. Early game scenarios are often about surviving and learning the ropes of the game, so don’t be afraid to play defensively and prioritize survival over aggressive play. As you gain experience and level up, you’ll be able to unleash the full power of your Elementalist and become a devastating force on the battlefield.
Level 1-3
The first three levels are all about establishing a solid base for your Elementalist. Focus on acquiring cards that offer consistent element generation and movement options. “Infernal Vortex” and “Formless Power” are excellent choices for their bottom actions, providing both movement and valuable elements like Frost and Fire. “Tremulant Cyclone” is another good option for those needing Earth, but its push ability is situational. “Stoking Hail” is your only stun card at this level, making it a valuable asset for controlling enemies.
Your modifier deck should be filled with element cards to maximize your element generation. Adding more element cards to your deck is a priority, as it will significantly enhance your card play and damage output. Avoid cards that offer damage or status effects unless they also produce an element. Your modifier deck is your primary source of elements, and you want to maximize its effectiveness. Remember, the early game is about building a foundation for your Elementalist, so prioritize cards that enhance your element generation and movement capabilities.
Level 4-6
As you progress to levels 4-6, your Elementalist starts to gain more power and flexibility. This is the time to start focusing on higher damage output and specific element generation. “Primal Duality” becomes your earliest initiative card, providing a Move 2 action along with two elements. This card is crucial for setting up your turns and maximizing your element potential. Consider enhancing “Crystallizing Blast” with a Wound to increase its damage and versatility. “Burial” is another excellent choice, offering a reusable heal and a strong top loss attack.
Your modifier deck should now focus on optimizing your specific element generation. Consider adding more cards that produce the elements you need for your chosen build. For example, if you’re building towards a Frost/Wind build, focus on adding more Frost and Wind cards to your modifier deck. Remember, you want to be able to reliably generate the elements you need for your cards, and the modifier deck is a key component of this strategy. By focusing on specific element generation and high-damage cards, you’ll start to see your Elementalist’s true potential emerge.
Level 7-9
Levels 7-9 are a pivotal point for your Elementalist, as you start to gain access to some truly powerful cards. “Vengeance” is a game-changer, allowing you to execute up to three (or four with an enhancement) targets. This card can be devastatingly effective against large groups of enemies, and it’s a must-have for any scenario where you need to deal massive damage quickly. However, remember that “Vengeance” isn’t always the best choice. If you’re facing elite enemies or a scenario doesn’t require killing everything, consider taking a different card. “Pragmatic Reinforcement” is another excellent choice, providing flexibility and a strong top attack.
By this point, your modifier deck should be heavily loaded with element cards, allowing you to consistently generate the elements you need for your high-damage cards. You’ll have a wide variety of options for your turns, and you can use your elements to activate the full potential of your card abilities. Experiment with different card combinations and strategies, and find the build that best suits your playstyle. Keep refining your modifier deck as you gain new cards and learn more about the game.
Level 10+
Once you hit level 10, your Elementalist is a force to be reckoned with. You have access to a powerful arsenal of cards and your modifier deck is likely overflowing with elements. “Eternal Equilibrium” stands out as a fantastic option, offering a reusable top action similar to “Lava Eruption,” but with a broader range of effects. This card can devastate enemies while also applying a Curse and Muddle, making it incredibly versatile. You can even generate Light and Dark elements with “Primal Duality” to maximize its potential.
This is the time to truly master your Elementalist’s abilities. You can experiment with various builds and strategies, tailoring your approach to each scenario. Consider enhancing cards to improve their damage, movement, or element generation. Invest in items that synergize with your build, like “Mana Potions” to fuel your elemental spells or items that enhance your element generation. As you level up, your Elementalist will continue to grow in power, becoming one of the most potent damage dealers in the game. Embrace your elemental mastery and prepare for a thrilling journey through Gloomhaven.
Card Choices
Choosing the right cards for your Elementalist is crucial to success. Your deck should reflect your chosen build and optimize your elemental abilities. Early on, focus on cards that offer Move 2 actions with element generation on the bottom, like “Infernal Vortex” and “Tremulant Cyclone.” These cards will be your bread and butter, providing valuable movement and setting up your more potent attacks later on. As you level up, prioritize cards that provide significant damage output, element generation, and flexibility.
“Formless Power” is an excellent early card, boosting your damage and giving you a powerful attack. “Malleable Evocation” is another versatile card that offers healing, movement, and status effects, making it a strong choice for early game scenarios. As you progress, consider cards like “Winters Edge” or “Obsidian Shards” for devastating single-target or multi-target attacks. “Vengeance” is a game-changer, allowing you to execute multiple targets, but use it strategically as it can be a card slot wasted in some scenarios;
Remember, your card choices should adapt to the challenges of each scenario. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations and find the perfect deck for your Elementalist. By carefully selecting and utilizing your cards, you’ll unlock the full potential of your elemental abilities and become a formidable force in Gloomhaven.
Modifier Deck
Your Elementalist’s modifier deck is not designed for extra damage, but rather for generating the elements you need to fuel your cards. While some guides delve into the math of maximizing element generation, the key is to focus on adding element cards, removing -1s, and replacing 0s with “0 Element” cards. This ensures a consistent flow of elements for your spells and abilities. Don’t neglect your element cards, as they are the foundation of your Elementalist’s power.
Some suggested strategies include prioritizing “Element” cards over “Wound” cards, as your health isn’t a primary concern. Additionally, consider enhancing cards like “Crystallizing Blast” with a “Wound” to further boost your damage output, as it can be a valuable early game card. Experiment with different card combinations and adjust your modifier deck based on your chosen build and scenario requirements. Remember, a well-balanced modifier deck will provide the elements you need to unleash the full power of your Elementalist.
By focusing on element generation and optimizing your modifier deck, you can ensure a consistent flow of elements for your attacks, movement, and special abilities. This will allow you to maximize your potential and become a formidable force in the world of Gloomhaven.