Guild Wars 2

So, it’s time to craft a new ascended armor. Since I don’t want to waste resources on something I’ll never use, I thought it would be better to ask before I start crafting.
The armor shoud neither have berserker stats, nor soldier stat (I have both already), should be useful in WvW and/or PvE, and preferably versatile usable (the armor should be used in as much good builds as possible).

looks like you’d want some armor for the condition damage front, so maybe rabid or carrion?

I use Knights armor on my ranger with Zerk/Cavalier accessories. Versatile in the sense that you will always need pow/prec/tough no matter what you do. Or Dire stats if you are going for Condi dmg.

Kinda like this: http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fNAQNBjYDbkQlOWbZxkFqWDsHUrDgC4sZNwuP4iotr4uKA-T1CEwAE3fIlOBYq/Q4CAsVJITlHGeAASVi1RTDgDQwjDCAZA0XAA-w

celestial armor

I’m using some condition builds for PvP, but they’ve never convinced me in PvE.

Also a big fan of Knights armor with mixed accessories.

Rangers need dat toughness.

Celestial is the best allrounder.

Stat wise you lose 20-25% DPS compared to zerker (raw damage)
But regain some 5-8% damage from increased condition damage
And best of all you gain around 30-40% better sustain due to a good mix of HP, Toughness and healing power.

Prysin.8542:

Celestial is the best allrounder.

Jack of all trades, master of none.

Op, what is your favorite build, or the build you value the most? Whatever armor goes with that.

frans.8092:

Prysin.8542:

Celestial is the best allrounder.

Jack of all trades, master of none.

Op, what is your favorite build, or the build you value the most? Whatever armor goes with that.

I’ve been using zerker, zerker all the way. My problem is that I have too many armor skins that want to be used. I’m receptive to condition gear too but I neither like sword nor axe, so my choices for a typical conditionbuild are limited.

Dire armor + rabid weapons + dire ascended (with +18 prec) trinkets imo for condi ranger.

http://en.gw2skills.net/editor/?fNEQNAV3YjUq0ua3KmrQ1aABhaVA0+FS2WgkittenBbQJroJ-TVSFABAcEAuSJIO7PQp6PQcBAQ4gA8kyP40Nk8DAgUAwMNC-w

Take brown bear if you want some more condi cleaning.

HHR LostProphet.4801:

frans.8092:

Prysin.8542:

Celestial is the best allrounder.

Jack of all trades, master of none.

Op, what is your favorite build, or the build you value the most? Whatever armor goes with that.

I’ve been using zerker, zerker all the way. My problem is that I have too many armor skins that want to be used. I’m receptive to condition gear too but I neither like sword nor axe, so my choices for a typical conditionbuild are limited.

Sword + Torch and GS….
I spend most my time with GS, but once i get low on HP, i just swap to sword + torch. Drop bonfire on my feet and evade spam until the healing skill, CC skill, LR or GS block is off CD. Also, epic trick for zerging; use Sigil of Strength on Torch, drop bonfire before zergs collide, swap to GS (Sigil of Strength + Sigil of Renewal) and watch your might stacks litterally take off.
In WvW you can stack some 12-15 stacks of might pretty effortlessly with that setup, requires minimum sword usage, but allows for maximum tagging and might stacking. Also, sword + torch = thief repellant. Bonfire completely ruins SR, backstabs, makes pistol spam less fun (use sword leap to gain fire aura which burns enemies attacking you).

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fNAQNAsfRjMq0xaLL+rw1aAOhqdAUpXKrg1dxWArcFrsD-TFiDABL8EAwZ/BuU+xn+ABOBAEqEUT1fA4QAEAABYn1ZduzAH9oH9oH9od0je0je0jWKg+VGB-w

that build, i run it in teamQ in EU. It has risen to any challenge thrown at it, and it is mostly my skill that is holding me back, rather then the build lacking anything.

Prysin.8542:

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fNAQNAsfRjMq0xaLL+rw1aAOhqdAUpXKrg1dxWArcFrsD-TFiDABL8EAwZ/BuU+xn+ABOBAEqEUT1fA4QAEAABYn1ZduzAH9oH9oH9od0je0je0jWKg+VGB-w

that build, i run it in teamQ in EU. It has risen to any challenge thrown at it, and it is mostly my skill that is holding me back, rather then the build lacking anything.

How do you want to put vital infusions in both rings and accessories?

HHR LostProphet.4801:

How do you want to put vital infusions in both rings and accessories?

