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=Overview=
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{{TOCright}}
This page is intended to provide a key for the symbols used inside the City of Heroes power icons.
+
==Overview==
 +
Many video games which give the player a variety of abilities will use icons or symbols to allow players to identify individual powers at a glance, City of Heroes included. However, unlike many of these games, City of Heroes not only uses these icons to quickly denote individual powers, but also to convey the effects and usage of the powers.
  
== Hierarchy ==
+
A power icon in City of Heroes has three important components: the inner symbol, the border, and the color.  The inner symbol indicates one or more of the powers' effects.  The border indicates whether the power requires a target to use and whether it affects an area or a single target.  Most powers' borders do not, unfortunately, indicate whether the power affects teammates or enemies; this information must be extrapolated by looking at the inner symbol (i.e. if the inner symbol denotes a positive effect, the power most likely affects allies or the caster) The color of an icon indicates the power set that the power belongs to; every power set has its own unique combination of background and foreground colors, although some colors are shared between primary or secondary power sets and [[Ancillary Power Pools]] with similar themes, though never within the same [[archetype]]. This is done to reduce the footprint of the City of Heroes installation; for example, by having Frozen Armor use the exact same icon in the [[Ice Armor]], [[Cold Mastery]], and [[Ice Mastery]] sets, one icon file provides the art for 3 powers, reducing the size of the City of Heroes install.
 
+
{{clr}}
If one effect of a power is much stronger than the other, the primary effect's icon is used. For example, [[Ice Armor#Frozen Armor|Frozen Armor]] provides [[defense]] and [[resistance]], but the primary effect of the power is to provide defense, therefore the defense symbol is used.
+
== Borders ==
 
+
*[[Control]] trumps [[buff]]/[[debuff]] trumps [[resistance|resist]]/[[defense]] trumps [[damage]].
+
 
+
There are a couple of specific things that trump one another in the same general category.
+
 
+
*Compound symbols (see below) trump standard icons.
+
 
+
*[[Hold]] trumps [[disorient]] trumps [[sleep]] trumps [[immobilize]].
+
 
+
*Increase [[recharge]] speed ([[Speed#Hasten|Hasten]]) trumps increase run speed ([[Fitness#Swift|Swift]]).
+
 
+
*Running trumps [[jumping]] trumps [[flying]].
+
 
+
*[[Healing]] trumps [[endurance]].
+
 
+
*Defense trumps resistance.
+
 
+
*Damage trumps [[accuracy]] if the power's effect is equal.
+
 
+
*[[Knockback]]/[[knockup|up]]/[[knockdown|down]] sometimes trumps other control powers even when it is not the strongest effect.
+
 
+
== Instant and Persistent / Buffs and Debuffs ==
+
 
+
Buff/debuffs have two main types of symbols. One is an arc, the other is a triangle. Buff/debuffs with the triangle have an instant effect. Buffs/debuffs with an arc have persistent effects. A triangle or arc at the top of the icon means a buff. A triangle at the bottom of the icon means a debuff. The exchange symbol is only used when the two things being affected are the same. Powers that buff/debuff multiple aspects should be using the icons found in powers like [[Thugs#Equip Thugs|Equip Thugs]], [[Mercenaries#Tactical Upgrade|Tactical Upgrade]] and [[Mercenaries#Serum|Serum]]. Usage of which icon depends on the strength of the buff/debuff.
+
 
+
== Compound Symbols ==
+
 
+
A few of the symbols used in power icons are combinations of two or more icon graphics. Some of the best examples of this are the power icons for [[Umbral Blast#Unchain Essence|Unchain Essence]] (defeated plus damage), [[Invulnerability#Invincibility|Invincibility]] (defense plus accuracy/to hit plus buff) and [[Ice Control#Shiver|Shiver]] (slow recharge plus slow movement). Many, many of the powers currently in the game could use compound icons to replace the current graphic. For example, [[Umbral Blast#Dark Extraction|Dark Extraction]] could use the defeated plus single pet summon icon. [[Umbral Aura#Stygian Circle|Stygian Circle]] could use the defeated plus heal buff icon.
+
 
+
== Icon Table ==
+
 
+
Some of the images in the table below are not found in the game, but are provided for reference purposes.
+
  
 
{|class="wikitable"
 
{|class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
!Icon Type
+
! width="5%" | Border
!Icon
+
! width="80%" |  Description
!Notes
+
! width="15%" | Example
!Power Example
+
 
|-
 
|-
|Buff, Accuracy
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:NoBorder.png]]}}
|[[File:Buff,_Accuracy.png]]
+
|An icon without a border indicates that the power only affects the caster.
|Persistent [[accuracy]] or [[ToHit|tohit]] buff.
+
|[[Regeneration|Reconstruction]], [[Invulnerability|Unyielding]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Buff, Damage
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:STBorder.png]]}}
|[[File:Buff,_Damage.png]]
+
|The power is single target; it will only affect the currently targeted entity.
|Persistent damage buff.
+
|[[Force Field|Deflection Shield]], [[Energy Blast|Power Blast]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Buff, Defense
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:ConeBorder.png]]}}
|[[File:Buff,_Defense.png]]
+
|The power affects the target, as well as every valid target (up to the target's target limit) within a conical area in front of the caster.  The exact dimensions of the cone area depend on the power.
|Persistent [[defense]] buff.
+
|[[Dark Melee|Shadow Maul]], [[Fiery Melee|Breath of Fire]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Buff, Defense, Area of Effect
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:PBAoEBorder.png]]}}
|[[File:Buff,_Defense,_AoE.png]]
+
|The power does not require a target; it affects every valid target (up to the power's target limit) within a spherical area centered on the caster.  The exact radius of the sphere depends on the power.
|Persistent buff to area of effect defense.
+
|[[Fire Blast|Inferno]], [[Empathy|Healing Aura]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Buff, Defense, Energy and Negative Energy
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:TAoEBorder.png]]}}
|[[File:Buff,_Defense,_Energy_and_Negative_Energy.png]]
+
|The power affects the current target, as well as every valid target (up to the power's target limit) within a spherical area centered on the target. The exact radius of the sphere depends on the power.
|Persistent buff to energy and negative energy defense.
+
|[[Archery|Exploding Arrow]], [[Storm Summoning|Snow Storm]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Buff, Defense, Fire and Cold
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:TPBAoEBorder.png]]}}
|[[File:Buff,_Defense,_Fire_and_Cold.png]]
+
|The power does not require a target; it affects every teammate within a spherical area centered on the caster, including the caster itself.
|Persistent buff to fire and cold defense.
+
|[[Leadership|Assault]], [[Illusion Control|Group Invisibility]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Buff, Defense, Melee
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:AllyTAoEBorder.png]]}}
|[[File:Buff,_Defense,_Melee.png]]
+
|The power affects every target (up to the power's target limit) in a spherical area centered around the targeted teammate. The targeted teammate may or may not be affected, depending on whether the power's effect is a positive or negative one.
|Persistent buff to melee defense.
+
|[[Sonic Resonance|Disruption Field]], [[Sonic Resonance|Sonic Repulsion]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Buff, Defense, Psionic
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:SummonBorder.png]]}}
|
+
|The power summons a separate entity at a selected location.  Some powers allow the caster to choose the location, while others simply summon the new entity at the caster's feet.
|Persistent buff to psionic defense.
+
|[[Earth Control|Animate Stone]], [[Mu Mastery|Summon Striker]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Buff, Defense, Ranged
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:LAoEBorder.png]]}}
|[[File:Buff,_Defense,_Range.png]]
+
|The power affects every valid target (up to the power's target limit) within a spherical area centered around a location. Some powers allow the caster to choose the location, while others automatically set the location to be the same as the caster's at activation.
|Persistent buff to ranged defense.
+
|[[Plant Control|Spirit Tree]], [[Fiery Aura|Burn]]
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==Inner Symbols==
 +
=== Damage ===
 +
 
