Guild Wars 2

guys know by any chance a thief build full critic who face a lot of damage?

I’m trying a supportish build (PvE) centered around shortbows. The crit is there so I can actually hurt stuff, too. I mostly do combo finishers on auras with #2, blind enemies with #5, use Sanctuary, and buff those around me with the stealing perks. One of the things I like most with SB is the mobility and range.

@dark assassin

sorry i couldnt access this thread until today for some reason.

The build i posted is quite unique and may not be to your liking. I like melee and i like damage so it works for me. this build is based on PvP however im sure you could use some info for wvw and pve

I use s/d, d/p combo..
playstyle:
start with s/d and use balistic venom.. open with sword2, and just hit them a few time with sword auto to ‘soften them up a little’ remembering they will be stone for 1.5s… once this wears off, sword2 again to teleport back to where you started.. pop devour venom, precast c+d, teleport using infiltrator sig.. once you hit the c+d, hit assassins sig, and then weapon swap (to your d/p) and then backstab.. it sounds hectic but you’ll get use to the rotation.

the enemy should think you dont have a dagger mainhand, so they tend to not break the stun of devour. if they breaks the stone stun, thats great, they prob wont break the devour. remembering to dodge a couple of times too to build might.. the end result is that you hit your backstab with 20 might stacks (x4 from venom, x3 from ws, x3 from dodging and x10 from signets).

very important to weapon swap after you use assassins sig cos it seems currently bugged

soldiers amulet really shines in your ‘off time’ .. and remember after the above burst, you should still have most your ini..

hello bomber thank you for the info as build looks very interesting, if in the future you will be able to post a video guide along with the build thanks again

I love s/d a lot. I use a "daze"build. Superior rune of mesmer for more daze time. Sigil of rage on sword and sigli of paralyzation on dagger.
Build:
30 in Cs: side strike, critical haste, hidden killer
30 in Sa: shadow embrace, hidden thief, shadow rejuvenation
10 in Acro: fleet shadow…i like more speed when im in stealth
utilty etc: hide in shadow, shadow refuge, blinding powder, signet of shadow, thieves guild.
How you can see i I exploited to the maximum the stealth to keep in continuous daze the opponent…For now fighting one on one I have not been defeated by anyone.try it and let me know what you think

Not sure if anyone has posted this. I read a lot of the first couple of builds and they all seemed about the same. I have a very weird hybrid build and I’m only level 72 and it works pretty well so far. I don’t have Mug yet but fairly effective. Based around stealth and backstab (I know, ANOTHER backstab build, I’m boring) BUT my build brings power, toughness, and healing power! I’ll post the link and explain just a few things but it’s easy to understand. (Copy and paste into a new tab)

_http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fYEQRAoY4alUmKOHfy9E95Ey2DfqCJKuHMFS1UaFoJA;TwAA0Cvocy0loL7NOnk3sKZQyWkpIA

So basically, you have 100% crit on backstab + your high power so your backstabs don’t suffer. You have crazy high toughness so you can actually stand through a full 100 derps and live, and your crit dmg is still high and healing power adds a little extra survivability. You can change up your amulet if you want to provide more healing or if you want to switch to Soldier’s Amulet for more vitality and change a few traits to focus entirely on you then go for it. The idea is to provide thieves with the ability to withstand some damage without neglecting their damage too much. Thank you Hidden Killer. I typically backstab for 4-11k on backstab depending on armor and toughness. Runes are completely up to you. This build is really just a premise to a solution for our high dmg and low survival. Hope this helps and maybe inspires one of your builds.

@turbolence

i think the s/d dazelock method is the best way to kill tanky players, especially guardians..you just cant beat it and i feel its an underrated weapon set. you interrupt all their heals and hardly get hit.. it also has a boon remover

i use balistic venom instead of thieves guild as i hate the 3min cooldown.. balistic works well to start the fight, and you can easy get your first daze off.

@bomber
A few days ago I also use basilisk venom … thanks to the talent hidden thief I start off with a daze … a bit of 1 , then basilisk, cloak and dagger and daze again .. I have to say that I really enjoy this build … I find it less monotonous other ,although obviously it has a little less damage … but in tournement with a companion of support it give a lot of satisfaction
srry for my english

http://www.gw2db.com/skills/calc/thief#19|0|2632|3997|2786|3906|11435|25|1142|1714|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|25|1165|1700|0|20|786|1740|0|2|3|0|28044|28045|49978|49978|49978|49978|49978|25903|48790|0|0|0|0|

SB/ S/D Build.

