Guild Wars 2

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Hey guys, I’ve got a problem choosing pet for my build. Which pet now has the best damage to use with this build? And am I correct that pets condition damage doesn’t stack with my own? So is it better to use non condi pets?

Cats are ok, they’ve got plenty of baeline condition damage now. Beside, condition now stack so…

NB: from my point of view cats are the best damage pet of the ranger in both condition and power (I may be wrong thought)

Pets have their own condition damage stats that effect their condition damage. Cats are a good choice for condi, especially Lynx. Since you’re using expertise training I would just use the pets you have in the link they’ll be good.

Powerbuild: Jaguar, Bristleback, Tiger, Jungle Stalker
Condibuild: Bristleback, Lynx, Jaguar

Smokescale. It gives you most options, has the most combined skills of all the pets, and teleports to the target with near-inescapable damage.

All big wins in my book.

Ardenwolfe.8590:

Smokescale. It gives you most options, has the most combined skills of all the pets, and teleports to the target with near-inescapable damage.

All big wins in my book.

I agree.

Also, the Bristleback for quickness swap F2 in melee range, the burst is great. Fastest pet to take down structures imho.

Ardenwolfe.8590:

Smokescale. It gives you most options, has the most combined skills of all the pets, and teleports to the target with near-inescapable damage.

All big wins in my book.

As wrong as I could think of.

Options =/= damage.
SmokeScale is the best utility or combat pet, if you will. But not damage pet and most certainly not a PvE pet.
The single burst on considerable cooldown has nothing in common with DPS.

For moving targets – Bristleback (ability to attack without repositioning).
For stationary targets – Lynx
For unorganized PvE content where you are not might capped – Jungle Stalker

Situational Options for your build:
Fern Hound – pet with mechanic to heavily improve druid AF generation.
Marsh/River Drake – pet with AoE attacks.

Tragic Positive.9356:

Ardenwolfe.8590:

Smokescale. It gives you most options, has the most combined skills of all the pets, and teleports to the target with near-inescapable damage.

All big wins in my book.

As wrong as I could think of.

There’s nothing wrong in that statement, since (s)he didn’t say that the smokescale was the best pet in every aspect of the game.

In my opinion smokescale was good only with Smoke Assault on F2 :P .
I was using drakes for some time, they are good. Maybe gonna go for the Reef Drake or Bristleback, thanks guys for the contribution.

Tiger>linx f2 has 10 sec cooldown and although its not as high of damage it appkies 10 second aoe fury so it crit more often with all of its other abilities

The build I run in PvE is roughly the same concept. It’s the old WvW condi-bunker with druid stuff thrown in.

Pet choice aside, you might want to consider switching to Sword for Shortbow, and moving the torch in with your axe. The reason for this is that Shortbow #4 adds a bleed proc to your pet attack, and lets you take a little more advantage of the extra pet condition damage (on top of whatever conditions your pet already provides). It also gives you the option of procing Ancient Seeds w/ Shortbow #5 for another 5 bleed stacks.

PvE, so the loss of mobility from removing Sword & Dagger is a no-op.

Tragic Positive.9356:

As wrong as I could think of.

Options =/= damage.
SmokeScale is the best utility or combat pet, if you will. But not damage pet and most certainly not a PvE pet.
The single burst on considerable cooldown has nothing in common with DPS.

For moving targets – Bristleback (ability to attack without repositioning).
For stationary targets – Lynx
For unorganized PvE content where you are not might capped – Jungle Stalker

Situational Options for your build:
Fern Hound – pet with mechanic to heavily improve druid AF generation.
Marsh/River Drake – pet with AoE attacks.

Well . . . let’s break that down:

1. Never said options equal damage. Don’t know why you made that conclusion, but having the ability to not only nullify but avoid damage with smokescreen is a big win.

2. A huge burst on a sixteen second cooldown, for beastmasters, or twenty seconds otherwise, is also huge win. Also, for PvE farming purposes, it makes life quite easier because it hits all the targets you round up to kill.

