Guild Wars 2

Hi! I’m a relatively new player however i’ve pretty much tried all the classes (created then deleted characters) but there are infinite number of ways to play each class that i’m unable to try all of em (no money to gear all my classes and try em out).

I see myself as a “coward” player. I like to camp, deal massive burst damage then leg it and re-position. Kind of like hit and run but from a distance preferably. Exactly like a sniper.

I tried Condi Thief and tried the perma stealth play style where you use “cloak and dagger” every 3 secs to reposition myself and only appear when safe. However it’s different from what i’m looking for, only similar.

I also tried a pistol-pistol thief (which is widely condemned by most players) whereby i try to burst down enemies with my third skill. I really enjoy this but it gets very frustrating when you lose every pvp match, since i exhaust all my initiate and can only rely on utility skills to pull back which is a waste… nor is the damage output all that high.

I know that part of enjoying the game is about finding your own play style and building your character and exploring the game. but i’ve reached the point where i’ve given up in finding anything. If there is any type of play style that fits my criteria can somebody please suggest?

Note: I’ve been told the ranger is probably the closest match, but it’s hard to hide yourself with a massive bear following you around and without any sort of invis skill. Of course these guys have a lot of evasions, but are IMO effective only for close range combat and keeping distance between you and the opponent (i want to completely hide and snipe down people from afar)

For tldr; I like to camp and snipe then reposition. Can’t seem to find this kind of play style in any class

Longbow ranger has stealth on skill 3.

Also you can stow the pet outside of combat. Or use the guard skill to position it somewhere else.

Also longbow rangers are made for distance, and are terrible at close range.

Nobody’s good at hide AND shoot, sorry.

You might want to try a Rifle warrior. They’re single target, but have good range and a skill that cripples the enemy for a moment to slow them down as they try to get to you. They’re also fairly tough, so you’ll better be able to survive when things do get to you.

Sube Dai.8496:

Longbow ranger has stealth on skill 3.

Also you can stow the pet outside of combat. Or use the guard skill to position it somewhere else.

Also longbow rangers are made for distance, and are terrible at close range.

Thanks ^^ but i really don’t need the pet….. though as a last resort i may have to learn to control the pet and leave it FAR FAR away so that it doesn’t give away my position… but thanks for the reply!!! The post was really long sorry ><

Palador.2170:

Nobody’s good at hide AND shoot, sorry.

You might want to try a Rifle warrior. They’re single target, but have good range and a skill that cripples the enemy for a moment to slow them down as they try to get to you. They’re also fairly tough, so you’ll better be able to survive when things do get to you.

That i’m also working on. I’ve heard of the one shot kill F1 rage skill from the rifle of a warrior. But i’m aware it’s only used for trolling and never for serious gameplay. Furthermore the rifle warrior doesn’t have any escape mechanisms so i can reposition myself but i could also use it as a last resort… Thanks for the reply!

You’re not going to get all of that in one build, because it would be too powerful. So in each of them, so you’re going to have to give something up.

Longbow Ranger is by far your closest choice, that’s why everyone is saying it.

• 1500 Longbow Range (traited) is longer than anything else.
• Reasonable burst options.
• Send the pet in early to take aggro and distract.
• LB#3 gives 3s of stealth on a 12s cooldown…. plenty of time to reposition.
• Pet will keep attacking while you’re repositioning.
• Try pets other than a bear. Like a Jaguar or Reef Drake.
• Swap to Axe+Warhorn for dealing with crowds.

Your next option is Mesmer.

• Greatsword and Scepter give you range
• Illusions distract and can take aggro
• Several stealth options, though most are short and long CD.
• Harder to build up a burst damage to “snipe”, though.

Third is Dagger thief.

• More stealth options than you can shake a stick at.
• Lots of options to continuously reposition yourself.
• OMG amounts of burst damage.
• But you gotta live in melee.
• One mistake can kill you.

I’d say those are your major options.
But really, you want LB Ranger.

rodadams.5963:

You’re not going to get all of that in one build, because it would be too powerful. So in each of them, so you’re going to have to give something up.

Longbow Ranger is by far your closest choice, that’s why everyone is saying it.

• 1500 Longbow Range (traited) is longer than anything else.
• Reasonable burst options.
• Send the pet in early to take aggro and distract.
• LB#3 gives 3s of stealth on a 12s cooldown…. plenty of time to reposition.
• Pet will keep attacking while you’re repositioning.
• Try pets other than a bear. Like a Jaguar or Reef Drake.
• Swap to Axe+Warhorn for dealing with crowds.

Your next option is Mesmer.

• Greatsword and Scepter give you range
• Illusions distract and can take aggro
• Several stealth options, though most are short and long CD.
• Harder to build up a burst damage to “snipe”, though.

Third is Dagger thief.

• More stealth options than you can shake a stick at.
• Lots of options to continuously reposition yourself.
• OMG amounts of burst damage.
• But you gotta live in melee.
• One mistake can kill you.

I’d say those are your major options.
But really, you want LB Ranger.

Haha i thought so. I knew it would be hard to balance anything like a long distance sniper but knowing guild wars and the diverse play styles i thought there could be a slight possibility. Thank you for your reply though! very helpful!

Oh, one last comment. Stop thinking “attack, then reposition”. Think “reposition while attacking”.

rodadams.5963:

Oh, one last comment. Stop thinking “attack, then reposition”. Think “reposition while attacking”.

Thanks ^^ That is the effective way of playing the game. but waiting silently and patiently whilst camping and finally coming across your prey; then holding your breath to take aim and fire is a totally different experience. There aren’t any single target skill shots in this game, hence why making this play style OP. Just my own fantasy really but i’ll have to makedo with what i’ve got