How to target an enemy other than "tabbing"?

Hello there.

I wanted to ask a "n00bish" question:

Is there any way for a player to target an enemy other than "tabbing" through the enemies or left-clicking on them?
Isn't there any way for me to assign a key for each enemy? Like, keypad 1 to enemy nº1, keypad 2 to enemy nº2, etc.... ?


I am sorry if this has already been asked before.

Clicking C on the keyboard targets yoru closest enemy

As does backslash.

Only other way is to click with the mouse or follow called targets (usually mapped to T)

There isn't an option to assign keys to enemies.

You can also scroll through the enemies by using "[" and "]"

If you want to send henchies at a target, TAB it first. Than use Shift-Ctrl-Space.
Just make sure that the target is at the edge of your aggro circle.

I have tried this many times with henchies and they just sit there until I actually attack a target which really sucks when I am a monk since I take the aggro first.

Totally agree. Same thing when I was using my mesmer--I'd imagine it's the same for any spellcaster. It would be nice if Anet provided a way to call a target for henchies without having to attack the target yourself.

It does work. I use this tactic a lot. Not only do they attack, but I can just stand back and watch If you just cast spells and don't 'wand' the mobs you should not draw aggro. (hint: wait till the henchies are actually engaged before casting)

You're right, it does work. I just tried it.

Taking my monk through the desert quests will now be easier. Thanks.

They have to almost touch your aggro circle, or it will not work. I do hydras that way

Well what actually has to happen is that they don't need to be in your agro circle.

If you call the target, you start to move up, so do the henchies. If you stop, they will continue to move up a bit more. If their agro circle then catches the enemy they will proceed.

in pvp, each enemy target has a number as do allies. Yes, you can assign buttons to each enemy target #. Just go into control layouts in options to set that up...

I think some of you aren't catching the difference:
ctrl-space call target AND you attack
ctrl-shift-space call target and you DO NOT attack

henchies will go on either if target is within THEIR aggro bubble.

I do a lot of tabbing or 'c' for closest once battle is on, but in beggining I'll ctrl search for my target and click on it. then call it.

Control + Space = I'm attacking _______!
Control + Shift + Space = I'm targeting ______!

I do targeting when I'm out with my monk. The thing is, that you have to be somewhat close to the enemy and then call the target.

<3 Henchies

It's always seemed to work for me if I call a target (ctrl-space) and then immediatly press a movement key to break off the attack (usually backwards). They usually keep going right on to the target. I would estimate I need to no further than and extra half my agro bubble away from the target otherwise they think I am running and disengage - just targetting them or pressing space and backing off doesn't seem to work as well as you have to be right outside the aggro bubble.

Of course, notice the "usually" - sometimes it takes a try or two.

Thank you for the Ctrl + Shift + Space. I was using only Ctrl + Space and had to call off my own attack and often, henches would also stop. Now I know. Also, thanks for the PvP options setup idea - I will do that as well.

Now, here's one I found a bit back, when I just wanted to see what would happen: You can still target when you are dead. Same way, except Ctrl + Space changes to "I'm targetting ..." instead of "I'm attacking..." (gee, I wonder why?).

Hopefully this might come in handy for someone.

In addition to chris_nin00's tip:

If you monitor the enemy's patrol, you can Ctrl+Shift+Space call the target when the enemy is out of range. When they wander near the henchies' aggro circle the henchies will begin to attack without further instruction to do so.

I found this when raising my monk using henchies. I often found myself in the aggro trying to send them to attack. If I stayed a pinch outside of the patrol's aggro, I could target call and wait for them to enter the henchies aggro range. They will automatically engage when the patrol approaches their range.

You're right, I was trying to do it with ctrl-space and that was the problem. But frankly, I think having to press 3 keys (four if you count the TAB to target the opponent) is excessive for something so common. It would be nice if Anet could get it down to 2 keys. TAB + one key that means, "I'm targetting X."

anouther qustion.....

how can i make my pet attak? (same way as hench) i tried and it dosnt see mto work. he wont attak untill i attak

Pet will not attack, if you don't. If you are not a Ranger primary, pets are pretty useless. You constantly risk a total shut-down of all your skills.