Guild Wars 2

Warhorn has a purpose, but both the skills and trait are rather lackluster. Can’t just blame the ‘horn. I’d personally rather see some small changes to both skills and a major one to Windborne Notes.

Both skills could use a 5-second reduction on their cooldowns. Then, bump up the number of targets Hunter’s Call can summon bird swarms on from 1 to 3.

As for Windborne Notes, the bug that applies double cooldown reduction can be addressed, then have its functionality changed to: “Warhorn skills convert 1 condition into Regeneration (10s) on allies within range.”

At least then, there would be some flexibility and worthwhile utility added to the trait with further effectiveness Marksmanship synergy for Clarion Bond, other than being another regeneration source.

Alexander.6250:

Still think glyh of alignment should do more condi dmg. Because I would love to use glyphs but the poison dmg on it is just so low.

Alignment is a debuff Glyph. The poison damage isn’t to be counted on, its 3 stacks are there just to even out the former raw damage it had during beta, which was equal to Equality.

Oh, yeah. That’s the other change Glyphs need: Rejuvenation should also heal the Pet by default.

I think the only change Glyphs need is to be usable underwater. =(

MadCat.9172:

- Staff #2: …Have option to detonate the wisp…

Like searching the sea for gold. Though the rest of your suggestions do hold some merit in one way or another, this particular section struck my fancy.

The vocal majority have stated that Astral Wisp leaves something to be desired. It’s not a bad skill and it does what it intends to do rather solidly. However, this suggestion of giving it a detonation option is something – I believe – to be discussed and possibly elaborated on.

Sacrifice the Wisp early before its duration is up for an effect other than healing. A support for allies? Something detrimental for nearby foes? Both? The curiosity of possibilities grasp me on this one. >:}

Take an example from the QoL 2.0 thread I posted awhile back. [LINK] for format, or even old feedback given for Druid during beta [LINK]

• Opening paragraph(s) of 1-2 length on what the thread is about and its significance.
• The suggested idea or proposal.
• Details and elaboration in spoilers with an average length of 2-3 paragraphs and each paragraph being 3-4 line breaks (forum format) or sentences.

Or as shown in the 2nd link, the title of a topic as the Spoiler’s heading, with bold sub-topics, followed by the subject underlined, and if need, bullet points for further or simpler elaboration.

Because that reply of Gaile’s that Frou posted is correct: Walls of text are off-putting. Even though a post can be long, spoilers help cut down on digging for a certain point or suggestion. This also means try not to have walls of texts in spoilers either, unless points are finely separated.

Yeah, like adding more keybinds. I can never wrap my head around the fact that the developers will not give Rangers full control for Pet skills, but would provide additional keybinds for the Commander function.

Just having access to all Pet skills and “Return to Me” and “Attack my Target” as 2 additional keybinds would go a long way. Heck, they can even add 2 more for players that want more fine-tuned Pet control.

Ayrilana.1396:

I thought everyone was farming AB?

Not to those that do not own Heart of Thorns. SW was also decent filler between AB metas. So… yeah. =/

Agreed on that split. Would be nice if the damage bonus from Wild was moved to Hunt so it can become instant with stability and (essentially) super speed. I’d take a short duration +25% increased damage buff for me and my pet on Hunt over 50% on the next attack for sure.

On that note, I’m not convinced Enlargement deserves to be its own trait. A merger with Brutish Seals would make it appealing and beef it up. Have an slot open for something… more retro that can introduce some synergy with a certain gameplay style and traits.

I have another weird idea, but it probably won’t work without shuffling one trait down. :s

Tragic Positive.9356:

What suggestions do we have for tracking targets, so far?
~Dash for melee abilities
~Pet attacks are performed faster
~Damage is applied instantly, attacks have after-casts rather than cast times
…?

I’m always down for an increased attack speed modifier in Beastmastery, specifically, to replace the 10% damage modifier when above 90% health minor so pets can cast their attacks faster and gain an increased chance of landing their strikes.

Even though an increased attack range on pet attacks to hit more reliably seems as though it maybe an issue (depending on perspective), following the example as represented on Birds, I find this would be all right with those exact limitations.

