Guild Wars 2

I’ve always wanted to play a duelist type build centering on the SB. This is my first attempt, join me for some theorycrafting if u want.

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vNAQJA1oC9rAXLE6EKvvDgCn/16+uPR3VTF-TJRAABecBA8a/h9LDAwDBAA

SLB Stuff:
- dagger MH, Bear Stance, Griffon Stance, and Vulture Stance
- Unstoppable Union for stunbreak, Second Skin/Predator’s Cunning, Eternal Bond

- two invulns from the brown bear, swoop from the hawk to disengage
- huge poison/bleed damage
- Bear Stance, SoR, Evasive Purity, and Second Skin for condis.
- SS can be changed to Predator’s Cunning…just not sure if it’s any good in practice. Poison Volley would heal for 850, which isn’t terrible especially when combined with MH dagger spam.
- lots and lots of I-frames. Can add energy sigils for more, but likely unnecessary
- the missing vit and toughness from the build is sort of ameliorated by the Stout pet category while in beastmode

Probably lots to improve on, and I’ve no idea how it will work out in the end. But I cant see anything huge missing. I think it can go A LOT tankier than this, or more damage…but this seems to be a decent balance.

SB looks really fun and strong with this build, I’m pretty giddy about it. Finally a reason to use LoYF. D/D combo seems to be strong. tons of condi pressure, a good I-frame, and mobility. This feels like a true kittening ranger.

edit: better variant with Poison Master and WS. More damage and prot synergy.
http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vNAQJA1oC9rAXLEoEKOaP8EvDgSNnPR3XTF-TJRAABA8QA84CAsfZAv2fAA

Like you, I always liked SB and it was my primary weapon pre-Hot.
I thinking to make a build with WS over NM, but It is yet to be seen how traits like refined toxins and poison master will work in beastmode. The dagger trait and WK also an option. Tons of testing to do.

D/D seems illogical to me.

I see much more potential for D/A.

The quickness for dagger 3 is invaluable for axe 5.
A huge dps boost with less time rooted in one place!

Aomine.5012:

D/D seems illogical to me.

I see much more potential for D/A.

The quickness for dagger 3 is invaluable for axe 5.
A huge dps boost with less time rooted in one place!

For straight up DPS, sure D/A is going to be king, but evasion in PvP/WvW setting? D/D is better for that.

In my opinion, the shortbow doesnt excel in 1v1’s, as the flanking option is virtually non-existent in 1v1’s.

HeadCrowned.6834:

In my opinion, the shortbow doesnt excel in 1v1’s, as the flanking option is virtually non-existent in 1v1’s.

You flank all the time in 1v1. SB weakness is the projectile defense spam.

HeadCrowned.6834:

In my opinion, the shortbow doesnt excel in 1v1’s, as the flanking option is virtually non-existent in 1v1’s.

Yeah, “flanking” is a pretty easy thing to do, the angle for not flanking is pretty small.

i was gonna say blocks are the biggest problem currently, and Unstoppable Union takes care of that. not as much projectile hate as there are blocks.

D/A for a power build, for sure. wanted to do a poison/bleed themed build.

yes, getting those flank bonuses on SB is super easy. give it a shot. the immob is so good.

LughLongArm.5460:

Like you, I always liked SB and it was my primary weapon pre-Hot.
I thinking to make a build with WS over NM, but It is yet to be seen how traits like refined toxins and poison master will work in beastmode. The dagger trait and WK also an option. Tons of testing to do.

yeah WS looks good as well, perhaps better. Poison Master would give a lot more damage, expertise training would enhance the hawk, and Companion’s Defense with all that endurance would give the prot. and Rugged Growth and Second Skin would synergize with it. could go brown bear for Spiritual Reprieve if condis are an issue.

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vNAQJA1oC9rAXLEoEKOaP8EvDgSNnPR3XTF-TJRAABA8QA84CAsfZAv2fAA

mistsim.2748:

…D/A for a power build, for sure. wanted to do a poison/bleed themed build…

I wouldn’t discount the usefulness of /A in a condi build. As long as it is somewhat hybrid stats it will work pretty well. Vipers Nest into a KD with beast skill into quickness Whirling Defense. Pretty decent power numbers plus 15 stacks (30 ticks) of poison and 12 vuln if you take them by surprise or they are out of stunbreaks.

