So I decided to start running some sPvP on my Ranger. I’ve been running it on and off for a few days now, and wanted to share my experiences and ask for some advice/feedback to see how I’m holding up thus far and what I can improve.
Notes — I’ve had the game for a little less than a month, so I’m certain there’s still much to learn. All of my sPvP matches thus far have been in pugs, but I have a few IRL friends who are interested in setting up a tourney team as we all learn the game more.
I’m currently running a traps build, 0/30/30/0/10, using Runes of Undead for condition dmg + toughness. Pets are Wolf for fear and… one of the cats, can’t remember which one, does a pounce with bleed. Utilities are Spike Trap, mainly for cripple, but helps with bleeds, Fire Trap for on-demand damage (pretty much my only source), and Lightning Reflexes for stun-breaking and general evasion. Weapons are Shortbow and either Sword+Warhorn or Greatsword, depending on current flavor.
Here’s my experience so far when coming up against certain classes (win percentage me/them)—
Thieves: They eat me for breakfast, in general. Especially if they get off an immobilize, I stand there like a putz. (almost 0/100)
Mesmer: I’m slowly learning to fight them, but they can certainly kitten my world up. If I mark the target, though, I find that it’s much easier to deal with them. (50/50)
Warriors: I eat them for breakfast. (almost 100/0)
Guardians: I’ve only run into one or two of these guys in the pug sPvPs thus far, so I can’t say much about them to be honest.
Elementalists: I had initial trouble with these D/D bunker builds, but after a bit of training with a guildie, I’ve learned what to watch for and they are actually easily counterable with steady shortbow damage and timed poison/interrupts. Keep your distance, essentially. (70/30)
Engineers: I’m not familiar with the Engineer profession at all, as I haven’t rolled one. I guess it depends on their build, but some of these guys can drop my healthbar to half in literally less than two seconds. Some can be very, very tough, while others are cake. (50/50)
Necromancers: Tough cookies to crack, as both of us are generally condition build with our own survival tricks. Pretty much the same as bunker Eles, consistent damage and timed interrupts/poisons. Still harder for me to beat than Eles though, probably because I have less experience with them in general. These fights generally last a long while. (30/70)
Rangers: I did come up against a Spirit Ranger who whooped. My. kitten But in general, it’s (50/50)
The General Feel: I’m finding that I obviously have a lack of condition removal with the build, other than Empathic Bond, which can seriously hinder me. Another thing is Immobilize. It hurts quite a bit, having to stand there and take whatever beating comes at me. Essentially, if I can kite the class, I can do very well. If I’m unable to kite due to immobilize or consistent chill/cripple, I have a harder time. Thieves, however, again, eat me for breakfast, and I haven’t found the right way to counter them yet using this build.
So I ask for your advice on how I can improve my gameplay. How do you deal with my specific weaknesses I listed above (including versus those specific professions?) Should I adjust the build/gear? What is your general approach when entering a random sPvP (as in run with the pack, focus on point defense, etc?)
Thanks in advance!