Get Your First Look At Guild Wars 2's Spear Abilities And Animations For Guardians, Necromancers, And Rangers

Yesterday we took you through a new post from the Guild Wars 2 team that answered some of your basic questions about spears now that they aren't just for underwater combat when the MMORPG's Janthir WIlds expansion launches.

Today, we get an even better post from the team that shows off the abilities and animations for 3 professions as they wield a spear.

Starting with my favorite profession, the Necromancer gets down and dirty up close when using a spear. Most spear skills generate soul shards. You can have up to 6 at any given time and they work a lot like the thief's venoms. Not only do soul shards increase damage against low-health enemies, but they also increase necro healing when your own health is low. The big payoff, though, is Perforate. This spear skill hits the target 7 times in a quick blast of damage and bonuses based on your soul shard count.

Next up is the Guardian. While the spear abilities here can grant support at range, the real fun comes when the Guardian gets in close and fights alongside their friends. In certain scenarios, spear abilities can "enlighten" other spear abilities, granting them new effects or bonuses when the enlightened ability is fired off.

Finally we see the Ranger in action. Rangers, and some other professions, get to throw the spear when at range, then convert to some stabby-stabby when up close. A new stealth ability tied to spears allows rangers to duck in and out of close-range combat.

Honestly, I have to say that the trailer below shows off what I think are the best animations to come to Guild Wars 2 in a LONG time. Check them out and we'll be sure to keep you posted as the game's other professions are shown off.