Guild Wars 2

So I get reports about some Guardians and Warriors that can “keep aggro” or keep the mob focused on them. I can’t get this to happen for me no matter what I do. I know about the lack of holy trinity blahblahblah but I continually hear that some players can do this.

Anyone have an idea if this can be done or is just anecdotal?

Edit: forgot to include that I am 64 ATM with mostly +healing and vit with toughness where I can.

I’ve done it by just healing a lot, the “aggro” system seems to be based off of damage and healing done not “threat”. So a typical fight starts off in staff and ends up with mace/shield

I can only tell about my experiences in how explo 1
some mobs, especially bosses, have different ways of choosing their targets. Some seem to attack the one with lowest life, some attack those with higher healing, those who are closest to them or first hit… ect
I think it´s only about getting to know the mobs/bosses
I, for example, dont have any problems tanking Ginva, except for some moments when he´s going after my sup-mates.
But I can´t get every mob´s fcous, when there are 3 or more of them >.<
But I´d really love to xD

Cero, that seems to be my experience as well. If so, it is an interesting dynamic.

Yeah, the monsters operate on a threat table similar to what GW1 did from my understanding, and it’s very different from Rift or WoW, which had simpler aggro mechanics.

In dungeons, nobody is really quite meant to be taking all the damage for the party. It’s more about control of the battle and creatures. That being said, the guardian’s “tank” weapon brings a lot of party support and personal defense, especially if you make good use of Traits. 20 points in…Honor, I think, lets you access two major slots that make Symbols larger and heal allies who are inside them, making the mace’s Symbol really, really useful.

I have stolen aggro from someone by just standing off to the side and watching them fight.

It’s partially proximity aggro as well. The closer you are, the more like you’re going to be attacked.

Rooj.7036:

I’ve done it by just healing a lot, the “aggro” system seems to be based off of damage and healing done not “threat”. So a typical fight starts off in staff and ends up with mace/shield

I experience the same as the above.

I run dungeons in full Cleric gear pulling aggro. I suspect it’s the party-wide Regeneration from Hold the Line and Battle Presence. Although I will admit that I have once fought for aggro against a Vit-stacked staff Necro.

I seem to recall an interview in which it was mentioned things like proximity (or the lack of such), the weapon type you use and even your RACE all affect how different mobs react.

I’ve definitely noticed that there are times where I can run into a big group and hit everything and they stay on me while my Thief friend beats on them with her shortbow. Other times, I run in, beat on them and on her very first volley, ALL the mobs start chasing after her instead.