Guild Wars 2

Despite the topic name, I’m not actually asking for ANY changes to shortbow, just a single trait.

The trait; I would change “Light on you Feet” funtionality from dodging to evading an attack as it would synergize so much better with shortbow #3 as it an evade. Secondly I think making the effect stack in DURATION for those moments we are forced to double dodge so it is not wasted. Lastly increase the condition duration from 10% to 15% or 20% as the bleeds from the auto doesn’t come close to being on the same level as many other classes with their auto attacks.

That is all, I don’t think this asking too much. It will make getting the buff easier and harder at the same time by forcing you to dodge an attack but giving you more way to obtain with weapon/utility skills. Stacking the duration would make it useful for longer than 3 of the 4 seconds we have the buff.

At least in my openion it doesn’t match the same level as quickdraw on the same level of usefulness, even in a 100% condi build.

Shortbow is viable, it is usually paired with axe.

Poison volley + Spiltblade + splitblade gives a ton of condi burst alone. Whenever rangers says Shortbow is the worst weapon, they are either exaggerating the 1200 range nerf or completely ignorant.

Shortbow is the worst weapon.

I do think that LoYF could use a buff, Quick Draw is a very tough trait to compete against, and i want LoYF to be buffed before Quick Draw is nerfed. Im not sure about increasing the condition duration of the the trait because i think that 10% is probably alot stronger than the player feels it is, but i think that the other ideas you suggest are within reason and would really help.

The thing i want most however is for crossfire to be a little more consistent in its ability to bleed. Having to always be flanking just feels like extra work for what should be baseline, even considering the rapid rate of attack that the shortbow has. It would also be nice to have a condition weapon that we dont have to be in melee range to get the best use out of.

I would like to see a rework or change on Shortbow. In my opinion, I don’t see the point of taking “Light On Your Feet” if you decide to run SB setup. Currently, SB is a hybrid sustain damage weapon. LOYF- +10% damage and condition duration when SB have no burst; its main source of condition damage (bleed) is from spamming skill #1, i think SB doesn’t make use out of that 4s of LOYF and the SB#3 dodge doesn’t proc with LOYF. IMO, it’s just a horrible trait for SB even though it’s supposed to be the go-to trait if you run SB.

When I started out playing with my ranger at launch, I used shortbow more or less all the time. Now, it’s a weapon that’s collecting dust in my backpack. I can’t seem to find a playstyle for it anymore that I like. Imho, this weapon needs lots of love compared to our other options.

And no Anet, the way to make shortbow more attractive is not to nerf our other weapons…

I agree that the 2 major issues with shortbow is the AA an the GM trait. I like the above fixes to the trait (proc on evade+duration stack)

As for the AA we should be rewarded for flanking (promoting skillful play) but it is not always viable to flank a target. So what if the AA gave 1 stack of bleeding on hit and an additional stack of bleeding if flanking?

Crossfire
bleed on hit 2-3s
bleed on flanking hit 3-5s

Honnestly…

As far as Ligh on your feet is concerned, the best solution is to remove the dodge requirement.

And for the AA, since it have pitiable damage at the level of necromancer’s scepter AA, the best way to make it viable would be to remove the “flanking” requirement of the bleeding effect.

Anet, just need to make it simple. Reduced bonus from Light on your feet but garanteed bleed effect on AA, that’s all that’s needed to make the shortbow a decent weapon.

My ideas were to keep the weapon simply as it is for a baseline, and just modify the trait for NOW. If we get drastic changes we will just keep perpetuating the power creep that currently exists. As time goes we can add more strength to the shortbow as needed to make it as viable as other weapons.

The main reason shortbow is no longer viable is due to the fact its base damage hits extremely low. The bleed base duration is only 3 seconds,compared to necro scepter AA of kitten , (duration increased to by 70% and 33% chance to cause bleed on crit and increased condition damage by 150 all with one minor and 1 GM trait; leaves bleed with 8s duration with other bonuses).

The shortbow has a baseline 3s bleed (3.3s when traited, such a joke) that requires a flank, LoyF only gives a 10% increase for 4s (compared to the necro 70% perma increase). The only traits we have that help our bleeds are Sharpened Edges (which doesn’t actually make them stronger, just more of them) and Hidden Barbs flat 33% damage buff to bleeds only. LoyF also adds a 10% condi duration but 10% of 3s is so minimal it’s pathetic for a GM trait.

EDIT: Anet… what… the… hell…. i cant use the number four point five s? your actually bleeping FOUR POINT FIVE S (i have to spell it out cause anet is dumb as hell).

Changing a trait, and not the weapon, is not a way to make a weapon viable. Just rename your topic to a Light on Your Feet suggestion.

Eurantien.4632:

Shortbow is the worst weapon.

Ha, ha. Agreed.

Want to make it better?

1. Increase Range
2. Increase Direct damage
3. Make skill 4 or 5 unblockable.
4. Change effects so they are not situational on the enemy running away from or ignoring you.

1. 2s of bleed on AA, an additional stack of 2s bleed when flanking.
2. Increase number of poison stacks to 2 per arrow, reduce poison duration by 1 s (25%).
3. Superspeed instead swiftness.
4. Immobilize instead of cripple.
5. Confusion on interrupt.

It is not just the shortbow, the whole skirmishing line is kind of wonky.

Wondrouswall.7169:

Changing a trait, and not the weapon, is not a way to make a weapon viable.

This.

Think about what you’re suggesting and talking about, ppl.