Guild Wars 2

When a Mesmer shatters a clone does the clone have to be really close to deal damage?
If so would that make shattering ranged clones pointless as they are too far to apply damage when shattered?

They have to be close, yes, but when you shatter the illusions that are too far away from the target run to it to get in range.

Ranged Clones, Illusions and Phantasms will run to the target when you choose to Shatter them, and they’ll shatter when they reach the correct proximity to the target.

Naturally, they’ll shatter where ever they happen to be if the target dies before they reach it.

Illusions, clones and phantasm, run to their target to get in range when you shatter them. The shatter is also aoe so it doesn’t only effect their target but also every foe around them.

Also I’m pretty sure the damage is instant, as in as soon as they reach the target, before he clones have started their shatter animations. I have noticed this as I keep going, if I watch the enemies health bar while he clones start the shatter animation and after they shatter it doesnt move but if I watch it as soon as they get next to the target I see the damage apply.

Thanks for the help, I was reluctant to shatter my clones thinking they wouldent do damage. Any tips on which shatter is the best to use?

I mainly use mind wrack and keep the rest up for defense until miner wrack is off cool down, but If someone else is getting pounded on I’ll use Diversion for the daze.

I presume it depends on your build and playing style Crothen.
Mind Wreck is the one going to do the direct damage and probably the one you’re looking for. Cry applies confusion and the other 2 are more defensive ones.

For me it’s different as I go for a condition spec and have confusion trait on all my shatters. I think the best thing is for you to try it out and see what works.