Guild Wars 2

Gotejjeken.1267:

RAO also has a long cast time as well and you glow red so everyone knows to avoid you until it goes away.

This made me giggle. But it is true. Hmm…wonder if the orange colored refractor deals would throw people off. Oh look, that ranger has RAO up – RUN RUN RUN!

EDIT: Also Corrupt Boon exists. Turns Rampage as One into Die as One…

Why am I drawing a blank on this. What do you mean?

anduriell.6280:

I don’t play pvp but this build looks like a lot of fun. I guess noone would expect a LB to apply bleeding + burning

Oh, it can. I use it in one of my builds along with superior sigil of incapacitation. Only issue is that sigil is on critical. So to make solid use of it can be tricky but it is super fun. I also run that sigil on one of my guardian builds.

I should note that I use it in WvW – I just noticed this was s/tPvP – my apologies

Tricare.2946:

I’ve been destroying LB trapper rangers all night, it’s a horrible build. Please don’t post videos of you killing bad players with it, trying to show how it’s good.

Lol. Isn’t that the same thing if I was to say I’m killing pew pew zerker rangers? Or any other combination of X vs. Y build? Or anyone posting a video that isn’t the same trait/gear layout as yours?

Just wondering.

I use wolf/spider.

I also use entangle – but that is on my trapper/condi. I use RAO with zerk / pew pew pew build.

Lucente.5071:

I forgot to mention that I was running SB/LB in the 3v3 matchups. I am suprised no one caught that and started trolling lol. A simple WoR would have been a pain in the butt.

As far as the back piece goes, yes a zerker one would be better but I personally like the number of stats that the celestial one gives and doesnt affect my dps in a significant way.

Na, I wouldn’t troll over that

Side note, and if you really are, how are the trap runes with the zerk setup? I wouldn’t have thought to try those with that setup. I run them but it is with a LB/S/T condi solo roaming build. I would expect your condition damage to be moot/low with a full zerk set so maybe it is a wash or a bonus. Figured I’d ask.

FrouFrou.4958:

I use Playclaw to record, tis smooth ‘n you barely notice it running. Dxtory isn’t bad either.

If you run a Nvidia card, shadowplay is the ticket. Set it up to record a rolling time window, I use 20 minutes, and then dump it if you have a special moment you want to edit. Also smaller 5 minute windows happen to be more worth while if you are roaming with faster action.

WvW and in my condi/trap build I’ll just toss a trap, go invis, and reset. Drop a few more traps and stand in. Once they engage I’ll know, drop torch aoe, few axe throws, then do what other said.

Knock back with LB, then RF, swap back to my axe/torch, more traps and they are usually dead or running off because I’m not an easier piece of meat.

BarnabeJonez.6023:

Stomp + Block too OP.
In all seriousness, this build is scary. If I saw you while on my thief, I think I’d just run.

You wouldn’t see him unless he was carrying a sign

Although I meant to say earlier I don’t get the back piece.

BarnabeJonez.6023:

Stomp + Block too OP.
In all seriousness, this build is scary. If I saw you while on my thief, I think I’d just run.

You wouldn’t see him unless he was carrying a sign

Lucente.5071:

Yeah I feel the same way. We have been on GoM since day 1 of the game. The problem is that the GoM community want to go a different direction to our guild. We want to be competitive in WvW and go to T4 amd beyond but the community wants to be in bronze league.

Many left Ehmry Bay for similar reasons. Ironically they soon found out that the grass isn’t always greener. Wish you luck though. Also props for using Obsidian Sanctum for what it was patched to do. It is actually good to see.

Side note – and I may be derailing the thread – skill isn’t what separates the various leagues. It is wall clock coverage. No more, no less. Hoping this will be addressed when the expansion hits but don’t expect it to.

Lucente.5071:

We are actually on NA. We used to be #1 guild on GoM and transferred to Yaks Bend Last week. I work till 3am CST so I dont get online till about 4am CST. :P

You probably left GoM at the right time. They are getting wreckt…

Then again I have little room for people that bail on servers.

Yup, same here. I’m with Sube Dai on this one in that I just use normal.

Could be because I’m not the greatest at key binds But it works for me and I’ve not had any issues.

