List of historical traits

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This page lists traits that have been removed from the game.

Traits removed since release[edit]

  • Many of the effects from these traits were merged with other traits.

Guardian icon small.png Guardian traits

Trait Line Name Tango-recharge-darker.png Description
Major Radiance Trait VIII.png A Fire Inside Spirit weapons cause burning.
Major Zeal Furious Focus.png Binding Jeopardy Immobilizing or blinding a foe also applies vulnerability to them.
Major Radiance Trait VI.png Blind Exposure Applying blind also applies vulnerability.
Major Virtues Trait III.png Consecrated Ground Consecration skills use ground targeting.
Major Valor Trait II.png Defender's Flame Gain a chance to burn attackers when blocking.
Major Valor Trait VIII.png Defender's Shield Gain +90 toughness while wielding a shield.
Major Virtues Trait VII.png Elite Focus Elite skills last longer and Tome skills gain stability.
Minor Honor Trait guardian.png Elusive Power Deal more damage when your endurance is not full.
Major Zeal Trait X.png Eternal Spirit Spirit weapons are not destroyed when commanded.
Major Zeal Expeditious Spirit.png Expeditious Spirit Spirit weapons burn foes they strike. Spirit weapon summon and command skills have reduced recharge.
Major Zeal Trait VIII.png Focused Mastery Reduces recharge on focus skills.
Major Valor Trait X.png Focused Mind Meditations grant fury.
Major Zeal Trait VII.png Greatsword Power Greatsword damage is increased by 5%.
Major Valor Trait IX.png Honorable Shield Gain toughness when wielding a shield. Reduces recharge on shield skills.
Major Virtues Trait V.png Improved Spirit-Weapon Duration Spirit weapons last longer.
Major Radiance Trait IX.png Inscribed Removal Using a signet cures a condition on you.
Major Valor Trait VII.png Mace of Justice Wielding a mace grants additional damage. Wielding a mace also grants healing power (based on level).
Major Valor Trait I.png Meditation Mastery Reduces recharge on meditations.
Major Radiance Trait X.png Powerful Blades Sword and spear damage is increased.
Major Valor Trait V.png Purity Lose conditions at a set time interval.
Major Radiance Radiant Retaliation.png Radiant Retaliation Retaliation damage scales from condition damage instead of power.
Major Honor Trait V.png Resolute Healer 60 Generates a Shield of Absorption when you start reviving an ally.
Major Valor Retributive Armor.png Retributive Armor Gain toughness for a period of time when blocking an attack. Gain ferocity based on your toughness.
Major Zeal Trait IV.png Revenge of the Fallen Increased damage while downed.
Major Zeal Trait IX.png Scepter Power Scepter damage is increased.
Major Radiance Trait V.png Searing Flames 10 When you apply burning to a foe, remove a boon.
Major Virtues Trait XII.png Shielded Mind Activating Virtue of Courage also breaks stun for any ally affected by the ability.
Major Radiance Trait III.png Shimmering Defense 60 Burn nearby foes when you are struck while below the health threshold.
Major Radiance Trait II.png Signet Mastery Reduces recharge on signets.
Major Zeal Trait VI.png Spirit-Weapon Mastery Reduces recharge on spirit-weapon skills.
Major Honor Trait II.png Superior Aria Reduces recharge on shouts.
Major Virtues Supreme Justice.png Supreme Justice Virtue of Justice causes burning more frequently. When activating Virtue of Justice, the burn duration is increased.
Major Honor Trait IX.png Two-Handed Mastery Reduces recharge on two-handed weapon skills.
Major Virtues Trait II.png Vengeful Retaliation lasts longer.
Major Virtues Virtuous Solace.png Virtuous Solace Cast Merciful Sanctuary when you're struck while below the health threshold.
Major Zeal Trait XI.png Wrathful Spirits Increases spirit weapon damage by 50%.
Major Honor Trait III.png Writ of Exaltation Symbols are larger.
Major Honor Trait X.png Writ of the Merciful All symbols heal allies with each pulse.


Warrior icon small.png Warrior traits

Trait Line Name Tango-recharge-darker.png Description
Major Discipline Trait XI.png Adrenal Reserves Burst skills cost less.
Major Defense Resilient Roll.png Armored Attack Gain power based on your toughness.
Minor Arms Trait warrior.png Attack of Opportunity Increases damage to bleeding foes.
Major Arms Berserker's Fury.png Berserker's Fury Gain adrenaline while in combat. Gain fury when you strike a foe below the health threshold.
Major Strength Trait XII.png Berserker's Might Gain adrenaline while in combat.
Major Tactics Burning Arrows.png Burning Arrows Dual shot causes burning and longbow skills recharge faster.
Minor Arms Trait warrior.png Critical Burst Burst skills have an increased critical chance.
Major Strength Death from Above.png Death from Above Damage and launch foes when you take falling damage. Take less damage from falling.
Major Arms Trait III.png Deep Cuts Bleeds you apply last longer.
Major Tactics Trait III.png Desperate Power You deal additional damage while below the health threshold.
Minor Tactics Determined Revival.png Determined Revival Reduce incoming damage while reviving.
Major Strength Distracting Strikes.png Distracting Strikes Cause confusion when you interrupt a foe's skill.
Major Arms Trait XIII.png Dual Wield Agility Your attack speed is increased when wielding a sword, axe, or mace in your off hand.
Major Defense Trait I.png Embrace the Pain Gain adrenaline when hit.
Minor Tactics Trait warrior.png Fast Healer Increases revive speed.
Major Arms Trait VI.png Furious Reaction 30 Gain fury and vigor when you take damage greater than a certain percentage of your maximum health in a single strike.
Major Arms Trait II.png Furious Speed 10 You have a chance to gain swiftness on critical hits.
Major Tactics Trait V.png Inspiring Banners Banners apply their bonuses to a larger area. Reduces recharge on banners.
Minor Tactics Inspiring Presence.png Inspiring Presence Gain healing power for each stack of might you have.
Major Discipline Trait IV.png Inspiring Shouts Gain adrenaline when using a shout.
Major Arms Trait XII.png Last Chance 40 Gain quickness when you strike a foe that is below the health threshold.
Major Tactics Trait VIII.png Lung Capacity Reduces recharge on shouts.
Major Discipline Trait I.png Mighty Defenses You gain might when you block an attack.
Major Defense Trait V.png Missile Deflection Reflect missiles whenever you are blocking.
Major Discipline Trait X.png Mobile Strikes Movement skills break immobilize.
Major Strength Trait XI.png Physical Training Physical utility skills deal more damage. Reduces recharge on physical utility skills.
Major Strength Trait VI.png Powerful Banners Banners do damage when summoned.
Major Tactics Powerful Synergy.png Powerful Synergy When you perform a combo finisher, the effects are doubled.
Minor Arms Precise Strikes.png Precise Strikes Chance to cause bleeding on critical hits.
Major Tactics Roaring Reveille.png Quick Breathing Warhorn skills have an increased number of targets, grant adrenaline per ally affected, and have reduced recharge.
Major Discipline Trait XII.png Quick Bursts Burst skills recharges 20% faster.
Major Arms Rending Strikes.png Rending Strikes You have a chance to cause vulnerability on critical hits.
Minor Tactics Reviver's Might.png Reviver's Might Heal and grant might to nearby allies when you rally or successfully revive someone.
Major Defense Stalwart Strength.png Rousing Resilience Gain toughness and health when you break out of a stun.
Major Defense Stalwart Strength.png Rousing Resilience Gain toughness and health when you break out of a stun.
Major Discipline Trait IX.png Sharpened Axes Critical hits with axes grant extra adrenaline. Reduces recharge on axe skills.
Major Strength Trait IV.png Short Temper Gain might and adrenaline each time you are blocked.
Major Strength Trait IX.png Slashing Power Greatsword and spear damage is increased.
Minor Strength Stick and Move.png Stick and Move Get a damage bonus when endurance is not full.
Major Tactics Trait IV.png Stronger Bowstrings Increases longbow range.
Major Defense Aggressive Onslaught.png Sundering Mace Stuns, dazes, and knock downs applied by mace skills last longer. Mace skills gain reduced recharge.
Major Defense Trait III.png Sure-Footed Increases stance durations.
Major Discipline Trait II.png Thrill of the Kill Gain extra adrenaline on a kill.
Major Defense Trait II.png Turtle's Defense Gain +200 toughness when crippled, chilled, stunned, or immobilized.
Major Discipline Trait V.png Vigorous Focus Gain vigor when using a Stance.
Major Defense Trait IV.png Vigorous Return Health and endurance are increased when you rally.