You have some similar thoughts for a condi build as I worked out.

Same weapons, the variant I worked out would be Skirm/WS/Soul. Bleed trait, poison traits, Soften the Fall (even without WK this would be a strong anti damage choice for the slow/cripple field and immob for gaining offensive momentum back from being on the defensive).

My main overall difference would be wanting to take Viper’s Nest, assuming Predator’s Cunning has no ICD. But it really depends on how strong of a burst with a Power/Condi Amulet it would end up being with the lifesteal element.

Otherwise it’ll be the way you have it set up probably.

Still need the info on the last stance though.

jcbroe.4329:

Still need the info on the last stance though.

https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Moa_Stance

This one ?

borya.2964:

jcbroe.4329:

Still need the info on the last stance though.

https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Moa_Stance

This one ?

Looking forward to this one with Sigil of Concentration on my WH, Clarion Bond, Spiritual Reprieve and Dolyak Stance, assuming the stances stack and not cancel.

56s Swiftness, Fury, 20s 3xMight, 30s 3xMight, 6s Resistance/Prot, 12s Retaliation and 6 × 12s Stab with no concentration at all Then throw in Fresh Reinforcement!

Actually, not certain about those durations and how the sigil will interact with Moa Stance, but it will be a lot of boons for support.

Curious to see how predator’s cunning works. It seems to have no icd, does it work for each application of poison? If so, poison volley especially would be a pretty big heal, especially in a group if you took piercing arrows trait.

Second Skin also seems really good, but there’s not too much protection available to ranger without making pretty big sacrifices I feel. And it competes with predators cunning and essence of speed, which also seems really good. If rugged growth stays as good as it is it might be an option to really focus on protection for a build. This tier is gonna be hard to pick from.

Wulf.5431:

Curious to see how predator’s cunning works. It seems to have no icd, does it work for each application of poison? If so, poison volley especially would be a pretty big heal, especially in a group if you took piercing arrows trait…

FYI, Poison Volley pierces baseline.

borya.2964:

jcbroe.4329:

Still need the info on the last stance though.

https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Moa_Stance

This one ?

Yeah I hadn’t seen it yet, thanks. That’s actually a HUGE game changer with stance sharing and WvW organized groups, even if the boons from these stances don’t share. But that’s a different thread.

Coming back on the topic; I do have some thoughts on pet selection. It’s not anything we know until we see the mechanics of it but here it goes.

Essentially, we’ll need to know how Beastmode works with dead pets. Not that it’s not manageable, but for anybody that’s been in PvP with a glassier pet like a bird and no constant Healing going out to it, they MELT.

The other thing is that no matter how much time we want to spend time in Beastmode, we’ll also inevitably need to not be in Beastmode.

Should we be considering how the pet performs outside of Beastmode as an integral part of the build, or are we hoping we have enough personal DPS regardless to alleviate it?

Also, do we actually know for sure that pet swapping is available to the Soulbeast? I’m not saying it doesn’t appear that way, but the footage we have didn’t actually confirm whether Beastmode is a mechanic placed on top of core ranger, or whether it replaces pet swapping, afaik, but would need info on this if we have it.

Follow up to that is; assuming pet swapping, does Soulbeast cooldown interact with the pet swap cooldown, or are they separate? Pet choices might vary if you end up getting “stuck” with 1 pet for a longer period of time than we’re anticipating.

Clearly we can’t answer all of those questions right now, but mechanically they matter because they are going to make or break builds that want to use any of the current game build’s nonmeta pets for their Soulbeast utility.

Heimskarl Ashfiend.9582:

Wulf.5431:

Curious to see how predator’s cunning works. It seems to have no icd, does it work for each application of poison? If so, poison volley especially would be a pretty big heal, especially in a group if you took piercing arrows trait…

FYI, Poison Volley pierces baseline.

Well. Shows what I know. Been playing with longbow too long(bow).

jcbroe.4329:

…Also, do we actually know for sure that pet swapping is available to the Soulbeast? I’m not saying it doesn’t appear that way, but the footage we have didn’t actually confirm whether Beastmode is a mechanic placed on top of core ranger, or whether it replaces pet swapping, afaik, but would need info on this if we have it.