Dead Muppet.9718:

Crapgame.6519:

Dead Muppet.9718:

1st im not defending rapid fire. I personally didnt want buffs to the offensive ability of the ranger, rather defensive.

For those saying it takes 2 dodges, traits or utility to avoid the damage of rapid fire. Was this different at any point in the game since release?

Three Minutes.

Reflection.
Retaliation.
Land / trees / ambient creatures.

Three things off the top of my head on how to react when said ranger unloads rapid fire on you. Heck, most smart rangers won’t even unload RF on a idle player because the first reaction is typically to double tap / dodge….there goes rapid fire.

This is really a L2P issue like we all say. 1200 base, 1500 with trait range. Get over it already. It isn’t going to be adjusted because a vast majority of the player base already knows the dance involved with rapid fire.

I agree its a L2P Issue.

What I was trying to point out is -
The Range
The Damage
The Way to defend vs this channeled ability
Has been the same since the release of the game

True, I agree.

NewSentiment.1645:

Crapgame.6519:

They are very viable. I switch out between trapper / condi set solo roaming and standard pew pew pew zerk build when running with ele/necro duo.

Traps are fun.

Thanks for the post mate!
But I believe I have you confused. I wanted to know if traps were Visiable but it’s good to that they are viable

Not a lot of coffee yet.

Visible. Yes, by your team / side. Enemy, no. They won’t see them at all.

EDIT: I am not aware of any trait/skill by any class that would uncover/detect them. Just thought I’d through that out there. I run with another Ranger who uses traps and I can see his white circles on the ground so know where to place mine.

But if I am guarding a entry point or doing denial of entry, the enemy never sees my traps and always triggers them. Hope that clears it up

Dead Muppet.9718:

1st im not defending rapid fire. I personally didnt want buffs to the offensive ability of the ranger, rather defensive.

For those saying it takes 2 dodges, traits or utility to avoid the damage of rapid fire. Was this different at any point in the game since release?

Three Minutes.

Reflection.
Retaliation.
Land / trees / ambient creatures.

Three things off the top of my head on how to react when said ranger unloads rapid fire on you. Heck, most smart rangers won’t even unload RF on a idle player because the first reaction is typically to double tap / dodge….there goes rapid fire.

This is really a L2P issue like we all say. 1200 base, 1500 with trait range. Get over it already. It isn’t going to be adjusted because a vast majority of the player base already knows the dance involved with rapid fire.

They are very viable. I switch out between trapper / condi set solo roaming and standard pew pew pew zerk build when running with ele/necro duo.

Traps are fun.

Lettuce.2945:

Try it.

Lettuce – let it go. Outside looking in he isn’t really picking an argument with you. Just debating based on his play and understanding. At the end of the day agree to disagree. No harm, no foul.

Same story. Same answers.

This is a L2P issue.

Move along.

Dardamaniac.1295:

Some traits are ridiculsly underpowered for a 2 years game..

Yup. Just take a look at the patched in new trait for Guardians – Radiant Retaliation

My guess is that every class has one or two that make you wonder what they are thinking.

Lettuce.2945:

What are you bringing to the table being a full glass ranger other than being downstate food?

He is bringing PEW PEW PEW. Otherwise known as instant death regardless of class. This does, of course, have requirements and restrictions so use at your own risk. If I am playing un-ranked and solo it does require smart play but even then I don’t find myself being downstate more than anyone else.

On the other hand if I’m paired up with a guild member/friend it is another story all together because the combo of CC + RF + Rampage as One = instagib.

Any full zerker class in s/tPvP or WvW has high risk vs. reward. Some players are better at it, while others are not. Having no dog in this fight I’m solely commenting on what a zerker brings compared to the other build and say it isn’t just a downstate player. That is just a bit of a wider blanket statement. They are attempting to bring in a higher DPS or Burst to take the enemy out as quick as possible.

To comment on the thread, I try builds all the time from this forum. My comfort level though is trying to keep PvP and WvW builds similar so I don’t have to think so much between meta’s. Isn’t getting old a b!tch

WvW I use axe / torch. Like someone said above it has its place. Zergs you are getting some AoE. That means bags.

