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Snare (tactic)

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A crippled Warrior limps at 50% speed
(click for animation)

A snare is a skill or tactic that slows or restricts enemy movement. Snares are useful as a melee counter, for countering kiting, or for preventing a player from attaining an objective in a particular PvP mode. For example, one might snare the flag runner in a GvG match, a monk rushing to heal a Guild Lord, or the relic runner in a Heroes' Ascent relic run.

A snare can be thought of as the opposite of a speed boost. Snares can be stacked, but movement rate is capped at -50% slower than normal; however, a single skill that causes more than -50% slower movement can override the -50% cap, such as Winter's Embrace.

General overview of snares[edit]

  • Body blocking. A team can heavily restrict or sometimes entirely stop an enemy movement by using their own characters' bodies as a living wall. Spirits, pets, minions, and other NPCs, such as Footmen, can help body block an enemy character.
  • The crippled condition. Conditions are easily and cheaply removed, but they are also relatively easy and cheap to inflict. It is possible to stack conditions on top of the cripple to make it somewhat more difficult to remove; for example many Cripshot Rangers stack poison from Apply Poison on top of the cripple caused by Crippling Shot.
  • Hexes that slow. The water attribute of the elementalist, the illusion attribute of the mesmer, and the deadly arts attribute of the assassin contain many useful movement speed reducing hexes. Hexes are somewhat more difficult to remove than conditions, easier to cover to prevent removal, and tend to have more dramatic effects than the cripple condition.
  • Knock downs. Knock downs utterly stop an enemy target's movement and most actions for a short period of time. Knock downs last two seconds (unless otherwise noted), but the effect can be augmented by the Earthbind spirit, the Stonefist Insignia, rapid casting of knock downs with short recharges (such as Gale), or coordinated chaining of knock downs from multiple teammates.
  • Incentives. A few unusual spells create incentives for a target to choose to restrict his own movement, for example the Assassin's Enduring Toxin and the Necromancer's Weaken Knees hexes. In addition, there are battlefield conditions created by various skills (such as wells, wards, nukes, traps and spirits) that can convince an enemy to avoid moving into a particular area.

Snare counters[edit]

  • Because many hexes can snare, Holy Veil cast before the hexes hit in important situations allows instant removal of a snare hex.
  • Condition removal is good against melee heavy teams for quickly removing cripple. Mending Touch is often used.
  • Stances can be used for several different reasons such as providing speed boosts, blocking attacks in order to avoid cripple, and preventing knock downs.
  • Speed boosts themselves are a counter to at least some of the effects of snares. The balance between speed loss and gain will reduce the snare's effect; however, be careful of using enchantment based speed boosts when facing snares such as Icy Shackles.

Application by game type[edit]

Guild versus Guild[edit]

  • Snaring an enemy's Flag Runner can help your team to receive a Morale boost.
  • Snaring a retreating enemy can quickly lead to the death of that particular opponent or slow their retreat as healers are required to stay longer to keep that foe alive.
  • Mass snares such as the Ward Against Foes can be used to limit tactical movements of an entire enemy team.
  • Snaring melee damage dealers on a retreat reduces the number of deaths your team will take when it is most vulnerable.
  • Snaring foes on splits can slow down offensive splits and facilitate countersplitting.
  • Snaring a target during a spike can ensure that melee attacks reach the target and that the target cannot dodge ranged spike damage.

Heroes' Ascent[edit]

  • Snaring the Relic Runner can buy your team time to stop their Relic Runner, and also give you more time to run a Relic.
  • Snaring can severely limit mobility on the capture points map and give your team the time or leverage to gain more shrines and therefore earn your team more points.
  • Snaring can easily create opportunities to timekill key foes, like Ghostly Heroes or healers, on King of the Hill maps.
  • Snaring enemy players in choke points combined with large amount of AoE damage, usually from the Fire Magic line.

Player versus Environment Adventuring[edit]

  • In challenging elite areas, snares can be used as an important form of damage mitigation.
  • Some missions/quests are much easier to complete with snares, such as snaring the Corsair Runners in the Moddok Crevice mission.

