How to handle NPC attacks in Champions Online

Cryptic Studios recently released a manual for Champions Online. The manual is full of great tidbits that will help you conquer Champions. One of the more interesting gameplay mechanics in Champions is how the NPC enemies have a "tell" while they charge up their attack. Each "cue" gives you a hint about what type of attack is coming your way. If you take the time to learn the different attacks you can use this information to adjust your tactics and defeat NPCs faster and easier than before. Click on the images to see a larger picture.

BAM!

Single Target Attack. This is a big single target attack. If you have aggro you will be getting hit by the NPC. The best idea is to block or activate defensive passives. Circling will not help during this type of attack, he will just turn and hit you.

BOOM!

Point Blank AoE Attack. The Boom represents a powerful, but short ranged AoE attack that is centered around the NPC. This means once you see that the NPC is starting to channel a "BOOM", simply back up several feet so that you are out of range.

Click Here to see the rest of the attacks

FOOM!

AoE Cone Attack. This attack allows you to use some strategy -- when you see the NPC is starting to channel a FOOM, simply run behind the NPC. The NPC will be locked into firing into one direction for a few seconds and will be open to attacks from behind or you can simply start blocking when you see the FOOM.

FREEM!
Area of Effect (AoE) Cylinder Attack. A Cylinder attack is similar to a Cone attack, but usually has a longer range of effect and is not as wide. Think of a Cone attack as Gambit throwing cards at several guys spread out in front of him, where as a Cylinder attack is a full blast from a Sentinel's hand that would hit 2 players deep instead of being absorbed by one player. This mainly effects grouping. Tip: If your tank is taking most of the damage and a FREEM appears over the NPCs head, make sure you are not standing behind the tank because some of the Cylinder will not be absorbed by the tank.

KABOOM!


Targetted AoE Sphere Attack. A KABOOM is similar to a BOOM but instead of the AoE coming out of the NPC themselves, they will target an area and an attack will rain down there. An example would be the boss at the end of the tutorial. He paints a target on the floor and then starts to cast an attack that fills up the target on the ground. Also think of an Ion Cannon attack from Command and Conquer.