You can make up for some of the vitality by using your rank points. Just a thought. Then there is food. Or, as Zenos said, swap a few pieces out until you find your comfort.
Personally when I go full on power/zerk I just suck it up and add a 2nd meta to the WvW format. That is…hide and seek
That is the risk and reward factor. Can’t win them all but you have to play smart because power/zerk with LB has less defensives in most cases. There are, however, some smarter players that do very very well and make it look easy. I’m just not one of them.
So for me, the vitality gain, was from WvW rank and placement. Works for me and I’m always killing the guards so easy to get if I wipe.
Trapper runes are probably the best in the game, but that is, of course, a personal opinion I have a set and love them although I run a slightly different build:
2/6/6 in which I take keen edge whereas you take Nature Magic / natures protection. I run long bow, axe, and torch. You run with both melee sets (I’m horrible at melee. I play it like I’m on my Guardian which never ends well – lol). Slightly different sigils and I’m running full dire whereas it looks like you are mixing and matching (not complaining).
A lot of people don’t know what to make of you when you run a trap set. It isn’t want they expected and a lot of times end up grouping and asking how you gained stealth so much. You know you did well when they chase you half way across the map…
Forget about hunters call, look how much ricochet is hitting for in that pic! That rabbit never stood a chance.
Yeah. OP, you may be receiving a call from P.E.T.A.
They generally don’t enjoying us treating the ambient creatures that way. Seriously, you may be on a time out later
Um…I’m pretty sure on my Guardian I can use close that gap rather quickly ‘AND’ withstand that auto attack or rapid fire. In fact, I do rather regularly
And if I’m lazy and engaging a sleepy Ranger then I’ll toss up Wall of Reflection and watch them blow half their health, recovery spells, then I’ll join the dance, lock them down, and pretty much force a respawn.
It isn’t about agreeing but probably more of a perception issue with you and the class? I’m still trying to understand if you are actually playing the Ranger and find it too easy which is a viable argument at your skill level. Or, if you are usually on the receiving end of the range and don’t find it funny or amusing. Due to ignorance on how to recover and engage the dance.
If you play and bored then there are a few other classes you can try and maybe enjoy the game. I’d believe it would be time better spent if truth be told because you would be learning ‘AND’ having fun.
On the other hand if it is because you are on the receiving end and don’t know how to recover and dance, then plenty of people provided you ways to adapt. That, in turn, comes with your rate of comfort, skill at GW2 in general, and time. And that my fellow GW2 player, happens with all classes.
GW2 is built for comfort, not for speed.
Thank you all for the replies, it seems like I’ll have to make a ranger now. The combat looks way more interesting than the one from guardians and warriors.
Interesting comment and/or thought. I have a Guardian that has been my main since launch whom runs multiple builds. Support, DPS, and hybrid for HAVOC or small group roaming. So in WvW Zerg to solo roaming.
You mention more interesting, and it is. For me, it is actually more difficult to play the Ranger melee compared to my Guardian because Rangers use evades whereas Guardians use blocks and other tools to mitigate or lessen the incoming blows. When I’m going to melee on my Ranger I always have a super bad habit of playing it like I melee on my Guardian and it never ends up well
I’m sure you will have better luck because I know others do. Melee Rangers work and there are several videos out and about supporting it. Just in my opinion it is more difficult after playing my Guarding or for me being an average player.
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What is really needed is the removal of the idea of the home server.
Instead it should work on an alliance of guilds with a strict cap on how many people can belong to an alliance at a given time.
This would also allow for guild hierarchy to remove players who are inactive or caught spying for another side.
As for people who have no intrust in maintaining membership in such an organization they could simply have them tossed together in a random alliance each week (with some consideration for guilds & friends lists)
This ^ combined with improvements to map design would do great wonders for fixing the many problems with WvW.
Someone said it a while back. The way it stands today is that the only thing that separates the number one ranked server to the last ranked server is population AND wall clock coverage. There is no more skill on those servers than any others. If you believe there is, then it is just the ego getting in the way.
Furthermore, this isn’t anything unique to GW2. We saw similar issues back in DaOC. Some servers and factions had greater coverage and so the story goes again. Hard to hold towers, keeps, or relics when one of the factions is asleep, no? Oddly enough what happened to our orbs? Yeah, similar to DaOC relics This is probably why WoW and other games created BG’s or open maps with time limits and users pulled from a bucket. Arena Net did it with Edge of Mists…
If you want to somehow tie in server pride into ranks, then maybe you should consider:
1. Make claiming and defending towers, keeps, and castles worth something
2. Make the guards useful and broadcast messages in /g if under attack
3. Form alliances on the server and broadcast message in /alliance
4. Allow cross-server alliances to port to world in which alert was broadcast
4a. Time gate the cross server alliance / hot join so it isn’t abused
5. Assign XP point per player based on level. Score such that 1 v 1 kill = max points 2 v 1 kill = points divide by players tagged/assist kill, X v 1 (zerg vs 1) divide again
Unless they shorten the games to say 15 or 30 minute chunks there is no way to get around the population and wall clock issues. At least in my opinion.
