Guild Wars 2

I have been searching for well over an hour for a comprehensive description of how to interpret the game’s tool tips. I can’t find anything that is simple and straight-forward. There are lots of formulas, etc. I’m looking for the basics. For example, when a tooltip lists multiple targets, does the damage listed apply to each target, or does the damage listed get distributed among all the targets? In other words, does a 100 damage skill for 5 targets do 20 damage per target or 100 damage to each target (subject to modifiers, etc.). I can’t find that anywhere I’ve looked.

Can anyone point me to a reference that explains how to understand the tooltips?

Damage listed is always to a single target, but no skill divides its damage among available targets.

However, when you see a skill like Ghastly Claws that lists its damage as “(number)x8”, the listed number is divided by the number of hits (in this case, 8 hits). These are always referring to a single target, so Barrage doesn’t divide its damage further if hitting more than one foe.

Archranis, welcome to the confusing world of GW2 that lacks any tutorial and isn’t self-explanatory. Good thing there are veterans you can ask.

For instance, it took me a while to understand that all effects applied to allies do affect the user as well.

Well, after nearly 5 years, I know how to read the ‘x5’ number.

I think this would be a great page for the wiki.

Calculations information can be found on the damage calculation page of the wiki

Ashantara.8731:

Archranis, welcome to the confusing world of GW2 that lacks any tutorial and isn’t self-explanatory. Good thing there are veterans you can ask.

For instance, it took me a while to understand that all effects applied to allies do affect the user as well.

Not all but most. Engi elixir gun skill 3 which cleanses condi’s off allies does not work for the user which should be a crime!

But you are correct, it takes time to figure things out here unless asking lol or using the wiki and let’s face it, even the wiki can be confusing at times.

Paulytnz.7619:

Ashantara.8731:

Archranis, welcome to the confusing world of GW2 that lacks any tutorial and isn’t self-explanatory. Good thing there are veterans you can ask.

For instance, it took me a while to understand that all effects applied to allies do affect the user as well.

Not all but most. Engi elixir gun skill 3 which cleanses condi’s off allies does not work for the user which should be a crime!

But you are correct, it takes time to figure things out here unless asking lol or using the wiki and let’s face it, even the wiki can be confusing at times.

heh but that is only because there is no way to point the gun at yourself. if you could somehow stand int it’s cone it will remove it from you too

Communal Defenses is another effect that only affects allies.

Ariurotl.3718:

Communal Defenses is another effect that only affects allies.

Well, the difference (allies only vs. you & allies) should be noted in the skill facts. It really is a crime that players are left in the dark.