Guild Wars 2

in your first build do you really feel that the 50 percent more damage while downed is better than taking 5 in shape arts for stealth at 1/4th health? also, why no condition removal? doesn’t that wreck you?

I’d rather use a venom share build spreading out 12 basilisk venom strikes every 36ish seconds with might and health steal. Plus the other venoms.

NickelQuack.3216:

in your first build do you really feel that the 50 percent more damage while downed is better than taking 5 in shape arts for stealth at 1/4th health? also, why no condition removal? doesn’t that wreck you?

Absolutely, don’t forget that with the amount of AOE you’ll be dishing out a lot of people are going to be rallying off of you, and the same goes for you. But If suddenly 5 people rally off of you that puts your zerg at risk so the extra insurance is worth it.

Smo.6520:

I’d rather use a venom share build spreading out 12 basilisk venom strikes every 36ish seconds with might and health steal. Plus the other venoms.

Venoms are very strong if used correctly, but the point is, when in a zerg, most allies are not going to notice the venoms on them, hence, will not use them appropriately. Like I said, for small squad fights they can be extremely useful as you are in an organized group where people know the strengths and weaknesses of your build, and know how to act accordingly.

Black Cat.1024:

I’ve been seeing more and more threads here on the forum about “Zerg” worthy thieves, I decided to make a build and share it with you.
First, I want to open with the statement that this is definitely not the thief’s forte and if you like playing with another character with these type of game plays, do it.
But, If you’re really into thieves, and don’t use other professions – this can help.

First of all – “Sb/Sb – Zerg” Build.
You have two ways to play this.
First way:
http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fYEQJAVVlcmaP3dy5E+5EhnCy+VNFy0ldPuqWrKA-j0xA4sARfCUKsIas11ioxqkJiqV3Ym7ioVLFAErBA-w
This is a Sb/Sb build – based on endurance regeneration and 3 initiative on swap. Not only is the Shortbow the best weapon a thief can use in a zerg – It’s actually and amazing weapon in general.
It’s a condition based spec, and you have bleeding, poison and weakness on demand.
Your main playstyle will be inside the enemy zerg. You will want to blast cluster bomb every moment you can, switch weapons a lot, and every time you see that white combo field circle, blast it blast finisher (Don’t press #2 again). When you’re not blasting, you’re dodging for the cripple and bleeds. Signet of Shadows is a utility I only use for running with the zerg, switch it to "Caltrops"before a major fight. You will be gaining a TON of hp due to SoM but because you’re in enemy zerg territory, but also a lot of damage. Meaning the moment you stop dealing damage (stun/dazed) the AoE will kill you instantly. This is why we have Roll of Initiative, I sometimes switch it out for Shadow Step of infiltrators Signet due to the high cool down – whatever you feel like. Poison fields – Godly, your enemies won’t usually pay attention to the red AoE circle and get a full blown sniff of your deadly gasses ;). Plus, with the blast finisher that’s AoE weakness which can really help your zerg. Don’t forget that every time you cluster bomb you also inflict weakness so you will be doing a ton of AoE damage as well as bleeds, poisons, and weakness. Another skill that most people forget is Shadow Shot. It is used almost exclusively as a mobility skill but It also blinds. It really helps if you shadow shot onto a downed player to stomp him or onto one of your own downed players to revive him without taking all the AoE damage.

Second way – Venom Sharing Sb;S/p
This is a more commonly used build –
http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fYEQNAsaVlUmCNXey0E/5EB3DjC1n6VgsaPupNjJA-jkyA4MBRKAItAg+AlCLiGbpFt+SENqkJiqV3Ym7ioVLFAErBA-w
Your job will be exclusively standing on the outskirts of zergs and picking off over extending enemies. I don’t recommend this one as much because to me it seems like a small squad tactic – thief, but I’ve seen it used. Don’t forget that you’re sharing venoms, meaning standing completely alone is a waste of your build. Personally even when I do use this build I switch the weapons a lot – I rarely stick with the S/P, either S/D, rarely P/P or Sb (double Sb – like the build before). This build is pretty much self explanatory as in putting up venoms, and taking out stragglers. The reason I don’t recommend this build is that I feel as though we’re giving up too much for the venom share trait and the venom support trait in general.

Hope this helps!