3. The fact you mention bristleback of all creatures to hit a moving target says something. Not only does it miss most of the time, because of axis planes, but even I can avoid all bristleback damage by simply side strafing. None of it hits me. None. And yes, I’m moving.

4. Stationary targets? If your target is just standing there, I would hazard a guess that any pet will do. But, in reality, most PvE targets won’t stand still. So this observation is more than moot and rather silly to mention in my opinion. Unless you’re talking about a building or structure, and then bristleback wins this. No question.

5. “For unorganized PvE content where you are not might capped” – I don’t even know what that’s supposed to mean in concert with the OP’s question. So I’ll skip it, but keep in mind smokescale still does in fact give might when it uses assault.

6. I can think of more than five ways to generate AP better than a fern hound, much less sacrificing aggro and DPS for it. But the OP is asking about DPS . . . not AP.

7. This is just wrong. The best AoE pet is definitely smokescale. It has a 360 radius to hit. Since their nerf, drakes only hit toward the front.

Please keep in mind, again the OP asked for which was the best pet in an overall PvE damage scenario . . . not a case-by-case one.

Hands down, even after the nerf, it’s smokescale. It brings a lot more to the table than any other pet in PvE.

Finally, keep in mind a dead pet doesn’t give any DPS . . . and this is where cats and our squishier pets tend to fail.

Now, all that said, the OP has stated he only liked smokescale when smoke assault was on F2. I disagree with that, but I respect his opinion because he asked the question and was respectful in return.

I suggest you do the same next time.

OGDeadHead.8326:

Tragic Positive.9356:

Ardenwolfe.8590:

Smokescale. It gives you most options, has the most combined skills of all the pets, and teleports to the target with near-inescapable damage.

All big wins in my book.

As wrong as I could think of.

There’s nothing wrong in that statement, since (s)he didn’t say that the smokescale was the best pet in every aspect of the game.

Although (s)he is replying to a thread directed specifically at PvE.
There’s is a lot of wrong in that statement.

@Ardenwolfe
There is close to no use for SmokeScale apart from PvP, WvW.
The only one there is, is skipping in PvE that does not include using the pet in combat and has close to no meaning mentioning it as a best pet for overall PvE since it underperforms in almost everything a PvE environment is about. To answer some of your notes.

Why did I glue options to damage? Because all the PvE is about one. After all those years, you should be aware. PvP and highly organized record runs are the only places where burst might matter.

Also, you mentioned dodging Bristleback’s attacks in PvP. No connection to environment discussed. AI has predictable movement which allows bristleback to hit vast majority of attacks. If you ask me, my hasn’t really missed a hit in fractals. I’m aware of the bug. Just like I’m aware how it can be negated and the ability hits.

6. I can think of more than five ways to generate AP better than a fern hound, much less sacrificing aggro and DPS for it. But the OP is asking about DPS . . . not AP.

Here I lost a complete track of what are you trying to say.
You are suggesting that a pet with completely horrible DPS is the right choice because you like seeing 1 big number on a long cooldown that you either can’t control or you force your pet into passive mode, skipping even more of the DPS just to cast the burst at the right moment?
All the 5 different ways to generate AF reduce the damage output. You sound way too “jumpy” when it comes to your own opinions since you seem to forget you are suggesting a Tank pet to replace a DPS one.

And last but not least:
All pets in PvE have 95% damage reduction if not targeted. Cats with low toughness will not die. Smokescale that aggroes NPCs will die faster than that, having evades or not.

SmokeScale + Tiger for whatever.
With those you can’t miss.

Instead of explaining in detail again why smokescale is the better pet in PvE, and seeing that I utterly wasted my time, I’ll just say that I’d rather play right now. So I’m off to solo things with my smokescale that most players wouldn’t dream of doing.

I’ll leave it at that.

If I had to pick just one pet, and had to stick with it throughout the rest of the game, I’d pick either the smokescale or the bristleback. I play all kinds of content, and very often I’m not grouped with others.
If I were always in a group, I would most likely pick one of the felines.

Ardenwolfe.8590:

…
So I’m off to solo things with my smokescale that most players wouldn’t dream of doing.

