Guild Wars 2

I’m new to the game but I’m noticing my ranged is kind of weak compared to other classes ranged (even melee based classes.) Rangers/Hunters/Archers are my favorite classes in MMOs so I want to stick with it even if I have to play differently.

I was thinking Greatsword main wep and maybe axe/torch secondary weapons?

Is it even doable?

drclawizdead.8214:

I’m new to the game but I’m noticing my ranged is kind of weak compared to other classes ranged (even melee based classes.) Rangers/Hunters/Archers are my favorite classes in MMOs so I want to stick with it even if I have to play differently.

I was thinking Greatsword main wep and maybe axe/torch secondary weapons?

Is it even doable?

GS damage is worse than shortbow.
Axe is not a melee weapon for ranger :P
But if you want to have access to the only swiftness (other than long CD elite) ranger has and still fighting in range, you’re stuck with axe+warhorn set.

Oh so we’re kind of stuck being mediocre until the patch (and maybe even after)?

drclawizdead.8214:

Oh so we’re kind of stuck being mediocre until the patch (and maybe even after)?

Don’t expect any miracles from Anet cuz it really is not the case.
According to GW1, it usually takes the developers several years before they come to their sense that they do it wrong and must have a major redesign.

If you want a good melee class, go play a warrior, guardian or thief.
If you want a good range class, go play a warrior, thief, or mesmer.
If you want a good support class, go play a guardian, mesmer, or engineer.
If you want a stupid AI following you to the end of the world and afk long enough without dying, go for ranger then.

Melee ranger is viable but you’ll see you can’t do big number with one or two skills, it need some practices.

I swap birds for swiftness. 10 sec long aoe and 20 sec cooldown, not too bad. Attacking anything that has a health bar triggers it, so 1-shotting any whites like flies or rabbits will set it off.

As for weaps, I prefer sword/dagger. The “sticky” bug can be annoying but you get the timing down pretty good after awhile. And having 3 non-dodge evasions is nice.

Obsidian.1328:

As for weaps, I prefer sword/dagger. The “sticky” bug can be annoying but you get the timing down pretty good after awhile. And having 3 non-dodge evasions is nice.

Yeah, I love all those evades. I, personally, also find sword/torch pretty fun. The sword leap ability is pretty good for combo fields too. AoE healing with healing spring is pretty nice, you can do 2 leaps in the duration of a spring to get some extra healing power. With torch, you get that fire aoe/field.

drclawizdead.8214:

Oh so we’re kind of stuck being mediocre until the patch (and maybe even after)?

Massive tears abound that rangers can’t beat a warrior on their own (or play like a warrior, basically). If you’re doing pve, just go with whatever you want. I used greatsword for almost the entire time I levelled with a pet and I was fine. I’m using longsword and dagger now and again, I’m okay.
Melee is very viable so just do it. I reccomend you keep an eye out for toughess boosting armour and/or Knight/cleric’s Jewllery (emerald based accessories) since they also boost toughness. Don’t neglect the pet either. A greatsword ranger with a drake can scythe through most groups of enemies.

Maybe in SPVP but that’s it.

drclawizdead.8214:

Oh so we’re kind of stuck being mediocre until the patch (and maybe even after)?

Hoping that this patch is going to fix 1/4 of what is wrong with the Ranger is dreaming unfortunately.

The damage output is just not worth going to melee. You should have gear (knights, invaders etc) and utilities (Lightning Ref, Protect me etc) focused in that direction, to start imagining doing something, but you will never be what you would expect you to be. What’s the point holding a GS when its damage output is that of a kitchen knife ?

For PvE, full melee is definitely viable. Sword/Torch is a great combo with lotsa evasion. Use a porcine pet for their F2 Forage and you can get some nice items to augment your fight (heals, combo fields, etc). Hopefully, the 11/15 patch will boost GS damage and fix the sword root issue. (…and our bows…)

I have to say yes. I run in melee 100% of the time when I solo and about 85% of the time when I’m in dungeons. This is simply a PvE perspective, but honestly melee ranger is the only way you won’t be bored to tears. Sword/x is awesome because of the evades and the combo leap you get. It also sets up for my favorite move for when you need to avoid aoe and do some damage. Do the leap, switch to longbow, and start firing. Awesome. But yeah, melee is definitely viable especially if you go with traps and sword. It’s an interesting way to play an otherwise bland hunter wannabe.

Yes, yes it is and I do quite well with it. Have taken down several champs solo in melee.

My build

https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/professions/ranger/Post-Your-Build-Thread/713673

Short run down of build. I focus more on tanking and support allowing my pets to take up the majority of my dps.

Pure melee damage sucks, the only weapon combo that deals enough damage to stay on par with other classes is the condition spec, axe/torce and traps, burning trap and bleed trap. Traits to trigger bleed on crit, sharpening stone when health reaches 70% a lynx for a pet, put enough duration and damage on armor and weapons you can out damage a condition thief by a lot reach 25 stack bleed very quickly and burning damage is just insane, so if you want a good damage build that’s not pure melee go condition.

For PvE, anything is viable. For WvW. No.