Guild Wars 2

What ranger build does the most raw DPS of them all? I don’t care for squishiness or vulnrability in combat i just wish to deal as much damage as i can.

42.

Seriously, you need to define the question better before it can be answered. DPS against high-toughness targets? Against low-toughness, high-vit targets? Against a single target or multiple targets at once? Is the target moving/dodging? How long will the target survive (burst vs sustained)? Just your DPS or your party’s DPS? Who else is in the party and what are their builds? etc.

If it’s not clear yet: There is no single “best DPS” build. It depends on the specifics of the situation.

Theoretically, I would assume a power crit build with Greatsword + sword/axe. But it might be beaten by condi builds since some of our damage is taken from us and given to pet.

I don’t run numbers but I do remember someone else doing it and coming up with sword auto is the highest direct damage a ranger has. I just threw Greatsword in there for gap closing, and maul.

Sword auto is straight-up best. If you are looking to minmax straight DPS Sword/Axe + Sword/Torch on something like 20/25/0/25/0 with Frost Spirit, Flame Trap, and Viper’s Nest should be the absolute best numbers you will output over a long period of time, but realistically you’ll want to run something like Sword/Warhorn + Sword/Axe on a 20/30/5/15/0 build for better survivability and flexibility. You barely lose any actual DPS either.

GS is more of a backup weapon for encounters where sword root will actually get you killed, like the Berserker Abom.

My question for melee ranger what do you build to not just get squished so easy?

Sword/Axe, Greatsword.
30 in Marksmanship for SotBM.
Pop Signet of the Hunt and use maul, auto attack with sword and cast 4 on recharge.
Frost Spirit w/ 10 trait for more proc.
Spotter.
Bird pets (not moas, use ravens).

But you’re going to be squishy as kitten. But that’s the best I can think of.

Sunshine.4680:

My question for melee ranger what do you build to not just get squished so easy?

Armor, Apoth or Settlers work well, something with the Toughness add. Or run a Bear for Cond. removal then have the trait where the pet takes all dmg for a bit. >shrugs<

Yeah, 20/25/0/25/0 is probably the most typical. Run something like sword/axe or sword/warhorn and then the “off-set” can be up to you. You can go something like GS or axe/horn (so you have access to both off hand warhorn and off hand axe, even though main hand axe is average.) Spotter, and frost spirit with the trait for proc, yeah. Then sic em and quickening or something.

I typically run 30/25/5/10/0 though for a more "general’ use set. Still lots of dps, and the natural vigor is a “fit all” trait that’s really nice to have. You can then run SotBM and all three signets have their use. Wild is a nice +25% and can replace sic em. Hunt you can proc out of combat and switch out. Stone is a nice panic button if you feel you are taking too many hits.

The other traits are the Pet+30% crit, pet might on crit, and the +10% when endurance is full trait.