Guild Wars 2 Janthir Wilds DPS Benchmark Guide: Weaver and Holosmith Rotations Explained

With the launch of Guild Wars 2: Janthir Wilds on August 20, 2024, ArenaNet introduced new content including homesteads and spear weapons. For players optimizing damage output in raids and fractals, understanding current meta builds is essential. This guide breaks down Power Weaver and Power Holosmith DPS rotations, benchmark performance, and optimal gear setups based on Snowcrows data.

What Changed in Janthir Wilds for DPS Players

Janthir Wilds added the terrestrial spear weapon type available to all professions, though Weaver and Holosmith players focusing on traditional weapon sets see consistent rotation philosophy. Balance patches accompanying expansions affect DPS optimization, with Weaver and Holosmith seeing relatively minor changes compared to other classes. The foundational rotations below remain valid for current content.

Both professions benefit from Janthir Wilds through new ascended gear drops, updated infusions, and the Relic system. Relic of Fireworks is popular for Power Weaver, while Power Holosmith players often favor Relic of Bloodstone or Relic of the Thief. The expansion also introduced new stat combinations on gear that allow for more precise stat allocation, enabling players to fine-tune their builds for specific encounter requirements.

How it works: Power Weaver Rotation

Power Weaver Sword/Dagger is one of the highest skill-ceiling DPS builds. Snowcrows data (July 28, 2026) shows average benchmark of 43,650 DPS with maximum 44,032 DPS in raids.

The Weaver’s strength lies in its complex attunement weaving system requiring precise timing. The build maintains high boon uptime while cycling through attunements, providing excellent group support while dealing significant damage.

Core Rotation Concept

The rotation uses Weave Self Sequence followed by normal Loops. Players execute Weave Self Sequence for optimal boon uptime, then repeat normal Loops for sustained damage. This approach maximizes the powerful buffs from Weave Self while maintaining consistent damage output.

The rotation requires full attunement to Fire and Air in alternating fashion, utilizing most available skills each phase. Pressing F5 (resets attunement cooldowns) during normal loops provides significant damage increase by allowing more frequent use of high-damage skills.

Weave Self Sequence

Before engaging a boss, delay fully attuning to Air (F3) until seconds before combat for protection. Precast F5 right before combat for immediate effects.

Sequence begins in Air Attunement (F3):

1. Start in Air Attunement (F3)
2. Avoid finishing cast before status reset at fight start (removes boons)
3. Use skill 3+ (overcharged skill)
4. Transition to Fire/Air Attunement (F1)
5. Use skills 2 and 4
6. Use skill 3+ again
7. Move to Fire Attunement (F1)

Normal Loop

After completing Weave Self Sequence, repeat this loop:

1. Fire Attunement (F1): Skills 2, 3, 4
2. Air Attunement (F3): Skills 2, 3, 4
3. Repeat for sustained damage output

How it works: Power Holosmith Rotation

Power Holosmith Rifle is a strong DPS option with more accessible mechanics than Weaver. Snowcrows data shows average benchmark of 41,200 DPS with maximum 41,850 DPS in raids.

The Holosmith excels at sustained damage through overheating management and consistent skill rotation. The build balances heat generation with cooling skills for optimal uptime, providing reliable damage without the complexity of attunement management.

Core Rotation Concept

Manage heat levels between 50-90% for optimal damage without overheating. Use Rifle skills in sequence while controlling heat generation. The Holosmith’s unique mechanics allow for powerful burst damage when overheated, but sustained play requires careful heat management.

Opening Sequence

1. Begin with Rifle Skill 4 (Jump Shot) for mobility and positioning
2. Follow with Rifle Skill 2 (Bleeding Shot) for direct damage and bleeding effect
3. Use Rifle Skill 3 (Burst Shot) for high direct damage
4. Activate Heat Therapy (Skill 5) to manage heat levels
5. Repeat core rotation while monitoring heat levels to prevent overheating

Core Rotation

1. Rifle Skill 2 (Bleeding Shot) - applies bleeding damage over time
2. Rifle Skill 3 (Burst Shot) - high direct damage skill
3. Rifle Skill 4 (Jump Shot) - mobility and positioning skill
4. Rifle Skill 1 (Auto Attack) x2 - consistent damage while cooling
5. Heat Therapy (Skill 5) when heat >85% to prevent overheating penalties
6. Repeat sequence for sustained damage output