Engineer icon small.png Engineer traits

Trait Line Name Tango-recharge-darker.png Description
Major Explosives Trait V.png Accelerant-Packed Turrets Turrets explode when killed. When your turrets explode, they push back foes.
Major Alchemy Trait III.png Acidic Coating 10 You have a chance to inflict blindess on enemies that strike you with melee attacks.
Major Explosives Trait I.png Acidic Elixirs Thrown elixirs cause damage when they land and remove a boon.
Major Scrapper Adaptive Armor.png Adaptive Armor Barriers you receive are stronger. Reduce incoming condition damage while you have barrier.
Minor Tools Trait engineer.png Adrenaline Pump Using toolbelt skills partially restores endurance.
Major Inventions Advanced Turrets.png Advanced Turrets Reduce damage taken by turrets. Turrets create reflective shields when built.
Minor Alchemy Alchemical Tinctures.png Alchemical Tinctures Throwing or consuming elixirs removes conditions from those affected. Gain increased concentration
Major Tools Trait I.png Always Prepared Drop bandages and oil slicks when downed. Downed damage is increased.
Major Tools Trait XI.png Armor Mods 15 Gain aegis when struck.
Major Alchemy Trait XII.png Automated Response Condition durations are reduced by 50% while below the health threshold.
Major Inventions Trait X.png Autotool Installation Turrets are self-repairing.
Major Explosives Explosive Descent.png Blasting Zone Your power is increased. Your blast finishers grant might.
Major Alchemy Trait V.png Blood Injection Gain condition damage based on your vitality.
Major Alchemy Trait X.png Cleaning Formula 409 Throwing or consuming elixirs removes conditions from those affected.
Major Inventions Trait VI.png Cloaking Device 25 You become invisible when immobilized.
Major Firearms Trait VII.png Coated Bullets Pistol shots pierce.
Major Scrapper Damage Dampener.png Damage Dampener A percentage of all strike damage you take is delivered after a delay.
Major Scrapper Damage Dampener.png Damage Dampener A percentage of all strike damage you take is delivered after a delay.
Major Alchemy Trait VII.png Deadly Mixture Deal extra damage with a flamethrower or elixir gun.
Minor Scrapper Decisive Renown.png Decisive Renown 10 When you successfully revive an ally or finish an enemy, you grant barrier and great speed to nearby allies.
Major Tools Trait V.png Deployable Turrets Turret skills use ground targeting.
Major Inventions Trait IX.png Elite Supplies Supply Crate has extra supplies; Elixir X gives increased movement speed; and Mortar skills have increased range, reduced recharge, and bonus damage.
Major Inventions Trait XI.png Elixir-Infused Bombs Bomb explosions heal allies.
Major Explosives Trait IV.png Empowering Adrenaline Get a damage bonus when endurance is not full.
Minor Tools Trait engineer.png Enduring Damage Damage is increased when endurance is full.
Major Inventions Trait V.png Energized Armor Gain power based on your toughness.
Minor Alchemy Trait engineer.png Energy Conversion Matrix Deal extra damage for each boon on you.
Major Explosives Trait X.png Enhance Performance 10 Gain might when you use a heal skill.
Minor Explosives Evasive Powder Keg.png Evasive Powder Keg Creates a bomb when you dodge.
Major Explosives Trait VI.png Exploit Weakness 15 Cripple foes you hit when they are below the health threshold.
Major Explosives Explosive Descent.png Explosive Descent Release a barrage of grenades when you take falling damage. You take less damage from falling.
Minor Explosives Explosive Powder.png Explosive Powder Improves damage from explosions. Turrets explode and knock back foes when destroyed.
Major Alchemy Trait II.png Fast-Acting Elixirs Reduces recharge on elixir skills.
Major Firearms Trait I.png Fireforged Trigger Reduces recharge on flamethrower and elixir gun skills.
Major Explosives Trait III.png Forceful Explosives Bombs and mines have a larger explosion radius.
Major Inventions Trait XIII.png Fortified Turrets Your turrets are surrounded by a reflective shield when created.
Major Firearms Trait X.png Go for the Eyes 10 Critical hits with rifles have a chance to inflict blindness.
Major Firearms Trait VI.png Hair Trigger Reduces recharge on rifle, pistol, and harpoon gun skills.
Minor Inventions Heal Resonator.png Heal Resonator When you use a healing skill, you apply regeneration to nearby allies.
Major Firearms Heavy Armor Exploit.png Heavy Armor Exploit Your critical hits have a chance to give you swiftness and apply vulnerability to your foe.
Minor Tools Trait engineer.png Inertial Converter 90 Your tool belt skills recharge when you are struck while below the health threshold.
Major Firearms Trait III.png Infused Precision 5 You have a chance to gain swiftness on critical hits.
Major Alchemy Inversion Enzyme.png Inversion Enzyme Elixir gun abilities that remove conditions now convert them into boons instead.
Major Tools Trait IV.png Kit Refinement Equipping a kit creates an attack or a spell.
Major Firearms Trait I.png Knee Shot Cripple targets for 5 seconds whenever you immobilize them. (Cooldown: 5 seconds)
Major Tools Trait X.png Leg Mods Cripple, chill, and immobilize durations are reduced.
Minor Inventions Trait engineer.png Low-Health Response System 10 Gain regeneration when you are attacked while below the health threshold.
Major Inventions Trait III.png Metal Plating Reduces damage dealt to turrets.
Major Explosives Thermobaric Detonation.png Minesweeper Evasive Powder Keg is upgraded to drop a series of mines along your rolling path.
Major Firearms Trait XII.png Napalm Specialist Burns you apply last longer.
Major Explosives Orbital Command.png Orbital Command 15 Damaging a foe below the health threshold calls an Orbital Command Strike on their location.
Major Tools Trait VII.png Packaged Stimulants Med Kit skills can be thrown and are more effective.
Major Scrapper Perfectly Weighted.png Perfectly Weighted 8 Hammer skills deal increased damage. Evading an attack grants stability.
Minor Inventions Trait engineer.png Performance Enhancement Gain power based on your healing attribute.
Major Alchemy Trait VIII.png Potent Elixirs Increases elixir durations.
Major Inventions Trait VIII.png Power Shoes Movement speed is increased.
Major Firearms Trait V.png Precise Sights You have a chance to cause vulnerability on critical hits
Major Inventions Trait I.png Protective Shield 20 Gain protection when you are critically hit.
Major Scrapper Recovery Matrix.png Recovery Matrix Using your heal skill grants you a barrier.
Major Inventions Trait VII.png Reinforced Shield Gain toughness when wielding a shield. Reduces recharge on shield skills.
Minor Explosives Trait engineer.png Reserve Mines Release a number of mines when you are struck while below the health threshold.
Major Firearms Trait IX.png Rifle Mod Improves damage for the rifle and the harpoon gun.
Major Firearms Trait IV.png Rifled Barrels Improves rifle, pistol, harpoon gun, and elixir gun range.
Major Inventions Trait XII.png Rifled Turret Barrels Turrets deal more damage and have a longer attack range.
Major Tools Trait IX.png Scope Gain critical-hit chance against targets farther away.
Major Scrapper Shocking Speed.png Shocking Speed 8 Using a leap or blast finisher in a lightning field applies superspeed around you. Well abilities have an increased area of effect and grant superspeed to nearby allies on their final pulse.
Major Explosives Orbital Command.png Siege Rounds Mortar rounds leave a longer-lasting combo field. Orbital Strike hits an additional time 1 second after the first hit.
Major Firearms Trait II.png Sitting Duck 5 Apply cripple and vulnerability to enemies when you immobilize.
Major Firearms Skilled Marksman.png Skilled Marksman You attack faster with a rifle or harpoon gun, and those skills have reduced recharge.
Major Tools Trait III.png Speedy Gadgets Reduces recharge on gadgets.
Major Tools Trait VI.png Speedy Kits 10 Gain swiftness whenever you equip a kit.
Major Scrapper Applied Force.png Stabilization Core When a function gyro is activated, you and the function gyro gain stability.
Major Inventions Trait IV.png Stabilized Armor You take less damage when you are knocked down or stunned.
Major Alchemy Stimulant Supplier.png Stimulant Supplier 10 Drop a stim pack when you use a healing skill.
Major Explosives Trait XIII.png Synaptic Overload 20 Gain quickness when you knock back or launch a foe.
Minor Firearms Trait engineer.png Target the Maimed Damage is increased against bleeding foes.
Minor Firearms Trait engineer.png Target the Weak Critical-hit chance is increased against foes that are below the health threshold.
Major Explosives Thermobaric Detonation.png Thermobaric Detonation 10 Evasive Powder Keg deals more damage and is now a blast finisher.


