gww>SabSparrow: /* Skills that reduce activation time */

2026-04-30T23:19:22Z

Skills that reduce activation time

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[[Activation time]] is a [[resource cost]], the length of time it takes a [[skill]] to be [[execute]]d after a character has selected it. In [[Guild Wars]], the term is synonymous with '''casting time''' and is denoted in-game as {{activation}}.

A skill's activation time begins as soon as a character selects that skill; if the period elapses successfully, the skill is executed. The activation time is halted and the skill [[fail]]s if it is [[interrupt]]ed or [[cancel]]ed. This wait time is a key vulnerability of every skill: the longer the activation time, the more opportunities opponents have to prevent the skill from operating successfully.

Like many things in the game, activation is handled by the game's servers rather than the player's computer, making skill use subject to [[lag]]. Often players will not notice any resultant [[latency]], since it is typically less than 400 milliseconds.

After the activation time of a skill with a stated activation time, there will almost always also be an [[aftercast delay]] of 3/4s before the skill user can act again.

== Attack skills ==

[[Attack skill]]s follow two different timing rules, depending on whether or not the skill explicitly states an activation time. For skills with unstated amounts, the skill will use the first half of the character's ''next'' attack interval (the remaining half will be the time it takes the character to return to the neutral state). For example, an [[axe]]-wielding character will take half of 1.33 seconds to activate [[Body Blow]]; it will take them half of 1.75 seconds to activate the same skill while swinging a [[hammer]].

Skills with an explicit activation time work similarly: half-way through the interval, a [[melee]] attack will connect with its target and a [[range]]d attack will launch its projectile; the remaining half will be used to return the character to a neutral state. For example, a [[Savage Shot]] is fired after {{1/4}} seconds after it is initiated (half the stated {{1/2}} second {{activation}}) and [[Belly Smash]] will connect after {{1/2}} seconds, rather than the stated 1 second. These skills also bypass the return-to-neutral delay from the previous attack (assuming it did not have an [[aftercast delay]]).

=== Other attack skill mechanics ===

* Activation times for ''all'' attack skills are affected by any [[effect]] that alters [[attack speed]]s. For example:
** Using [[Protector's Strike]] while in a [[Frenzy]] reduces the attack interval to {{1/3}} second and the attack connects after ~0.166 second after activation.
** [[Devastating Hammer]] while hexed with [[Faintheartedness]] connects after 1.3 seconds (with a full interval of about 2.6 seconds).
* [[Pet attack]]s function more like [[shout]]s that affect the pet's next attack.
* Effects and skills (such as [[Migraine]]) that affect the activation time of any skill, does not affect the activation time of attack skills.

== Other skill types ==

All other skills use their stated activation time (after modifications) unless otherwise noted below.

=== Spells and signets ===

* [[Spell]]s and [[Signet]]s use the stated activation time. Spell casting time can be modified by [[HCT|half casting time]] weapon upgrades, [[Fast Casting]], and skills or effects that explicitly reduce it (e.g. [[Healer's Boon]]). Signets are also affected by Fast Casting and a different set of skills or effects. In addition, all signets and nearly all spells suffer from [[aftercast delay]].
* [[Flash enchantment spell]]s have no activation time or aftercast delay, but cannot be activated while activating other skills or while [[Knock down|knocked down]].
* [[Dolyak Signet]] and [[Signet of Suffering]] activate instantly, but cannot be activated in mid-[[action]] or while knocked down. Although they do not have stated activation time, they work within the [[skill queue]]; they will overwrite any previously queued actions, including [[movement]].
* [[Asuran Scan]] is the only hex without a specified activation time. It casts instantly, but it has an aftercast delay and cannot be used in mid-action.
* Spells under the effects of [[Glyph of Sacrifice]] cast nearly at once and instantly for [[Glyph of Essence]], but still suffer aftercast delay and are subject to queuing.

=== Preparations ===

[[Preparation]]s use their stated activation times after any modifiers. However, preparations from [[Factions]] and [[Nightfall]] also suffer aftercast delay (those from [[Prophecies]] or [[Core]] do not).

=== Traps ===

[[Trapper's Speed]] is the only skill that specifically modifies [[trap]] activation time.

=== Other skills ===
* [[Shout]]s, [[Pet attack]]s, and [[Stance]]s activate immediately, outside the queue; they can be activated in the middle of other [[action]]s or while [[knocked down]].
* Some skills have no stated activation time, but suffer aftercast delay, notably: [[Celestial Stance]], [[Scavenger's Focus]], [[Angelic Protection]], and [[Air of Superiority]].
* Some skills without a listed activation time cannot be activated in mid-action, even though they do not have an aftercast delay: [[Protector's Defense]], [[Feral Aggression]], [[Inspirational Speech]].

