[Build] Exuberance Frontliner
We have been brainstorming this idea recently and came up with (in my opinion) slightly better builds. Check out this thread https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/professions/ranger/Front-line-Ranger-Build
One thing I am certain about is if you want to stick on the tag you are much better off dropping 1 hand sword for axe. In a zerg fight if you try using sword without a target you will leap away from your group. Plus if you do need to fall back for a few seconds axe will still give you a pretty solid cleave damage on the enemy group.
I too noticed the Exuberance Frontliner build on metabattle after seeing the Frontline Ranger thread, and I was really confused about the choice of Sword over Axe for exactly the reasons Puck stated.
I’ve been playing with a tankier Axe/Axe + GS build for quite a while on my Ranger and the only time I’d ever swap to Sword is for a duel.
thanks for the link. I will read through that!
I guess he took the Sword for what else it does:
an extra Evade, and extra Leap-finisher/evade.
And: The Sword is more geared towards Power damage, while in my (dusty) playbook, Axe is a condi weapon?
Ax 1 stacks might.
Ax2 bleeds
Ax3 chills and weakens
Ax4 pierces
Ax5 reflects
so it seems to work for Power and Condition.
AS Puck said, there are options. That is always the case, isn’kitten
I have been running my variation for the last 5 days.
~3K armor, 30k+- health (with buffs), ~2500 Power, 40%+ crit, 190%+ crit dmg
Camp clears are a snap.
Speed is lacking without warhorn.
Need greater boon duration
Cleanse is lacking (need to be with a guardian)
I carry a long bow for defenses and when greatly outnumbered.
Also use a off-hand ax instead of warhorn when in a large zerg.
On paper the Sword is much better, but in practice with the way you leap around or stick to one target (making it imposible to move with the group) it’s just not a usable weapon in zergs.
The MH Axes AA damage isnt the best, and it’s other skills arent great either for zerging, but you will at least do something. And it gives you the option, like Puck said, to back out of the main group if you are struggling to survive whilst still contributing a bit.
Gunnar’s Hold