 +
The following symbols denote powers meant primarily for dealing [[damage]].
 +
 
 +
{|class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
|Buff, Defense, Smashing and Lethal
+
! width="5%" | Symbol
|[[File:Buff,_Defense,_Smashing_and_Lethal.png]]
+
! width="40%" | Description
|Persistent buff to smashing and lethal defense.
+
! width="15%" | Example
 +
! width="40%" | Notes
 
|-
 
|-
|Buff, Defense and To-Hit
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Damage.png]]}}
|[[File:Buff,_Defense_and_Accuracy.png]]
+
|Generic [[damage]] power
|To-Hit and defense granting buff.
+
|[[Fire Blast|Fire Ball]], [[Archery|Fistful of Arrows]]
 +
|A generic symbol; can indicate a melee or ranged power.
 
|-
 
|-
|Buff, Hit Points
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Damage,_Melee,_Minor.png]]}}
|[[File:Buff,_Hit_Points.png]]
+
|A melee attack that deals light/minor damage.
|Hit point granting buff.
+
|[[Dual Blades|Nimble Slash]], [[Martial Arts|Thunder Kick]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Buff, Hit Points, Defeated
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Damage,_Melee,_Over_Time.png]]}}
|[[File:Buff,_Hit_Points,_Defeated.png]]
+
|A melee attack that does damage over time, or strikes multiple times.
|Hit point granting buff that requires a defeated target.
+
|[[Speed|Flurry]], [[Spines|Barb Swipe]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Buff, Hit Points, Timed
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Damage,_Melee,_Moderate.png]]}}
|[[File:Buff,_Hit_Points,_Timed.png]]
+
|A melee attack that deals moderate damage.
|Hit point buff for a fixed period of time.
+
|[[Claws|Strike]], [[Energy Manipulation|Energy Punch]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Buff, Endurance
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Damage,_Melee,_Heavy.png]]}}
|[[File:Buff,_Endurance.png]]
+
|A melee attack that deals heavy/high damage.
|Endurance granting buff.
+
|[[Electrical Melee|Thunder Strike]], [[Super Strength|Haymaker]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Buff, Instant
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Damage,_Assassination.png]]}}
|
+
|An interruptible melee power that does extra damage when [[Hidden|hidden.]]
|A buff that provides an instant benefit.
+
|[[Ninja Blade|Assassin's Blade]], [[Dark Melee|Assassin's Eclipse]]
 +
|This symbol is used for [[Assassin's Strike]] powers.
 
|-
 
|-
|Buff, Jump, Height
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Damage,_Ranged,_Minor.png]]}}
|[[File:Buff,_Jump,_Height.png]]
+
|A ranged attack that deals light/minor damage.
|[[Travel Powers|Jump]] height buff.
+
|[[Thorny Assault|Thorny Darts]], [[Psionic Assault|Psionic Dart]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Buff, Mega
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Damage,_Ranged,_Minor,_Very_Fast.png]]}}
|[[File:Buff,_Mega.png]]
+
|A fast ranged attack that deals light/minor damage.
|Potent buff to multiple attributes with trade-offs after power expires.
+
|[[Radiation Blast|Neutrino Bolt]], [[Fire Blast|Flares]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Buff, Multiple
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Damage,_Ranged,_Moderate.png]]}}
|[[File:Buff,_Multiple.png]]
+
|A ranged attack that deals moderate damage.
|Persistent buff to multiple attributes.
+
|[[Electrical Blast|Lightning Bolt]], [[Energy Assault|Power Blast]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Buff, Multiple, Defeated
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Damage,_Ranged,_Short.png]]}}
|[[File:Buff,_Multiple,_Defeated.png]]
+
|A ranged attack that has a shorter-than-normal range, though usually with heavy/high damage.
|Persistent buff to multiple attributes that requires a defeated target.
+
|[[Fire Blast|Blaze]], [[Radiation Blast|Cosmic Burst]]
|[[Leadership#Vengeance|Vengeance]]
+
 
|-
 
|-
|Buff, Persistent
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Damage,_Ranged,_Heavy.png]]}}
|[[File:Buff,_Persistent.png]]
+
|A ranged attack that does heavy/high damage.
|A buff that remains after the power has activated.
+
|[[Ice Blast|Bitter Ice Blast]], [[Mace Mastery|Mace Blast]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Buff, Range
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Damage,_Sniper.png]]}}
|[[File:Buff,_Range.png]]
+
|A "snipe" attack.
|Persistent range buff.
+
|[[Electrical Blast|Zapp]], [[Dark Blast|Moonbeam]]
|[[Energy Manipulation#Boost Range|Boost Range]]
+
|Snipe attacks are interruptible, very high-damage ranged attacks with nearly double the range of normal ranged attacks.
 
|-
 
|-
|Buff, Recharge
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Damage,_Chaining.png]]}}
|[[File:Buff,_Recharge.png]]
+
|A power that does damage to one target and has the chance "jump" to do damage to another target.
|Buff that increases the recharge speed of a targets' powers.
+
|[[Electric Melee#Chain Induction|Chain Induction]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Buff, Recovery
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Damage,_Defeated.png]]}}
|[[File:Buff,_Recovery.png]]
+
|A damage dealing power that deals damage in an area around a defeated target
|Persistent recovery buff.
+
|[[Umbral Blast#Unchain Essence|Unchain Essence]]
 +
|Powers with this symbol are colloquially known as "corpse bomb" powers.
 
|-
 
|-
|Buff, Regeneration
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Damage,_Extreme.png]]}}
|[[File:Buff,_Regeneration.png]]
+
|A damage dealing power that does extreme damage.
|Persistent regeneration buff.
+
|[[Energy Blast|Nova]], [[Broadsword|Head Splitter]]
 +
|Can be used to denote melee or ranged attacks.
 
|-
 
|-
|Buff, Run Speed
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Damage,_Over_Time.png]]}}
|[[File:Buff,_Run_Speed.png]]
+
|A power that does damage over time.
|Increases the [[Travel Powers|run]] speed of a power.
+
|[[Soul Mastery|Night Fall]]
 +
|Can be used to denote melee or ranged attacks.
 
|-
 
|-
|Buff, Secondary Effects
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Damage,_Weapon.png]]}}
|[[File:Buff,_Secondary_Effects.png]]
+
|A moderate damage melee attack with a (most often elemental) weapon.
|Buffs heals, defense buffs, endurance drains, disorients, holds, immobilizes, knockbacks and more.
+
|[[Fiery Melee|Fire Sword]], [[Ice Melee|Ice Sword]]
 +
|Only used in sets that aren't weapon sets.
 
