Suggestions for the targeting system (Discussion)

[RichardButte]

One of the reasons I'd like this is because, as a healer, I get nailed by bosses casting things that I don't see more often than not because I'm constantly targeting party members to heal them so I don't see the cast bars.

And before someone says "Just make the boss your focus target!", what about adds that cast things that I need to be aware of? It'd be a giant PITA to set each new add as a focus target.

[Mycow8me]

One of the reasons I'd like this is because, as a healer, I get nailed by bosses casting things that I don't see more often than not because I'm constantly targeting party members to heal them so I don't see the cast bars.

This happens to me alot but I more or less get tunnel vision on healing and don't even notice the boss using an action till its too late. If my heal targets are seperated from my enemy targets I think it will be alot easier to keep an eye on enemy actions. The focustarget bar is too small and doesn't draw attention enough like the main target bar does.

[Chocolys]

... what about adds that cast things that I need to be aware of? It'd be a giant PITA to set each new add as a focus target.

I don't remember many Adds with a barely visible attack (no aoe marker), or sneaky but lethal effect that I need to concerned about as a healer. So Focus Target on the main threat is usually enough.
And the few specific adds that you might be concerned about, you just learn to deal with them after few encounters.

But it's true it's easier to miss something as a healer since you have to especially keep your attention on both your teammates and on the enemies.
It does however give a good habit when you're playing another role with support capability, you will more naturally help your teammates with these usually rarely used support skills.

Personally I would prefer more if "invisible" attacks that can only be spotted by looking the enemy cast bar, or by noticing a specific animation, would have a visible marker. It would be easier not to miss.

Also I would not mind to be able to set a secondary Focus target, so for example I could use one on the main threat, and one of the main target of my support. (especially helpful during those large Fate to support someone not from my party)

.....The focustarget bar is too small and doesn't draw attention enough like the main target bar does.

You can scale up the Focus Target by selecting it while in Editing the UI, and by press CTRL+HOME (to cycle between various size).

[Mycow8me]

You can scale up the Focus Target by selecting it while in Editing the UI, and by press CTRL+HOME (to cycle between various size).

TY I never noticed this. I still believe 2 different kinds of targets simultaneously will allow smoother transition between heal/support skills <> DPS skills though and be very beneficial to people maximizing their rotation without having to target someone to put a skill on them then go back to what they were doing. You could literally target someone for a support skill while continuing a rotation in this way as a DPS or healer. Even a tank might see benefit from this for skills like cover.

[Yshnal]

One of the reasons I'd like this is because, as a healer, I get nailed by bosses casting things that I don't see more often than not because I'm constantly targeting party members to heal them so I don't see the cast bars.

And before someone says "Just make the boss your focus target!", what about adds that cast things that I need to be aware of? It'd be a giant PITA to set each new add as a focus target.

You get cast bars for all enemies on the aggro list on the lower left part of the screen (default).

[RichardButte]

You get cast bars for all enemies on the aggro list on the lower left part of the screen (default).

Too small for me to notice in the heat of combat while I'm watching HP bars, really.

I also would like the OP's idea because being able to toss a DoT on the boss between casting heals without ever changing targets would be great.

[Naunet]

I also would like the OP's idea because being able to toss a DoT on the boss between casting heals without ever changing targets would be great.

Why can't you use mouseover macros?

(As I type this, it occurs to me... console users? Man I feel sorry for y'all. XD)

[Naunet]

One of the reasons I'd like this is because, as a healer, I get nailed by bosses casting things that I don't see more often than not because I'm constantly targeting party members to heal them so I don't see the cast bars.

This is the beauty of mouseover macros. I keep the mobs/bosses targeted 100% of the time.