Guild Wars 2

Would be great to have one simple tweak to shortbow. . .

Auto attack bleeding no longer requires being to the side or in back of the target. Helps in all game modes and not at all overpowered.

It would give us our first true main hand condition weapon. Although to be fair it would take one of the most boring weapons in the entire game and make it even more boring.

I think it would be a fair buff to the under-loved shortbow.

I think that while although in some way a near necessity for the weapon to “feel good,” it would first have to go through a slight redesign so that autoattacking isn’t the main source of DPS. The weapon is already rage inspiring by how little effort it takes to play it effectively in PvP, people would have a fit if it just got net buffed like that, and the endless stream of “Ranger AA” QQ would never end.

More risk/reward factors while also giving the weapon a reliable condi stacking tool would be my vote.

jcbroe.4329:

I think that while although in some way a near necessity for the weapon to “feel good,” it would first have to go through a slight redesign so that autoattacking isn’t the main source of DPS. The weapon is already rage inspiring by how little effort it takes to play it effectively in PvP, people would have a fit if it just got net buffed like that, and the endless stream of “Ranger AA” QQ would never end.

More risk/reward factors while also giving the weapon a reliable condi stacking tool would be my vote.

I have to agree with Jc a bit here and I do think this would make SB overpowered in PvP. What I don’t think you guys are are taking into account is the amount of soft and hard CC that a Ranger/PET has at his disposal. I’m talking about a bit more advanced/intricate use of the Ranger/Pet’s capabilities of course. However, stunning, flanking, chain CCing an opponent while popping QZ and letting some SB AA fly is nothing to snicker about. It’s also EASILY executed in about 2-3 secs for someone that knows Ranger/Pet well. Anet can’t JUST balance the game around Average Joe, because, in the deep and dark crevices of this game’s build system are some nasty monsters that are not to be taken lightly.

That’s my couple copper anyway. Throw it in a wishing well if you’d like.

PS. YES, I say the profession is Ranger/Pet COMPLETELY on purpose.

jcbroe.4329:

I think that while although in some way a near necessity for the weapon to “feel good,” it would first have to go through a slight redesign so that autoattacking isn’t the main source of DPS. The weapon is already rage inspiring by how little effort it takes to play it effectively in PvP, people would have a fit if it just got net buffed like that, and the endless stream of “Ranger AA” QQ would never end.

More risk/reward factors while also giving the weapon a reliable condi stacking tool would be my vote.

A lot of weapons rely on Auto Attack for the majority of their dps. The problem with the short bow is that the ratio is overwhelmingly in favor of AA that the other skills might as well not even do any damage for all the difference it would make. The 1h has a similar, though less obvious problem.

Modeling it after the harpoon gun* is a much better way to go than what we have. With that weapon most of the dps comes from the bleeds, but it still has a great pressure and burst damage skill on cooldown so there is skill involved in choosing when to use what and it just feels more fun overall.

*Just as great sword and spear are fundamentally the same weapon set.

Substance E.4852:

jcbroe.4329:

I think that while although in some way a near necessity for the weapon to “feel good,” it would first have to go through a slight redesign so that autoattacking isn’t the main source of DPS. The weapon is already rage inspiring by how little effort it takes to play it effectively in PvP, people would have a fit if it just got net buffed like that, and the endless stream of “Ranger AA” QQ would never end.

More risk/reward factors while also giving the weapon a reliable condi stacking tool would be my vote.

A lot of weapons rely on Auto Attack for the majority of their dps. The problem with the short bow is that the ratio is overwhelmingly in favor of AA that the other skills might as well not even do any damage for all the difference it would make. The 1h has a similar, though less obvious problem.

Modeling it after the harpoon gun* is a much better way to go than what we have. With that weapon most of the dps comes from the bleeds, but it still has a great pressure and burst damage skill on cooldown so there is skill involved in choosing when to use what and it just feels more fun overall.

*Just as great sword and spear are fundamentally the same weapon set.

That’s exactly what I mean and I agree entirely.