Guild Wars 2

Raine.1394

However, you are right, it will not stop as long as VP is in the game and we are being exercised on the treadmill.

Raine, you know that I agree with you about VP to the letter, and I admire your intelligent and rational posts. But it’s time to let it go … you have fought the good fight. But it’s over. Below is a cut and paste of a post I made on another thread, but I believe it pertains to this discussion as well.

“Needless to say, my post history will indicate my fervent anger and dislike that Ascended was ever introduced at all. However, I’m smart enough to know that that ship has sailed, and we should not waste time re-litigating this topic. It is what it is, and that being the case, it’s time to move forward and offer viable and reasonable methods to lighten and facilitate the acquisition of Ascended items, as opposed to unrealistic and absurd fantasy scenarios where Anet rolls back the Ascended Gear.

Given this, I think it is important that we focus on making suggestions that move Ascended items towards a multi-acquisition mode (like exotics) as opposed to utterly wasting time in a debate about Horizontal vs Vertical progression. A debate in which, they are NOT going to roll back anything, and they are going to stand by their claim that they had always intended to have low-power curve vertical progression through ascended gear, and possibly other ways in the “distant” future.

So there is nothing to debate, despite their pre-release marketing, Gw2 is now a vertical progression game: period, end of story.

That said, I love the graphics of this game, it’s truly beautiful,. And I love the no must-have classes (trinity), and I enjoy WvW roaming, PvP and also some of the DEs and Dungeon paths. And what’s more, truth be told, there simply is nowhere else for me to go (at least for right now) for my particular play-style as far as mmo’s are concerned. Eventually a company will create, and stand by, a 100% horizontal progression game that also has modern graphics and solid game play – and when they do, I’m all in, but that moment, is not now. For now what we have is a plethora of Vertical Progression MMO’s to choose from, and given the choices I have, I choose GW2.

For my part, I intend to flood whatever thread they create on the subject of Ascended gear with suggestions that lead to a faster, cleaner and far less grindy means of acquisition."

It’s one thing to fight against the odds, it’s another thing altogether to fight windmills.

And the reality is, that with each passing month the core demographic of this game is changing. Changing from those, that like you and I, thought they found a haven for a 100% skill based horizontal progression game, to one where the early game buyers begrudgingly accept the changes from what was marketed and promised to the game we have now. Add to this the large number of new players from traditional MMOs, the hardcore-grinders that enjoy VP and stat advantages – and it is what it is.

Gorani.7205:

With new prefix items coming in regularly (e.g. Settler’s, Sentinel’s as temporary ones) and the appearance of a great variety of ascended items with new and permanent prefixes (e.g. Celestial => Solaria), I really wonder why there is no ascended line of amulets, rings or earring/trinkets with the Carrion prefix.

So here is the question (more to developers than to the community):
When will those Carrions items be introduced?

(I see no reason why they should not exist, so why don’t we have them)

Thanks in advance for reading & answering

Ascended Carrion and Valkyrie were promised to be introduced about a year ago. Since then, and only about a month ago, they introduced Ascended Carrion and Valkyrie weapons ! So perhaps, after the Ascended Armor is introduced? Or maybe after Ascended Runes or Sigils?

But fear not, I’m sure they will roll them out as soon you change your build. ;-)

Ranger : main-hand Axe, +10% base weapon strength.

Currently, given the weak power of Ranger main-hand Axe, I think it would serve you far better on your Warrior. Of course this could change with a future patch (and I suspect it will) that upgrades the direct damage of the Ranger Axe; but even assuming the buff was around 5% to 6% from what it is currently, it would still perform better on the Warrior.

On the other hand, and far more importantly, on which toon does it LOOK better … go with that one! LOL

OP, I agree, but you’re wasting your time, below is a post of mine from another thread.

“Needless to say, my post history will indicate my fervent anger and dislike that Ascended was ever introduced at all. However, I’m smart enough to know that that ship has sailed, and we should not waste time re-litigating this topic. It is what it is, and that being the case, it’s time to move forward and offer viable and reasonable methods to lighten and facilitate the acquisition of Ascended items, as opposed to unrealistic and absurd fantasy scenarios where Anet rolls back the Ascended Gear.

Given this, I think it is important that we focus on making suggestions that move Ascended items towards a multi-acquisition mode (like exotics) as opposed to utterly wasting time in a debate about Horizontal vs Vertical progression. A debate in which, they are NOT going to roll back anything, and they are going to stand by their claim that they had always intended to have low-power curve vertical progression through ascended gear, and possibly other ways in the “distant” future.

So there is nothing to debate, despite their pre-release marketing, Gw2 is now a vertical progression game: period, end of story.

That said, I love the graphics of this game, it’s truly beautiful,. And I love the no must-have classes (trinity), and I enjoy WvW roaming, PvP and also some of the DEs and Dungeon paths. And what’s more, truth be told, there simply is nowhere else for me to go (at least for right now) for my particular play-style as far as mmo’s are concerned. Eventually a company will create, and stand by, a 100% horizontal progression game that also has modern graphics and solid game play – and when they do, I’m all in, but that moment, is not now. For now what we have is a plethora of Vertical Progression MMO’s to choose from, and given the choices I have, I choose GW2.

For my part, I intend to flood whatever thread they create on the subject of Ascended gear with suggestions that lead to a faster, cleaner and far less grindy means of acquisition."

