Guild Wars 2

Other Ranger longbow users, please check and respond.

Is it known/intended behaviour that when moving¹ in any direction but forward and using LB #2², #3 and #4 it goes straight to cooldown without firing?

¹ I’m not sure if I might be going out of range because I’m not getting the visual “Out of Range” indicator on screen. This might be the reason why, but I need confirmation.
² I’m not interrupting by using LB #1, and I’m aware that LB #5 is interrupted by movement of any kind, so I specifically didn’t ask.

I always move and use these skills. They’ll go straight to cooldown if the target leaves my frontal arc however.

Yes, it’s just one of the things that keep range oriented styles out from competitive game. It’s just bad implementation of Strafe mechanic in the game.
As I suggested couple times, adding something like this “Usable when retreating”, maybe via some addition to one of MM traits (possibly Eagle Eye),to Hunter’s Shot, Point Blank Shot, Cripping kitten and Concussive Shot would make gameplay feeling way more smooth. With this descreption, they would work same as “Quick Shot” Shortbow 3 without swiftness and evade( My favourite skill on Shortbow by far ). Rapid Fire would still “break”, but I think it won’t change until they decide to fix core game mechanic : moving. So, what could be the effect of that little fix I’ve suggested? Well, same as with Quick Shot, character on using those skills would instantly turn directly facing the enemy, shooting arrow and continuing moving in same direction as before. Seriously, that one thing would be awesome improvement vs. high mobility classes like Thieves. Being sure that when you hit the button, you fire an attack…ah…dreams!

LB #4 and #5 gets interrupted if you move i think (not sure about #4 right now but i dont think so). Pretty sure the rest of the skills can be used while moving. Maybe you are pressing #1 while they are being cast and interrupt them?

Cheers!

Do you mean moving or facing? I’ve never had a problem using skills when backing up or strafing to my knowledge. I have had issue when I use a skill and I’m not facing the right direction that the skill will go on cooldown. I thought it was only a 3 second cooldown though? Like the skill misfired? I can’t recall off hand. If it does go on full cooldown in this scenario you would think that’s a bug.

I have had issue with rapid fire breaking for similar issues as noted above. This I chalk up to my bad play though.

Kilger.5490:

I always move and use these skills. They’ll go straight to cooldown if the target leaves my frontal arc however.

Yeah, I think we have a winner here. I’m gonna mark this reply as the answer for now, until I have tested this a bit more and while waiting for more possible replies.

I may be answering your question wrongly but what you mean that the skill goes cd even without firing the skill?

I have never experienced this before. I always strafing or back pedalling on 2. 3 will only trigger if it hits the enemy. 4 in the distance you will just see it knockdown but at closer range, the knockdown is very obvious (if the enemy can be knockdown).

Indeed, as mentioned already here: If you activate a skill that is unable to trigger, it will cause a generic recharge of the skill..
Try positioning your back to your target and press LB#2, #3 or #4: Cooldown will appear, but no single arrow was fired..

Also, every LB skill allows movement except for LB#5..