Focusing on survivability, dodging, and general support fire for sPvP. I tried to build it with a roaming build in mind, going between points and providing support fire for wherever the team may need me. Picked shortbow main to cause havoc and conditions, and S/D to continue with the theme of disables/conditions.

As for the equipment, Carrion amulet for that boost to survivability and poison/bleed damage, Runes of Lyssa because it works amazingly well with Basilisk Venom. Sigil of Superior Energy/Hydromancy for switching during fights.

General gameplan is to use a venom, pester opponents and just generally avoid getting killed. Will NEVER, EEEEEEEEEEEEVER do well in a 1v1 situation, you need at least 1 teammate at all times, but with the way this build is supposed to be played you’ll always have at least one teammate during all your fights.

Comments and help would be greatly appreciated

20-30-20-0-0, take mug-stealth and mug-damage

zerker amu, scholar runes

assasins signet + basilisk venom

— apply venom, press f1 for mug (applies basilisk and stealths you), press signet key for backstab, together hits squishies for >14k

Very easy to play

D/D + SB Condition build with awesome survivability (sPvP)

http://www.gw2db.com/skills/calc/thief#3|3|3537|3361|2645|8743|4989|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|30|2383|2198|751|20|727|1695|0|20|2419|2200|0|19|0|0|61745|28023|49978|49978|49978|49978|49978|25903|48792|0|0|0|0|

Instinctual Response can be switched out for Thrill of the Crime or Uncatchable

+decent condition dmg
+probably highest possible survivability due to massive healing
+AoE conditions
+ground control

-mediocre direct dmg
-no stun breaker
-good condition necros will eat you

Depending on classes you can keep 3 or even more people busy, solo lords@foefire with ease or go into beastmode when it comes to 4+v4+ situations.

I chose 30/30/5/5/0. I wanted to get the maximum damage from backstab and crits, and I also wanted to get as much crit as possible so backstab would get more effective. I like the rolling get’s you 2sec of quickness, and the ability to go stealth for when you’re almost dead

What’s the latest & greatest burst build given ytday’s changes? Off from work today and need a change of pace from my condi dmg build _ for some hotjoin fun.

I have a balanced 20 power, 20 precision, 20 in the vitality tree, and 10 in the toughness trees respectively. It has an emphasis on offense, but is nevertheless balanced, meaning I don’t really have a counter (though on the other hand I don’t really counter anything myself, which is the weakness behind being balanced: you don’t have the defense to deal with attack specialists and you lack the offense to deal with defense specialists respectively).

I noticed there are no ranged thieves, so here’s my build:

Most of the time I use Dual Mystic Pistols and occasionally I switch to Shortbow.

Critical Strikes 30 / Acrobatics 25 / Trickery 15

Mostly I just dodge around and kite stronger mobs while sticking them with lead. Hence the Acrobatics trait line. Acrobatics gives me Expeditious Dodger (2 secs of swiftness on dodge), Power of Inertia (might on dodge), and Feline Grace (dodging returns some of the endurance). This, coupled with Signet of Shadows, makes you nigh uncatchable.

Then I trained in Trickery to get Preparedness (+3 on max Init). I can return some of the Initiative through Kleptomaniac and Opportunist. Mostly I keep Thrill of the Crime up for Fury, Might and Swiftness on Steal, but occasionally I switch for Uncatchable or Flanking Strikes, depending on the situation.

I went for Critical Strikes instead of Deadly Arts because I don’t like poisons. Most of the time, I keep Pistol Mastery active. Ankle Shots also makes it easier to kite, but sometimes I switch to Critical Haste which really shines with a high critical hit chance. If you time it right, you can even squeeze in three Unloads. For the last one I almost exclusively use Executioner.

All of my gear veers toward Berserker’s (Power, Precision and Critical Damage) so I don’t have a lot of innate survivability. For that I use Signet of Malice coupled with Assassin’s Reward from Acrobatics tree. Having a lot of Initiative helps, so that’s why I trained in Trickery.

Runewise, I use five Superior Runes of the Scholar and a Ruby Orb for the moment. Those Eagle runes are just too expensive. I loaded my pistols with a Superior Rune of Bloodlust and a Superior Rune of Perception. With that, I can easily end up with a 100% chance for a critical hit. Usually, I use a Shortbow in Dungeons as a support, so I loaded it with a Superior Rune of Nullification.