Needless to say, my post history will indicate my fervent anger and dislike that Ascended was ever introduced at all. However, I’m smart enough to know that that ship has sailed, and we should not waste time re-litigating this topic. It is what it is, and that being the case, it’s time to move forward and offer viable and reasonable methods to lighten and facilitate the acquisition of Ascended items, as opposed to unrealistic and absurd fantasy scenarios where Anet rolls back the Ascended Gear.

Given this, I think it is important that we focus on making suggestions that move Ascended items towards a multi-acquisition mode (like exotics) as opposed to utterly wasting time in a debate about Horizontal vs Vertical progression. A debate in which, they are NOT going to roll back anything, and they are going to stand by their claim that they had always intended to have low-power curve vertical progression through ascended gear, and possibly other ways in the “distant” future.

So there is nothing to debate, despite their pre-release marketing, Gw2 is now a vertical progression game: period, end of story.

That said, I love the graphics of this game, it’s truly beautiful,. And I love the no must-have classes (trinity), and I enjoy WvW roaming, PvP and also some of the DEs and Dungeon paths. And what’s more, truth be told, there simply is nowhere else for me to go (at least for right now) for my particular play-style as far as mmo’s are concerned. Eventually a company will create, and stand by, a 100% horizontal progression game that also has modern graphics and solid game play – and when they do, I’m all in, but that moment, is not now. For now what we have is a plethora of Vertical Progression MMO’s to choose from, and given the choices I have, I choose GW2.

For my part, I intend to flood whatever thread they create on the subject of Ascended gear with suggestions that lead to a faster, cleaner and far less grindy means of acquisition.

1. Ascended Gear – I’m hoping the topic is created for the sole and only purpose of discussing new avenues of acquisition (karma, tokens, laurels ect …), and addressing the issues of balancing of the mats and time required for their acquisition.

Needless to say, my post history will indicate my fervent anger and dislike that Ascended was ever introduced at all. However, I’m smart enough to know that that ship has sailed, and we should not waste time re-litigating this topic. It is what it is, and that being the case, it’s time to move forward and offer viable and reasonable methods to lighten and facilitate the acquisition of Ascended items, as opposed to unrealistic and absurd fantasy scenarios where Anet rolls back the Ascended Gear. Given this, I strongly recommend that the Dev moderators on this topic keep it on track. Besides, if it’s not done that way, and you do allow folks to debate the topic, I will be suspended for 2-weeks within the first 5 minutes of the discussion. So Anet should do themselves (and me) a favor and keep this topic highly focused.

2. Prioritization – Meaning, while I realize that three are only so many tasks that can be accomplished in a day (or week, or month ect …), I think it may be wise to allow some of your most loyal customers to speak out on exactly what should be prioritized, and what can be put on the back burner.

Example: Ascended Carrion and Valkyrie trinkets. here is a perfect example of something that very much could, and was, put on the back-burner … but for God’s sake man, we have now come full circle and it is nearly 12 months since Ascended trinkets were released, and still these items do not exist as an option for laurels! And yet, I can already possess an Ascended Carrion or Valkyrie weapon despite the fact that the means to obtain these items is around a month old?

Same for certain class bugs that have existed since launch – while I sincerely appreciate your QoL updates on patch days, it just seems odd to me that I would have a storage Wallet (which I very much appreciate) BEFORE some very important and game-changing bugs that have existed since launch are addressed?

Anyway, that’s my 2 cents ….

Durzlla.6295:

Ision.3207:

zabriel.4852:

Enough about engis lol . Seriously, Why do you guys get ingored? Rangers is the class right now with the most problems. I figure its because any thing right now thats works with an AI sucks. Ex. Ele’s conjures, Ranger’s Pets, Engi Turrets. I think this game has a problem with AIs and since Ranger’s are soposed to rely on a bad AI(pet) they are going to have major issues.

Nope, only some folks claim the Rangers are broken – primarily those that want Anet to totally redesign the class into a pet-less massive damage Ranged dps-er … or those that want their pet buffed to the point they can play a combination of easy-mode and god mode. So I’ll say it again:

Funny thread … especially given how solid the Ranger class is in all modes of game-play when skillfully played. Of course like each and every single class in this game, the Ranger could certainly use some tweaking and adjustments, but there is no “crisis” here lol.

Truth be told, the so-called pet “issue” is for the most part, no more than a learn to play issue.

With one, and ONLY one exception, there is absolutely nothing about the Ranger class that makes it a poor class compared to others. They are rock solid in sPvP, among the very best in over-world PvE, and hold their own quite well in WvW. And oddly, despite the “pets are useless” claims and the “our dps is terrible” claims, Rangers are among the best of 1v1 duelist and sPvP classes. Of course there are adjustments that need to be made, skills that need refinement and so forth — but this is true of every class in the game.

As to that one and ONLY exception, that’s obviously PvE dungeon grouping. But if/when Anet were to add a simple “dungeons ONLY pets take 50% less aoe damage” (or some other simple alternative like this) … then this too will become a non-issue.

You must not play anything but ranger, anything and everything a ranger can do the other profs can do better, the ranger is pretty good at 1v1 but i’d say mesmer (maybe not in this Condi meta) and thief are above them now…

I know how to play my ranger, i’m by no means bad at PvP with him, but once you start playing other profs and really knowing what they can do… it’s depressing going back to ranger…

Yes, that must be it, all I play is Ranger —- you got me … LOL ;-)

I’m off now … gotta go play my broken Engineer for a while …. have fun.

zabriel.4852:

Enough about engis lol . Seriously, Why do you guys get ingored? Rangers is the class right now with the most problems. I figure its because any thing right now thats works with an AI sucks. Ex. Ele’s conjures, Ranger’s Pets, Engi Turrets. I think this game has a problem with AIs and since Ranger’s are soposed to rely on a bad AI(pet) they are going to have major issues.

