Guild Wars 2

Problem
The Ranger is less affected by power than other classes. The reasoning for this is because the Ranger has a pet. So, the Ranger is handicapped from the start, unless the pet accounts for the loss.

This means the Ranger is handicapped if:
1) the Ranger uses any power based build (Berserker, Cleric, Longbow, Greatsword)
2) the pet is unable to damage the target (elevation, moving target or pet on cooldown or CCed)

These problems manifest itself the most in PvE boss battles where the pet is usually on cooldown (especially in the new dungeons) and WvW where the pet is either dead (zergs) or unable to reach its target (walls).

This is unacceptable and I can’t imagine these side-effects to be by design.

Solution:
The Ranger has to get the full effect of power and the pet should take none. The pet’s base damage should be set appropriately.

For those who love a pet based build, there should be a way through traits to increase the stats of the pet at the cost of the stats of the Ranger.

I think its by design since WoW pets are perfect at what they are meant to be (a DoT with utility) Anet phobia of anything Blizzard designed made them come up with this silly concept….

Part of what makes a ranger unique is that they can go half/half unlike other professions. Ranger can go tank and still burst (regen/apothecary) ranger can go glass and still tank (using a bear or drake). Ranger can go condi’s and still have direct damage (traps/cats) or ranger can choose one of the many other good options like dogs or spiders. So this dyanmic is an interesting enough foundation to stick with imho. However, jubskie makes a good point when he says “pet rng makes ranger uncompetitive” and maybe is something to work on (better control over pets).

It’s not split though. Pets aren’t affected by the Ranger’s power stat. The Ranger is less affected by it than other classes and the pet isn’t affected by it at all. This makes power a very weak stat for Rangers.

Oh, ya, I don’t disagree about that. I’d say it’s definately split in that it’s broken into tiers. Ranger can go from tanky to glassy, like you said, the ceiling is lower for how much power the ranger gets. Then, on the other side, the pet can also go from tank to glass. And you’re free to mix and match. For example, who else can replicate a theif’s backstab when they go regen/condi? (Apothecary/jag) What other profession gets a 30 or 40k health point meatsheild to suck up conditions or absorb attacks (bear/signet of renewal/protect me) even when in full zerk? Maybe you disagree that this is a good foundation for the ranger profession?

The funny thing is, even if the pet is given that “determination” buff for invulnerability, were still at a handicap due to their pathing issues, inability to hit moving targets, and ability cooldowns.

Frankly, the only solution I can think of is to either have the Ranger morph into a pet, or physically take over the pet via mind control or something. Then the pet just absorbs all the Ranger’s stats, whether it be a glass cannon, tank, or a balance. Then the person just controls the pet directly and has access to say 5 abilities to use.

Outside of this, I really don’t see anything else working.

Part of the problem is that pet damage is largely single target. Where are the pet AoE or cleave auto-attacks?

It is pretty funny how Every other class Mechanic is treated as something that makes the class unique and a extra layer of power whereas for Ranger it is treated as a reason for our weapons to do crap damage.

Drakes attacks all cleave fwiw, for those who don’t know.

If you want pet AoE, use a drake. AoE attacks, decent power, and very tanky to boot. And reef drake’s confusion is pretty sick.