Guild Wars 2

Now that the I know about the druid, I`m left with a ranger character that is nice, but has only the bolt on option of some healing support. I`ve been scanning over the traits and abilities of the dragonhunter and initially I like what I see – for a WvW ranged character, lots of knockback and some interesting, yet damaging longbow abilities seem good.

I never really liked Guardian, because I much prefer to be a ranged fighter, so it would seem that things have changed to make the class a good one to roll and try.

Is it just me or are we at the stage where dragonhunter is a better and more interesting longbow user than the ranger? Is it actually possible to toss out most of the “guardian” aspects of the dragonhunter and to focus around the archery?

It all depends on what changes will be made after the latest beta weekend. If you played DH during the beta you’ll know what i’m talking about :P

That’s true. A lot of things depend on the next iteration of the druid also. I like the mobility the druid offers, but the dragonhunter talents are pretty awesome – a longbow with built in knockback is a very appealing idea.

chronometria.3708:

That’s true. A lot of things depend on the next iteration of the druid also. I like the mobility the druid offers, but the dragonhunter talents are pretty awesome – a longbow with built in knockback is a very appealing idea.

The knockback only works if the enemy is less then 300 units from you and has a 10 second internal CD.

The knockback on the ranger longbow however has a similar CD when traited and knocks enemies back several times further.

The ranger also offers allot of potential for immobilize effects on short-moderate CD, Some being AOE and some being single target.

The Dh longbow also has 2 skills that root you.

So at this point is comes down to a few questions

1: Do you want more or less mobility ? if more go ranger.

2: Do you want more healing or some AEGIS application. IF healing go ranger.

3: Do you want the option of passive condition removal or something you must slot your utility for. If passive go ranger.

4: Do you want to have the option of high condition damage output that cannot be cleansed by a single cleanse ? if so go ranger

5: Do you want evades or blocks ? if evades go ranger.

6: Real important one. Do you want access to a fair amount of dazes, taunts, stuns etc.. ? if so go ranger because the guardian has very little of that.

It’s funny you mention these things chronometria because I really like the look of the druid! I’m definitely gonna play DH and Druid come the expansion. I’ve always enjoyed ranger and I feel like both ranger LB and DH LB offer their own differing playstyles coupled with their class mechanics.

DH has an innate leap which I really enjoy. Love that I can wield a LB and leap away from or into the fray. Ranger LB is much more damage and kite orientated, with a stealth and knockback. In addition I actually really enjoy pets and especially since they announced the new ones (which look fantastic).
DH LB on the other has damage but it is more spike damage from it’s 2 as well as a lot more control. Both offer great and distinct ‘archer gameplay’ but from different angles.

I can see why you might feel that DH might appear a more ‘flashy archer’. I always felt like there wasn’t enough skills shots in particular on the rangers LB which I feel adds a nice ‘archer’ feeling to LB. That coupled with some of the effects of the DH LB skills makes for what might seem like a better archer of sorts, but in actuality is just an alternative to the archer.
While it might seem pretty cool to get rid of some of the Guardian aspects of the DH for more of an archer approach, I feel like that might be encroaching on ranger territory a little too much. I much prefer there be two or more distinct ‘archer’ playstyles or classes rather than one over-encompassing one.

Also it’s just too perfect that I can get my archer fix with the DH and now play my ranger as a druid for a nice change up

Either way hope you enjoy the DH and Happy Hunting!

Dont forget that pets now also have stat boosts to condition damage.

Meaning a pet with bleeds/poison/burns can pair quite well with a power build.

Thankyou Ragnar and Ucasami for your feedback. I must admit, its a strange situation that the ranger and guardian have crossed over like this. Doubtless we both have found things in the other elite spec that we would enjoy having. If only the elite specs could be chosen regardless of the core class, but I guess that would have some balance issues.

I suppose it is easier to feel that the “grass is greener” on the other side, but Ragnar is right, I would be losing some things as well as gaining some. I guess I shall stick to ranger for now and will see how things pan out with druids, especially as while I may not like the heals so much, I do like the mobility that druid gives and I would definitely lose some mobility with dragonhunter.

I shall just have to regard dragonhunters as my more flashy equals!