Ranger icon small.png Ranger traits

Trait Line Name Tango-recharge-darker.png Description
Major Skirmishing Trait VI.png Agility Training Pets move faster.
Minor Marksmanship Alpha Focus.png Alpha Training Pets have Opening Strike.
Major Druid Eclipse (trait).png Ancient Seeds 10 Striking a stunned, dazed, knocked down, launched, or defiant foe summons roots to entangle them.
Major Druid Eclipse (trait).png Ancient Seeds 20 Striking a stunned, dazed, knocked down, launched, or defiant foe summons roots to entangle them.
Minor Wilderness Survival Rugged Growth.png Bark Skin You and your pet take less damage while your health is above the threshold.
Major Marksmanship Trait VI.png Beastmaster's Bond 60 Gain fury and might when your pet's health reaches 50%.
Major Marksmanship Trait IX.png Beastmaster's Might Activating a signet grants might.
Major Skirmishing Trait VII.png Carnivorous Appetite Pets gain health on critical hits.
Major Nature Magic Trait I.png Circle of Life Create a healing spring when you are downed.
Major Beastmastery Trait V.png Commanding Voice Pet skills (F2) recharge faster.
Major Beastmastery Potent Ally.png Companion's Might Your critical hits grant might to your pet. Critical strikes from your pet's basic attack cause bleeding.
Major Beastmastery Trait IV.png Compassion Training Pet healing attributes are increased.
Major Nature Magic Trait II.png Concentration Training Boons applied by your pets last longer.
Major Marksmanship Trait X.png Eagle Eye Increases longbow and harpoon gun range. Longbow and harpoon gun damage is increased.
Major Marksmanship Enlargement.png Enlargement Use Signet of the Wild when your health drops below the threshold.
Major Untamed Let Loose.png Fervent Force 0.25¼ Disabling a foe reduces the cooldowns of all your equipped skills.
Disables include stun, daze, knockback, pull, knockdown, sink, float, launch, taunt, and fear.
Major Untamed Let Loose.png Fervent Force 0.25¼ Disabling a foe reduces the cooldowns of all your equipped skills.
Disables include stun, daze, knockback, pull, knockdown, sink, float, launch, taunt, and fear.
Major Wilderness Survival Trait II.png Healer's Celerity Grant swiftness to yourself and your ally when you revive them. Increases revive speed.
Major Wilderness Survival Trait IX.png Hide in Plain Sight 30 Applies camouflage when you are disabled (stun, daze, knockback, pull, knockdown, sink, float, fear, or launch).
Minor Beastmastery Trait ranger.png Instinctual Bond 50 When you are downed, your pet gains quickness.
Major Beastmastery Trait IX.png Intimidation Training Activated attack abilities (F2) for pets cause cripple. This effect will only occur once on each target affected by abilities
Major Marksmanship Trait III.png Keen Edge 45 Use Sharpening Stone when you strike a foe below the health threshold.
Major Marksmanship Trait II.png Malicious Training Increases duration for conditions applied by your pets.
Major Wilderness Survival Trait X.png Martial Mastery Reduces recharge on sword, greatsword, and spear skills.
Major Beastmastery Master's Bond.png Master's Bond Your pet has a bond with you that increases its attributes each time you kill a foe. When it is defeated or deactivated, the bond is reset.
Major Beastmastery Trait VI.png Mighty Swap You and your pet gain might when they are activated.
Major Skirmishing Vicious Quarry.png Most Dangerous Game While your health is below the threshold, you gain might.
Major Druid Natural Balance.png Natural Stride Reduces duration of movement-impairing conditions. Your movement speed is increased as long as you have none of these conditions.
Major Nature Magic Trait III.png Nature's Bounty Regeneration you apply lasts longer.
Major Nature Magic Trait VI.png Nature's Protection 30 Receive protection when you take damage greater than a percentage of your maximum health.
Major Nature Magic Trait XII.png Nature's Voice Shouts apply regeneration and swiftness to allies.
Minor Beastmastery Trait ranger.png Nature's Wrath Gain power based on your healing.
Major Wilderness Survival Trait VII.png Off-Hand Training Reduces recharge on off-hand skills. Off-hand skills have longer range.
Minor Wilderness Survival Trait ranger.png Peak Strength Deal extra damage while your health is above the threshold.
Major Marksmanship Trait VIII.png Piercing Arrows All arrow attacks pierce targets.
Major Marksmanship Hunter's Gaze.png Predator's Instinct 30 Apply cripple to foes you hit while they are below the health threshold.
Major Druid Blood Moon.png Primal Echoes 8 Reduces recharge of staff skills. Daze nearby foes when you swap to staff.
Major Marksmanship Trait XIII.png Read the Wind Longbow and harpoon gun projectile velocity is increased. While wielding a longbow, your attack speed is increased.
Major Wilderness Survival Survival Instincts.png Refined Toxins 5 While you are above the health threshold, your strikes inflict poison. While your pet's health is above the health threshold, its strikes inflict poison.
Major Wilderness Survival Survival Instincts.png Refined Toxins 15 While you are above the health threshold, your strikes inflict poison. While your pet's health is above the health threshold, its strikes inflict poison.
Major Wilderness Survival Survival Instincts.png Refined Toxins 5 While you are above the health threshold, your strikes inflict poison. While your pet's health is above the health threshold, its strikes inflict poison.
Major Beastmastery Trait VII.png Rending Attacks Pets inflict bleeding when they critically hit with their basic attacks.
Major Wilderness Survival Carnivore.png Shared Anguish After you swap pets, you and your pet gain stability.
Major Beastmastery Trait III.png Shout Master Reduces recharge on shouts.
Major Marksmanship Trait IV.png Signet Mastery Reduces recharge on signets.
Major Marksmanship Trait XI.png Signet of the Beastmaster Active effects of signets also affect you.
Major Beastmastery Speed Training.png Speed Training Reduces recharge on pet skills.
Major Nature Magic Trait XI.png Spirits Unbound Spirits can move and follow you.
Major Nature Magic Trait VIII.png Spiritual Knowledge Spirit bonuses have a 35% better chance of providing their benefits.
Major Beastmastery Trait VIII.png Stability Training 10 Pets gain stability when disabled.
Major Marksmanship Steady Focus.png Steady Focus Damage is increased when endurance is full.
Major Nature Magic Trait V.png Strength of Spirit Gain power based on your vitality.
Major Skirmishing Strider's Strength.png Strider's Defense 5 Evading an attack grants quickness. Sword skills gain reduced recharge.
Major Skirmishing Strider's Strength.png Strider's Defense 5 Evading an attack grants quickness. Sword skills gain reduced recharge.
Major Nature Magic Trait XIII.png Survival of the Fittest Remove conditions and gain fury when using a Survival skill.
Major Skirmishing Trait XI.png Trap Potency Conditions caused by traps last longer. Reduces recharge on traps.
Major Skirmishing Trait III.png Trapper's Defense Create a Spike Trap while reviving an ally.
Major Wilderness Survival Trait IV.png Vigorous Renewal Gain vigor when using a heal skill. Healing Spring grants vigor to affected allies.
Major Nature Magic Trait IV.png Vigorous Spirits Spirits have increased health and a greater chance to trigger their benefits.
Major Nature Magic Vigorous Training.png Vigorous Training Pets grant vigor to nearby allies when you swap pets.