Follow up to that is; assuming pet swapping, does Soulbeast cooldown interact with the pet swap cooldown, or are they separate? Pet choices might vary if you end up getting “stuck” with 1 pet for a longer period of time than we’re anticipating…

I just hope that entering and exiting Beastmode counts as a pet swap for purposes of traits.

Me too… Me too. Quite worried about those sorts of mechanics.

Heimskarl Ashfiend.9582:

I just hope that entering and exiting Beastmode counts as a pet swap for purposes of traits.

Well it makes sense because right now the pet swap traits work when you enter combat with the pet stowed, so it should be the same, at least when you exit Beastmode.

Having a hard time deciding if power or condi is the way to go. With power you could pick up Soften the fall and wilderness knowledge for more condi clear and fury. And then replace Skirmishing with Marksmanship and get lesser signet of stone, longbow traits, and all that opening strike goodness, which synergizes well with the fury everywhere. This is so hard to pick

Heimskarl Ashfiend.9582:

Aomine.5012:

D/D seems illogical to me.

I see much more potential for D/A.

The quickness for dagger 3 is invaluable for axe 5.
A huge dps boost with less time rooted in one place!

For straight up DPS, sure D/A is going to be king, but evasion in PvP/WvW setting? D/D is better for that.

Correct. Although, I am not a huge fan of Dagger OH, coz honestly, you just get it for the evade. Let’s face it. I would rather go D/T in PvP. Node denial. AoE pressure and Cleave Pressure. I think its just better for teamfights.

Also, since the OP is going for a condi-centric build, Torch also provides burning for condition variety.

Heimskarl Ashfiend.9582:

borya.2964:

jcbroe.4329:

Still need the info on the last stance though.

https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Moa_Stance

This one ?

Looking forward to this one with Sigil of Concentration on my WH, Clarion Bond, Spiritual Reprieve and Dolyak Stance, assuming the stances stack and not cancel.

56s Swiftness, Fury, 20s 3xMight, 30s 3xMight, 6s Resistance/Prot, 12s Retaliation and 6 × 12s Stab with no concentration at all Then throw in Fresh Reinforcement!

Actually, not certain about those durations and how the sigil will interact with Moa Stance, but it will be a lot of boons for support.

Quick question, the boon duration on the toolip (i.e protection of 3 seconds) is before the actual 66% added right?

Also, can you give me a quick rundown on how fresh reinforcement works? (This without HaO or FB) or do I have to get either one? When i say how it works, I mean what is a quick and effective way to make use of this?

jcbroe.4329:

You have some similar thoughts for a condi build as I worked out.

Same weapons, the variant I worked out would be Skirm/WS/Soul. Bleed trait, poison traits, Soften the Fall (even without WK this would be a strong anti damage choice for the slow/cripple field and immob for gaining offensive momentum back from being on the defensive).

My main overall difference would be wanting to take Viper’s Nest, assuming Predator’s Cunning has no ICD. But it really depends on how strong of a burst with a Power/Condi Amulet it would end up being with the lifesteal element.

Otherwise it’ll be the way you have it set up probably.

Still need the info on the last stance though.

Viper’s Nest is the way to go. Unblockable. AoE. Point and ressing denial of downed peeps. Even with an ICD, I hope its a per target ICD. I would still go Sage if you use SB. You get every stat that you need except precision but we do get perma fury. 20% + 10% when you flank. Could be more if you get spotter + rune choice.

Rata Sum? You get prec, Poison duration and that huge poison field! haha

Heimskarl Ashfiend.9582:

56s Swiftness, Fury, 20s 3xMight, 30s 3xMight, 6s Resistance/Prot, 12s Retaliation and 6 × 12s Stab with no concentration at all Then throw in Fresh Reinforcement!

kitten , now we’re just begging to get smashed by the Spellbreaker =P

nice, i didnt think of unblockable traps. and Soul will give us the survivability we never had from our utilities. traps maybe more viable as a result?

mistsim.2748:

Heimskarl Ashfiend.9582:

56s Swiftness, Fury, 20s 3xMight, 30s 3xMight, 6s Resistance/Prot, 12s Retaliation and 6 × 12s Stab with no concentration at all Then throw in Fresh Reinforcement!

kitten , now we’re just begging to get smashed by the Spellbreaker =P

nice, i didnt think of unblockable traps. and Soul will give us the survivability we never had from our utilities. traps maybe more viable as a result?

