Combat staff timing trick?

EramTheLiar

I feel kind of dumbing asking this, but is there some kind of timing trick to using a combat staff?

My sorcerers eventually wind up switching to melee weapons because when I try to use a combat staff I keep experiencing "misfires" -- essentially, my character will go through the animation of bringing the staff forward, but no destructive goodness will appear. It seems like I have to force myself to wait until the previous shot has hit the target before I can fire again or I experience this "combat staff mime" issue.

Also, when a target is at point blank range, I find I have to be extra precise about where I'm aiming the staff or it won't fire at all -- even if the target has the red outline, unless the crosshairs are actually focused on it, it won't fire.

Has anyone else experienced this?

I find swords are a lot more forgiving at close range. I do miss being able to fire ranged shots though. Maybe I should look into the bow...

thisisdustinsemail_ESO

I have this same issue, although I experience it with the bow as well...

BlackSparrow

I have this issue with the channeling-type staffs... i.e., healing and lightning. My healer has nearly died countless times because the blow that was supposed to finish the mob with her restoration staff was a misfire.

Tetujin

I get this happen sometimes after I prematurely end a heavy attack, with melee weapons as well. I think that's what it is at least.

EramTheLiar

Well I'm glad it's not just me! Per BlackSparrow's comment I have noticed it less frequently with the Inferno Staff, though I do still get the point blank misfire issue with it.

SexyVette07

From my own observation, the misfires mostly happen when you do a quick left click, but I have rarely seen a heavy attack miss.

Tetujin

Sorry, what I meant was a normal quick attack after prematurely ending a heavy one.

Sometimes I also find a strange delay before the heavy starts to charge if I instead go to another heavy charge up under the same circumstances, which I thought may be related to the same mechanical thing. Like a half or full second of pause while holding it down before it starts to kick in.

If it charges up at all I have not seen it misfire.

EramTheLiar

I'm seeing it happen more in close combat. If a target is right up in my character's face, I'll find that the staff goes through the motion of firing a quick burst -- the arm raises up and thrusts forward, at which point the fire or electricity or ice is *supposed* arc toward the target -- but nothing happens. It'll do that two or three times and finally it'll start firing. It's a bit frustrating.

Sarenia

Haven't seen this with staffs.

I do get misfires with melee occasionally. Sometimes if I simply hold left click to power attack multiple times, something happens where I'll miss every hit until I release the button and re-press it.

I think it happens if I rapidly try to roll or something at the same time. The game seems very unresponsive and buggy about trying to interrupt your power attack in order to do other actions.

Inversus

I have this very rarely, only when I hit a lag spike.
For the most part I'm fine with a staff - nothing like this usually.

Inactive Account

Yes, I have had this same experience as the OP.