I have read over the ranger basic's thread and havent really found a build just to my liking I do not really want a pet unless they are truelly needed. I just want to get out of the warrior phase and into a ranged attacker phase I chose ranger due to them having the second highest armor and being able to be at a great distance from their target plz suggestions...
Ranger / ** I'm having troubles.
Wyld Kard
Anyways I am having troubles choosing a secondary proffesion, I will be using this char in missions and exploring. I want and secondary proffesion that enables my ranger to well be the innoying insect that you just can't squash I have read over the ranger basic's thread and havent really found a build just to my liking I do not really want a pet unless they are truelly needed. I just want to get out of the warrior phase and into a ranged attacker phase I chose ranger due to them having the second highest armor and being able to be at a great distance from their target plz suggestions...
I have read over the ranger basic's thread and havent really found a build just to my liking I do not really want a pet unless they are truelly needed. I just want to get out of the warrior phase and into a ranged attacker phase I chose ranger due to them having the second highest armor and being able to be at a great distance from their target plz suggestions...
Chris Wallace
I would do Elementalist if you want to have a char that has a large range of skills. I use Monk as my secondary, i can heal and have smiting spells too...its worked pretty well for me so far.
Zeru
Well if you're going damage ranger you'll many buffs. A few possibilities would be elementalist for a conjure or monk for judges insight.
Remember that rangers can achieve very high amounts of damage with the proper buffs applied and lots of skill spamming thanks to high expertise so look for buffs that you have to recast less frequently (conjure lasts a minute for example).
Remember that rangers can achieve very high amounts of damage with the proper buffs applied and lots of skill spamming thanks to high expertise so look for buffs that you have to recast less frequently (conjure lasts a minute for example).
Wyld Kard
So could you point me in the direction of a few good buff ranger builds? Or do you have a couple you know that are proven useful???? Thanks in advance! Also by buff's with the monk side do you mean protection? I've only really just scratched the surface and really havent learned as much as I would like to.
NiGht_HaWk
he means enchantments that increase your damage like conjure lightning and Judge's Insight
Chappy
I have a lvl 8 Ranger/Elementalist, and i dont really like him. I rarely use my element attacks. I like the ranger and how he uses his bow and how he looks, but i find that he doesnt do enough damage. Im not sure if this is because he isnt a higher lvl or not, but if i were you, i would rather use ranger as a second prof. only. Thats just my oppinion. 
Epinephrine
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chappy
I have a lvl 8 Ranger/Elementalist, and i dont really like him. I rarely use my element attacks. I like the ranger and how he uses his bow and how he looks, but i find that he doesnt do enough damage. Im not sure if this is because he isnt a higher lvl or not, but if i were you, i would rather use ranger as a second prof. only. Thats just my oppinion.
Advice from someone who hasn't played the class to 20 isn't always the best. Rangers are one of the strangest classes, in that their primary attibute is SO important to making them efficient. In addition to their skill based damage going up as they gain attributes in Marksmanship (for example) their costs go down as they pump their expertise, to the point that at 13 expertise a 5 cost skill only costs 2 - use a zealous string at the cost is essentially 1 energy per 5 cost attack skill. This means that not only does the ranger improve his/her damage per skill, but also the efficiency and the number of such skills that can be used. It also makes a primary ranger VERY useful, as they can fire off 4 times as many 5 cost skills as a similarly equipped secondary ranger. The trouble with rangers is that until their costs start coming down so that they can use their skills more easily they underperform, and must instead rely on other ways to deal their damage. Once a ranger has a high expertise they can use their skills non-stop, making them fearsome opponents, especially when buffed. I too find low level Rangers underpowered, but that's the game for you - in some games it is the mage that is weak at low levels, in GW the ranger doesn't really come into his/her own until later in the game.
Not to criticise overly, but until you know the character it isn't fair to offer too much advice - I am glad that the advice was qualified by the "I have a lvl 8" statement, as an 8th level Ranger hasn't really even begun to see the benefits of expertise. My low level Ranger/Mesmer uses Illusions (Conjure Phantasm) and Domination (Backfire, Shatter Delusions - I don't have many useable skills, and the shatter delusions timed with the end of the phantasm adds a decent damage spike, while Backfire is great anti caster for PvE), which I know I won't be using when I am levelled up, but for now the damage is pretty good, and better than I can achieve with that energy in an attack skill. At some point I'll shift away from using as many Mesmer abilities and become more of an attack skill user.