Here is the kicker. If you are going S/WS route with WK. You would have TU, LR, 1 Trap and A choice between SoR or SoS. Entangle But ultimately you have to have atleast 1 stun breaker + the Stun breaker trait from SLB. Going this router would have insane condi removal

WK with PM you would go Bear stance, 1 stun breaker (it could be dolyak) Viper’s nest and again a toss up of SoS and SoR. The elite is the problem now because everything would be on a higher CD.

So I am guessing you would go bear. Which is only useful in SLB, outside of that bears are useless in PvP. Unless you wanna camp SLB form.

jcbroe.4329:

Should we be considering how the pet performs outside of Beastmode as an integral part of the build, or are we hoping we have enough personal DPS regardless to alleviate it?

Also, do we actually know for sure that pet swapping is available to the Soulbeast? I’m not saying it doesn’t appear that way, but the footage we have didn’t actually confirm whether Beastmode is a mechanic placed on top of core ranger, or whether it replaces pet swapping, afaik, but would need info on this if we have it.

Follow up to that is; assuming pet swapping, does Soulbeast cooldown interact with the pet swap cooldown, or are they separate? Pet choices might vary if you end up getting “stuck” with 1 pet for a longer period of time than we’re anticipating.

they way I understand it: the pet-swapping mechanic is available outside of Beastmode. When you swap you commit to the pet when you go into Beastmode. I don’t think going into Beastmode counts as pet swapping.

edit: I think I see your concern – that we will be able to have only one pet? I imagine we should still be able to loadout two pets…that’s how I’ve been planning my builds. perhaps assuming too quickly.

It will be important to go outside of BM to get the benefits of entering BM, such as Unstoppable Union. and to die in BM for Eternal Bond.

how we select pets for activities outside of BM won’t be different from what we do now – you select the pet with the best F2, damage application, and CC. But I feel it will be much more important to maximize the archetype perks and F1-F3 skills.

mistsim.2748:

jcbroe.4329:

Should we be considering how the pet performs outside of Beastmode as an integral part of the build, or are we hoping we have enough personal DPS regardless to alleviate it?

Also, do we actually know for sure that pet swapping is available to the Soulbeast? I’m not saying it doesn’t appear that way, but the footage we have didn’t actually confirm whether Beastmode is a mechanic placed on top of core ranger, or whether it replaces pet swapping, afaik, but would need info on this if we have it.

Follow up to that is; assuming pet swapping, does Soulbeast cooldown interact with the pet swap cooldown, or are they separate? Pet choices might vary if you end up getting “stuck” with 1 pet for a longer period of time than we’re anticipating.

they way I understand it: the pet-swapping mechanic is available outside of Beastmode. When you swap you commit to the pet when you go into Beastmode. I don’t think going into Beastmode counts as pet swapping.

edit: I think I see your concern – that we will be able to have only one pet? I imagine we should still be able to loadout two pets…that’s how I’ve been planning my builds. perhaps assuming too quickly.

It will be important to go outside of BM to get the benefits of entering BM, such as Unstoppable Union. and to die in BM for Eternal Bond.

how we select pets for activities outside of BM won’t be different from what we do now – you select the pet with the best F2, damage application, and CC. But I feel it will be much more important to maximize the archetype perks and F1-F3 skills.

I do think going beastmode counts as a weapon swap like DS

There’s only a few options; we get both pets and it counts as a weapon swap or it replaces the pet swap and we only get to loadout with 1 pet. If we get everything, as in, pet swapping, Beastmode, and pet swap traits working with Beastmode, I’ll be so happily shocked I’ll be at a loss for words lol.

Either way, knowing which could vastly change how we think about builds. I’m excited and nervous haha.

I doubt we can swap pets in beast mode.

There’s no visual indicator to let an opponent know what’s on deck and the 10s cooldown wouldn’t be needed as much if we didn’t have to drop out to swap pets.

StickerHappy.8052:

Heimskarl Ashfiend.9582:

borya.2964:

jcbroe.4329:

Still need the info on the last stance though.

https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Moa_Stance

This one ?

Looking forward to this one with Sigil of Concentration on my WH, Clarion Bond, Spiritual Reprieve and Dolyak Stance, assuming the stances stack and not cancel.

56s Swiftness, Fury, 20s 3xMight, 30s 3xMight, 6s Resistance/Prot, 12s Retaliation and 6 × 12s Stab with no concentration at all Then throw in Fresh Reinforcement!

