Escape Artist

When a phantasm is created, grant it distortion. — In-game description

Escape Artist

Specialization

Illusions (trait list)

Tier

Master

Type

Major

Training cost

5 Hero points

Game link

API

API

“

Escape Artist

When a phantasm is created, grant it distortion.

 Distortion (5s): Immune to conditions and damage.

 Distortion (10.5½s): Immune to conditions and damage.

— In-game description

Related skills

Weapon skills that are improved by this trait

•   Phantasmal Duelist — Pistol
•   Phantasmal Swordsman — Sword
•   Phantasmal Warden — Focus
•   Phantasmal Mage — Torch
•   Phantasmal Berserker — Greatsword
•   Phantasmal Sharpshooter — Rifle
•   Phantasmal Warlock — Staff
•   Phantasmal Mariner — Spear
•   Phantasmal Lancer — Spear
•   Phantasmal Whaler — Trident
•   Echo of Memory — Shield
•   Deja Vu — Shield

Utility skills that are improved by this trait

•   Phantasmal Defender — Phantasm
•   Phantasmal Disenchanter — Phantasm

Notes

• This does not cause phantasms to be immune to the daze inflicted by  Chronophantasma.

Bug:

Causes the phantasm to not transfer conditions to itself, therefore canceling out  Sympathetic Visage.

Version history

For a detailed trait history, see here.

Patch	Changes
March 17, 2026	Updated icon.
January 30, 2024	Reduced the distortion duration from 5 seconds to 1.5 seconds in WvW only.
June 27, 2023	This trait has been reworked. It now applies distortion to phantasms when they are summoned.
February 06, 2018	Shattered Strength has been replaced with Escape Artist, which causes you to create a clone when you enter stealth.