Guild Wars 2

So I just finished a build trying to get as much up time for Retaliation buff as possible. Went with 2-H Greatsword for the 2 ability, took relevant traits, and utilities, etc.

Tool tips leave something to be desired so far, so when I read Retaliation currently, it’s explained as “reflects damage back to source”.

Is this the next single attack? Or all incoming damage for the duration of the buff? Is it intended that incoming attacks still damage me?

I’m not claiming anything is broken/bugged or wrong, I just want to better understand how the mechanic is intended to function.

Thanks to all in advance

It doesn´t reflex all damage. Just a part of it.

I’ve used a bit of 2H swords and the retaliation skill. It seems to reflect a portion of every attack thrown at you while it’s up, though the attacks still damage you. It’s best used when you know you’re about to take a bunch of hits and would rather kill your opponent rather than dodge them. Basically, it seems like a scaling Thorns buff, but I too would love to see more detailed tooltips.

Any idea what portion of damage is reflected within a given attack? Does a DoT tick extinguish the effect or just reflect little or simply not apply at all?

Would any class be able to viably create a tanky-thorns build that is retaliation (possibly burn also) based?

You gotta keep in mind that there are certain terms for such things in this game. I think that “Block” means u don’t get damaged. Reflecting projectiles is what it sounds like, as in Wall of Reflection skill. Retaliation probably stands for the ability to damage people back whenever they attack you, while you are still taking damage.

From what I’ve seen Buffs are the same on everyone this includes players and bosses. So taken from that point, I’ve fought a couple of bosses so far that have the Retaliation buff for a few seconds that reflect 33% of all damage for the duration.

I can only assume you still take 100% damage, but 33% of that damage is reflected for that WHOLE duration, not just a single attack — but all attacks.

I believe Rook has it right. Honestly, I like retaliation when I’m in a tight spot, or when I’m in a group of other players and give all of THEM retaliation too.

But does it also reflect condition damage? I think it does. I’ve been building my guardian with a GS and X/Shield, my traits set to outlast my enemies while keeping retalliation up for around 30 seconds. It works extremely well versus proffs like Warrior and Thief that can take you down extremely fast, because you’ll be dealing back quite some of the huge nukes they’re throwing at ya while being way tankier then them.

Was expecting the forums to be full of insightful comments, but they don’t even get this right. Retaliation does not reflect a portion of damage. It does a base amount of damage depending on the person being struck’s power. http://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Retaliation

Rason.2573:

Was expecting the forums to be full of insightful comments, but they don’t even get this right. Retaliation does not reflect a portion of damage. It does a base amount of damage depending on the person being struck’s power. http://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Retaliation

This, pretty sure condition damage doesn’t retaliate for each tick but only when it’s applied.

I’m not sure about condition damage but I belive skills with multiple hits (like the Guardian 1h Sword’s #3 ability) activate retaliation on every hit.

Rason.2573:

Was expecting the forums to be full of insightful comments, but they don’t even get this right. Retaliation does not reflect a portion of damage. It does a base amount of damage depending on the person being struck’s power. http://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Retaliation

To be fair, during the earlier BWEs Retaliation reflected 50% of damaged received.