I've been playing with Archery a lot recently and it's highly competitive for the top spot of my favorite powersets, pushing Munitions down to second place and Unarmed martial arts to third.

So, why do I love Archery? It's:
1. Mobile
2. High-damage
3. Very easy to build for thematically.

Almost every move with Archery allows for complete free-range movement, the only exception being Focused Shot. Almost every move also has high damage output, save for Gas Arrow, Focused Shot and Taser Arrow. We'll get to those in a bit.

For theme purposes, you don't have to go crazy justifying taking Knock Power X and Heal Power Y. You're an archer. You can wear power armor. You can run around in bear skins. You can just be a superhuman who's taking their backyard hobby to the next level. You can be a secret agent who prefers bows for their silent takedowns. You can even be a medieval-fantasy elf! Archery is a very wide-encompassing, welcoming set that just limits your concept to the character's weapon. It also hybridizes well, ESPECIALLY with the Form patch.

Now, onto the juicy stuff, the stuff that actually MATTERS, the stuff that people are going to look at and say 'oh hey those ARE some nice powers, I'm going to use those.' We'll be going down the list following the Marksman AT power schedule.

Let's start with the energy builder...
Strafe
You've got yourself a standard energy builder here. It tries to be mechanically different but fails at that. However, there's a very handy advantage called Aversion that will help you build dodge-avoidance on a critical hit. Did I forget to mention dodge-avoid really work well with Archery as a set? Aversion's a good choice, but you don't HAVE to take it. Weigh your options and try to gauge how much you're going to be using Strafe. Also, like all of the other energy builders, it's got 50 ft of range. Nothing special.

Here's our Blast attack.
Straight Shot
Potentially in the running for the best Blast attack in the game! This bad boy can be charged while moving and does serious damage, and also applies a debuff that ignores a nice chunk of resistance for your next few Archery attacks FOR FREE. You can further extend the debuff with the Split the Arrow advantage, or you can rank it up for max damage. R2 + Crippling Challenge for the PvP nerds out there.

Here's the next attack you'll probably be looking at.
Sonic Arrow
Oh, great, it's an attack that splits the damage into two halves... if you're going take this attack, Deadly Dissonance and Nailed to the Ground come highly recommended, because if this thing crits it does hit kind of hard. Plus, it has a stun-on-full-charge component! It also recently gained the ability to cause Disorients, with a 100% chance of a Disorient on full charge. Archers usually have no way to take advantage of this, however, so Disorient is really a moot selling point unless you have friends who can properly utilize it.

Oh, look, it's our passive!
Quarry
Oh man, this thing is awesome. Potentially one of the best offensive passives! Right from the get-go, it boosts ranged physical damage, making it a great choice for Technology builds all around and Force if you're into that sort of thing. You know what else it does? It boosts your Intelligence and Ego in combat. R3 this ASAP! Use Fair Game if you have a good chunk of Con and you're using your archer for PvE purposes.

Torrent of Arrows
This is our knockback. It's got 100 ft range, it charges, it hurts. Relentless Recurve comes highly recommended. I consider this to be a must-have for any Archery build! Comes with a short cooldown, great for making Molecular Self Assembly pop.

Concentration
Highly recommended, but ranking it up is a waste. Do more damage every time you attack from more than 24 feet away, complete a half charge or complete a half-maintain? SOLD. Take it. Use it. Love it.

Snap Shot or Focused Shot
If you're a Marksman, you have to choose. If you're not, you can skip both entirely, but Snap Shot is still a decent attack that strikes fast and hits hard, plus it does extra damage when your enemy is at low HP. Focused Shot, however, is DOWNRIGHT IRREDEEMABLY AWFUL AND YOU SHOULD NEVER, EVER, EVER USE IT! Take my word for it. You can't even move while using this poor man's Sniper Rifle, and the damage suuuuuuuuuuuuucks! Plus, Snap Shot can carry Crippling Challenge, so a PvPing archer or tank might want to keep that in mind.
WORD OF WARNING: As of this post, Snap Shot does NOT proc Concentration, so watch out for that.
DOUBLE WORD OF WARNING: Disregard the above, Snap Shot works with Concentration now.

