UPDATED Eggblocking (Diboofing) Guide - 22/03/20

[Kaelik_Wau]

FAQ

What is Eggblocking?
Eggblocking, as the name suggests, is the act of a player (aka an Eggblocker) blocking Wurm Eggs from spawning.

Which classes can Eggblock?
Any class that can use skills that reflect or block projectiles can Eggblock but some classes are better at Eggblocking than others.

There are guides for Elementalists, Guardians, Mesmers and Revenants below.

How can I tell if the Wurm is about to spit?
All the Wurms have the same telegraphed spit animation - the Wurm will turn the top half of its ‘head’ and look to the right, it then pulls its ‘head’ back and will spit to the right, directly in front and to the left.

If the spit is for Eggs then the Wurm will spit approx. 3 Eggs to the right, front, and left (approx. 9 Eggs in total), if the spit is for Husks then the Wurm will spit 1 Husk to the right, front, and left (3 Husks in total).

A lot of the time, if you are readying to use your Eggblocking skill, you will be inside the Wurm and stood on the Diboof spot of your Wurm. Zoom out your camera and angle it downwards and you should have a birds-eye/side-angled view of the Wurm (or enough view of the Wurm to see its spit animation).

The spit animation can be seen in the video below at roughly these times:
0:40, 0:48, 1:42, 2:46, 2:56, 4:30, 4:38, 5:52, 6:10, 7:04, 7:42, 7:50, 8:46, 9:17, 10:32, 10:50, 11:18, 12:00 (lag or bad recording), 12:17, 12:46, and 13:32.

The spit animation can be seen in the video below at roughly these times (brackets show the skill I use and what is spat):
0:28 (SW - Eggs), 0:36 (Husks), 1:28 (SW - Eggs), 2:26 (SW - Eggs), 2:35 (Husks), 3:36 (SW - Eggs), 4:24 (SW - Husks), 4:42 (Eggs - OF), 5:59 (SW - Eggs), 6:07 (Husks), 7:05 (SW - Eggs), 7:47 (SW - Husks), 8:30 (SW - Eggs), 9:27 (SW - Husks), 9:35 (Eggs- OF), 10:28 (SW - Eggs), 11:07 (SW - Husks), 11:26 (Eggs - OF), 12:33 (SW - Eggs), and 12:57 (Husks)

What is the Diboof spot?
This is a specific spot in the middle of each Wurm where the Egg/Husk projectiles spawn from before being spat out. You should aim to place or centre your Eggblocking skills on this spot to guarantee a successful block.

Eggblocking skills that are AoEs (like Swirling Winds) have a bit of leeway, but it's best to get used to positioning yourself on the Diboof spot.

How can I tell if I am stood correctly on the Diboof spot?
Sadly, there is no way of knowing if you are positioned correctly until you use a non-AoE Eggblocking skill during an Egg spit and see if it's been successfully blocked.

I have previously taken screenshots of the Diboof spot of each Wurm here.

How can I tell what the Wurm is about to spit?
Both the spit animations for Eggs and Husks are the same so there is no way of knowing what the Wurm is about to spit until it has started spitting.

But what we know is that Egg spits have an approx. 45 seconds cooldown and Husk spits have an approx. 90 seconds cooldown. Therefore if Eggs are spat (or blocked), then any spit that happens in the next 45 seconds will be Husks - so you can skip the next spit and wait for your Eggblocking skill to cooldown.

