Flag running
From Guild Wars Wiki
Flag running is the task of running a flag to a specified location (usually the flag stand) in a PvP situation.
In GvG, this is done to help secure morale boosts for your team, while preventing the opposing team from gaining morale boosts in the process. Typically one player is dedicated to that role. Most flag runners carry speed boosts, which are used to both escape from enemies as well as running the flag faster as flags cause a 33% reduction in movement speed.
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[edit] Typical Flag Runner Components
- Long range defensive skills such as Extinguish, Heal Party, or Light of Deliverance.
- Speed boosts. Armor of Mist, Storm Djinn's Haste, and Dash (sometimes with Dark Escape) are popular metagame run buffs.
- Condition removal - most often Mending Touch. Apply Poison Rangers (with either Crippling Shot or Burning Arrow) are popular split characters, and will overwhelm a lone runner lacking condition removal.
- Self healing.
- Ability to heal NPCs being targetted by enemy ganks.
- Flagstand presence; contributing to your team's build while fighting 8v8. Additional damage, healing, or other support skills are necessary to aid your team at stand.
- A snare, knockdown, and/or blind for self-defense against a ganker.
[edit] Typical Flag Runner Duties
- The first and foremost duty of a flag runner is to go back and forth from your Flag to the Tower Flag Stand.
- Inform the team of your presence at the flag stand, participate in spikes or other offensive endeavors, and help defend your backline (e.g. blind warriors).
- Safely pass off the flag to an ally for double running in situations where either the flag runner may not be able to safely run it in himself (e.g. if the runner has accumulated death penalty) or the team is behind on flags.
- Counter the enemy's gank squad while making sure to inform your team of their progress.
- Capture other map-related points (Health Shrines, Catapults and Repair Kits, and Additional Flag Stands).
- Provide long-range support with whatever skills are on their bar. Using Heal Party and/or Extinguish and/or Aegis is particularly important against pressure builds since these skills are very efficient at reducing pressure.
[edit] Flag Runner Tips
- Call out when you're approaching the stand with the flag. Your monks should cast Protection type skills on you so you don't get spiked. If the Tower Flag Stand is away from the center team, you might need to call for a teammate to escort you.
- When calling out for help, being specific is usually the most efficient way to communicate things. Asking specific players to come to your aid ensures there is no confusion and keeps you moving faster.
- Flag runners are commonly the victims of a body block to force a morale boost. Flag runners should always be mindful of the positioning of opponents and terrain obstacles before moving toward the flagstand. Be careful of running against or too close to walls.
- Flag runners should be keenly aware of how pathing and character movement work so they do not regularly waste time or get body blocked. Knowing when to use the mouse and when to use the keyboard is important.
- Remember to type /stuck to prevent desynch
- Practicing routines on specific maps can lead to significant improvement; flag runners should be thoroughly familiar with the details of every map. For example, on maps such as Uncharted Isle, practicing an efficient routine can allow the flag runner to run back into the base, grab the flag, and get out before the gate closes, saving several seconds each run and giving him extra time at the stand to help with spikes.
- Practicing one-on-one scenarios with your flag runner can significantly reduce the amount of attention and resources your team has to spend on them during actual matches. A common drill is to practice how long the flag runner can run in circles with the flag while a common ganking opponent (e.g. a warrior or assassin) is chasing them, which emphasizes the ability to stay cool under pressure for long periods and keep the flag moving.