As for the playstyle, I never stay in one place (unless I’m killing low-level mobs). Usually, I open with a Body Shot, follow up with a couple of Unloads, Steal to get the Initiative back, and so on. Dungeons are pretty smooth given that you know what you’re facing. If you’re careful, you can even keep aggro on a boss and kite him around, even more so if you switch to a shortbow. Then you can use Infiltrator’s Arrow to move around. Otherwise, it’s extremely important to time your dodges. Withdraw sometimes helps with kiting (unless you fall off the edge), but I found Roll for Initiative a bit underwhelming as it has a 60 sec cooldown, although it does give you initiative back. Hidden Pistol as a charr skill is also useful for kiting as it has a 15 sec cooldown.

As for the Utility Skills… I always keep Signet of Shadows active and use Thieves Guild for the Elite Skill. On rare occasions, I’ll switch to Basilisk Venom, but never to Dagger Storm. It just doesn’t cut it for me as I make a point of not getting in the fray. As for the other skills, it usually depends on the situation. If I’m exploring, then I’ll use signets most of the time. In dungeons, I usually pack Shadow Refuge for those cases when someone goes down. Wall of Smoke is also good for dungeons and I use Ice Drake and Devourer Venom for some of the bosses. Caltrops is also a superb skill if you want to kite mobs. I also use Ambush for those medium level threats, and paired with Thieves Guild you can take pretty much anything lower than Champion mobs down.

So, that’s that. I think I covered pretty much everything on my Thief.

@ above:

Dagger storm is good for farming events, you’ll only be able to do it once or twice, so you’ll have to really pay attention to what those around you have done as well.

http://www.gw2db.com/skills/calc/thief#19|0|2642|8743|3997|3361|4989|0|0|0|0|30|1195|1193|1728|25|2198|1596|0|0|0|0|0|15|2419|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|

This build is an easy going for dungeon!

First I use zerker armor. This build will help you survive in dungeon and in WvW also. If you get the rune that stealth you at 50% life, you will always get a stealth.

If you take more then 20% of your life in damage you stealth
if you have less then 25% of your life you stealth.

You have 3 way to stealth yourself and 2 that also stealth other people with you.

You have juste enough Toughness to survive most of the fight or enough to get stealth and live an other day.

You have 2 way of getting hp. The main one or the combo one with the stealth field.

You always move 25% faster so you can use both Shortbow or Dual Dagger.

The best strat is to wait until the monster or ennemies get to less then 50% hp befor going into melee and finish the job. with your massive crit attack. Befor that, you can easy kite monster with the shortbow #3 attack or mass attack with the #2.

The reason for no condition is because this game got greedy on the number of condition you can put, and more then often, monster in group already got 25 bleed, poison and burn ( Thief got no burn attack for I dont know the reason )

This build is not for full DPS, yes you have a lots of them and can make the diffrence, but the main purpose is to be able to lead a group to success and also make people live an other day when they get down.

http://www.guildhead.com/skill-calc#mzkc0mMMzMvlFMMvlTm0xp0fzabVRc

I just started a Thief recently and this is the build I’m thinking. It’s actually pretty similar to Ombra’s one post up. It’s a PVE/WvW build focusing on stealth/crits with options for AOE. I feel like this gives me good versatility as I think I can switch between S/P, D/D and P/D without loosing too much effectiveness with maybe just a quick trait swap. Any advice is appreciated.

This is a somewhat accurate assessment of what I have in game:

http://www.guildhead.com/skill-calc#mMkmMc0MzMvLxMMvLxmfx0afczabMc08kij7khA7kir7khA70M7kGL70V7ofD8ofY

*Guildhead is bugging. I do not have hidden killer. I have EXECUTIONER.

I say somewhat, because I do not sPvP, I WvW and PvE.

I have full Berserker’s armor with Divinity runes, Berserker’s rings, Valkyrie earrings and amulet, and Guild Assassin’s backpack. I have 49% crit chance before buffs and 104% crit damage. 14.5k HP before any sort of buffs. Around 3100 attack, 2070 armor.

It’s all about controlling an enemy. Pistol Whip is only good for a surprise gank, or very specific situations like interrupting a rez while downing the rezzer. It’s all about immobilizing enemies, crippling enemies, blinding enemies, and hitting like a truck every step of the way so that they never, ever, get a chance to effectively retaliate or run.

