Guild Wars 2

Hi guys,

After much consideration I’ve come to the conclusion that I wanted to come back to the SPvP scene. After all there are no MMORPG games out there that can compete with the level of PvP GW2 has to offer and the GvG/WvW scene is ded… for now. After countless hours of reading the forums for the last 2 years I’ve never seen anyone make a post on what to do/counter in order to beat or attempt to beat every class in the game as a thief.

So my question to the thief community is:

Can you guys tell me how to beat and what to do against
-Warriors
-Guardians
-Mesmers
-Necros
-Eles
-Engineers
-Hunters

in a 1v1 situation to win a duel?

Note* (Currently I play a D/P thief with Caed build 2/6/0/0/6 )

What’s a hunter!? This will be difficult to do considering what I do against a Hambow warrior won’t be the same thing I do against a condi SS/Bow warrior

Even if you limit it to meta tpvp specs only there are certain builds you won’t and can’t 1v1 – D/P thief wants to enter an even fight and make it uneven by bursting someone down quickly

Here is from my personal experience.

Warrior: The most common spec you will see is hambow. With this spec, it’s of upmost importance to have poison on him 100% of the time. They cleanse conditions most frequently through cleansing ire and combustive shot. That being said, interrupt combustive shot to maintain poison on them. If they pop berserker’s stance, use shadow refuge in response and wait the stance out. Use whirling axe when they enter longbow and try to use it in blackpowder field with a disable (ether bassi venom or shortbow immob) to blind their arcing arrow shot (can’t be reflected). If you refuge, prepare for an earthshaker by ether dodging or shooting shortbow 3 into the ground.

Mesmers: Really this is just a fight of paitence. If you’re s/d, you have more ports than they do, so you can engage and disengage easier than them. If you’re d/p, you have more stealth – so just be patient. Use consume plasma when you’re stealthed, the most common use of it is when you’re in shadow refuge because of the stability gain. Interrupt their heal and mass invisibility.

Necros: LoS the crap out of necros and avoid pressuring them when they have skills which give them easy death shroud on pressure. If they pop death shroud, kite away until they exit the shroud – you have 10 seconds to kill them after that. Interrupt their heal.This is a hard fight 1 on 1, because one good fear chain will destroy you. Their steal is one of the best steals in the game.

Eles: This is going to be a really hard fight. Their main dmg comes from their burning. You need to avoid their damage when they are in fire, interrupt cleansing heal when in water, and use steal item when they exit water. Avoid their cc in air (shocking aura), and strip protection whey they enter earth.

Engineers: Hardest fight in the game for thieves. You can try to get rock dog to proc ip, but that’s difficult to do. Don’t get pulled by magnet (remember it can be stow weaponed). You can bait out protection injection by bassi venoming a blackpowder shot + port – or some other similar manuver (like infilrator strike). Then you can strip it with steal for clean dmg. You can shortbow immob into gunk into clusterbomb or weapon swap. If you want to really get cheeky, you can immob into gunk into bassi venom (gunk procs bassi) then you can follow up after that. Doing this will condi overload the engie. The biggest issues for you will be gear shield, incendiary powder, and their stunbreak. It’s a hard matchup, and most i try to handle with shortbow as their effective range is scariest when you are closer to them.

Chicago Jack pretty much hit the nail on the head with all the classes.

With power rangers, I make sure I save my steal for after they hit me with their bow knockback (point blank shot) because they’ll usually follow up with rapid fire. Save a stunbreak for the wolf fear also. Fire a shadow shot into the sword block it blinds and the knockback misses. Against condi bunker rangers, steal ASAP making sure they don’t dodge it, then try to fight them in the water field as it removes the condis, but honestly, good luck with that. High poison uptime is also key with them.

D/P 26006 struggles against a lot of builds and even the best thieves like Caed die a lot in tpvp if they attempt to 1v1 cele engis and eles. As a thief you should not 1v1 but +1 fights , decap far and kill squishies. No point in going 1v1 on a enemy node.

You’re a thief , you don’t need to play fair. Abuse the mobility you have and burst weakened targets.

I disagree with Glock’s assessment here, DP thief is actually pretty good at 1v1. As for your list there’s not that much that I can actually put into words. Really it’s all about actually practicing vs these opponents, there isn’t some magic strategy to beat engis or something that I can tell you other than “interrupt the heal” which is probably impossible for you to execute anyway. Play more bro. Also watch Caed’s stream I guess.

