Flanking

Here, the target is facing to the right, and attacks coming from the 270 degree cone behind it count as flanking. Only the 90 degree cone in front of the enemy is not considered flanking.

Flanking refers to character attacking an enemy from the side or from behind, which enables additional effects from certain skills and traits. When striking defiant foes, all attacks are considered as flanking, and their additional effects are always applied. Flanking is a more lenient version of a similar game mechanic, striking from behind, which allows a smaller angle of attacks strictly behind the target.

Related skills

Flanking skills

•   Serpent's Strike (sword) — Leap to your target and cripple them. If your target is disabled, defiant, or movement impaired, immobilize them instead.
•   Death Blossom (dagger+dagger) — Dual Wield. Do an evasive attack over your target, striking nearby foes three times. Each hit causes bleeding.
•   Flanking Strike (sword+dagger) — Dual Wield. Evade and stab your foe.
•   Flanking Dive (spear) — Evade your foe and then strike, dealing increased damage from the side or behind.

Skills affected by flanking attacks

•   Crossfire (short bow) — Fire an arrow that bleeds your target. Attacks are stronger from behind or from the side or against defiant foes.
•   Poison Volley (short bow) — Fire a spread of five poison arrows. Poison lasts longer if you are flanking or behind the target or if you strike a defiant foe.
•   Crippling Shot (short bow) — Fire an arrow that cripples your target. If you are flanking or behind your target or your target is defiant, immobilize them. Your pet's next three attacks inflict bleeding.
•   Concussion Shot (short bow) — Daze your foe with an arrow. Stun them if you hit from behind or from the side or if your foe is defiant.

Related traits

Traits that affect flanking attacks

• Ambush Commander (Renegade) — When you critically strike, or attack your enemies from behind or their flanks, or strike a defiant foe, you'll inspire yourself with Kalla's fervor. Gain access to Citadel Order abilities.
• Hunter's Tactics (Skirmishing) — You deal more damage and have an increased chance to critically strike while attacking from behind or the side or when striking a defiant foe.
• Light on your Feet (Skirmishing) — Damage and condition duration are increased after dodging or using Quick Shot. Short bow skills pierce and gain recharge reduction, and their attacks from behind or while flanking or against defiant foes are improved.
• Twin Fangs (Critical Strikes) — Deal increased critical damage, which is further increased when your health is above the threshold. Gain bonus critical-hit chance when hitting a foe from behind or the side or when they are defiant.
• Burst of Agility (Trickery) — Use Lesser Haste when attacking a foe from behind or from the side or when they are defiant.

Related equipment

Sigils

• Superior Sigil of Frailty — Inflict 2 stacks of vulnerability for 8 seconds after striking a foe from behind or the flank or when they are defiant. (Cooldown: 2 Seconds)
• Superior Sigil of Ice — Chill a foe for 2 seconds after striking from its flank or when they are defiant. (Cooldown: 10 Seconds)
• Superior Sigil of Incapacitation — Cripple a foe for 2 seconds after striking from its flank or when they are defiant. (Cooldown: 5 Seconds)
• Superior Sigil of Nullification — Remove a boon with a flanking strike or when they are defiant. (Cooldown: 5 Seconds)
• Superior Sigil of Purity — Remove a condition after striking a foe from its flank or when they are defiant. (Cooldown: 4 Seconds)

See also

• Behind