Sell me on ranger

[Vondra]

While I can't recommend rangers, in my experience they're probably the best fit in the tank slot actually (in single group content of course).

In the dps slot, well they're not terrible at dps but it's just bringing the group a hybrid penalty...and in exchange the group gets someone not quite as good at dps as the standard dps classes.

In the tank slot though, they have the means to keep agro with various spells, but are dealing a bit more damage than the other tanks with snap agro spells. Long as your group has competent CC and your targets are slowed, the survivability is fine.

Isn't optimum, but I think the ranger brings the group down less by subbing as the tank than subbing as dps.


In reality though, end result is you have a melee class that has problems finding groups...but without the means to solo well while LFG which is no good. Rangers CAN solo xp, but it isn't something you'll want to rely on, to be sure.

[pickled_heretic]

Originally Posted by Vondra [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

In the dps slot, well they're not terrible at dps but it's just bringing the group a hybrid penalty...and in exchange the group gets someone not quite as good at dps as the standard dps classes.

standard dps classes? there are only two, three really if you count warriors. wizards, mages, druids etc are all subpar pure dps when compared to rangers. is everyone eating a 6-7% added penalty spread out to everyone worth it? i don't know, probably not, but to say they are supar dps is pretty lame considering only two classes really beat them.

[Vondra]

Originally Posted by pickled_heretic [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

standard dps classes? there are only two, three really if you count warriors. wizards, mages, druids etc are all subpar pure dps when compared to rangers. is everyone eating a 6-7% added penalty spread out to everyone worth it? i don't know, probably not, but to say they are supar dps is pretty lame considering only two classes really beat them.

This is true, however there's enough rogues and monks floating around (esp monks) that the fact it's only 2 classes doesn't really hinder things much.

[pickled_heretic]

Originally Posted by Vondra [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

This is true, however there's enough rogues and monks floating around (esp monks) that the fact it's only 2 classes doesn't really hinder things much.

have you tried to lvl a new character at all recently? in most groups 1-50 you take what you can get. if i could run every exp group with 3 rogues and a sk i would. but that never happens.

[Vondra]

Originally Posted by pickled_heretic [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

have you tried to lvl a new character at all recently? in most groups 1-50 you take what you can get. if i could run every exp group with 3 rogues and a sk i would. but that never happens.

Yep, a ranger can always be a warm body. Of course that doesn't really speak well for the class though. Their LFG tag basically reads "Are you desperate enough for me yet?"

At any rate, feel free to put them in the dps slot if no monks or rogues are around. My intent was just to illustrate that I think they are a better fit in the tank slot than the dps slot.

[Lucidus]

Originally Posted by pickled_heretic [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

have you tried to lvl a new character at all recently? in most groups 1-50 you take what you can get.

This is exactly what I thought every time I've invited a ranger to join a pickup group.

Snark-free advice: before leveling a Ranger past 20, try out Shaman and on of the tanking hybrids (SK/Pal). Shaman has as much utility as a ranger, can solo successfully, and is highly desirable for leveling. The hybrid tanks lose some utility compared to the ranger, but are much more successful in the tank role.

If you decide that Ranger is your thing, get to it. But prepare to be underwhelmed at the end game.

[Zykdous]

Thanks for the replies.
End game thinking is always my problem sticking with a class, "Will I be useful at level 60?". As for playing the class I enjoy, I won't enjoy any class if I cant' find a group. And based on the replies of rangers LFG, finding that group doesn't seem likely to happen :/