Skills that reduce movement speed[edit]

See also: Crippled#Skills that cause crippling
IconNameDescriptionEnergyActivation timeRecharge timeProf.AttributeCampaign
Muddy Terrain.jpg Muddy Terrain Nature Ritual. Creates a level 1...8...10 spirit (30...78...90 second lifespan). Creatures in range have 10% slower movement: also negates speed boosts. Does not affect spirits. 0 055 Tango-energy.png 055 Tango-activation-darker.png 03030 Tango-recharge-darker.png rangeraRangerWilderness SurvivalZ Prophecies

On self[edit]

IconNameDescriptionAdrenalineEnergyActivation timeRecharge timeProf.AttributeCampaign
Armor of Earth.jpg Armor of Earth Enchantment Spell. (30 seconds.) You have +24...53...60 armor. You move 50...21...14% slower. 0 1010 Tango-energy.png 00.750.75¾ Tango-activation-darker.png 01515 Tango-recharge-darker.png Tango-quest-icon.pngelementalistaElementalistEarth MagicZ Core
Dolyak Signet.jpg Dolyak Signet Signet. (8...18...20 seconds.) You have +10...34...40 armor and cannot be knocked-down. You move 75% slower. 0 0 0 02020 Tango-recharge-darker.png warrioraWarriorStrengthZ Prophecies
Flail.jpg Flail Stance. (1...12...15 second[s].) You attack 33% faster. You move 33% slower. 4 Tango-adrenaline.png 0 0 0 warrioraWarriorStrengthZ Nightfall

On foes[edit]

