What is the difference between an illusion, clone, and phantasm?

[Kuma.1503]

I've always been confused by this. Based on how traits work, I'd like to assume it works like this:

Phantasm - the one that hurts you. Will specify that it is a phantasm in the tooltipIllusion - As far as I can tell, everything is an illusion? Nothing outright specifies it is, but I believe phantasms are also illusions.Clone - It's a clone when it can be shattered.

So all phantasms are illusions but not all illusions are phantasms. All clones are illusions but not all illusions are clones.

Do I have this right or am I mistaken?

[Raffrey.5271]

Yes, you've got it right.

https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Illusion

[Drayke.3592]

Just one point to add: when you shatter, you only shatter clones, and there's a limit of 3 active clones at one time. Phantasms become clones after they perform their special attack. So, if you're already at 3 clones and you summon a phantasm, you may want to shatter before it becomes a clone so that you don't "waste" the extra clone.

[CookeRS.4365]

So based on what I have read above... and a few posts... (a quick overview)

 

Clones and Phantasms are Classified as "Illusions", and Illusions fall in two categories (Clones and Phantasms):

• Phantasms do damage/specific effects based on their tooltip.
• Clones don't do (much) damage or anything special, they're basically copies of the mesmer whose main function is to confuse enemies.

[Yoci.2481]

Basically yes, except the real main purpose of clones is to serve as shatter ammunition. And if you are on Mirage and if you have the Infinite Horizon trait they can some damage/utility on ambush attacks.

[Salt Mode.3780]

Clones used to serve as a distraction or a way to confuse people but with the introduction with utility, food, and WvW buffs, the clones dont share those icons so clones no longer serve a way to confuse or distract people. It was the introduction of detargetting from mirage that did it start giving that distraction purpose.

[LeoXander.2798]

illusion breaks down into two categories: clones and phantasms

that easy 😄