/Black Cat

I see your build, but I have a hard time believing that without any healing power you will be able to live in large scale zerg battles. I’m assuming that you aren’t the only one running around in an enemy zerg? Because in a zerg verses zerg standoff, I find that often the zergs do not overlap. I wonder if you would consider posting a video of yourself playign? Or at least some screenshots. Thanks for posting this build, either way = D

Used to play SB / SB alot 0 30 0 30 10 in Guild Raids + GvGs it’s really good and i think its the most effective you can play. I also played 15 15 0 30 10 for the weakness which is quite good too and i would recommend that in GvGs more than the higher dmg variant. I also tried Venom share but i dont think it’s that good, the venoms are quite nice but you have to waste so many points into DA and SA and i dont think they are that good for large scale combat, especialy SA. If you trait high into Acro you can play rather glasy because you have so many dodges.

Also, why would u use Signet of Shadows? Whenever i see a thief use that in raids i have to facepalm. You get so much swiftness from ur allies + 10 into trickery gives you swiftness on steal anyway (doesnt need a target, unlike bount). Rather swap that out for Signet of Agility for the Endurance refill + con remove (on you and allies, which means more dodges for ur guardians → more healing, etc)

Black Cat.1024:

I’ve been seeing more and more threads here on the forum about “Zerg” worthy thieves, I decided to make a build and share it with you.
First, I want to open with the statement that this is definitely not the thief’s forte and if you like playing with another character with these type of game plays, do it.
But, If you’re really into thieves, and don’t use other professions – this can help.

First of all – “Sb/Sb – Zerg” Build.
You have two ways to play this.
First way:
http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fYEQJAVVlcmaP3dy5E+5EhnCy+VNFy0ldPuqWrKA-j0xA4sARkittensIas11ioxqkJiqV3Ym7ioVLFAErBA-w
This is a Sb/Sb build – based on endurance regeneration and 3 initiative on swap. Not only is the Shortbow the best weapon a thief can use in a zerg – It’s actually and amazing weapon in general.
It’s a condition based spec, and you have bleeding, poison and weakness on demand.
Your main playstyle will be inside the enemy zerg. You will want to blast cluster bomb every moment you can, switch weapons a lot, and every time you see that white combo field circle, blast it blast finisher (Don’t press #2 again). When you’re not blasting, you’re dodging for the cripple and bleeds. Signet of Shadows is a utility I only use for running with the zerg, switch it to "Caltrops"before a major fight. You will be gaining a TON of hp due to SoM but because you’re in enemy zerg territory, but also a lot of damage. Meaning the moment you stop dealing damage (stun/dazed) the AoE will kill you instantly. This is why we have Roll of Initiative, I sometimes switch it out for Shadow Step of infiltrators Signet due to the high cool down – whatever you feel like. Poison fields – Godly, your enemies won’t usually pay attention to the red AoE circle and get a full blown sniff of your deadly gasses ;). Plus, with the blast finisher that’s AoE weakness which can really help your zerg. Don’t forget that every time you cluster bomb you also inflict weakness so you will be doing a ton of AoE damage as well as bleeds, poisons, and weakness. Another skill that most people forget is Shadow Shot. It is used almost exclusively as a mobility skill but It also blinds. It really helps if you shadow shot onto a downed player to stomp him or onto one of your own downed players to revive him without taking all the AoE damage.

Second way – Venom Sharing Sb;S/p
This is a more commonly used build –
http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fYEQNAsaVlUmCNXey0E/5EB3DjC1n6VgsaPupNjJA-jkyA4MBRKAItAg+AlCLiGbpFt+SENqkJiqV3Ym7ioVLFAErBA-w
Your job will be exclusively standing on the outskirts of zergs and picking off over extending enemies. I don’t recommend this one as much because to me it seems like a small squad tactic – thief, but I’ve seen it used. Don’t forget that you’re sharing venoms, meaning standing completely alone is a waste of your build. Personally even when I do use this build I switch the weapons a lot – I rarely stick with the S/P, either S/D, rarely P/P or Sb (double Sb – like the build before). This build is pretty much self explanatory as in putting up venoms, and taking out stragglers. The reason I don’t recommend this build is that I feel as though we’re giving up too much for the venom share trait and the venom support trait in general.

Hope this helps!

/Black Cat

Is the healing from your signet of malice really going to matter when you’re not stacking healing power?

