[Noob Question] Ranger or Shadow for Bow Builds?

Hey all

I was curious which class would be better suited for the variety of bow builds out there right now and possibly for the upcoming changes? May sound like a redundant question since the class "Ranger" is considered to be a bow main in a lot of other games. However, I have read around saying Shadow maybe better due to crits?

Fairly new to the game and have just got my Marauder up to 46 since starting yesterday following a 2H Axe build guide which seems to be going pretty good but wanted some variety in terms of gameplay.

Some of the builds that interests me are the lighting and tornado bow builds for both classes because of how swift they can be in clearing (Not to sure which builds are best suited since there's a bunch).

Just wanted some opinions from players who could guide me on which of the two classes would perform better at using bows for the many builds out there.

Wasn't able to find any info that's fairly present and similar to this topic so figured I ask.

Thanks

Sort of depends what you what. You're basically just choosing ascendancies because the main skill tree will look almost the same for both classes. IMO Deadeye is the most braindead bow class (doesn't require buff management), Assassin is the highest damage, and Pathfinder is best overall (in terms of damage + defenses + speed). Assassin also goes up in value if you're using a unique bow like Reach of the Council that otherwise struggles with crit.

Would you say if I want to go for high damage bow builds, I should choose Deadeye or Assassin?

Not sure what you mean by brain dead for Deadeye.

Appreciate the info.

Thanks

Forgot to ask which would be better at clearing and farming in terms of speed of the two classes compared to a Marauder? Having range seems to be a big advantage and not having to walk up to a cluster of enemies just to kill them for example the EQ build I'm following right now (Which apparently got nerfed according to the patches.)

Thanks

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RondangoUnchained wrote:

Not sure what you mean by brain dead for Deadeye.

I think 'No-brainer" would be a better phrase to use. It means using Deadeye with bows is easy. You don't have to have lots of skill to work out which Ascendancy passive skills to get, or how to use them well.

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RondangoUnchained wrote:

Forgot to ask which would be better at clearing and farming in terms of speed of the two classes compared to a Marauder? Having range seems to be a big advantage and not having to walk up to a cluster of enemies just to kill them for example the EQ build I'm following right now (Which apparently got nerfed according to the patches.)

Thanks

Compared to a bow Marauder? Juggernaut walks pretty quickly, so probably Bow Jugg would have better clear speed than Assassin or Deadeye if you had enough dps. Against a boss, Assassin will kill the fastest, but it requires management of charges. Deadeye is strong and easy to build/use.

You could also consider raider if you really want fast clear speed. Like assassin, it requires management of charges though. But you can get some really good movespeed on Raider with its phasing and Frenzy charge nodes.

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dudiobugtron wrote:

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RondangoUnchained wrote:

Not sure what you mean by brain dead for Deadeye.

I think 'No-brainer" would be a better phrase to use. It means using Deadeye with bows is easy. You don't have to have lots of skill to work out which Ascendancy passive skills to get, or how to use them well.

"

RondangoUnchained wrote:

Forgot to ask which would be better at clearing and farming in terms of speed of the two classes compared to a Marauder? Having range seems to be a big advantage and not having to walk up to a cluster of enemies just to kill them for example the EQ build I'm following right now (Which apparently got nerfed according to the patches.)

Thanks

Compared to a bow Marauder? Juggernaut walks pretty quickly, so probably Bow Jugg would have better clear speed than Assassin or Deadeye if you had enough dps. Against a boss, Assassin will kill the fastest, but it requires management of charges. Deadeye is strong and easy to build/use.

You could also consider raider if you really want fast clear speed. Like assassin, it requires management of charges though. But you can get some really good movespeed on Raider with its phasing and Frenzy charge nodes.

Thanks for the help, I meant to say the difference in speed compared to a melee Marauder, the current build I'm following is https://www.pathofexile.com/forum/view-thread/1630184/page/1
Credits to Zahkriisos1337