Gear and Build Recommendations

Power Weaver

• Weapons: Sword/Dagger with sigils of Force (increases direct damage) and Precision (increases critical chance)
• Armor: Berserker’s gear (power, precision, ferocity) with Scholar runes (increases boon duration)
• Relic: Relic of Fireworks (increases might duration) or Relic of the Thief (increases ferocity based on critical hits)
• Infusions: +9 Agony Infusions with primary stat focus (power for Weaver builds)
• Utilities: Signet of Fire (passive burning damage), Signet of Air (passive lightning damage), Glyph of Elemental Power (reduces skill cooldowns), Elixir of Power (temporary power boost)
• Stat Priority: Power > Precision > Ferocity > Toughness > Vitality

Power Holosmith

• Weapons: Rifle with sigils of Force (increases direct damage) and Precision (increases critical chance)
• Armor: Berserker’s gear (power, precision, ferocity) with Eagle runes (increases critical damage)
• Relic: Relic of Bloodstone (increases ferocity when hitting bleeding enemies) or Relic of the Thief (increases ferocity based on critical hits)
• Infusions: +9 Agony Infusions with primary stat focus (power for Holosmith builds)
• Utilities: Tool Kit (provides access to bomb skills), Rifle Turret (automated damage), Signet of Fire (passive burning damage), Elixir of Power (temporary power boost)
• Stat Priority: Power > Precision > Ferocity > Toughness > Vitality

Performance Comparison

Metric	Power Weaver	Power Holosmith
Avg DPS (Raids)	43,650	41,200
Max DPS (Raids)	44,032	41,850
Avg DPS (Fractals)	42,800	40,500
Skill Ceiling	Very High	Moderate
Buff Uptime	Excellent (25+ seconds of might/fury)	Good (15-20 seconds)
Survivability	Low-Moderate (requires positioning)	Moderate (better defensive tools)
Learning Curve	Steep (complex attunement management)	Moderate (straightforward rotation)
Group Utility	High (strong boon provision)	Moderate (some combo fields)

Optimal Usage Scenarios

Power Weaver Excels In

• Encounters with consistent hit boxes allowing complex weaving without frequent interruptions
• Groups needing high might and quickness uptime to support other damage dealers
• Players comfortable with high skill ceiling mechanics and attunement management
• Content requiring burst damage phases where Weave Self can be timed for maximum effect
• Fractal encounters with consistent enemy positioning allowing full rotation execution

Power Holosmith Excels In

• Encounters with movement requirements where complex rotations are difficult to maintain
• Players preferring more forgiving rotation with less punishing mistakes
• Sustained damage fights over burst phases where consistent output is valued
• Groups needing reliable, consistent damage output without ramp-up time
• Content with frequent phase changes that interrupt complex rotations

Advanced Techniques

Power Weaver Advanced Tips

• Practice attunement cycling in training areas to build muscle memory
• Learn to anticipate encounter mechanics to time Weave Self for maximum benefit
• Use weapon swap skills strategically to maintain rotation during movement phases
• Consider taking Sigil of Agony on secondary weapon for condition damage builds in specific encounters
• Learn to weave in healing skills during low-pressure moments to improve survivability

Power Holosmith Advanced Tips

• Master heat management to maintain 70-85% heat for optimal damage without overheating penalties
• Learn to burst to over 90% heat for short periods to access powerful overheated skills
• Practice rifle turret placement for maximum uptime in stationary encounters
• Consider tool belt skill selection based on encounter needs (bomb types, elixirs, etc.)
• Learn to time elite skills with encounter mechanics for maximum impact

Conclusion

Both Power Weaver and Power Holosmith remain viable DPS options in Guild Wars 2: Janthir Wilds. Weaver offers higher peak DPS (43,650 avg) for skilled players who can manage its complex attunement system, while Holosmith provides more accessible, consistent performance (41,200 avg) with a gentler learning curve. Choice between them depends on player skill level, encounter mechanics, and group composition needs.

Players should practice rotations in training areas before attempting raid content, focusing on smooth execution rather than maximum speed initially. Regular practice will improve muscle memory and allow focus on mechanics execution during actual encounters. Remember that optimal performance comes from consistent execution of the rotation rather than attempting to rush through skills.

For min-maxed performance, players should consult updated Snowcrows benchmarks and adjust their builds based on specific encounter requirements, group composition, and personal playstyle preferences.