Actually, not certain about those durations and how the sigil will interact with Moa Stance, but it will be a lot of boons for support.

Quick question, the boon duration on the toolip (i.e protection of 3 seconds) is before the actual 66% added right?

Also, can you give me a quick rundown on how fresh reinforcement works? (This without HaO or FB) or do I have to get either one? When i say how it works, I mean what is a quick and effective way to make use of this?

I’m not sure.

I think the best way you can take advantage of it is when you are running Nature Magic and a boon build, otherwise it is likely to be wasted.

Wulf.5431:

Having a hard time deciding if power or condi is the way to go. With power you could pick up Soften the fall and wilderness knowledge for more condi clear and fury. And then replace Skirmishing with Marksmanship and get lesser signet of stone, longbow traits, and all that opening strike goodness, which synergizes well with the fury everywhere. This is so hard to pick

I think Hybrid damage is going to be the best for SoulBeast.

there are some crazy power builds we’ll have at our disposal. Worldly Leap and Call Lightning seems to do some hefty damage. we have a ton of invuln, boons and condi clears at our disposal, which means we’ll likely be able to build zerker/marauder, among other things.

the build I’m most excited about though is my old Remorseless Valkyrie greatsword build. you can go valk/cavalier with Marks/Soul/x, and just slam people with unblockable 230% crit damage plus 25% Remorseless bonus. This would likely be a signet build, because Brutish Seals give us fury now. So you can go Tiger for Ferocious and easy fury procs, and any Stout pet for invuln and Unflinching Fortitude.

but yes, SLB seems ideal for cele-type stats. All this will heavily depend on how we interact with other OP/meta builds.

mistsim.2748:

there are some crazy power builds we’ll have at our disposal. Worldly Leap and Call Lightning seems to do some hefty damage…

I keep wondering if the fury application from Live Fast will apply immediately and trigger Remorseless before the damage from the beast skill is calculated. Worldly Impact will be frikken crazy then.

mistsim.2748:

I’ve always wanted to play a duelist type build centering on the SB. This is my first attempt, join me for some theorycrafting if u want.

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vNAQJA1oC9rAXLE6EKvvDgCn/16+uPR3VTF-TJRAABecBA8a/h9LDAwDBAA

SLB Stuff:
- dagger MH, Bear Stance, Griffon Stance, and Vulture Stance
- Unstoppable Union for stunbreak, Second Skin/Predator’s Cunning, Eternal Bond

- two invulns from the brown bear, swoop from the hawk to disengage
- huge poison/bleed damage
- Bear Stance, SoR, Evasive Purity, and Second Skin for condis.
- SS can be changed to Predator’s Cunning…just not sure if it’s any good in practice. Poison Volley would heal for 850, which isn’t terrible especially when combined with MH dagger spam.
- lots and lots of I-frames. Can add energy sigils for more, but likely unnecessary
- the missing vit and toughness from the build is sort of ameliorated by the Stout pet category while in beastmode

Probably lots to improve on, and I’ve no idea how it will work out in the end. But I cant see anything huge missing. I think it can go A LOT tankier than this, or more damage…but this seems to be a decent balance.

SB looks really fun and strong with this build, I’m pretty giddy about it. Finally a reason to use LoYF. D/D combo seems to be strong. tons of condi pressure, a good I-frame, and mobility. This feels like a true kittening ranger.

edit: better variant with Poison Master and WS. More damage and prot synergy.
http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vNAQJA1oC9rAXLEoEKOaP8EvDgSNnPR3XTF-TJRAABA8QA84CAsfZAv2fAA

Anything that throws condis at you destroys you with that build. Condi reapers, condi mesmers, burn guards (yep), and condi thieves. Switch NM to WS. Bear Stance and SoR are not going to save you. Using a bear or other crap pets just to get condi cleansing in BeastM is not worth it imo.

Otherwise, yeah… SB+D/D could get some interesting play with Soulbeast. I’m excited for that. Shortbow is a great and underrated weapon, it only needs to be paired with something decent to complement it with.

That made me have an interesting thought; how is SoR going to work in Beastmode?

Please don’t screw this up ANet lol, there’s no middle ground on these sorts of things, they’ll either be great or god awful.

