Guild Wars 2

One of the best things about this game, and really one of the deepest concepts to it, is to understand some of the core mechanics of the game. One of those core mechanics is piercing attacks.

Let’s face it, piercing attacks are terrible. Nobody uses Mesmer greatsword auto-attack to pierce people. Nobody uses Mesmer scepter 3 to stack aoe confusion. Nobody uses Ele scepter arc lighting auto-attack to pierce targets(at all, really; if anything, just to gain back endurance via trait). Nobody in their right mind would dump 20 points into the Ranger Marksmanship line to take piercing arrows. Shortbow 2 on Ranger is more for just pressing a button other than pressing auto-attack 1 only once for a fight.

The piercing attack mechanic is so circumstantial that it’s practically useless. In fact I think a staff ele is more effective than someone trying to constantly utilize any type of piercing attack. What gives?

What reason is there to worry about pierce with the absolute break down of front/back line due to ample amount of gap closers and damage sources that will drop someone in a fraction of the time in a far more practical manor than attempting to line yourself up.

The use of piercing attacks is really just so you aren’t bodyblocked from your target.