Edit: Not to pick on this server, but if you want an example take Americas/Maguuma. This is a server that was doing well, then had some drama and lost a lot of people, fell down to where Ehmry Bay would solidly beat them, and now are back on the rise in ranks after what key element happened recently? An influx of people/guilds…
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@Treeoflife
The rune as such rarely matters. It’s mostly the (6) Rune bonus, and occasionally the (4) bonus. Not the stats the rune offers. The stat difference is close to none.Thought they nerfed it so one couldn’t mix and match runes for 4/6 bonus?
I think Tragic is only saying that sometimes the no. 4 slotted bonus from a rune set can sometimes be good enough that it could sway your decision when choosing a rune. you are correct that you have to use an entire set while in PvP. I personally don’t think of it was a nerf tho bc a lot of runes were reworked for the better.
Yeah, that’s the line of thinking that makes me take traveler runes over krait runes. I find being able to consistently move quickly in and out of combat is worth more than a couple extra seconds on my bleed stacks. Besides, the 10% condition duration from traveler runes and the 10% from marksmanship line (from moving to Keen Edge over Sharpened Edges) offsets 20% of the 45% bleed duration boost on krait runes. And that 20% effects a wide range of conditions that are at my disposal instead of just bleeding.
That’s in a sw/t a/d build though. It’s tough not to take krait runes and Sharpened Edges with shortbow even if you move like a turtle. I don’t have enough experience though with shortbow to say one way or another though.
Thanks for the info. From a WvW perspective I’ve been toying with moving to Travelers for the speed but I’m using trapper which work reasonably well for movement. It only becomes an issue when you try and escape uneven numbers or reset and the chaser has them
I run a 2 (Keen Edge), 6 (Sharpened Edges, Trappers Expertise, Trap Potency) 6 (Wilderness Knowledge, Offhand Training, Empathic Bond) build using Rabid/Trapper runes. LB (hobbling / incapacitation) axe/torch (agony/geomancy) sigils. So a condition build but I am not sure if it is optimized – solo roaming WvW it works but I’m just an average player but I know a lot of you longer term rangers min/max and supplement food. I’m still using master tuning crystals and rare veggie pizza’s. Sometimes prickly pear stuff.
So this thread while PvP focused I’m taking a bit here and there trying to apply more to WvW. Again, thanks for the clarification.
To the poster above, it is a losing argument. I agree 100% with what you said because, well, it actually makes sense. But at the end of the day like the other poster above you can’t really change their opinion. Much like that of the OP.
Each class has risk vs. reward in WvW and PvP but they are not all equal. As you pointed out a Ranger running full DPS with very little defenses in open field WvW has to play smart. How smart? Almost like a 4th meta in the game I call hide n’ seek. Last night when I played I was pretty sure I didn’t have any magical bubble surrounding me that gave me a pass and deflected all incoming attacks nor was I alerted when enemy players, regardless of numbers, chased me down…
Rangers have equal risk vs. rewards along with every other class. Guardian DPS running triple meditations gives up a lot of health and armor to do that damage. Why is that any more risk than a Ranger doing the same thing? I’d almost argue that the Ranger has it tougher due to less blocking and tools available to sustain.
1 skill with a long range doesn’t make this class OP when a simple double tap / dodge negates all incoming damage. If the masses don’t understand this simple game mechanic, for any incoming damage, then they are really playing the wrong game.
Simply put – Dodge plays a major role in this game. Those that learn it quick usually do well. Those that don’t, well, free loot bags.
Thank You! for understanding
Last, i always see player post and player say that dodge, dodge but they do not want admit how limit dodge is so until than, dodge is very bad excuse until Arena net increase it; if they want.
Oh, I understand. It comes down to how you set up your builds, runes, food, and of course sigils. They all play a role so you are not limited to just two dodges. As I said if the Ranger built for pure damage chances are high they have very little defenses. Thus my risk vs. reward comment. So I don’t think Arena Net needs to fix it because they want to you make a choice. Endurance – use it wisely
So yes, I do understand. But also know that the damage output from Rapid Fire wasn’t increased. So I did mention dodge but as already been stated you can also use the land, NPC’s, and creatures to also help avoid RF.