Thief icon small.png Thief traits

Trait Line Name Tango-recharge-darker.png Description
Major Critical Strikes Ankle Shots.png Ankle Shots 8 Critical hits with pistols and harpoon guns cripple foes. Deal bonus damage to crippled foes; damage is increased when wielding a pistol or harpoon gun.
Major Acrobatics Trait XIII.png Assassin's Equilibrium Gain stability when striking an enemy from stealth.
Major Acrobatics Trait IV.png Assassin's Retreat 5 Gain swiftness when you kill a foe.
Major Deadly Arts Trait I.png Back Fighting You deal bonus damage while downed.
Major Deadly Arts Trait X.png Combined Training Dual skills deal more damage.
Major Critical Strikes Trait IX.png Combo Critical Chance Dual skills have increased critical-hit chance.
Major Shadow Arts Concealed Defeat.png Concealed Defeat Cast Lesser Smoke Screen when downed. Deception skills gain reduced recharge.
Minor Shadow Arts Merciful Ambush.png Concealing Restoration Gain stealth when you use a healing skill.
Minor Shadow Arts Merciful Ambush.png Concealing Restoration Gain stealth when you use a healing skill.
Minor Shadow Arts Merciful Ambush.png Concealing Restoration Gain stealth when you use a healing skill.
Major Deadly Arts Trait II.png Corrosive Traps Traps apply vulnerability when triggered.
Major Critical Strikes Trait X.png Critical Haste 30 You have a chance to gain quickness on a critical hit.
Major Acrobatics Trait I.png Descent of Shadows Release a blinding powder when you take falling damage. You take less damage from falling.
Major Daredevil Escapist's Absolution.png Escapist's Absolution 1 Remove a condition whenever you evade an attack.
Minor Critical Strikes Trait thief.png First Strikes Damage is increased while your current initiative is over the threshold.
Major Acrobatics Trait VII.png Fleet of Foot 10 Dodging removes conditions from you.
Major Acrobatics Instant Reflexes.png Fleet Shadow Move faster while in stealth.
Major Shadow Arts Cloaked in Shadow.png Flickering Shadows Strike damage taken is reduced while you are revealed.
Minor Acrobatics Trait thief.png Fluid Strikes (historical) Damage is increased when endurance is not full.
Major Critical Strikes Trait I.png Furious Retaliation 30 Gain fury when your target falls below the health threshold.
Major Trickery Trait XI.png Hastened Replenishment You receive initiative when using a heal skill.
Minor Shadow Arts Trait thief.png Hidden Assassin Gain might when you gain stealth.
Major Shadow Arts Trait V.png Infusion of Shadow Gain initiative when you enter stealth.
Major Trickery Trait IX.png Initial Strike Attacks with the first weapon-skill slot have a chance to regain initiative.
Major Trickery Trait II.png Instinctual Response If you take damage greater than the health threshold in a single strike, you release feathers to blind nearby enemies and gain stealth.
Major Shadow Arts Last Refuge.png Last Refuge Use Lesser Blinding Powder when your health reaches a certain threshold or when you take falling damage. You take less falling damage.
Major Trickery Trait VI.png Long Reach Increases the range on stealing.
Major Shadow Arts Trait I.png Master of Deception Reduces recharge on deception skills.
Major Acrobatics Trait V.png Master Trapper Reduces recharge on traps.
Minor Critical Strikes Trait thief.png Opportunist 5 Critical hits have a bonus chance to restore initiative.
Major Shadow Arts Trait X.png Patience Regain initiative faster while in stealth.
Minor Deadeye Perfectionist.png Perfectionist Gain boons upon reaching maximum malice stacks.
Major Deadeye Peripheral Vision.png Peripheral Vision Stolen skills apply their boons to allies near you and apply their conditions to foes around your marked target.
Major Critical Strikes Trait V.png Pistol Mastery Deal additional damage with pistols.
Major Acrobatics Trait II.png Power of Inertia Gain might whenever you dodge.
Major Shadow Arts Trait VII.png Power Shots Short bow and harpoon gun damage is increased.
Major Acrobatics Trait IX.png Quick Recovery Gain bonus initiative over time.
Major Deadly Arts Trait VIII.png Quick Venoms Reduces recharge on venom skills.
Major Deadly Arts Trait XII.png Residual Venom Applied venoms last an additional strike.
Minor Shadow Arts Resilience of Shadows.png Resilience of Shadows Stealth effects that you apply reduce incoming attack damage.
Major Trickery Trait X.png Ricochet Pistol shots have a chance to bounce to an additional target. Pistol range is increased.
Major Shadow Arts Cloaked in Shadow.png Shadow Protector When you grant stealth to an ally, they gain regeneration.
Major Critical Strikes Assassin's Fury.png Side Strike Gain bonus critical-hit chance when hitting a foe from behind or the side.
Major Critical Strikes Trait VIII.png Signet Use Gain initiative when activating a signet. Reduces recharge on signets.
Major Shadow Arts Trait II.png Slowed Pulse 20 Grant regeneration if you have two or more stacks of bleeding.
Major Critical Strikes Sundering Strikes.png Sundering Strikes Critical hits have a chance to cause vulnerability.
Major Deadeye Payback.png Unforgiving Your first attack stuns if it hits a newly marked target.
Major Shadow Arts Venomous Aura.png Venomous Aura When you use a venom skill, you apply the effects to all nearby allies as well. Venom recharges are reduced.
Major Deadly Arts Trait IV.png Venomous Strength Venoms grant might when activated.


Elementalist icon small.png Elementalist traits

Trait Line Name Tango-recharge-darker.png Description
Major Air Trait IX.png Aeromancer's Alacrity Reduces recharge on all your air weapon skills.
Major Air Trait X.png Air Training Deal more damage while attuned to air.
Major Water Trait I.png Aquamancer's Alacrity Reduces recharge on all water weapon skills.
Minor Water Aquatic Benevolence.png Aquatic Benevolence Increase healing to other allies.
Major Arcane (specialization) Trait X.png Arcane Energy Arcane and signet skills restore endurance when used.
Minor Arcane (specialization) Arcane Fury.png Arcane Fury Gain fury when you switch attunements.
Major Air Trait VII.png Arcane Lightning Gain more critical-hit damage for a short time when you use an arcane skill. Does not stack.
Major Arcane (specialization) Trait I.png Arcane Mastery Reduces recharge on arcane skills.
Major Arcane (specialization) Trait III.png Arcane Retribution 45 Gain Arcane Power when your health drops below the threshold.
Major Arcane (specialization) Trait VIII.png Blasting Staff Area attacks with staff are larger.
Major Water Trait IX.png Cantrip Mastery Reduces recharge on cantrips.
Major Tempest Invigorating Torrents.png Earthen Proxy Damage is further reduced when you are under the effects of protection.
Major Arcane (specialization) Elemental Contingency.png Elemental Contingency 10 Gain a boon when you are struck, based on your current attunement.
Major Fire Trait III.png Ember's Might Burns you apply last longer.
Minor Earth Trait elementalist.png Enduring Damage Deal more damage when your endurance is full.
Major Fire Trait IX.png Fire's Embrace When you activate a signet, you gain a fire shield.
Minor Fire Trait elementalist.png Flame Barrier You have a chance to cause burning whenever a foe attacks you in melee. Only triggers when attuned to fire.
Major Earth Trait X.png Geomancer's Alacrity Reduces recharge on all earth weapon skills.
Minor Earth Geomancer's Defense.png Geomancer's Defense You receive less damage from nearby foes.
Major Earth Trait IX.png Geomancer's Freedom You recover from crippled, immobilized, and chilled faster.
Major Air Trait XII.png Grounded Deal 20% more damage to knocked down and stunned foes.
Major Water Trait VIII.png Icy Mist Deal damage and inflict chill and vulnerability to nearby foes while in mist or vapor form.
Major Fire Trait VI.png Internal Fire Deal more damage while attuned to fire.
Major Fire Trait I.png Lava Tomb Create a Lava Font when downed. Deal more damage while downed.
Minor Arcane (specialization) Trait elementalist.png Lingering Elements Attunement bonuses linger after leaving that attunement.
Major Earth Trait I.png Obsidian Focus Gain toughness while using a channeled skill.
Major Fire Trait VII.png Pyromancer's Alacrity Reduces recharge on all fire weapon skills.
Major Air Trait III.png Quick Glyphs Reduces recharge on glyphs.
Major Earth Trait IV.png Salt Stone Deal 5% more damage to bleeding foes.
Major Water Trait II.png Shard of Ice Arcane and signet skills cause vulnerability when activated.
Major Earth Trait II.png Signet Mastery Reduces recharge on signets.
Major Water Trait X.png Soothing Wave 10 Gain regeneration when critically hit.
Major Air Trait V.png Soothing Winds Gain healing based on your precision.
Minor Tempest Speedy Conduit.png Speedy Conduit Overloads grant swiftness.
Major Fire Trait IV.png Spell Slinger Cantrips grant you might when used.
Major Earth Trait VI.png Stone Splinters Deal more damage when you are within a range of 600 of your target.
Major Air Stormsoul.png Tempest Defense 25 Cast Shocking Aura when disabled. Deal increased damage to stunned or knocked-down foes.
Disables include stun, daze, knock back, pull, knock down, sink, float, launch, taunt, and fear.
Major Air Stormsoul.png Tempest Defense 60 Cast Shocking Aura when disabled. Deal increased damage to stunned or knocked-down foes.
Disables include stun, daze, knock back, pull, knock down, sink, float, launch, taunt, and fear.
Major Arcane (specialization) Trait VII.png Vigorous Scepter Endurance recharges faster while wielding a scepter.
Major Water Trait VI.png Vital Striking Deal extra damage when your health is above the threshold.
Minor Air Weak Spot.png Weak Spot Chance to cause vulnerability on critical hits.
Major Arcane (specialization) Trait IX.png Windborne Dagger Move faster for each dagger that you wield.
Major Air Trait II.png Zephyr's Focus Your endurance regenerates faster while channeling skills.