Nope, only some folks claim the Rangers are broken – primarily those that want Anet to totally redesign the class into a pet-less massive damage Ranged dps-er … or those that want their pet buffed to the point they can play a combination of easy-mode and god-mode. So I’ll say it again:

Funny thread … especially given how solid the Ranger class is in all modes of game-play when skillfully played. Of course like each and every single class in this game, the Ranger could certainly use some tweaking and adjustments, but there is no “crisis” here lol.

Truth be told, the so-called pet “issue” is for the most part, no more than a learn to play issue.

With one, and ONLY one exception, there is absolutely nothing about the Ranger class that makes it a poor class compared to others. They are rock solid in sPvP, among the very best in over-world PvE, and hold their own quite well in WvW. And oddly, despite the “pets are useless” claims and the “our dps is terrible” claims, Rangers are among the best of 1v1 duelist and sPvP classes. Of course there are adjustments that need to be made, skills that need refinement and so forth — but this is true of every class in the game.

As to that one and ONLY exception, that’s obviously PvE dungeon grouping. But if/when Anet were to add a simple “dungeons ONLY pets take 50% less aoe damage” (or some other simple alternative like this) … then this too will become a non-issue.

zabriel.4852:

Ision.3207:

zabriel.4852:

I am an engineer. I feel your pain to a certain extent. We are close on the charts of broken classes. Just wanted to ask. Were rangers at beta better than rangers now? I was talking with my Ranger friend and he says Rangers were so much better during the beta weekends. Just want to hear your taughts to that.

/salute to all you Rangers!

Engineers are broken?

Really?

FACE-PALM

Ehhh. They can offer more than they do now. I say this because it seems like grenades/bombs are the only viable build in pve. If your running a dungeon and your not using grenades or bombs, you end up getting kicked out the party.

Kicked out of the party?

Then I guess I’ve been lucky on my Engineer.

Personally I’ve never seen an Engineer kicked from a party (or have ever been kicked myself). Now mind you, there are some total scrubs that run dual-pistol zero kit builds or rifle zero kit builds (these are the Engineer version of BearBow Rangers) … but even these guys have managed to not get noticed in the dungeons runs I’ve been in.

But thanks for the warning.

zabriel.4852:

I am an engineer. I feel your pain to a certain extent. We are close on the charts of broken classes. Just wanted to ask. Were rangers at beta better than rangers now? I was talking with my Ranger friend and he says Rangers were so much better during the beta weekends. Just want to hear your taughts to that.

/salute to all you Rangers!

Engineers are broken?

Really?

FACE-PALM

funkylovemonkey.3097:

One of the problems I’ve been encountering lately after I invested more heavily in damage on my Ranger… I’ve often killed my target before my pet even gets there. At the very least my target is near half damage, and then once it gets there it has to stop, set up and then start attacking, which probably takes another second off at least. Which means that a significant amount of my damage is only present for half the fight.

This is made worse if there’s an obstruction between me and my target, because the pet AI won’t allow it to jump off a small cliff, for example, it has to go around.

If Anet is going to force me to fight with a pet, they really need to address these problems.

ahahahahahaha …

Okay so, you say, "One of the problems I’ve been encountering lately after I invested more heavily in damage on my Ranger… I’ve often killed my target before my pet even gets there. "

Wow, what a nice problem to have! ROFL

Then you say, “If Anet is going to force me to fight with a pet, they really need to address these problems.” – ah, Okay, now I understand – you want the Ranger dps to be nerfed so your pet can contribute too. Gotcha.

Funny thread … especially given how solid the Ranger class is in all modes of game-play when skillfully played. Of course like each and every single class in this game, the Ranger could certainly use some tweaking and adjustments, but there is no “crisis” here lol.

Truth be told, the so-called pet “issue” is for the most part, no more than a learn to play issue.

With one, and ONLY one exception, there is absolutely nothing about the Ranger class that makes it a poor class compared to others. They are rock solid in sPvP, among the very best in over-world PvE, and hold their own quite well in WvW. And oddly, despite the “pets are useless” claims and the “our dps is terrible” claims, Rangers are among the best of 1v1 duelist and sPvP classes. Of course there are adjustments that need to be made, skills that need refinement and so forth — but this is true of every class in the game.

As to that one and ONLY exception, that’s obviously PvE dungeon grouping. But if/when Anet were to add a simple “dungeons ONLY pets take 50% less aoe damage” (or some other simple alternative like this) … then this too will become a non-issue.

Xsorus, that was an excellent post. Bravo!

While I think that Devourers are a bit better than you have described, I won’t quibble, because your write up was so dang good. Besides, the fact that someone actually posted a “fix pet” thread without the usual kittened claim that they are all 100% useless and the usual goofy demand for a “perma-stow give me 40% more dps in exchange” option is refreshing. And your comments on the Bears was especially spot on, and well stated.

Personally, I believe that with a few simple tweaks to specific pets and traits, Anet could do a world of good for the Ranger class. Rangers are already among the very best roamers and duelers in WvW (despite the so-called useless pet claims – funny that), and also one of the top solo classes for PvE (don’t laugh at that either, there are indications that over 60% of mmo players are solo players, Anet cannot ignore a number like that). And Rangers continue to be among the top 3 0r 4 classes for sPvP . So fundamentally, the Ranger pet fixes boil down to Dungeons and WvW Zerg fighting.