While it does look good on paper and looks cool aesthetic wise, you won’t be running SB with D/D. Any condition that Dagger off hand gives (besides cripple) Dagger main can dish out in seconds. Power builds would be running D/A while Condi/hybrid would probably run Torch with rotations faster than current A/torch, SB build.

As for me, Im more excited about traits like Live Fast, Essence of Speed, Second Skin, and the newly introduced Rugged Growth thanks to recent patch. Protection with healing and reduced condition damage, depending on your choice. Pair with 10sec CD Beast skills like Swoop, Bear Bite, or Crippling leap from Canines thats almost perma protection if you take Nature Magic on the line too. You can be either condi or power. Lots of choices coming up looking forward to it.

AEFA.9035:

While it does look good on paper and looks cool aesthetic wise, you won’t be running SB with D/D. Any condition that Dagger off hand gives (besides cripple) Dagger main can dish out in seconds. Power builds would be running D/A while Condi/hybrid would probably run Torch with rotations faster than current A/torch, SB build.

As for me, Im more excited about traits like Live Fast, Essence of Speed, Second Skin, and the newly introduced Rugged Growth thanks to recent patch. Protection with healing and reduced condition damage, depending on your choice. Pair with 10sec CD Beast skills like Swoop, Bear Bite, or Crippling leap from Canines thats almost perma protection if you take Nature Magic on the line too. You can be either condi or power. Lots of choices coming up looking forward to it.

I think D/D-SB will work very well for a duelist role as is specified in the OP. The dagger OH is not taken for the conditions, it is taken for the evasion, the ranged condition application is merely a bonus.

AEFA.9035:

As for me, Im more excited about traits like Live Fast, Essence of Speed, Second Skin, and the newly introduced Rugged Growth thanks to recent patch. Protection with healing and reduced condition damage, depending on your choice. Pair with 10sec CD Beast skills like Swoop, Bear Bite, or Crippling leap from Canines thats almost perma protection if you take Nature Magic on the line too. You can be either condi or power. Lots of choices coming up looking forward to it.

I was thinking of this too, but I feel there’s too little protection available for ranger to really focus on it. Remember you can’t take Essence of Speed and Second Skin together, which is a bit of a bummer. So you just have 2 seconds of prot on dodge and protective ward.

Wulf.5431:

AEFA.9035:

As for me, Im more excited about traits like Live Fast, Essence of Speed, Second Skin, and the newly introduced Rugged Growth thanks to recent patch. Protection with healing and reduced condition damage, depending on your choice. Pair with 10sec CD Beast skills like Swoop, Bear Bite, or Crippling leap from Canines thats almost perma protection if you take Nature Magic on the line too. You can be either condi or power. Lots of choices coming up looking forward to it.

I was thinking of this too, but I feel there’s too little protection available for ranger to really focus on it. Remember you can’t take Essence of Speed and Second Skin together, which is a bit of a bummer. So you just have 2 seconds of prot on dodge and protective ward.

Thats a good thing, we have choices on which traits to take, would you take increase in boons with Essence of Speed or Condition dmg reduction with Second skin, with this build sample: http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vNAQJAzXnUqA1Ci9CCmsAUtAhMhyL8Eox7kNAOgTaVjXB-TJR6gA+XAgs9HAeAAxlBAA

you can increase Protective Ward up to 8 seconds on an 18 CD. Per dodge 4 secs of protection. With Essence of Speed per quickness gain you get an increase of 2 seconds, not considering the type of pet youre melding with, not sure how much a Versatile pet can add for these boons, plus Moa stance (if youre running it) and your main dagger 3 in 15secs CD. Not sure about the numbers but I think we’re pretty close to perma protection.

AEFA.9035:

Wulf.5431:

AEFA.9035:

As for me, Im more excited about traits like Live Fast, Essence of Speed, Second Skin, and the newly introduced Rugged Growth thanks to recent patch. Protection with healing and reduced condition damage, depending on your choice. Pair with 10sec CD Beast skills like Swoop, Bear Bite, or Crippling leap from Canines thats almost perma protection if you take Nature Magic on the line too. You can be either condi or power. Lots of choices coming up looking forward to it.

I was thinking of this too, but I feel there’s too little protection available for ranger to really focus on it. Remember you can’t take Essence of Speed and Second Skin together, which is a bit of a bummer. So you just have 2 seconds of prot on dodge and protective ward.

