Fast Casting

Fast Casting is the Mesmer primary attribute, which means that only characters which have chosen to be a primary Mesmer can put points into this skill. While Fast Casting only has one skill linked to it, the passive benefits it provides is more then enough all 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 on them 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 ordinarily take three is an extraordinary advantage. A skill like Cry of Frustration would cast instantly!

Below are tables listing the cast times of spells in ascending order from one to five seconds. The times in this table are rounded to the nearest 1/100th of a second, however it is unknown where Guild Wars does its rounding. Keep in mind that the table headings indicate the time the spell would take to cast with no points in Fast Casting.

Cast more often
Of course it depends on Skill type, casting time and recharge time, but in general a mesmer can cast 4 skills while any other casts 3.

More time for other stuff
If you cast faster you have more time for other stuff like moving or regular attacking.