Flipping camps? Trap, entangle, fire, AoE axe = short work of camp.

I’m finding my Ranger is much that of my Guardian. You will end up with multiple sets of weapons at the end of the day. Then you will use more than others once you find your comfort zone or favorite build.

Honestly that is why I’ve not made any ascended armor pieces yet on either of my main characters because I really haven’t found a set that would work for all builds I run. And I have two ascended weapon boxes that I’ve yet to use for the same reason

Axe is good. I use it but that is just me.

Ynna.8769:

Crapgame.6519:

In two out of the three meta of play WvW and sPvP reward group play / offensive and zero rewards for defense. That is a major problem. Fix that, and people will be stripping conditions and handing out boons like skittles falling out of the sky. Trust me.

It’s not just that, but it’s also that most people don’t notice it when you’re properly supporting them. In the clash of particle effects it’s hard to notice the (often subtle) visual effects of the plethora of boons we grant. This makes it hard to be appreciated by your teammates.

Actually, that is a very good point.

Black Box.9312:

Ynna.8769:

Realism debates about what weapons should do what are silly. Not only because Guild Wars has actual magic, but also because balance and theme will always come first. The skills on the weapons are also limited and each profession has different needs.

I’m not saying the Shield is an awesome weapon. All I’m saying is that “Shield is supposed to block” isn’t a constructive argument. Swords are supposed to bleed, hammers and maces are supposed to daze, etc. Greatswords don’t exactly shoot laserbeams in real life.

As far as I’m aware, you were the one to bring realism into debate by asserting that “anything can be used to block in real life”.

So I don’t really see where you’re going with this.

It was probably me, not that it matters. The fact is the focus and mace block better than a shield. End of discussion on the fictional comment I made – intent was not to side track just state shield doesn’t do what it is naturally supposed to.

Personally speaking it needs an overhaul and needs to block. Also attach a guard feature to it so it intercepts melee attacks if you are near person guard is stacked on. Or blocks frontal attacks with a higher percentage.

I don’t know but shields should be mandated one would think to command out in WvW and/or push forward. As it is now it is just lack luster on all counts.

Nice video Amins. Still miss you on ebay. Server seems to be picking back up in WvW lately which is good.

You stop playing Necro or just rotating around again?

Also consider using Tombs of Knowledge if you have any

Just play unmatched sPvP games and you will:

1. Learn the class in regards to PvP, not a bad thing (no disrespect, I don’t know skill level)
2. Earn rewards (gear, skill scrolls, and tombs to level)
3. Maybe have fun if that is your thing – you play, level, and equip.

Cons:
1. You don’t get to see the world environment – it is rather pretty
2. Map complete
3. Maybe others but that is just two to get started :0

On topic. I will second the GS. I would also consider Hammer and staff. GS/Hammer is a solid combo to use. Soft cc and great damage between the two. Also staff to beat feet across the map (point a to point b). That is pretty much what I used.

AOE grinding hearts I’ll use mace/focus.

Cuzican.1087:

@Crapgame,
Thanks to you I got my trapper built and took her out to EotM for a test drive. yesterday
Those trapper runes were all I needed to keep up with the zerg.

Got a few small skirmishes and ended 5-to-1 (not counting zerg fights, of course). The movement denial and stacked conditions worked well.
I surely need to practice though.

Thinking I should go back to my Logitech G13. Missing that joystick for kiting.

You are welcome Cuzican. Like I noted in another thread I’m not that good at this class and there are many others with better play. However, the runes for me are fun and seem to work well. You know you did good when after death you get that cross realm invite/chat or a piece of siege dropped on your corpse

Also not a lot of Rangers seem to use them so it is always a way to startle the enemy when the fight starts. Sort of cool if you ask me. And these threads always start the conversation again regarding rangers and these types of builds.

If you are in EoTM – just remember not to trap if you are going to knock the enemy or target off a high ledge. That one took me a while to remember sadly but know when I run out there to farm, I have it down

Personally speaking I do not understand how you melee rangers do it. Maybe because I main a Guardian like forever and only recently switched to a Ranger. But when I go melee I always end up eating dirt.

Side note – have you tried the prickly pear pie? Life steal plus condition. I use it on my trapper and love it.

