Guild Wars 2

Love showing off my mesmer.

I don’t have a picture of it now, but right now he has a battle mage look thing going on. I’ll post when I take one.

IGN: Excelsior Longfello
Role: Scholar
Server: Tarnished Coast
Playstyle: Depends on my mood. WvW, PvE, PvP
Time: Usually weekends, some nights

I was in this guild awhile back but had to drop to make room for another guild. Is OMFG planning pvp events or some such?

oxtred.7658:

I see you’ve all forgot the most annoying thing, THAT one mesmer stomping a clone.

I have laughed multiple times at mesmers (and others) stomping my clone. Thank you for reminding me of that joy.

Idea I’ve tossed around. Maybe not for the frontline but for backline. Could be something fun to do.

In the builds, I didn’t put armor, trinkets, any of that because I want to get the traits figured out (though PVT with a mix of zerker or something is never a bad thing imo). Something I just threw together real quick. I would like to have traited focus for more pulls to happen, but not sure how to make all of that happen.

Backline
http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fhAQNAR8dlknpYtFoxMNUrNipBZ6eEjjia1ZOkKAA-w

Frontline
http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fhAQNAR8dlknpAtVoxMNUrNipBZyeEDSGgIU6QsiiC-w

For frontline, thinking of using Triumphant Distortion since that might be a good thing to use. Though, a friend did mention that frontline gets plenty of boons.

Anyway. Just an idea I had and think it would be fun to see some other people’s ideas about this.

Again, just something I thought of and would be fun to play with. So lets theorycraft!

ArchonWing.9480:

Have any of you come up with builds anticipating the new patch?

Here you go.

https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/professions/ranger/Post-Patch-Zerg-busting/page/2#post4265158

rpfohr.7048:

excelsior.2168:

rpfohr.7048:

excelsior.2168:

Something I threw together using the weapons, trinkets, etc that I currently have on my ranger. Might just get another greatsword to use in zergs.

http://en.gw2skills.net/editor/?fNUQNBHhFakRlOWrYxhFqWEQIUrCgWxAz4dAcnE7wWnxOf8CC-TFjDwAOOEAyU/ZqSMvKBH8AAAcCACphJ4+DUVGQ5IA8UpxH9BkBgZBA-w

Still excited for this patch though. Might actually get bags in zergs. (I main mesmer in WvW and they don’t get jack taco on loot)

I came to something very similar and I must ask. How did you arrive at this.

When after taking SOTF , I looked at the traits and settled on the same thing.
But I would have LOVED to have had spotter in there as well. Martial mastery might have been nice too.

So I ask why did you opt for Horned axes over these options? (for me it was the stats of skirmishing line and better minors) what about you?

Hey! That is an excellent question. So, I looked at both builds, the 2/4/2/6/0 and 4/2/2/6/0 and stat wise not that much of a difference between the two builds. I went for honed Axes mainly because when I saw it gave me 210% crit dmg I kind of did a happy dance in my chair.

I will say that with 4 in Marksmanship, it might be a waste of the pet having opening strike. For me at least, I plan on having my drakes on passive only to activate for the lightning breath and frost breath with the occasional command to attack to to the blast finisher drakes do (love them for that). On the flip side of having 4 in MM is that you have Spotter and are contributing to the zerg. But I do like the minor traits in Skirmishing more than opening strikes.

So really, I guess it comes down to preference. I plan on using this build when the patch comes out and of course changes might happen but if multiple rangers are in a zerg (O.o) I guess a few could run Spotter and others focus more on their damage. Both will be contributing to the zerg, one providing crit chance increase and the other higher damage to kill people. Also, Healing Spring has been underrated for so long that more water fields can never be a bad thing.

Hope that answered your question!

