Rifleman Archive

How does cover work? Is it a passive bonus so things don't aggro you or is it a skill like /mask scent?

It gives you defensive bonus and lets you use conceal shot without aggroing single non-baf mobs as long as you don't miss and they don't get within 40 meters.

Swiller is correct that /takecover adds defensive bonuses. It has nothing to do with concealment. Think of it as if you are ducking behind a log or rock for more protection, not as slipping into some special camouflage that prevents them from seeing you.

You can check this thread for some disagreement over its usefulness and how it can be used:

http://forums.station.sony.com/swg/board/message?board.id=rifleman&message.id=23130

But know that it has to do with reducing the chance you'll take damage, not the chance you'll be seen.

I alsowanted to correct a misunderstanding that may arise from something Swiller said. /Concealshot can be used just as effectively without /takecover as with. It is /SupriseShot that must be used from cover.

Here is a breakdown on the /takecover related skills:

/takecover is received at Advanced Rifle Skill (Rifle II) in Marksman. It adds to defensive bonuses. But until you have the sneak skill, you cannot move around while in cover. Also, only a couple of shots can be used from within cover without breaking it.

/concealshot is received at Intermediate Concealment Tactics (Concealment I) in Rifleman. It allows you to fire at a target without triggering an autoattack response. The target simply does not seem to know it is being hit. However, as he mentioned, BAF mob's friends will notice and come and kick the crap out of you. /Concealshot can be used from under cover without breaking cover. However, it is just as effective outside of cover. In either case, if you miss twice, the conceal will be broken and the mob itself will autoattack.

/supriseshot is received at Expert Sniping Accuracy (Sniping III) in Rifleman. I do not have it, but from what I read, it is a more damaging /concealshot, except that it must be used while in cover. I have also read that you only get one miss with /Surpriseshot.

At Expert Concealment Tactics (Concealment III) in Rifleman, you pickup the Sneak ability. This is a passives skill (i.e., one you do not have to activate) that allows you to move while in cover. Until you get this skill, you are immobile while under cover.

There's no such thing as non-baf mobs anymore.