Kreed.2768:

I tried my hand at running WvW trapper a while back. It can be a tricky build to run as solo roamer. I would definately take frost trap with you for that quick disengage without stealth being immediately broken by accident.

I can’t really give any advice on the weaponry, since I ran shortbow with axe/dagger, instead of sword/torch. I like having a ranged weapon in such an open field mode, since I can keep DPS up when I need to pop a trap and get some space to breathe and heal.

But speaking of open field. Though it’s hard to do in WvW of how the maps are designed, traps can shine in tighter areas, where you know enemies have to pass through, making it easier to know where you should place traps when on the offensive.

Certain camps you have an amazing denial of area (Pang and Dan) come to mind. Others you just draw in the guards and wear them down. I forgot about that Kreed, good points.

Now level up Chef if you haven’t already and make some:
Prickly Pear Pie

I use Axe/Torch with LB. Frost, flame, and spike traps. Entangle.

Don’t expect to win everything especially when solo roaming. Be careful of upgraded camps. You will need to find the comfort level for your style of play. Once you get in the comfort zone camps will melt and you will be able to manage fights even if out numbered. Running three traps is a bit risky in my opinion but I do it because I’m, well, stupid or lazy.

I also run with another trapper ranger and he uses LB/GS. Oddly enough I don’t know his trait setup but he does rather well and appears to have more burst than I do. However, the two of us do well. Especially when we get traps in sync – lots of cross realm tells complaining about CC…

The food is the best I can recommend at the moment. Other than that I think the runes are a great addition. I have run them since they patched in.

Harbinger.8637:

This is why a lot of players fail with bunker Guard; it requires very selfless type of mindset. You have to put your ego and personal agenda aside for the better of your team. A lot of other professions are just about you and your own survivability. However, bunker Guard is much different. It’s all about empowering your team (no pun intended), in order to win. This is the reason why I enjoy bunker Guard so much.

Ok I’m done now.

It isn’t that people / players fail, but more that the game designed fails. I think typically Guardian players know they need to be selfless and put others first but the game doesn’t reward selfless playing(outside of PvE).

In two out of the three meta of play WvW and sPvP reward group play / offensive and zero rewards for defense. That is a major problem. Fix that, and people will be stripping conditions and handing out boons like skittles falling out of the sky. Trust me.

I, for one, enjoy the supporting role that a guardian plays. However, at the end of the night outside busting zergs my bags have very little skittles in them compared to those who are running with the full posse.

Just my take.

EDIT: Oh, and fix shield already!
EDIT 2: Oh, and there is zero reason why any light or medium armor class should outlive / sustain one wearing heavy! Worse design flaw in the game bar none this lack of offensive / defensive class hierarchy

/rant off

Hmm…not to hijack but I actually learned something by reading this, thanks

I don’t think I’ve ever used Piercing Arrows but could see how it would act in WvW. I don’t worry too much about retaliation but I can see how one could nuke themselves to oblivion using it if they are not good at situational awareness.

Trapper runes are it honestly. I’ll also use the speed boosters which help when I don’t want to keep throwing traps. It isn’t has fast as traveler which a few of the people I roam with use, but with the trap runes and/or boosters I’m still always within eye sight and usually within LB range.

Another ranger I roam with from time to time uses GS/LB with the trapper runes. He does really well and gets around a bit faster than I do with GS leap or whatever it is.

I don’t know if Keen Edge makes sense in my build but I have it.

Sharpened edges, trappers expertise, and trap potency seem to fit well.

Wilderness knowledge, off hand training, and empathic bond also seem to work.

So out of that bunch keen edge is the only thing that I couldn’t figure out. Nor do I remember 100 percent why Like I said I main a Guardian but really like the Ranger. So I try and use range as much as I can to stay out of my poor melee skills Trapper runes seem to give me a easy way out of melee and get back to range.

EDIT: Oh, one other area in my build that I think is not right and that would be Superior Sigil of Incapacitation. It is the new one that is 60% chance on critical to inflect 2 second cripple. It rocks on my zerker set up so this may be a after effect of using similar weapon or having a brain fart. I don’t think trapper runes in my case with rabid armor make a high crit build, so I should probably change that

Cuzican.1087:

I have always liked torch as the offhand weapon on my condition ranger.
But I am just putting together a trapper build and thinking about dagger instead.