Mesmer icon small.png Mesmer traits

Trait Line Name Tango-recharge-darker.png Description
Major Dueling Trait IV.png Blade Training Increased precision while wielding a one-handed sword or a spear. Reduces the recharge on sword and spear skills.
Major Illusions Trait IX.png Blinding Befuddlement 5 Cause confusion when you blind a foe.
Major Chaos Trait XI.png Bountiful Interruption Gain might when you interrupt a foe, then gain another boon randomly.
Major Chaos Trait I.png Chaotic Revival 10 Gain Chaos Armor when you rally.
Major Domination Trait IX.png Cleansing Conflagration Torch skills remove conditions. Reduces recharge on torch skills.
Major Chaos Trait IX.png Cleansing Inscriptions Activating a signet removes a condition.
Major Inspiration Trait VI.png Compounding Celerity Move faster for each active illusion.
Major Domination Confounding Suggestions.png Confounding Suggestions Diversion now stuns foes instead of dazing them.
Minor Dueling Trait mesmer.png Confusing Combatants Your illusions cause confusion to foes around them when they are killed.
Major Illusions Trait II.png Confusing Cry Cry of Frustration grants retaliation.
Major Domination Trait VIII.png Confusing Enchantments Glamour skills cause confusion to foes who enter or exit their areas.
Major Domination Trait V.png Crippling Dissipation Clones cripple nearby foes when they are killed.
Major Illusions Trait VI.png Dazzling Glamours Glamour skills blind foes at target location.
Major Chaos Trait V.png Debilitating Dissipation Clones apply a random condition to nearby foes when they are killed.
Major Inspiration Trait XIII.png Disruptor's Sustainment Gain bonus healing power when interrupting a foe.
Major Domination Trait XI.png Empowering Mantras Gain increased damage for each readied mantra.
Major Dueling Trait I.png Far-Reaching Manipulations The range of your manipulation skills is increased.
Major Inspiration Trait II.png Glamour Mastery Reduces recharge on glamour skills.
Major Domination Trait X.png Greatsword Training Increased power while wielding a greatsword. Reduces recharge on greatsword skills.
Major Domination Trait II.png Halting Strike Deal damage when interrupting a foe.
Major Dueling Harmonious Mantras.png Harmonious Mantras Mantras can be activated three times before needing to be channeled again. Activating a mantra gives a stacking damage bonus.
Minor Inspiration Illusionary Inspiration.png Healing Prism 10 When healing yourself, nearby allies are also healed. Gain healing power based on a portion of your power.
Major Illusions Trait VII.png Illusionary Elasticity Bouncing attacks have one additional bounce.
Major Illusions Trait VI.png Illusionary Invigoration 60 Recharge all of your shatter skills when your health drops below the threshold.
Major Illusions Trait XI.png Illusionary Persona Shattering illusions creates the shatter effect on you as well.
Minor Illusions Compounding Power.png Illusionist's Celerity Reduces recharge on illusion-summoning skills.
Major Domination Imagined Burden.png Imagined Burden Greatsword skills other than the Spatial Surge gain recharge reduction and inflict cripple. Phantasmal Berserker summons an additional berserker but deals less damage.
Major Illusions Trait XII.png Imbued Diversion Diversion hits multiple targets.
Major Dueling Trait VII.png Mantra Mastery Reduced recharge on mantras.
Major Illusions Trait IV.png Masterful Reflection Distortion grants reflection.
Major Domination Trait I.png Mental Torment Mind Wrack deals more damage.
Major Dueling Mistrust.png Mistrust Whenever you interrupt a foe, inflict confusion in an area around them.
Minor Inspiration Trait mesmer.png Phantasmal Healing Phantasms grant regeneration to nearby allies.
Minor Inspiration Trait mesmer.png Phantasmal Strength Phantasms deal more damage.
Major Illusions Trait I.png Precise Wrack Mind Wrack has an increased critical-hit chance.
Major Dueling Trait VI.png Protected Mantras Gain toughness while channeling mantras.
Major Inspiration Protected Phantasms.png Protected Phantasms Phantasms spawn with aegis.
Major Chaos Trait VI.png Retaliatory Demise Gain retaliation when you are downed.
Major Dueling Trait III.png Retaliatory Shield Gain retaliation when you block an attack.
Major Inspiration Trait XI.png Shattered Conditions Using a shatter skill removes a condition from you and allies around you.
Major Illusions Shattered Strength.png Shattered Strength Shattering illusions grants you might per illusion.
Major Domination Trait VI.png Signet Mastery Reduces recharge on signets.
Major Dueling Trait XIII.png Triumphant Distortion 10 Gain distortion upon killing an enemy. Your phantasms gain distortion briefly on creation.
Minor Inspiration Trait mesmer.png Vengeful Images Grants retaliation to Phantasms.
Major Inspiration Trait III.png Vigorous Revelation Shattering illusions grants vigor to nearby allies.
Minor Domination Trait mesmer.png Wastrel's Punishment Increased damage to foes who are not using a skill.


Necromancer icon small.png Necromancer traits

Trait Line Name Tango-recharge-darker.png Description
Major Spite Trait XI.png Axe Training Reduces recharge on axe skills. Increases damage while wielding axes.
Minor Blood Magic Trait necromancer.png Blood to Power Gain additional power when your health is above the threshold.
Major Blood Magic Trait II.png Bloodthirst Siphoning health is more effective.
Major Blood Magic Trait I.png Dagger Mastery Reduces recharge on dagger skills.
Major Death Magic Trait I.png Dark Armor Gain toughness while channeling.
Minor Spite Trait necromancer.png Death into Life Gain healing power based on your power.
Major Death Magic Trait IX.png Death Shiver Constantly apply vulnerability to nearby foes while in death shroud.
Major Blood Magic Trait IX.png Deathly Invigoration Heal in an area when you leave death shroud.
Major Soul Reaping Trait VIII.png Decaying Swarm At 25% health, you become surrounded by a locust swarm.
Major Blood Magic Trait XI.png Fetid Consumption Each summoned minion draws conditions from their master.
Major Curses Trait IX.png Focused Rituals Well skills use ground targeting. Cannot be used under water.
Major Soul Reaping Foot in the Grave.png Foot in the Grave Gain stability and break stuns when you enter shroud.
Minor Blood Magic Trait necromancer.png Full of Life 30 Gain regeneration when your health drops below the threshold.
Major Death Magic Trait II.png Greater Marks Increases area of marks and marks become unblockable.
Major Curses Trait II.png Hemophilia Increases inflicted bleed durations.
Minor Soul Reaping Sinister Shroud.png Last Gasp 50 Gain Lesser Spectral Armor when your health falls below the threshold.
Minor Soul Reaping Sinister Shroud.png Last Gasp 75 Gain Lesser Spectral Armor when your health falls below the threshold.
Major Soul Reaping Trait VII.png Mark of Revival Create a Reaper's Mark while reviving someone.
Major Soul Reaping Trait IX.png Master of Terror Your fear effects have increased durations.
Major Death Magic Trait III.png Minion Master Reduces recharge on minion skills.
Major Soul Reaping Trait XII.png Near to Death Reduces recharge on Death Shroud.
Minor Spite Trait necromancer.png Parasitic Bond 5 Gain health when you kill a foe.
Major Soul Reaping Trait III.png Path of Midnight Reduces recharge on death shroud skills.
Minor Death Magic Trait necromancer.png Protection of the Horde Gain toughness for each minion you control.
Minor Death Magic Trait necromancer.png Reanimator 15 Summon a jagged horror whenever you kill a foe.
Major Curses Trait V.png Reaper's Precision You have a chance to gain life force on critical hits.
Major Spite Awaken the Pain.png Rending Shroud Constantly apply vulnerability to nearby foes while in shroud
Major Soul Reaping Trait XIII.png Renewing Blast Life Blast heals allies that it passes through.
Major Blood Magic Trait VIII.png Ritual Mastery Reduces recharge on wells.
Major Death Magic Trait IV.png Ritual of Protection Wells apply protection when cast.
Major Spite Trait IV.png Signet Mastery Reduces recharge on signets. Activating a signet grants might.
Major Spite Trait VIII.png Signet Power Activating a signet gives you three stacks of might for 10 seconds.
Major Curses Trait X.png Spectral Attunement Spectral skills have longer durations and grant life force on use.
Major Soul Reaping Soul Barbs.png Spectral Mastery Reduces recharge on spectral skills. Spectral skills last longer and grant life force on use.
Major Spite Trait VII.png Spiteful Marks Marks deal more damage.
Major Spite Trait III.png Spiteful Removal 10 When you kill a foe, you remove conditions.
Major Death Magic Trait VII.png Spiteful Vigor Gain retaliation when you use a heal skill.
Major Death Magic Trait V.png Staff Mastery Reduces recharge on staff skills.
Major Curses Trait I.png Toxic Landing Creates a Corrosive Poison Cloud when you take falling damage. Take less falling damage.
Major Spite Trait IX.png Training of the Master Increases minion damage.
Major Spite Unholy Fervor.png Unholy Fervor Reduce recharge of axe skills. Axe skills deal increased damage to vulnerable foes.
Major Blood Magic Trait VII.png Vampiric Master Minions siphon health and transfer it to you.
Major Blood Magic Trait V.png Vampiric Precision Siphon health whenever you critical hit.
Major Blood Magic Vampiric Rituals.png Vampiric Rituals Wells gain reduced recharge time. They now grant protection to allies when cast, and siphon health with every pulse.
Major Curses Trait XII.png Withering Precision 20 Apply weakness on critical hits.

Traits removed during beta[edit]

This is a list of all traits that were in the trait system before the restructuring seen first during the 2012 Press Beta.

