User:ComfortOsprey/consoloidation

There are a lot of builds on pvx that, while unique in functionality and/or purpose, may seem incredibly similar to other builds. This project's aim is to gather and catergorize these similar builds by class. This page is and always shall be while I subscribe, be under construction. I, in no way, take any credit for these builds(heck I barely have any builds and those that I did make are wack).

FAQ
Q: Where is the 'build'? Certain builds are still being worked on, or have escaped my notice for any number of reasons. If you see any please bring them up on the discussion page and I will make a record and work on it. Also, certain builds like the 55 monk are already chronicled in the guides section of pvx.

Q: Then why don't you just make more guides? I may in time, but I want to try this out first. I suspect that while some of the builds covered may be broad enough to be a guide in their on right, many will be too small or specific to warrant that. Also this is something fun for me to do. I like chronicling things and being efficient. So if you're going to criticize, be constructive too please :).

Q:Something like this already exists on So and so's page. Uh, thanks. Haha, this very well may be the case but I haven't found one yet. Please let me know if you do see one.

Trapper
[build prof=range/any][barbed trap][dust trap][flame trap][piercing trap][snare][spike trap][tripwire][viper's nest][/build] Man look at all those traps. The trapper is a special type of ranger with very interesting capabilities.

Pros:Can control the battlefield easily, providing defense and offense in a number of ways. Can supply large amounts of quick damage and conditions in PVP. TRAPS STACK, meaning given enough prep time, even a solo ranger can kill pretty much anything that cares to step over that lovely patch of ground. Since the most important part of the build can be succesful with just the ranger proffession, that leaves the trapper open to any choice for a secondary if they choose.

Cons:Two words: easily interrupted. While laying a trap you are the equivalent of dazed for the purpose of that skill.

PVE Usage:Trappers have a few roles in pve. They are one of the few classes that can go from solo or duo farming to an 8-man clearing of UW without changing their build at all if they want. As farmers, the most popular method is as a duet, as seen *here*. When used in a larger group, the setup doesn't change much except to maybe adopt a monk secondary for something like rebirth.

Elites

A great all-around trap providing knock-down and a rather long-lasting cripple.

Finds great use in GVG where it shines as a defensive skill blinding melee classes and dazing casters.

A rarely used skill. It is generally viewed that there are better elites to fill the slot.

While not a Ranger skill, very useful and very popular especially in trapper teams to be able to have two of the same trap on your bar.

Tank
[build prof=warri/eleme][signet of stamina][endure pain][dolyak signet]["I Will Survive!"][Gladiator's Defense][wary stance][Sprint][Shield Stance][/build] The First two skills are what make a Warrior tank truely awesome. Even if something goes wrong on this build, a high enough strength gives an extra 600 health! Such is the strength of....Strength.

Pros:Warriors armor level is higher than any other class before buffs. Access to the Strength attribute giving them many skills with which to boost their health and otherwise allow them to soak up damage. the Tactics line which can be used to help not take much damage at all.

Cons: Poor energy pool requiring an e-management skill or low cost skills.

PvE Usage: Normally in a balanced group in PvE there is a need for a tank. Heck alot of groups are nothing BUT tanks *coughursancough*. The guildwars tank needs to be the first one to take aggro and should be able to hold said aggro without assistance for at least 5-10 seconds or long enough to make sure all of the mobs is focusing him. This is not always necessary but is generally the strategy in places such as the Fissure of Woe and the Underworld. After this time the nukers and utility come in and do all the killing and the healers relieve the pressure. However there is also the Tanking Farmer. His style is a solo one, using skills which can only take the damage but dish it right back out. We'll discuss the differences in the Elites section.

Elites

This skill is the best of it's kind. Mainly used by farming tanks coupled with Dwarven's Stability to prolong it.

Used mostly in groups in areas where dangerous spells are a problem. Note the draw back of a slow though necessitating you to get into position before casting which may lead to interruption. Also be sure to take advantage of the points you spec into earth magic and bring grasping earth to keep your enemies close.

A ranger stance that takes their degen and turns it into regen. While not able to outpace the heavier conditions and hexes it makes living with them a whole lot easier. It also has the energy regen so if you know it will be useful, feel free to bring some more expensive skills.

Ironically enough, this is a bad tanking skill. Not enough bang for your elite slot buck. Pick one of the above.

It is also worth noting the mesmer line. While not having any noteworthy elites, DO NOT NEGLECT THE MANTRAS OR RESISTANCES. They offer percentage based damage reductions and energy gain.