Guild Wars 2

Hey guys,

I’ve returned to guild wars 2 for the expansion – I’m really pleased with a lot of the changes, and I think I’ll probably play the hell out of the game. I’m having a hard time landing on a class to devote to, though.

So far, I really like ranger, but I have some issues with it that really bother me and I was wondering if you guys had any insight or suggestions regarding the class.

First, ranged game play is great, and I like the long bow, but I’ve noticed that sword and horn/torch to way, way more damage. Which is fine, but I’m having a hard time successfully dodging during sword animations. Pretty much, if I’m in the middle of the kick animation, I can’t dodge. I either have to use viper sting or that the jump back ability and if those are on cool down, I can be splatted pretty easily, particularly in magnuum. As a result, I nearly always use long bow, which is great, but sucks in closed quarters. Is that just part of using the sword or am I doing something wrong?

When I play in groups, I like to support or heal. Druid seemed promising, but I’m having a hard time being effective because of the mechanics. I’ve noticed that astral power generates (very) slowly most fights and frequently, by the time I have enough energy, either the fight is over, or worse, I can’t use my bursty healing when I need it the most. Also, 15 seconds doesn’t seem like very much time for resource gated cool down that dissipates out of combat. I’m starting to wonder if I wouldn’t be happier as an elementalist or a revennant. I don’t really want to invest the number of hours to fully unlock a class line that I might end up not liking very much.

I haven’t used the great sword at all, really. Aside from the 2 attack, the damage isn’t very impressive and I’m having a really hard time using the stun attack (it seems so slow that it’s easy to either avoid, interrupt, or move out of.) I like that I can jump away, but the cons seem to outweigh the pros. Am I missing something?

Torches. I see a lot of build for axes. I rarely see rangers use torches, but it seems pretty good at setting that condition, and burning does a lot of damage and I like that I can self combo my fire field. What’s wrong with torches? Why aren’t they used as much? Am I going to be scorned for using a torch?

Anyway, any advice is appreciate. Thanks.