Hunter's Instinct
This is an awful energy unlock because it simply fails to take the Marksman or any proper archer into consideration. It's simply a reskin of Killer Instinct, which scales off of Ego and Rec. However, the new Ranged form, Concentration, will help fill in energy issues caused by Hunter's Instinct, so go wild! Freeform Archers should consider Molecular Self Assembly. More on that after I'm done with the powers.

Evasive Maneuvers
One of the best quick little buffs you can get, this will boost your dodge by a flat amount and if you take the advantage, put you in stealth. It has a 50% chance of making all of the enemies you're fighting leave you alone too. Great for aggro-dumping and buffing yourself. I personally use R2 + Sleight of Mind, but dodgetanks can take R3.

Storm of Arrows or Gas Arrow
Now, look. I know the proposition of shooting an arrow that causes a smoke screen that randomly snares and stuns people sounds cool, but... seriously. Gas Arrow is an absoluteABOMINATION OF A POWER THAT SHOULD NEVER, EVER BE USED BY ANYONE EVER. It can't crit, it does pathetic damage and the chances for snares and stuns are so low it isn't even worth taking. You can blame Imbue for the no-crit nerf to Gas Arrow... and even IF Gas Arrow could crit, Storm of Arrows is by far the winner between these two powers. It's a high damage AoE maintain that has an advantage that roots people! Between this, Sonic Arrow and Torrent of Arrows you'll have all the crowd control you need. In case I wasn't clear enough, TAKE STORM OF ARROWS AND NEVER EVER EVEN THINK ABOUT TOUCHING GAS ARROW!

Edit: People actually LIKE Gas Arrow. They say to combine it with Storm of Arrows. Might work. Maybe. I don't have faith in the combo since you might as well just straight-up Storm of Arrows your enemies to death.

Explosive Arrow
I like to call it the Troll Arrow. Take Where's the Kaboom? Tap it on a target. They will explode in a few seconds and do the damage of a fully-charged Explosive Arrow. The damage will be divided among enemies, however.

The one attack Marksman doesn't get:
Taser Arrow
This attack is very, very bleh. The chance to paralyze is nice, I guess, and the energy drain advantage is nice too... but I can't help but feel very, very neutral towards this power. It isn't good, it isn't bad, take it if you want, I don't recommend it.

Out of set goodies for archers
Molecular Self Assembly found in Technology
It gives you energy when your powers come off of cooldown. This synergizes directly with Storm and Torrent of Arrows. It scales off of Int. If it wasn't obvious enough, you should take this power and leave Hunter's Instinct in the dust.

Masterful Dodge found in Martial Arts
Do you like being very-much untouchable at the beginning or middle of a fight? Take Masterful Dodge! You don't even need to rank it up. All in all a great Active Defense that won't go away when you use it and take a particularly nasty spike like a certain other Active Defense.

Ego Surge found in Telekinesis
Awesome Active Offense that'll boost your damage and your Ego. Also has a handy advantage that gives crit chance based on how much Con you have, so if you're into that sort of thing...

Bountiful Chi Resurgence found in Martial Arts
If you're using Archery, you'll be using Quarry (or LR if you want to be an archerytank) and Quarry boosts Dodge. Evasive Maneuvers also boosts dodge. Resurgent Reiki gives health when you dodge. The only downside is that it nerfs your damage a LITTLE BIT, but it's still worth it. Plus you'll heal a lot when you use Masterful Dodge.

Conviction found in Celestial
A nice little burst heal that heals for about 813 HP at R3 for a ranged DPS role and it can crit for 1.6k HP. It's even better in Hybrid role. It also synergizes well with Molecular Self Assembly. Conviction comes highly recommended!

Block Replacers
Generally, Archery doesn't NEED a block replacer. Nobody NEEDS one, but if you're more comfortable with it, then so be it. Here's some I'd recommend.
Retaliation
Got aggro? Block for a bit and full-charge a Straight Shot back at them with the Retaliation buff that'll increase your damage for that whole one attack.
Force Shield
Only reason I'd take this would be for Force Sheath, further curing you of any energy issues you may face in solo PvE or tanking.