IMO, I believe that with a few pet tweaks, and change to a trait or two, and last but not least, a 50% reduction in taking AoE damage — and the so-called pet “crises” will be over for most everyone except the worst of the low-skilled players.

Once again, thanks for the nice write-up.

Chokolata.1870:

so, is there a pet HP boost in WvW or not ?

Good question?

And here’s another question: Was there even a Pet health boost in PvE?!

The tooltip for My Jaguars health is identical to pre-patch?

I’m not seeing the 71% ?

Class forums:

Warrior: we need more dps, and we are sick and tired of the nerfs
Guardian: we need more dps, and we are sick and tired of the nerfs
Necro: we need more dps, and we are sick and tired of the nerfs
Ele: we need more dps, and we are sick and tired of the nerfs
Mesmer: we need more dps, and we are sick and tired of the nerfs
Ranger: we need more dps, and we are sick and tired of the nerfs
Engineer: we need more dps, and we are sick and tired of the nerfs
Theives: we need more dps, and we are sick and tired of the nerfs

Okay, just kidding – lol

Actually, in between the I quit posts and the whine for more dps, the class forums are full of good suggestions and valid criticisms; and yes, I am fairly sure the Devs read them. In fact, there have been a few changes made to some classes where I firmly believe the ideas sprang from some of the debates on the class forums.

DeWolfe.2174:

What strikes me as a bit funny is, those that posted defensively, obviously didn’t understand the link. That link isn’t negative, it’s pointing out healthy and positive ways to cope with criticism. I found this post as doing the Dev’s and the Moderators a service.

Let’s not derail this thread.

Bravo!

Of course they reacted defensively, the gazillion-post trolls rarely if ever offer any valid criticism or decent suggestion … that’s not their goal.

Jack of Tears.9458:

Ision.3207:

Dev 1: Hey Boss, check out the great idea by a forum poster we just suspended for 3 days … it’s a great idea!

Boss: Oh hell yeah – put that one in right away, and also add a Gem store option so we can make a few bucks. And btw Dev1, forget 3 days, make it a 7 day suspension.

Sorry, this whole thing is a hallucination made to validate a kind of bad behavior. Nobody does this. Instead they skip the angry, poisonous post and read the exact same suggestion from someone else what took the time to make the suggestion in a constructive way. Trying to convince people it’s okay to be mean doesn’t make it okay to be mean. When you attack people, the first thing they do is stop listening … but if you say things in a reasonable way – even if it’s an angry but reasonable way – it’ll get allot further.

Okie Dokie, if you say so – LOL.

If you guys honestly believe that Anet Devs will not take/use/incorporate a good suggestion/idea from a forum poster that is rude (even extremely so) you’re nuts. And the same goes for abrasively worded criticisms that are valid; they will act on them if it improves the game overall, and especially if the change will lead to more revenue.

Dev 1: Hey Boss, check out the great idea by a forum poster we just suspended for 3 days … it’s a great idea!

Boss: Oh hell yeah – put that one in right away, and also add a Gem store option so we can make a few bucks. And btw Dev1, forget 3 days, make it a 7 day suspension.

;-)

Juvenile Forum Poster

F2 = QQ (kills with a whine that no one can tolerate)

KedirakEvo.5719:

Oh my… very informative… hmm i need time to digest all da post… Thanks everyone.. and do keep them coming so i can explore my options more…

So signet wise, just keep the regeneration signet? toughness is …. not worth a slot? the rest as spirits?

The Toughness signet is wonderful, one of the best … but NOT for the build I gave you.

I would love to see a Spit Command in GW2, but not for the game itself … but for the forums. That way when you get trolled by one of those nut-job gazillion post spammers, you will have the proper emote response.

Oh, and don’t go anywhere near the Warrior class given your specific desires in gameplay – although strait forward and easy to learn, they require the very highly active play-style that you are trying to avoid.

Try this ….

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fMAQNBjODbkoKxOwyvi1SQsKAoWBKxUcoE9eQL13+UGyXeCC-jQyAYLioZiSwILJmKAlALiGbZsIas6FMdJRUtHvIa1yAsMBA-e

This is a highly simplified Beast-Master build that focuses on your pet both surviving and doing a good half of your dps. The Runes and food choices are NON-optional, or the build breaks down (I gave you the cheaper more reasonable versions of the foods and Oils, and they will do just fine, you don’t need the rich mans top level versions).

Here was some of my reasoning:

1. Limit your need to pay attention to conditions with the runes, food and Signet of Renewel. Basically you just ignore any conditions you see on your toon unless there tons of them, then and only then you hit the signet. Also, given your lower reflexes, the runes help lower your stun time.

2. Pets: Devourers in Dungeons (they are almost fire and forget pets – ALMOST, not always lol), Drakes in open world PvE or DEs, and Dogs in WvW (but if you run dogs, you have to change the build slightly).

3. Longbow is your single target weapon, and your "I’m pretty safe here and don’t have aggro weapon), Axe/Warhorn is your, oh crap, they are on me weapon, and your keep Fury going for crits weapon. Make sure your switch between the two regularly.

4. Lots of folks go the Healing Power route for simple beast-master builds, but for your specific needs I think the Toughness/Vitality route is better. So that explains my Armor and trinket choices for you. I tried to give you just enough Precision so that with Fury up, you crit over 50% of the time (and your pet will too).

