Every single one of your character’s abilities is subject to a timer known as the Global Cooldown, or GCD for short.
When you use one of these skills, you won’t be able to use any other skills that share the GCD for 2.5 seconds.
As a result, this is a matter of semantics.
If you’re reading into your character’s rotation, you’ll often hear skills referred to as “GCD” or “oGCD” and the numerous headaches that come along with understanding weaving and double-weaving.
A lot of other abilities will be greyed out for 2.5 seconds after you use an ability, making them inoperable.
On the surface, it doesn’t seem like a lot of time. This can quickly add up in the heat of battle.
FFXIV‘s GCD may initially appear to be slow to some players, but this isn’t always the case.
It’s a deliberate design choice, though, intended to help players learn about rotation and strategy in combat.
There are two types of GCDs: instant and cast-time.
Because of the 2.5 second timer, they’re still a GCD ability.
As long as they’re oGCD, they have a timer.
That’s all there is to it.
What’s The Point In GCD/oGCD Timers?
In a nutshell, they set the tone of the combat in the game.
It all comes down to how fast you can press the buttons and how accurate your timing is.
While you’re waiting for those 2.5 seconds to pass, focus on mastering the most effective oGCD skills.
The great thing about oGCD skills is that they don’t interfere with your combos or affect the way other skills are used.
They can be used for a variety of purposes in between your standard skill rotations.
Using an oGCD in between GCD uses is known as weaving.
You’ll find that 2.5 seconds between skill uses doesn’t seem like a long time once you get used to the concept of weaving It’s ripe with possibility!
How To Tell GCD & oGCD Actions Apart?
By hovering your mouse over the skill’s tooltip, you can see the recast time.
Alternatively, watch for which skills go grey when you cast something and use those instead.
There are many resources online that can help you better understand your rotation and how you can maximize your abilities.
There is no doubt about which skills are part of your GCD rotation, and which of them are best for weaving with your non-GCD skills.
Can I Decrease My GCD?
Yes, but you may not notice much of a difference in the way you look.
Skill Speed stacking can reduce the GCD by a small amount, but this isn’t necessary for everyone.
Although some jobs may benefit from a little more breathing room.
The GCD is reduced for some jobs due to new abilities. Greased Lightning, a buff given to monks, reduces recast time by 5% and stacks up to four times for a total 20% reduction.
The job of a Monk is, at times, like the quickest in the game, simply because of this.
Because of this, Monk may be an option for those seeking a fast-paced job.
To be honest, I don’t think the goal should be to reduce GCD by stacking stats.
Leveling up and learning new skills while the GCD is active is what it should be doing.
As a former player of another MMO, you may find it difficult to adapt to the new environment. Once you’ve spent some time getting used to it at a higher level, it will be a great experience.