Elitist.8701:

I disagree with Glock’s assessment here, DP thief is actually pretty good at 1v1. As for your list there’s not that much that I can actually put into words. Really it’s all about actually practicing vs these opponents, there isn’t some magic strategy to beat engis or something that I can tell you other than “interrupt the heal” which is probably impossible for you to execute anyway. Play more bro. Also watch Caed’s stream I guess.

If you disagree with me that means D/P thieves push far and 1v1 off point all day to win games? Hmmm

If you play d/p perfectly, you can 1v1 anything. However, they excel in +1’ing fights and peeling for your squishy targets. It’s easier to utilize that executioner’s trait and they can engage from 1800 units away (so that means they usually can los wall hug before they go for the stab).

We are talking conquest right? Or just the infamous unbalanced 1v1 ? Please say spec not class and if you are talking duels then it most likely you will find non conquest meta builds so most common pvp specs could be last on the list . Fight them and learn for yourself you will change something believe me might even go d/d.

Decent players negate steals it’s not that hard.

Glocks view of thief is skewed. Like any other class, you will be required to 1v1 at certain points in a game and if you don’t follow through, it can really hurt your team. As for 1v1ing with a thief, your hardest match ups will be elementalist, engineer and necromancer. My main tip would be to learn how to use your shortbow. With shortbow, you have an aa that’s projectile is very hard to see, perma poison, and shadowsteps on demand. Also, learn to time your dodges. A lot of newer thieves throw random dodges into a fight, then have no more to escape a players burst. The last thing I will point out is #4 on D/P. Headshot is your best friend. Interrupt theives black powder stealths, any classes heals, moa, banner etc. Basically just play thief a lot, and learn the ins and outs of the class. Once you play for enough time the matchup are pretty instictual.

Build: http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fZAQNAoaVl0Mp0pdPxrJ8PNRLhw1Qvf3eu2PCcA-TZBFwACODAPeAA22foaZAAHCAA

Warrior: when they pop berserker or end pain just avoid them. When it drops dps.
Mesmer: hands down one of easiest classes with this build. Dps with devourer and follow if they blink. They have no condo clears usually and eat full duration immob.
Thief: I like to start with sb stealth attack for immob. They will use withdraw. Then devourer and dps.
Ranger: power drops easy straight dps. If they use invuln they hide for duration and dps. Condo Rangers you need to hide more often and time bursts.
Engi: turret engi is a no go. Other engi usually don’t have on demand condo clear and I’ve seen thm use elixir s and be immob whole time and die after.
Necro: just avoid wells and boon rip stab from loch form. Interrupt their condo clear heal.

CobOfCorn.6352:

Glocks view of thief is skewed. Like any other class, you will be required to 1v1 at certain points in a game and if you don’t follow through, it can really hurt your team. As for 1v1ing with a thief, your hardest match ups will be elementalist, engineer and necromancer. My main tip would be to learn how to use your shortbow. With shortbow, you have an aa that’s projectile is very hard to see, perma poison, and shadowsteps on demand. Also, learn to time your dodges. A lot of newer thieves throw random dodges into a fight, then have no more to escape a players burst. The last thing I will point out is #4 on D/P. Headshot is your best friend. Interrupt theives black powder stealths, any classes heals, moa, banner etc. Basically just play thief a lot, and learn the ins and outs of the class. Once you play for enough time the matchup are pretty instictual.

Yep D/P thief’s hardest match up is cele ele/engi and in tpvp everybody is a cele ele/engi. This is why im saying you should not waste your time 1v1ing unless its something that you counter or kill quickly like other thieves/mesmers.

just spam shortbow 3 when you about to die

thats all i see top thieves doing anymore

and anet wonders why sPvP isn’t known for esports despite how much money they pump into it

Glock I think it’s pretty easy to 1v1 cele eles if they’re out of cooldowns or if you just jump on them with a good 8k Mug+Backstab. @Doomdesire you don’t know anything and your comment is invalid.

Get good with S/D and you wont have problems with almost anyone. But you have to get good.

glock.6590:

Elitist.8701:

I disagree with Glock’s assessment here, DP thief is actually pretty good at 1v1. As for your list there’s not that much that I can actually put into words. Really it’s all about actually practicing vs these opponents, there isn’t some magic strategy to beat engis or something that I can tell you other than “interrupt the heal” which is probably impossible for you to execute anyway. Play more bro. Also watch Caed’s stream I guess.

