GW2. Best Open World Build. Hybrid Heal/DPS Druid. Ranger PvE.

Last Update: October 2023
Versatility makes this Druid build great for open world situations. It can still do damage by itself with the conditions of Shortbow and sustain of Wilderness Survival while also having the option to support allies with Celestial Avatar abilities and Staff when you want to play with friends in larger battles.
Try to flank enemies by standing behind or to their side when dealing damage with the shortbow, as it will improve the skill effects. Prioritize using Shortbow 2/4 for the most damage, and then keep yourself and pet alive by entering Celestial Avatar F5.
You can only enter Celestial Avatar when you have gained enough Astral Force, which you gain by damaging enemies and healing allies. Your pet can also be healed to gain Astral Force. Swap to staff and heal with the combo finisher blast into the water field combo of 5 > 3 if necessary. However, you should be able to camp shortbow most of the time to maintain condition application. Using Celestial Avatar 2/3/5 will add more conditions and even immobilize your enemies so that you can place your traps underneath them.
Equipment
Item | Stat | Rune / Sigil |
---|---|---|
Helm Celestial | ||
Shoulders Celestial | ||
Coat Celestial | ||
Gloves Celestial | ||
Leggings Celestial | ||
Boots Celestial |
Primary Weapon Set
Shortbow Celestial |
|
Secondary Weapon Set
Staff Celestial |
|
Item | Stat |
---|---|
Amulet Celestial | |
Ring Celestial | |
Ring Celestial | |
Accessory Celestial | |
Accessory Celestial | |
Backpiece Celestial |
Relic
Consumables
Infusions
Optional x18 |
Alternatives
- Jade Bot Core: for extra vitality
- Stats: Plaguedoctor or Ritualist can also work
- Sigil: instead of double Doom
Skills
Traits
Alternatives
- Druid: to provide Alacrity to others in larger events
Build Template
Chat Code: (copy/paste into in-game chat)
[&DQQeLyE7BT+hAHkAuwC7ALoAqwEbALgAwADtADk9KhUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA=]
Gameplay
Full Video Guide:
Credit to Vallun for the video.
Updated Gameplay:
I LOVE this build, It is so much fun!
I admittedly do not have all the right gear but I can do *MOST* content solo.
I find I barely use Staff as im no good with it and the Avatar is barely used unless in Meta events to provide minor healing.
I use Runes of the Trapper (requiring 400 in crafting (leather/heavy armour craft/ light armour craft) to get some pressure off me as it provides invis upon laying traps.
Interesting build – I started with minion harbinger and compared to this ranger/druid, necro is really an easy mode. Thanks for your effort, your guides are very detailed and also a lot of fun! 🙂