The only attack Birds have that is longer than 130 range is their auto-attack. Other moves such as Swoop and F2 commands are limited to 130 range. I think it’s a reasonable start to increase the range of only the auto-attack of all melee pets to feel out the waters. Even birds can miss a moving target, which seems decent enough.

As for Wyverns, why not thematically increase the potency of their attacks to be a strong, on-point defender? Small things such as each strike of Wing Swipe applies 1s of cripple and Tail Lash can have its cooldown raised in trade for a 2s knockdown instead of cripple.

Being able for them to hit a moving target seems difficult without altering their moveset (specifically the auto-attack) and I have not seen Anet do that for any pet, ever.

Shadelang.3012:

I want to thank everyone here for there replies so far. It feels like most people agree that having fortifying bond base line or a similar mechanic (Like pets simply getting straight benefits from what boons we have on ourselves) is one of the things we need as a start.

-snip-

What are your thoughts on this?

I mean, having ideas are fine and all, but that realization hit me which made me edit my post and suggestions is that: first and foremost, we should tune our suggestions back and focus on getting Fortifying Bond baseline.

Tragic does have truth in his post when he states that once sharing (at least) boons (and buffs) with the Pet is baseline as part of the Ranger profession, everything else can begin to be fine-tuned afterwards.

Just a suggestion on our suggestions now. Maybe hold the suggestions that would require heavy-loaded amounts of work and aim towards reaching 1 common goal that seems reasonably obtainable that will have a significant impact on the class.

Heh. I guess a mod shut it down due to the paragraphs about Heart of Thorns being closer to its release date. Thanks for the re-post!

Eval.2371:

What do you think about about on f2 use the ranger gets its current quickness and the pet gets 3 seconds of alacrity?

I’m not sure. Last time I checked (maybe 3-4 months or so ago) Alacrity had some funky interactions with the Ranger and pet.

I recall if the player received it but the pet didn’t, the F2 icon would be ready but would not activate since the cooldown was tied to the pet. If the pet were to receive it and not the player, our F2 icon wouldn’t be affected though internally, the pet’s ability would.

I don’t remember seeing any patch notes saying otherwise or testing it out recently as I login now just for the login rewards and sometimes the daily. If it has changed since that time (of 3-4 months ago), someone do update me/us.

EDIT: Yeah, after going the opening posts and my own, I’m redoing my suggestions.

• Glyph of Rejuvenation to also heal the Pet.
• Lowered F2 cooldowns on core Pets.
• Baseline Ferocity and Healing Power on Pets.

And lastly, make Fortifying Bond baseline. “We Heal as One!” can even be reverted back to a plain heal if this change were made or even altered so the heal extends all boons on you and your pet by x-seconds. Sharing boons with the Pet should not be locked as a trait.

You could have used spoilers and had each section neatly hidden in tabs. Just saying. I haven’t read all of it, but the multiple walls of text aren’t inviting me to do so at this time.

I’ll comment later when I have actually read everything.

There is still this thread LINK that was done by Firelysm several months ago on pet DPS against the moving Golem in Heart of the Mists.

Data should only be skewed in regards to Bristleback and Smokescale as they were the only 2 Pets altered in some way since then, so the rest of it should hold up.

Josh Davis.6015:

Is there a similar thread to this one but for pets – ideally somewhat current? Looked over a few pages but came up empty handed. Would love to take a look.

There is no current one at the moment. Since the last update, Rangers have been primarily focused on the last patch and its changes.

Pets are a whole other can of worms. Some were mentioned before, the smaller adjustments could be made to improve pets below.

• Glyph of Rejuvenation healing the Pet.
• Pets receiving base Healing Power and Ferocity.
• Lowered F2 cooldowns on Core Pets.

Then there is Fortifying Bond becoming baseline. Ponder on that issue, as that would be a small change with large impact for the class, in both effectiveness and quality of life with the profession’s core mechanic: the Pet.

FrouFrou.4958:

Here’s me hoping that one day when I read the patch notes it says maul is now also a blast finisher :<

I hope for this, too. I’d even take it as part of Two-Handed Training just to have it.

