Guild Wars 2

Edit: Everything in this post is from a SPvP viewpoint – I don’t PvE, so my comments don’t reflect that at all.

In the past, I’ve wondered why someone would go S/D – D/P. I’ve even derided the spec.

I always try to be fair and courteous (and fail at times, like any human). Having run S/D for a few days though, I can honestly see how and why I was wrong.

Losing SB sucks a bit for those big group fights a thief has no business inserting himself into the middle of, and of course a bit lost mobility will always sting, but aside for that, the 2 compliment each other very, very well. S/D offers control, elusiveness, strong boon stripping, and strong out-of-stealth burst with FS (even if it can be a bit tricky to get to path correctly.) D/P brings the burst you need when you need a target down and your target is too focused on mobility for FS/IS to cut it. The only downside is having to avoid big AoE centric fights that with SB, you used to be able to contribute to meaningfully.

I know this probably isn’t news to some of you, but I only thought it fair to come to the boards I express my opinions on semi-frequently and correct myself on something I’ve derided (at weak moments, condescendingly) on the boards.

I only made this post to bring attention to S/D. For the longest time, I was convinced that the spec was a holdover “control” spec from the days when Tac Strike could nearly perma-daze a target.

That is not the case.

Between IS (which I’ve always known was an amazing skill), FS (stripping boons hurts nearly every spec at this point, with boons being so insanely strong), and the option to switch to D/P (with its strong burst), you’ve got all the tools you need for small scale engagements. You’ve just got to avoid the large scale kitten-fests that thief generally has no role in anyway, and give up a bit of mobility.

Infiltrator’s strike alone makes for a unique playstyle that doesn’t rely on stealth. Sword/Dagger is amazing

I have played with this weapon set a lot in the past two months, and I have one thing to say: Oh. My. God. These weapon sets are amazing! Seriously, this set has so many utilities:

• Blind
• AoE Blind
• Daze
• Stun
• Interrupt
• Stealth
• Backstab
• Gap Closer with blind
• Rip boons
• Evade Attacks while dealing decent damage
• High burst
• Cripple
• Weaken
• Stun Breaker
• Poison
• Smoke Combo Field
• Combo Finishers

I really love this set and I use it both in PvP and PvE (I sometimes take a SB in dungeons). I’ve never had trouble standing in the middle of a group fight as I’m survival specced, and the sword main attack is attacking three targets, so it’s sort of an AoE weapon.

I agree that there are too few thieves running these sets, but it’s also nice to be one of a small group

Welcome to the club mate

Master this setup and u will dominate

Keeping in mind, if you get into one of those large scale battles where SB would be most relevant, all you need do is leave it in your inventory anf replace as needed. This is how I roll, and is only a slight inconvenience.

I have a S/D main, a D/D bloodlust set, a D/P secondary, and a SB siege on me at all times.

Weapon switching isn’t allowed in tPvP. You have to commit to what you went in with.

Shortbow isn’t always necessary. Depending on map/composition you may be able to get away with it. It

Yeah, didn’t pay attention to sPvP part… Carry on.

I personally off-set either P/P or D/D. In a big fights, using D/D off-set, if you master the timing of IF →Death’s Blossom(x3)→Shadow Return, that’s a really fun game play.

Glad to see ya joining with the enlightened few ^.^

Sir Vincent III.1286:

I personally off-set either P/P or D/D. In a big fights, using D/D off-set, if you master the timing of IF ->Death’s Blossom(x3)->Shadow Return, that’s a really fun game play.

What’s best is to look for an engine in the middle of a zerg, IS→Steal→Throw Gunk→DB→SR…

Confusion + bleeds + random condis is amazing… But you’re talking 20 init in 9 seconds, so you gotta play your cards right…

I love S/D and D/P. Good stuff thar. Yessireebob

As someone said earlier…it’s an excellent combo of abilities.

And the best of all? It’s fun