View source for Targeting

{{otheruses redirect|Target|the effect applied by the [[bounty]] enemies|Target (effect)|the command to mark the target for allies|Call Target}}
[[Targeting]] is a [[:Category:Game mechanics|game mechanic]] for selecting [[Non-player character|NPCs]], player characters, and [[object]]s for [[combat]] or interaction. Targeting is one of the key elements of the [[combat]] system and used to cast [[skill]]s at a specific enemy or area. Interacting with objects or allied NPCs, like [[vendor]]s, does not require targeting them, but helps selecting a specific interaction if multiple objects are located close to each other. 
{{TOC|class=toc2}}

== Interaction ==
Targeting an interactable object or allied NPC can be done by mouse-clicking them or by using "Nearest Ally", "Next Ally", or "Previous Ally" keybinds (unassigned in the [[Options#Control Options|Control Options]] by default). Allied player characters are prioritized over NPCs for targeting when using the keybinds. Some combat skills, primarily the abilities of [[Thief]]'s elite specialization [[Specter]], have a special effect when targeted at allies.

== Combat ==
[[File:Target display.jpg|thumb|300px|Targeting an [[Non-player character|NPC]] displays its name and characteristics.]]
In all [[game mode]]s, in order to engage the enemy in [[combat]], player needs to target it and use a [[skill]]. With default [[controls]], a nearby enemy is targeted by pressing the "Next Enemy" keybind ( {{key|Tab}} by default) or by mouse-selecting it. Targeting with the keybind prioritizes NPC with the highest [[NPC rank|rank]]. Alternatively, getting in range of the [[auto-attack]]ing skill and double-clicking the enemy model starts the auto-attack [[chain]]. 

Some skills require a target in order to be activated (e.g. [[Phantasmal Berserker]]), while others can be used regardless despite having a single-target behavior (e.g. [[Fireball]]). If a skill is used without a target, it will be cast in the direction the character or camera are currently facing, and might not hit the enemy. Sometimes, it can be used deliberately, for example, using [[leap]] or [[retreat]] skills without a target as a [[movement]] aid. This is only possible with "Autotargeting" in [[Options#Combat/Movement|General Options]] disabled. Many skills that create [[projectile]]s can also be used without a target, for example, directing the camera up or down while casting demonstrates the [[wikipedia:pathfinding|pathfinding]] for the free-form projectiles.

After the targeted enemy is defeated, a new target can be selected manually by pressing "Next Enemy", "Previous Enemy" or "Nearest Enemy" keybinds. If "Autotargeting" is enabled, the next foe in range will be selected automatically upon casting a skill or if an ability was already queued just before the previous target was defeated.

=== Ground targeting ===
[[File:Weapon skills.jpg|thumb|300px|[[Thief]]'s [[short bow]] skills 2, 4, and 5 are ground targeted, indicated by the red target reticle in their icon]]
'''Ground-targeted''' skills are instead aimed at the specific area on the ground and usually affect multiple enemies ([[area of effect]] skills). These skills can be cast anywhere regardless of the direction the character is facing, but might be [[obstruct]]ed if there is no clear [[line of sight]] to the selected area. Ground targeted abilities are indicated by the red target reticle [[File:Ground target aim.png|18px|Ground target reticle]] in their icon.

* Using the skill will bring up highlighted area of target which can be aimed and subsequently activated with a mouse click.
* Set the option of 'Ground Targeting' in Options -> General Options -> 'Combat/Movement' to 'Instant' in order to aim at your cursor's current position.
** Setting this to Instant is the only way to continuously attack with a ground-targeted 1 skill (eg. [[Mortar Shot]]) by holding its hotkey or left mouse with Action Cam; there is no way to auto attack for these types of skills.
* Ground-targeted skills can be used regardless of character facing and can hit targets within the AOE even if they would normally be obstructed (i.e. if they are behind a corner).  However, there must still be a clear line of sight between the player and the point targeted, or a "No Line of Sight" message will pop up.
* Most ground-targeted skills which can be used [[underwater]] lose that property upon going under water, instead the effect is either applied at caster's location or targeted foe's location.
* The option "Snap Ground Target to Current Target" in Combat/Movement may be useful for AoE attacks. Combined with autotargeting (see below), it will always select the nearest foe. However, it may prevent the proper usage of non-attacking skills, which should be aimed at area with friendly characters or objects. In this case, it is recommended to bind a key to the option "Toggle Snap Ground Target" in [[Options#Targeting|Control Options, Targeting]] and switch the snap off when need.