Advice from someone who hasn't played the class to 20 isn't always the best. Rangers are one of the strangest classes, in that their primary attibute is SO important to making them efficient. In addition to their skill based damage going up as they gain attributes in Marksmanship (for example) their costs go down as they pump their expertise, to the point that at 13 expertise a 5 cost skill only costs 2 - use a zealous string at the cost is essentially 1 energy per 5 cost attack skill. This means that not only does the ranger improve his/her damage per skill, but also the efficiency and the number of such skills that can be used. It also makes a primary ranger VERY useful, as they can fire off 4 times as many 5 cost skills as a similarly equipped secondary ranger. The trouble with rangers is that until their costs start coming down so that they can use their skills more easily they underperform, and must instead rely on other ways to deal their damage. Once a ranger has a high expertise they can use their skills non-stop, making them fearsome opponents, especially when buffed. I too find low level Rangers underpowered, but that's the game for you - in some games it is the mage that is weak at low levels, in GW the ranger doesn't really come into his/her own until later in the game. Not to criticise overly, but until you know the character it isn't fair to offer too much advice - I am glad that the advice was qualified by the "I have a lvl 8" statement, as an 8th level Ranger hasn't really even begun to see the benefits of expertise. My low level Ranger/Mesmer uses Illusions (Conjure Phantasm) and Domination (Backfire, Shatter Delusions - I don't have many useable skills, and the shatter delusions timed with the end of the phantasm adds a decent damage spike, while Backfire is great anti caster for PvE), which I know I won't be using when I am levelled up, but for now the damage is pretty good, and better than I can achieve with that energy in an attack skill. At some point I'll shift away from using as many Mesmer abilities and become more of an attack skill user.
Wyld Kard
So epine what would you suggest Monk or Ele secondary Im looking for buff's and an all around fun character? also could you list skills/attributes for the build??? Thanks in advance for all your help!
Epinephrine
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hellsent_Saint
So epine what would you suggest Monk or Ele secondary Im looking for buff's and an all around fun character? also could you list skills/attributes for the build??? Thanks in advance for all your help!
I'm no expert at rangers, I'm only on my second ranger character post release, but I have studied them before starting mine. Take a look in the Builds section, do searches for builds in the campfire. My personal choice would be Monk, but that's because I am a huge fan of smiting skills.
Bigb04202
I agree with Epinephrine I have a Level 18 Ra/Me and he really did not start to shine till level 14 or 15. I thought expertise was a wasted skill to put points in until one day experimenting. I put 8 points in expertise and dame does it make a difference in PvP. I m just spamming my shots and the importance of using Distract shot or throw dirt in PvP you just don’t know still you use it. I only take one Messier spell with now in PvP that is backfire and only plan to put 7 attribute points in domination magic. I just found a zealous string don’t know if I like it because it has a -1 energy recharge time and it very noticeable if you not firing arrows. After seeing how much the sell for and Epinephrine recommending it I am going to experiment with it more.
Epinephrine
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bigb04202
After seeing how much the sell for and Epinephrine recommending it I am going to experiment with it more.
Ok, but again, I am no ranger expert. I have noticed that it does improve MY energy recovery, but I am using a lot of bow attacks - the more non bow work you do the less benefit it is (though you can hotkey over to a different weapon set when casting 
). There is of course no harm in having several weapons in your slots.
). There is of course no harm in having several weapons in your slots.
Bigb04202
I am just experimenting you need to have 2 bows anyway one short and one long.
MrWho
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bigb04202
I am just experimenting you need to have 2 bows anyway one short and one long.
For my ranger I'm actually planning to carry 4 or 5.
Icy, Fiery, Ebon, Shocking, and maybe Piercing. Just so if I have any problems in PVP with someone's resists, I have something to switch to
Icy, Fiery, Ebon, Shocking, and maybe Piercing. Just so if I have any problems in PVP with someone's resists, I have something to switch to
fnrw34
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hellsent_Saint
I want and secondary proffesion that enables my ranger to well be the innoying insect that you just can't squash
If your looking at annoying the enemy alot go with the Mesmer as basically all their spells are DoT (Damage over Time) and can be very distracting during a fight.
If your looking at annoying the enemy alot go with the Mesmer as basically all their spells are DoT (Damage over Time) and can be very distracting during a fight.
Dreamsmith
There's no wrong choice here.
R/W is a great combo. Most warrior skills benefit from Expertise, and warriors have a number of skills rangers can put to great use. Frenzy is worth the price of admission alone.
R/E is a great combo. You get your Conjure element of choice, some great damage from a distance skills, or some great disruptive skills like Maelstrom or the wards.
R/Me is a great combo. This may be the ultimate disruptive combo (Me/R being the only serious rival for that title). You are the master of sabotage and dirty tricks. Great for PvP, although for missions and exploring, it may not be the best choice.
R/Mo is a great combo. That's a no-brainer, a monk secondary is always a useful thing to have, plus there are some nice comboes between the various monk and ranger skills for dealing with conditions.
R/N is probably a great combo too, although I haven't tried it, so I won't comment on that one.
If I had to pick one above the others to recommend for PvE missions and exploring, it'd be R/E.