Thats a good thing, we have choices on which traits to take, would you take increase in boons with Essence of Speed or Condition dmg reduction with Second skin, with this build sample: http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vNAQJAzXnUqA1Ci9CCmsAUtAhMhyL8Eox7kNAOgTaVjXB-TJR6gA+XAgs9HAeAAxlBAA

you can increase Protective Ward up to 8 seconds on an 18 CD. Per dodge 4 secs of protection. With Essence of Speed per quickness gain you get an increase of 2 seconds, not considering the type of pet youre melding with, not sure how much a Versatile pet can add for these boons, plus Moa stance (if youre running it) and your main dagger 3 in 15secs CD. Not sure about the numbers but I think we’re pretty close to perma protection.

Ah I get you. Thought you might’ve been thinking we could get 100% uptime with Second Skin. Personally I think going for more healing power for less concentration would be the way I’d like to go I think. You lose on a bit of protection uptime but the scaling on healing power is nuts for Rugged Growth. Something like this – http://en.gw2skills.net/editor/?vNAQJAzXnUqA1Ci9CCmsAUtAhMhyL8Eox7kNAOgTaVjXB-TJR6gA+XAgs9HAeAAxlBAA

Wulf.5431:

…I was thinking of this too, but I feel there’s too little protection available for ranger to really focus on it. Remember you can’t take Essence of Speed and Second Skin together, which is a bit of a bummer. So you just have 2 seconds of prot on dodge and protective ward.

Don’t forgetBlue Moa, Moa Stance, Stone Spirit and various rune effects.

Khenzy.9348:

Anything that throws condis at you destroys you with that build. Condi reapers, condi mesmers, burn guards (yep), and condi thieves. Switch NM to WS. Bear Stance and SoR are not going to save you. Using a bear or other crap pets just to get condi cleansing in BeastM is not worth it imo.

I likely wont be running any of these builds, as they’re not final. Just wanted to get us started with something. and in the end, I’m not even sure any of this will work when compared to the power creep of other e-specs. but i’ll tell you from experience, the key to killing high-dps condi specs has always been overwhelming offense and I-frames/blocks, which are good against all specs that rely on animations to apply damage. going too defensive against attrition specs has not worked out for me in the past. for example, the ranger condi bunker always struggled just enough to never be meta because it couldn’t apply enough damage to attrition specs.

so yes, WS for sure, but not for WK. the second build seems fine with Bear Stance, Evasive Purity, SoR, Second Skin, and what seems to be a huge amount of I-frames. With all the condi cleansing options available, I will likely never run WK on the Soulbeast so I can pick up Poison Master instead. again, this is all in my head. thx for the thoughts…

AEFA.9035:

While it does look good on paper and looks cool aesthetic wise, you won’t be running SB with D/D. Any condition that Dagger off hand gives (besides cripple) Dagger main can dish out in seconds.

as Heim said, the OH dagger is mostly for the amazing evade ability. it applies quite a bit of bleed and poison, which makes it more appropriate for this build than torch.

AEFA.9035:

almost perma protection if you take Nature Magic on the line too. You can be either condi or power. Lots of choices coming up looking forward to it.

maybe. I’m reserved about builds that revolve around a boon with all the boon hate that is coming with PoF.

Wulf.5431:

AEFA.9035:

Wulf.5431:

AEFA.9035:

As for me, Im more excited about traits like Live Fast, Essence of Speed, Second Skin, and the newly introduced Rugged Growth thanks to recent patch. Protection with healing and reduced condition damage, depending on your choice. Pair with 10sec CD Beast skills like Swoop, Bear Bite, or Crippling leap from Canines thats almost perma protection if you take Nature Magic on the line too. You can be either condi or power. Lots of choices coming up looking forward to it.

I was thinking of this too, but I feel there’s too little protection available for ranger to really focus on it. Remember you can’t take Essence of Speed and Second Skin together, which is a bit of a bummer. So you just have 2 seconds of prot on dodge and protective ward.