Important things to learn!
• Learn the spit animation - This is the most difficult task of Eggblocking; to learn the spit animation and separate it from all the other animations the Wurm can do. There is no simple way of learning this other than participating in events and watching the Wurm.
Tip: A new Eggblocker should focus more on learning the spit animation than actually blocking correctly
Tip: If you are having difficulties seeing the spit animation from inside the Wurm, try watching the Wurm from a distance before bringing yourself closer (and shifting your camera view)

• Learn to dodge - Eggblockers work in close proximity of the Wurm so you will need to dodge the Wurm's spin attacks.
Tip: The Wurm will wind up, signalling it’s about to do a spin attack - use your dodge the moment the orange AoE appears

• Do not block Husks - There are many skills that Eggblockers can use to not only block Eggs but Husks as well, these skills usually have the 'Prevents Capture-Point Contribution' description. These skills should only be used during an Egg spit.
Tip: Prioritise skills that only block Eggs, then if you see Husks being spat you'll know the next spit will be Eggs

• Wurm Spins - Although there is no difference in the spit animation to tell if Eggs or Husks will be spat, there are separate animations to indicate what spin the wurm will do. As an Eggblocker your priority is blocking Eggs, but it can be useful to learn the Wurm Spin animations to help block the AoEs.
Tip: AoE (small spin with AoE projectiles) - The Wurm will curl outwards, counter-clockwise, close to the ground
Tip: Wide Spin (large spin) - The Wurm will curl clockwise into the air


If you have any questions or suggestions for the guide, feel free to ask me in-game or leave a reply in this post.

Hopefully this guide helps some aspiring Eggblockers.

[Kaelik_Wau]

Class Guide

Elementalist

Weapon - Focus:

Swirling Winds - Focus (Air) Skill#4

-

½

30

(24

when traited)

     Create a swirling wind that blocks projectiles.
          Duration: 6 seconds
          Radius: 360

Skill Usage: Swirling Winds has a large enough AoE that it can be used anywhere in the middle of the Wurm.

Two Eggblockers: Alternate with the other Eggblocker, using Swirling Winds.


Solo Eggblocking Only
     Weapon - Focus:

Magnetic Wave - Focus (Earth) Skill#4

-

25

(20

when traited)

          Damage foes, cure three of your conditions, and reflect projectiles with a magnetic surge.
                Damage: 330
                Crippled(5s): -50% Movement Speed
                Number of Targets: 5
                Reflection Duration: 3 seconds
                Radius: 300
                Combo Finisher: Blast

     Skill Usage: Magnetic Wave must be used on the Wurm's Diboof spot (see here)

Solo Eggblocking: Prioritise Magnetic Wave, always use it first and then turn your camera and LOOK at what is being spat out:
• If Eggs are spat (or blocked), then switch to Air Attunement and use Swirling Winds immediately.
• If Husks are spat, then the next spit will be Eggs, therefore switch to Air Attunement and prepare to use Swirling Winds on the next spit.


Husk Blocking Only
     Trait:

Geomancer's Training - Earth [Minor III]

          You receive less damage from nearby foes. Earth weapon skills gain reduced recharge.
                Damage Reduced: 10%
                Range Threshold: 360
                Recharge Reduced: 20%

     Weapon - Focus:

Obsidian Flesh - Focus (Earth) Skill#5

-

3

50

(40

when traited)

          Envelop yourself in stony armor, making yourself invulnerable.
                Duration: 3 seconds
                Prevents Capture-Point Contribution

     Skill Usage: Obsidian Flesh must be used on the Wurm's Diboof spot (see here).

     Utility:

Mist Form

-

60

(48

when traited)

          Morph into an invulnerable, vaporous mist for a brief time.
                Movement Speed Increase: 66%
                Duration: 3 seconds
                Prevents Capture-Point Contribution
                Breaks Stun

     Skill Usage: Mist Form must be used on the Wurm's Diboof spot (see here).

     Utility:

Conjure Earth Shield

-

¾

60

          Manifest a magnetic shield in your hands and at the target location. Wielders of the weapon gain increased toughness and vitality.
                Conjure Earth Attributes: 180 Vitality, 180 Toughness
                Duration: 30 seconds
                Range: 1,200
          V

Fortify - Magnetic Shield Skill#5

-

3

30

               Use magnetism to envelop yourself in a shield, becoming invulnerable.
                    Duration: 3 seconds
                    Prevents Capture-Point Contribution

     Skill Usage: Fortify must be used on the Wurm's Diboof spot (see here).

