Curse

Astraeos · May 24, 2012, 04:24 PM // 16:24

I don't have any experience with PvP, but have been getting a lot more comfortable with PvE ranger builds and tactics, so I thought I'd try to branch out a bit. So as not to annoy experienced PvP players, I thought that I would start by getting comfortable with the Zaishen Elite missions using henchman only, go from there to Zaishen elite with a team of other players, and from there to true PvP.

I've had some success with the Zaishen elite stuff, but I can't seem to get a build/tactics combination that is flexible enough to handle any given team that is thrown my way. The Me IW team is simple, the IWAY warriors and Elementalists are, too. But the trappers and degen teams give me fits.

I'm running a splinter barrage ranger currently, but want to change that up for two reasons -- 1) it's not getting the job done against the trappers and degen teams; and 2) it's not likely to be that effective in true PvP where teams will be more spread. I have looked at all of the PvP meta builds on the PvX wiki, but they are all condition spreaders, which is a style that I'm not at all used to (in PvE I've been primarily an Barrage ranger dealing area DPS with targeted interrupts).

Is there a decent damage dealing ranger build out there? I kind of like the idea of at R/A with Death's Charge and traps to deal damage and spread conditions. The build I had in mind there would be:

Expertise: 12 + 1 + 1
Wilderness Survival: 12 + 1
Shadow Arts: 3

Deaths Charge, 5e
Lightning reflexes, 4e (10e)
Dust Trap 11e (25e)
Barbed Trap 7e (15e) or Piercing Trap 4e (10e)
Flame Trap 4e (10e)
Oath Shot, 4e (10e)
Savage Shot 2e (5e)
Optional (Return)

Options: Return (5e), Res Signet or Troll Ungent

Sequencing:

Set traps before engaging opponent to the extent possible (in Zaishen Elite, use the entryway as a choke point, probably not possible in general PvP).

In the moment trapping chain: Lightning reflexes, Death's charge, Smoke trap, Barbed Trap, Flame Trap, Oath Shot, Dust Trap Flame Trap

Return (if that's the option on the bar) and interrupt, or Lightning reflexes followed by Barbed trap and then run and interrupt.

Savage shot is on the bar (even though there are no ranks in Marksmanship) instead of distracting shot because it recharges twice as fast.

Would a build like that be worth practicing in Zaishen elite missions as preparation for true PvP? Or should I just throw the towel in on trying to play anything other than a pure condition spreader, and practice that play style in ZE?

Any thoughts on how to improve energy management. To cycle through the whole chain requires a total of 50e, which seems management with the right equipment for one cycle, but regaining the energy for another go could require quite a wait.

ultimak719 · May 24, 2012, 07:08 PM // 19:08

You are a little mistaken. Zaishen Elite is not really practice for pvp at all. I wouldn't even consider it worth doing if you wanted to become better at pvp. The main reason people will do it is for the 7,000 balthazar faction they get from it daily.

That said, I would suggest you try out a few PvP maps like random arenas, fort aspenwood, and jade quarry to get the feel of PvP and creating your own bars. However, when all is said and done, trapping simply isn't too useful in other arenas.

The best way to practice pvp is to play it, and the worst people can do is call you a noob if you aren't perfect your first time. Don't let them discourage you. One resource that can help you a lot in PvP is http://www.gwpvx.com/PvX_wiki. This is a comprehensive list of workable skill bars for any type of game instance. I would suggest making your own bars first, then referring to that if you need to, it is alwauys more fun using things you created.