Shield (Block) + Pure Evasion Ranger

Hey guys, I'm thinking of doing a melee Lightning Strike Ranger that specializes in Evasion + Shield Block %.

The idea is block everything I can't evade, and evade everything I can't block. Sounds good in theory, right?

While at it, I maximize all the Life, Elemental Damage with Weapons and One Hand nodes in the path.

I will be using a Scepter with high elemental % with possibly IAS and + lightning damage.

Will also be running Tempest Shield and elemental auras + Grace.

Maybe also a spell totem with summon skeletons for survivability or just a decoy totem.

This is the proposed build.

Any thoughts?

Feedback will be much appreciated.

I've selected all the nodes you could possibly need.
Remember since you go Acro, you need to invest alot on eva, block and life.
That strong arm is too much, 4 nodes.
The shadow one gives you acceleration too.
You could need projectiles damage too for LS.

Oh, you opened my eyes for to so many more options. Thank you for that.
Although 111 points is too much. I must make it 85'ish max.

I got your ideas, and will work on a new tree.

Thanks for you feedback, much appreciated.

Ok, this is what I came up with.

I ignored iron grip and point blank since I can use support gems for them. Maxed all possible pure evasion nodes (I guess) and the nearest shield ones.

I won't be using frenzy/blood rage, so I also ignored frenzy charges.

Will be looking forward to get proper gear in order to cap at least block chance. Evasion will be a little harder, but I guess I can get pretty close.

Accepting critique and further considerations.

I think you waste too many points in +10 DEX...

That is true, but I make that for 3 reasons:

First, I didn't specced any accuracy nodes. Each dexterity point gives +2 accuracy, which will be utterly necessary to maintain high chance to hit %

Second, each dexterity point gives 0.2% evasion (2% evasion per 10 dexterity), which is also crucial for keeping me alive in this build.

Third, it is the easiest way to travel around the tree without getting not-so-good nodes and avoiding bad tradeoffs, that is, speccing 3 specialized nodes instead of one +10 dexterity node.

Do you think it is a valid idea?

I've selected/deselected some nodes to make you understand something;
1) first of all; YOU NEED MORE HP.
HP are essential for your build. What happens when you can't dodge or block a hit?You would istantly die if you can't block/avoid it.
1sub) take the amulet wich provides to block spells(stone of lazhar I suppose) since you will not take the templar special perk for it, it should be useful maybe)
2)Keep your focus on eva/block then.
3) you have crystal skin right on your path, it would be a shame not to use it.
4) repartee-acceleration is a too good combo to pass up.You could sacrifice the projectile damage for it(if you don't plan to use LS entirely as a long-range attack, but even then damage of LS projectiles are calculated by the initial melee hit right? so they del more damage, and the attack speed aswell is really good).
5HPHPHPHP. and you need str for damage, HP!, and lighting strike/stuff to wear(you need INT too for it).
5) you need mana to run auras(tempest shield, grace, maybe wrath/anger since flat damage but you can run grace/wrath/anger with blood magic support) and have mana left to use skills after that

I understand your concerns, I also have thought about it...
I will reply line by line.

"

1) first of all; YOU NEED MORE HP.
HP are essential for your build. What happens when you can't dodge or block a hit?You would istantly die if you can't block/avoid it.

Yup, that is true. I will aim for a minimum of 100% increased hp.

"

1sub) take the amulet wich provides to block spells(stone of lazhar I suppose) since you will not take the templar special perk for it, it should be useful maybe)

Will do! Thanks for the hint. Have more unique item ideas? I've been searching myself and coouldn't find anything.

"

2)Keep your focus on eva/block then.

Done!

"

3) you have crystal skin right on your path, it would be a shame not to use it.

Also done. Same for Alchemist.

"

4) repartee-acceleration is a too good combo to pass up.You could sacrifice the projectile damage for it(if you don't plan to use LS entirely as a long-range attack, but even then damage of LS projectiles are calculated by the initial melee hit right? so they del more damage, and the attack speed aswell is really good).

I will probably do it. I believe it is more important to get the one hand bonuses since I will be using Double Strike for bosses and single targets.

"

5HPHPHPHP. and you need str for damage, HP!, and lighting strike/stuff to wear(you need INT too for it).

Yup, already noticed that. Will get the nearest STR and INT notables. Should also use Paua Rings with resistances and INT bonuses. Should also get a STR belt with bonus to all attributes or at least, bonus STR.

"

5) you need mana to run auras(tempest shield, grace, maybe wrath/anger since flat damage but you can run grace/wrath/anger with blood magic support) and have mana left to use skills after that

Also noticed that. Will be running Wrath, Anger and Tempest Shield for now. Considering to drop Clarity. Hatred is out of question...reserved % sucks.
Anyway, I will attach reduced mana supports to the auras.

Additionally I will attach a mana leech support in LS and DS.

-

This is what I came up with using your hints, although it will be really hard to achieve such level.

Thanks for your ideas on this build. It means a lot!

I still think you need to be more defensive.
Or maybe you need to deal so much damage they wont even reach you.

Well, so far so good.

I am currently at level 22 with 50% block chance, 25% spell block chance and +/- 65% evade chance.

From my experience party playing experience I can tank better than most maras at my level. Tanked Merveil, Oak and everything in the Ancient Pyramid with no problem at all.

This is my current equip.


And this is my current skill tree.

Having no mana issues, and no stats issues.
Going to rush Arrow Dodging and Acrobatics now.

Getting pretty confident with the build :)