Guild Wars 2

Pistol/Dagger is a cool looking set but it feels so awkward overall. Condition build has always been the main reason to use it, but when I’m running that there’s never a time where I felt the need to use Shadow Strike.

If someone was close it was better to CnD them and Sneak Attack, which does the same DMG as it+bleed. Since condition DMG revolves around the Sneak Attack you would generally stay close to mid-range of enemy, not shadowstep away,
Body Shot lacking use makes the weapon set even worse.

Anyone ever try P/D differently or non cond, or is it just too flawed in design?

immobilizes with spike damage incoming (provided you have a target to land it on). You aren’t always capable of being on the offensive.

P/D non condi is just as troll-esque as condi.
Instead of random bleed spikes, it’s just 1/2 unload spikes with some complimentary (43-52ish) bleeds.

(edit: with less survivability unless you put it in utilities, most condition specs are at least a little more durable than their burst counterparts)

(edit(again): I do like it.)

Shadow strike itself is a pretty well designed skill – P/D should want to slip away and do decent direct damage for the init cost. Unfortunately, the set is currently nothing without sneak attack, which Prioritizes CnD over shadow strike 90% of the time – the only time you’re hitting shadow strike is a situation like what Selver described – you’re pinned down and have absolutely no other way to escape it other than Shadow strike.

If P/D was better designed and not so utterly reliant on stealth→Sneak attack for its DPS, shadow strike would be fine.

I like P/D but with Sneak attack as strong as it is, it’s mostly 5-1 play.
I’ve done it in berserkers way back and it was still eh, but was fun. Whether condi or power it’s mostly the same and it’s effectiveness is shoddy regardless.

I’d love to see a bit more functionality put into it and believe it or not a tiny cast bar. In a panic situation i’ve eaten my entire initive bar because I was hitting it during a stun+root combo and while stunned it was Q’ing them up.