Retal anyone?
Each exploded CB is a potential 5×3 unavoidable Retal ticks.

Good luck with that against any zerg that has a few guardians in it.

malice offset retal

This is what I am currently experimenting with:
http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fYAQNAsYVlYmiOHfy7E+JFyWhKkrgT59wB/KyqTBXZVA-jkCBofCiUEQkFAEBgZPFRjtquIas6aYKXC1aXJycuIa1yAYuAA-w

Withdraw can be changed with Signet of Malice depending on the situation. I tend to use Withdraw on more chaotic fights. Caltrops for Roll for Initiative if you have taken SoM can be a good option.
Use your S/D goodness in zergfests: Evade stuff, Strip boons, Snare foes. (make sure you don’t target anyone if you want to follow the commander)
Use safe finishers on downed foes:
Finish cast>Shadowstep>Shadow Return if skill is almost charged.
Blinding Powder>Finish
CnD>Finish
Infiltator’s Strike>Finish>Shadow Return>Steal if skill is almost charged.
If you do not have SoM, use Daggerstorm only for it’s stability. So cancel it.
Use Withdraw and Roll for Iniative to move around so turn fast then cast them.

Black Cat.1024:

First of all – “Sb/Sb – Zerg” Build.
You have two ways to play this.
First way:
http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fYEQJAVVlcmaP3dy5E+5EhnCy+VNFy0ldPuqWrKA-j0xA4sARkittensIas11ioxqkJiqV3Ym7ioVLFAErBA-w

1. You don’t really need Uncatchable trait since you are using SB. IMO it’s a waste of trait point. If you take those points and add it to your DA, you get extra 10% more damage against target with condition.
2. IMO your DA 10 should be Mug.
3. IMO, you’re better off with 30 SA than 30 Acro

This is a Sb/Sb build – based on endurance regeneration and 3 initiative on swap. Not only is the Shortbow the best weapon a thief can use in a zerg – It’s actually and amazing weapon in general.
It’s a condition based spec, and you have bleeding, poison and weakness on demand.
Your main playstyle will be inside the enemy zerg. You will want to blast cluster bomb every moment you can, switch weapons a lot, and every time you see that white combo field circle, blast it blast finisher (Don’t press #2 again). When you’re not blasting, you’re dodging for the cripple and bleeds. Signet of Shadows is a utility I only use for running with the zerg, switch it to "Caltrops"before a major fight. You will be gaining a TON of hp due to SoM but because you’re in enemy zerg territory, but also a lot of damage. Meaning the moment you stop dealing damage (stun/dazed) the AoE will kill you instantly. This is why we have Roll of Initiative, I sometimes switch it out for Shadow Step of infiltrators Signet due to the high cool down – whatever you feel like. Poison fields – Godly, your enemies won’t usually pay attention to the red AoE circle and get a full blown sniff of your deadly gasses ;). Plus, with the blast finisher that’s AoE weakness which can really help your zerg. Don’t forget that every time you cluster bomb you also inflict weakness so you will be doing a ton of AoE damage as well as bleeds, poisons, and weakness. Another skill that most people forget is Shadow Shot. It is used almost exclusively as a mobility skill but It also blinds. It really helps if you shadow shot onto a downed player to stomp him or onto one of your own downed players to revive him without taking all the AoE damage.

With that playstyle, a definite 30 SA over 30 Acro. You get a lot of staying power with SA since you will have health regen, condi removal, and stealth.

And I think you know that you can shoot choking gas while in stealth without being revealed.

Just my 2 cents.

Big Tower.5423:

malice offset retal

It does make it hurt a bit less, but base Retal is 2x base Malice, and base power is 900 while healing power is 0.

So malice will only offset about 30-50% of retal, and 60% of 15 ticks of Retal will still very much hurt.

May as well stick to zerker, SoM + dagger storm will cripple an army and give you lolinsane heals no matter how much retal you’re getting. I always switch to SB for zergs and do quite good aoe damage with it.

Press dagger storm, shadow step in zerg, once finished step back out and switch to SB to continue spamming clusters. S/P to get stragglers and still have some nice cleave and an oshi- button with inf. strike.

I have tried venom share in WvW though, it is hilarious to see those bask venoms go off. People don’t really have to be aware that they have it, just try to stand near as many allies as possible and blow all venoms lol. Don’t forget the heal on venom hit trait also works for allies I believe.