Marksman Plus, a basic Freeform build based upon the Marksman with some modifications

PowerHouse (Link to this build)

Name: Marksman Plus

Archetype: Freeform

Super Stats:
Level 6: Super Dexterity (Primary)
Level 10: Super Intelligence (Secondary)
Level 15: Super Ego (Secondary)

Talents:
Level 1: The Marksman
Level 6: Academics
Level 9: Shooter
Level 12: Coordinated
Level 15: Healthy Mind
Level 18: Acrobat
Level 21: Ascetic

Powers:
Level 1: Strafe
Level 1: Straight Shot (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 6: Sonic Arrow (Deadly Dissonance, Nailed to the Ground)
Level 8: Quarry (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 11: Torrent of Arrows (Relentless Recurve)
Level 14: Explosive Arrow (Where's the Kaboom?)
Level 17: Evasive Maneuvers (Rank 2, Sleight of Mind)
Level 20: Storm of Arrows (Achilles' Heel)
Level 23: Molecular Self-Assembly
Level 26: Bountiful Chi Resurgence (Resurgent Reiki)
Level 29: Concentration
Level 32: Masterful Dodge
Level 35: Ego Surge
Level 38: Whatever you want. :I (Conviction, Snap Shot, Smoke Grenade are good picks for this.)

Travel Powers:
Level 6: Athletics (Rank 2, Rank 3, Versatility)
Level 35: Teleportation (Rank 2, Rank 3)

Could be used as a leveling build should the mood take you. Move Concentration to an earlier spot, as well as MSA.

The Survivalist, an LR tank that survives on BCR and Conviction, using Archery for primary attacks.

PowerHouse (Link to this build)

Name: The Survivalist

Archetype: Freeform

Super Stats:
Level 6: Super Constitution (Primary)
Level 10: Super Dexterity (Secondary)
Level 15: Super Intelligence (Secondary)

Talents:
Level 1: The Hero
Level 6: Academics
Level 9: Acrobat
Level 12: Coordinated
Level 15: Shooter
Level 18: Healthy Mind
Level 21: Ascetic

Powers:
Level 1: Strafe
Level 1: Straight Shot (Rank 2, Crippling Challenge)
Level 6: Evasive Maneuvers (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 8: Lightning Reflexes (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 11: Torrent of Arrows (Relentless Recurve)
Level 14: Storm of Arrows (Achilles' Heel, Challenging Strikes)
Level 17: Concentration
Level 20: Molecular Self-Assembly
Level 23: Bountiful Chi Resurgence (Resurgent Reiki)
Level 26: Explosive Arrow (Where's the Kaboom?)
Level 29: Masterful Dodge
Level 32: Conviction (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 35: Ego Surge (Nimble Mind)
Level 38: Free power, take a Nailed to the Ground applier. (Sonic Arrow and UGH FORCE GEYSER)

Travel Powers:
Level 6: Athletics (Rank 2, Rank 3, Versatility)
Level 35: Teleportation

The Mercenary, a Rambo-ish build designed around using your Archery attacks in tandem with a hard-hitting maintain, Assault Rifle.


PowerHouse (Link to this build)

Name: The Mercenary

Archetype: Freeform

Super Stats:
Level 6: Ego (Primary)
Level 10: Dexterity (Secondary)
Level 15: Intelligence (Secondary)

Talents:
Level 1: The Marksman
Level 6: Academics
Level 9: Coordinated
Level 12: Shooter
Level 15: Impresario
Level 18: Wordly
Level 21: Healthy Mind

Powers:
Level 1: Strafe
Level 1: Straight Shot (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 6: Quarry (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 8: Assault Rifle (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 11: Torrent of Arrows (Relentless Recurve)
Level 14: Smoke Grenade (Escape Artist)
Level 17: Storm of Arrows (Achilles' Heel)
Level 20: Concentration
Level 23: Molecular Self-Assembly
Level 26: Explosive Arrow (Where's the Kaboom?) OR Rocket (Rank 2)
Level 29: Evasive Maneuvers (Rank 2, Sleight of Mind)
Level 32: Masterful Dodge
Level 35: Bountiful Chi Resurgence (Resurgent Reiki)
Level 38: Free power, take a Nailed applier if you'd like. Shotgun, Sonic Arrow, Entangling Mesh...

Travel Powers:
Level 6: Athletics (Rank 2, Rank 3, Versatility)
Level 35: Teleportation (Rank 2, Rank 3)

The Commando, a tank variation of The Mercenary.


