In Guild Wars 2 (GW2), weapon sigils play a crucial role in customizing and enhancing a character’s combat capabilities. Among the many available sigils, the Sigil of Torment stands out for its synergy with condition damage builds. It provides a unique effect that caters especially well to classes and setups focused on torment, one of the game’s damaging conditions. Whether you’re optimizing your gear for PvP, PvE, or WvW, understanding how the Sigil of Torment works can significantly improve your build’s overall effectiveness and performance in battle.
Understanding the Sigil of Torment
The Sigil of Torment is a condition-based upgrade that can be slotted into a weapon to trigger a torment effect on an enemy. More specifically, it applies torment whenever you disable a foe, such as by stunning, dazing, fearing, or knocking them down. This makes it a particularly valuable sigil for builds that include frequent control effects or crowd control (CC) skills.
Core Effect
The primary effect of the Superior Sigil of Torment reads:Inflict torment for 6 seconds when you disable a foe. This applies every 9 seconds due to an internal cooldown (ICD). The torment duration can scale with condition duration modifiers, making it even more powerful when combined with gear, runes, or traits that enhance condition application.
Mechanics Behind Torment
Before diving deeper into the utility of the Sigil of Torment, it’s important to understand how the torment condition works in GW2. Torment deals damage over time, and its effectiveness increases if the target is moving. This dual-damage mechanic makes it especially punishing for mobile enemies or those trying to kite during combat.
- Base Damage: Torment deals a set amount of damage over time.
- Movement Penalty: If the afflicted target moves, they receive additional damage.
- Synergy: Works well with immobilize or slow effects that either force movement or punish attempts to escape.
Since the Sigil of Torment reliably applies this condition on CC, it becomes an excellent choice for classes that frequently interrupt or disable enemies.
Best Class Synergies with Sigil of Torment
Not every class benefits equally from the Sigil of Torment. However, certain professions and builds can extract maximum value due to their condition-focused playstyle and frequent use of disabling skills.
1. Mesmer
Condition Mesmer builds especially ones using the Mirage elite specialization can trigger disables through dazes and interrupts. Combined with other sigils and condition gear, the Sigil of Torment can significantly boost damage output during duels or rotations in PvP.
2. Necromancer
Scourge and core condition-based Necromancers often have fear and cripple skills. These count as disables, activating the Sigil of Torment. With Necromancer’s natural affinity for condition pressure, this sigil adds another layer to their damage-over-time arsenal.
3. Engineer
Condition Engineers especially with the Holosmith or core kits can make excellent use of this sigil due to stuns and knockbacks from tools like Electro-whirl and Static Shock. It fits well in a hybrid CC and condition role.
4. Revenant
Condition Heralds or Renegades that use Mallyx’s utilities can capitalize on control effects and frequent torment applications. The Sigil of Torment simply enhances an already torment-heavy skill set.
Game Modes Where Sigil of Torment Shines
While the sigil is usable in all game modes, its effectiveness can vary depending on the scenario and the enemy’s behavior.
PvP (Structured Player vs. Player)
In PvP, where players are constantly moving and repositioning, torment becomes especially powerful. The Sigil of Torment adds to the pressure during crowd-control bursts and can punish reckless movement. Its cooldown ensures balance, but timing it with interrupts or disables can make a noticeable difference.
WvW (World vs. World)
In WvW, large group combat makes torment less reliable because of the sheer chaos and overlap of effects. However, in roaming or small-scale fights, especially in 1v1 or 1v2 situations, the Sigil of Torment can provide consistent condition pressure. Disabling enemies and keeping them from disengaging amplifies its value.
PvE (Player vs. Environment)
In PvE, its usage is more niche. Many enemies are immune or resistant to disabling effects, or they die quickly enough that condition damage isn’t always optimal. However, in fractals, dungeons, or raids where bosses are susceptible to CC and condition builds, the Sigil of Torment can still contribute meaningfully.
Obtaining the Sigil of Torment
Like other sigils in GW2, the Sigil of Torment can be obtained through various methods:
- Crafting: Can be crafted by weaponsmiths, huntsmen, or artificers depending on weapon type.
- Trading Post: Available for purchase from other players.
- Loot Drops: May occasionally drop from enemies or be found in certain containers.
The superior version is generally the one most players use for high-level builds, so make sure you check that you’re not accidentally using a minor or major version with less power.
Alternative Sigils to Pair With
Condition damage builds often run dual sigils to stack effects. The Sigil of Torment can be paired with several others for maximum efficiency:
- Sigil of Agony: Increases bleeding duration, great for stacking long-lasting conditions.
- Sigil of Earth: Chance to inflict bleeding on crit, complements condition setups.
- Sigil of Malice: Boosts all condition durations, which amplifies the torment applied by the Sigil of Torment.
Combining multiple condition-enhancing sigils allows for layered pressure and more sustained damage output.
Build Tips with Sigil of Torment
1. Time Your Disables
Since the Sigil of Torment has an internal cooldown, it’s important to be aware of your disable timing. Try to save your CC abilities for moments when they’ll both interrupt enemy casts and trigger the torment effect for added pressure.
2. Stack Duration Boosts
Use gear and traits that boost condition duration. Runes like the Nightmare Rune or the Undead Rune can extend your torment uptime, letting the condition tick for longer and deal more damage, especially if the target keeps moving.
3. Monitor Enemy Movement
Since torment deals more damage when enemies are moving, try to apply it just before or during the enemy’s repositioning. In PvP, this might mean waiting until an opponent tries to disengage. In WvW, it’s effective against retreating enemies.
The Sigil of Torment is a smart, damage-enhancing choice for players who enjoy condition builds and have access to disabling abilities. It rewards good timing and situational awareness, especially in PvP and small-scale encounters. Whether you’re a condition Mesmer, Scourge, or Revenant, incorporating the Sigil of Torment into your setup adds another layer of strategic depth. By understanding how torment works and how to apply it effectively, you can make this sigil a powerful tool in your combat arsenal in Guild Wars 2.