It’s true, make a thief, get him up to about level 40 (so you have all your utility unlocks, and enough skill points for dancing daggers) and join the mayhem in world vs world. . My thief is only level 54, but his damage numbers and abilities to survive any situation or catch anyone are simply unmatched.
Damage 1vs1 versus any class, even level 80’s decked in full exotics generally goes like this:
Steal (3,000) —> CnD (4,000) --> backstab (5,000 sometimes 10,000). At this point, the target is either dead or very close to it. At this point, all that remains is heartseeker spam for 3,000…4,000 each. Dead opponent.
This sequence works on all classes, and with a little practice on your timing, you can have it perfected and down so pat that it all occurs within about 5 seconds flat.
In world vs world you will find that no class gives you trouble. Some pointers:
1. Certain classes have bunker builds (warriors, necros, engineers, ect) but their health bars (regardless how big) are still inadequate for dealing with this kind of damage. It’s wash rinse and repeat, and you will win. Period.
2. Mesmers and other Thieves. For me personally, mesmers are the easiest to kill. Once you understand their mechanics and can figure out the real one (the one who is running around, throwing up bubbles, dodging, ect), simply stick to them and they will fall like a sack of bricks. As for other thieves, this is hit or miss. Mainly because thieves have the same great survivability as you do, and thus they can choose to disengage the fight and leave at any time.
3. Group fights. First, use a short bow. Your #1 attack hits multiple targets, your #2 attack is an AOE cluster bomb that hits multiple targets for upwards of 3,000 a pop. This attack is spammable. Second, always have dagger storm as your elite. The genius of this ability is that it’s an exceptionally long AOE that not only hits the enemy for 1,500+ damage a tick, but it also reflects projectiles, lasts approximately 8 full seconds, and cooldown is only 90 seconds. I’ve literally jumped into large group fights, popped this ability, and have downed multiple targets. People don’t pay attention to their health bar, and it works.
Best of all, the thief class possesses the most sought after trait in WvW: Survivability.
In world vs world this concept reigns supreme. No, survivability isn’t about vitality or toughness (see above, they don’t matter when you’re being hit for 5,000 damage in a swing move). Rather, survivability consists of your utilities and ability to disengage the fight if it’s going bad (whether 1vs1 or 10vsYou) and survive the encounter.
This is hands down the best part about the thief class, is that I have the ability to CHOOSE who I will fight, how that fight will go, and only I possess the ability to disengage the fight at any time and book it. I hold all the cards, my opponent holds none. With the shortbow #5 ability, shadowstep, 25% permanent movement speed increase, and a heal that gives stealth, you will not die you can time these right.
Are you being zerged? Pop the heal, shadowstep, shortbow #5 twice in a row. You will be out of combat range (25% speed boost kicks in) and you’re GONE in seconds. This is compounded when you complement other stealth abilities in as well or spec yourself correctly.
If you’re not having fun in WvW or want to try something new, check the thief out. It’s a whole new dimension. Just thought I’d share my experiences and tips.
See you on the battle field!