Still would like to see the axe auto have a bonus like Dragon Hunter’s Longbow auto. Would be nice to have it be like: “Ricochet: Gain Might (5s) for each target struck. Inflict Bleeding (4s) on all targets if an axe hits a second target”

That and like I mentioned above, Split Blade and (maybe) Winter’s Bite should probably get a power increase. There’s no reason (to me) that connecting all 5 axes on Split Blade should deal equal damage of an auto attack – the same issue Shortbow had before it was updated.

Tragic Positive.9356:

Either that or change the function of the trait into something that doesn’t kill the purpose of the ability cast (S&R is supposed to pull allies out, but this trait makes you go in instead).

I personally want to see the trait work like Scrapper’s Function Gyro. If a downed ally is within range, you can select them and an interaction prompt will appear. “Press F: Search & Rescue”

Then S&R can be activated for that specific ally and teleported to you while the pet starts reviving them. At that point, cooldown reduction to match S&R’s and have an icon for Allies’ Aid so we know when it’s ready to use.

Tragic Positive.9356:

I already explained why. You just said that having a Ranger Grandmaster improving our Fury with +20% bonus crit is overpowered, while Necro Grandmaster providing 50% is absolutely fine because it is a Grandmaster.

Surprised Revenant’s GM trait never came up on this discussion as it amplifies the effects of Fury by 100%.

That said, I would still like to bring up a suggestion about Strider’s Defense. Even if it were to remain in the master tier, a removal of the RNG nature of the projectile destruction and having it promoted across all weapons would be more thematic and flexible. Also, toss in an added damage bonus while wielding a sword; especially after that update.

StickerHappy.8052:

Just curious would you still put this in WS where our 2 condition clears compete still?

I would still suggest EB remain in WS, yes. I know the majority is for EB to be in another traitline, so I’ll make the argument for it.

With EB still competing with WK, it can be an better alternative for builds that choose to not take Survival skills and have other means of conditions clears, yet still want other perks from selecting WS.

It may not be as direct as taking survival skills + WK (on paper), but it opens up options with Signet of Renewal (both the passive & active) and a peculiar play-style of making sure the player is cleansing the conditions off the pet as well in order for it to gain unique conditions again for buff up-keep.

With that particular change, EB could compete both offensively and defensively, as I described before. Not so much love for Poison Master outside of PvE condition builds, but it would compete with that too on a more condition-based, offensive load-out.

That, in turn, brings in better competition among the 3 Gm traits for 2 different areas (defensive or offensive), provides an additional unique style of play, a different way to battle conditions, and synergy with other forms of condition cleanse with Signet/Marksmanship potential.

On the PvE side, could be very competitive with Poison Master during condition-heavy fights since the pet damage reductions also apply to condition durations.

So overall, EB gains higher effectiveness as a choice for multiple game modes, as well as builds. Thus, why I would still vouch for it (with this change) to remain in WS.

Forum Bug.

While you both go at it on Opening Strike minors, I’ll bring up Empathic Bond. There has been numerous suggestions before for this like the Pet just cleansing conditions from the Ranger, transferring conditions onto foes through various means, or even lowering the interval.

I’ll pitch this weird suggestion which takes elements from Scrapper’s Adaptive Armor trait and Necromancer’s Corrupter’s Fervor, but with a twist that play off the aspects of using the Pet as a condition meat-bag.

Just tossin’ that out there.

Well, it’s a stun break. Usually those are around 40-45 seconds. Not all, just usually. Granted, you make a case on one point. I’d like to see that damage component removed so there could be an avoidance of being stunning when using LR because you struck someone with a shock aura.

That, and maybe some synergy with survival skills without being specifically for survival skills as part of a current existing trait in another traitline outside of WS * cough-cough * “…when you break a stun, you gain, cast or activate X…”

Names are… lackluster. But that doesn’t really matter. I just can’t wait to see them poorly implement this in Living Story season 3. Since the writing ranges from mediocre (at best) to dumpster script, I’m going to call it now.

The “heroes” get together, one of them asks what they should be called. Random names are presented – probably the 2 “non-winners” are mentioned and then thrown out because it’s supposed to be humorous.

Then the winning name is said. Another character says something along the lines of, “I don’t know…” while another agrees with it. Maybe some cliche line like, “…sounds catchy…” or “…has a nice ring to it…”.