IconNameDescriptionOvercastEnergyActivation timeRecharge timeProf.AttributeCampaign
Binding Chains.jpg Binding Chains Hex Spell. Also hexes foes near your target. (3 seconds.) These foes move 90% slower and takes 1...24...30 damage each second while moving. 0 1010 Tango-energy.png 01.001 Tango-activation-darker.png 01515 Tango-recharge-darker.png ritualistaRitualistCommuningZ Factions
Crippling Anguish.jpg Crippling Anguish Elite Hex Spell. (5...17...20 seconds.) Target foe moves and attacks 50% slower and has -1...7...8 Health degeneration. 0 055 Tango-energy.png 01.001 Tango-activation-darker.png 01212 Tango-recharge-darker.png mesmeraMesmerIllusion MagicZ Core
Crippling Anguish (PvP).jpg Crippling Anguish (PvP) Elite Hex Spell. (5...17...20 seconds.) Target foe moves 50% slower and has -1...4...5 Health degeneration. 0 1515 Tango-energy.png 01.001 Tango-activation-darker.png 02020 Tango-recharge-darker.png mesmeraMesmerIllusion MagicZ Core
Dark Prison.jpg Dark Prison Hex Spell. Shadow Step to target foe. This foe moves 33% slower (1...5...6 seconds). 0 1010 Tango-energy.png 00.250.25¼ Tango-activation-darker.png 03030 Tango-recharge-darker.png assassinaAssassinDeadly ArtsZ Factions
Deep Freeze.jpg Deep Freeze Hex Spell. Also hexes foes in the area of your target (10 seconds). These foes move 66% slower. Initial effect: deals 10...70...85 cold damage. 0 2525 Tango-energy.png 02.002 Tango-activation-darker.png 01515 Tango-recharge-darker.png Tango-quest-icon.pngelementalistaElementalistWater MagicZ Core
Earthen Shackles.jpg Earthen Shackles Hex Spell. (3 seconds.) Target and nearby foes move 90% slower. Applies Weakness for 5...17...20 seconds when it ends. 0 1010 Tango-energy.png 01.001 Tango-activation-darker.png 01515 Tango-recharge-darker.png elementalistaElementalistEarth MagicZ Eye of the North
Ethereal Burden.jpg Ethereal Burden Hex Spell. (10 seconds.) Target foe moves 50% slower. End effect: you gain 10...16...18 Energy. 0 1515 Tango-energy.png 01.5001.5Tango-activation-darker.png 03030 Tango-recharge-darker.png Tango-quest-icon.pngmesmeraMesmerIllusion MagicZ Prophecies
Freezing Gust.jpg Freezing Gust Hex Spell. Deals 20...68...80 cold damage if target foe is hexed with Water Magic. Otherwise, this foe moves 66% slower (1...4...5 second[s]). 0 1010 Tango-energy.png 01.001 Tango-activation-darker.png 0088 Tango-recharge-darker.png elementalistaElementalistWater MagicZ Nightfall
Frozen Burst.jpg Frozen Burst Hex Spell. Hexes foes near you. These foes move 66% slower (3...7...8 seconds). Initial effect: deals 10...70...85 cold damage to foes near you. 0 1515 Tango-energy.png 00.750.75¾ Tango-activation-darker.png 0088 Tango-recharge-darker.png Tango-quest-icon.pngelementalistaElementalistWater MagicZ Prophecies
Grasping Earth.jpg Grasping Earth Hex Spell. Hexes foes near you for (5...17...20 seconds). These foes move 50% slower. 0 1010 Tango-energy.png 00.750.75¾ Tango-activation-darker.png 01212 Tango-recharge-darker.png Tango-quest-icon.pngelementalistaElementalistEarth MagicZ Prophecies
Hidden Caltrops.jpg Hidden Caltrops Elite Hex Spell. (1...8...10 seconds.) Causes 50% slower movement. End effect: inflicts Crippled condition (1...12...15 seconds). Your non-Assassin skills are disabled (10 seconds.) 0 055 Tango-energy.png 01.001 Tango-activation-darker.png 01212 Tango-recharge-darker.png assassinaAssassinShadow ArtsZ Nightfall
Ice Prison.jpg Ice Prison Hex Spell. (8...18...20 seconds.) Target foe moves 66% slower. 0 1010 Tango-energy.png 02.002 Tango-activation-darker.png 03030 Tango-recharge-darker.png Tango-quest-icon.pngelementalistaElementalistWater MagicZ Prophecies
Ice Spikes.jpg Ice Spikes Hex Spell. Also hexes foes adjacent to target (2...5...6 seconds). These foes move 66% slower. Initial effect: deals 20...68...80 cold damage. 0 1515 Tango-energy.png 01.5001.5Tango-activation-darker.png 01010 Tango-recharge-darker.png Tango-quest-icon.pngelementalistaElementalistWater MagicZ Core
Icicles.jpg Icicles Hex Spell. Deals 75 cold damage to target and adjacent foes. These foes move 66% slower (5 seconds). 0 0 02.002 Tango-activation-darker.png 02525 Tango-recharge-darker.png elementalistaElementalistZ Core
Icy Shackles.jpg Icy Shackles Elite Hex Spell. (1...8...10 second[s].) Target foe moves 66% slower. This foe moves 90% slower if enchanted. 0 1010 Tango-energy.png 01.001 Tango-activation-darker.png 01212 Tango-recharge-darker.png elementalistaElementalistWater MagicZ Nightfall
