Showing Posts For Demus.4218:
Sword dagger is still super viable (even with auto attack on). Most close combat condi rangers have moved to Axe/dagger and Sword/(torch or other) though. This gives you an extra evade with both weapon sets.
I’m currently running a modified trap build with honed axes instead of Trapper’s Expertise. Axe/Axe with Sword/Dagger. Its fun little combo, use path of scars to pull enemies into you’re flame trap and then split blade them … right in the face.
When I meet a new ranger without gobs of gold, I like to give one piece of advice. Go to Orr and pick yourself up some Dwayna karma armor (only 240k karma). It will give you a good array of base stats and a lot of survivability for whatever build you chose to make. If you spec 10 points into nature magic for nature’s bounty, you’ll have +64% regen duration which helps with survivability a lot while you learn the class at lvl 80. Because rangers are good, but not easy to play.
(edited by Demus.4218)
Pre the latest patch I had been running a hybrid trapper and BM build (0/30/20/0/20) forever, but all of these changes have opened up some great possibilities. So, here are a couple of fun builds I found to start you back on the happy ranger track.
So, you’re pouting about the short bow… put some points into power and pull out the… long bow. Try a Signet and Shout build 30/0/0/30/10. I’ll let you figure out the traits.
Equip Clerics gear with a Longbow and Greatsword for damage. (I also found S/A to be great with that new Axe(4) pull)
Utils: Sick um, Signet of Stone and Signet of the wild for awesome pet burst and survivability from regen and invuln.
If you can’t get used to the long bow, try a Guard Cat build (0/20/0/30/20) This will get even better once they fix the pet condi damage. Hint: in skirmishing, trait for pet crit and might on crit.
I was using Rabid gear with Ranger Runes for this. SB with S/W.
Utils: Guard(cast every 12 seconds gives permanent protection to pet), Sick um and QZ.
This build is going to give you lots of fury, lots of swiftness and lots of regen. SO much lots. All you have to do is keep your enemy slowed down a little with your SB and Sword.
Have fun!
(edited by Demus.4218)
I was in the same boat. I got a set and I run it sometimes with a Hybrid Trap build, 0/30/20/0/20 using the short bow and dagger(5) to stack conditions. I use celestial accessories all the time, so the difference between Apothecary with Undead Runes(cheap) and Rabid with Undead Runes is about 10% crit chance, 100 condition damage and 200-300 healing if memory serves. Honestly I prefer the Apothecary. The short bow already stacks a lot of bleeding, and I’m mostly using that to stop the other conditions from being cleansed.
The ranger mechanics outside of PvE are difficult to master. They’re even more so if your run a glass cannon Rampager (Power/Precision/Condition). Spare yourself the grief and get cleric’s gear. Zho’s named set has clerics stats and is cheaper than most others. is Power/Healing/Toughness.
About the weapons. I run the Power/Precision/Condition on my weapons because I change up my armor a lot and they are always good. Get the cheapest ones you can find and re-skin them later.
Well, I find that the high healing power really helps keep the birds alive. I’m usually getting a little more than 100 hp/sec with signet of the wild. All the silence that the birds and the flock runes add suppresses the damage. Not to mention the interrupts. Every second that they cant hit you is free hp. Also, the bird gets a leap finisher heal from the healing spring.
I agree with you though that the high toughness can be really useful in a chaotic battle. If that becomes an issue, I usually go to a more AOE centric build.
I’ve been running this hybrid SB/GS build for a while. Folks have started asking me about it, so I decided its time to share with everyone. Be forewarned, it isn’t as easy as the ol’ trap and roll. Also, this isn’t going to net you very many kills in a zerg, but then again… we’re rangers.
http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fMAQJAVRjAVN2VWKWo2BimCOZJ2jDxoF9Uke2fxDJIB;ToAgzCpo6x0joHbPuek9sAZUB
0/30/20/0/20
This build has a lot going for it, but the pinnacle of its power is getting your bird to land a crit with an attack of opportunity.
You’ve got an interrupt about every 10 seconds. When you get one, use the pet attack and you’ll get some high numbers. Otherwise, its pretty tanky.
Some notes on technique: Use your cripples to keep them off you, and your birds on them. Swap weapons and pets often for full effect. You’ll be getting a lot of vigor.
You and your bird each have a leap finisher which will heal in the healing spring water field. Try to take advantage of that as much as possible. I like to stagger the use of healing spring and muddy terrain. Sit on MT while you’re feeling aggressive, sit on HS for healing and defense.
Bonus: this build is super cheep to get in PVE and WVW. I built it around Zho’s armor. Stick in some Undead runes and rabid accessories if you want to be able to switch it into a trap build for the zerg.
Enjoy
(edited by Demus.4218)