Builds: (I put in the Sharpening stones because those made the build hit a tiny bit harder)

Spotter
http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fNUQNBHhFakRlOWrYxhFqWEQIULDg3tVMwKednE7wWnxOf8CC-TFjDwAOOEAyU/ZqSMvKBH8AAAcCACphJ4+DUVGQ5IA8UpxH9BkBgZMA-w

Honed Axes
http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fNUQNBHhFakRlOWrYxhFqWEQIUrCgWxAz4dAcnE7wWnxOf8CC-TFjDwAOOEAyU/ZqSMvKBH8AAAcCACphJ4+DUVGQ5IA8UpxH9BkBgZMA-w

So like me you did it for the better minor traits
Have you had any thoughts of taking both in a
4/4/0/6/0 build and forgoing the WS cool down? it will already be quite low with the Entangle CD reduced. I’ve been hesitant to do it but it is a variation I’m going to try. Currently doing 0/4/4/6/0 (cause signets not buffed yet and I like minors in WS more)

Another good point. I guess it would depend on my play style. I know that when I use lb, I’ve always had the CD trait so I’m used to it. It’ll be something I’ll have to try when the patch comes out. Also briefly considered Bark Skin (I think some builds posted before mine used it) but then I lose the dmg bonus from having a boon. Good thing it doesn’t cost money to change traits amiright!?

rpfohr.7048:

excelsior.2168:

Something I threw together using the weapons, trinkets, etc that I currently have on my ranger. Might just get another greatsword to use in zergs.

http://en.gw2skills.net/editor/?fNUQNBHhFakRlOWrYxhFqWEQIUrCgWxAz4dAcnE7wWnxOf8CC-TFjDwAOOEAyU/ZqSMvKBH8AAAcCACphJ4+DUVGQ5IA8UpxH9BkBgZBA-w

Still excited for this patch though. Might actually get bags in zergs. (I main mesmer in WvW and they don’t get jack taco on loot)

I came to something very similar and I must ask. How did you arrive at this.

When after taking SOTF , I looked at the traits and settled on the same thing.
But I would have LOVED to have had spotter in there as well. Martial mastery might have been nice too.

So I ask why did you opt for Horned axes over these options? (for me it was the stats of skirmishing line and better minors) what about you?

Hey! That is an excellent question. So, I looked at both builds, the 2/4/2/6/0 and 4/2/2/6/0 and stat wise not that much of a difference between the two builds. I went for honed Axes mainly because when I saw it gave me 210% crit dmg I kind of did a happy dance in my chair.

I will say that with 4 in Marksmanship, it might be a waste of the pet having opening strike. For me at least, I plan on having my drakes on passive only to activate for the lightning breath and frost breath with the occasional command to attack to to the blast finisher drakes do (love them for that). On the flip side of having 4 in MM is that you have Spotter and are contributing to the zerg. But I do like the minor traits in Skirmishing more than opening strikes.

So really, I guess it comes down to preference. I plan on using this build when the patch comes out and of course changes might happen but if multiple rangers are in a zerg (O.o) I guess a few could run Spotter and others focus more on their damage. Both will be contributing to the zerg, one providing crit chance increase and the other higher damage to kill people. Also, Healing Spring has been underrated for so long that more water fields can never be a bad thing.

Hope that answered your question!

Builds: (I put in the Sharpening stones because those made the build hit a tiny bit harder)

Spotter
http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fNUQNBHhFakRlOWrYxhFqWEQIULDg3tVMwKednE7wWnxOf8CC-TFjDwAOOEAyU/ZqSMvKBH8AAAcCACphJ4+DUVGQ5IA8UpxH9BkBgZMA-w

Honed Axes
http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fNUQNBHhFakRlOWrYxhFqWEQIUrCgWxAz4dAcnE7wWnxOf8CC-TFjDwAOOEAyU/ZqSMvKBH8AAAcCACphJ4+DUVGQ5IA8UpxH9BkBgZMA-w

Got my mesmer a zerker set for open world pve and when I roam.

Hurtappl.6405:

Pretty nice build man!
Do I hear a meta change in the wind?

Whoosh
oosh

… ……. sh

Haha! I hear it too!

And thanks, man! Might use stones instead to get more power since my crit chance is already high without factoring in fury.