Nothing is free and you do have to make some choices. I don’t think any class in the game ignores that part but that is just my opinion.
What tier of WvW server you’re in?
It’s rare to see mist invaders in my current T1 server :/
Kinda regret that I moved to T1 cuz I like roaming XD.I’m hod and we’ve fought ioj dh sos and such last few weeks. I transfered to jq for a while for zerging but that got old and sucked for solo roaming.
We were like one of the bottom servers for a long time. I could flip all camps and sentries with zero competition in enemy borderlands. Now that was lame.
You should see Mag here in a week or two. They hit rock bottom but recently saw a huge influx of people. Still not a lot of skill on that server but they run in large groups regardless of time of day. Has been a difficult past two weeks to solo roam when they run in such large groups
What video card do you use? If Nvidia, I’d suggest using shadowplay to record. Allows a rolling window of what is recorded and you dump it via hot key. That is what I use and there is no noticeable slowdown to frame rates.
By the way, thanks for sharing
Send in pet, come in behind pet, start finish move.
Someone told me that during a sPvP game when I failed to finish them. At first I thought maybe they started to trash talk but then they came back and provided some good tips
Wow, I can’t believe that you manage to survive with axe+torch/SB and no panic utility (LR, SoS). On a trap build, i need sword+dagger to compensate for the missing utilities myself, and that’s in wvw with the stealth from the Trapper runes.
In WvW I run axe/torch/LB believe it or not with 3 traps + trapper runes. Most cases I’ll get away and make them chase me half way across the map. I think SB would be better and probably the sigils I use (incapacitation I don’t think is working much with my low crit).
Nice vid, ty for sharing.
I have to see this. LB + A/T is one of the lowest mobility setups you can have, and you don’t use SoH. I cannot fathom how you outrun a thief or warrior
The trap runes give you speed + stealth. That is all you need. Stash pet and just be smart where you toss the traps so ambient creatures or yellow’s don’t walk into them. I’ve been chased half way across the map. Few times I just figured they wouldn’t give up so sat down and gave them their kill. You know it is good when they drop siege on you for wasting their time
Yes, LB/A/T grants no leaps or speed but like I said what the trapper runes bring is an escape option. That and traps (frost, spike, and flame) slow them down. Almost like chasing a slinky – you know. You get the jump, they chase, then you drop a few traps to slow them down, they recover, chase again and start to gain, and you drop some more.
Rinse and repeat until you find safety or friends. Honestly, not really that difficult once you put it into perspective.
@LughLongArm, @JimHunter
Swirching out Ascended Sentinel armor for Exotic Soldier armor drops Health pool by about 1100, other stats seem about the same (or slightly better).
I don’t see a way to make up the Health shortfall.A cheap alternative? Thoughts?
Of course, that’s better before infusions
If this is for WvW just put the points in vitality after guard kill. 5 stacks and you made up for the loss. That is what I do with my Guardian in DPS mode. Nothing sucks more than going b@lls out with 14k health
That’s true, but why should it be more important for THE pet class ingame (implementation of it aside) to make pets optional, than giving the Ranger a proper working Pet?
I’ve never said anything about the removal/making them optional I am just stating that there are reasons for them to complain about them and that ANet doesn’t want to use the resources to really get the pets to up to the functionality that is needed for the kind of game they have created.
Not too long after launch I posted my view on the pets that the Developers are in bad place where the profession is as if the pet performs at a level where it is not a detriment to the player they risk the perception that the ranger as been given a “easy button” especially with the focus on the cluster that is spvp (which seemed to be the driving focus of skill/trait balance with little/no consideration for PvE nor WvW).
The end result is a profession where the effort to effect ratio is no where near a good place and even after putting the time to ‘master’ the profession could be generally put towards a profession with a higher skill floor and ceiling that rewards the players effort to effect.
Crap did, not you and i said that you have all freedom to complain about the viability of the pets. I just meant that i don’t see the Point in making the “unique” feature our class is based and even balanced around optional and that if you want optional pets you should not have chosen the class that is meant to have this kind of sidekick… a stupid and sometimes utterly annoying sidekick, but it’s mine and i like it >:(.
Edit: Problem is, i think that Anet does actually not have the Resources to make such major AI changes in a balance update.
It was me It was a serious question and it was answered – lol. I’m content.