5. Your signets: basically you ignore them totally and live off the passives (more health, speed boost). The actives on the first 2 are basically pet burst damage skills that are used by people for a chance at a quick kill – you don’t need that. Only the last signet, SoR will you ever hit, but rarely – you will hit that one when/if you notice you are plastered with lots of conditions.

Bottom line: This build would get smashed and totally rolled over by any hardcore competitive player … but I got news for you, 95% of the players are not these people. The forums will give you a skewed perception of that because it’s populated by a very large percentage of these type of players. And yes, this includes WvW, were 95% of the time you will be facing people of your own approximate skill levels and with far less than optimal builds. With this build I believe you will do absolutely fine in every venue of the game, and you will be a solid contributing member of any PuG or casual guild. Now, would I want someone with this build in MY dungeon group: NO, – but I’m a min-maxer efficiency weirdo … but please try and remember, that folks like this are in the VAST minority.

PS: don’t even think of stepping foot in PvP with this build … lol ….

KedirakEvo.5719:

Ision.3207:

Kedira, you’re probably going to get ripped for your post —- but try hard to ignore the morons. There is always a segment of gamers that take games far too seriously and as a result forget that others play games merely to play games. Also, you’re going to hear that Rangers are garbage in Dungeons blah blah, you also need to ignore that as well, as it’s simply untrue.

I will try and come-up with a build for you and post it later. Since my own build would not fill any of what your asking for in the slightest (as I am one of those that takes gaming a bit too seriously – but hopefully not to the total crazy no-lifer level – lol).

Best of luck.

PS: for what your looking for in a toon, forget Mesmer – it’s Ranger or Guardian for you.

LOL!!! Somehow ur post crack me up! Yea i knew the flak Im going to take so im prepared. Know why? Coz I used to be like those hardcore gamer, till i lost whats so important to me in life… that I shouldnt take games so seriously. If you ever played Lord Of The Rings Online, Im kitten good with my Warden back then… its the hardest class in game… thats how hardcore… but thats the past now…

And yes please do help me out here with ya special build Thanks a lot man.

Aww and i tot mesmers are very cool!!! Ranger or guardian… I love being a tank in previous MMO :p looks like even a complete stranger knows my style :p

Small world: I had a Lore-Master in Lotro, and a rank 12 Warg Stalker

Kedira, you’re probably going to get ripped for your post —- but try hard to ignore the morons. There is always a segment of gamers that take games far too seriously and as a result forget that others play games merely to play games. Also, you’re going to hear that Rangers are garbage in Dungeons blah blah, you also need to ignore that as well, as it’s simply untrue.

I will try and come-up with a build for you and post it later. Since my own build would not fill any of what your asking for in the slightest (as I am one of those that takes gaming a bit too seriously – but hopefully not to the total crazy no-lifer level – lol).

Best of luck.

PS: for what your looking for in a toon, forget Mesmer – it’s Ranger or Guardian for you.

Chris Whiteside.6102:

I think the thread is getting pretty of track at this point. We have discussed implementation of the 3 threads and had some pretty enjoyable conversations.

if we have nothing more to contribute about the Collaboration process then i suggest that we think about closing the thread, as folks who want answers on questions that are not on topic are going to get frustrated if i don’t discuss it with them.

Do we want to continue talking about the main topic of the thread?

Chris

Chris, thanks for posting and being willing to address these issues.
BUT, word of warning. Quite often players (myself included) are a bit short sighted on what they want, and as a result they clamor loudly for what really is not in their best interest. Ten thousand players yelling loudly that they want more DPS for their class does not make it a smart move, regardless if there is a poll indicating 99% approval for such a move.

Also, I read that you intend to send DEVs to speak on the Class sub-forums. Well I don’t know who it is you are going to send to the Ranger sub-forum, but whoever it is needs to be paid bonus hazard pay, and he should be advised to take out a life insurance policy before he goes in.

Using the Ranger sub-forum as an example, just look at what is being asked for. On the one hand there are the terri-bad players that according to them the pet is 100% useless, dies from a breeze and makes them useless. On the other hand are the elite-pro players with 4k rigs and the reflexes of a tennis pro who are asking for a dozen more buttons to push so they can micro-manage the pet down to when it takes a poop. And all of this will be asked for despite the fact, that in general, the class plays fairly well and is highly competitive in most venues of the game (WvW roaming, Open-world PvE, PvP, and depsite the outcry – even in dungeons). Now of coarse this class needs some work and some tweaks (especially in a few boss encounters in dungeons), but be very careful – because you could end up breaking what is not broken – despite the whine.

But I only used the Ranger forum as an example – I’m not picking on them at all (I have an 80 Ranger). Because you are going to encounter this in each and every single sub-forum regardless of the class – and yes, even in the Warrior and Guardian sub-forums.

Anyway, best of luck and thanks for the feedback,

Ision

Morrigan.2809:

Ision.3207:

Tolmos.8395:

Lord Kuru.3685:

If they tailor content so that it’s of the correct difficulty for Exotics then it will be too easy with Ascended. Those with Ascended gear are Anet’s loyal and longtime customers (you wouldn’t have Ascended gear if this weren’t true). They will complain loudly.

tl;dr – the hardcores will cry if you don’t.

That sounds like an excellent reason to kamikaze your game by alienating the majority of your playerbase. Because it’s always an excellent idea to cater to the hardcores; that never backfires.

Tolmos, I get what you mean, and agree.