Something I threw together using the weapons, trinkets, etc that I currently have on my ranger. Might just get another greatsword to use in zergs.

http://en.gw2skills.net/editor/?fNUQNBHhFakRlOWrYxhFqWEQIUrCgWxAz4dAcnE7wWnxOf8CC-TFjDwAOOEAyU/ZqSMvKBH8AAAcCACphJ4+DUVGQ5IA8UpxH9BkBgZBA-w

Still excited for this patch though. Might actually get bags in zergs. (I main mesmer in WvW and they don’t get jack taco on loot)

Thanks for the response. I did say I was lvling/learning engie. But again, thanks. And not sure what I would do with my engie as of yet. Only lvl 60, so I have time to figure it out. I rarely do dungeons/fractals so this would be geared more for open world or WvW.

Thanks again for your input.

Great video! Plan on using it on my mes when I dust him off. And question. Why wouldn’t this work on tpvp? Just curious.

Soooo…no one?

Your video gave me life. Well done!

Hey everyone! I’m lvling an engie and I theorycrafted a build for him and would like some feedback. I haven’t decided what I would use him for just yet. I’ll probably just play him when I get bored with my mains.

http://en.gw2skills.net/editor/?fdIQJAqalcTpWrtbxALseNSdhEqQgOQhDiuWshA-TlhMgAA7PErMrS9HZlGF6B4VCSIgFrBA-w

I have most of the trinkets from my mes when I did condis with him so getting ascended won’t be an issue.

Thanks in advance!

Edit: Was also thinking about using rifle instead of the double pistol.

@Dave Pare

Alright, I just have ice and fire on there now since I like it. Would the strength rune proc enough for it to be viable? Also, haven’t played with Enlargement. I’ll try it out though. I also need to unlock some of the new skills. Lol.
Yeah, sword/warhorn I might use in dungeons or such. Figured with Lb and GS I can kite with lb and then go in with gs for WvW and then get out using gs and switch to lb again. Probably bring piercing arrows if I’m k-training, Eagle Eye if I’m roaming and then spotter in dungeons and such.

Thanks for the input!

P.S. Could QZ work as well? If I want to trade out Muddy Terrain.

@ferr

I haven’t actually thought of using Cavalier. I still need to get the necklace trinket (I just put in soldiers since that’s what I was aiming for). But what I’m seeing is that a Cavalier necklace might just work. Thanks for that!
I’ll look at that thread more. That person did have a lb/gs variant of the build he used.

Thanks again, y’all!

Something I’ve been thinking about and since I can play with traits without having to waste money, I tried it tonight and it seems to have potential.

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fNUQJATRjMqUxaDLusQ1agBha9AEvBQzZ4EcuE3QKzqKqxC-T1iFwAKOEAGOCAqU/ZpSMkKDsqEM3+DAeAAHVacRXQgLAAhAYtAA-w

The sigils on the gs are what I’m thinking of getting. But the gear and trinkets are what I have now.
Pets are allowed to change, just threw in bears because I could. Traits can be changed to depending on situations. e.g. Spotter for piercing arrows or whatever have you

I would probably use this build in just about whatever I do. I have a sword/axe I can use as well. But I was thinking that this could possibly work in small group roaming (where I tested it) and maybe zerg. Stay on the periphery and then swoop in (see what I did there ) to just do your thing.

Again, just played with it tonight, going to try it out more later after finals.

Yes, I’ve read the books. Guess I wasn’t clear. The fighting style of the elves, i.e. Legolas, reminds me of the play style of rangers in Guild Wars 2.

And I’ve noticed something.

Rangers in GW2 are the elves of LotR.

I mean, so freaking graceful (will admit the sword GW2 is clunky feeling) but how the ranger bounces all over the place like Legolas does in the river fight scene reminds me so much of playing my ranger. Switching effortlessly between the bow and swords/daggers (might be both can’t really tell). Just ugh.

So if you feel bad about the ranger and how Anet doesn’t seem to understand us. Watch the Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug and you’ll feel better.

Oh ok. Thanks for that! Hopefully they fix the tooltip then

I had this same issue. Noticed it today in pvp. Is it working and not showing up, or did anet introduce a bug?

Not sure if this has been posted elsewhere, if so just merge it please.

Before the patch the Chilling Howl on my wolf was on a cd of 24 sec with Commanding Voice. This trait lowers the cd of all pets F2 skills.

