Guild Wars 2 combat mechanics detailed

ArenaNet has released specifics on what players can expect from combat in the upcoming MMO, Guild Wars 2.

ArenaNet will post a two-part feature straight from Lead Designer Eric Flannum that describes the core components of Guild Wars 2 combat mechanics. The feature will also take a look at the Elementalist profession.

Combat highlights include:

Visual and dynamic combat – Manoeuvre around an opponent to strike for maximum damage or send them flying through the air. Create giant crushing stone hands, turn into a massive tornado, or summon a flock of vicious birds of prey to swarm your enemies.

Cross-profession combos – Combine attacks from different professions for extra damage, like shooting arrows through a flaming wall to create a barrage of fiery projectiles, or sending pets through a cloud of poison so they spread the toxin among the enemy.

Environmental weapons – In the hands of a skilled Elementalist, a simple boulder can be turned into a meteor storm. Or save the day by taking control of a siege weapon on the battlefield!

A skill system that is easy to learn and rewarding to master – In Guild Wars 2, you start with a strong base set of skills, but the game allows for deep player customisation. You get your base skills from the weapons you wield and then customise your skill-set with racial skills, healing skills, profession skills, and even a devastating elite skill.

The Elementalist

Versatility – Adapting to any situation, the Elementalist can attune to the elements of Fire, Water, Air, and Earth. Each element provides a separate set of options and visually-powerful attacks, like the ability to call down precision lightning strikes, trigger volcanic eruptions, or heal allies.

Distinctive Mechanics – Glyphs, Signets, Conjurations, and Attunements provide a distinctive set of mechanics that foster versatility and garner grand results, ranging from area-of-effect destruction to defensive snares.

Guild Wars 2 promises to be a a visually stunning MMO that will offer players the epic grandeur of a massive role playing environment combined with innovative combat mechanics, dynamic events, and personal storytelling. ArenaNet hopes to allow gamers to play the way they want, while at the same time retaining the no-subscription-fee business model that made the original Guild Wars so popular.

The game is currently in development for PC. No release date has been announced.