|-
 
|-
|Confusion
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Damage,_Weapon,_Greater.png]]}}
|[[File:Confuse.png]]
+
|A high-damage melee attack with a (most often elemental) weapon.
|[[Confuse]] control effect.
+
|[[Stone Melee|Heavy Mallet]], [[Fiery Melee|Greater Fire Sword]]
 +
|Only used in sets that aren't weapon sets.
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
===Control===
 +
 
 +
The following inner symbols denote powers that have [[control]] effects.
 +
 
 +
{|class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
|Damage
+
! width="5%" | Symbol
|[[File:Damage.png]]
+
! width="40%" | Description
|[[Damage]] power.
+
! width="15%" | Example
 +
! width="40%" | Notes
 
|-
 
|-
|Damage, Assassination
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Hold.png]]}}
|[[File:Damage,_Assassination.png]]
+
|Afflicts the target with a [[Hold]] control effect.
|An interuptable melee power that does extra damage when hidden.
+
|[[Mind Control|Dominate]]
 +
|Held targets cannot use powers or move.
 
|-
 
|-
|Damage, Chaining
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Disorient.png]]}}
|[[File:Damage,_Chaining.png]]
+
|Afflicts the target with a [[Disorient]] control effect.
|A power that does damage to one target and has the chance "jump" to do damage to another target.
+
|[[Sonic Blast|Screech]]
|[[Electric Melee#Chain Induction|Chain Induction]]
+
|Disoriented targets cannot use powers, but can still move, albeit at an extremely reduced rate.  Also known as "Stun."
 
|-
 
|-
|Damage, Defeated
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Immobilize.png]]}}
|[[File:Damage,_Defeated.png]]
+
|Afflicts the target with an [[Immobilize|Immobilization]] control effect.
|Power that requires a defeated target to work.
+
|[[Devices|Web Grenade]]
 +
|Immobilized targets cannot move, but can still use powers as normal.
 
|-
 
|-
|Damage, Extreme
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Sleep.png]]}}
|[[File:Damage,_Extreme.png]]
+
|Afflicts the target with a [[Sleep]] control effect.
|Power with extreme damage.
+
|[[Earth Control|Salt Crystals]]
 +
|Sleeping targets cannot use powers or move, but will immediately awake if damaged, healed, or moved.
 
|-
 
|-
|Damage, Melee, Heavy
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Confuse.png]]}}
|[[File:Damage,_Melee,_Heavy.png]]
+
|Afflicts the target with a [[Confuse]] control effect.
|Power with heavy melee damage.
+
|[[Illusion Control|Deceive]]
 +
|Confused targets will attack their allies and buff their enemies.
 
|-
 
|-
|Damage, Melee, Minor
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Fear.png]]}}
|[[File:Damage,_Melee,_Minor.png]]
+
|Afflicts the target with a [[Fear]] control effect.
|Power with minor melee damage.
+
|[[Mind Control|Terrify]]
 +
|Feared enemies cannot use powers or move unless they are attacked.
 
|-
 
|-
|Damage, Melee, Moderate
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Force_Bubble.png]]}}
|[[File:Damage,_Melee,_Moderate.png]]
+
|Repels affected targets away from the caster.
|Power with moderate melee damage.
+
|[[Force Field#Force Bubble|Force Bubble]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Damage, Melee, Over Time
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Slow,_Movement.png]]}}
|[[File:Damage,_Melee,_Over_Time.png]]
+
|Reduces the movement speed of the target.
|Melee power that does damage over time.
+
|[[Devices|Caltrops]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Damage, Melee, Superior
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Slow,_Recharge.png]]}}
|[[File:Damage,_Melee,_Superior.png]]
+
|Increases the recharge time of all the target's powers.
|Power with superior melee damage.
+
|[[Traps|Poison Trap]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Damage, Over Time
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Slow,_Recharge_and_Movement.png]]}}
|[[File:Damage,_Over_Time.png]]
+
|Reduces the target's movement speed and increases the recharge time of all its powers.
|Power that does damage over time.
+
|[[Ice Control|Shiver]]
 +
|"Slow" can refer to a power that reduces movement speed, increases recharge time, or both.  "Snare" is used for powers that only reduce movement speed.  There is no generally agreed upon term for powers that only increase recharge time.
 
|-
 
|-
|Damage, Ranged, Heavy
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Knockback.png]]}}
|[[File:Damage,_Ranged,_Heavy.png]]
+
|The power can knock down the target, leaving them unable to act until they regain their footing.  Some powers are strong enough to send the target flying away from the caster instead of just knocking them off their feet.
|Ranged damage power that does heavy damage.
+
|[[Energy Manipulation|Power Thrust]]
 +
|[[Knockdown]] is just low-grade [[knockback]]. A power that normally does knockdown can cause knockback if used on a sufficiently weak target or if [[Enhancements|slotted]] for knockback, and a power that normally does knockback can cause knockdown if used against a sufficiently strong target.
 
|-
 
|-
|Damage, Ranged, Minor, Fast
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Knockdown.png]]}}
|[[File:Damage,_Ranged,_Minor.png]]
+
|The power can cause the target to fall down where they stand, unable to act until they regain their footing.
|Minor damage ranged power that has a recharge of fast.
+
|[[Primal Forces Mastery|Energy Torrent]]
 +
|Same notes from above apply.
 
|-
 
|-
|Damage, Ranged, Minor, Very Fast
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Knockup.png]]}}
|[[File:Damage,_Ranged,_Minor,_Very_Fast.png]]
+
|The power can send the target flying straight up in the air.  Stronger enemies may only fall down where they stand.
|Minor damage ranged power that has a recharge of very fast.
+
|[[Gravity Control|Lift]]
 +
|Same notes as above two symbols apply, with the exception that the target can be sent flying straight up into the air instead of away from the caster.
 
|-
 
|-
|Damage, Ranged, Moderate
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Taunt.png]]}}
|[[File:Damage,_Ranged,_Moderate.png]]
+
|Afflicts the target with a taunt control effect.
|Ranged damage power that does moderate damage.
+
|[[War Mace|Taunt]]
 +
|Taunted targets can only use powers to attack the entity that taunted them.  In the event that more than one entity uses a taunt effect on the same target, the target will only be able to attack the entity with the stronger taunt effect.
 
|-
 
|-
|Damage, Ranged, Short
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Placate.png]]}}
|[[File:Damage,_Ranged,_Short.png]]
+
|[[Placate]]s the target.
|Ranged damage power with decreased range.
+
|[[Ninjitsu|Smoke Flash]]
 +
|Placated targets cannot attack the caster.  Computer-controlled mobs that are Placated will also forget about the caster until the caster [[aggro]]es them again.
 
|-
 
|-
|Damage, Ranged, Sniper
+
|}
|[[File:Damage,_Sniper.png]]
+
 
|An interuptable ranged damage power with increased range.
+
===Buffs ===
 +
 
 +
The following inner symbols denote powers that grant the caster or his allies [[Buff|buffs]] to various attributes.
 +
 