With Flame, Spike, and Frost Traps loaded would dagger provide greater utility (condition variety)? Some folks seem to like it.
(Note: Lightning Reflex will likely replace Spike Trap and I am using Energy sigils).

What clear advantage does dagger have over torch?

Comparison
Dagger – single target – provides Poison, Bleed, Cripple – 250 & 900 range
Torch – single/aoe – provides Burning. – pbaoe/1200 range

FYI, this build will be a WvW and PvE tagger and farmer/roamer.

My trap build for WvW is 2/6/6 with axe/torch and long bow. I prefer frost, flame, and spike trap with entangle. I’m not a pro ranger by any means but this works for me and makes short work of any camp I take. Rabid gear + condition accessories.

Feel/comfort level is what it does. I can spin up conditions and bleeds pretty quick yet get away from most classes. I’ve had small havoc groups chase me all across the map because the amount of speed burst and soft cc I can lay down.

Its not perfect but to answer your question I like axe / torch. I’ve tried dagger but if truth be told, I suck at melee on a ranger

Tragic Positive.9356:

For PvP we have plenty of options, even though I wouldn’t recommend Power GlassBow at all. You’ll see many of then, so be aware.

Not sure I would agree with this statement. For any class really.

Playing Glass/Zerk in any class brings high risk with great reward. It isn’t for the feint of heart, no. Nor would I recommend for the beginning player. However, there is a element of play style here that can prove to be a challenge.

Didn’t somebody have a build for spirits just a week or so back? Sort of like the turret version but with spirits

Edit: here it is. https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/professions/ranger/Turret-Engie-Ranger-Style

Oberon Vex.1389:

IMO: take Flame trap and Frost trap. YES spike or poison trap will give you more damaging conditions, but you are NOT revealed from stealth when frost trap goes off, so it can be a good escape tool (this is using “runes of the trapper”). Then i’d make sure to take a stun break. Since you are taking up your utilities with trap skills, Signet of Renewal is a pretty good option (stunbreak AND condi clear).

Trapper runes are a blast and not widely used, at least not out in EBay’s maps. I’ve been using them for some time now but still have yet to find a balance between speed and LB damage. I really like the superior sigil of incapacitation mixed in but it is a on-crit sigil.

I was using Frost, Spike, and Flame traps with somewhat good success. Thief seem to wreck me though but that is just me sucking vs. that melee class

I’m guessing this is based off a power/zerker build but I’m only playing the Ranger as an alt so not sure. By any chance any information on the build? I run 6/4/0/4 power build but haven’t tried GS ever…

And I use healing spring, signet of renewal, stone, muddy terrain, and rampage as one. I see you mix in more traps from time to time among other things.

Thanks.

Good job. Quote of the clip:

“Well, that escalated fast”

ArchonWing.9480:

I reskinned my focus into a wine bottle (Courage). Hey, I mean if the thing that looks like a shield doesn’t block anyways, oh well. I’ll be drinking until it becomes better.

Lols. I’ll have to check that out just for giggles.

Black Box.9312:

Ynna.8769:

Crapgame.6519:

It makes no sense that it blocks better than a shield. I’ll even go so far to say the same thing with mace, one handed sword, and a few other classes that block with a GS. Arena Net really missed the mark around what should and should not block.

Magical things like bubbles or temporary walls are one thing. Wielding a large piece of wood or steel block is another…

Pretty much every weapon in existence can be used to block (in real life), you know.

Well if you’re going to provide that argument, you also have to mention how silly it is to try to block an attack with a harp or a baseball or a loose chain instead of an actual shield.

Lol. This actually made me giggle

But yes, it is true to some degree but I was coming from the aspect that size does matter in this case. I very well could be wrong in that the focus has a history or something in GW1, I never played it. I just find it ironic that this little magical thing does a better job of blocking than a shield. Honestly, from day one, I thought shield would actually block but no, focus blocks more.

