User:RavynousHunter/Beginners AB

= A Beginner's Guide to AB =

The world of Guild Wars PvP can be a daunting place to a beginner. Even setting up their PvP character's equipment can be an ordeal. While this guide is geared towards Alliance Battles, or "AB," there are a few pointers that can be taken into any form of PvP available.

Intro To AB (aka: What Makes AB Different)
Alliance Battles (referred to hereafter as "AB") are a somewhat unique form of PvP in Guild Wars, it is less structured than say Hall of Heroes or Team Arenas, but there's more control over one's team than what is found in Random Arenas. However, the Random Arenas mindset of setting yourself up to work as if you were alone is a good one to have, but remember that you do have a team and to help them when you can.

AB Primary Objectives

 * Capture control points (TOP PRIORITY): Control points add to the number of points your side gains with every kill, and also give you several other advantages, buffs notwithstanding.
 * Defend control points: While this should be a priority, don't run headlong into a mob (large group of enemies) to do so. Also, don't go out of your way to defend a control point, your focus should be on capturing points.  However, if you find you at are a control point and are being attacked by a small (2-4) number of enemies, try your best to defend it.  You may die, and you may end up losing the control point, but you have also bought your allies valuable time by stalling the enemy.
 * Learn to prioritize your targets: Your primary targets should be Monks, as they not only keep the enemy alive, but player-run Monks can deal a great amount of damage through Smiting Prayers. Secondary targets include Assassins, Interrupt-wielding Rangers, Mesmers, and Elementalists, these players can be a nuisance, and at worst, devastating to your team as they prevent them from using their skills and, in the case of Elementalists, can deal large amounts of Area of Effect damage and inflict crippling conditions on you and your team.  Also, try and aim for Minion Masters if you can, as they control the undead minions that are harassing your team and their death will lead to at least some of the minions turning around and attacking the enemy.
 * Avoid enemy mobs: A "mob" is a large number of enemy players that use sheer numbers to take control points and kill. Now, taking the mob out might seem like a good idea at first, but do not, I repeat, do not engage an enemy mob; doing so almost certainly ends in death.  If your enemy decides to mob up, this leaves their bases critically defenseless, take this opportunity to capture control points around the mob and give your team the upper hand in the battle.  Remember, killing enemy NPCs also counts toward your point total, and the enemy will lose much more quickly if you control a majority of the control points.

to be continued...