R/W is a great combo. Most warrior skills benefit from Expertise, and warriors have a number of skills rangers can put to great use. Frenzy is worth the price of admission alone.
R/E is a great combo. You get your Conjure element of choice, some great damage from a distance skills, or some great disruptive skills like Maelstrom or the wards.
R/Me is a great combo. This may be the ultimate disruptive combo (Me/R being the only serious rival for that title). You are the master of sabotage and dirty tricks. Great for PvP, although for missions and exploring, it may not be the best choice.
R/Mo is a great combo. That's a no-brainer, a monk secondary is always a useful thing to have, plus there are some nice comboes between the various monk and ranger skills for dealing with conditions.
R/N is probably a great combo too, although I haven't tried it, so I won't comment on that one.
If I had to pick one above the others to recommend for PvE missions and exploring, it'd be R/E.
Ensign
Play Ranger/Monk. It's just hands down the best in PvE.
Peace,
-CxE
Peace,
-CxE
burianek
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dreamsmith
R/Me is a great combo. This may be the ultimate disruptive combo (Me/R being the only serious rival for that title). You are the master of sabotage and dirty tricks. Great for PvP, although for missions and exploring, it may not be the best choice.
R/Me:
Since we're giving advice, yes, for PvE, I found myself using all Me skills at lower levels and all R skills once I reached lvl 16ish. Pass on this one if you're a pure PvE player unless you don't want to use your secondary later in the game. (when it really starts to get fun)
Cheers.
Since we're giving advice, yes, for PvE, I found myself using all Me skills at lower levels and all R skills once I reached lvl 16ish. Pass on this one if you're a pure PvE player unless you don't want to use your secondary later in the game. (when it really starts to get fun)
Cheers.
Kishin
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dreamsmith
There's no wrong choice here.
R/W is a great combo. Most warrior skills benefit from Expertise, and warriors have a number of skills rangers can put to great use. Frenzy is worth the price of admission alone.
R/E is a great combo. You get your Conjure element of choice, some great damage from a distance skills, or some great disruptive skills like Maelstrom or the wards.
R/Me is a great combo. This may be the ultimate disruptive combo (Me/R being the only serious rival for that title). You are the master of sabotage and dirty tricks. Great for PvP, although for missions and exploring, it may not be the best choice.
R/Mo is a great combo. That's a no-brainer, a monk secondary is always a useful thing to have, plus there are some nice comboes between the various monk and ranger skills for dealing with conditions.
R/N is probably a great combo too, although I haven't tried it, so I won't comment on that one.
If I had to pick one above the others to recommend for PvE missions and exploring, it'd be R/E.
I wouldn't recommend R/E. You don't have the energy as a Ranger to be playing around with big time Elementalist spells like Maelstrom. Furthermore, Conjure means you need a bowstring of that element, and personally, I'd rather be packing a zealous or vampiric string. The earth element wards are ever useful, and I suppose if you wanted more snares you could grab Water Magic, but I dunno. Personally, Energy is better served toward spamming your Ranger skills than trying to pull off big Elementalist spells, most of which are dicey in their costs of 10+ energy (Unless you pack Lesser Glyph of Energy, but there's another skill slot gone). Still, its popular among a lot of people. In fact, I say its the most popular Ranger build. I went this route originally, but got sick of the energy costs and just used all Ranger skills until I could switch.
R/W turns you into a frontloaded offensive melee machine, which has ups or downs. You'll probably never really out DPS a Warrior, but you still have some fun tricks. A lot of Warrior skills don't benefit from Expertise, but the few that do (Pure Strike) aren't bad. Apply Poison also works with melee weapons, which makes that a very solid choice. This is an unusual build though, and takes some finicky handling.
I would personally go with recommending either R/Mo (Judge's Insight is very nice, especially when backing up Tiger's Fury, and there's lots of other helpful tricks in this department) or R/N, for Curses (People who scoff at Necros don't realize how beneficial things like Shadow of Fear and Enfeebling Blood are to their survival, and Rangers make great Renders for PvP. Barbs even gives you a little damage boost if you want it. You can also try combining Mark of Pain with Barrage).
And I wouldn't confine the usefulness of a R/Me to just PvP. Tricks harassing PvP spellcasters work even better on mob spellcasters, who are dumb enough to cast through Backfire, attack through Spirit Shackles or Clumsiness, etc.
R/W is a great combo. Most warrior skills benefit from Expertise, and warriors have a number of skills rangers can put to great use. Frenzy is worth the price of admission alone.
R/E is a great combo. You get your Conjure element of choice, some great damage from a distance skills, or some great disruptive skills like Maelstrom or the wards.
R/Me is a great combo. This may be the ultimate disruptive combo (Me/R being the only serious rival for that title). You are the master of sabotage and dirty tricks. Great for PvP, although for missions and exploring, it may not be the best choice.