==== Skills with ground targeting ====
{| {{STDT|mech2 expandable}}
! style=width:85em | Skills with ground targeting
|- 
|
{{Related skills filter|heading level = h5}}
{{Skill list by property|Weapon|[[Is ground targeted::Y]]|heading=[[Weapon]] skills|heading level=h5}}
{{Skill list by property|Bundle|[[Is ground targeted::Y]]|heading=[[Bundle]] skills|heading level=h5}}
{{Skill list by property|Transform|[[Is ground targeted::Y]]|heading=[[Transform]] skills|heading level=h5}}
{{Skill list by property|Healing|[[Is ground targeted::Y]]|heading=[[Healing skill]]s|heading level=h5}}
{{Skill list by property|Utility|[[Is ground targeted::Y]]|heading=[[Utility skill]]s|heading level=h5}}
{{Skill list by property|Elite|[[Is ground targeted::Y]]|heading=[[Elite skill]]s|heading level=h5}}
{{Skill list by property|Profession mechanic|[[Is ground targeted::Y]]|heading=[[Profession mechanic]] skills|heading level=h5}}
{{Skill list by property|Downed|[[Is ground targeted::Y]]|heading=[[List of downed skills|Downed]] skills|heading level=h5}}
{{Skill list by property|Drowning|[[Is ground targeted::Y]]|heading=[[List of drowning skills|Drowning]] skills|heading level=h5}}
{{Skill list by property|Racial|[[Is ground targeted::Y]]|heading=[[Racial skill]]s|heading level=h5}}
<!-- too many common skills -->
|}

=== Autotargeting ===
If Autotargeting is enabled in the [[Options#Combat/Movement|General Options]], then using most non-ground targeted skill will automatically target a nearby enemy. 

* If Autotargeting is disabled, it's possible to target the nearest foe manually using the "Next Enemy", "Nearest Enemy", or "Previous Enemy" keybinds.
* Alternatively, holding down [[Lock Auto Target]] keybind temporarily disables autotargeting mechanic, even if it is enabled in Options. It locks the auto-target as long as the key is pressed down and will automatically auto-target the next foe again when the key is let go.
* Additionally, there are keybinds to toggle the Autotargeting on/off or temporarily fully disable it.

=== Breaking enemy target ===
Enemy NPCs also engage in combat by targeting the player character, although it is rarely indicated directly in the [[Graphical user interface|user interface]]. Some skills and effects like [[Stealth]] have the ability to '''break targeting''', forcing enemies to select the target again (if their skills require a target). This mechanic works both against hostile NPCs in [[Player versus Environment|PvE]] game mode and enemy players in [[Structured PvP|PvP]] and [[World versus World|WvW]] game modes.

[[Channeled skill]]s that were already tracking the target like [[Rapid Fire]] will not stop tracking if the character breaks targeting once the channeling has started. 

==== Skills that break enemy targeting ====
{{Related skills|Breaks Enemy Targeting|heading level = h5}}

==== Effects that break enemy targeting ====
* {{effect|Stealth}}

== Detargeting ==
Removing the target can be done by left-clicking anywhere in the game world outside of the targetable objects and NPCs. While there is no specific keybind for this action, pressing, instead of holding down, the "[[Lock Autotarget]]" keybind also removes the target.

== Action Camera ==
{{main|Action Camera}}
[[Action Camera]] is a special camera mode that enables a third/first person shooter style targeting. With this camera mode active, the mouse cursor is locked in the middle of the screen and transformed into a target reticle. {{key|Left-Click}} casts the first weapon skill, and {{key|Right-Click}} is used to select a character or object as a target. 

== Gallery ==
The following icons appear above the heads of targeted NPCs and objects:
<gallery widths=80px>
File:Targeted ally.png|Ally
File:Targeted foe.png|Enemy
File:Targeted object.png|Object
File:Targeted party member.png|Party member
</gallery>

[[Category:Game mechanics]]

[[es:Marcar objetivo]]