 +
{|class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
|Damage, Weapon
+
! width="5%" | Symbol
|[[File:Damage,_Weapon.png]]
+
! width="40%" | Description
|Power that creates a weapon from one of the four classic elements (air, earth, fire, ice).
+
! width="15%" | Example
 +
! width="40%" | Notes
 
|-
 
|-
|Damage, Weapon, Greater
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Buff,_Accuracy.png]]}}
|[[File:Damage,_Weapon,_Greater.png]]
+
|Increases [[accuracy]] or [[ToHit|tohit]].
|Power that creates a superior weapon from one of the four classic elements (air, earth, fire, ice).
+
|[[Ice Blast|Aim]]
 +
|Most powers that buff tohit also buff damage, so the use of this symbol normally means that the power is either an accuracy buff, or the tohit buff is particularly large.
 
|-
 
|-
|Debuff, Accuracy
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Buff,_Damage.png]]}}
|[[File:Debuff,_Accuracy.png]]
+
|Increases damage.
|Accuracy or to-hit debuff.
+
|[[Katana|Build Up]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Debuff, Damage
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Buff,_Defense.png]]}}
|[[File:Debuff,_Damage.png]]
+
|Increases [[defense]].
|Persistent damage debuff.
+
|[[Force Field|Dispersion Bubble]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Debuff, Defense
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Buff,_Defense,_Melee.png]]}}
|[[File:Debuff,_Defense.png]]
+
|Increases [[defense]] against powers typed "melee".
|Persistent [[defense]] debuff.
+
|[[Ninjitsu|Ninja Reflexes]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Debuff, Endurance
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Buff,_Defense,_Range.png]]}}
|[[File:Debuff,_End.png]]
+
|Increases [[defense]] against powers typed "ranged".
|Endurance debuff.
+
|[[Training and Gadgets|Combat Training: Defensive]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Debuff, Hit Points
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Buff,_Defense,_AoE.png]]}}
|[[File:Debuff,_Hit_Points.png]]
+
|Increases [[defense]] to powers typed "area of effect" (AoE).
|Hit point debuff.
+
|[[Super Reflexes|Evasion]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Debuff, Instant
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Buff,_Defense_and_Accuracy.png]]}}
|
+
|Increases [[defense]] and [[ToHit|tohit]].
|Debuff that has an instant effect.
+
|[[Invulnerability|Invincibility]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Debuff, Mez
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Buff,_Hit_Points,_Timed.png]]}}
|[[File:Debuff,_Mez.png]]
+
|Increases maximum hit points
|Debuff to control-type powers..
+
|[[Regeneration|Dull Pain]]
 +
|Would seem to indicate a healing over time effect (HoT), but is normally used to indicate a buff to maximum HP. In [[Issue 13]] a [[Pain Domination#Soothing Aura|power was finally added that actually is a HoT]], but only when used by one archetype, and then only in [[PvE]].
 
|-
 
|-
|Debuff, Multiple
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Buff,_Hit_Points.png]]}}
|[[File:Debuff,_Multiple.png]]
+
|Healing power; restores lost hit points
|Debuff to multiple attributes.
+
|[[Empathy|Heal Other]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Debuff, Perception
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Buff,_Endurance.png]]}}
|[[File:Debuff,_Perception.png]]
+
|Restores lost endurance.
|Persistent [[perception]] debuff.
+
|[[Kinetics|Transference]]
 +
|Also used in the icon for [[Energy Manipulation|Conserve Power]], which reduces the endurance cost of all powers while active.
 
|-
 
|-
|Debuff, Persistent
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Resurrection.png]]}}
|[[File:Debuff,_Persistent.png]]
+
|Revives a character from the "unconscious" state.
|A debuff with persistent effects.
+
|[[Empathy|Resurrection]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Debuff, Recovery
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Buff,_Mega.png]]}}
|[[File:Debuff,_Recovery.png]]
+
|Large buff to defensive attributes.
|Persistent recovery debuff.
+
|[[Super Reflexes#Elude|Elude]]
 +
|Typically used for [[tier 9]] powers in defensive power sets.  Powers that use this symbol generally grant such a large buff to defenses that the affected character is effectively undefeatable under normal circumstances, hence the colloquial term "god mode power."
 
|-
 
|-
|Debuff, Regeneration
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Buff,_Multiple.png]]}}
|[[File:Debuff,_Regeneration.png]]
+
|Increases both offensive and defensive attributes.
|Persistent regeneration debuff.
+
|[[Leadership|Vengeance]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Debuff, Resistance
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Buff,_Range.png]]}}
|
+
|Increases the maximum activation range on non-melee powers while active.
|Persistent resistance debuff.
+
|[[Energy Manipulation#Boost Range|Boost Range]]
 +
|Boost Range is the only power that uses this symbol, and indeed that has this effect.
 
|-
 
|-
|Disorient
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Buff,_Recharge.png]]}}
|[[File:Disorient.png]]
+
|Reduces the recharge time of all powers while active.
|[[Disorient]] control effect.
+
|[[Super Speed|Hasten]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Effect Over Time
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Buff,_Regeneration.png]]}}
|
+
|Increases the rate at which lost hit points are naturally [[Health Regeneration|regenerated]] over time.
|A power that has an effect over a period of time.
+
|[[Regeneration|Instant Healing]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Endurance
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Buff,_Recovery.png]]}}
|[[File:Endurance.png]]
+
|Increases the rate at which spent endurance is naturally [[Recovery|recovered]] over time.
|[[Endurance]] related power.
+
|[[Fitness|Stamina]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Exchange
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Buff,_Secondary_Effects.png]]}}
|[[File:Exchange.png]]
+
|Increases the duration or strength of [[mez]] effects and most [[buff]] and [[debuff]] effects.
|A power that exchanges the same attribute between caster and target..
+
|[[Energy Assault|Power Boost]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Fear
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Buff,_Run_Speed.png]]}}
|[[File:Fear.png]]
+
|Increases the [[Travel Powers|running]] speed of the target.
|[[Fear]] control effect.
+
|[[Kinetics|Speed Boost]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Fly
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Sprint,_PrestigeSprint.png]]}}
|[[File:Flight.png]]
+
|Increases running speed and jump height
|[[Travel Powers|Flight]] related power.
+
|[[Inherent Powers#Sprint|Sprint]]
 +
|This is the Sprint symbol; the only powers that use the symbol are Sprint and its Prestige variants.
 
|-
 
|-
|Force Bubble
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Buff,_Jump,_Height.png]]}}
|[[File:Force_Bubble.png]]
+
|Increase to [[Travel Powers|jump]] height and speed.
|Power that prevents foes from entering and remaining in melee range.
+
|[[Kinetics|Inertial Reduction]]
|[[Force Field#Force Bubble|Force Bubble]]
+
 
|-
 
|-
|Hold
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Jump,_Distance.png]]}}
|[[File:Hold.png]]
+
|Increase to [[Travel Powers|jump]] height and speed.
|[[Hold]] control effect.
+
|[[Leaping|Super Jump]]
 +
|The only power that uses this symbol is Super Jump.
 
|-
 
|-
|Immobilize
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Flight.png]]}}
|[[File:Immobilize.png]]
+
|Grants the target the power of [[Travel Powers|Flight]].
|[[Immobilize|Immobilization]] control effect.
+
|[[Flight|Fly]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Intangibility
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Stealth.png]]}}
|[[File:Intangability.png]]
+
|Provides a small amount of [[stealth]] to the target
|[[Intangibility]] related power.
+
|[[Concealment|Stealth]]
 +
|Powers that use this symbol don't render the target invisible, but the target will be able to get closer to enemies before they [[aggro]].
 