Post-patch this trait doesn’t affect either of my wolves F2 skills. The cooldown remains unaffected. I changed traits to see if Anet decided to increase the cooldown of all pets, or just wolves, and not tell anyone. This happened with some Mesmer traits so entirely possible. And no, cooldown of wolves remained unaffected with or without this trait. I’ve only seen it on wolves tonight, but I’m sure it’s shared across all pets. If anyone can confirm just post.

I’ll check the rest out too.

But again, a trait is not working.

I’d be down with joining this. Been wanting to get back into pvp with my mes since my guild decided to not do tpvp for some reason. But yeah, if I’m on, shoot me a message and I’ll try and come.

I want to be a part of this! lol. I’m already a part of the Mesmer guild so why not, right?

Woodshavings
Maguuma
PvP (not now since it’s boring) WvW and PvE

looking forward to seeing everyone in game!

I didn’t say “go zerker”, I said the meta for PvE was zerker. And no if OP said he wanted to go for support I would have given them options for a support build. Yes, zerker is ridic used for everything (part of why I’m against it), but again I didn’t tell OP to go zerker. If you look at my build, you will see that I am not a full zerker ranger. Please read.

Hey, a better look at the traits you are using might help out a bit.

Go to either:
http://intothemists.com/
or
http://en.gw2skills.net/editor/

And you can show us what traits and gear you have. Might help a bit more.

It seems like you are going for a power build and do mostly PvE. In that case, the meta for PvE is full zerker. I, personally, do not like full zerker. It’s just not my favorite playstyle. But I do have a power ranger. With Knight’s Armor, zerker weapons, and a mix of Soldier and Knight trinkets.

Here’s my build. He originally was meant to be in WvW but the narrow mindedness of higher tiers is, well yeah. I digress.

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vMAQNAT8XjMqUxaDLesw1agY9gQ+ZQNFcy8MF8nRpsiGsmK-zECBYLCyUEwkFBKBqIas1TFRjVrET9SQWDLpBAQA4o38o38o3sUARsAA-w

It’s a Signet Power build, pets are interchangeable depending on what you are doing. If all you are doing is PvE, the Soldiers trinkets can be changed for zerker, cavaliers, anything to help with damage instead of survivability. Also, the horn can replace the offhand axe easily.

I do use this build in PvE and it works just fine. I can dish out damage and stay alive by getting out of sticky situations quickly.

Hope this helps and good luck and have fun!

excelsior.2168:

Sylvari ranger in Tier 3 cultural. His name is Woodshavings

I recently changed up the dyes on his armor. A friend of mine gave me Midnight Fire and I got Wrath and Adobe Sunset/rise (can’t remember which one) to match his skin and glow, respectively. Basically went with the whole thing I read that sylvari grow their armor from their skin.

Could not be happier with how he turned out.

Shamelessly promotes this build

By Ikiro, mistsim.(forgot the #‘s), made it. I use the knight’s and have had success with it.

So yeah, basically what the title says. I was using my rabid for PU and just got bored with it. So I thought, “What about phantasms with rabid gear?”.

Your phantasms proc bleeds and do raw damage and you’re still tanky.

I will say, I haven’t had a lot of time to test out this build in roaming but so far seems to work fairly well in small group roaming. Also don’t see why it wouldn’t work in dungeons either. Could change to staff with no problem and just change some of the traits around.

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fgEQRArd8alwziqXQTmGbNJhpC9+0DoH9lTqgqLpA35G-j0CBIMwINERj0Chm6IQ5QFRjtaqIasKZRWbDTHTI1aWRziWoWIgFrBA-w

Thoughts, suggestions and all that are welcome.

But again, random idea I had and doesn’t look too shabby.

Edit: Actually liking the name “Rabid Phantasms” if this build works out.

Pyroatheist.9031:

excelsior.2168:

Name: Excelsior Longfello
Server: Magumma (sp?) and NA
Role: Ehhh, Scholar for now.
Playtime: When I can tbh. School and work and about graduate, so I’m a little busy.
Play: WvWvW, sPvP, and PvE (including dungeons)

Just think it would be fun and would help me learn to mesmer better.

P.S. I also think I have 5 guilds now and that’s the cap, right? I’ll have to see which one I want to delete.

