Probably a simple question:

In the description on the PAC for each of these powers it states "You must declare this ability is being used before rolling to hit." Does this mean you must roll to hit when using perplex or outwit or that they work automatically but you must declare that they are being used before you take an action?

My friends & I are still new to the game but we're slowly learning by using a few new things each time we play. Last week I tried Outwit but rolling to hit made only marginally useful.

it's saying you need to declare your outwit or preplex prior to any rolling of dice.

Unless the "White Noise" Battlefield condition in in effect, you do not have to roll to use either of these powers. The "Rolling to hit" part refers to any other action you make that 's affected by the Perplex or Outwit.

You're also going to want to turn to the FAQ for the update on these powers. Both of those powers now indicate that: "This power may not be used during another action." The line that you refer to has been removed.