Virtues can be instantly recharged with the elite skill
There will rarely be a time to use this virtue whenever you’re not in a group, unless you’re about to be downed (the 5 seconds of burning can be help finish an enemy off). In a group (or with lots of allies nearby), activating this virtue will grant a massive spike in damage, worth well more than what you can do by yourself.
For this virtue, save its activation until you’re going to be downed or when you’re near a large group of players (who are actively attacking).
Virtue of Courage
Virtue of Courage grants Aegis every 40 seconds. Upon activation, it grants Aegis to you and your nearby allies and has a 90 second cooldown. This one is a bit tricky; the activation effect is superior to its passive effect (you only lose out on an extra Aegis on use). For more information on Aegis, check out our Boon Guide.
You should activate this virtue whenever you’re about to take a massive hit or you and your allies are about to get a large AoE attack incoming. This virtue gains a very powerful ability through traits – it can apply 3 seconds of stability on use, which can block a large AoE knockdown.
Additional Notes
Virtues can be instantly recharged with the elite skill Renewed Focus. The virtue trait line also provides many benefits, including lowering virtue cooldown times and increased boon duration.
Virtues do not stack, so you do not get double burning if two guardians activate Virtue of Justice. So while in a group or with a group of organized players, be sure to organize who uses their virtues when, to avoid a large waste of resources.