Husk Blocking: If you don't know what the Wurm is going to spit, prioritise Obsidian Flesh, always use it first and pay attention to the number of Invulnerables showing:
• If there are 3 in quick succession then it's currently an Egg Spit, use Magnetic Wave to continue blocking the spit. Depending on how long the last Husk spit was, conjure Earth Shield, and be prepared to use Fortify & Mist Form if the next spit is going to be Husks.
• If there is just 1 Invulnerable showing then it's currently a Husk spit, use Mist Form to continue blocking the Husks. The next spit will be Eggs, therefore prepare to use Swirling Winds on the next spit.

Guardian

Utility:

Wall of Reflection

-

30

(24

when traited)

     Summon a barrier of mystic power that reflects projectiles.
          Duration: 10 seconds (12 seconds when traited)
          Combo Field: Light
          Range: 900

Skill Usage: Wall of Reflections should be used on the Wurm's Diboof spot (see here) or slightly in front of the Wurm.

Two Eggblockers: Alternate with the other Eggblocker, using Wall of Reflections.


Solo Eggblocking Only
     Trait:

Master of Consecrations - Virtues [Adept III]

          Consecrations gain reduced recharge and increased duration.
                Recharge Reduced: 20%
                Duration Increase: 2 seconds

     Utility:

Sanctuary

-

1

75

(60

when traited)

          Form a protective healing shelter for allies. Block foes and their missiles from entering.
                Healing: 522
                Number of Impacts: 20
                Number of Targets: 5
                Blocks Missiles
                Pulses: 5 (7 when traited)
                Duration: 5 seconds (7 seconds when traited)
                Radius: 180
                Combo Field: Light
                Range: 900

     Skill Usage: Sanctuary should be used on the Wurm's Diboof spot (see here) (AoE - has a bit of leeway).

Solo Eggblocking: Prioritise Wall of Reflections, always use it first and then turn your camera and LOOK at what is or isn’t being spat out:
• If Eggs are spat (or blocked), then the next spit before Wall of Reflections is off cooldown will be Husks, therefore skip it until Wall of Reflections is off cooldown.
• If Husks are spat, then the next spit will be Eggs, therefore prepare to use Sanctuary on the next spit.

Firebrand

It is easier to Solo Eggblock with Firebrand if you have this Elite Spec unlocked.

     Profession Mechanic:

Tome of Courage

-

¼

75

(63¾

when traited)

          Virtue: Gain aegis periodically.
          Activate: Conjure a mystic tome containing stories about the heroes of Istan.
          Each tome skill use consumes a page.
                Aegis (Passive): Block the next incoming attack.
                Pages: 5 (8 when traited)
                Time to Trigger Passive: 40 seconds
          V

Chapter 3: Valiant Bulwark - Tome of Courage Skill#3

-

¾

8

(5¼

when traited)

               Manifest the shimmering purity of the desert sun, reflecting enemy missiles.
                    Duration: 5 seconds
                    Radius: 240
                    Reflects Missiles
                    Range: 900

     Skill Usage: Chapter 3: Valiant Bulwark should be used on the Wurm's Diboof spot (see here) (AoE - has a bit of leeway).

Solo Eggblocking: Prioritise using Tome of Courage and Chapter 3: Valiant Bulwark, when you are down to your final 2 pages pay attention to what the Wurm is spitting, you will need to discard the Tome of Courage to allow it to recharge when you are 100% certain the next spit will be Eggs, use Wall of Reflections to block the guaranteed Egg spit whilst the Tome of Courage is recharging. Tome of Courage should be off cooldown before the next set of Egg spits are up.


