Can you block enemys attack from behind?

[Semafor]

I know you can't parry, dodge, disrupt (not sure for that one) attacks from behind, but what about Block? How does it work?

[Squigbits Angoo]

I believe so, yes.
I don't notice it so much in RvR, due to having to pay attention to other things (that, and i'm always trying to swing around to hit at the back of my enemies so they "theoretically" can't block/parry, as long as they're targeting someone else and not me (due to the auto-follow mechanic)).

Anyway, in PvE i notice it a lot while i'm grinding mobs for tome unlocks (1k kills, etc). While i'm running to go pull more, and i have about 20 behind me, i sometimes see blocks/parries (not disrupts, btw - i checked the logs). I usually first notice it when Corrupting Retribution procs.

It could just be a fluke (as in, the mob thinks that it's to my side, due to how i'm running, etc). Go pull a mob and turn your back to it and let it whack away...only way i can think of to confirm.

[CptCosmic]

from my pvp experiences I can say that you cannot block attacks in your back.

[Sarmaul]

Block and parries are forward cones. Aggro a mob and turn to the side - you will not block any attacks. Same when it is behind you.

The only procs that are full 360 degrees are dodge (against projectiles) and disrupt (against magic).

[Aric]

I agree that you cant block attacks from behind. This being said, some attacks of mine have been blocked when Im seemingly behind my target. This applies to my own attacks too, blindsided (req. side of behind target) goes off, from full frontal position.

Positionals are subject for lagging, even if your senses, your screen, tells you that you are now behind someone, you abilities might or might not go off, depending what gameclient and server think about the situation at that specific moment when you stroke the button.

[cellardweller]

You can block poison that is ticking from a dead mob... kind of takes the direction of the equation doesn't it?

[Murph]

As an Engineer I kite all the time. This is what I have found out which I'm sure will apply to blocking as well.

While strafe running, you can hit targets behind you. This is a common technique for Engineers, SH, SW, etc. Actually the target is not exactly "behind" you since you are in reality running sideways. I believe that blocking should also work in the same manner.

This is easy to test. Target a number of mobs and then strafe run away from them and see if you are able to block.

[Sarmaul]

As an Engineer I kite all the time. This is what I have found out which I'm sure will apply to blocking as well.

While strafe running, you can hit targets behind you. This is a common technique for Engineers, SH, SW, etc. Actually the target is not exactly "behind" you since you are in reality running sideways. I believe that blocking should also work in the same manner.

This is easy to test. Target a number of mobs and then strafe run away from them and see if you are able to block.

Tried it - 90 degree foward cone :(

Also, are you sure about blocking ticks? Block should only proc off ability activations or AoE ticks (i.e. "hits everyone within 30ft every second" means you can possibly block each tick, while "does 600 damage to everyone within 30ft over 15 seconds" means that if you don't block the initial hit, you'll get a 600 damage 15s dot on you and every tick will hit).