And then, just to mess with the player – whether you voted, cared, or neither – have a dialogue prompt with “choices.” Illusions of choice are great in gaming now, so let’s follow the trend a bit more.

The player selects a response, followed by texts of the new “heroes’” responses. But wait! You can click them again, or choose the green arrow that’s curving back to say something else or the red “X” to close the prompt. Because ultimately, what you and your character has to say accounts for nothing.

Finally, the best part happens. The part you’ve been waiting for this entire reveal in the game:

Since pets and Beastmastery was mentioned, I would like to see that 10% pet damage while the player is above 90% health become replaced entirely with “pets attack 15% faster” on the Loud Whistle minor.

Small change with large impact since pets would be able to hit more reliably due to shorter cast times. In my opinion, I would rather my pets be able to hit a target and hit a target more times within a certain period than hitting harder because I’m at/near full health – only to miss a moving target.

That would also, to some degree, improve Wyverns’ slow attacks.

Well, HERE is always a decent start. Fits more into the “tweaks” bit of the thread, at least.

Borya meant ZS on F2 would mean 1 less option to boost a newly swapped out pet aside from Clarion Bond. He is also mentioning a potential drawback such as ZS being placed on the F2 command could be twisted in a way in which the player would have to be within a certain radius of the pet in order to receive the boons.

It’s an interesting and realistic way to think of it (imo) as Anet has “twisted” suggestions before. Granted, there is currently no trait in which a Pet will grant a boon or buff to only the Ranger and pet on F2.

All traits so far have a radius attached which can affect multiple allies, leaving the pet without said benefits if the target cap is reached. That being said, Clarion Bond can also suffer from this (without Fortifying Bond). A pretty fair concern & perspective, at least to me.

Yeah, keep it simple and maybe tie in some trait synergy to it like the old trait layout. Small bumps like having the bleeds also apply to the next 5 pet attacks also and lowering the cooldown a notch from 45-seconds to 35s.

Then bring in some trait synergy in another traitline, like Hidden Barbs in Skirmishing to tie in with Wilderness Knowledge and other Survival skills. Something along the lines of: “Bleeds do 33% more damage. When you break a stun, cast Sharpening Stone.”

Could give SK/WS condition Rangers some flexibility taking one of the Survival stun breakers in place of Sharpening Stone, or have the opportunity to double up on it after breaking a stun if they do slot it.

StickerHappy.8052:

Like what extra? can you show some of your ideas regarding the f2s. Would love to see it!

I would but then Borya brought up a valid point. Something to think about imo

Invigorating Bond is all right. I’d go as far as increasing the radius to 600 and place 2s of Resistance with it. That’s about it.

As for traits that grant effects on pet swap on F2 instead, I personally would like to see that spread out on the rest of the other pet swap traits.

Attach a bit extra to Zephyr’s Speed to retain some flavor while altering it to give some team utility and reduce its effectiveness to balance it out.

I’m always down for Healing Spring receiving a bonus from Trapper’s Expertise. Probably the only thing I’ll chime in on.

No thanks.

While we’re on the topic of shouts, results, and these runes: Sic ‘Em! should be modified to work like Warrior’s “On My Mark!” shout whenever the rune update goes live.

No target required to activate the shout and apply the buff to the pet. When a target is selected during activation the reveal is applied like the vulnerability for “On My Mark!”

Mixed bag on how to feel about the response. Good that it will be looked into, but there’s some jadedness because it “seems reasonable” for the devs to have a rune bonus apply to Ranger shouts as it does on all other professions.

Anyway, when it is fixed, I suggest changing the description on the 6th bonus so there is less/no confusion since it also applies to Reaper shouts and not all Ranger shouts affect allies (without being traited) from:

(6): Shouts remove a condition from each affected ally.

To

(6): Shouts remove a condition from nearby allies. (600 radius)

Or, you know, remove the ferocity and have the axe trait improve all possible 5 axe moves instead of the one.

I just find it funny that main-hand axe and shortbow used to share similar issues where their spread shots and 3rd skill had damage almost equal to their respective auto attacks.

Shortbow received some love in addressing this but axe didn’t. Maybe Winter’s Bite doesn’t it need it so much since they added the bleeding, but this still seems odd to me.