Thats a good thing, we have choices on which traits to take, would you take increase in boons with Essence of Speed or Condition dmg reduction with Second skin, with this build sample: http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vNAQJAzXnUqA1Ci9CCmsAUtAhMhyL8Eox7kNAOgTaVjXB-TJR6gA+XAgs9HAeAAxlBAA

you can increase Protective Ward up to 8 seconds on an 18 CD. Per dodge 4 secs of protection. With Essence of Speed per quickness gain you get an increase of 2 seconds, not considering the type of pet youre melding with, not sure how much a Versatile pet can add for these boons, plus Moa stance (if youre running it) and your main dagger 3 in 15secs CD. Not sure about the numbers but I think we’re pretty close to perma protection.

Ah I get you. Thought you might’ve been thinking we could get 100% uptime with Second Skin. Personally I think going for more healing power for less concentration would be the way I’d like to go I think. You lose on a bit of protection uptime but the scaling on healing power is nuts for Rugged Growth. Something like this – http://en.gw2skills.net/editor/?vNAQJAzXnUqA1Ci9CCmsAUtAhMhyL8Eox7kNAOgTaVjXB-TJR6gA+XAgs9HAeAAxlBAA

I had this in mind as well it seems your link is the same as mine :P. But if youre going to run menders amulet in PVP focusing on healing power, Protective Ward would heal you for a total of 2987 for the duration. With Diviners amulet you get 2712. But keep in mind that you want protection to last long not only does Rugged Growth mitigate damage but it also reduces incoming damage while you have protection on, I guess it all boils down to timing when your protection would proc in the most useful situation, with Second Skin thats another story if you have it on

AEFA.9035:

Wulf.5431:

AEFA.9035:

Wulf.5431:

AEFA.9035:

As for me, Im more excited about traits like Live Fast, Essence of Speed, Second Skin, and the newly introduced Rugged Growth thanks to recent patch. Protection with healing and reduced condition damage, depending on your choice. Pair with 10sec CD Beast skills like Swoop, Bear Bite, or Crippling leap from Canines thats almost perma protection if you take Nature Magic on the line too. You can be either condi or power. Lots of choices coming up looking forward to it.

I was thinking of this too, but I feel there’s too little protection available for ranger to really focus on it. Remember you can’t take Essence of Speed and Second Skin together, which is a bit of a bummer. So you just have 2 seconds of prot on dodge and protective ward.

Thats a good thing, we have choices on which traits to take, would you take increase in boons with Essence of Speed or Condition dmg reduction with Second skin, with this build sample: http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vNAQJAzXnUqA1Ci9CCmsAUtAhMhyL8Eox7kNAOgTaVjXB-TJR6gA+XAgs9HAeAAxlBAA

you can increase Protective Ward up to 8 seconds on an 18 CD. Per dodge 4 secs of protection. With Essence of Speed per quickness gain you get an increase of 2 seconds, not considering the type of pet youre melding with, not sure how much a Versatile pet can add for these boons, plus Moa stance (if youre running it) and your main dagger 3 in 15secs CD. Not sure about the numbers but I think we’re pretty close to perma protection.

Ah I get you. Thought you might’ve been thinking we could get 100% uptime with Second Skin. Personally I think going for more healing power for less concentration would be the way I’d like to go I think. You lose on a bit of protection uptime but the scaling on healing power is nuts for Rugged Growth. Something like this – http://en.gw2skills.net/editor/?vNAQJAzXnUqA1Ci9CCmsAUtAhMhyL8Eox7kNAOgTaVjXB-TJR6gA+XAgs9HAeAAxlBAA

I had this in mind as well it seems your link is the same as mine :P. But if youre going to run menders amulet in PVP focusing on healing power, Protective Ward would heal you for a total of 2987 for the duration. With Diviners amulet you get 2712. But keep in mind that you want protection to last long not only does Rugged Growth mitigate damage but it also reduces incoming damage while you have protection on, I guess it all boils down to timing when your protection would proc in the most useful situation, with Second Skin thats another story if you have it on

Whoopsss, sorry I linked the wrong one haha, was comparing the two in different browsers. This is more what I was thinking – http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vNAQJAzXnEqA1CiNsAmsAUtABOhqH2KNA8AfAO8TaVjXB-TJBQABnfBAAY/hUfAARXGAA

The only real changes are a couple traits, and menders and runes of the grove. You do get less prot uptime but it heals for almost double, and offensive stats are the same. Still get a 30% prot duration bonus and 240 concentration, so about half the bonus you’d get with your build. Of course your build means higher uptime on all boons which is huge. Theorycrafting for this spec is insane