Introduction
Hey guys, I know there are so many SD builds out there, but I just want to share a variant for those thief-wannabe engis out there. This build focuses on the high burst output in a short amount of time while having some sort of survivability. This build specializes on sneaky insta-downs and usually a thief/mesmer killer.
Gear and Stats
Like all SD builds, you’d have to use a Rifle as it gives more power to your attacks. This also gives you a low-cooldown immob/cripple/vulnerability skill. And for those elusive thieves and mesmers, Blunderbuss and Jump Shot kills them even if they’re in stealth.
For stats, you’d want to go full zerker for more power, but going half-zerk and half-assassins would also work as it gives you better crit chance with the same crit damage.
Sigils and Runes
You can use any of the following sigil and runes, it can be based on your preference:
Sigils:
- Sigil of Fire
- Sigil of Air
- Sigil of Force
- Sigil of Bloodlust
- Sigil of Doom
Runes:
- Rune of Scholar
- Rune of Traveller
- Rune of Divinity
- Ruby Orbs/Opal Orbs
My preference however is going Sigil of Fire/Air for burst on crit damage and Runes of Traveller for more movement speed and boon duration
Traits
- Sitting Duck – deals 5 stacks of vulnerability and cripple every 5 seconds
- Rifle Mod – lets you auto-attack your enemies to death! It makes Blunderbuss and Jump shot more punch.
- Modified Ammunition – with all your traits, in a single burst, you can apply 4 conditions (bleeding, cripple, immobilization and vulnerability) thats already an 8% damage increase!
- Self-Regulating Defenses – for getting out of a sticky situation. Works well with Toss elixir’s Stealth buff.
- Static Discharge – bread and butter of the build.
- Scope/Speedy Kits – gives more crit-chance since we’re going to range our enemies more often. You can swap this for speedy kits for perma-swiftness when roaming.
- Adrenal Implants/Gadgeteer – AI allows you to dodge more to survive. This goes pretty well with the minor traits as you gain back endurance for each toolbelt you use. Gadgeteer on the other hand is a new trait that gives you 5 stacks of might when using Utility Googles. Pretty okay DPS add-on if you ask me, but I’d rather choose to survive more.
Utilities and Toolbelt
- Med kit/Healing Turret – med kit gives you swiftness and fury as well as better healing since toolbelt skills recharge at 25% health threshold. HT is good for clearing conditions and supporting your group.
- Rifle Turret – this is taken for its toolbelt skill as it has the fastest recharge rate and good damage as well.
- Utility Googles – it gives you Fury and Immunity to blind, if traited with Gadgeteer,, gives you 5 stacks of might as well. Pretty useful when fighting thieves, necro and mesmers.
- Elixer S – acts as a stun break, escape tool and used when flagging downed an enemy.
- Supply Crate – no better Elite Skill is better than Supply Crate. Useful against enemies that go in stealth.
Skill Rotation and Discussion
Med. Kit 5 > Utility Goggles > Toss Elixir S > Net Shot > Analyze > Surprise Shot > Blunderbuss > Jump Shot > Overcharged Shot > Hip shot …
This rotation usually downs most light/medium armored class. Just make sure Net Shot connects before doing the full burst. With this rotation you’ll be applying 21 stacks of vulnerability in 1.5 seconds (assuming everything connects).
You can proceed to blunderbuss and jump shot on thieves that use SR and even drop a Supply Crate on them. This works with mesmers too. You’ll see them down once their stealth runs out.
Word of caution: Never unload everything when an enemy has reflect. It will kill you just as fast.
Comments and suggestion are highly welcomed
Cheers!
[GOOD] – FA