PowerHouse (Link to this build)

Name: The Commando

Archetype: Freeform

Super Stats:
Level 6: Constitution (Primary)
Level 10: Dexterity (Secondary)
Level 15: Intelligence (Secondary)

Talents:
Level 1: The Marksman
Level 6: Healthy Mind
Level 9: Ascetic
Level 12: Acrobat
Level 15: Shooter
Level 18: Coordinated
Level 21: Quick Recovery

Powers:
Level 1: Strafe
Level 1: Straight Shot (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 6: Evasive Maneuvers (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 8: Lightning Reflexes (Rank 2, Rank 3) OR Defiance (Rank 2)
Level 11: Torrent of Arrows (Relentless Recurve)
Level 14: Assault Rifle (Rank 2, Crippling Challenge)
Level 17: Storm of Arrows (Achilles' Heel, Challenging Strikes)
Level 20: Concentration
Level 23: Conviction (Rank 2, Rank 3)
Level 26: Bountiful Chi Resurgence (Resurgent Reiki)
Level 29: Molecular Self-Assembly
Level 32: Masterful Dodge
Level 35: Explosive Arrow (Where's the Kaboom?) OR Rocket (Rank 2)
Level 38: Free power, take a Nailed applier, as usual. Shotgun, Entangling Mesh and Sonic Arrow are decent for this sort of thing.

Travel Powers:
Level 6: Athletics (Rank 2, Rank 3, Versatility)
Level 35: Teleportation

If you take Pestilence as your passive, Gas Arrow is a bit better. You can fire it when it comes up, and let it work while you continue to spam better things.

It's also another cooldown in your rotation to proc MSA, but probably a redundant one by the time you get around to taking it.

Snap Shot is very nice to have near the end of a timed boss fight when it's a race between their last sliver of health and the voice incorrectly telling you there's a minute left when it's 15 seconds. :D Take it, spam it, love it.

you should mention if this is a PVP guide or a general guide, since you did mention PVP... and knowing you, you still PVP :p

It's a general guide, intended for any aspiring archer to do PvE or PvP or even both. :P

My main's leveling build was archery oh so many years ago. I really loved it back then but it was quickly overshadowed by mostly all sets, I'm glad that it's on its way back to being decent. I just took R3 Explosive Arrow on a Fiery Form build and love the damage it does, but it doesn't proc Concentration. I really wanted to get Gas Arrow but man does it suck. It needs some extra love when ever possible...

I have a level 37 archer at the moment and I absolutely love it, far more than I thought i would.

I'll be taking a few of your suggestions to heart ;)

i would like to say that I found Tazer Arrow to be indispensible at times especially at lower levels. It always stuns the target and was the difference between life and death on a number of occasions.

I think that you overstate the damage potential of a true archery build a bit. I would not consider straight shot to be even in the running for a best attack in the game list, but it does help the set.

Keep in mind that an Explosive Arrow, "Where's the Kaboom," tap does NOT do as much damage as a full charge. Only the explosion aspect is unaffected by charge time. The actual piercing damage aspect of the attack remains tied to charge time. Also keep in mind that, as you mentioned, the explosion damage is divided among targets in the area, and so the actual damage output of this attack can be extremely low in PvE. Effective target switching, or reserving WTK for use as part of an attack rotation against bosses without nearby henchmen, can help with this shortcoming.

I have not tested Sonic Arrow since the recent hold mechanic changes, but prior to those changes it stunned for less time than the charge up time, making its use as a CC effect an actual net efficiency loss.

Overall the set is better than it has been for a very long time. It still lags behind, by a considerable margin, better performing DPS sets for damage.



Edit: Taser has seen some (limited) successful use in PvP.

I want Gas Arrow to stick to whoever you shoot it at. If the AoE moved with the guy like Hex of Torment did, a'la the arrow expelling its cloud while lodged in a Purple Ganger's face, it'd be a lot more useful. I still like using Storm of Arrows w/Achilles' Heel to root folks on top of Gas Arrow, which does more extra damage than you might figure, but it's still more for the lulz than anything else.

Archery works, it just doesn't hold up against any of the traditional high-output ranged sets like Lightning or Infernal.