|-
 
|-
|Invisibility
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Invisibility.png]]}}
|[[File:Invisibility.png]]
+
|Provides a large amount of [[stealth]] to the target.
|Power that causes invisibility.
+
|[[Illusion Control|Superior Invisibility]]
 +
|Powers that use this symbol render the target invisible to most enemies.
 
|-
 
|-
|Jump, Distance
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Intangability.png]]}}
|[[File:Jump,_Distance.png]]
+
|Renders the target [[intangible]] or phased.
|[[Travel Powers|Jump]] distance power.
+
|[[Gravity Control|Dimension Shift]]
 +
|Intangible targets can't affect or be affected by other targets.  Phased targets can only affect and be affected by other Phased targets.
 
|-
 
|-
|Jump, Height
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Resistance,_Smashing_and_Lethal.png]]}}
|[[File:Jump,_Height.png]]
+
|Increases [[Resistance (Mechanics)|resistance]] or [[defense]] to smashing- and lethal-typed damage.
|[[Travel Powers|Jump]] height power.
+
|[[Invulnerability|Temp Invulnerability]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Knockback
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Resistance.png]]}}
|[[File:Knockback.png]]
+
|General symbol for an increase to [[Resistance (Mechanics)|resistance]].
|[[Knockback]] related power.
+
|[[Dark Armor|Dark Embrace]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Knockdown
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Tough.png]]}}
|[[File:Knockdown.png]]
+
|Power that provides [[Resistance (Mechanics)|resistance]] to smashing- and lethal-typed damage.
|[[Knockdown]] related power.
+
|[[Fighting#Tough|Tough]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Knockup
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Resistance,_Fire_and_Cold.png]]}}
|[[File:Knockup.png]]
+
|Increases [[Resistance (Mechanics)|resistance]] or [[defense]] to fire- and cold-typed damage.
|[[Knockup]] related power.
+
|[[Force Field|Sonic Haven]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Mez
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Resistance,_Cold.png]]}}
|[[File:Mez.png]]
+
|Increases [[Resistance (Mechanics)|resistance]] or [[defense]] to fire- and cold-typed damage.
|Control related power.
+
|[[Ice Armor|Permafrost]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Placate
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Resistance,_Energy_and_Negative_Energy.png]]}}
|[[File:Placate.png]]
+
|Increases [[Resistance (Mechanics)|resistance]] or [[defense]] to energy- and negative energy-typed damage.
|[[Placate]] related power.
+
|[[Ice Armor|Glacial Armor]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Resistance
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Resistance,_Energy.png]]}}
|[[File:Resistance.png]]
+
|Increases [[Resistance (Mechanics)|resistance]] or [[defense]] to energy-typed damage.
|[[Resistance|Damage resistance]] related power.
+
|[[Dark Armor|Murky Cloud]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Resistance, Cold
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Resistance,_Negative_Energy.png]]}}
|[[File:Resistance,_Cold.png]]
+
|Increases [[Resistance (Mechanics)|resistance]] or [[defense]] to negative energy-typed damage.
|Power that provides cold resistance.
+
|[[Stone Armor|Crystal Armor]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Resistance, Energy
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Resistance,_Psionic.png]]}}
|[[File:Resistance,_Energy.png]]
+
|Increases [[Resistance (Mechanics)|resistance]] or [[defense]] to psychic-typed damage.
|Power that provides energy resistance.
+
|[[Stone Armor|Minerals]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Resistance, Energy and Negative Energy
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Resistance,_Mez.png]]}}
|[[File:Resistance,_Energy_and_Negative_Energy.png]]
+
|Grants protection to [[control]]-type effects.
|Power that provides energy and negative energy resistance.
+
|[[Super Reflexes|Practiced Brawler]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Resistance, Fire and Cold
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:MezProtect.png]]}}
|[[File:Resistance,_Fire_and_Cold.png]]
+
|Grants protection to [[control]]-type effects.
|Power that provides fire and cold resistance.
+
|[[Empathy#Clear Mind|Clear Mind]]
 +
|Powers which use this symbol as opposed to the symbol above typically grant other exotic boosts on top of [[mez]] protection, such as resistance to slows or increased perception.  These powers are also exclusively ally-granted.
 
|-
 
|-
|Resistance, Negative Energy
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Shapeshift.png]]}}
|[[File:Resistance,_Negative_Energy.png]]
+
|Power that shapeshifts the target to another form.
|Power that provides negative energy resistance.
+
|[[Umbral Aura#Black Dwarf|Black Dwarf]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Resistance, Mez
+
|}
|[[File:Resistance,_Mez.png]]
+
 
|Power that provides protection from control-type effects.
+
===Debuffs ===
 +
 
 +
The following inner symbols denote powers that [[Debuff|debuff]] enemy targets.
 +
 
 +
{|class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
|Resistance, Psionic
+
! width="5%" | Symbol
|[[File:Resistance,_Psionic.png]]
+
! width="40%" | Description
|Power that provides psionic resistance.
+
! width="15%" | Example
|[[Dark Armor#Obsidian Shield|Obsidian Shield]]
+
! width="40%" | Notes
 
|-
 
|-
|Resistance, Smashing and Lethal
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Debuff,_Accuracy.png]]}}
|[[File:Resistance,_Smashing_and_Lethal.png]]
+
|Debuffs the target's [[accuracy]] or [[ToHit|tohit]].
|Power that provides smashing and lethal resistance.
+
|[[Storm Summoning|Hurricane]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Resurrection
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Debuff,_Damage.png]]}}
|[[File:Resurrection.png]]
+
|Debuffs the target's [[damage]].
|Power that revives a fallen character.
+
|[[Dark Miasma|Darkest Night]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Shapeshift
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Debuff,_Defense.png]]}}
|[[File:Shapeshift.png]]
+
|Debuffs the target's [[Resistance (Mechanics)|damage resistance]] or [[defense]], or both.
|Power that shifts form.
+
|[[Cold Domination|Sleet]]
|[[Stone Armor#Granite Armor|Granite Armor]], [[Umbral Aura#Black Dwarf|Black Dwarf]]
+
 
|-
 
|-
|Sleep
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Debuff,_Hit_Points.png]]}}
|[[File:Sleep.png]]
+
|Drains hit points from the target
|[[Sleep]] control effect.
+
|[[Dark Blast|Life Drain]]
 +
|Kind of a pointless symbol, since "draining HP" is just a way of saying "dealing damage," and a symbol for drains, etc., also exists.
 
|-
 
|-
|Slow, Movement
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:End drain.png]]}}
|[[File:Slow,_Movement.png]]
+
|Drains endurance from the target
|[[Slow|Movement-slowing]] power.
+
|[[EMP Glove]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Slow, Recharge
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Megadebuff.png]]}}
|[[File:Slow,_Recharge.png]]
+
|Reduces the target's offensive and defensive attributes.
|Power that increases target's recharge time.
+
|[[Poison|Noxious Gas]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Slow, Recharge and Movement
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Debuff,_Perception.png]]}}
|[[File:Slow,_Recharge_and_Movement.png]]
+
|Reduces the target's [[perception]].
|Power that increases the recharge time and decreases the movement speed of the target(s).
+
|[[Fire Control|Smoke]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Stealth
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Debuff,_Recovery.png]]}}
|[[File:Stealth.png]]
+
|Reduces the rate at which the target naturally [[Recovery|recovers]] spent endurance.
|Power that provides stealth to the target.
+
|[[Electrical Blast|Short Circuit]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Summon
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Heal suppression.png]]}}
|[[File:Summon.png]]
+
|Reduces the target's responsiveness to heal-type powers.
|Power that summons a pet or henchman.
+
|[[PVP Heal Decay]]
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
===Summons ===
 +
 
