Raid & Strike Mission Guide

Everything you need to know about Guild Wars 2 raids and strike missions, from squad composition to boss mechanics and loot.

Raid Overview

  • 1Raids are 10-player instanced encounters requiring coordination, builds, and knowledge of boss mechanics.
  • 2There are 7 raid wings in total, each containing 3-4 boss encounters with unique mechanics.
  • 3Raids reset weekly on Monday. Each boss can be looted once per week per account.
  • 4Legendary Insights and Legendary Divinations drop from bosses and are used to craft legendary armor.
  • 5Most groups expect players to have at least exotic gear, a proper build, and knowledge of their rotation.

Squad Composition

  • 1A standard 10-player squad is split into two subgroups of 5, each needing boon coverage.
  • 2Each subgroup needs Quickness and Alacrity — the two most important boons for DPS uptime.
  • 3Common support roles: Chronomancer (quickness), Renegade (alacrity), Druid (healing + spirits), Firebrand (quickness + aegis).
  • 4Typically 2 healers (one per subgroup) and 2 boon supports, with 6 DPS filling the remaining slots.
  • 5Some encounters require specific roles like a tank (toughness-based aggro), hand kiter, or cannon operator.

Strike Missions

  • 1Strike Missions are 10-player encounters designed as an entry point to instanced group content.
  • 2End of Dragons strikes (Aetherblade Hideout, Xunlai Jade Junkyard, Kaineng Overlook, Harvest Temple) have challenge modes.
  • 3Strike challenge modes are comparable to raid difficulty and reward unique infusions and titles.
  • 4IBS (Icebrood Saga) strikes are easier and good for learning group content basics.
  • 5Weekly strike missions offer bonus rewards and are a reliable source of Mystic Coins and ascended gear.

Tips for New Raiders

  • 1Start with training runs organized by community guilds and LFG groups labeled "training" or "learning".
  • 2Watch video guides for each boss before attempting. Knowing mechanics prevents group wipes.
  • 3Practice your DPS rotation on the Special Forces Training Arena golem until it feels natural.
  • 4Bring consumables: food (stat boost) and utility (concentration, precision, or condition damage boost).
  • 5Communicate during the encounter. Call out mechanics, cooldown usage, and phase transitions.