Guild Wars 2

Why are there such things as “combat only” traits such as Spotter, EA, SiN. There are a few pet related “combat only” traits too.

The only skill affected by them not being constantly active is really Strength in Numbers because your toughness is not increased for that first engaging hit. But why?

I find it just makes your characters stats harder to read and understand. Anet went through a lot of trouble making ferocity and critical damage more understandable but left these traits hidden. Do you open your hero’s panel during combat to see what you’re at?

Another “combat only” anomaly is that only 1/2 of your pets traits are view-able outside of combat. The other traits are listed at 0 until you enter combat then they change to their respective amounts.

I don’t understand why these traits are “combat only” either, and would really appreciate that practice done away with. It just seems silly, and only confuses players.

Agreed with all of the above.