If you disagree with me that means D/P thieves push far and 1v1 off point all day to win games? Hmmm

no, because stealth can not cap point, in fact thieves has better chance of winning against dd ele then most of the classes.

in a no objectif scenario, you can just keep disengage till you land a perfect ice spike and ele will be dead.

but its not practical in real tpvp.

Simon.3794:

glock.6590:

Elitist.8701:

I disagree with Glock’s assessment here, DP thief is actually pretty good at 1v1. As for your list there’s not that much that I can actually put into words. Really it’s all about actually practicing vs these opponents, there isn’t some magic strategy to beat engis or something that I can tell you other than “interrupt the heal” which is probably impossible for you to execute anyway. Play more bro. Also watch Caed’s stream I guess.

If you disagree with me that means D/P thieves push far and 1v1 off point all day to win games? Hmmm

no, because stealth can not cap point, in fact thieves has better chance of winning against dd ele then most of the classes.

in a no objectif scenario, you can just keep disengage till you land a perfect ice spike and ele will be dead.

but its not practical in real tpvp.

#conquestmeta

Plenty of specs would be used if it wasn’t only conquest and some would feel less countered/inferior to others. As long as you’re not p/p or s/p you pretty much shouldn’t lose vs a cele ele as thief 1v1 even in team good players knows to save their burst.

Like I said before learn for yourself you will have to change some aspects if you plan on doing duels only,no spec is immune to weaknesses in duels.

How to win ?
S/D and go spam…
If you do not succeed time your spam better…and spam more.

Yeah, you hear that boys? Just keep disengaging. Kappa.

Thanks Jack and everyone else

thing is, caed’s build is not really ment for dueling, it is team build
in most cases it is not worth it to 1v1

since you play caed’s build anyway why not watch him play? you can learn plenty from stream

to write tactics vs each class would require multiple posts and mentioning each build/spell … too lazy for that~

ConradR.6940:

in a 1v1 situation to win a duel?

Note* (Currently I play a D/P thief with Caed build 2/6/0/0/6 )

very important D/P move
I am goign to assume you are new to D/P

make your camera look completely vertically on you, do #5 then Heartseeker multiple. around your blacksmoke. you could get 3 stealth counts that could help you stay invis. and increase your survivablity. Don’t keep spam #5 & #2, it will be your own death.

very important D/P move

You can also #5 +#2 = stealth. then #3 + #1 on your target for teleport backstab. time it properly, and you will see.

Warrior : ( especially, Greatsword & Axe+ Shield)

note that when the Axe + Shield is up. be very very very careful because you might get downed in teh next few seconds, when the warrior starts blocking, i say retreating completely or be invisible.

you must and absolutely must take advantage of Hundred Blades , it is a chain. This means you should be able to casually dodge towards his back and own.

last thing for warrior skill when you steal from warrior is very precious. when you get it, do the following:

- stealth
- activate your Basilik Venom.
- use that F1 and close on him. he ll regret it.

Guardian
Since you are DP, you must use your safe distance and shoot two #4s to break his block.
it is a must that use your #4 properly. it is very hard but hey stopping a heal is game breaker mate.
Keep the skill that Stole until he tries to heal.

ALSO IMPORTANT, your #5 cannot blind all the Guardian’s Greatsword’s #2 (the whirlwind) attacks. it will block maybe 2 or 3, so get out immediately.

Mesmer
as D/P idk what do tell you. but it’s definitely about patience. since im D/D i C&D the clone to chill and take my time. the thing with mesmer and other Scholar classes is the simple fact that at one you just need to go all in to kill them. or they will keep messing up with your head.

Necro

the Fear from Steal is crucial, and switch to bow if the necro is trying to protecting him/herself with those AOE zones. make the necro realize your not falling for it. or use your stolen fear to make him get out of there.
If you have dealt a lot of damage and the Necro is using the Death shroud ( turns green phantasmal) , retreat and wait until he wastes his Death Shrourd.
This additional life bar is only but a timed illusion. stay calm, and he will recuperate the low that he/she had.
DO NOT MISS YOUR STEAL.

obviously run away when they turn into Liches.. it’s at least 1.5k per hit. you must get out.

ranger, or Hunter lol

Do not EVER allow the ranger to think he is at a safe distance. Your steal is Gap closer, use it IMMEDIATELY after you get pushed pack . you got D/P so your Shadow Shot is a blessing because it will be the best thing to use against him.
#3+ #5 = a lot of blinding if he does not react, then you can quickly Heartseek his kitten in stealth.

you must also IMMEDIATELY DISCARD the stolen skill. it’s only regeneration.
The good thing about the D/P vs Ranger is that ennemy pet will alaways be by yourside lol. It means that your #5 will make it miss 50% of its attacks.

