Area of Effect

Area of Effect (AoE) skills affect a given area of the playfield, and not any one specific enemy; any enemy inside of the area will be affected by the skill. The affected area generally does not move over time, so aware players can move elsewhere to avoid the negative effects caused by the skill.

In PvE, since the 2005/11/10 update, henchmen and creatures flee from AoE skills that do damage over time, but generally take 2-3 seconds of damage before fleeing. There are some few exceptions that are not recognized by the AI, for example Spiteful Spirit.

In PvP, use such skills to clear a tactically important area of opponents so your team can take and exploit such a breach in the opposing team's defense.

Most AoEs require a target; however, some will take effect around the caster. These are called PBAoEs&mdash;point-blank area of effect.

See also: Range

DoTAoE Bug
There has been a significant flaw caused by the nerf of DoTAoE skills. As stated above, creatures will flee upon being inflicted with such damage after two to three seconds. However, if the creature is blocked by players or any other mobs, the creature will be completely frozen, unable to attack or use any offensive abilities. Healing abilities, for example, will still be used by a Monk-profession boss. But a Warrior boss, for example, will not be able to attack, or use its abilities such as Wild Blow.