Illusion of Haste

Acquisition
Skill Quests: Skill Trainers:
 * A Cure for Ralena (Sardelac Sanitarium)
 * Captain Osric (Yak's Bend)
 * Dakk (Ember Light Camp)

Usage Notes
Illusion of Haste is a specialized skill that looks both much better, and much worse, than it is.

Illusion of Haste is, first and foremost, best used for short sprints, and will be practically useless at low levels of Illusion Magic investment. Unlike Sprint, this skill is a spell, and therefore requires you to stop and go through a casting animation in order to use it. Illusion of Haste is therefore generally unsuitable for "runners," characters who are designed to complete missions or reach areas by moving through dangerous areas very quickly. The fact that you become Crippled at the end of the spell's duration does not help.

Since this spell causes the Crippled effect on you, it is best to use it when you know exactly where you are going, and do not plan on moving once you arrive. Using Illusion of Haste as a speed burst like Sprint will often be counterproductive if you are running from foes, due to the Crippled effect caused. The fact that Mesmers have no primary profession condition removal makes Illusion of Haste even more specialized.

Use Illusion of Haste with condition heals or, better yet, skills that will transfer the Crippled condition to your enemies (such as the Necromantic Plague Sending).

One nifty aspect of Illusion of Haste that most players overlook is the fact that it cures Crippling, whether of not Illusion of Haste was the source of the condition. Use Illusion of Haste if you have been Crippled by an enemy, then retreat to safety and stall out, cure Crippling, or transfer it. Due to its short recharge time, Illusion of Haste can be kept up indefinitely, energy permitting. It's best to be cautious when chaining this spell, however, as running out of energy at an inopportune moment will leave you crippled and vulnerable.