Yep, you’ve got maximum guilds.

Ok, I got rid of a guild, so y’all should be able to add me.

mistsim.2748:

this build doesnt and cant work objectively speaking because you have zero on-demand condi cleanse. and all that power is useless when you have no crit…damage is still kitten poor. in addition to that, you have NO UTILITY. NONE.

excelsior.2168:

Again, credit to the OP. For the life of me, I can’t remember their name.

hi, i still lurk the ranger forums. i’ll be contributing lots to the upcoming ranger CDI.

Oh Snap! You’re on Mag now! It’s like meeting your hero! Lol. But no, seriously so glad I stumbled on your build and convinced my brother to try it too (though now he’s switched to a condi trap ranger). But your build is great.

Name: Excelsior Longfello
Server: Magumma (sp?) and NA
Role: Ehhh, Scholar for now.
Playtime: When I can tbh. School and work and about graduate, so I’m a little busy.
Play: WvWvW, sPvP, and PvE (including dungeons)

Just think it would be fun and would help me learn to mesmer better.

P.S. I also think I have 5 guilds now and that’s the cap, right? I’ll have to see which one I want to delete.

Atherakhia.4086:

God help us if this is the best power build this class has to offer.

No, it isn’t.

I have been using the Knight’s variant of this build and it has worked really well. I did change some of the utilities, sigils and all to make the build fit my play style. But this video gave me hope that rangers can be in zergs and do damage and stay alive. Again, credit to the OP. For the life of me, I can’t remember their name.

A link to a forum where they discuss the build in detail.

http://www.guildwars2guru.com/topic/84933-sentinel-frontliner-next-level-wvw-ranger-guide/

@OP Build seems good. I would say I’d give it a try but I have no money to get new armor for my ranger. Saving up for a legendary. It might not fit my play style. To each their own.

1. Ranger
2. Mesmer (they have some bugs that need sorted out)
3.
Those are the only two classes I play so not sure what needs to be sorted out with the rest. But I know ranger needs help.

Thanks everyone for your help! <3

After a few rounds of playing around with the various suggestions, this is what I came up with.

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fMAQNBlYDbkoqrusyyC1OAsKAY7BnUip7RpnSaKzaERxC-TsAg2CrIMSZkzIjRSjsGNCYdw+DA

It seems to work fairly well and I’m able to hold on to a point longer. I brought the warhorn back because I miss swiftness on demand. The pets I picked are based off of me wanting to calm down healing sig warriors. POISON ALL THE THINGS!

Again, thanks for your help and suggestions on this will be appreciated as well.

Ugh. Lol. I’ve tried glass too and I really like tanky and condi builds. :P Sorry to be difficult lol. I’m about to try the spirit one that Sube Dai suggested. I switched out the ten in BM to Marksmanship for increased pet condi duration.

P.S. Will say, I’m still fond of my original build but my team and I have been on a losing streak hence the post. Trying to break the streak by changing up builds.

Thank y’all for your help though. Much appreciated.

Currently trying this out after a few hotjoin matches. Found I really like LR.

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fMAQNAV8fnEV0FcWQWWgaZAp9gT6PM5VYWcP8vOJETZWjIqGA-TsAg2CrIgRBjDGDMSfs+MGYdwWAA

Valentin.2073:

just run a spirit build. 10 0 30 30 0 with settler amulet and undead runes like most rangers do in tpvp including myself. im so bad i know. although i prefer playing my zerker ranger in hotjoins.

Meh, I did try the Spirit Ranger once and just didn’t like it. I know they are really good (I have issues with the condis from it on my mesmer) but I just feel that build isn’t for me. Thanks for your help though!

Sube Dai.8496:

Yep you’ve pretty much got it right there. Only difference is most people would run SotW for the extra regen, and the weapon combos are typically axe/torch and sword/dagger or vice/versa.

Also common rune choices are forge for protection, or melandru for more condition reduction. I like your combo though, I might try that

You can also try it with spirits for more team support:

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fMAQNAV8fnEV0VZZFeBBaZAp9gT6PM5VYWcPKlTJEzYmRi1A-TsAg2CrIgRBjDGDMSfs+MQYJyWAA

Thank you for your help! About to try out my build and then I’ll try the spirit one you offered.

