Savage Slash = Suxor?

I can't use savage slash effectively. Whenever I use it, I usually never get the additional +32 damage when the user is casting a spell. I'm always a few tenth or so seconds late.

Obviously the problem with Savage Slash is the skill itself since SS is directly connected with the sword attack speed of a crippling slow 1.33 sec. Most players who have ever played as a mesmer will understand that any disruption with a casting time of 1.33 sec isn't going to interrupt anything unless you're countering an extremely slow spell (troll regent) or ability (rez signet).

Of course, the counter argument would be: What about Disrupting Chop? It suffers from the same drawback too!

The big difference between DC and SS is energy cost and skill delay if the skill hits. Unlike SS, DC does not use energy and is andrenaline based; meaning that the ability can be spammed without severe consequences. Also if DC hits, it'll cause a skill delay of 20 seconds (which in my opinion is more effective than 32 damage).

To further complicate matters, why does Disrupting Blow have a 1/2 sec casting time. Shouldn't it also suffer from the same handicap as DC and SS since they'll all melee base disruption?

Anyways, any advice by uber sword users?... or should I just stick with Hammer and Axe? =]

savage slash attacks on your next swipe just like distrupting chop, but unlike distracting blow and just about every ranger interupt shot. that means that your interupt will be delayed. If you have no attack speed buff, then savage slash is complete trash. If you are frenzying though, it can hit stuff fairly accurately.

in terms of usage, usually anticipation > reflexes. If I was using sword war with savage slash, i would think to myslef, "when would i heal" just get a feel for how quickly hp bars are dropping, and try to time it accordingly.

practicing on the priest is a good way to start cus he always saves heal area for when he is at a certain hp, and spams it as soon as it comes up everytime after that as long as he continues losing health.

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anticipation is the big thing u need to use this skill effectively. i use this skill all the time and 90% of the time i use it while theyre casting. its hard against mesmers but its fine against other classes.

Best bet is to attack a target that will more than likely be using 2+ second spells, Healing Seed comes to mind. Although if you're up against a boon protector, you'll have to rely purely on instinct and luck.

Change your secondary to /me and use Arcane Conundrum, or Migraine (if you don't mind losing your elite slot).

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It was a close 1v1 warrior battle. Both of us had rez signets but were low on life. I savage slashed his rez signet and he disrupting chopped mine but the big difference was mine was delayed for 20 seconds while he was able to recast his.

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lol, I only used savage slash for killing glint with henchies.

I used to love using Savage Slash when I used Sword.

A combo like: Savage Slash ( +43 on spell ) --> Galrath Slash ( +43 ) --> Final Thrust ( +43 ( +86 when below 50% hp ) ) -- Does a really nasty spike.




It's all moot though. Disrupting Chop is better due to the delay effect -- even if it's not always availible. The lack of a decent sword elite, high adrenaline costs and that fact that Eviscerate is Deep Wound and +42 damage -- makes me opt for Axe.