Ra/Te - For support ?!

[Terrence]

Greetings !

Okay, so I know PSO2 is not really about Support/Tank. Attack/Dodge is a better tactic. But since I played all Classes with all Main/Sub combinations and still didn't find my way, I was thinking... Since RAnger is a support Class in PSO2, since TEcher is often said to be a good Sub-Class and since I really can't play without my beloved Techniques, what about playing a RAnger/TEcher (Gunslash specialist) dedicated to support ? It may not be the best choice but that's mine. So, I would like some advice about Skill Trees if I go this way. Here's my idea so far ! At Level 50/40 with Red Gunslash +10 50-Light (for now, planning on crafting a Rouge Coffin) and a full Verdha Pack with not so bad Affixes, I'm over 1200 S-ATK/R-ATK/S-DEF which is not outstanding but still a good thing.

For the RAnger Skills, max Weak Hit Advance 1 & 2 (for general damage but mainly for Aiming Shot), Weak Bullet (obvious) and Bind Bullet since removing some annoying foes from the battlefield for a short period of time (Sol Dirandal, Gu Wonda, ...) is not a bad idea. I want to take Trap Search too, in order to help by avoiding stupid trap deaths. And for the TEcher Skills, it's a common build. I wanted to take PP Convert but since the charge of Aiming Shot prevent PP regeneration, that's no good. One point in Shifta Critical for the thunder effect (LOL), max Deband Cut (I think a 15% damage reduction is pretty good), Extend Assist and Territory Burst for more support and max Resta Advance (even if the effect is limited).

My way of playing (in groups only, never alone) ?! (1) If support needed, support with appropriate Bullets/Techs. (2) If support is not needed, long-ranged attacks with endless Aiming Shots in a fight against isolated foes or Additional Bullet + Thrillerplode at close-range in a fight against groups of ennemies. So, is this a viable project or do you think it's pure madness ? I have played FOmar for almost eight years on PSO, a character who could be offensive but was mainly oriented for support with wonderful Shifta/Deband, essential Resta/Anti and crazy Reverser... Maybe that's why I want to try to emulate this gameplay in PSO2 without throwing out the offensive option the Gunslash has to offer. Well, that's all. Thanks for reading.

[vantwan123]

Dunno why any party would need a support class when everything dies near-instantly if everyone has decent gear.

Also, Zondeel is the best support skill ever.

[GreenArcher]

Its not optimal by any means. As you said, support really isn't needed. With a properly built character you can clear spawns with 1 or 2 photon arts. But on the other side, when things are so easy it doesn't really matter what you do. So go for it! Personally I would take PP convert, couples nicely with weak bullet when you need faster regen.

[Terrence]

Thanks, GreenArcher. I'll try to test PP Convert more. I know my build is not optimal but I just want a good compromise between offense/support.

Dunno why any party would need a support class when everything dies near-instantly if everyone has decent gear.

This topic isn't about the usefulness of a support character. The point is to know how to assist teammates the best way possible using RAnger/TEcher. Thanks. By the way, are all the mobs "dies near-instantly" in Advance/Extreme Quests too for you ?...

[Lebensohl]

If you do plan on going support WHA 10 is essential. If you don't plan on going support WHA is still essential. RA by itself is an amazing support class, just keep weak bullet up on the right parts as much as possible and you will be loved by your party. I see you have said that you plan on maxing it, but really, this should be the very first skill you max, no excuses.

And yes, an average Ra/Hu will melt away all mobs in Advanced and Extreme quests.

EDIT: If you do insist on taking this path, this is what you want http://ryuhiroshi.funpic.de/pso2/ski...I2cK4QuNIb0000

Shifta/healing is not a good enough reason to be almost useless dps. This build fully maximizes ranger DPS as well as PP restorate so you can still make a contribution. If you really are concerned about gu wondas, just wb + sneak shot.

[UnLucky]

The Build sticky used to have a setup for this kind of a support class, but it's fallen out of favor since Ra/Hu does twice as much damage.

If pure support is your goal, a Ra/Te or Te/Ra is your best bet. Techer main for a slightly better Resta, Ranger main for stronger weapons and ranged attacks. Do note that Shifta is not an adequate replacement for actual damage skills or appropriate subclass. Weak Bullet is far and away the greatest support skill in the game, and you don't have to sacrifice anything to get it.

That said, these would be your options, though you can mix and match a little:

Offensive Ra/Te: Equip a good Rifle/Launcher/Gunslash and shoot enemies while keeping your party buffed. When loaded with Weak Bullets, activate PP Convert so you don't have to wait as long without attacking. Your damage will be somewhere between Ranger/nothing and Ranger/Gunner. Nowhere near a Ra/Hu.

Support Te/Ra: Keep your party buffed while applying status effects like Panic (light techs) or Mirage (wind techs) to disable enemies. Switch to a Launcher to apply Jellen Shot for further damage mitigation, and obviously Weak Bullet to triple your party's output. Your damage will be somewhere between Techer/nothing and Force/Ranger. Nowhere near a Fo/Fi or Fo/Te.

[Inazuma]

If you really want to support the party, you should help kill the enemies. Your idea of support doesn't work in this game because it's absurdly easy, enemies die instantly and there is no challenge or penalty for death.

If you are a force, use zondeel to gather enemies together so the hunters and rangers can quickly obliterate them with gunslashes. If you are a hunter or ranger, use a gunslash. That's the best way to play PSO2 currently.

[Terrence]

Thanks for your advice, Lebensohl and UnLucky. I will use them wisely.

If you really want to support the party, you should help kill the enemies.

If I can avoid the "run and hide like cowards to use a -Mate" when an evasive move is failed (time not used to DPS) then I do support efficiently.

[Alisha]

gs on hu aint that good

[Coatl]

gs on hu aint that good

better than it is on gunner tho