Before February 2012[edit]

Guardian icon small.png Guardian traits[edit]

Trait Name Trait Line Type Description
Altruism Valor Major Virtues recharge faster.
Indiscriminate Smiting Valor Major Every fourth attack causes burning [instead of every fifth].
Protector's Alacrity Valor Major Aegis triggers every 30 seconds [instead of every 40].
Resolution's Renewal Valor Major Gain more health from Virtue of Resolve.
Bond of Devotion Valor Minor You and your allies gain Aegis and Protection.
Bond of Renewal Valor Minor You and your allies gain Regeneration and Vigor.
Bond of Wrath Valor Minor You and your allies gain Might and Smite.
Practiced Resistance Valor Minor Conditions expire more quickly on you.
Shielding Hands Valor Minor Your allies receive Aegis when you revive them.
Defender's Warding Focus Minor Shield of Wrath absorbs more damage.
Indiscriminate Judgment Focus Minor Ray of Judgment hits five foes.
Ray of Weakness Focus Minor Ray of Judgment weakens on a critical hit.
Mace Mastery Mace Major 10% damage boost with maces.
Wrathful Reward Mace Major Regeneration on critical hit.
Devout's Protection Mace Minor Protector's Smash grants Protection.
Penitent Reward Mace Minor Faithful Strike (mace skill) heals for more.
Wrathful Prolongment Mace Minor Symbol of Faith lasts longer.
Scepter Mastery Scepter Major 10% damage boost with scepters.
Burned by Truth Scepter Minor Applies burning on critical hits.
Fettered by Truth Scepter Minor Chains of Light applies vulnerability.
Recurring Smite Scepter Minor Smite hits extra times.
Redirected Fury Shield Minor Shield of Absorption knocks back when cast.
Staggering Judgment Shield Minor Shield of Judgment knocks back.
Staff Expertise Staff Major Shorter spell cool down with your staff.
Staff Mastery Staff Major 10% damage boost with staff.
Brilliant Orb Staff Minor Your Orb of Light blinds when detonated.
Enduring Protection Staff Minor Your Symbol of Protection lasts longer.
Heroic Martyr Staff Minor When you Martyr you draw conditions.
Mending Wave Staff Minor Your Wave of Wrath removes a condition.
None Shall Pass Staff Minor Line of Warding knocks back foes when you cast it.
Steel Curtain Staff Minor Your Line of Warding blocks projectiles.
Courageous Speed Sword Major Critical attacks with your sword grant you Swiftness.
Sword Mastery Sword Major Your sword attacks do 10% more damage.
Flashing Quickness Sword Minor Reduces the recharge on Flashing Blade.
Perfected Form Sword Minor Attacks with Sword of Wrath have a 50% increased chance of being a critical hit.
Protector's Form Sword Minor The shield on Zealot's Defense reflects projectiles.
Mending Burns Torch Minor Cleansing Flame removes two conditions per hit.
Zealot's Swiftness Torch Minor Zealot's Fire gives Swiftness.

Warrior icon small.png Warrior traits[edit]

Trait Name Trait Line Type Description
Hatred Power Major Increases damage by 25% when health is below 50%.
Improvisation Power Minor Increases damage of environmental weapons by 10%.
Thick Skin Power Minor Reduce bleeding duration by 33%
Thick Skull Power Minor Reduces stun duration by 25%.
Unyielding Pace Power Minor Reduces immobilized duration by 50%.
Superior Armor Tactics Major You have +75 defense.
Armor Tactics Minor Adds 25 armor.
Battle Commander Tactics Minor Increases the duration of banners.
Minor Armor 1 Tactics Minor Adds 10 armor.
Natural Leader Tactics Minor Unknown
Sentry Tactics Minor Decreases recharge of signets.
Stance Master Tactics Minor Decrease recharge of switching stances.
Improved Greatsword Damage Greatsword Major You do more damage with greatswords.
Brutal Greatsword Greatsword Minor Your critical attacks make foes vulnerable.
Evasive Whirlwind Greatsword Minor You evade while doing whirlwind attack.
Improved Uppercut Greatsword Minor Your uppercut launches further behind you.
Quick Unleashing Greatsword Minor Your 100 blades recharges faster.
Raider Longbow Unknown Critical hits with a longbow cause burning.
Extreme Evisceration Main-hand axe Major Unknown
Improved Triple Chop Main-hand axe Minor Unknown
Slayer Main-hand axe Minor Increases critical hit chance by 5% when wielding an axe.
Malicious Accuracy Main-hand axe Unknown Throw Axe inflicts crippled on and critically hits fleeing foes.
Swordsmanship Main-hand sword Major Your sword attacks cause bleeding.
Hyper Aggressive Main-hand sword Unknown Unknown
Off-Hand Axe Mastery Off-hand axe Minor Increases the damage of your off-hand axe attacks.
Weapon Master Unknown Unknown Reduce weapon swap cool down.

Engineer icon small.png Engineer traits[edit]

Trait Name Trait Line Type Description
Your Turrets explode when self destructing Turrets Major (new string)[sic]

Ranger icon small.png Ranger traits[edit]

Trait Name Trait Line Type Description
Agility Training Beast Mastery Major Your animal companion runs faster.
Bounty Hunter Beast Mastery Major Unknown
Natural Healing Beast Mastery Major Your animal companion regenerates health.
Speed Training Beast Mastery Major Unknown
Canine Affinity Beast Mastery Minor Conditions caused by canine pets last longer.
Canine Training Beast Mastery Minor Unknown
Devourer Training Beast Mastery Minor Tunneling skills used by devourer pets cause critical hits.
Drake Affinity Beast Mastery Minor Unknown
Drake Training Beast Mastery Minor Drake pets regenerate health.
Companionship Beast Mastery Unknown You can summon your pet more rapidly.
Nature's Care Beast Mastery Unknown Your pet regenerates health passively.
Improved Trap Deployment Wilderness Survival Major Unknown
Trap Mobility Wilderness Survival Major Your traps become ground targeted throw attacks.
Agile Wilderness Survival Minor Decrease crippled duration.
Nature's Resilience Wilderness Survival Minor Recover faster from poison.
Point Blank Expertise Longbow Minor Point-Blank Shot recharges faster.
Axe Mastery Main-hand axe Major Unknown
Veteran of the Hunt Off-hand axe Minor Cause Path of Scars to do more damage.
Viper's Quickness Off-hand dagger Minor Venom's Sting recharges faster.
Highly Flammable Torch Minor Bonfire lasts longer.
Call of the Hale and Wild Warhorn Minor Cause Call of the Wild to grant health regeneration.

Thief icon small.png Thief traits[edit]

Trait Name Trait Line Type Description
Cloak of Darkness Shadow Arts Major Blind nearby foes when using stealth.
Mechanically Inclined Shadow Arts Minor Your traps recharge faster.
Sleight of Hand Shadow Arts Minor Daze your foe when you steal.
Dagger Mastery Main-hand dagger Major While wielding daggers, you do 10% more damage.
Dagger Mastery Main-hand dagger Major While wielding daggers, you do 15% more damage when behind your foe.
Ripping Fangs Main-hand dagger Major Twisting Fang has a 50% chance to do two conditions.
Dagger Precision Main-hand dagger Minor All dagger attacks have a higher chance [?].
Death Blossom Main-hand dagger Minor Death Blossom[sic] gains an extra hit.
Improved Backstab Main-hand dagger Minor Backstab deals critical hits from behind.
Sharp Daggers Main-hand dagger Minor Your daggers bleedslast 10% longer.
Snaring Fang Main-hand dagger Minor Twisting Fang can cripple foes.
Pellet Shot Main-hand pistol Minor Unload inflicts bleeding on critical hit.
Trigger Happy Main-hand pistol Minor Unload fires additional bullets.
Improved Dancing Dagger Off-hand dagger Minor Causes bleed if Dancing Daggers scores a critical hit.
Improved Shadow Strike Off-hand dagger Minor Shadow Strike immobilizes your foe on critical hit.
Lingering Shadow Off-hand dagger Minor Cloak and Dagger cloak lasts longer.
Shortbow Mastery Shortbow Major You do 10% more damage with shortbows.
Blinding Arrow Shortbow Minor Shadow Shot blinds foe when it hits.
Potent Preparations Shortbow Minor Poison from Choking Gas lasts longer.
Prepared Precision Shortbow Minor Trick Shot hits more foes.
Prepared Shrapnel Shortbow Minor Cluster Shot creates additional clusters.
Shortened Fuse Shortbow Minor Timed Charge fuse is shorter.
Sitting Duck Sword Major Pistol Whip stuns your foe longer.
Sword Mastery Sword Major You do 10% more damage with swords equipped.
Go For the Throat Sword Minor Dancing Blade lets you Evade when you charge in.