Yeah, condis are my weakness. Would you mind posting that build for me please?

Edit:
I’m still kind of new to ranger so here is what I made using the 0/0/30/30/10.

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fMAQNAV8fnEV0FcWQaWgaZAp9gT6PM5VYWcP8vOJEzYmRi1A-TsAg2CrIgRBjDGDMSfs+MQYJyWAA

Hey guys!

I’ve been using my ranger to tpvp and I might up this build and been loving how it plays. I geared it for a shout/support ranger. I do pretty well in taking points too and holding off people long enough for backup. But at times I feel like I just melt depending on the other side’s group comp.

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fMAQNBMhF6koiugrCyyCWLDItCVy7xsketn7xo4Jh4FrUiE-TsAgzCoIuR5lzLzNyusdNOYJyUEA

The only thing I can think of is changing LR for SoR for the condi removal and maybe switch out the runes for runes of the soldier (is that the one where shouts remove a condition). Also been thinking that the amulet could be changed up a bit too.

Any tips would be appreciated. Thank in advance.

Edit: Forgot to but build in my title. But yeah, “Tips on my SPvP Build Please”. Sorry for my kitten moment.

Sylvari ranger in Tier 3 cultural. His name is Woodshavings

10/10 for hand-vomitting. That is an awesome way to name things. But on the real, like the names.

My male ranger is named Woodshavings.

Updated his look.
Top picture is him with his WvW armor and the awesome looking greatsword. Middle picture is his roaming/PvE armor with Emberglow. Bottom picture is same but I wanted to show it for reasons. The HotW armor is the same as last time I posted in this thread, but the dyes are much better than what he had before.

Overkillengine.6084:

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fgAQNAW7flwzKqHQTqGb9IipHBHyBcoPcdlZMbXIA-jEDBIMDamWAgqIzkHQ5PKr5QCilhFRjVJDQzATbaR1GxAOEMa1iAYWD-w

Here’s the Blackwater variant I am currently using; also utilizes Traveler runes for keeping up with my havoc groups. Adds confusion on shatters as well as might; rewards shattering every chance you get; without being totally reliant on it since if they preemptively kill my clones they get conditions.

Note: You ’ll have low condition removal even for a Mesmer, best played like a psychotic vulture at the edges of the battle.

Ok thanks! I’ll look into this build too after this semester calms down, or when it just ends. It seems that variants of Blackwater are very popular. I haven’t had a chance to try it out yet but I plan too. RossBiddle’s build I know I liked. Might just change up a few things so I don’t have to over haul my weapons. Thanks again for everyone’s suggestions!

Had a great time in the GvG against EP!! Y’all were tough to play against but I had tons of fun.

Hmm. I’ll look into your build Xavi. Seems interesting. It looks like you don’t want to shatter at all here? Except for distortion when staking? Looks very similar to RossBiddle’s build and I liked his.

Here’s what I run with my guild.

http://intothemists.com/calc/?build=-N;4VPk0107cVV71;9;6JJT;426-27-57A-0-9_;1t_MTt_MTk-FW0-wY50;1K-P0T1ZYdZi_9FWFc1g-A;3N2-wN2Eq;9;9;9;9;7V9k3H

Feedback can be changed to nullfield after you get your stacks. You can also drop veil, if your guild doesn’t use veil, and just use feedback and nullfield.

Trinkets can be changed too. To help with toughness and precision. I just put my rabid on because I’m too poor to change out the trinkets on my mesmer. But the condi damage from the trinkets do help since you will shatter and give confusion.

I sometimes run with the frontline and others stay in the back. I use my shatters to get tags and bags.

I’ve ran this for a few months and it works well. I like it, I feel mesmery.

Staff can also replace GS if that is your preference.

Hope this helps.

Alright. So um, looks like the last few posts derailed this topic. I was looking for ideas for builds using full rabid armor and trinkets and I think I found somethings. Ross Biddle and Blackwater seem to be what I want. Thanks for your help and I’ve been playing with traits and think I found something that I might like.

This is fantastic!