Wouldn’t dream of doing as in terms of having fun instead of results?
Yep, I don’t usually dream for entertainment when I’m looking for efficiency.

Yet again. Since OP asks for knowledge about DPS pets, your suggestion for DPS is one of the worse. I’ll throw you Firelysm’s data (since everybody knows you won’t do the research yourself). https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/professions/ranger/Community-knows-little-none-about-PETS/
https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/professions/ranger/This-are-ranger-pets-PETS-TEST-2/
There is one statement he made 100% accurate and I hope he’ll forgive me for quoting him:

A lot of people will try to excuse themselves with, but i took this pet because of utility as well. Well, i just want to point out DPS for those that think Smokescale is broke. You can believe in Santa, but stop with the BS. Ty

The data is already out there. If you can’t provide any better proof than feelings, assumptions and opinions that frankly contradict each other – I’m afraid your opinion would not be the correct one when it comes to numbers.
No hard feelings. I’m merely saying you are incorrect. That’s all.

Sure would be nice if you actually answered the OP’s question as opposed to critiquing mine with your snark and backhanded insults. You know, the answer people agree with and repeated as well? In fact, it would be awesome since you haven’t at all.

Here, I’ll help: The OP wants to know what you think is the best overall pet in PvE with his spec. He doesn’t want to know why you think I’m wrong.

Thanks.

Ardenwolfe.8590:

Sure would be nice if you actually answered the OP’s question as opposed to critiquing mine with your snark and backhanded insults.

Since I have to quote myself…

For moving targets – Bristleback (ability to attack without repositioning).
For stationary targets – Lynx
For unorganized PvE content where you are not might capped – Jungle Stalker

You are misinterpreting insults with critique. Don’t do that. If you want to make me a bad guy, pick a point that you haven’t made up like me not answering his question.

Ardenwolfe.8590:

Here, I’ll help: The OP wants to know what you think is the best overall pet in PvE with his spec. He doesn’t want to know why you think I’m wrong.

And I’ll be correcting you here, too. He asked for an answer. Not opinion.

Hey guys, I’ve got a problem choosing pet for my build. Which pet now has the best damage to use with this build?

By any means, you either do not read, do not want to understand, or are trying to mislead OP into inaccurate information that might make him yet another “bearbow” in eyes of skilled people.

If you do not care about your reputation, there’s absolutely nothing wrong. But you should care about reputation of the OP since he came here asking nicely for answers that he can build on.

Plenty of skilled Rangers (and players) know that SmokeScale lacks in DPS compared to other pets. So should you.
If you want to recommend SmokeScale for roleplaying where efficiency doesn’t pose any meaning – you should specify it to avoid causing potential distress to OP who is searching for answers, not fashion. You might not be aware, but rangers have already a bad reputation. Encouraging people to game-styles that might make them be pointed out by community is not a way to go.

Ardenwolfe.8590:

Sure would be nice if you actually answered the OP’s question as opposed to critiquing mine with your snark and backhanded insults. You know, the answer people agree with and repeated as well? In fact, it would be awesome since you haven’t at all.

Here, I’ll help: The OP wants to know what you think is the best overall pet in PvE with his spec. He doesn’t want to know why you think I’m wrong.

Thanks.

Yes, I’m tempted to get into a debate as to why your reasoning is tragically flawed especially since you now want to argue semantics. But I can also see that would be a moot point. And very much what you want as well. So let me spell it out for you: it’s not happening.

Please focus on the question the thread proposes and not on me. He asked for the best overall pet in PvE, damage-wise, with his build . . . not three different pets in a case-by-case scenario.

Thank you.

Pet DPS Choice
1.When it comes to pet dmg than actually bristleback is in an good spot. But you must know that bristleback need to hit with his f2 to be a good dd-pet. The enemy should not stand above or under the bristleback if f2 should hit the enemy
2.Cats dealing high (singletarget) dmg. If you have no source of fury, than you should take the tiger. In groups with enough fury the junglestalker with his might can be of use. In an group with enough might and fury you should take lynx, because it deals additinal bleeding and the f2 is also an leapfinisher(additonal burning or poision with combofields).
3. Drakes can also be interessting for trashmobs, or if you want to utilize the explofinsiher. Drakes can hit more targets, but their dmg is lower than cat- or bristleback- dmg.
Pet CC Choice
Wolf with aoe fear is strong in pvp, also the smokescale because of good burst, short knockdown cd and smokefield. Also the kytra-canine can be a good choice because of immobilze. CC can be usefull in raids, if you need to break stunbars.