Elementalist icon small.png Elementalist traits[edit]

Trait Name Trait Line Type Description
Conjurer Arcane Minor Summon more weapons with conjure skills.
Scribe Arcane Minor Utility glyphs recharge faster.
Haste Air Magic Minor Grants swiftness when attuning.
Stormchild Air Magic Minor You recover from stuns 25% faster.
Air of Superiority Air Magic Major Signet of Air and Lightning Flash deal 33% more damage.
Fiery Aura Fire Magic Major Burning caused by Fire Attunement lasts longer.
Pyromancer Fire Magic Major You do more damage with fire.
One with Fire Fire Magic Minor Gain 10 seconds of might after you attune to fire.
Torchlight Fire Magic Minor You recover from Burning faster.
Wave of Flame Fire Magic Minor Cause nearby enemies to burn when you attune to fire.
Hydromancer Water Magic Major Water skills cost less energy.
Frozen Skin Water Magic Minor You recover from being Chilled twice as fast.
One with Water Water Magic Minor Gain regeneration for 10 seconds when you attune to water.
One with the Mists Water Magic Major Gain Mist Form when health reaches 33%.
Improved Flame Wall Focus Minor Unknown
Improved Ice Storm Focus Minor Unknown
Dagger Mastery Main-hand dagger Major While wielding daggers, you do 10% more damage.
Flame Wave Main-hand dagger Major Unknown
Improved Vapor Blade Main-hand dagger Major Vapor Blade heals allies.
Improved Burning Speed Main-hand dagger Minor Unknown
Improved Cone of Cold Main-hand dagger Minor Unknown
Improved Drake's Breath Main-hand dagger Minor Unknown
Improved Lightning Orb Main-hand dagger Minor Unknown
Improved Lightning Whip Main-hand dagger Minor Lightning Whip does more damage.
Improved Shocking Aura Main-hand dagger Minor Unknown
Improved Armor of Frost Off-hand dagger Minor Armor of Frost grants protection to nearby allies.
Improved Ride the Lightning Off-hand dagger Minor Unknown
Improved Arc Lightning Scepter Minor Arc Lightning does more damage.
Improved Blinding Flash Scepter Minor Unknown
Improved Dragon's Tooth Scepter Minor Unknown
Improved Healing Aura Scepter Minor Unknown
Improved Ice Shards Scepter Minor Fully charged Ice Shards also stuns.
Improved Lightning Strike Scepter Minor Unknown
Improved Phoenix Scepter Minor Phoenix heals for more.
Water Trident Expertise Scepter Minor Unknown
Staff Mastery Staff Major While wielding a staff, you do 10% more damage.
Improved Burning Retreat Staff Minor Unknown
Improved Chain Lightning Staff Minor Unknown
Improved Fireball Staff Minor Fireball has a wider area of effect.
Improved Flame Burst Staff Minor Unknown
Improved Frozen Ground Staff Minor Unknown
Improved Geyser Staff Minor Unknown
Improved Healing Rain Staff Minor Unknown
Improved Ice Spike Staff Minor Unknown
Improved Lava Font Staff Minor Lava Font fires projectiles.
Improved Meteor Shower Staff Minor Summon more meteors with Meteor Shower.
Improved Static Field Staff Minor Static Field stuns instead of dazing.
Improved Water Blast Staff Minor Unknown
Stone Boots Unknown Unknown Grants immunity to knockback effects.

Necromancer icon small.png Necromancer traits[edit]

Trait Name Trait Line Type Description
Blood Pact Blood Rituals Major Causes your sacrifices to require less health.
Blood Scribe Blood Rituals Minor Mark skills recharge faster.
Leyline Mastery Blood Rituals Minor Wells last longer and recharge faster.
Malevolence Blood Rituals Minor Conditions you inflict on enemies last longer.
Pure Blood Blood Rituals Minor Reduces the duration of poison.
True Blood Blood Rituals Minor Your sacrifice skills do more damage.
Minion Mastery Minion Mastery Major Your minions do 10% more damage.
Necrotic Efficiency Minion Mastery Minor You summon 2 extra Bone Minions.
Death Strike Soul Reaping Major Create a blast of energy when you enter Death Shroud.
Shade Soul Reaping Minor Prevent knocked back, knocked down, launched, slowed or stunned while in Death Shroud.
Soul Stealer Soul Reaping Minor Accumulate life force faster.
Deadly Life Blast Focus Minor Increase the damage of Life Blast.
Death's Door Focus Minor Unknown
Winter's Chill Focus Minor Chill from Spinal Shivers lasts longer.
Axe Mastery Main-hand axe Major Unknown
Improved Rending Claws Main-hand axe Major Critical hits with Rending Claws cause extra bleeding.
Skull Splitter Main-hand axe Major Critical hits cause vulnerability.
Axe Expertise Main-hand axe Minor Increase chance of critical hits with axe.
Leech Main-hand axe Minor Causes axe attacks to steal life.
Longer Ghastly Claws Main-hand axe Minor Increases duration of Ghastly Claws.
Unholy Feaster Main-hand axe Minor Decreases recharge of Unholy Feast.
Necrotic Dagger Main-hand dagger Major Necrotic Bite becomes a ranged attack.
Barbed Dark Pact Main-hand dagger Minor Bleeding caused by Dark Pact lasts longer.
Life Blood Off-hand dagger Minor Mark of Blood heals for more.
Weaken the Blood Off-hand dagger Minor Causes Enfeebling Blood to last longer.
Scepter Mastery Scepter Major 10% damage boost with scepters.
Wither Scepter Major Unknown
Desecration Scepter Minor Unknown
Raking Hands Scepter Minor Unknown
Virulence Scepter Minor Conditions you apply while wielding a scepter last longer.
Soul Vision Staff Major Your staff attacks will track their targets.
Staff Mastery Staff Major Your staff attacks do more damage.
Otherworldly Grasp Staff Minor Necrotic Grasp cripples on critical hit.
Reaper's Embrace Staff Minor Foes hit by Reaper's Touch will become vulnerable.
Venomous Inscriptions Staff Minor Foes hit by Reaper's Mark will be poisoned.
Winter's Atrophy Staff Minor Chillblains applies weakness.
Winter's Embrace Staff Minor Chillblains has a wider area of effect.
Plague of Locusts Warhorn Minor Causes Locust Swarm to last longer.
Poisoning Doom Warhorn Minor Causes Wail of Doom to create a poison cloud.
Soul Mastery unknown unknown Deal massive damage in Death Shroud.

Any tango icon 20px.png Universal traits[edit]

All profession had access to the following minor traits1:

  • Major Power, Major Precision, Major Toughness and Major Vitality — +25 to the attribute
  • Minor Power, Minor Precision, Minor Toughness and Minor Vitality — +10 to the attribute

The superior attribute traits were major traits that gave a +75 bonus to their attribute and were believed to be only available to certain professions

Trait Name Professions1
Superior Power Guardian icon small.png Engineer icon small.png Thief icon small.png Elementalist icon small.png Necromancer icon small.png
Superior Precision Ranger icon small.png Thief icon small.png Elementalist icon small.png
Superior Toughness Guardian icon small.png Engineer icon small.png Necromancer icon small.png
Superior Vitality Warrior icon small.png Ranger icon small.png Necromancer icon small.png

1 Each profession had a specific trait line with these traits:

Guardian icon small.png Honor
Warrior icon small.png Power
Engineer icon small.png Inventions
Ranger icon small.png Wilderness Survival
Thief icon small.png Agility
Elementalist icon small.png Arcane
Necromancer icon small.png Soul Reaping

Before March 2012[edit]

These traits were seen in the February 2012 Press Beta, but were subsequently removed.

Guardian icon small.png Guardian traits[edit]

Trait Name Trait Line Type Description
Battle Focus Valor Major You do 5% more damage when your endurance meter is full.
Precise Defender Valor Major You have a 10% chance to gain a 3 second protection when you critically hit.
Valorous Protection Valor Minor
(Adept)
You gain protection when your health reaches 50%.
Meditative Revival Virtues Major All virtues recharge instantly when you revive an ally.
Purifier's Justice Virtues Major Activating justice removes a condition.
Shield of Courage Virtues Minor
(Master)
You now gain retaliation when you activate courage.
Elusive Power Virtues Minor
(Grandmaster)
You do more damage at low endurance.
Conciliatory Strength Zeal Major 10% of power is given as a bonus to healing.
Writ of Power Zeal unknown Increases the damage done by all your symbols by 10%.
Writ of Precision Radiance unknown 25% increased critical chance with symbols.

Warrior icon small.png Warrior traits[edit]

Trait Name Trait Line Type Description
Marksman Arms Major Increased damage with harpoon gun or rifle.
Sundering Greatsword Arms Major Cause vulnerability on crit with a greatsword.
Sword Mastery Arms Major Sword skills recharge 15% faster.
Natural Leader Tactics Minor unknown
Stance Master Tactics Minor Decreases recharge of switching stances.