Using versatile infusion in the opposite trinkets, like versatile vital infusion in the offensive items.
Pretty expensive, but works.

Belzebu.3912:

HHR LostProphet.4801:

How do you want to put vital infusions in both rings and accessories?

Using versatile infusion in the opposite trinkets, like versatile vital infusion in the offensive items.
Pretty expensive, but works.

Yes, but I as far as I can recall, there are no versatile WvW infusions.

HHR LostProphet.4801:

Prysin.8542:

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fNAQNAsfRjMq0xaLL+rw1aAOhqdAUpXKrg1dxWArcFrsD-TFiDABL8EAwZ/BuU+xn+ABOBAEqEUT1fA4QAEAABYn1ZduzAH9oH9oH9od0je0je0jWKg+VGB-w

that build, i run it in teamQ in EU. It has risen to any challenge thrown at it, and it is mostly my skill that is holding me back, rather then the build lacking anything.

How do you want to put vital infusions in both rings and accessories?

Ah forgot, i use Versatile Vital ones on all my accessories. But they cost like 140 gold each to craft (thats only in materials)

HHR LostProphet.4801:

Yes, but I as far as I can recall, there are no versatile WvW infusions.

WvW no, but for build link purpose it makes no difference.

Belzebu.3912:

HHR LostProphet.4801:

Yes, but I as far as I can recall, there are no versatile WvW infusions.

WvW no, but for build link purpose it makes no difference.

Since this build would be for WvW, it would make a difference. ^^

Only against guards … but I get what you mean ;D

Prysin.8542:

Celestial is the best allrounder.

Stat wise you lose 20-25% DPS compared to zerker (raw damage)
But regain some 5-8% damage from increased condition damage
And best of all you gain around 30-40% better sustain due to a good mix of HP, Toughness and healing power.

Yep, I have full set of ascended celestial. Love it. Can mix and match for many different kinds of builds.

I think I would first figure out what I really want to do with PvE and WvW before deciding on a piece of ascended armor to craft. The key is getting to know the best builds (with exotic gear) and choose you enjoy the most in wvw/pve. I would focus on looking at the rabid, dire or apothecary based builds for condition damage. Power is tough since it’s always a mix of berserker, knight and soldier gear; so work with one that you like with exotic gear and then move it to the ascended world. Don’t just go with what people think is best, make your own decision based on what you like the most and what works for you no matter what.

I’ve played berserker so far. All the time, everywhere. I already have a berserker armor, like said in the initial post. It’s time to craft another armor, so I’m receptive to suggestions.

HHR LostProphet.4801:

I’ve played berserker so far. All the time, everywhere. I already have a berserker armor, like said in the initial post. It’s time to craft another armor, so I’m receptive to suggestions.

For power build I would do this:
http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fNAQJATRnMqQHL2yC2CCXLGgRoaGCNAzwNAcnDl7SfxRVFB-TlCEwAMOEAwUDxpSvtKBZqMYlmAWqe0RHDgLAwjjAAhAGtAA-w

For condition build… hmm I like full apothecary, full dire and full rabid for the different builds that exist, but full rabid allows for more variety and it’s cheaper to make as well. Dire is a very bunkery build

awge.3852:

HHR LostProphet.4801:

I’ve played berserker so far. All the time, everywhere. I already have a berserker armor, like said in the initial post. It’s time to craft another armor, so I’m receptive to suggestions.

For power build I would do this:
http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fNAQJATRnMqQHL2yC2CCXLGgRoaGCNAzwNAcnDl7SfxRVFB-TlCEwAMOEAwUDxpSvtKBZqMYlmAWqe0RHDgLAwjjAAhAGtAA-w

For condition build… hmm I like full apothecary, full dire and full rabid for the different builds that exist, but full rabid allows for more variety and it’s cheaper to make as well. Dire is a very bunkery build

Would be cool if you would read the initial post. I already have a berserker armor, I’m looking for another armor, that is usable for as many builds as possible.

HHR LostProphet.4801:

awge.3852:

HHR LostProphet.4801:

I’ve played berserker so far. All the time, everywhere. I already have a berserker armor, like said in the initial post. It’s time to craft another armor, so I’m receptive to suggestions.