 +
The following inner symbols denote powers which summon an entity to fight alongside the caster.
 +
 
 +
{|class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
|Summon, Buff, Multiple
+
! width="5%" | Symbol
|[[File:Summon,_Buff,_Multiple.png]]
+
! width="40%" | Description
|Power that provides a buff to multiple attributes of a pet or henchman.
+
! width="15%" | Example
 +
! width="40%" | Notes
 
|-
 
|-
|Summon, Equip
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Summon,_One.png]]}}
|[[File:Summon,_Equip.png]]
+
|Power that summons a single pet.
|Power that provides a moderate increase to the capabilities of a pet or henchman.
+
|[[Plant Control#Fly Trap|Fly Trap]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Summon, Extraction
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Strong pet.png]]}}
|[[File:Summon,_Extraction.png]]
+
|Power that summons a single, strong pet.
|Summons one pet or henchman from a defeated target.
+
|[[Mercenaries#Commando|Commando]]
|[[Umbral Blast#Dark Extraction|Dark Extraction]], [[Necromancy#Soul Extraction|Soul Extraction]]
+
 
|-
 
|-
|Summon, Fear
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Summon,_Two.png]]}}
|[[File:Summon,_Fear.png]]
+
|Power that summons two pets.
|Summons or upgrades a pet or henchman with fear abilities.
+
|[[Training and Gadgets#Call Reinforcements|Call Reinforcements]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Summon, Multiple
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Summon,_Three.png]]}}
|[[File:Summon,_Multiple.png]]
+
|Power that summons three pets.
|Summons a large number of pets.
+
|[[Necromancy#Zombie Horde|Zombie Horde]]
 +
|-
 +
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Summon,_Multiple.png]]}}
 +
|Power that summons a large number of pets.
 
|[[Thugs#Gang War|Gang War]]
 
|[[Thugs#Gang War|Gang War]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Summon, One Ally
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Summon,_Extraction.png]]}}
|[[File:Summon,_One.png]]
+
|Summons a new pet from a defeated target
|Summons one pet or henchman.
+
|[[Necromancy#Soul Extraction|Soul Extraction]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Summon, Placate
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Summon,_Fear.png]]}}
|[[File:Summon,_Placate.png]]
+
|Summons a pet that primarily uses [[fear]] abilities.
|Summons a pet or henchman with placate abilities.
+
|[[Illusion Control#Spectral Terror|Spectral Terror]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Summon, Taunt
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Summon,_Taunt.png]]}}
|[[File:Summon,_Taunt.png]]
+
|Summons a pet that primarily grabs and maintains [[aggro]].
|Summons a pet or henchman with taunt abilities.
+
|[[Illusion Control#Phantom Army|Phantom Army]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Summon, Three Allies
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Summon,_Equip.png]]}}
|[[File:Summon,_Three.png]]
+
|Grants new powers to the targeted pet.
|Summons three pets or henchmen.
+
|[[Ninjas#Train Ninjas|Train Ninjas]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Summon, Two Allies
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Summon,_Upgrade.png]]}}
|[[File:Summon,_Two.png]]
+
|Grants new powers to the targeted pet.
|Summons two pets or henchmen.
+
|[[Ninjas#Kuji In Zen|Kuji In Zen]]
 +
|Powers granted by powers with this symbol are generally stronger than those from powers with the above symbol.
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
===Miscellaneous ===
 +
 
 +
The following inner symbols do not fit easily into any other categories.
 +
 
 +
{|class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
|Summon, Upgrade
+
! width="5%" | Symbol
|[[File:Summon,_Upgrade.png]]
+
! width="40%" | Description
|Power that provides further increase to the capabilities of a pet or henchman.
+
! width="15%" | Example
 +
! width="40%" | Notes
 
|-
 
|-
|Taunt
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Exchange.png]]}}
|[[File:Taunt.png]]
+
|A power that does something to the target and something else to the caster.
|[[Taunt]] related power.
+
|[[Energy Melee|Energy Transfer]]
 +
|An eclectic symbol, it typically indicates a power that damages or heals the caster and heals or damages the target.
 
|-
 
|-
|Teleportation
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Teleport.png]]}}
|[[File:Teleport.png]]
+
|Power that teleports the caster.
|Power that teleports target from one location to another without physically touching the space in-between.
+
 
|[[Teleportation#Teleport|Teleport]]
 
|[[Teleportation#Teleport|Teleport]]
 
|-
 
|-
|Teleportation, Group
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Teleport,_Group.png]]}}
|[[File:Teleport,_Group.png]]
+
|Power that teleports the targeted teammate.
|Power that teleports a group from one location to another.
+
|[[Teleportation#Recall Friend|Recall Friend]]
|[[Teleportation#Team Teleport|Team Teleport]]
+
 
|-
 
|-
|Teleportation, Target
+
|style="background-color: black;"|{{center|[[File:Teleport,_Target.png]]}}
|[[File:Teleport,_Target.png]]
+
|Power that teleports the targeted enemy.
|Power that teleports a foe from one location to another.
+
 
|[[Teleportation#Teleport Foe|Teleport Foe]]
 
|[[Teleportation#Teleport Foe|Teleport Foe]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
== Comments ==
+
== Inaccuracies ==
:There are many internal inconsistencies within the game that makes some of this page guesswork rather than fact. If the power rings and the power symbols were consistent within the game, it would be easy to identify what a power does just by it's icon.
+
Many of the power icons in this game do not follow the guidelines described in this article. Forum-goer [http://web.archive.org/web/20120905122823/http://boards.cityofheroes.com/member.php?u=364189 Vanden] has created an "add on" (data files that replace in-game images or information) that fixes most of the inaccurate icons.
 +
 
 +
== External Links ==
 +
* [http://web.archive.org/web/20120905043625/http://boards.cityofheroes.com/showthread.php?t=122519 Vanden's Power Icon Fix] on the [[Official Forums]]
 +
<!-- * [http://www.badge-hunter.com/index.php?/files/file/11-vandens-icon-correction-pack/ Download page] at [http://www.vidiotmaps.com vidiotmaps.com] -->
  
 
[[Category:Gameplay]][[Category:Sorted Power Icons]]
 
[[Category:Gameplay]][[Category:Sorted Power Icons]]

Latest revision as of 03:16, 20 January 2014

Overview

Many video games which give the player a variety of abilities will use icons or symbols to allow players to identify individual powers at a glance, City of Heroes included. However, unlike many of these games, City of Heroes not only uses these icons to quickly denote individual powers, but also to convey the effects and usage of the powers.