Other Eggblocking Skills
     Weapon - Shield:

Shield of Absorption - Shield Skill#5

-

4

24

(19¼

when traited)

          Create a dome around you that pushes foes back and absorbs projectiles.
                Knockback Distance: 320
                Number of Targets: 5
                Shield Duration: 4 seconds
                Radius: 300
                Combo Field: Light

     Skill Usage: Shield of Absorption should be used on the Wurm's Diboof spot (see here) (AoE - has a bit of leeway).

[Kaelik_Wau]

Class Guide cont.

Mesmer

Trait:
I recommend not equipping Deceptive Evasion - Dueling [Grandmaster III] - As an Eggblocker you will be dodging a lot, and with illusions attacking their closest target, it can draw unnecessary attention from Veteran Wurms and/or Husks.

Utility:

Feedback

-

32

     Create a dome around your foes that reflects projectiles.
          Shield Duration: 6 seconds
          Radius: 240
          Combo Field: Ethereal
          Range: 1,200

Skill Usage: Feedback should be used on the Wurm's Diboof spot (see here) (AoE - has a bit of leeway).

Two Eggblockers: Alternate with the other Eggblocker, using Feedback.


Solo Eggblocking Only
     Trait:

Warden's Feedback - Inspiration [Master I]

          Focus weapon skills reflect projectiles. Reduces recharge on focus weapon skills.
                Recharge Reduced: 20%
                Reflects Missiles

     Weapon - Focus:

Temporal Curtain - Focus Skill#4

-

¼

25

(20

when traited)

          Create a wall of energy that grants swiftness to allies who cross it and cripples foes who touch it. Allies may cross the wall more than once but receive less swiftness after the first crossing.
                Initial Swiftness(12s): 33% Movement Speed
                Swiftness(1s): 33% Movement Speed
                Crippled(5s): -50% Movement Speed
                Duration: 5 seconds
                Reflects Missiles
                Combo Field: Light
                Range: 900

     Skill Usage: Temporal Curtain should be used on the Wurm’s Diboof spot (see here) or slightly in front of the Wurm.

Solo Eggblocking: Use Feedback, then turn your camera and LOOK at what is or isn’t being spat out:
• If Eggs are spat (or blocked), then the next spit before Feedback is off cooldown will be Husks, therefore skip until Feedback is off cooldown.
• If Husks are spat, then the next spit will be Eggs, therefore prepare to use Temporal Curtain on the next spit.


Husk Blocking Only
     Trait:

Blurred Inscriptions - Inspiration [Grandmaster III]

          Signets have improved active effects, and activating one grants you distortion.
                Signet of the Ether: Increases healing.
                Signet of Domination: Removes boons.
                Signet of Illusions: Summons illusions.
                Signet of Inspiration: Increases the number of allied targets.
                Signet of Midnight: Removes conditions.
                Signet of Humility: Applies vulnerability.
                Distortion(1s): Immune to conditions and damage.

     Profession Mechanic:

Distortion - Skill#4 [F4]

-

50

(42½

when traited)

          Gain distortion and destroy all your clones, gaining additional distortion for each one shattered.
                Distortion(1s): Immune to conditions and damage.
                Number of Targets: 1
                Radius: 240
                Prevents Capture-Point Contribution
                Range: 1,200

     Skill Usage: Distortion must be used on the Wurm's Diboof spot (see here).

     Utility:

Signet of Domination

-

½

45

          Signet Passive: Improved condition damage.
          Signet Active: Stun your foe.
                Signet of Domination: 180 Condition Damage
                Distortion(1s): Immune to conditions and damage.
                Boons Removed: 5
                Stun: 3 seconds
                Range: 1,200

     Skill Usage: Signet of Domination must be used on the Wurm's Diboof spot (see here).