But let’s put these so-called “hardcores” in their proper category – they are hardcore “grinders”, not hardcore competitive players. A hardcore grinder is all about loot (gold), unique gear (posing) and having a stat advantage over others (an unfair edge). While a hardcore competitive player is all about skill and despises stat advantages because he wants level-playing field (or as close as you can get to it). The former is primarily only a measure of time spent in-game doing easy repetitive tasks (like farming the easiest path of the fastest dungeon or WvW 5 on 1 ganking), – while the latter purposefully seeks difficulty to test his skills.

Never confuse a hardcore grinder with a skilled competitive player – they are not one in the same.

I love you for this post, seriously.

Well I’m not going to say, “I love you too” …. lol

But I will say, thank you.

:-)

Ahlen.7591:

Onshidesigns.1069:

Ision.3207:

Ahlen.7591:

I really doubt the horizontal progress people are the ‘majority’ of the playerbase.

The majority of the playerbase is people who don’t fall into the hardcore OR horizontal groups.

Agreed, most people simply take the game as it comes. And there are casual players who prefer Vertical progression and there are casual players who prefer Horizontal progression. So there are 2 different preferences for how a game should handle progression. Likewise there are 2 different types of players that are hardcore; there are the hardcore grinders, and the hardcore skill players.

I don’t think most players have any concept of how to do horizontal progression and why it’s better.

Vertical progression to me leads to gated content and a slow death of a game.

Ya we saw how short WoW was am I right? That game died so fast because of Vertical progression.

Once again I have to agree with Ahlen. Despite the fashionable trend to bash WoW, it really was/is a wonderful game, especially for folks that are ultra casual or hardcore grinders. Of course there was always a segment of the WoW player base that wanted a true 100% skilled based horizontal progression game, and quite a few of those folks migrated to GW2 based on that idea (as well as from many other mmos). Ironically, less than 3 months after release GW2 followed in the footsteps of WoW and added a grindy VP – funny that.

Oh well, such is life – maybe another company will create a game with horizontal progression as a core principle and actually stick with it. Until then, I’ll make the best of this game, which at least has no must-have classes (trinity) and wonderful graphics going for it.

Ahlen.7591:

I really doubt the horizontal progress people are the ‘majority’ of the playerbase.

The majority of the playerbase is people who don’t fall into the hardcore OR horizontal groups.

Agreed, most people simply take the game as it comes. That said, there are casual players who prefer Vertical progression and there are casual players who prefer Horizontal progression. So there are 2 different preferences for how a game should handle progression. Likewise there are 2 different types of players that are hardcore; there are the hardcore grinders, and the hardcore skill players.

Tolmos.8395:

Ision.3207:

Tolmos.8395:

Lord Kuru.3685:

If they tailor content so that it’s of the correct difficulty for Exotics then it will be too easy with Ascended. Those with Ascended gear are Anet’s loyal and longtime customers (you wouldn’t have Ascended gear if this weren’t true). They will complain loudly.

tl;dr – the hardcores will cry if you don’t.

That sounds like an excellent reason to kamikaze your game by alienating the majority of your playerbase. Because it’s always an excellent idea to cater to the hardcores; that never backfires.

Tolmos, I get what you mean, and agree.

But let’s put these so-called “hardcores” in their proper category – they are hardcore “grinders”, not hardcore competitive players. A hardcore grinder is all about loot (gold), unique gear (posing) and having a stat advantage over others (an unfair edge). While a hardcore competitive player is all about skill and despises stat advantages because he wants level-playing field (or as close as you can get to it). The former is primarily only a measure of time spent in-game doing easy repetitive tasks (like farming the easiest path of the fastest dungeon or WvW 5 on 1 ganking), – while the latter purposefully seeks difficulty to test his skills.

Never confuse a hardcore grinder with a skilled competitive player – they are not one in the same.

Fair enough; I stand corrected. I shouldn’t have lumped all hardcores into the same boat.

Oh no, no need to stand corrected, your original post was spot on. It just that the word “hardcore” has been hijacked by grinders to denote skilled players, when in fact, grinders are anything but.

Windu The Forbidden One.6045:

When anet stated during Eurogamer there wouldn’t be anymore zones, a part of me died.

Relax Windu, because if it was stated on Eurogamer you can bet it’s not true.

For example, once upon a time: Colin Johanson to Eurogamer, "Everyone, including casual gamers, by level 80 should have the best statistical loot in the game. We want everyone on an equal power base.”

So as you can see, there’s no need to put any stock in something said to Eurogamer.

Tolmos.8395:

Lord Kuru.3685:

If they tailor content so that it’s of the correct difficulty for Exotics then it will be too easy with Ascended. Those with Ascended gear are Anet’s loyal and longtime customers (you wouldn’t have Ascended gear if this weren’t true). They will complain loudly.

tl;dr – the hardcores will cry if you don’t.

That sounds like an excellent reason to kamikaze your game by alienating the majority of your playerbase. Because it’s always an excellent idea to cater to the hardcores; that never backfires.

Tolmos, I get what you mean, and agree.

But let’s put these so-called “hardcores” in their proper category – they are hardcore “grinders”, not hardcore competitive players. A hardcore grinder is all about loot (gold), unique gear (posing) and having a stat advantage over others (an unfair edge). While a hardcore competitive player is all about skill and despises stat advantages because he wants level-playing field (or as close as you can get to it). The former is primarily only a measure of time spent in-game doing easy repetitive tasks (like farming the easiest path of the fastest dungeon or WvW 5 on 1 ganking), – while the latter purposefully seeks difficulty to test his skills.

