Guild Wars 2

What is the intended use of the next ally or the nearest ally command? I think the defaults are the V and J keys. What it seems to do for me is target a vendor or a mini-pet, neither of which are potential targets for my Druid’s heals.

I’ve read that both here and on Reddit that ANET never intended it to be used, but that begs the question, why is it in game? Hence the post.

Since it’s in game, what is it’s purpose?

It has several uses:

• In escort events, it’s a useful way to find an NPC for healing (or centering an AoE), for people who have trouble clicking amidst a sea of foes.
• Sometimes an NPC will be next to a node or banner; “next ally” helps you select the node|banner without needing to have micro-precision aim.
• It’s useful for cancelling autoattacks, without swapping or stowing a weapon (there are other ways to do that, too).

Thanks for the straight up answer.

I am learning the Druid class, and was surprised that “next ally” did not choose anything that could be construed as an ally, not even my own pet (which is an active ally for purposes of activating ranger runes). I think it was the first time I’d ever used the command.

Now that I know mini pets, banners, nodes, and vendors are my true allies, I’ll behave accordingly. Party members, pay attention. ANET says you are not my allies. Just remember that I gave your mini pet an enormous heal just before you died, and beside you is the healthiest ore node in Ember Banks.

Michael.9403:

Thanks for the straight up answer.

I am learning the Druid class, and was surprised that “next ally” did not choose anything that could be construed as an ally, not even my own pet (which is an active ally for purposes of activating ranger runes). I think it was the first time I’d ever used the command.

Now that I know mini pets, banners, nodes, and vendors are my true allies, I’ll behave accordingly. Party members, pay attention. ANET says you are not my allies. Just remember that I gave your mini pet an enormous heal just before you died, and beside you is the healthiest ore node in Ember Banks.

That was really funny! Thanks for the laugh!

Yeah, that was pretty funny

Still, computers are literal beasts. And technically, “party members” are considered different from “allies.” Computers have a very strict code (ahem) about such things. “Allies” are mindless NPCs; party members are mindful humans (although, of course, some are more ‘mindful’ than others).

No doubt the game should use a different word than “next ally”, like maybe “next NPC.”

And “next party member” would be a useful addition to the set of commands we could bind to a key.

Illconceived Was Na.9781:

Yeah, that was pretty funny

<snip>

And “next party member” would be a useful addition to the set of commands we could bind to a key.

Next ally, or it’s equivalent in meaning is in every PvE game in existence. ANET’s PvP bias in GW2 is shining brightly, it would seem.

Since playing my scrapper more lately, I’ve really started to want a “target nearest downed” for my gyro revive.

Michael.9403:

Illconceived Was Na.9781:

Yeah, that was pretty funny

<snip>

And “next party member” would be a useful addition to the set of commands we could bind to a key.

Next ally, or it’s equivalent in meaning is in every PvE game in existence. ANET’s PvP bias in GW2 is shining brightly, it would seem.

No, I’ve played other games that explicitly distinguished “ally” from “party member” (including single player games).

But that’s besides the point: it’s a point of confusion between the player and the jargon and (where possible), developers should try to avoid that. In practice, they aren’t always able to (for reasons both good and bad).

There’s no reason to assume a specific cause for the issue; it’s enough to point it out and ask them to adjust things.

Illconceived Was Na.9781:

Yeah, that was pretty funny

Still, computers are literal beasts. And technically, “party members” are considered different from “allies.” Computers have a very strict code (ahem) about such things. “Allies” are mindless NPCs; party members are mindful humans (although, of course, some are more ‘mindful’ than others).

No doubt the game should use a different word than “next ally”, like maybe “next NPC.”

And “next party member” would be a useful addition to the set of commands we could bind to a key.

Erm… party members are allies, the effect targeting rules are:

“Effects that target allies prioritizes party members, then party members’ pets and minions, then other players, then friendly NPCs.”

https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Ally

Unfortunately I have no idea how they decide who the “next” ally should be. If it cycles through all allies in a certain radius well that seems kinda pointless in the open world. “Next party member” sounds more useful.

Pifil.5193:

Unfortunately I have no idea how they decide who the “next” ally should be. If it cycles through all allies in a certain radius well that seems kinda pointless in the open world. “Next party member” sounds more useful.

My point is neither “next ally” or “nearest ally” work as you describe. They cycle through nearby nodes, banners, vendors, mini-pets, but NOT any ally by your referenced ANET definition. Try it, it’s a (default) letter V or J.

Yes, the effect(s), druid heals, are INTENDED to heal allies. You just can’t target them using those commands.