Trap Talk: Levels 1-25

Traps are a unique and important mechanic to the Ranger class. This series will cover various traps to familiarize any would be or aspiring Ranger. I will be linking the Elyos versions until distinct differences arise. At this point, the only difference I see is a different spell icon.







Level 1-25 brings us 3 unique traps, not including upgrades. These are Spike, Poisoning, and Explosion Traps.

Spike Trap I and II - (level 13 and 25)
Spike I ⎮ Spike II


This trap is a snare with a added debuff that reduces evasion. The obvious benefits are giving the opportunity to increase distance, while increasing DPS temporarily while the target's evasion is lowered. You should place this trap at the peak of your max bow range when used to maximize the distance benefit. In a tight spot with lots of possible agro, luring the mob directly to the trap may be best. If you have more room to play, a Ranger may consider kiting the mob around and timing the trap to set off right as the mob closes the distance.

One thing to also consider is damage breaking the snare. When that trap goes off, don't stand there and pew pew the mob immediately. Take advantage of that snare and effectively resetting the fight by running to max bow range. The average mob will not require this much work but with advanced kiting with elite mobs, this can be the difference between life and death when every hit hurts. And remember that with a 30 second cool down, this trap can be used multiple times in a long kite-fight or PvP brawl.

Poisoning Trap I (level 16)
Poisoning Trap I


Pretty straight foreword. Puts a bleed on target supplementing DPS. I don't see the benefit of this trap over Spike since in my opinion distance from target seems more valuable than a bleed. One strategy to consider for long fights is to alternate Poisoning and Spike (snare, increase distance, drop poisoning trap, apply bleed, snare, increase distance etc.). Overall I feel like spamming Spike is more valuable for survivability.

Explosion Trap I (level 25)
Explosion Trap I

This trap is an AOE (area of effect) so it will be most efficient with groups of mobs. Like Poisining Trap I, this trap probably isn't that useful in 1on1 kites when compared to using Spike. Another concern with this trap is grabbing agro from multiple mobs at the start of a fight when in a group situation.

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