I main a Guardian but really like the Ranger since I’ve been playing it. I can see the pet mechanic with range but melee, not so much. Then again per my post above I never played GW1 so don’t know the classes history much. In my mind it seems like it should be optional and I was also blaming another MMO’s similar class. Again, probably wrong.
Be that as it may when I read the OP’s post that was the first thing that came to mind. Since I don’t have any other questions maybe I’ll just hush up and stop causing the drama
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Regarding finishing. You can actually send in your pet to attack the downed player. Then move in behind the pet and start your finisher. That way it will eat the attacks or damage.
Regarding the traps and fighting. Spread out the love a little bit and don’t stack traps It is almost like a meta game in of itself – Simon Says You can position the enemy in some cases especially against stealth players when they try and reset.
I run a similar build and weapon set actually. Although I’m running exotic armor and weapons. Accessories are ascended though. Still works well in solo roaming and havoc squads. Zerg warfare it isn’t that great or so I’ve found. There is another thread active that is front line that I’m going to try I think.
All around I’ve found the new runes to be super fun even when using LB. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks everyone for explaining the build and the play style. Sounds interesting.
However, taking a quick look at it sentinel’s armor is pretty darn expensive to create. As much as I’d love to try it out, I just don’t see this one happening today – lol. Side question. Has anyone tried this build out outside frontlines? I’m curious how it would do in a 2 – 5 man HAVOC squad?
I see that my Ranger will be just as bad at armor/weapons sets as my Guardian I already have 3 sets on this fella, investing in a 4th may just wait. Unless I can dual purpose it that is.
PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW! PEW!
Seriously, playing dress up Barbie now is one of the things to do now that you reached 80. That, and of course, search for a thread ‘80 things to do after reaching 80’ on the interwebs. It is actually a good list of items for people to do once they say they are bored with the game.
NOTE: I know you didn’t say you are bored, but more what next
Pro tip….. Line of Sight the ranger .
Add it to the list already provided Side note, I like your name
Actually the only thing i wish is that they make the longbow harder but more rewarding to play. At this monent the reward is way too high for the low skill needed.
I’d disagree with that.
1. You can use the land to your advantage. Trees, woodland creatures, height, and even guards can take the hit instead of you (note 1: unless they use the trait that is escaping me at the moment. Note 2: P.E.T.A does not approve, encourage, or support the use of woodland or ambient creatures for blocking purposes).
2. What was the first or second rule when killing zombies? Double tap, right? No different here. Double tap means you DODGE TWICE See those arrows miss?
3. Retaliation
4. Wall of reflection
Using RF with a LB doesn’t mean you will win because the basic principle of WvW is situation awareness (remember the zebra, right?). An arrow in the back while engaged in a fight? Sure, I can see the frustration. 8 arrows? Sure, I’d probably pound my fist on the desk and say a few naughty words.
But hey – it is what it is. Isn’t any less skill than any other class. And it can all be avoided. Just to recap:
I’ve brought Lions and Zebra’s to this discussion to talk about the circle of life. I’ve brought in low yield nuclear bombs, eagles, and falcons (fighter jets). Mentioned zombies (who doesn’t like zombies?). Discussed situation awareness and the vital role it plays in WvW.
I think my job is done here
Crapgame, that was not nice reply to SpiritSpeakerOfHoelbrak at all. Do you read the forum? do you read the post? Many player is having same problem; include me. To me why is a problem? If a profession can attack with high damage with low cooldown is a problem. That is what make it broken.
I guess I don’t. But since you said so, maybe you are right. I apologize profusely for raising these awful facts and I do hope we can all live in peaceful harmony with golden bombs of light and love <3
Example; Imagine have the most powerful missle; R-36 (SS-18 Satan) bursting at high speed with low recharge, would you not find that problem?
Again the problem is, be able to attack with high damage with instant burst with low cooldown+ at very far distance; 1500 range is very problem.
No, not at all. The first issue is that I’d know you have intent to launch by spooling up the SS-18. See, those are liquid fueled and not solid. This is going to take you time. Time is something you won’t have much of. Not like the lions attacking the zebra this time but more of a pack of Eagles screaming in loaded with a couple B-61’s escorted by a pack of Falcons. Falcons provide air cover and escort eagles bring the boom I didn’t even to mention the prowler or growler that will provide stealth so you won’t even know what hit you. .25 second delay or air burst – bye bye.
I can go on and on but I think you get the point. So no, worlds largest (which it isn’t) or not. I can still dodge
OP has to learn to play. This isn’t a Ranger being OP moment. It is a zebra not paying attention to situation awareness and the Ranger thinning the herd.
Care to dance? I’m on Emhry Bay
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