Scout Archive

First off, let me say that it took me a good while to master scout. I've done it on not only 1, but 2 accounts. Twice on one account, once on my 2nd account. The last time was the easiest, but afterwards, I've kinda scratched my head and pondered. This being from the standpoint of my 2nd account, a Master Bounty Hunter.

I've never gotten anything in Ranger except Ranger Tracking IV, so I've no clue what else is in that profession, but from those who used to be rangers that I play with, I've heard not much besides higher-end camps (which I've not seen in 3-4 months) and camuloflage (sp?) stuff. Maybe a few more traps.

So reall, what is the point of having these 2 seperate professions, when most of it could be combined into one big profession? Other than the fact to have one more elite profession?

Yes, I am a bit saddened that I had to use around 29 skill points to get Ranger Tracking IV, and I use that for hunting Bounties on my 2nd account. But I've not used camps since they put in that one patch, and I've not used any traps since well, mastering Scout.

So a question to all the fellow Master Scouts - whether it be by choice, or Elite Profession Requirment (in my case, Bounty Hunter). How often do you even USE half our skills and would you rather just see both professions combined???

Phoenix Orion - Master Smuggler, Master Teras-Kasi, Scoundrel, Rogue & Entrepreneur
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Phoenix,

I think that most Scouts and Rangers use most of our skills most of the time. But that depends on the type of player you are. For me, being a PvPer, I usually only use my Scout skills when I'm out helping the guildies or trying to make some cash. Other players use them a lot more often.

Ranger is in dire need of expanding. The Devs had a lot of ideas for Ranger, but they weren't able to get them all in the game before it shipped. Since then, they've gotten some attention, but they still need a revamp, which I think we can expect after the Space Expansion.

Honestly, I don't think that the two profession should be merged. Scout is fine as it is - we're a novice profession, and the mix of skills and usages that we have are appropriate for that. I think there is a lot that Rangers can be, once the Devs give them the time and resources that they need.

In the end, it would take just as much work from the Devs to merge the two professions that to fill Ranger with new, useful skills. So I'd advocate that path first.

B

Bounty Hunters are about useless. What is the difference between them and Commandos, beside weapons. Combine them into one large class. I have not seen a bounty hunter use a carbine in months, nor a tracking droid. I am saddened that people have to use so many skill points....blather blather blather.

Wow, your argument, with some words changed.

But, you are correct - BHs have no reason to be in the Scout tree. BHs can't read compasses and need waypoints to find the city limits. BHs don't track, harvest, maskscent and can't use traps on their marks. Most BHs seldom leave cities, as they get lost without pavement beneath their feet. Let them have to Master Brawler, makes more sense, as they are hunters of men, not animals.

BHs are about a waste of skill points, name one thing they can do that a Ranger can't?? And yes, this unarmored unbuffed Ranger has dropped marks that aggroed him. Rather easy to do too, they are about wimps compared to large animals.

So just move on out with your l33t self. Or even better, come on down and a real hunter can show you how it is done.

JB

You pretty much hit the nail on the head of all the ranger griping. It has been noted by players, and even stated by devs, that Ranger is just a beefed up scout, and doesn't seem finished or worth the skill points. devs admitted to not finishing ranger, and that its lacking. Of course they still ignore us and dont give us a revamp.

Here are the most popular used benefits of ranger. Harvesting bonus. Tracking, /conceal.

Tracking and /conceal were the only things added to ranger since launch. /conceal is a good idea, and sometimes on advanced planets its nice to be able to "hide" non scouts or low level scouts in my group. But its not much better then mask scent in its effectiveness, so with rangers are solo, we don't usually use it. Especially since it started not working on NPC as it was first implemented.

Tracking is cool, but has its bugs, and just isn't as effective or effecient for real use. It's still faster, more profitable to take missions for things.

The harvesting bonus at master ranger is good if you get your money by harvesting the high quality resources for high cost. But master scouts, who have points to get better combat professions, can kill, and thus harvest faster then a master ranger.

Being a ranger is a unique thing. Not many stick with it. Someone in game once told me its a "noble" profession, not for most. It has some great potential, to be a really fun unique profession. I think it should stay its own profession. But it needs some major work and an overhaul.

Teranus Blan'Fyl
OldSchool Ranger
Short-Timer