A power icon in City of Heroes has three important components: the inner symbol, the border, and the color. The inner symbol indicates one or more of the powers' effects. The border indicates whether the power requires a target to use and whether it affects an area or a single target. Most powers' borders do not, unfortunately, indicate whether the power affects teammates or enemies; this information must be extrapolated by looking at the inner symbol (i.e. if the inner symbol denotes a positive effect, the power most likely affects allies or the caster) The color of an icon indicates the power set that the power belongs to; every power set has its own unique combination of background and foreground colors, although some colors are shared between primary or secondary power sets and Ancillary Power Pools with similar themes, though never within the same archetype. This is done to reduce the footprint of the City of Heroes installation; for example, by having Frozen Armor use the exact same icon in the Ice Armor, Cold Mastery, and Ice Mastery sets, one icon file provides the art for 3 powers, reducing the size of the City of Heroes install.

Borders

Border Description Example
NoBorder.png
An icon without a border indicates that the power only affects the caster. Reconstruction, Unyielding
STBorder.png
The power is single target; it will only affect the currently targeted entity. Deflection Shield, Power Blast
ConeBorder.png
The power affects the target, as well as every valid target (up to the target's target limit) within a conical area in front of the caster. The exact dimensions of the cone area depend on the power. Shadow Maul, Breath of Fire
PBAoEBorder.png
The power does not require a target; it affects every valid target (up to the power's target limit) within a spherical area centered on the caster. The exact radius of the sphere depends on the power. Inferno, Healing Aura
TAoEBorder.png
The power affects the current target, as well as every valid target (up to the power's target limit) within a spherical area centered on the target. The exact radius of the sphere depends on the power. Exploding Arrow, Snow Storm
TPBAoEBorder.png
The power does not require a target; it affects every teammate within a spherical area centered on the caster, including the caster itself. Assault, Group Invisibility
AllyTAoEBorder.png
The power affects every target (up to the power's target limit) in a spherical area centered around the targeted teammate. The targeted teammate may or may not be affected, depending on whether the power's effect is a positive or negative one. Disruption Field, Sonic Repulsion
SummonBorder.png
The power summons a separate entity at a selected location. Some powers allow the caster to choose the location, while others simply summon the new entity at the caster's feet. Animate Stone, Summon Striker
LAoEBorder.png
The power affects every valid target (up to the power's target limit) within a spherical area centered around a location. Some powers allow the caster to choose the location, while others automatically set the location to be the same as the caster's at activation. Spirit Tree, Burn

Inner Symbols

Damage

The following symbols denote powers meant primarily for dealing damage.

Symbol Description Example Notes
Damage.png
Generic damage power Fire Ball, Fistful of Arrows A generic symbol; can indicate a melee or ranged power.
Damage, Melee, Minor.png
A melee attack that deals light/minor damage. Nimble Slash, Thunder Kick
Damage, Melee, Over Time.png
A melee attack that does damage over time, or strikes multiple times. Flurry, Barb Swipe
Damage, Melee, Moderate.png
A melee attack that deals moderate damage. Strike, Energy Punch
Damage, Melee, Heavy.png
A melee attack that deals heavy/high damage. Thunder Strike, Haymaker
Damage, Assassination.png
An interruptible melee power that does extra damage when hidden. Assassin's Blade, Assassin's Eclipse This symbol is used for Assassin's Strike powers.
Damage, Ranged, Minor.png
A ranged attack that deals light/minor damage. Thorny Darts, Psionic Dart
Damage, Ranged, Minor, Very Fast.png
A fast ranged attack that deals light/minor damage. Neutrino Bolt, Flares
Damage, Ranged, Moderate.png
A ranged attack that deals moderate damage. Lightning Bolt, Power Blast
Damage, Ranged, Short.png
A ranged attack that has a shorter-than-normal range, though usually with heavy/high damage. Blaze, Cosmic Burst
Damage, Ranged, Heavy.png
A ranged attack that does heavy/high damage. Bitter Ice Blast, Mace Blast
Damage, Sniper.png
A "snipe" attack. Zapp, Moonbeam Snipe attacks are interruptible, very high-damage ranged attacks with nearly double the range of normal ranged attacks.
Damage, Chaining.png
A power that does damage to one target and has the chance "jump" to do damage to another target. Chain Induction
Damage, Defeated.png
A damage dealing power that deals damage in an area around a defeated target Unchain Essence Powers with this symbol are colloquially known as "corpse bomb" powers.
Damage, Extreme.png
A damage dealing power that does extreme damage. Nova, Head Splitter Can be used to denote melee or ranged attacks.
Damage, Over Time.png
A power that does damage over time. Night Fall Can be used to denote melee or ranged attacks.
Damage, Weapon.png
A moderate damage melee attack with a (most often elemental) weapon. Fire Sword, Ice Sword Only used in sets that aren't weapon sets.
Damage, Weapon, Greater.png
A high-damage melee attack with a (most often elemental) weapon. Heavy Mallet, Greater Fire Sword Only used in sets that aren't weapon sets.

Control

The following inner symbols denote powers that have control effects.

Symbol Description Example Notes
Hold.png
Afflicts the target with a Hold control effect. Dominate Held targets cannot use powers or move.
Disorient.png
Afflicts the target with a Disorient control effect. Screech Disoriented targets cannot use powers, but can still move, albeit at an extremely reduced rate. Also known as "Stun."
Immobilize.png
Afflicts the target with an Immobilization control effect. Web Grenade Immobilized targets cannot move, but can still use powers as normal.
Sleep.png
Afflicts the target with a Sleep control effect. Salt Crystals Sleeping targets cannot use powers or move, but will immediately awake if damaged, healed, or moved.
Confuse.png
Afflicts the target with a Confuse control effect. Deceive Confused targets will attack their allies and buff their enemies.
Fear.png
Afflicts the target with a Fear control effect. Terrify Feared enemies cannot use powers or move unless they are attacked.
Force Bubble.png
Repels affected targets away from the caster. Force Bubble
Slow, Movement.png
Reduces the movement speed of the target. Caltrops
Slow, Recharge.png
Increases the recharge time of all the target's powers. Poison Trap
Slow, Recharge and Movement.png
Reduces the target's movement speed and increases the recharge time of all its powers. Shiver "Slow" can refer to a power that reduces movement speed, increases recharge time, or both. "Snare" is used for powers that only reduce movement speed. There is no generally agreed upon term for powers that only increase recharge time.
Knockback.png
The power can knock down the target, leaving them unable to act until they regain their footing. Some powers are strong enough to send the target flying away from the caster instead of just knocking them off their feet. Power Thrust Knockdown is just low-grade knockback. A power that normally does knockdown can cause knockback if used on a sufficiently weak target or if slotted for knockback, and a power that normally does knockback can cause knockdown if used against a sufficiently strong target.
Knockdown.png
The power can cause the target to fall down where they stand, unable to act until they regain their footing. Energy Torrent Same notes from above apply.
Knockup.png
The power can send the target flying straight up in the air. Stronger enemies may only fall down where they stand. Lift Same notes as above two symbols apply, with the exception that the target can be sent flying straight up into the air instead of away from the caster.
Taunt.png
Afflicts the target with a taunt control effect. Taunt Taunted targets can only use powers to attack the entity that taunted them. In the event that more than one entity uses a taunt effect on the same target, the target will only be able to attack the entity with the stronger taunt effect.
Placate.png
Placates the target. Smoke Flash Placated targets cannot attack the caster. Computer-controlled mobs that are Placated will also forget about the caster until the caster aggroes them again.

