P/D build for pve & pvp
I still have 5 points in deadly arts as i dont want my conditions dropping off my targets too quickly, but im not entirely sure if its worth it.
The thing about condition duration is that damage conditions only actually do damage on a full second. If you cripple someone for 2.8 seconds instead of 2, they’re going to be crippled for 2.8 seconds. If you bleed someone for 2.8 seconds you’re not going to do any more damage than a 2 second bleed would’ve done because you’ll only get two ticks of damage out of it. So for condition duration on damaging conditions you’re better off pumping it high or not at all.
I’d also recommend power of inertia (acrobatics) + uncatchable (trickery). Might stacking is a great way to boost condition damage and Uncatchable will give you free bleed stacks simultaneously. It synergizes well since you need to be close range to C&D anyways. Assassin’s Reward offers more control over your healing than Pain Response, since PR will often trigger when you don’t want it to.
Your utilities could use a rework too, Caltrops is amazing with a condition damage heavy build, and both Signet of Shadows and Blinding Powder leave something to be desired. I know you want to get into stealth often for Sneak Attacks, but that is what C&D is for. Signet of Malice as a heal also might be worth looking into, depending on how many hits you’re getting off.
(edited by Tulisin.6945)
Hey guys, sorry to ‘hijack’ this post, but I was wondering something about P/D.
I can’t even begin to understand how to use this set of weapon effectively. Going stealth seems to be the way to go (cond damage is my thing too), but the over-reliance on the first attack to stack bleeds is bothering me.
How do you manage to effectively use cloak and dagger to stealth often enough to stack bleeds from the first attack ?
Thanks to your help Tulisin, I came up with something like this…
http://www.guildhead.com/skill-calc#mckMzc9cMnFvMMnFvM9MxGGoVqMacV
I’m still using Hide in Shadows as it suits my gameplay a bit more than any of the other choices, and I love the quick burst of heal + stealth it provides on a decent cool down.
I know it will be great in all kinds of PVP for me. But I’m worried about PVE… Will this spec provide enough damage in dungeons?
i have my traits set up so i can constantly keep might up which is a nice damage buff.
I dunno if its worth specing into crit instead of one of the defensive trait lines, as you can get +5% extra pistol damage! Which would obviously work well with my weapon set, It’s just that i would have to lose alot of survivability, and thats not good if I fail to dodge some of the cheap boss attacks. D:
I’m just looking for a spec thats viable in both pve/dungeons/wvw as i dont wanna have to respec everytime i decide to do something different. I just hope this is it as i enjoy it.
Hey guys, sorry to ‘hijack’ this post, but I was wondering something about P/D.
I can’t even begin to understand how to use this set of weapon effectively. Going stealth seems to be the way to go (cond damage is my thing too), but the over-reliance on the first attack to stack bleeds is bothering me.
How do you manage to effectively use cloak and dagger to stealth often enough to stack bleeds from the first attack ?
Well, in PVP use dancing dagger to snare any mellee character, and spam your #1 ability to stack bleeds while kiting away. If he gets close then use your cloak and dagger.
But if you can safely run up to him/her and use cloak and dagger then that will be a good start for you :) you basically just spam #1 and #5. just be aware of your surroundings and what your target is doing. Use your utility as needed. you can use any heal you want but i reallyy do prefer the burst heal + stealth of “Hide in Shadows”
If you’re up against a range character just keep running towards them while spamming your #1 ability, while dodging most of the damage to close the distance and use C+D so you can use your awesome pistol sneak attack :) Plus heal when needed.
I’m sorry if im not too detailed I’m kinda busy! But thats basically it. If you wanna see some awesome videos to get more tactics watch “Wild Bill’s” videos on youtube :)
In pve its pretty much the same. Use your dancing dagger to control multiple mobs. (A shortbow is easier and can be better in most situations involving multiple mobs) Also having the trait which Blinds foes as you stealth is a life saver in both pve and pvp. so it might be worth picking that up from the Shadow Arts trait line. its all about placement in pve and make plenty use of your dodge :P
I hope I helped even in the smallest way with this rushed, messy reply.
I probably missed quite a bit out, but if it’s just PVP you’re worried about just youtube wild bill. he plays this spec “near” perfect :)
But I’m worried about PVE… Will this spec provide enough damage in dungeons?
As a rule bleeds generally perform well in dungeons with the caveat that you have to coordinate with other bleed-users in your group. If there’s so many bleed users that you’re hitting the 25 stack cap, you’re not getting the fullest out of it.