As for Elementalist & Engis i cannot help you. i just do not want a sure way to get them.

Like the Mesmer, you must force yourself to go all out on them or the heal will outclass by far. especially engis. good thing you got #3.

GL.

oh and i use traveler runes. permanent 25% movement boost can help you land those backstabs like it was Wintersday, be careful with annoying runes that summon things they can keep you in combat and slow your escape..

kitten YOU PARROT.

ConradR.6940:

-Hunters

in a 1v1 situation to win a duel?

Note* (Currently I play a D/P thief with Caed build 2/6/0/0/6 )

Hunter is unbeatable, Anet doesn’t even know that they exit solely to drink the tears of thieves.

Bran.7425:

ConradR.6940:

-Hunters

in a 1v1 situation to win a duel?

Note* (Currently I play a D/P thief with Caed build 2/6/0/0/6 )

Hunter is unbeatable, Anet doesn’t even know that they exit solely to drink the tears of thieves.

<—— thief hunter ;-)

Kocoff.7582:

ConradR.6940:

in a 1v1 situation to win a duel?

Note* (Currently I play a D/P thief with Caed build 2/6/0/0/6 )

very important D/P move
I am goign to assume you are new to D/P

make your camera look completely vertically on you, do #5 then Heartseeker multiple. around your blacksmoke. you could get 3 stealth counts that could help you stay invis. and increase your survivablity. Don’t keep spam #5 & #2, it will be your own death.

very important D/P move

You can also #5 +#2 = stealth. then #3 + #1 on your target for teleport backstab. time it properly, and you will see.

Warrior : ( especially, Greatsword & Axe+ Shield)

note that when the Axe + Shield is up. be very very very careful because you might get downed in teh next few seconds, when the warrior starts blocking, i say retreating completely or be invisible.

you must and absolutely must take advantage of Hundred Blades , it is a chain. This means you should be able to casually dodge towards his back and own.

last thing for warrior skill when you steal from warrior is very precious. when you get it, do the following:

- stealth
- activate your Basilik Venom.
- use that F1 and close on him. he ll regret it.

Guardian
Since you are DP, you must use your safe distance and shoot two #4s to break his block.
it is a must that use your #4 properly. it is very hard but hey stopping a heal is game breaker mate.
Keep the skill that Stole until he tries to heal.

ALSO IMPORTANT, your #5 cannot blind all the Guardian’s Greatsword’s #2 (the whirlwind) attacks. it will block maybe 2 or 3, so get out immediately.

Mesmer
as D/P idk what do tell you. but it’s definitely about patience. since im D/D i C&D the clone to chill and take my time. the thing with mesmer and other Scholar classes is the simple fact that at one you just need to go all in to kill them. or they will keep messing up with your head.

Necro

the Fear from Steal is crucial, and switch to bow if the necro is trying to protecting him/herself with those AOE zones. make the necro realize your not falling for it. or use your stolen fear to make him get out of there.
If you have dealt a lot of damage and the Necro is using the Death shroud ( turns green phantasmal) , retreat and wait until he wastes his Death Shrourd.
This additional life bar is only but a timed illusion. stay calm, and he will recuperate the low that he/she had.
DO NOT MISS YOUR STEAL.

obviously run away when they turn into Liches.. it’s at least 1.5k per hit. you must get out.

ranger, or Hunter lol

Do not EVER allow the ranger to think he is at a safe distance. Your steal is Gap closer, use it IMMEDIATELY after you get pushed pack . you got D/P so your Shadow Shot is a blessing because it will be the best thing to use against him.
#3+ #5 = a lot of blinding if he does not react, then you can quickly Heartseek his kitten in stealth.

you must also IMMEDIATELY DISCARD the stolen skill. it’s only regeneration.
The good thing about the D/P vs Ranger is that ennemy pet will alaways be by yourside lol. It means that your #5 will make it miss 50% of its attacks.

As for Elementalist & Engis i cannot help you. i just do not want a sure way to get them.

Like the Mesmer, you must force yourself to go all out on them or the heal will outclass by far. especially engis. good thing you got #3.

GL.

Wrong about necro.
When necro is on DS,just auto attack him(try behind him) on BP,when he is on lich just be on his back all the time.Easy kill.