What Is An AOE

Oh the classic term in gaming AOE the question is what is an AOE why am I using it and why are they good. An AOE simply stands for Area Of Effect. This is where you are going to strike multiple targets as opposed to striking a single enemy.

Let's say I am a warrior using a two handed sword. I will go into combat and use lets say a skill named cyclone. It will hit multiple foes around me as opposed to just a single target like let's say slash. There are many advantages to me using this I am able to wipe out a group of enemies quickly, and that will help me or the group move to the next room to continue the fight. AOE skills are also generally high damage abilities unless they apply a status effect. AOE skills are very situational you should not be using them when you are fighting a single target because they are generally on longer cooldowns that traditional single target skills.

When To Use An AOE
This is dependent on the game the enemy and the situation. The rule of thumb for an AOE is never use it unless you either need to do the following.
1. Draw aggro of several mobs.
2. Wipe a group of mobs quickly.
3. Are under attack and all the mobs are all ready on you.

It is quite common when you are in an instant the guy in your party will use an AOE and pull all of the mobs in the room. In that case your DPS is an idiot and you will leave him for dead if your party cant survive the attack. Remember to time your AOE skills properly and not to be stupid and you will get the job done.