For power build I would do this:
http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fNAQJATRnMqQHL2yC2CCXLGgRoaGCNAzwNAcnDl7SfxRVFB-TlCEwAMOEAwUDxpSvtKBZqMYlmAWqe0RHDgLAwjjAAhAGtAA-w

For condition build… hmm I like full apothecary, full dire and full rabid for the different builds that exist, but full rabid allows for more variety and it’s cheaper to make as well. Dire is a very bunkery build

Would be cool if you would read the initial post. I already have a berserker armor, I’m looking for another armor, that is usable for as many builds as possible.

Pure Rabid/Pure Valk/Celestial <—- Must haves.

HHR LostProphet.4801:

awge.3852:

HHR LostProphet.4801:

I’ve played berserker so far. All the time, everywhere. I already have a berserker armor, like said in the initial post. It’s time to craft another armor, so I’m receptive to suggestions.

For power build I would do this:
http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fNAQJATRnMqQHL2yC2CCXLGgRoaGCNAzwNAcnDl7SfxRVFB-TlCEwAMOEAwUDxpSvtKBZqMYlmAWqe0RHDgLAwjjAAhAGtAA-w

For condition build… hmm I like full apothecary, full dire and full rabid for the different builds that exist, but full rabid allows for more variety and it’s cheaper to make as well. Dire is a very bunkery build

Would be cool if you would read the initial post. I already have a berserker armor, I’m looking for another armor, that is usable for as many builds as possible.

Sorry about that I’ve been a bit busy today. From power to mid range to pure conditions I would go with cavalier – valkyrie to get power based combinations, celestial to fill in the gap where I need it, dire and rabid for condition damage. I wouldn’t go for anything else (berserker, soldier, apothecary, carrion) due to being able to fit in the gap with celestial alone. Clearly it will be difficult to find a truly optimal build for any occasion, so if I were you I would choose a power or condition build that you enjoy the most and get gear for each occasion, let the rest be from your existing exotic gear.

I would say that in general, Celestial is probably going to give you the most build options. Granted that I PvP with only Celestial Amulet on my Ranger (meaning I don’t know the exact value of full Celestial in WvW/PvE gear) since the April 15th update, but in general, we have more hybrid weapons than we do full power, and a combination of like, Shortbow/Greatsword with like x/6/6/x/x allows you to bring just about every offensive option you possibly can into a fight, while providing some of the better defensive options we can offer, and not forcing you in to any particular utility option.

It just really depends on what you plan to do, you have the other armor types I would recommend, so you’re left with mostly hybrid or condition options. If you’re looking to go hybrid though, I would look to make a shortbow centric build.

It’s a shame you don’t like sword though, because shortbow and sword/dagger is just about one of the best dueling/survival sets we can run, and shortbow and sword are our highest DPS weapons, and the combination of weapons works so good with hybrid stats. But I understand the reasoning.

From what I recall in my experience with Celestial, it is the best suitable build for hybrid builds, typically you would be gaining 2 sources of something (defense or damage or a bit of both) via traits, but you would be lacking deeply in 1 area, which depending on the profession and the build options, could be brilliant or too good to be true. The only case I have seen it work really well is in a PvE oriented necro build, very well balanced power + condition damage, survival is strong due to death shroud. To make something like this in a ranger can’t be impossible. I just cannot imagine what trade off would be given up in such a way that it would be considered a “good” build in WvW and PvE simultaneously… due to never trying such a thing myself with my ranger.

Full rabid for life! But srsly, whatever you want. Almost all stat sets can work for a ranger in WvW. I don’t really zerg around much anymore, so…. yeah.

Personally I would do Celestial, because I have a thief and engi that could use the set as well, but that is me.

For my armor i chose to make celestial armor. I don’t know if it is really the best choice, but i chose to do it because it felt i could get exotics of all the other armor types, but celestial armor doesn’t drop and is a paint to make, so if i was ever going to make a celestial set, i would make the best set possible.

PvP Celestial; 443 pr stat
PvE/WvW Celestial (ascended); 500 pr stat 2x ascended cele weapons or 499 with 1x 2h weapon.

Celestial will offer you the ability to freely choose what you want to play. With celestial in PvE/WvW all you need is to change the weapon stats and or the runes and traits around to go from conditions to power to hybrid.
I also used to run Celestial Exotics for ages and i can vouch for its versatility in any and all situations.

