Guild Wars 2

So, I’ve recently learned that some percentage damage increase skills don’t have any effect on condition damage. I was completely unaware of this before now and, frankly, I don’t understand this mechanic.

I’ve heard claims that certain percentage buffs do affect conditions, and others do not. I’m not talking about condition duration, I’m talking about damage. Like, Elementalist’s Bolt to the Heart trait, for example.

How do I know what percentage based damage increases do or do not affect condition damage, and why does this mechanic exist? Does Anet simply have a different concept of “damage” than I do?

Damage = Direct Damage
Condition Damage = Condition Damage

Unless it specifically says Condition damage it does not affect it.

what about damage mitigation? Does a Mesmer’s Illusionary Defense reduce condition damage?

Most skills which turn you invulnerable leave you susceptible to pre existing conditions doing damage. That being said you are almost always immune to new conditions affecting you.

LCV.7245:

what about damage mitigation? Does a Mesmer’s Illusionary Defense reduce condition damage?

Doesn’t affect conditions.

The reason why damage reduction traits don’t affect conditions is because you can remove conditions. Similarly, increasing the damage of conditions (outside of +condi damage) is done via specific traits, such as Amplified Wrath or via +condition duration%.

The logic is pretty simple: Damage is split into direct damage and damage-over-time.