Boon-Stacking Ranger; Comments please

[xocorret.7543]

So I tried my hand at theory crafting and here is the first (playable) PvE build I came up with:

[view at gw2skills.net](http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vNUQNBjODbkRFaVxeVwZF4axQeQ5F/yfFfIE9ZwGAlwafRTnIB-jRBBwA10NA4hAAd/hAXAALHBAA-e "gw2skills.net/editor/?vNUQNBjODbkRFaVxeVwZF4axQeQ5F/yfFfIE9ZwGAlwafRTnIB-jRBBwA10NA4hAAd/hAXAALHBAA-e")

 

The basic idea was to use **Bountiful Hunter** as a core mechanic, upping the damage for each boon I (and my pet) can acquire.

To get there, **Hunters Gaze** is employed as well as **Nature's Vengance**, keeping up the spirits to stack further boons, **Strength of the Pack** and then topping it off with **Potent Ally**.

The latter makes it imperative to crit as much as you can, leading to the use of *Assassins* signets.

Naturally you want a pet that can help you stack boons as well.

 

For weapons I go for the longbow (classic) mainly for single target damage and axe/warhorn mainly for groups.

 

In my field tests the build performed well so far. Drawbacks I noted are:

* No melee weapon, so I might consider switching the axe for a sword

* For maximum effectiveness one might want to stay in the spirits range which limits mobility a bit. An alternative would be to pop the spirits one after an other, allowing to retain mor consistent boons stacked and be more flexible

 

Spirits are also nice for allies and work well in cramped environments.

 

 

What is your opinion about this build? Questions? Suggestions for improvement? Keen to read your thoughts.

[Marcaum.1302]

I'm more into condition damage, but I like to see anything different from Druid or Axe/Torch condi ranger.

[Eurantien.4632]

There are builds that achieve 100% boon duration. You're probably overstacking might. Also, we heal as one is your best option for keeping boons up.

[xocorret.7543]

> > @Eurantien.4632 said:

> You're probably overstacking might.

 

This is a new concept for me. How can one have too much might? What happens then? I usually find myself keeping up around 5 to 15 stacks. Does **We heal as one** refresh the boons? Because they already get shared by **Fortifying Bond**.

 

 

[Eurantien.4632]

Fortifying bond should be putting your might on the pet. We heal as one shares the boons on your pet with you and vice versa.

[atheria.2837]

> @Eurantien.4632 said:

> There are builds that achieve 100% boon duration. You're probably overstacking might. Also, we heal as one is your best option for keeping boons up.

 

Please do post any boon duration builds you find - that's what the OP was looking for - then we tweak.

[InsaneQR.7412]

There is no such thing as might overstacking. I think what was ment is that you have to much might sources than neccesary.

If you have PoF i could also recommend boon soulbeast with WH and LB.

It rocks in 1v1 and is awesome in PvE too.

Not so much in raids/T4 fractals though.

 

[leasm.1279]

Overstacking simply means you should try to never pass 25 stacks. If you usually sit on 5-15, then no problem.

[Professor Sprout.1560]

@OP Do you have access to Path of Fire and the Soulbeast elite spec? If so it's an option worth considering as that line has a lot of boon-related traits and skills.

https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Soulbeast

[InsaneQR.7412]

> @leasm.1279 said:

> Overstacking simply means you should try to never pass 25 stacks. If you usually sit on 5-15, then no problem.

 

In group content this is rather true yes. But solo its better to stay at max if possible.

This can easily be accomplished by swapping some traits.

[atheria.2837]

Still no other builds to show what you are highlighting...

[Henry.5713]

People are most likely talking about the Harrier druid that became popular as an option for raids lately when they mention 100% boon duration. About as much support in terms of boons as you can run as a ranger, good healing and 25 might stacks on 10 allies through Grace of the Land. You usually adjust utilities, elite and pets to whatever you need. You'd probably have to adjust runes, sigils and weapons when you go solo to be more offensive.

 

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vNUQNBmOD7keVoVFsXFwZFgoFsYIYwb1waZlJAsuaAOtuYXPIFhRqpjB-jxxGQBLV5HAuIABV9nbqbgcPBAoqEcI7PEA4A493z9uH8+7v/+7v32v/+7v/+7v/+7vXKA/2ZB-e

[Prophet.1584]

here ya go. Boon stacking, stance sharing soulbeast. Playing this with a mesmer or guardian that can apply quickness often would make this amazing.

 

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vNUQNAR8XnUqAV8id8CmsAs8ilCBLv62dHvOtunVt7JBMDCAp0ESD7E-jxxIQBZT3Q+U+lj9HAwTAYbXEADqEMdq/QKgIGaB-e