Ranger questions from a newbie

[Deterre]

I started my ranger and he's at lvl 9 right now, but I don't see much ranged combat. My ranged skills (back shot and double shot) do really pathetic damage, especially compared to my magical damage. I end up relying almost completely on melee and magical skills, although I hate both of them (I've been an archer-type in every game I've played). Is the ranged combat going to improve (dramatically) or am I going to have to rely on melee for the rest of my days? Also, what affects ranged damage? According to all the guides I've read intelligence increases magical damage and strength increases melee damage, but I haven't found a single mention about ranged damage. Thank you for your time <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

[Andok]

You will get a lot more ranged CAs as you reach level 20-ish, and even more when you get higher level.  STR also affects ranged damage.

[Malchore]

<p>It wasn't until I got into my upper 30s that I would have considered myself an archer more than a melee fighter.  At your level, you have only your two ranged attacks, and they have long recast times.  So fire off your two abilities, and then do the "scout" melee things.  When you get to your 30s things will change for the better.</p><p>I recomend you do every quest you can right now.  Quests are the primary way to earn Acheivment Points.</p>

[Elephanton]

Ranger sucks as an archer up until 26-28

[Rattfa]

As with most classes, you wont have close to your full range of skills untill past level 30 really. Levelling up you will always have to rely on a bit of melee combat, especially if you solo. Also, be aware of your new abilities as you level up them...some have roots on them, allowing you to keep the mobs at range, and snares which allow you to kite the mob

[Suncat]

I agree with the 26+ level as a ranger. When I first started mine I was not much impressed with the ranged combat. After 30 you do start to get much better skills for the ranged combat. At my current level, I have man CA's for damage, rooting, snares, etc. When I am soloing, I will use these to cut the mob/mobs down down to size before they are on me for hand to hand. Of course if you make sure to give yourself some room to move, you can use the stun on the mob; move back and shoot them again. Run the range CA's to add damage to the mob before they are on top of ya. Switch to hand to hand until the CA's recharge, stun, move back and CA them again. Rinse and repeat until you kill them. Also as a Ranger, once you get higher up being in groups for raids or even just killing will be great. Since you can unload large amounts of damage on the mobs from a distance. I have found that you sometimes need to be careful? Since if you use to many CA's to fast, you will actually draw the agro of the mob from the tanker. Good luck and have fun with the ranger.

[Deterre]

Thanks a lot for the help, guys.