Fun build that's also moderately competitive?

I'm getting close to ultimate difficulty and level 85 on my first character, and I'm thinking of starting a new one once I do. One of my favorite things in action RPGs like this one is to try out completely different classes/playstyles to see how differently the gameplay is between them.

Right now I am playing on the fire-based Dracaaris pyromancer pet build. For my next character classes/build, I have no idea what I want to pick. I was looking through the build compendium, and the thing that concerns me the most is that very few builds say they're viable on crucible or gladiator difficulty. Since it takes a lot of time and effort to go through the story 3x,level a character to 85, and farm gear, I don't want to put in all that effort and end up being too weak to participate in some of the content. I don't care about being the top rank or best build or anything: I just want to be able to complete all of the content and participate in it without any major struggles.

I'd really like to find a fun build that's either a caster or heavily based on using lots of skills. I never enjoyed being a standard melee class that just clicks things to death! I really want to try out a build that uses the arcanist class, but based on what I've heard I'm worried that arcanist will be too weak.

Please let me know if you have any suggestions! I enjoy my current character, but I'd like to try the game with something different (and something that isn't pet-focused)

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Fun build that's also moderately competitive?