Guild Wars Second Profession for Ranger Help?

Question

I’m a new player on Guild Wars for the Prophecies Campaign and I would like some advice on what would be the best second profession for my ranger. (In your opinion, since everyone has their own ideas of what works well) The only one I am ‘opposed’ to is the Warrior profession.

I’m currently level 6 and am wandering about foolishly until I can decide.

Answer 1

All of the Guild Wars professions have their advantages & disadvantages either as primary or secondary professions.  The game is actually very well balanced so its likely that any combination can be played with success.  You should probably pick something that appeals to you and fits your style of play.  You are not locked in anyway, at level 20 about half way through the game (in the Crystal Desert in 'Prophecies') you can take quests that will enable you to change your secondary profession at that time.

Many people use Monk as a second profession to give themselves access to a fair self-heal capability, plus a reuseable resurrection spell.

I tend to use Mesmer as a secondary for many characters for its access to very good interupts, but a Ranger can be configured as an interupter fairly easily without that.  Still a possibility.

Some people use Elementalist as a secondary because it gives access to some very good mass damage spells, but mainly because it has some effective energy management skills.

Warrior gives access to stances which can help with defense & speed running.  I know you said you weren't interested in a warrior secondary, but it does have some uses.

Necromancer also has some interesting spells, and the ability to raise minions can often be useful.  

You can look at pvxwiki.com to see many profession combinations that have been tested and rated by players.  

As for a pet, the basic one you get in pre-searing is fine.  The Melandru's stalker has a good look and progresses well as you level yourself (and pet) and is just as good for game mechanics as any other.  There is also a Ranger quest in post-searing that you can only get the reward for if you have this animal for a pet. (Quest:  Endangered Species.)

You may like the look of another pet better, and you can switch at any time during the game.  Check guild-wiki for more information on pets:  http://guildwars.wikia.com/wiki/Pet.

My personal preference in prophecies is Wolf or Snow Wolf, just because I think they look cool.  Black Widows, which can only be captured in the underworld, have certain prestige value.  Taming a Black Bear in pre-searing is quite difficult, but the Bear is also a prestige item especially at low levels.