So after all these changes . . . is a Ranger 20 full-time bow user a good idea?

[Basura_Grande]

Just curious, have a toon ready for this with all the PLs, gear (even an Epic Thornlord), etc . . .

Haven't been following the archer stuff too much, can this be a strong option or is it just flavor? I'm not interested in flavor at this time.

[Grailhawk]

Did you think that build was a good idea after the Stalker changes?

If I'm not mistaken all its gained is +1 crit multiplier and 7d8 on hit elemental damage that scales with spell power.

72-92% double shot 100% of the time as stalker tier 5 aa capstone build. I'm not sure if that's enough, might be though.
25% AA Capstone + Shadow Arrows
20% Stalker Tier 5
20% Killer
10% ED Feat
09% PL
08% Gear
92% Total

[unbongwah]

25% AA Capstone + Shadow Arrows
20% Stalker Tier 5
20% Killer
10% ED Feat
09% PL
08% Gear
92% Total

Interesting: so you think the +20% doubleshot and other bonuses of T5 DWS are better than T5 AA now? Giving up Slaying Arrow and calling oneself an AA feels...odd, but it's certainly an option. What were you thinking: 41 APs AA, 39 APs DWS? EDIT: also which ED?

[FestusHood]

What do you think about a pure 20 monk archer using elven aa?

[Chai]

My pure ranger AA is doing a lot more damage than it used to.

It wasn't **totally** gimped before, but it was flavor compared to the FOTM builds. Its probably still not top tier but it gained some ground for sure.

[Grailhawk]

It wasn't **totally** gimped before, but it was flavor compared to the FOTM builds. Its probably still not top tier but it gained some ground for sure.

This is my read on pure Ranger Archers right now they aren't a top tier build but there not gimp flavor builds any more either. Could be wrong one way or the other, will see.

[Aletys]

My pure ranger AA is doing a lot more damage than it used to.

It wasn't **totally** gimped before, but it was flavor compared to the FOTM builds. Its probably still not top tier but it gained some ground for sure.

Unfortunately, my pure ranger AA is doing exactly the same amount of damage she was yesterday. And less than she was before with Manyshot.
I wouldn't waste my time if I was you, you'll be very disappointed.

Unless this is all fixed very soon, mine will be TR'd into a mechanic rogue. Rather sad, as I have enjoyed playing her.

[Basura_Grande]

What do you think about a pure 20 monk archer using elven aa?

I'd rather uninstall the game and set my PC on fire.

[smithers]

I'd rather uninstall the game and set my PC on fire.

My most powerful character is... ahem... was Ranger 2 Monk 18

Built to solo elite content which requires some kiting, which is why I wanted max speed from Monk 18 (When ranger speed boost is also loaded I think he's the fastest thing in Eberron. Monk 20 would leave you short on feats with not much to show for the last two monk levels.

With manyshot, 10k stars, high wisdom, and good gear, any archer build could do insane damage in FOTW.

The fun of the build was really timing the burst damage and using twitch skills to line up mobs; so satisfying to one-shot a whole gang. With adrenaline now firing on 1-2 arrows instead of 4 offered by manyshot I'm pretty sure my guy has been seriously gimped, and think this will be true for any archer build that was competitive at all prior to the update.

Unfortunately my other 2 mains were S&B Pally (also gimped) and a necromancer who ran in full plate with tower (build doesn't even make any **** sense after the update!)

[Grailhawk]

Interesting: so you think the +20% doubleshot and other bonuses of T5 DWS are better than T5 AA now? Giving up Slaying Arrow and calling oneself an AA feels...odd, but it's certainly an option. What were you thinking: 41 APs AA, 39 APs DWS? EDIT: also which ED?

My thought on bow users has always been the rate of fire was too slow but I always felt that if I could shot two shots at once that would be enough to make it good. So given that doubleshot can roll over now I think maxing double shot is the way to go on a 20 Ranger Archer.

Haven't given the enhancement spread enough though so no clue but it looks like yes 41 39 which leaves nothing for harper or human ouch that might be what kills the build to AP tight. I'm not sure if tier 5 stalker is better then slayer arrows. I just think given the change to Manyshot its a good idea to try and boost your sustained DPS over your burst DPS.

[unbongwah]

Haven't given the enhancement spread enough though so no clue but it looks like yes 41 39 which leaves nothing for harper or human ouch that might be what kills the build to AP tight. I'm not sure if tier 5 stalker is better then slayer arrows. I just think given the change to Manyshot its a good idea to try and boost your sustained DPS over your burst DPS.

I'm guessing Slaying Arrows are better for FotW (presuming Adrenaline still applies); but that T5 DWS is better for other EDs, particularly DC (now that Doubleshot is useful, Zeal of the Righteous is good) and LD (more proc chances means easier time keeping Blitz up).

But I don't have any epic AAs and only one epic char w/Manyshot, IIRC, so I can't do a lot of testing on my own.

[Grailhawk]

I'm guessing Slaying Arrows are better for FotW (presuming Adrenaline still applies); but that T5 DWS is better for other EDs, particularly DC (now that Doubleshot is useful, Zeal of the Righteous is good) and LD (more proc chances means easier time keeping Blitz up).

That makes a lot of sense.

[Basura_Grande]

I'm guessing Slaying Arrows are better for FotW (presuming Adrenaline still applies); but that T5 DWS is better for other EDs, particularly DC (now that Doubleshot is useful, Zeal of the Righteous is good) and LD (more proc chances means easier time keeping Blitz up).

But I don't have any epic AAs and only one epic char w/Manyshot, IIRC, so I can't do a lot of testing on my own.

I'm not sure bout slayers and adrenalines, wondering if you can keep up enough blitz charges.