Never confuse a hardcore grinder with a skilled competitive player – they are not one in the same.

Scoobaniec.9561:

Hah, i actually wonder if they going to release ascended runes and sigils, and stronger infusions.

Oh there’s no need to “wonder” about it – you can bet your life they will. The Vertical progression will go on (and on and on and on ….)

BUT —- let’s try and take things one at a time. Ascended armor are next up —- so let’s try and address that for now.

Dr Ritter.1327:

I know the damage is already done with the ascended crafting materials and raising the crafting level cap, but I feel like ascended armor should be a reward from a questline.
Expand further on the background story of ascension and how it relates to fractals. This is the perfect opportunity to give what most GW1 players want to see, a return of familiar lore and possibly enemies.

Ritter, I agree wholeheartedly. And hopefully Anet will also introduce another method (karma, tokens, ect …) of obtaining Ascended Weapons as well.

While I don’t care if one of the methods of obtaining Ascended Armor is through crafting (like the weapons), I would really love to see OTHER methods of acquisition existing from their very inception. A reward from the quest line is an excellent idea, as would be a dungeon where tokens exist for their acquisition. And for the non-dungeon runners, Karma would make an excellent currency for Ascended armor (in the same way Laurels are for trinkets).

Essentially, when it comes to Ascended “anything”, the more methods of acquisition the better. The damage has already been done with Ascended, and they are not turning back – okay, so be it. But it would be nice if they lessen the pain (grind) of obtaining it by expanding the methods of acquisition.

Burnfall.9573:

Hello Chris,

I applaud you for representing Arena.net mindfulness, thoughtfulness and reasonings to their game, community and its players.

But!….

Yes there is a but..

there is 1 thing that is missing in Marrying and Uniting these 2….

Action

13+ month and going,

Supporting and Justifying Favoritism of classes; thief, alongside side-kick> warrior
Suporting and Justifying Tyranny and Elitism mechanics; Thief stealth, backstab, heartseeker, s/d thief, Perma-stealth, Perma-stun, Perma-evade, Perma-Teleport, Perma-Evasion, Outrageous single damage attacks……
Supporting and Justifying of Imbalance mechanics stripping the Fun factor in the game
Apposing and Punishing anyone who Dare question Injustice and Abusive actions and behaviors.
Apposing and Punishing anyone who Dare questions your reasonings in rewarding Elite and Favorite classes with Undeserving Rewards while Punishing the less Advantage ones..
Allowing and Supporting Outrageous Laggs, Crashes, Freezes and Disconnections to contine for so long.
(these are the few i can think of now)
Oh! wait!!
Empty Promises!

So once more Chris,

Where is Arena.net Actions in dealing with these?

Oh! I have the answer..

With 13+ months later,

None Whatsoever

(Just for your information/ FYI)

Your Community Players are Immuned to Words

Since 13+ months ago.

ahahahahahaha …

Burnfall, baby, I love your posts! — But you really need to work on being less passive and not understating your arguments.

;-)

PS: If Burnfall ever learns how to kill thieves in WvW we will never hear from him again; so I hope Anet does nothing to change thieves – cause I would miss him!

When Ascended Trinkets were introduced in Fractals, Anet shortly afterwards created another means of attaining these items (Laurels).

So, Anet, please introduce other methods of attaining Ascended weapons besides crafting.

For example: Karma, Laurels, and/or the ability to purchase them on the TP just like Legendary Weapons can be purchased.

And if this is already in the works and being planned, a small mention of it to the community would be appreciated. I realize that by doing so you may slightly decrease the gold, mats and karma sinks you introduced with the crafting of ascended weapons, but I’m fairly sure that by now those “sinks” have done their job.

Thank you.

The OP makes a valid point. However, you really must be careful in who you label a “troll” since on an given day even the most circumspect of posters may go off on a tangent or miscue on what he thought was simple humor, but was interpreted by others differently. Now bear in mind that “trolls” come in all forms. Now the typical troll usually does not last long on a forum, and at some point they are banned; although many of them have multiple accounts and re-appear under another name. That said, for the most part I believe the Anet Forum Moderators handle this well.

But there are also reverse-Trolls , and unlike traditional trolls, these are nearly impossible to weed out. These type of trolls are easily spotted because they spend most of their time lecturing others on nearly every topic imaginable. The reverse-trolls are basically “self-appointed” spokesmen for Anet, and they pollute nearly every single thread with inane and verbose nonsense. They also tend to speak with the voice of authority, as if they had “inside information” as to what the game Devs intended or think. Always at pains to give the impression they actually know why the game company’s developers made certain decisions or changes, truth be told, they haven’t a clue. Unfortunately, these types have become more common in MMO forums; usually polite, but always pretentious, these creeps are nothing more than control freaks looking to gain some unearned self-esteem on a gaming forum.

BTW, these trolls are also “self-appointed” forum moderators … so be very careful if you do choose to engage one of these gazillion-post weirdoes, because they adore the report option.

Funny thread … especially given how solid the Ranger class is in all modes of gameplay when well-played. Of course like each and every single class in this game, the Ranger could certainly use some tweaking and adjustments, but there is no “crisis” here lol.

Truth be told, the so-called pet “issue” is for the most part, no more than a learn to play issue.

Yumiko Ishida.3769:

Yet no one reads the things I post offering what the company is doing to make amends… They are so blinded by their hate and fury that they can’t see straight, where I’m patient and see through it all to the real efforts the company has made to fix things and learn like all of us do: FROM OUR MISTAKES!