     Utility:

Signet of Midnight

-

30

          Signet Passive: Improves expertise.
          Signet Active: Blind nearby foes and stealth yourself.
                Signet of Midnight: 180 Expertise
                Blind(5s): Next outgoing attack misses.
                Stealth(2s): Invisible to foes.
                Distortion(1s): Immune to conditions and damage.
                Conditions Removed: 5
                Number of Targets: 5
                Radius: 360
                Breaks Stun
                Unblockable

     Skill Usage: Signet of Midnight must be used on the Wurm's Diboof spot (see here)

Husk Blocking: ALWAYS keep 3 illusions active at all times to ensure the profession mechanic, Distortion, has the longest duration of distortion (4s).
If you don't know what the Wurm is going to spit, prioritise Signet of Midnight, always use it first, then follow up with Feedback and pay attention to the number of Invulnerables showing:
• If there are 3 in quick succession then it's currently an Egg Spit, Feedback will block the remaining spit. Depending on how long the last Husk spit was, be prepared to use Signet of Domination & Distortion if the next spit is going to be Husks.
• If there is just 1 Invulnerable showing then it's currently a Husk spit, use Distortion to continue blocking the Husks. The next spit will be Eggs, therefore prepare to use Feedback or Temporal Curtain on the next spit.


Other Useful Skills
     Utility:

Mimic

-

¼

30

(24

when traited)

          The next utility skill you use has significantly reduced recharge, and Mimic's recharge is increased by the original recharge of the affected skill.
                Echo(10s): Your next utility skill will recharge faster.
                Recharge reduced to: 1 second

     Skill Usage: Mimic can be used before Feedback to instantly recharge the skill.

Revenant

Utility:

Protective Solace

-

5

| -6

| 5

     Summon a protective barrier around the tablet that destroys enemy projectiles.
          Duration: 20 seconds
          Radius: 240
          Combo Field: Light

Skill Usage: For Protective Solace, Ventari’s Tablet should be placed on the Wurm’s Diboof spot (see here) (AoE - has a bit of leeway). Ventari's Tablet has a tether range of 1500, so you can use Protective Solace whilst safely hidden aware from Vet Wurms and/or Husks.

Two Eggblockers: Alternate with the other Eggblocker, using Protective Solace.


Solo Eggblocking Only
Solo Eggblocking: Activate Protective Solace and then turn your camera and LOOK at what is or isn’t being spat out:
• If Eggs are spat (or blocked), then deactivate Protective Solace at the end of the spit.
• If Husks are spat, then deactivate Protective Solace immediately.* The next spit will be Eggs, therefore prepare to use Protective Solace again on the next spit.

*If you deactivate Protective Solace as soon as you see the first Husk being spat out, Protective Solace will be off cooldown if the Wurm were to spits Eggs directly afterwards.

[Kaelik_Wau]

Class Guide cont.

Thief

Utility:

Smoke Screen

-

½

25

(20

when traited)

     Create a smoke screen that blocks missiles and blinds foes.
          Blindness(1s): Next outgoing attack misses.
          Number of Targets: 5
          Blocks Missiles
          Smoke Screen Duration: 7 seconds
          Radius: 240
          Combo Field: Smoke
          Unblockable

Skill Usage: Smoke Screen should be used on the Wurm's Diboof spot (see here) (AoE - has a bit of leeway).

Two Eggblockers: Alternate with the other Eggblocker, using Smoke Screen.


Solo Eggblocking Only
     Utility:

Prepare Seal Area

-

½

35

          Mark your current area with stifling magic, readying the location to seal enemies in.
                Base Arm Time: 3 seconds
                Duration: 300 seconds
                Unblockable
          V

Seal Area

-

3

               Create an area that blocks projectiles and prevents enemies from entering or leaving.
                    Number of Targets: 20
                    Duration: 8 seconds
                    Radius: 240
                    Unblockable

     Skill Usage: Prepare Seal Area should be placed on the Wurm's Diboof spot (see here) (AoE - has a bit of leeway).

Solo Eggblocking: Ensure that Prepare Seal Area is placed down and replaced upon use, then just use Smoke Screen or Seal Area whenever the Wurm is spitting.

[Mr_Dark]

Awesome stuff as always Kaelik! Keep it up