Could be ignorance (is bliss), could be that my main in DaOC was a Thane who’s shield actually blocked – so on my part it is a l2p

ArchonWing.9480:

While I agree with taking out fights against uplevels and people that are clearly zergbuilt, putting in losing fights is fine. Honestly, it’s better than trying to pretend one never loses.

Problem is upscale players are part of WvW. Let them stay in the video unless you are seeking them out intentionally. Heck, I got a few tells last night, and I’m sure we all do, after killing a few greens. Hey, why did you kill me. I’m like because you are there you fool. I’m not here to pass out golden bombs of light and love or give you a bag of skittles. You are on a PvP map, by choice, so of course I’m going to fight you…. /sigh.

I don’t think they will ever make shield 5 on movement because of the initial push-back. I guess they could make the initial cast a push then during movement it just blocks…but still seems awkward.

Remove focus is what I’ve always said and thought. It makes no sense that it blocks better than a shield. I’ll even go so far to say the same thing with mace, one handed sword, and a few other classes that block with a GS. Arena Net really missed the mark around what should and should not block.

Magical things like bubbles or temporary walls are one thing. Wielding a large piece of wood or steel block is another…

Saiyan.1704:

Crapgame.6519:

I think this is a moot point outside the trait being broken, if it is. I mean outside our discussion here has any of the developers said anything? Let us say it is working, how many condition based Guardians do you see running around? And even so with this fixed do you expect to see more?

I don’t. Not much survivability and other classes still do the job better.

The point is the trait is either not working at all, or it is working, but unnoticeably so. If it’s the latter then power builds do retaliation better… so there’s no reason to trait for it.
I rather not have a broken grand master trait, regardless if it ever gets utilized.

Oh, I agree regarding the broken part 100%. Just odd that if it truly has been around for a while then one would think A.net would admit or say something. Especially since the last patch changed and/or touched traits.

tanshiniza.8629:

This make them a lot less effective in WvW roaming because you’re not going to have a skritt chewing on your ankles to keep setting off that swiftness when the cooldown expires.

This made my day, thanks.

I think this is a moot point outside the trait being broken, if it is. I mean outside our discussion here has any of the developers said anything? Let us say it is working, how many condition based Guardians do you see running around? And even so with this fixed do you expect to see more?

I don’t. Not much survivability and other classes still do the job better.

Aomine.5012:

Added note, if you play Power ranger, on the same skill level, you cannot defeat most experienced warrior and guardians, but you can easily do so with spirit ranger.

I’ll grant you warriors. But Guardians go down like a hot knife through butter. Especially if you have played one because it is Captain Obvious when they are queuing up their DPS rotation…

Not sure who to thank (sPvP player base or game design) but retaliation was toned down just about a year ago to date – but that was the borderland bug fix. Then what, another year earlier it was butchered?

I can somewhat see the change in WvW due to “possible” number of players. However, in sPvP it is 5 v 5…

Fluffball.8307:

Crapgame.6519:

Side question if you will. I thought celestial was a bust after this patch, or that was the intent?

The celestial amulet was too strong in PvP because eles and engis and to some extent a few other classes used might stacking to buff themselves. Eles got all the healing and defense of celestial while still having the damage of a berserker amulet AND a rabid amulet. They toned down might slightly, which is actually quite a lot if you were a profession that could reach high stacks of might.

You could mix and match gear to reach exactly the stats you want, but celestial is just an easy way to have useful gear for any number of builds, and I want another set of ascended gear anyway since it can be used by the entire account. I plan on using the celestial on both my ranger and engi. Rangers and engis both have skillbars that have large amounts of physical and condi damage on them.

Thanks. Appreciate the information.

Fluffball.8307:

Looks like a fun build though! I’m in the long process of making some celestial ascended armor myself.

Side question if you will. I thought celestial was a bust after this patch, or that was the intent?

I haven’t crafted a single piece of ascended mostly out of ignorance and the fact I have 4 sets of gear on my Guardian and can’t find any common ground with my Ranger either. Never seem to stay into a single build which is why I’m probably average…

PurebladeProductions.4875:

The trait worked when it was first introduced, I remember it being somewhat underwhelming because I had high expectations and then went to figure out the formula and documented it on the wiki.

Everyone had high expectations for it thinking it would kick our lack of condition play in the rear. Sadly, it missed.