Sure, some stuff is too little too late, but they are trying! They should have held off on ascended gear and legendaries until when it is 100% done, instead of issuing it out in small grindy bits (fractals/laurels) and pieces (champ loot changes/500 craft grind without better loot drop changes) causing more division and instability among the populace than the American Civil War.

But from what I read and disseminated, I can safely determine that we will be getting the things we wanted despite all the shameful clamoring and arguing with the staff and ourselves. I really don’t think we deserve it.

Ahahahahahahaha …

You do realize this a cartoon video game right? I mean there’s no need to posture as some sort of GW2 forum Gandi. But thanks for being so much more patient than all us mere mortals, and for being our champion despite the fact we don’t deserve one.

They will be released in late 2014, along with all the other combos of their next/new gear level of Divine Ascended gear. It’s well worth the wait really, because if they added it now you would miss out on the even higher stat version of Valkyrie or Carrion that will come with the new “Divine” gear.

Yumiko Ishida.3769:

threads! Please read this section of wiki or this interview:

http://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Upcoming_changes_and_features

or

http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/07/18/guild-wars-2s-colin-johanson-outlines-big-plans-and-course-cor/

This is so we don’t have any meaningless repeats of “players are leaving”, state of the game/ complaint threads popping up when we already have them.

This is current stuff so no comments on “oh but that is old news, has been said x months ago or last november.”

I’m trying to being some well needed reasoning to these forums and maybe diffuse many of these situations.

This is old news, and many players are leaving.

survival ……………………………………….

hey guys, below is my basic S/D build …

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fEAQJArYhImgbuR5gjEAkHnYCLjChIKURRxM5A-jgyAYLhQSUQICgJwioxW7KiGreBTVuoalLgHHzbso6AgYA-e

With that build, which food would you recommend?

I’m thinking Saffron-Scented Poultry Soup for more condition control … but, also thinking Loaf of Omnomberry Bread or Mango Pie to help the low Toughness/Vitality.

Please help, any and all advice is welcome.

Thank you.

Sorry …. this was meant for the Elementalist forum …

hey guys, below is my basic S/D build …

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fEAQJArYhImgbuR5gjEAkHnYCLjChIKURRxM5A-jgyAYLhQSUQICgJwioxW7KiGreBTVuoalLgHHzbso6AgYA-e

With that build, which food would you recommend?

I’m thinking Saffron-Scented Poultry Soup for more condition control … but, also thinking Loaf of Omnomberry Bread or Mango Pie to help the low Toughness/Vitality.

Please help, any and all advice is welcome.

Thank you.

Calm down guys, being able to switch stats on your Ascended gear will be available soon. Once the “Devine Ascended” gear is rolled out in late 2014, higher damage stats along with stat-switching will be included.

Jack of Tears.9458:

That was a pretty good Troll post, I could even believe you were being paid to make these, it was that good. (and companies do, do that)

If yer not, maybe link it to a few of Anet’s competitors and ask them for a job.

LOL

Well. let’s not call him a troll yet. :-)

Okay, maybe he is … lol … but he’s obviously just an amateur troll, and can be redeemed. Because master Trolls have a far different style, and are irredeemable. So, let’s wait and see if he begins to post in dozens and dozens of different threads (master trolls never shut up), speaking with the voice of authority of someone with “inside information” as to what the devs intended or think. Add a sprinkle of the finger-wagging schoolmarm reminding folks about the rules, and a dash of the quick reach for the report option … and then, then you’ll have a real troll on your hands!

IndigoSundown.5419

You’re basing your opinion on a damage control statement — aka spin. I know what he said in the Pax interview. I also know what he said to Eurogamer in 2011. The two don’t match up. If their intended direction changed between 2011 and launch — which is what his statements in the Pax interview imply — why remain silent on the change in direction until November 2012?

Bravo Sir, you nailed it. Why remain silent until November of 2012 you ask; because to have done otherwise would have cost them a GIGANTIC pre-release PR nightmare that may have cost them a huge financial loss.

The bottom line is, that GW2 was marketed for years as a game that would not have a heavy gear grind, no must-have classes for dungeons (trinity) and no stat-based vertical progression. It matters NOT the degree in which these elements were explicitly stated or implied. Because through forum posts, feedback and pre-release write-ups – the game company fully understood that the overwhelming majority of people believed those things.

Of course pre-release there were a great many false assumptions made about the game; but quite often whenever a false assumption became widespread, Anet would release a statement that cleared things up. Among the many pre-release “assumptions” made, and repeated endlessly for months on end and in every possible venue imaginable, was that GW2 would have a power/gear plateau once you achieved lvl 80 and a full set of exotics.

As a result, thousands of MMO fans were buzzing loudly about finally finding a full 100% horizontal-progression game for every mode of gameplay: PvE, WvW and PvP. And this was clearly understood as being a fact by the vast majority of people. Interestingly, insofar as the 100% horizontal-progression assumption went, at NO time did Anet feel they needed to “clear things up” with a statement advising folks about another tier of gear and their intention to have vertical progression in GW2. Instead, the horizontal progression “myth”, despite being the single most pervasive myth/assumption about Gw2, that one did not need clearing up until after the game was released and the initial burst of early sales had subsided. Funny that …

They mixed up the new ascended gear codes with the codes from the next tier of gear their planning for 2014, so they need time to clear it up.

;-)