Guild Wars 2

Chill your target and remove up to three boons, dealing extra damage based on the number of boons removed.

Damage Damage—Three Boons: 382
Damage Damage—Two Boons: 306
Damage Damage—One Boon: 229
Damage Damage—No Boons: 153 (0.500)?
Chilled (5s): -66% Skill Recharge Rate, -66% Movement Speed
Boons Removed: 3
Range: 1,200
Unblockable

Above is the current tooltip for spinal shivers. As you can see, it states that it should be unblockable. It isn’t. I’ve tested this after seeing it get blocked multiple times during pvp matches and it is indeed blockable with or without the Spiteful Talisman trait. To me, this makes it pretty unusable considering the long cast time, so I hope this gets fixed soon. Thanks.

It would still be unusable even if it was unblockable. Needs a huge cast time reduction or a huge damage increase (like double the current damage). Focus in general is too telegraphed, reaper’s touch’s projectile is too slow. Also, reaper’s touch should do more, it isn’t any better than mirror blade, but mirror blade has a much lower cd and projectile finisher.

Doesn’t need a cooldown reduction or damage increase. It just needs a shorter cast time.

Drarnor Kunoram.5180:

Doesn’t need a cooldown reduction or damage increase. It just needs a shorter cast time.

sorry meant cast time not cd reduction.

Yeah just needs cast time reduction.

They really do need to fix the unlockable bug. I’m not so sure about a cast time reduction. This skill, along with chill of death trait, can down almost anyone when it doesn’t get blocked. I actually count the seconds of the trait just to use this skill.

Jayce.5632:

They really do need to fix the unlockable bug. I’m not so sure about a cast time reduction. This skill, along with chill of death trait, can down almost anyone when it doesn’t get blocked. I actually count the seconds of the trait just to use this skill.

What your talking about is the strength of the trait chill of death, not the skill spinal shivers. Your talking about combining the two, but you would probably be better off auto attacking on dagger or hitting a life blast. Spinal shivers is bad, and anyone decent will dodge it. Honestly, chill of death is super cheap and they should remove it. Replace it with actual burst skills on necro actual weapons (dagger 2, axe 2, focus 4/5).

For instance, they could remove chill of death, make spinal shivers instant, and replace chill of death with a trait that made wells pulse 20 seconds of might to everyone in them.

zapv.8051:

Jayce.5632:

They really do need to fix the unlockable bug. I’m not so sure about a cast time reduction. This skill, along with chill of death trait, can down almost anyone when it doesn’t get blocked. I actually count the seconds of the trait just to use this skill.

What your talking about is the strength of the trait chill of death, not the skill spinal shivers. Your talking about combining the two, but you would probably be better off auto attacking on dagger or hitting a life blast. Spinal shivers is bad, and anyone decent will dodge it. Honestly, chill of death is super cheap and they should remove it. Replace it with actual burst skills on necro actual weapons (dagger 2, axe 2, focus 4/5).

For instance, they could remove chill of death, make spinal shivers instant, and replace chill of death with a trait that made wells pulse 20 seconds of might to everyone in them.

Chill of death is AMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAZING trait.You really really really really dont know what you talking about.

Sandrox.9524:

zapv.8051:

Jayce.5632:

They really do need to fix the unlockable bug. I’m not so sure about a cast time reduction. This skill, along with chill of death trait, can down almost anyone when it doesn’t get blocked. I actually count the seconds of the trait just to use this skill.

What your talking about is the strength of the trait chill of death, not the skill spinal shivers. Your talking about combining the two, but you would probably be better off auto attacking on dagger or hitting a life blast. Spinal shivers is bad, and anyone decent will dodge it. Honestly, chill of death is super cheap and they should remove it. Replace it with actual burst skills on necro actual weapons (dagger 2, axe 2, focus 4/5).

For instance, they could remove chill of death, make spinal shivers instant, and replace chill of death with a trait that made wells pulse 20 seconds of might to everyone in them.

Chill of death is AMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAZING trait.You really really really really dont know what you talking about.

No, I know exactly what I’m talking about. Chill of death is an amazing trait only if you like auto-proc bs damage that requires no timing, or even awareness to land. It’s broken and dumb. Meanwhile, focus, the actual weapon that inspired that trait is broken and useless in pvp. I just think that should be fixed.

