What are weapon swaps?

[Masterkiller]

I've heard "weapon swaps" mentioned quite a bit for melee players that are cc'd or trying to engage a ranged class. Is there a secondary set of weapons you have on a hotkey or is it just a ranged weapon that is already equipped?

[Tapz]

(04-04-2012 10:14 PM)Masterkiller Wrote:  I've heard "weapon swaps" mentioned quite a bit for melee players that are cc'd or trying to engage a ranged class. Is there a secondary set of weapons you have on a hotkey or is it just a ranged weapon that is already equipped?

Each profession can use multiple weapons ranging from a two-handed weapon, one-handed/off-handed combination, and even specific weapons for aquatic gameplay. I'm not sure the exact mechanic for switching (through interface or via hotkey), though the original Guild Wars let you switch up to four weapon sets via hotkey. Most professions can switch weapons on the fly. I believe the Engineer and Elementalist are the two who cannot while in combat, but they have unique abilities to allow for switching skills in lieu of weapon swaps.

So for example - you could be using a Longbow to attack someone from a distance. Then they jump to your range and your battle becomes melee oriented. It sounds like you can switch to a great sword, or two one handed swords for melee battle. I don't know if that invokes a penalty of sorts (invoking a GCD for example or resetting a swing timer), something to test!