Guild Wars 2

I’ve been thinking about how to go about asking for this build for a few weeks now and having searched the forums, YouTube, etc. for advice, I haven’t quite found what I’m looking for.

This is probably because what I’m looking for is a really ‘unorthodox’ build. Here are my criteria and questions/details:

Criteria #1: 100% uptime on AoE swiftness
Most important question: Is this even possible for Rangers?
Warhorn will obviously be the foundation of the build
How do I calculate swiftness boon duration with runes, Nature Magic trait line, etc.?
What kind of runes would I need? (Are centaur runes even viable? I have seen a grand total of 0 builds (in most professions too) that use centaur runes… Also, if I used 2 Runes of Air and 2 Runes of Speed, would I get the +40% or would it only count as a +20% swiftness duration?)
Does this cut me off of contributing significant DPS? (Please see my above question regarding runes too.)
Will this force me to go into a spirit build?

Yep, that’s it, 100% swiftness is my only criteria. My favourite part about playing as a Warrior was that I could max out tactics and actually have over 100% uptime on swiftness (I once ended up at 6-7 mins of swiftness from using signet of rage and warhorn 5 with maxed out tactics trait line).

Again, I understand that there are support builds out there, but I am specifically looking for advice on how to build a swiftness ranger. I am very open to suggestions or further questions. Thank you for your time. ^^

EDIT: If you haven’t guessed already, the build I’m looking for is for anything but dungeons, fractals, and sPvP.

0/0/20/30/10 + 15% boon duration from runes (Water, Alturism, Monk)
Warhorn + guard.

will grant 100% swiftness uptime

30 points into NM and you’ll get Natures Voice, then 10 points to BM and take shout mastery and just spam guard all the time. Nearly 100% swiftness up time with just that, then added effects of WH and runes will give you easy access to 100% uptime.

Such quick responses… My main question has been answered, THANK YOU to both of you!

Didn’t even consider boon duration runes, thanks for that suggestion.

yeah with the regen/swift on shout trait, 10 in bm for shout reduction then atleast a total of 30% boon duration increase and you will have 100% uptime on swiftness and regen…and you dont even have to run a horn.

Prysin.8542:

0/0/20/30/10 + 15% boon duration from runes (Water, Alturism, Monk)
Warhorn + guard.

will grant 100% swiftness uptime

Or just Runes of the Centaur with warhorn. Either works.

Unless you’re running a pure condition trap build or a cleric’s build, centaur runes should work just fine.

Just as an additional information; the bird can also give consistent AoE swiftness, as long as you have a target nearby. Just select a target, press F2, and then F3 as soon as the swiftness triggers. This also works on critters.

Thanks everyone for your responses. Dahkeus, I’m going for full cleric’s and I’m considering superior water runes now because of AoE heal on my own heal skill.

I’ve worked on a build (this is the first time I’ve seriously considered a build with traits + armor (my first time I’ve even looked at rune effects too)) and you can see it here: http://en.gw2skills.net/editor/?fMAQNBjOD7koiugDswvCULDINFTSl8KMLuHgyoEiA-jEyAoNBZaTk5FAZxioxWdLiGramIqWbjZxLiWdQAOD-w

I didn’t include pets but I would probably use fern hound (aw yiss more regen) with bear for tankiness. Shark and Jellyfish for aquatic.

I’m worried that I went a bit overboard on healing power. I’m tempted to have 3 pieces of armour on Magi’s for Vitality and the other 3 on Cleric’s, just so I have a bit more survivability.

Would this build last in Orr? (Efficient killing for hearts, skillpoints, etc.)

hyjaxxx, no horn?! This is fantastic, thank you for that info!

I’ve tried using bird but there aren’t always ambient creatures around the map and I’m horrible with the targeting system. Good suggestion though, that is definitely useful in WvW.

Reisinger.4203:

I’ve tried using bird but there aren’t always ambient creatures around the map and I’m horrible with the targeting system. Good suggestion though, that is definitely useful in WvW.

It’s simply a matter of learning where creatures are located. Just key bind “Targeting: Foe-Nearest”, and targeting isn’t a problem at all.

Kasama.8941:

Reisinger.4203:

I’ve tried using bird but there aren’t always ambient creatures around the map and I’m horrible with the targeting system. Good suggestion though, that is definitely useful in WvW.

It’s simply a matter of learning where creatures are located. Just key bind “Targeting: Foe-Nearest”, and targeting isn’t a problem at all.

Oh that’s right! Forgot about tab-targeting for a minute. Yes, will be including bird in my build, thank you!