There is no other auto proc trait that can deal as much damage instantly as chill of death and it’s really dumb and broken.

zapv.8051:

Jayce.5632:

They really do need to fix the unlockable bug. I’m not so sure about a cast time reduction. This skill, along with chill of death trait, can down almost anyone when it doesn’t get blocked. I actually count the seconds of the trait just to use this skill.

What your talking about is the strength of the trait chill of death, not the skill spinal shivers. Your talking about combining the two, but you would probably be better off auto attacking on dagger or hitting a life blast. Spinal shivers is bad, and anyone decent will dodge it. Honestly, chill of death is super cheap and they should remove it. Replace it with actual burst skills on necro actual weapons (dagger 2, axe 2, focus 4/5).

For instance, they could remove chill of death, make spinal shivers instant, and replace chill of death with a trait that made wells pulse 20 seconds of might to everyone in them.

First off, don’t shoot the messenger. Yes I’m talking about both the trait and the skill. The strength of them both together. While one of them will always work, the other does not due to a bug. I’m not going to get into a discussion about removing chill of death, no matter how cheesy it is (necro) or isn’t (all other classes). Although I do admit, watching someone with 6+ boons blow up does bring out the evil laughter.

zapv.8051:

Sandrox.9524:

zapv.8051:

Jayce.5632:

They really do need to fix the unlockable bug. I’m not so sure about a cast time reduction. This skill, along with chill of death trait, can down almost anyone when it doesn’t get blocked. I actually count the seconds of the trait just to use this skill.

What your talking about is the strength of the trait chill of death, not the skill spinal shivers. Your talking about combining the two, but you would probably be better off auto attacking on dagger or hitting a life blast. Spinal shivers is bad, and anyone decent will dodge it. Honestly, chill of death is super cheap and they should remove it. Replace it with actual burst skills on necro actual weapons (dagger 2, axe 2, focus 4/5).

For instance, they could remove chill of death, make spinal shivers instant, and replace chill of death with a trait that made wells pulse 20 seconds of might to everyone in them.

Chill of death is AMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAZING trait.You really really really really dont know what you talking about.

No, I know exactly what I’m talking about. Chill of death is an amazing trait only if you like auto-proc bs damage that requires no timing, or even awareness to land. It’s broken and dumb. Meanwhile, focus, the actual weapon that inspired that trait is broken and useless in pvp. I just think that should be fixed.

There is no other auto proc trait that can deal as much damage instantly as chill of death and it’s really dumb and broken.

Well,it dosnt matter when the auto-proc work,when it do,you dont want to be on the reciever end.I one shot thieves(well by one shot mean using lifeblast+the auto-proc of the trait) and bursting ppl when they low that they dosnt even have the time to pop up heal.I agree on the focus skills that are so dumb with the long cast times but I like to pull of a good burst with it.

Focus spinal shivers tries to fill a role that the Necomancer doesn’t have the tools for.

If you are in a team fight and want to burst somebody down, spinal shivers can remove his burst defenses, do a bunch of damage and pressure him with chill.

But necromancers have no business being in such fights if anet isn’t going to hand out projectile reflects, blocks, vigor, or blasts. (and if the self heals are going to remain so bad).

Spinal shivers ought to be remade a spammy control tool. 3/4s cast, 10 second coolown. 4 second chill (one fewer), no bonus damage, 2 boon corruptions (down from 3 removed boons).

That’s a useable skill.

zapv.8051:

No, I know exactly what I’m talking about. Chill of death is an amazing trait only if you like auto-proc bs damage that requires no timing, or even awareness to land. It’s broken and dumb. Meanwhile, focus, the actual weapon that inspired that trait is broken and useless in pvp. I just think that should be fixed.

There is no other auto proc trait that can deal as much damage instantly as chill of death and it’s really dumb and broken.

Chill of death is really dumb. It does too much damage. We already got our downed state damage nerfed because of chill of death.

I suspect Chill of death is the reason the class doesn’t have a proper “finisher” skill. Chill of death may be why necromancer is just “1 spam.”.

nekretaal.6485:

Focus spinal shivers tries to fill a role that the Necomancer doesn’t have the tools for.