Tragic Positive.9356:

Wondrouswall.7169:

I’d be all for that if Anet did something as ballsy. Every class having that 5th traitline be an e-spec and give the profession something so core specs aren’t left in the dust. I’d take that over another e-spec power-creep infested traitline in the next xpac anyday.

-snip-

We’re on different pages here. I was more on the lines of that 5th trait line being an e-spec, then reworked to be unique when slotted (such as a new F5). Very broad when I state it, but it I’m not really game for expanding on what I meant other than agreeing with a core Ranger should offer something unique rather than obtaining that uniqueness from slotting Druid.

I’d rather Anet do again what they did a few times before by mailing small, unique gifts in the mail like miniatures or skins to those that spent money for gems at the end of the year or period. I enjoyed those little “Thank You” items like the Green Quaggan backpack cover.

The items did not hold much significance, but it was the thought that counted. Imagine that… Too bad they managed to mess that up the last time by restricting the money spent between a few selected months and then tiered these “gifts.”

Anyway, I’m not against the idea of a VIP monthly subscription program, but I’m not for it either. It all depends on the execution, and I don’t trust the ones at Anet in charge of dealing with such matters to execute it appropriately.

Shadelang.3012:

Its why there have been suggestions to make one of the core specs an “elite” spec for base ranger. Something that only rangers could take that druids lose access to. Like the beast mastery line so that anet has something they can use to balance our damage and our sustain independently.

I’d be all for that if Anet did something as ballsy. Every class having that 5th traitline be an e-spec and give the profession something so core specs aren’t left in the dust. I’d take that over another e-spec power-creep infested traitline in the next xpac anyday.

Every now and then I visit the old sword animation video. Sometimes I think of why Anet just didn’t modify the old animations, but then I remember that this is Anet.

Work on your wording first, cause Fluff has a point. You come off as hostile and one-sided. As much as the Ranger community would like the nerfs to stop, you (or the community) will not receive an answer from Anet with that approach.

Still waiting for the day when Spirits on gutted further. There’s one thing about them that has remained for so long, I’m surprised Anet didn’t touch it yet. Days are numbered.

They did already when the WS minor was cut from 50% endurance regeneration to 25%, then to 20%.

Can think of a few more things on the chopping block as well. Druidic Clarity is one of the obvious ones. Expect a hit to another shout.

I guess these are good. It’s optional with extra achievement points. More information in-game would be better than in patch notes. As for improvements, it’s all preferences.

Personally, I would have liked if it led to a personal instance you can go alone or with a small party and fight the bounty. At the moment, I have had either end of the extremes when engaging these champs.

The first was with a large group of people waiting for a bandit to spawn, which then looked like a world boss event. Lots of particle effects with the boss melting due to the zerg.

For the other encounter, there were 4-5 of us and I got to see all of the attack patterns of the boss and had a fun and challenging time. Again, that’s just my preference and 2 cents. Haven’t done the Ley-Line events, only the Bandit ones, so keep that in mind when reading my feedback.

Furajir.3815:

It’s been pretty clear for a looooooong time the devs don’t care nor listen to the community and it’s suggestions, the sooner you realize this and play the game for fun, the better off you’ll be.

This is actually wrong as of late. We might be receiving reductions after all this time, but they have listened to the community. Shout changes, revert on Smokescale, quality of life adjustments, etc.

Realize this, if anything; if you play, keep going, and don’t bring up suggestions and concerns, then nothing gets changes; for better or worse.

You seem to be doing fine, so keep playing and more power to you. As for everyone else, keep up the discussion and expressing your concerns and feedback.

I like those suggestions, Orpheal.

It’s not dead, but it’s dying. You can keep spouting the same motivational thing you have been doing, or you can try to see the middle-ground.

Sure, some might be going overboard with the nerf, but rather than “adapt and overcome,” how about realizing that the balancing needs to be more balanced?

It’s just as tiring and equally worse when there is a failure to notice that, even though some builds are or can still work, diversity is being phased out. Rather than flexibility, choices are being narrowed.

Don’t take this as an offense, as it is not meant to be, but trucking on only does so much.