As you can see the petchoice depends on the situation.

PS too OP: Their is nearly no effective usage for bears. Not even the condicleanse of brownbear is worth using it. PPLLEEAASSEE dont become another bearbow-ranger.

worminator.5174:

As you can see the petchoice depends on the situation.

Agreed. Pewienpan, keep in mind, a stationary target like a target dummy will produce damage results that are . . . skewed. In most cases, the mob is moving. One of the bigger complaints on this forum in the past is how, if the target is moving, the pet isn’t damaging the target.

A reason players advocate smokescale is the smoke assault teleport. For a PvE mob, it’s pretty much unavoidable damage. I’ll give an example from experience: Back in the day, I used lynx for the bleed damage. But I cannot remember the number of times it missed its F2 ability because the target moved or the lynx was too busy chasing the target and missed because of the AI’s delay.

With smokescale, that disappeared. Considering that most think smokescale is the better pet in PvP, for that very reason, it also stands to reason the same can apply to PvE.

As always, this is based on my experiences and my build. And yes, that’s opinion . . . which was asked for.

But, honestly, the best pet is the one that works for you and the playstyle you go for. It’s really no one’s place to tell anyone here they are “wrong” based on that alone.

Again, the ‘best’ pet is the one that fits what you need and how you tackle the game.

bristleback, tiger/lynx, smokescale

i find myself using electric wyvern alot too. its dps is garbage but it has 3 break bar abilities which come in handy

Pewienpan.5168:

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vNAQRAnY8fjMqQ7K2tCmrAVLWcEM4k6Utq20AiVFNmAwk7ylxUnMbB-TRiGABFtPQc6HA4JAI9CD5eSAqTJYTK9eU9HlUGQKAYmGB-e

Hey guys, I’ve got a problem choosing pet for my build. Which pet now has the best damage to use with this build? And am I correct that pets condition damage doesn’t stack with my own? So is it better to use non condi pets?

That’s a tough question, given your build. I think your cats are fine with that build. You really should do some live tests against some of the hero point bosses to see how they work with your play style. The countdown timer will give you an idea of your dps. I really think you should trait QuickDraw so you can drop bonfire more frequently. I would be curious how lightning or fire drake work out (instead of Lynx). The tail-swipe will give you and beastie 3 stacks of might if you pet swap to it in fire field.

I’d stick with Tiger and Bristleback. If you want more Condi focused pets, then Lynx and Bristleback. Drakes are of course your aoe alternatives.

On the topic of moving mobs in PvE, I’ll recommend to you OP(if you don’t know) to go do some PvE content to see if mobs are moving or stationary the majority of the time. You’ll find that they are more often than not, stationary.
If an enemy you’re targeting is moving all the time like that Chak Bracer(bad example since you can only kill it by depleting its Breakbar, but it was the only constantly moving mob I could think of) which is always moving about, it’s not like the 2 seconds of smoke assault is to write home about anyway because the Smokescale is still useless the rest of the time. Bristleback would be the ideal choice here of course, but if it comes down to Tiger/Felines vs Smokescale, you’ll find that Tiger/Felines is a better choice.

For all other mobs, which are stationary most of the time, Tiger wins hands down.
I’d start with Bristleback to open with F2(it’s now been fixed to attack in all elevation) then camp Tiger unless you want your pet to range or whatever to your personal choice.

But in all honesty, it’s up to you to choose. I sometimes like to keep Smokescale because I can stealth myself(poorly) while mapping especially in the Magus Falls(HoT content) with another friend of mine who can also blast the smoke field. I love DPS but hey sometimes I just do what I find is convenient for me. I find myself constantly changing pets depending on the content I’m playing. It’s good to have some personal idea which pet is best for every scenarios.