If you are in a team fight and want to burst somebody down, spinal shivers can remove his burst defenses, do a bunch of damage and pressure him with chill.

But necromancers have no business being in such fights if anet isn’t going to hand out projectile reflects, blocks, vigor, or blasts. (and if the self heals are going to remain so bad).

Spinal shivers ought to be remade a spammy control tool. 3/4s cast, 10 second coolown. 4 second chill (one fewer), no bonus damage, 2 boon corruptions (down from 3 removed boons).

That’s a useable skill.

zapv.8051:

No, I know exactly what I’m talking about. Chill of death is an amazing trait only if you like auto-proc bs damage that requires no timing, or even awareness to land. It’s broken and dumb. Meanwhile, focus, the actual weapon that inspired that trait is broken and useless in pvp. I just think that should be fixed.

There is no other auto proc trait that can deal as much damage instantly as chill of death and it’s really dumb and broken.

Chill of death is really dumb. It does too much damage. We already got our downed state damage nerfed because of chill of death.

I suspect Chill of death is the reason the class doesn’t have a proper “finisher” skill. Chill of death may be why necromancer is just “1 spam.”.

We are not the only ones who dont have “Finisher”.Guards,rangers and engineers dont have “finishers” and before you give me skills that burst,compare them to 1 lifeblast from close.

Sandrox.9524:

zapv.8051:

Sandrox.9524:

zapv.8051:

Jayce.5632:

They really do need to fix the unlockable bug. I’m not so sure about a cast time reduction. This skill, along with chill of death trait, can down almost anyone when it doesn’t get blocked. I actually count the seconds of the trait just to use this skill.

What your talking about is the strength of the trait chill of death, not the skill spinal shivers. Your talking about combining the two, but you would probably be better off auto attacking on dagger or hitting a life blast. Spinal shivers is bad, and anyone decent will dodge it. Honestly, chill of death is super cheap and they should remove it. Replace it with actual burst skills on necro actual weapons (dagger 2, axe 2, focus 4/5).

For instance, they could remove chill of death, make spinal shivers instant, and replace chill of death with a trait that made wells pulse 20 seconds of might to everyone in them.

Chill of death is AMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAZING trait.You really really really really dont know what you talking about.

No, I know exactly what I’m talking about. Chill of death is an amazing trait only if you like auto-proc bs damage that requires no timing, or even awareness to land. It’s broken and dumb. Meanwhile, focus, the actual weapon that inspired that trait is broken and useless in pvp. I just think that should be fixed.

There is no other auto proc trait that can deal as much damage instantly as chill of death and it’s really dumb and broken.

Well,it dosnt matter when the auto-proc work,when it do,you dont want to be on the reciever end.I one shot thieves(well by one shot mean using lifeblast+the auto-proc of the trait) and bursting ppl when they low that they dosnt even have the time to pop up heal.I agree on the focus skills that are so dumb with the long cast times but I like to pull of a good burst with it.

You’re missing his point. He never said it was bad. He said it was cheap. As in lots of reward for an easy proc, and it kind of is. It’s not alone in that department, but he isn’t wrong. Yes it’s ‘good’, but it doesn’t mean it’s not a little cheap.

ronpierce.2760:

Sandrox.9524:

zapv.8051:

Sandrox.9524:

zapv.8051:

Jayce.5632:

They really do need to fix the unlockable bug. I’m not so sure about a cast time reduction. This skill, along with chill of death trait, can down almost anyone when it doesn’t get blocked. I actually count the seconds of the trait just to use this skill.

What your talking about is the strength of the trait chill of death, not the skill spinal shivers. Your talking about combining the two, but you would probably be better off auto attacking on dagger or hitting a life blast. Spinal shivers is bad, and anyone decent will dodge it. Honestly, chill of death is super cheap and they should remove it. Replace it with actual burst skills on necro actual weapons (dagger 2, axe 2, focus 4/5).

For instance, they could remove chill of death, make spinal shivers instant, and replace chill of death with a trait that made wells pulse 20 seconds of might to everyone in them.

