Question: DPS comparison of +5str vs +5cs for the bow

    Hello :)

    This question also applies to all other non-primary warriors and assassins.

    What gives the most dps for the bow, +5str or +5cs? Critical strikes also would have the advantage of the 1 energy gain on hitting a cs, but I'd like to focus just on dps.

    This question is aimed at general PVE content, like vanquishing or hm missions.

    Thanks and best regards :)


    Edit: I think +5cs would also make Way of the Master viable, with an additional 13% crit chance or maybe even Critical Eye with +7% for 18s.

    Edited once, last by BeanEnjoyer (March 30, 2026 at 1:17 PM).

  • BeanEnjoyer March 30, 2026 at 11:06 AM

    Changed the title of the thread from “Question: Comparison of +5str vs +5cs for the bow” to “Question: DPS comparison of +5str vs +5cs for the bow”.

    str

    two calculations:

    cs will increase crit hit chance by 5%. just taking base damage on a bow the average is 21.5, the crit is 28*sqrt(2)=40. assuming 0% crit base you have 21.5 avg before the mod and 40*0.05+21.5*0.95=22.4 damage.

    str will reduce armor by 5%. so against a 60ar target you get 2^(0.05*60/40)*21.5=22.6 avg damage.

    now for cs the assumptions were optimistic: you do not have a base of 0% crit, so the 5% crit from cs only applies to the remaining attacks, which means less impact. for str the assumptions were optimistic: usually targets do have more than 60ar in tougher environments - on the weaker nobs you wouldn't care about the snall difference really. benefit: str also increases the damage of your crits.

    now all this is situational, so if you want to optimize for a specific scenario you might conclude differently. for general means however, I'd conclude as outlined.

    for other weapons the result can be different though! an axe for example has a wider gap for the damage range, which means a crit hit does more difference compared to the average and conclusively cs would be the stronger option in the outlined assumptions: str would yield 18.15 avg damage, whilst cs would only yield 17.85. given the remarks about how realistic those assumptions were however mostly str would still be stronger.

    I WTB all kinds of Tower Shields and Defenders. I do drop research - if you find anything remarkable or want to see the results - check the thread or send a pm!

    IGN1 Red Fireball Rusher

    IGN2 Silberner Magier

    If your math is correct, than CS with Way of the Master would be the way to go. The calculation would change to `40 * 0.18 + 21.5 * 0.82`, which is 24.83 or even 26.1 in bursts using critical eye.

    This would be especially feasible if using Barrage, as this allows many free skill slots.

    I believe str based on the fact that it adds a permanent 5% or armor peneration (so -3armor on 60AL foes -5 armor on 100 AL foes)

    Adding 5% of Critical hit change would result in an average of -1 armor based on what is written on wiki:

    "A critical hit is a successful attack that deals additional damage, by negating 20 points of armor rating." so 5% of -20armor is -1armor, on avarage.

    If you go for +5 CS you could also consider using Critical Agility for +33% increase attack speed and +25 Armor, but your party has to support to improve you crit hit change (e.g. "Go for the Eyes!" )

    Note: this is purely theoretical you should test this...

    IGN: Amazon Of Melandru WTB

    Amazon Of Melandru Not only the armor is reduced, but as Red Fireball pointed out, always the max damage is used for the damage calculation.

    The wiki says this: `The exact formula is: [maximum damage] * 1.414`, however I am not sure if this is really linear and where the sqrt(2) comes from. Maybe it is valid for 60 armor?

    edit: consider my previous post, as a better alternative to Critical Agility; I think we posted simultaneously :)

    edit2: I agree this needs experimental testing

    Edited 2 times, last by BeanEnjoyer (March 30, 2026 at 2:40 PM).

    You are right, my analysis is partial, you have to consider the specif weapon you are using. Thank you for pointing that out!

    It seems that the main advantage is that +5CS opens possibilities to use of some CS skills...so if your build allows it +5CS + CS skills is the way to go!

    IGN: Amazon Of Melandru WTB

    There was a post recently on the subreddit about a Damage Calculator tool and it also highlighted another calculator tool.

    From the GuildWars community on Reddit
    Explore this post and more from the GuildWars community
    www.reddit.com

    These may be of use for identifying weapon modifiers and maximizing damage.

    Guild Wars Average Damage Calculator

    Guild Wars Weapon Damage & DPS Calculator

    Amazing bsoltan, thanks! If it is correct, than the question is answered. If the enemy is a warrior (or caster ~lvl28+), +5str is better than +5cs; However if the enemy is a caster, +5cs is stronger; and: if using Way of the Master (even without Critical Eye), +5cs is always stronger.
    And CS also has the benefit of gaining 1 energy on every critical hit.

    careful though: you are comparing äpfel mit birnen... with wotm and ce you tie your secondary profession plus use 2 of 8 skill slots. if you go secondary monk and bring SoH you will do more damage - but again the comparison is lacking because there I would count in attribute points spent into smite. so... it is a big compound of variables to factor in to decide for the optimum!

    I WTB all kinds of Tower Shields and Defenders. I do drop research - if you find anything remarkable or want to see the results - check the thread or send a pm!

    IGN1 Red Fireball Rusher

    IGN2 Silberner Magier

    Yes, I think so. In the case of this build, a barrage ranger, that would mean it triggers all the time. But yes, that also is again in favor of +5cs.

    Ive played a bit since with this build, and I quite like it. Crits trigger quite often, and it helps with energy management. The build shines when splinter weapon is applied and enemies are balled, not so much when the enemies are far apart. This is admittedly the way bigger factor then the crits ;) On average, I deal slightly less damage then the esurge mesmers.


    OgcSc5MTLGwgtSYH0G8g6PLi
    Vampiric Flatbow of the Assassin or Vampiric Shortbow of the Assassin

    Edit: I think it also would be better to change Never Rampage Alone and Charm Animal for Drunken Master, and add in Ebon Battle Standard of Honor (don't have that on my ranger yet). And change Triple Shot for a non pve skill. However Triple Shot is nice, due to procing the crit for energy gains and the vampiric bonus.

    Edited once, last by BeanEnjoyer (April 10, 2026 at 9:39 AM).