Point Blank Beast Master - a new build or historic trash build?

[prabal]

I started a new ranger (PVE), and devoid of any Elites but with access to ranger tomes, i fiddled with a build and came up with the one as follows:

[Point Blank Beast Master;OgATYz7mx5ygKvNCHUDnh2sZAA]

Energy is never a problem, and I tend to use a flatbow, as I'm closing in anyway.

Attributes:
Expertise=11+1+1
Beast Mastery=9+1
Marksmanship=8+1

The reason I came up with it is I wanted to try using a pet (as my previous ranger character was based around Barrage or BHA builds), but I also still wanted to use a bow!

So what followed was a middle path. But after a while I've seemed to have become partial to Point Blank Shot and its duplicate for their high dps(+36 damage with 11+1+1 Expertise) and low energy req recharge time, making it almost spammable. And inbetween I fit in Feral Lunge for extra damage and condition.

Don't know if its a new build or just a trash build that people forgot about, but it seems to give a descent dps.

I would welcome comments on the build and if you deem if worthy of testing, your comments on the results.

[Archress Shayleigh]

I play Point Blank Asuran Glass Spiker... yes yes, i know, long name for a build. But here it is:
[point blank shot][zojun's shot]["i am the strongest!"][sundering attack][asuran scan][glass arrows][dwarven stability][lightning reflexes]
Try that. btw, Sundering attack is optional, so is Dwarven Stability.

[prabal]

I see you point. Using IATS and other damage modifiers will add nicely to the overall dps. Funny how Point Blank doesn't get mentions in any Ranger builds. I do use 4 slots just to keep a pet with 1 decent skill, which may not be optimum. I'll try out you build when I start EotH with this character.

[turbo234]

throw dirt is bad, whirling is bad, feral isn't worth taking. i would suggest just going rao or if you want to save the elite spot for something else, never rampage alone.

[Dre]

throw dirt is bad, whirling is bad, feral isn't worth taking. i would suggest just going rao or if you want to save the elite spot for something else, never rampage alone.
whirling isn't bad, try combining with dwarven stability (and lose TD)

[Morgoth the dark]

well let me see...
comfort animal for Heal As One?

maybe?
and feral for poisonous bite/disrupting lunge/savage pounce for interupts/more dps? I would switch call of protection for feral aggression, Whirling for lightning reflexes (faster recharge, IAS is good), and throw dirt for hmm dshot?

[MagmaRed]

Unless you want to base the build on the pet, I'd lose it for more utility and damage. If not using a pet, some skills you should include may come from the following:

[glass arrows][savage shot][lightning reflexes][expert focus] and the one skill that should be on any bow using Ranger build [distracting shot]

You don't have any secondary skills listed either, and I'm not sure which secondary you have or can use. However, if you want to boost your damage, /E would work well for a Conjure or /Rt for a weapon spell. You could run an attribute of 11-10-10 for Expertise-Marksmanship-Secondary for skills like [conjure flame], [splinter weapon], [nightmare weapon].

Lastly, I assume you are not level 20 yet with the 2 attribute point quests done. But the attributes you have listed do not use all 200 possible yet. If running a 3 attribute split, I like 11-10-10 or 12-10-8. If running a 3rd attribute for damage, the 11-10-10 is usually the best option. If running Beast Mastery, then the 12-10-8 may work better.

Pet skills you may want to consider if you decide to keep the pet:

[disrupting lunge][feral aggression][bestial fury](at 10 Beast Mastery it lasts 9 seconds on a 10 second recharge)[otyugh's cry] and unless you find an elite for your bow to use, consider [heal as one] and [rampage as one]

[TheodenKing]

If you are using a flatbow with that bar, I'd highly recommend you try [read the wind] for your elite. This way, you get all the upside of the flatbow, with none of the downside.

Lots of elites would help your bar. you might start with [heal as one]. It has nice synergy with your build since you will be putting yourself in the fray more than a ranger usually does.

I like [throw dirt] on this skillbar. Whoever told you it is bad is wrong.

If you have EOTN, a ranger that doesn't use [asuran scan] is really missing out on insane damage numbers.

[Chthon]

If you want a pet based build, use Enraged Lunge for your elite.

If you want a hybrid build, I'd guess BHA is your best option. But be warned: It's darned near impossible to find a hybrid build that can't be improved by removing the pet. Sad but true. :(

[prabal]

Thanks everyone for your inputs. Very instructive. Sadly, it does seem a hybrid build is inferior to pure bow or beast master builds, as far as damage capabaility is concerned.

[Orange Milk]

prabal, my advice to you is play what YOU enjoy and what is fun to YOU. If that build works for you, run it.

It is PvE after all.

So who gives a shit what other people have to say, have fun it's a game, enjoy it.

[Redvex]

someone forgot [Never rampage alone] :D

[Axel Zinfandel]

Why PBS over Sundering/Penetrating Attack?

[Redvex]

Why PBS over Sundering/Penetrating Attack?
Same damage
Minor Cost of energy

[Axel Zinfandel]

Same damage
Minor Cost of energy

But Penetrating/Sundering lets you hit from longer range, and has artificially IAS

[Redvex]

But Penetrating/Sundering lets you hit from longer range, and has artificially IAS
Right, but now only 10% of penetration is ridiculous

[Taurean]

someone forgot [Never rampage alone] :D

Actually an awesome skill imo. The constant 25% ias can be used in many combinations - the 2-3 health regen is very benefitial as well since it has constant activity