Using Macros in GW2

[Elek]

Pretty simple question.

I have a logitech G500 mouse that has a few programmable buttons that can be use to mimic keyboard commands. At it's simplest I can map number keys to these buttons and that works out nice. I can also create more complex macros to program into these buttons.

For example I could create a macro to press/release the 2 key, pause X ms, press/release the 4 key. This would allow me to perform a combo series in one click. Any idea if this would break any rules?

Thanks

[mayito7777]

What I have heard so far is that you cannot use macro, but dont quote me on that. I think that all the skills except the first one that is auto attack have cool down times so dont know how effective a combo could be.

[Elek]

I wouldn't use it to LOOP a combo over and over. That I could see as being a big no no, extremely abusive, and banable.

Next target.. attack.. perform combo..loot..next target..repeat..
go to bed..

The only reason I would want to string two key commands in one mouse button is that I only have three buttons that are easily clickable with my thumb. This would allow me to use the other two for something different (heal, and a profession key) vs wasting two mouse buttons to perform the combo.

[ktownhero]

They have ways of detecting if you are using macros, and if they catch you you will be banned, possibly permanently. Absolutely do not use any macro of any sort in this game. ArenaNet has made it clear that Macros are not welcome to be used, and they aren't shy about enforcing their rules.

[I am Victor]

Macros = simple bots.
Bots are against the rules and yes, they can detect them.

[robinsiebler]

I disagree. If I bind 2 attacks to 1 button and I use that same attack over and over, how is that any different from my manually pressing 1 and 2 over and over? I suppose if they wanted to analyze the time between the 2 button presses they could, but my macro software lets me insert a random interval range, so even that would be difficult to prove.

Now, a macro that runs around an area auto-attacking is a completely different story.

[ktownhero]

I disagree. If I bind 2 attacks to 1 button and I use that same attack over and over, how is that any different from my manually pressing 1 and 2 over and over? I suppose if they wanted to analyze the time between the 2 button presses they could, but my macro software lets me insert a random interval range, so even that would be difficult to prove.

Now, a macro that runs around an area auto-attacking is a completely different story.

If there is no difference, then why do you bother with the macro in the first place?

It doesn't matter whether you agree or not, they can't get into the habit of subjectively considering every variation that somebody might come up with to loophole the term "bots". All macros are illegal in GW2 and put you at risk of a perma-ban. Period. That's it. If you want to risk it, more power to ya, but I wouldn't. Plus, it's a form of cheating in PvP.

[cidbahamut]

If there is no difference, then why do you bother with the macro in the first place?

Fewer keystrokes for health reasons.
Not enough buttons on mouse.
Ergonomic keyboard that makes key-binding unrealistic due to split down the center.
Simple convenience.

There's plenty of reasons someone would prefer to have a single button to push instead of multiple buttons to push, especially if you're going to push the buttons in the same order all the time anyway.

[ktownhero]

Fewer keystrokes for health reasons.
Not enough buttons on mouse.
Ergonomic keyboard that makes key-binding unrealistic due to split down the center.
Simple convenience.

There's plenty of reasons someone would prefer to have a single button to push instead of multiple buttons to push, especially if you're going to push the buttons in the same order all the time anyway.

Thank you, you answered just as was intended. You just explained exactly why macros are different than their corresponding individual keystrokes and are therefore illegal and a bannable offense in this game.

You may have missed what I was responding to, but he implied that mapping two buttons to one key is equivalent to just pressing them both manually. Obviously, it's not the same thing else people wouldn't bother to automate the function.

This is not a game that is friendly to somebody that might require macros for health reasons, unfortunately. It's a utilitarian decision that Anet made that ultimately benefits more than it hinders. Allowing macros in these games makes the gameplay far too different for each player. They are trying to force players to have the same general control setups, so that the outcome of a battle is more a function of skill rather than who has more advanced macroing technique.

They can't control what keyboard, mouse or gamepad you own, but they can at the very least control whether you use macros or not. From what I understand, if they detect that you are using macros you may be permabanned no questions asked. Is it really worth that risk?

[Jorrdan]

Fewer keystrokes for health reasons.
Not enough buttons on mouse.
Ergonomic keyboard that makes key-binding unrealistic due to split down the center.
Simple convenience.

There's plenty of reasons someone would prefer to have a single button to push instead of multiple buttons to push, especially if you're going to push the buttons in the same order all the time anyway.

Tend to agree. Bot has always implied, to me, "noone at the keyboard". In other words, noone is minding the store while your character runs around doing whatever. Most often mining crafting nodes, gold, or exp. while completely uncontrolled.

Macros, on the other hand, most often used with a gaming keyboard or keypad, combine repetitive strokes into one key. And yes...sometimes faster than the human would push the buttons in that sequence. I'll grant you that. But cheating? How so? The person is at the keyboard. Minding the store. Has to be, in fact, to change what occurs with various factors that may change on the screen - especially as they relate to PvP. The character is in no way performing actions completely uncontrolled. Just the opposite.