Guild Wars 2

One thing I have noticed lately is that my Mesmer’s conjured illusions’ damage output is always zero (0). Verified on both the screen reporting around the mob I am fighting (of any type) and also in the combat logs. This is regardless of type of illusion. I figured it might be just a visual reporting bug but it also very much seems like no damage is being done by them as the mobs don’t drop any more quickly with or without illusions. They just don’t seem to help. I am aware of the range requirement for max damage on some spells/builds. FYI I mostly use a Greatsword if it matters but I will try to test more later tonight.

Personal note: I prefer direct damage to blowing up my illusions in order to get them to do damage, stun or the like. ;o) It has its uses though.

On a tangential but related note, conjured illusions do virtually nothing to hold aggro similar to how a Ranger’s pet will hold a mob at bay while you wail on it. It would be fantastic if they could!

Illusions do very little damage, by design. Their basic function is distraction and Shatter fuel. Some of them do other useful things besides damage (Sword illusions will apply vulnerability, Staff illusions apply random conditions to enemies and buffs to allies, ect) and there are a number of traits you can use which add other functions to them as well, such as Sharper Images (Duelling 15pt Minor) which lets them bleed on critical, or 3 different traits in different trees that cause conditions to nearby enemies on clone death, among others.

Phantasms are the ones that actual deal any sort of noticable damage, though. If you want damage-dealing minions, go for Phantasms.

As for illusions not holding aggro… sometimes they do, sometimes they don’t. Depends on enemy type (some enemies, especially Risen, tend to completely ignore all summons and go for players directly), proximity, and other factors. Doesn’t help that they never really get time to build aggro since they tend to come and go quickly.

Thanks Electro, that sounds solid.