R/Mo is a great combo. That's a no-brainer, a monk secondary is always a useful thing to have, plus there are some nice comboes between the various monk and ranger skills for dealing with conditions.
R/N is probably a great combo too, although I haven't tried it, so I won't comment on that one.
If I had to pick one above the others to recommend for PvE missions and exploring, it'd be R/E.
I wouldn't recommend R/E. You don't have the energy as a Ranger to be playing around with big time Elementalist spells like Maelstrom. Furthermore, Conjure means you need a bowstring of that element, and personally, I'd rather be packing a zealous or vampiric string. The earth element wards are ever useful, and I suppose if you wanted more snares you could grab Water Magic, but I dunno. Personally, Energy is better served toward spamming your Ranger skills than trying to pull off big Elementalist spells, most of which are dicey in their costs of 10+ energy (Unless you pack Lesser Glyph of Energy, but there's another skill slot gone). Still, its popular among a lot of people. In fact, I say its the most popular Ranger build. I went this route originally, but got sick of the energy costs and just used all Ranger skills until I could switch.
R/W turns you into a frontloaded offensive melee machine, which has ups or downs. You'll probably never really out DPS a Warrior, but you still have some fun tricks. A lot of Warrior skills don't benefit from Expertise, but the few that do (Pure Strike) aren't bad. Apply Poison also works with melee weapons, which makes that a very solid choice. This is an unusual build though, and takes some finicky handling.
I would personally go with recommending either R/Mo (Judge's Insight is very nice, especially when backing up Tiger's Fury, and there's lots of other helpful tricks in this department) or R/N, for Curses (People who scoff at Necros don't realize how beneficial things like Shadow of Fear and Enfeebling Blood are to their survival, and Rangers make great Renders for PvP. Barbs even gives you a little damage boost if you want it. You can also try combining Mark of Pain with Barrage).
And I wouldn't confine the usefulness of a R/Me to just PvP. Tricks harassing PvP spellcasters work even better on mob spellcasters, who are dumb enough to cast through Backfire, attack through Spirit Shackles or Clumsiness, etc.
Howling Wind
Honestly near the beggining and through your early levels, you'll see rangers skills really useful because u get like kindle arrows, igninte and troll unguent early on. Only later on you might feel like using your secondary. In my opinion R/E are decent damage dealers and have good skills from all elements that go nicely with ranger skills. R/Me is a good PvP'er and a good DoT damage dealer and can be a pain in the ass. R/N is good for PvP as well and a good barrage combo. R/Mo probably the best PvE combination, good damage buffing, good healing and good barraging.
Zyuu
ji sucks on a ranger for pve, imo. its a real nice option for undead, thats it
that said, r/mo is great for pve especially because of true res
that said, r/mo is great for pve especially because of true res
hellboy harpy
in my opinion go with r/e i had a lvl 20 and i had a lvl 20 r/m it seemed that the ranger/elementalist dealed more damage than the monk and if you raise the wilderness survival alot the healin power for a ranger troll ungent works quite well in my opinion you do not really want the monk as a second profession unless your primary profession is elementalist or necromancer.
just a thought i would go with the r/e combination when ou gget to about lvl 15 and you get some of the better ele and ran. skills like spike trap apply poison stuff like that and you get meteor shower meteor and conjure flame for the ele profesion you will soon be kickin some but it takes alot of time to get both of the two professions to kind of work together but at bout lvl 15 i would say it is the best combination you can get
but you do what you want just a lil advice and my opinion
good luck
just a thought i would go with the r/e combination when ou gget to about lvl 15 and you get some of the better ele and ran. skills like spike trap apply poison stuff like that and you get meteor shower meteor and conjure flame for the ele profesion you will soon be kickin some but it takes alot of time to get both of the two professions to kind of work together but at bout lvl 15 i would say it is the best combination you can get
but you do what you want just a lil advice and my opinion
good luck
VGJustice
Try this with a R/Mo:
Lightning Reflexes + Read the Wind + Judge's Insight + Punishing Shot + Dual Shot
Just make sure your Expertise is at about 13 and your Marksmanship should be at 12. You should also be able to get at least 10 smiting prayers.
Or:
Shielding Hands + Reversal of Fortune + Whirling Defense + Barrage
That makes a pretty good tank for PvE. Not great by any stretch of the imagination, but it'll give any mob a run for its money.
Lightning Reflexes + Read the Wind + Judge's Insight + Punishing Shot + Dual Shot
Just make sure your Expertise is at about 13 and your Marksmanship should be at 12. You should also be able to get at least 10 smiting prayers.
Or:
Shielding Hands + Reversal of Fortune + Whirling Defense + Barrage
That makes a pretty good tank for PvE. Not great by any stretch of the imagination, but it'll give any mob a run for its money.
Billiard
Please don't resurrect old PvE threads here now that this is a PvP forum. Thanks!