Fast Casting

Fast Casting is the Mesmer primary attribute, which means that only characters who have chosen to be a primary Mesmer can put points into this skill. While Fast Casting only has four skills linked to it, the passive benefit it provides is more than enough by itself.

Effects of Fast Casting


Fast casting reduces the amount of time required for casting spells according to the following formula: (Cast time) = (base time) * 2^(-attribute/15)

Because of the severe diminishing returns, the "sweet spot" is 7–9 points total in Fast Casting. 7 points reduces casting time by 28%, while 9 points takes 33% off.

Investing in Fast Casting is wise, since many Mesmer skills require that you place a hex at a critical moment (for example, casting Backfire just before an enemy casts a spell; having the ability to cast Backfire in less than two seconds when it would usually take three is an extraordinary advantage). A skill like Cry of Frustration would cast almost instantly.

Fast Casting also enables the Mesmer to cast more spells. It depends on available energy, casting time and recharge time, but in general a Mesmer can cast four spells while any other profession casts three. Alternatively, the saved time can be used for other purposes, such as moving or regular attacking.

Below is a table listing the reduced casting times of spells that would normally take from one to five seconds to cast. The times in this table are rounded to the nearest hundredth of a second; it is unknown how Guild Wars does its rounding.

Warning
Fast Casting only benefits spells. There is no change to the "casting" time for signets, nature rituals, traps, preparations, attacks, glyphs, or any other unclassified skill. This is a common misunderstanding among new players.