Buffs

The following inner symbols denote powers that grant the caster or his allies buffs to various attributes.

Symbol Description Example Notes
Buff, Accuracy.png
Increases accuracy or tohit. Aim Most powers that buff tohit also buff damage, so the use of this symbol normally means that the power is either an accuracy buff, or the tohit buff is particularly large.
Buff, Damage.png
Increases damage. Build Up
Buff, Defense.png
Increases defense. Dispersion Bubble
Buff, Defense, Melee.png
Increases defense against powers typed "melee". Ninja Reflexes
Buff, Defense, Range.png
Increases defense against powers typed "ranged". Combat Training: Defensive
Buff, Defense, AoE.png
Increases defense to powers typed "area of effect" (AoE). Evasion
Buff, Defense and Accuracy.png
Increases defense and tohit. Invincibility
Buff, Hit Points, Timed.png
Increases maximum hit points Dull Pain Would seem to indicate a healing over time effect (HoT), but is normally used to indicate a buff to maximum HP. In Issue 13 a power was finally added that actually is a HoT, but only when used by one archetype, and then only in PvE.
Buff, Hit Points.png
Healing power; restores lost hit points Heal Other
Buff, Endurance.png
Restores lost endurance. Transference Also used in the icon for Conserve Power, which reduces the endurance cost of all powers while active.
Resurrection.png
Revives a character from the "unconscious" state. Resurrection
Buff, Mega.png
Large buff to defensive attributes. Elude Typically used for tier 9 powers in defensive power sets. Powers that use this symbol generally grant such a large buff to defenses that the affected character is effectively undefeatable under normal circumstances, hence the colloquial term "god mode power."
Buff, Multiple.png
Increases both offensive and defensive attributes. Vengeance
Buff, Range.png
Increases the maximum activation range on non-melee powers while active. Boost Range Boost Range is the only power that uses this symbol, and indeed that has this effect.
Buff, Recharge.png
Reduces the recharge time of all powers while active. Hasten
Buff, Regeneration.png
Increases the rate at which lost hit points are naturally regenerated over time. Instant Healing
Buff, Recovery.png
Increases the rate at which spent endurance is naturally recovered over time. Stamina
Buff, Secondary Effects.png
Increases the duration or strength of mez effects and most buff and debuff effects. Power Boost
Buff, Run Speed.png
Increases the running speed of the target. Speed Boost
Sprint, PrestigeSprint.png
Increases running speed and jump height Sprint This is the Sprint symbol; the only powers that use the symbol are Sprint and its Prestige variants.
Buff, Jump, Height.png
Increase to jump height and speed. Inertial Reduction
Jump, Distance.png
Increase to jump height and speed. Super Jump The only power that uses this symbol is Super Jump.
Flight.png
Grants the target the power of Flight. Fly
Stealth.png
Provides a small amount of stealth to the target Stealth Powers that use this symbol don't render the target invisible, but the target will be able to get closer to enemies before they aggro.
Invisibility.png
Provides a large amount of stealth to the target. Superior Invisibility Powers that use this symbol render the target invisible to most enemies.
Intangability.png
Renders the target intangible or phased. Dimension Shift Intangible targets can't affect or be affected by other targets. Phased targets can only affect and be affected by other Phased targets.
Resistance, Smashing and Lethal.png
Increases resistance or defense to smashing- and lethal-typed damage. Temp Invulnerability
Resistance.png
General symbol for an increase to resistance. Dark Embrace
Tough.png
Power that provides resistance to smashing- and lethal-typed damage. Tough
Resistance, Fire and Cold.png
Increases resistance or defense to fire- and cold-typed damage. Sonic Haven
Resistance, Cold.png
Increases resistance or defense to fire- and cold-typed damage. Permafrost
Resistance, Energy and Negative Energy.png
Increases resistance or defense to energy- and negative energy-typed damage. Glacial Armor
Resistance, Energy.png
Increases resistance or defense to energy-typed damage. Murky Cloud
Resistance, Negative Energy.png
Increases resistance or defense to negative energy-typed damage. Crystal Armor
Resistance, Psionic.png
Increases resistance or defense to psychic-typed damage. Minerals
Resistance, Mez.png
Grants protection to control-type effects. Practiced Brawler
MezProtect.png
Grants protection to control-type effects. Clear Mind Powers which use this symbol as opposed to the symbol above typically grant other exotic boosts on top of mez protection, such as resistance to slows or increased perception. These powers are also exclusively ally-granted.
Shapeshift.png
Power that shapeshifts the target to another form. Black Dwarf

Debuffs

The following inner symbols denote powers that debuff enemy targets.

Symbol Description Example Notes
Debuff, Accuracy.png
Debuffs the target's accuracy or tohit. Hurricane
Debuff, Damage.png
Debuffs the target's damage. Darkest Night
Debuff, Defense.png
Debuffs the target's damage resistance or defense, or both. Sleet
Debuff, Hit Points.png
Drains hit points from the target Life Drain Kind of a pointless symbol, since "draining HP" is just a way of saying "dealing damage," and a symbol for drains, etc., also exists.
End drain.png
Drains endurance from the target EMP Glove
Megadebuff.png
Reduces the target's offensive and defensive attributes. Noxious Gas
Debuff, Perception.png
Reduces the target's perception. Smoke
Debuff, Recovery.png
Reduces the rate at which the target naturally recovers spent endurance. Short Circuit
Heal suppression.png
Reduces the target's responsiveness to heal-type powers. PVP Heal Decay

Summons

The following inner symbols denote powers which summon an entity to fight alongside the caster.

Symbol Description Example Notes
Summon, One.png
Power that summons a single pet. Fly Trap
Strong pet.png
Power that summons a single, strong pet. Commando
Summon, Two.png
Power that summons two pets. Call Reinforcements
Summon, Three.png
Power that summons three pets. Zombie Horde
Summon, Multiple.png
Power that summons a large number of pets. Gang War
Summon, Extraction.png
Summons a new pet from a defeated target Soul Extraction
Summon, Fear.png
Summons a pet that primarily uses fear abilities. Spectral Terror
Summon, Taunt.png
Summons a pet that primarily grabs and maintains aggro. Phantom Army
Summon, Equip.png
Grants new powers to the targeted pet. Train Ninjas
Summon, Upgrade.png
Grants new powers to the targeted pet. Kuji In Zen Powers granted by powers with this symbol are generally stronger than those from powers with the above symbol.

Miscellaneous

The following inner symbols do not fit easily into any other categories.

Symbol Description Example Notes
Exchange.png
A power that does something to the target and something else to the caster. Energy Transfer An eclectic symbol, it typically indicates a power that damages or heals the caster and heals or damages the target.
Teleport.png
Power that teleports the caster. Teleport
Teleport, Group.png
Power that teleports the targeted teammate. Recall Friend
Teleport, Target.png
Power that teleports the targeted enemy. Teleport Foe

Inaccuracies

Many of the power icons in this game do not follow the guidelines described in this article. Forum-goer Vanden has created an "add on" (data files that replace in-game images or information) that fixes most of the inaccurate icons.

External Links