Guild Wars 2

I have noticed a couple of bots doing circuits of the high level areas in the last couple of days and as a public service i will offer some advice as to how to spot a bot.

1: A bot will follow the exact same route in a circuit with zero variation for hours on end, unlike a real person that will vary their route since even a person with a photographic memory does not have a memory this perfect and minor distractions or reactions to other players will alter their behaviour.

2: A bot will not respond to tells, if you see someone who looks suspiciously like a bot send them a tell and ask them what they are doing, even someone who has a limited command of English will at least respond with something, also do not make your tell a simple hello, ask them a question in simple English most players on EU or US servers know at least enough to get by in the game and answer simple questions, like “hello, how long have you been playing?” or something, if you get a response that makes a degree of sense then they are probably not a bot.

3: Absolutely bog standard equipment, this is not exactly the most reliable sign of a bot, but it can be supporting evidence if they fit the other signs. Bots are essentially disposable so a botmaster will not invest the time and effort of making their bot look fancy since they are not stupid and they know a bot will inevitably get banned so they do not usually waste time on frivolities like custom colored armor or expensive bind on equip gear.

So that is how I spot a bot, now what can I do if I see a bot?

Well there is only one way to deal with them without breaking the terms of service or harassing a real player. You report them by selecting the bot and right clicking on their picture and selecting the report option. Then go on your way and let the GMs deal with the problem.

I hope more people will report any bots that they see since they are usually run by real money traders which are as we all know a blight on the community that leads to in game inflation. And if we stamp them out early they will not become an epidemic like they are in other games.

I strongly disagree with you. First off all I want to express I am very much against botting. For those who played GW1 they would recognise that when it comes to discussing bots, people where only complaining bout bots in PvP. Surprise, they are also in PvE but we could never see them. If you suspect someone to be a bot, just report him/her. Anet have very good tools to identify a bot from a real players, and it doesn’t take them long. I already had my Guildleader be in shock yesterday boutt he fact that someone whispered him to ask if he was a bot. He (and I 100% agree) said it is very inpolite to suggest that.

I care little bout bots cause they don’t really bug me. I spotted a few indead and I reported them. They don’t make me angry or mad. I don’t care that dishonest people are prowling with expensive gear . When I get that gear I know I got it in a honest way. Doing like your saying comes from envy wich is in my book a sin.

I think botters should be banned but don’t make it a wild goase chase where honest players have to defend themself for other players. Last off all, your remark bout equipment is as discriminating as saying that someone in a oil-coat or with greasy hair is homeless. It might just be that they just don’t care bout looks.