== Notes ==
* The decrease in activation time for attack skills under an [[IAS]] is useful in landing interrupts on your foe's faster-activating skills.
* Ranger skills with activation times have an [[aftercast delay]] to hinder [[spike|damage compression]].
* Any skill with an explicit activation time can be used to bypass the second half of a previous attack interval (after that attack has hit). For example, a Warrior using [[Executioner's Strike]] after [[Eviscerate]] at normal speed will land Executioner's Strike 1.33 seconds after Eviscerate, while a Warrior using [[Agonizing Chop]] instead of Executioner's will land it {{1/2}} second after Eviscerate, which is almost three times as fast. This is also what makes certain dagger-spamming builds effective.

== Effects that modify activation time ==

Skills and effects can influence non-attack skill activation times; times are [[Effect stacking|capped]] at -25% and +150% of the original amount.

* The [[Mesmer]]'s [[Fast Casting]] primary attribute reduces the activation time of spells and signets and is not affected by the cap.
* [[Dazed]] increases casting time.

== Skills that reduce activation time ==

* {{mo}} {{skill icon|Healer's Boon}} ([[elite]]) affects [[Healing Prayers]] spells
* {{mo}} {{skill icon|Holy Haste}} affects Healing Prayers spells
* {{n}} {{skill icon|Jaundiced Gaze}} affects the next enchantment if an enchantment is removed from target foe
* {{me}} {{skill icon|Celestial Haste}} affects spells, [[PvE only]]
* {{me}} {{skill icon|Stolen Speed}} (elite) affects spells targeting target foe cast by you (and allies in PvE)
* {{me}} {{skill icon|Time Ward}} (elite) affects spells cast by allies in the ward, PvE only
* {{e}} {{skill icon|Glyph of Essence}} next spell activates instantly, you lose all energy
* {{e}} {{skill icon|Glyph of Sacrifice}} next spell activates instantly, increases recharge time
* {{e}} {{skill icon|Iron Mist}} affects Air Magic spells that target a foe
* {{e}} {{skill icon|Over the Limit}} (elite) affects spells, PvE only
* {{a}} {{skill icon|Deadly Haste}} affects half-ranged spells
* {{a}} {{skill icon|Deadly Paradox}} affects Assassin skills
* {{p}} {{skill icon|"Help!"}} affects skills targeting target ally cast by other allies
* {{d}} {{skill icon|Natural Healing}} half casting time if you are not enchanted
* {{d}} {{skill icon|Signet of Mystic Speed}} next self-targeting enchantments cast instantly
* {{any}} {{skill icon|"There's not enough time!!"}} affects all skills
* {{any}} {{skill icon|Mindbender}} affects spells, PvE only

== Skills that increase activation time ==

* {{r}} {{skill icon|Nature's Renewal}} affects hexes and enchantments
* {{me}} {{skill icon|Arcane Conundrum}} affects spells, also hexes foes adjacent to target
* {{me}} {{skill icon|Confusing Images}} affects non-attack skills
* {{me}} {{skill icon|Enchanter's Conundrum}} affects enchantments
* {{me}} {{skill icon|Frustration}} affects spells
* {{me}} {{skill icon|Migraine}} affects all skills
* {{me}} {{skill icon|Shared Burden}} affects movement, spells and attacks
* {{me}} {{skill icon|Stolen Speed}} affects spells, also hexes foes adjacent to target
* {{me}} {{skill icon|Sum of All Fears}} affects movement, spells and attacks
* {{mo}} {{skill icon|Holy Veil}} affects hexes cast on target ally
* {{e}} {{skill icon|Rust}} affects signets, also hexes foes adjacent to target
* {{any}} {{skill icon|Corrupted Dragon Spores}} affects spells
* {{any}} {{skill icon|Spectral Agony}} affects all skills
* {{any}} {{skill icon|Snaring Web}} affects all skills

== Other effects that influence activation time ==
{{section-stub}}

; Consumables
* [[Blue Rock Candy|Blue]]/[[Green Rock Candy|Green]]/[[Red Rock Candy]]
* [[Essence of Celerity]]
* [[Slice of Pumpkin Pie]]

; Environmental effects
* {{skill icon|Cower in Fear}}

; Upgrade components
* [[Focus core]]
** [[of Aptitude]]
** [[of Swiftness]]
* [[Inscription]]
** "Aptitude not Attitude"
** "Don't Think Twice"
* [[Staff head]]
** [[Adept]]
** [[Swift]]
* [[Insignia]]
** [[Bloodstained Insignia]]

== See also ==
* [[Aftercast delay]]
* [[Interrupt]]
* [[Fail]] and [[Fizzle]]
* [[Skill queue]]

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Activation time - Revision history

gww>SabSparrow: /* Skills that reduce activation time */