It is also the only set (short of zealots) that offer high DPS with high sustain and bunker ability without having to use traits to offset the imbalance other armor types may cause.

awge.3852:

From what I recall in my experience with Celestial, it is the best suitable build for hybrid builds, typically you would be gaining 2 sources of something (defense or damage or a bit of both) via traits, but you would be lacking deeply in 1 area, which depending on the profession and the build options, could be brilliant or too good to be true. The only case I have seen it work really well is in a PvE oriented necro build, very well balanced power + condition damage, survival is strong due to death shroud. To make something like this in a ranger can’t be impossible. I just cannot imagine what trade off would be given up in such a way that it would be considered a “good” build in WvW and PvE simultaneously… due to never trying such a thing myself with my ranger.

What rangers lack in pure tanking (read; death shroud) they make up for with excessive evasion uptime. Simply put 2 points into Skirmish and take Primal Reflexes, then take Lightning Reflexes and you got close to 30-40% vigor uptime. Which is not bad by any standards.

For celestial i would strongly recommend to put 6 into Nature Magic, grab Natures Protection, Two handed Mastery or Evasive Purity alongside Survival of the Fittest. Do not run regen ranger with it, as your shout regen will not get enough regen power to make it worthwhile. Regen ranger should have over 900 healing power or else your regeneration will tick for less then 300/sec (which makes it meh)

jcbroe.4329:

shortbow and sword are our highest DPS weapons, and the combination of weapons works so good with hybrid stats. But I understand the reasoning.

Shortbow is our highest DPS ranged weapon only if running Dire, Rabid, Rampager or Celestial. Any other armor stat will wildly favor the longbow, even at minimum range, due to the buff the lower range damage got a few months back.

Shortbow is however, our most sustainable ranged option, with 2x control (read cripple + daze), 1x evade and 2x heal denial (read poison + interrupt). It allows for responsive control within shorter ranges.

i have interest in crafting a celestial armor because i have all recipes and from wvw rank up chests i got in one week the ascended celestial rings…#fate

are there any other builds then that what prysin posted?

Oh and Prysin, do u have experiences with zealot armor?

snow.8097:

i have interest in crafting a celestial armor because i have all recipes and from wvw rank up chests i got in one week the ascended celestial rings…#fate

are there any other builds then that what prysin posted?

Oh and Prysin, do u have experiences with zealot armor?

yes i made a full set of zealot armor three days after its implemention to the game. It was, well… a good experience.

Unfortunately, it fits a DD ele or medi guard better then rangers. We rangers need some toughness, so it could be used together with clerics to boost offense while retaining defense, but short of that, i see very few uses for it, as we do not have any reliable means to burst heal multiple times like ele and guard can do, therefore we get too low damage to “burst down” the enemy, and too low sustain to “burst heal” the damage we take.

interesting
because i tryed to theorycraft a vampiric off-BM, focused around life steeling with sigil of blood and leeching and zealot armor. but its hard without expierences from anyone

Prysin.8542:

Shortbow is our highest DPS ranged weapon only if running Dire, Rabid, Rampager or Celestial. Any other armor stat will wildly favor the longbow, even at minimum range, due to the buff the lower range damage got a few months back.

Shortbow is however, our most sustainable ranged option, with 2x control (read cripple + daze), 1x evade and 2x heal denial (read poison + interrupt). It allows for responsive control within shorter ranges.

I don’t remember and am too lazy to look at what I posted throughout the thread, but I do believe that this was my line of thinking.

I’d actually argue that rangers in most of the games content are more viable as hybrid damage than other directly one or the other, because Axe, Shortbow, and Sword/Dagger or Torch are all very conducive to hybrid damage. However, there are definitely situations where going directly one (usually power damage) is a more preferred alternative.

Just my opinion though haha.

I am also an advocate for Celestial gear on a ranger for wvw roaming and spvp. Alot of the builds i use a have a basic set up

Here is my current favorite bird and short-bow for offense and GS and dog for deference switch “sic-em” to some thing more situational if you can pick your fights

Some other options
Melee-Spider
Full BM bird

there is know reason that you can not use clestial for common builds as well LB-GS or 2/0/6/6/0 bunker

Aside from celestial, is there any way to combine Carrion + other gear to achieve celestial like behavior only in armour? I mention this because celestial could simply be too spread for your needs. Power + condition damage hybrids need only toughness + vitality to begin with, celestial can probably be thrown in there via stones or even runes if need be.

yes you can use Carrion + Rabid or Dire + Apothecary or Rampager + Dire

The only downside to any one of these combinations is that Celestial ALSO offer ferocity. Which is only available on celestial, assassins, berserker, cavalier and valkyrie armor. This DOES limit the direct DPS threshold when trying to “mix” other armors to gain the same result.