Imagined Burden.jpg Imagined Burden Hex Spell. (8...18...20 seconds.) Target foe moves 50% slower. 0 1515 Tango-energy.png 01.001 Tango-activation-darker.png 03030 Tango-recharge-darker.png Tango-quest-icon.pngmesmeraMesmerIllusion MagicZ Core
Kitah's Burden.jpg Kitah's Burden Hex Spell. (10 seconds.) Target foe moves 50% slower. End effect: you gain 10...16...18 Energy. 0 1515 Tango-energy.png 01.5001.5Tango-activation-darker.png 03030 Tango-recharge-darker.png mesmeraMesmerIllusion MagicZ Factions
Mind Freeze.jpg Mind Freeze Elite Hex Spell. Deals 10...50...60 cold damage. If you have more Energy than target foe, deals +10...50...60 cold damage and causes 90% slower movement (1...4...5 second[s]). 5 Tango-overcast.png 055 Tango-energy.png 01.001 Tango-activation-darker.png 0055 Tango-recharge-darker.png elementalistaElementalistWater MagicZ Core
Mirror of Ice.jpg Mirror of Ice Elite Hex Spell. Deals 15...59...70 cold damage and slows foes by 66% (2...5...6 seconds). Hits foes near you and target ally. Recharges 50% faster if it hits a foe hexed with Water Magic. 0 1010 Tango-energy.png 00.750.75¾ Tango-activation-darker.png 01515 Tango-recharge-darker.png elementalistaElementalistWater MagicZ Factions
Seeping Wound.jpg Seeping Wound Elite Half Range Hex Spell. (1...6...7 second[s].) Target foe moves 33% slower. This foe takes 5...21...25 damage each second while suffering from a condition. 0 1515 Tango-energy.png 00.250.25¼ Tango-activation-darker.png 01212 Tango-recharge-darker.png assassinaAssassinCritical StrikesZ Factions
Shadow Prison.jpg Shadow Prison Elite Hex Spell. Shadow Step to target foe. This foe moves 66% slower (1...6...7 seconds). 0 1010 Tango-energy.png 00.250.25¼ Tango-activation-darker.png 02525 Tango-recharge-darker.png assassinaAssassinDeadly ArtsZ Nightfall
Shadowy Burden.jpg Shadowy Burden Hex Spell. (3...13...15 seconds.) Target foe moves 25% slower and has 20 less armor against your attacks. Armor reduction only affects this foe while it has no other hexes. 0 1010 Tango-energy.png 00.250.25¼ Tango-activation-darker.png 01515 Tango-recharge-darker.png assassinaAssassinShadow ArtsZ Factions
Shard Storm.jpg Shard Storm Hex Spell. Projectile: deals 10...70...85 cold damage. Target foe moves 66% slower (2...5...6 seconds). 0 1010 Tango-energy.png 01.001 Tango-activation-darker.png 01010 Tango-recharge-darker.png Tango-quest-icon.pngelementalistaElementalistWater MagicZ Prophecies
Shared Burden.jpg Shared Burden Elite Hex Spell. Also hexes foes near your target (5...17...20 seconds). These foes attack, cast spells, and move 50% slower. 0 055 Tango-energy.png 02.002 Tango-activation-darker.png 01515 Tango-recharge-darker.png mesmeraMesmerIllusion MagicZ Factions
Shared Burden (PvP).jpg Shared Burden (PvP) Elite Hex Spell. Also hexes foes near your target (5...17...20 seconds). These foes attack, cast spells, and move 33% slower. 0 1010 Tango-energy.png 02.002 Tango-activation-darker.png 02020 Tango-recharge-darker.png mesmeraMesmerIllusion MagicZ Factions
Siphon Speed.jpg Siphon Speed Half Range Hex Spell. (5...13...15 seconds.) Target foe moves 33% slower and you move 33% faster. Recharges 50% faster if cast on a moving foe. 0 055 Tango-energy.png 01.001 Tango-activation-darker.png 03030 Tango-recharge-darker.png assassinaAssassinDeadly ArtsZ Factions
Sum of All Fears.jpg Sum of All Fears Hex Spell. (1...8...10 second[s].) Target foe moves, attacks, and casts spells 33% slower. 0 1010 Tango-energy.png 02.002 Tango-activation-darker.png 01010 Tango-recharge-darker.png mesmeraMesmerIllusion MagicZ Eye of the North
Teinai's Prison.jpg Teinai's Prison Hex Spell. (1...5...6 second[s].) Target foe moves 66% slower. Foes with Cracked Armor have 5...8...9 Health degeneration. 0 1010 Tango-energy.png 01.001 Tango-activation-darker.png 01515 Tango-recharge-darker.png elementalistaElementalistWater MagicZ Factions
Tryptophan Signet.jpg Tryptophan Signet Signet. (14...20 seconds.) Target and adjacent foes move and attack 23...40% slower. 0 0 01.001 Tango-activation-darker.png 01515 Tango-recharge-darker.png aAnyEbon Vanguard rankZ Eye of the North
Ward Against Foes.jpg Ward Against Foes Ward Spell. (8...18...20 seconds.) Foes in this ward move 50% slower. 0 1515 Tango-energy.png 01.001 Tango-activation-darker.png 02020 Tango-recharge-darker.png Tango-quest-icon.pngelementalistaElementalistEarth MagicZ Core
Winter's Embrace.jpg Winter's Embrace Hex Spell. (2...5...6 seconds.) Target foe moves 66% slower and takes 5...13...15 damage while moving. 0 1010 Tango-energy.png 00.750.75¾ Tango-activation-darker.png 01515 Tango-recharge-darker.png elementalistaElementalistWater MagicZ Eye of the North