Auto Attack Initiation

[Phenidate]

Specifically the concern is about a simpler way to initiate auto attacking solo or group targets, and continue to acquire new targets in groups (during Leves and dungeons)

In the General Discussion forum a response was given on the request to remove unnecessary input to start auto attacking a monster and the response was

Checked with the development team about whether a dedicated attack button can be added. While we can't promise that a dedicated attack button will show up in the future, a smoother way to initiate auto-attack using keyboard controls is being developed.

The fact that the dev team does not want to add another over-specialized keybind is admirable. I'd like to bring up a topic for discussion then on how we the players would like to see a better way to initiate auto-attack, which hopefully the devs will take into consideration.

I'm also starting this post in the correct forum section so that this topic is not drowned out given how eccentric the General Discussion board is.

(also because responses seem to be a one per thread deal. A response specifically on how a streamlined entry to auto attack might be handled, without adding a dedicated key would be VERY useful for keeping those interested in this informed)

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So that brings me to what I was thinking when I read the above quote

Given the way the controls are currently working in game, a dedicated auto attack button really doesn't seem that necessary. The enter key would work just fine as it has multiple actions shared on it, based on the context of your target.

Notice that the Enter key is the primary "use target" button more or less. Talking to NPCs, browsing retainers, activating ??? objects, and starting auto attack on a targeted monster while in active mode can all be done with the enter key.

The last one is the newest feature added to pressing enter. We already have a start auto attack key, BUT, its tedious to get working.

For auto attack to 'go' you need to be:

1. Targeting the monster
2. In range
3. In the active state
4. Facing the monster
5. Press the enter key or activate a skill

Now the first two need to be entirely up to the player. The game can't decide/know where you should want to move and what monster you should target. The last three however, can easily be compacted into a single action for the purposes of auto attack, much like talking to an NPC or browsing a retainer [both of these focus your target, face you towards the character and act on the context of your target (talk to or browse)]

So, ideally When you target a monster and hit enter what should happen is this:

If you aren't in active state, get put into active state.
If you aren't facing the target, have it face you towards the target.
If you aren't set to auto attack that target, have it set you to auto attack (for those who haven't noticed, this is indicated by the sword icon on the monsters name, showing if you are 'set to auto attack' your target)

[Irana]

I have my serious doubts about this...a new button to initiate attack after targeting would be dieal...

Sometimes I wish I could get up close to a mob, target it and NOT start attackign cuz I want to use Invigorate up close and THEN attack so as to not to waste invigorate rp up timer... Also..why is there delay from teh time you initiate auto attack till teh first attack?

The first attack should happen as soon as the mob is targeted and you go into active mode... not start counting the delay the moment you go into active mode and are in range.

[Phenidate]

I have my serious doubts about this...a new button to initiate attack after targeting would be dieal...

Sometimes I wish I could get up close to a mob, target it and NOT start attackign cuz I want to use Invigorate up close and THEN attack so as to not to waste invigorate rp up timer... Also..why is there delay from teh time you initiate auto attack till teh first attack?

The first attack should happen as soon as the mob is targeted and you go into active mode... not start counting the delay the moment you go into active mode and are in range.

Yeah that's the thing. I'm hoping if we make it so hitting enter starts combat, whereas using buffs does not (its the same with my lancer, if I activate something like Ferocity I start auto attacking too)

If Bayohne's post about not having a dedicated button to auto attacking is true, then I'm seriously hoping they put the action onto enter so atleast its a consistent use for the key. Honestly I'd prefer we remove active/passive swapping and have it so when you hit the F key you just go into combat mode with what you have targeted.

And yeah, it is weird there's that initial delay when you first start attacking.

[Gun_Anam]

I've posted my thoughts on how this should be done on other threads (clicky for post) both in general discussion and battle mechanics forums so I'll not post them again. I do however want to moan more.

I was playing THM last night healing a friend as we did some leves. A mob ran up to attack me, so I slept it... auto-attack... RAGE! This fully automatic attack madness has to end!