Chill of death is AMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAZING trait.You really really really really dont know what you talking about.

No, I know exactly what I’m talking about. Chill of death is an amazing trait only if you like auto-proc bs damage that requires no timing, or even awareness to land. It’s broken and dumb. Meanwhile, focus, the actual weapon that inspired that trait is broken and useless in pvp. I just think that should be fixed.

There is no other auto proc trait that can deal as much damage instantly as chill of death and it’s really dumb and broken.

Well,it dosnt matter when the auto-proc work,when it do,you dont want to be on the reciever end.I one shot thieves(well by one shot mean using lifeblast+the auto-proc of the trait) and bursting ppl when they low that they dosnt even have the time to pop up heal.I agree on the focus skills that are so dumb with the long cast times but I like to pull of a good burst with it.

You’re missing his point. He never said it was bad. He said it was cheap. As in lots of reward for an easy proc, and it kind of is. It’s not alone in that department, but he isn’t wrong. Yes it’s ‘good’, but it doesn’t mean it’s not a little cheap.

What he looking for is to nerf possibly our only burstable trait?

Spinal Shivers: Removed an incorrect unblockable skill fact from this skill. While this skill does remove aegis before striking, it is not unblockable.
from today patch.

Sandrox.9524:

Spinal Shivers: Removed an incorrect unblockable skill fact from this skill. While this skill does remove aegis before striking, it is not unblockable.
from today patch.

Ohh, then…

https://dviw3bl0enbyw.cloudfront.net/uploads/forum_attachment/file/158908/ColinAlchemy.jpg

:P

Rekt. Thanks for narrowing down my weapon set choices anet. You can be sure I won’t be using focus

Hubris.7436:

Rekt. Thanks for narrowing down my weapon set choices anet. You can be sure I won’t be using focus

I stopped using focus and axe as the same time they had their chances especially with the new focus and axe traits those are weak links. Hope at least it’s not over with the notes bugs are still here.

So the question I now have is was this skill ever unblockable? Was it nerfed last patch and they didn’t remove the skill fact?

Atherakhia.4086:

So the question I now have is was this skill ever unblockable? Was it nerfed last patch and they didn’t remove the skill fact?

Rather, the correct question should be, “when are axe and focus (and their traits) getting a rework?”

Atherakhia.4086:

So the question I now have is was this skill ever unblockable? Was it nerfed last patch and they didn’t remove the skill fact?

I don’t know that it was ever properly unblockable, and I used it a lot.

Sagat.3285:

Hubris.7436:

Rekt. Thanks for narrowing down my weapon set choices anet. You can be sure I won’t be using focus

I stopped using focus and axe as the same time they had their chances especially with the new focus and axe traits those are weak links. Hope at least it’s not over with the notes bugs are still here.

This is what worries me. I’m really hoping they don’t just do small touches to stuff like this and chilling darkness and never look at it again. Chilling darkness is still bad, would be usable with a 4 sec icd, and a 30 second well of darkness recharge. Focus is still terrible, and needs significant buffs.

What’s hilarious is that they fixed this bug within 24 hours of it being mentioned. It’s as if they told someone to go around and tweak a few random values right before they had the patch go live.

Chilling Darkness will be garbage until they remove the ICD or give us way more blinds. On a side note I don’t actually think Spinal Shivers should be unblockable, its a massive hit that removes boons. I’d much prefer it get a 3/4s to 1s cast time.

yay they nerf the skill now is blockable =[

Just to chime in on focus 5, yes this used to be unlockable. I’m the odd-man-out who used this weapon a lot, and still do, primarily for its life force gain potential.

Jayce.5632:

Just to chime in on focus 5, yes this used to be unlockable. I’m the odd-man-out who used this weapon a lot, and still do, primarily for its life force gain potential.

not just the skill 5 but also the trait got nerf =[

Brokensunday.4098:

Jayce.5632:

Just to chime in on focus 5, yes this used to be unlockable. I’m the odd-man-out who used this weapon a lot, and still do, primarily for its life force gain potential.

not just the skill 5 but also the trait got nerf =[

The traited spinal shivers can not get blocked. It will simply activate on the next hit as long as the target is still below 50% health.