How do you counter an S/D thief?

How do you counter an S/D thief?

in Thief

Posted by: Excalibur.9748

Excalibur.9748

Let’s list the counters here to help people counter it, because apparently “there is no counter” lololol
This topic is an absolute joke, but I have to admit I laughed too (https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/pvp/pvp/S-D-Thief-walks-into-a-bar)

1. Tanky warrior with healing signet (that feel when you see your AA made no dent in their HP bar)
2. Blind since sword attacks slow
3. Condition overload

All is vain.

(edited by Excalibur.9748)

How do you counter an S/D thief?

in Thief

Posted by: Paulo.8459

Paulo.8459

I think timing is the most important thing when fighting a S/D thief.

Nobody dodges 2 times in a row unless the situation absolutely requires it. I wait for the thief to dodge/flanking strike and start casting an attack (e.g. deathshroud fear on necro, skull crack on warrior, pistol whip on thief….). In case of flanking strike, this almost guarantees me a successfull hit, i don’t even have to move because flanking strike moves the thief directly to me.

I don’t spam autoattacks. When i miss an autoattack with a sword or hammer etc. the aftercast ist too long. Instead i turn autoattack off and try to always hit the thief when he is vulnerable. Like i said above, i try to time key attacks directly after flanking strike.

The S/D set has 2 hard hitting attacks: crippling strike and larcenous strike. Both with a very similar animation, but you can see (and hear) the difference. I try to avoid these, since they also are highly telegraphed.

Playing a S/D thief takes skill, as does countering it. It’s important to know the mechanics (the usual, so-called “l2p” issue) and to practice.
People often get frustrated because their accustomed playstyle and attack patterns don’t work against a S/D thief. Seeing “evaded evaded evaded” is very annoying.

So the best way to counter it is the same like it always should be. Make a thief, learn to play it and then search for a buddy who plays S/D and duel him. And duel him once again. You have nothing to loose in an empty hotjoin arena. You don’t have to get annoyed when you lose.

I don’t want to say that the spec istn’t strong. But there are enough “counters” to it. Sadly, most people are too lazy to realize it.