Engineer icon small.png Engineer traits[edit]

Trait Name Trait Line Type Description
Armed Kit Damage Alchemy Major Deal extra damage with Flamethrower or Elixir Gun.
Emergency Healing Injection Alchemy Minor
(Adept)
You gain regeneration when health dips below 25% (90 second cooldown).

Ranger icon small.png Ranger traits[edit]

Trait Name Trait Line Type Description
Armored Fish Training Wilderness Survival Major Armorfish protection reflects damage.
Deadly Poisons Wilderness Survival Major Poisons applied by you deal more damage.
Off-hand Strength Wilderness Survival Major Thrown attacks from the offhand do 10% more damage.
Cover Me Beastmastery Major Your pet gains might when you dodge.
Lung Capacity Beastmastery Major 33% increased warhorn range.
Feline Training Marksmanship Major Feline pets have 50% reduced cooldown on their skills.
Shark Training Marksmanship Major Sharks steal health when they bite or swallow an enemy.
Jellyfish Training Skirmishing Major Jellyfish immobilize their target on crit and apply poison when they are hit.
Targeted Strike Marksmanship Minor
(Adept)
Opening strike causes bleeding.
Sundering Strike Marksmanship Minor
(Master)
Opening strike causes vulnerability.

Thief icon small.png Thief traits[edit]

Trait Name Trait Line Type Description
Last Blind Shadow Arts Minor Release Blinding Powder when health reaches 25% (90 second cooldown).
Quick Traps Shadow Arts Major Reduced trap arm time. (not in yet)
Shadowy Strength Shadow Arts Major When you shadow step you gain might.
Trap Master Shadow Arts Major Your traps do 25% more damage.
Traps Training Shadow Arts Major Traps are instant.
Trigger Happy unknown unknown Unload fires additional bullets.

Elementalist icon small.png Elementalist traits[edit]

Trait Name Trait Line Type Description
Enchanted Evocations Fire Magic Major Conjured weapons deal 10% more damage.

Mesmer icon small.png Mesmer traits[edit]

Trait Name Trait Line Type Description
Evasive Animation Inspiration Major +50 vitality when wielding a torch or focus.
Shattered Mind Illusions Minor
(Master)
Shredding illusions cause confusion.
Mighty Revelation Illusions Minor
(Grandmaster)
Gain might when you shred your illusions.

Necromancer icon small.png Necromancer traits[edit]

Trait Name Trait Line Type Description
Evasive Animation Death Magic Major Summon a Jagged Horror when you dodge roll.
Fast Marks Death Magic Major Faster mark placement.
Fate Weaver Soul Reaping Minor Your signets recharge faster.

Before June 2012 (BWE2)[edit]

Guardian icon small.png Guardian traits[edit]

Trait Name Trait Line Type Description
Vengeful Warding Honor Major Wards deal damage when enemies try to pass through them.

Warrior icon small.png Warrior traits[edit]

Trait Name Trait Line Type Description
Sweeping Strikes Arms Major Your chain attacks on sword, mace, and axe hit up to 3 foes.
Tidal Spear Arms Major Gain swiftness on crits with a spear.
Physical Mastery Strength Major Recharge on physical utility skills is reduced by 20%.

Engineer icon small.png Engineer traits[edit]

Trait Name Trait Line Type Description
Elixir Endurance Alchemy Major Throwing or consuming elixirs gives endurance to those effected.
Pressurized Elixir Gun Alchemy Major Faster endurance regen while using Elixir Gun.
Demolitions Expert Explosives Major Your turrets explode when killed.
High-Potency Mines Explosives Major Proximity triggered mines knockback.
Personal Propeller Firearms Major Move 10% faster while swimming.
Deployable Camo Inventions Major Turrets and mines are camouflaged while not in combat.
Modified Turrets Inventions Major Turrets do 15% more damage.
Shield Master Inventions Major 20% faster shield cooldown.

Ranger icon small.png Ranger traits[edit]

Trait Name Trait Line Type Description
Deep Breathing Wilderness Survival Major Warhorn skills recharge 15% faster.
Canine Training Beastmastery Major Dogs apply stability to nearby allies when they howl.
Devourer Training Beastmastery Major Your devourer's basic attack pierces.
Drake Training Beastmastery Major Drake pets have passive regeneration and condition removal.
Porcine Training Beastmastery Major Pigs deal extra bleeding.
Screech Training Beastmastery Major Bird screeches cause fear.
Venomous Training Beastmastery Major Spiders and jellyfish cause vulnerability when they attack.

Thief icon small.png Thief traits[edit]

Trait Name Trait Line Type Description
Combined Tactics Acrobatics Major Dual skills return initiative when completed.
Nimble Landing Acrobatics Major Take reduced falling damage.

Elementalist icon small.png Elementalist traits[edit]

Trait Name Trait Line Type Description
Enchanted Evocations Fire Magic Major Conjured weapons deal 10% more damage.

Necromancer icon small.png Necromancer traits[edit]

Trait Name Trait Line Type Description
Reaper's Blast Spite Major Life Blast does more damage.
Spiteful Return Spite Major Cast Unholy Feast when you rally.

Before July 20, 2012 (BWE3)[edit]

Guardian icon small.png Guardian traits[edit]

Trait Name Trait Line Type Description
Protective Spirit Honor Adept Major Aegis gives protection if it expires without activating.
Courageous Virtues Adept Major Virtue of Courage's passive effect triggers every 30 seconds.
Fearless Virtues Adept Major Virtue of Courage grants 3 seconds of stability.
Justice's Wrath Virtues Adept Major When activating Virtue of Justice, the burn duration is increased.
Resolute Virtues Adept Major Virtue of Resolve's passive effect is stronger.
Purity of Resolve Virtues Master Major Activating Virtue of Resolve removes three conditions.
Extended Consecrations Virtues Grandmaster Major Consecrations last longer.
Judgemental Virtues Grandmaster Major Virtue of Justice causes burning every 4 attacks instead of 5.

Warrior icon small.png Warrior traits[edit]

Trait Name Trait Line Type Description
Victorious Might Strength Grandmaster Major Gain 5 stacks of Might for 10 seconds when you kill a foe.
Sniper Arms Grandmaster Major Rifle and harpoon-gun shots pierce.
Blunt Weapon Master Defense Grandmaster Major Hammer and mace skills recharge 15% faster.
Early Escape Tactics Adept Major Gain 5 seconds of vigor when your health reaches 90% (30-second cooldown).

Engineer icon small.png Engineer traits[edit]

Trait Name Trait Line Type Description
Big Grenade Pouch Explosives Master Major 50% chance to throw extra grenades, when using a grenade kit.
Throwing Arm Explosives Master Major Improved range for grenades and mines.
Protective Turrets Inventions Master Major Gain 30 toughness for each deployed turret. (Not affected by Supply Crate.)
Electromagnetic Mines Inventions Grandmaster Major The explosions from your mines remove boons from enemies.
Crippling Wrenches Inventions Master Major Hits with tool-kit wrenches cripple your target.

Ranger icon small.png Ranger traits[edit]

Trait Name Trait Line Type Description
Long-range Power Marksmanship Master Major Longbow and harpoon gun damage is increased by 5%.
Trapper's Knowledge Skirmishing Adept Major All traps are larger.
Offhand Master Wilderness Survival Adept Major Offhand skills recharge 20% faster.
Shared Restoration Nature Magic Adept Major Heal nearby allies on revive.

Thief icon small.png Thief traits[edit]

Trait Name Trait Line Type Description
Pickpocket's Revenge Trickery Master Major Increases damage by 25% with stolen weapons.

Elementalist icon small.png Elementalist traits[edit]

Trait Name Trait Line Type Description
Tempest Strength Air Magic Adept Major Deal 5% more damage while moving.

Mesmer icon small.png Mesmer traits[edit]

Trait Name Trait Line Type Description
Reviver's Retribution Chaos Adept Major When reviving an ally, grant 5 seconds of retaliation to yourself and the revived ally.

Before August 2, 2012 (Stress test 3)[edit]

Ranger icon small.png Ranger traits[edit]

Trait Name Trait Line Type Description
Master Trapper Wilderness Survival Adept Major Trap recharges are reduced by 20%.

Necromancer icon small.png Necromancer traits[edit]

Trait Name Trait Line Type Description
Fateful Marks Death Magic Master Major Marks are unblockable.

Before August 9, 2012 (Stress test 4)[edit]

Thief icon small.png Thief traits[edit]

Trait Name Trait Line Type Description
Martial Agility Acrobatics Master Major Gain vigor (5s) when landing a critical hit with a sword or spear. This effect can only trigger once every 15 seconds.

Before August 15, 2012 (Stress test 7)[edit]

Thief icon small.png Thief traits[edit]

Trait Name Trait Line Type Description
Fast Signets Critical Strikes Master Major Signets recharge 20% faster.
Reviver's Deception Shadow Arts Adept Major Grant 2 seconds of stealth to you and your ally when you revive them.

See also[edit]