Level 78 right now, but this is my build.

http://www.gw2build.com/builds/simulator.php#1.7.1.10.13.0.0.0.0.0.156.165.168.176.179.0.0.0.456.459.460.468.475.476.0.0.0.0.0.0.515.0.0.30.30.0.0.10

Dagger/Dagger
30- Deadly arts (Sundering Strikes, Dagger Draining, Combined Training)
30- Critical Strikes (Side Strike, Critical Haste, Executioner)
10- Trickery (Thrill of the Crime)
Signet of Malice
Signet of Agility
Signet of Shadows
Shadow Refuge
Dagger Storm

Reason why? Extremely high DPS, rapid fast attacks, and I am healed for nearly 100 health every time I hit a mob. I rarely have to use my insta heal because of the passive healing with every strike, and with my boost to speed on attack, and the chance to go into quickness every 30 seconds, it’s a real killer.

At level 77 (Just didn’t have Deadly arts at 30 yet), I am able to farm level 80 areas killing 5 or so mobs at a time using level 74-76 exotic equipment. (I cheat because I carry embers as well), and if I find my health getting REALLY low I throw up Dagger Storm, and that usually fills me back to 100% health from 5%.

I highly suggest trying this build out, it was like night and day from everything else I was using.

Kyosji.8961:

30- Deadly arts (Sundering Strikes, Dagger Draining, Combined Training)

I do not recommend you using Combined Training for that build, unless of course you deal majestic damage with Death Blossom. Try moving 5 points from Deadly Arts to Tricks. The extra three initiative seems better compared to 5% extra damage.

http://www.guildhead.com/skill-calc#mckmMc0MzMFLloMFCaof9MxpcMsaVk08khf7khA7khf707khA70z7kGL70V7ofD8ofv

A few changes to my original spec.

5 points from Trickery to Deadly Arts for Lotus Poison. Since choking gas doesn’t break stealth, you can dump this into enemy zergs while remaining a ghost. I miss the daze on steal but I think this is far more effective in a group setting. Poison and Weakness on a significant portion of the enemy zerg is very strong.

Pain Response → Quick Recovery. Similar thinking as above; Pain Response is great in a small fight, but Quick Recovery works better with Assassins Reward and Lead Attacks. Sword #2, Shadowstep and Signet of Agility are usually enough condition removal.

Vigorous Recovery → Power of Inertia. This works great with the energy and might stacking food which I now use. Miss the Vigor, but since it doesn’t stack with the Endurance regen food, the loss isn’t as bad. 100% uptime on 40% energy regen isn’t too far from about 75% uptime on Vigor. Maybe a lower cooldown heal would make this work better, but Hide in Shadows is just too strong with the condition removal.

Sigils of Bloodlust and Sigils of Energy. Run a second set of swappable weapons that have Bloodlust. Once you get full stacks, swap to the Sigils of Energy. The endurance return works very well and makes up for the loss of Vigor on heal.

Ruby’s on the Knights jewelry pieces and Runes of Divinity provide a good balance of all stats.

@bomber
I recently started playing GW2 (4 days ago) and got interested in the Thief class. It is not my normal style of play and so I have been tooling around trying to find some good combos. I really like the setup. I tried following the link, but it was still broken. I tried coming up with a similar build gw2db, http://www.gw2db.com/skills/calc/thief#2|3|2642|3468|4001|6677|11435|25|1142|1714|0|20|1726|1723|0|0|0|0|0|10|1165|0|0|15|786|0|0|0|0|2|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|.
As mentioned before, it is a lot of button clicks to get everything working right, but with a speedpad/programmable keyboard it can run together nice and smooth. I will be doing WvWvW with my guild once I level up, so I am a little concerned on how well it do in that situation. The only thing I might do is switch out basilisk venom for BladeStorm. Do all the pre-work to build up the might stacks, including Steal to get an extra stack or two. S/D #2 into the fight, BS, then #2 again before you get your kitten chewed off. Then re-engage the stragglers until you can redo the combo again.

This is what I usually rock for WvW.
(Full Zerker exotic armor/weapons/jewelry)

http://www.intothemists.com/calc/index.php?build=Vc33V-FGSwkZ0J5VOFd0;9;49TT;02;029B45A;45Nl0-Nl6G3G3G3G35BFR

Con’s:
-Low HP (11.5k)
-Low(ish) Armor (2.2k)
-No AoE aside from Cluster Bomb spam
-12 Initiative “pool”.

Pro’s:
-#1 slot chain usually totals for 6-7k.
-7-8k backstabs, 9-10k+ if Fire procs.
-BP is an awesome emergency Stealth.
-SR is a Might stacking machine + Group Stealth/Heal/Stomp-Stopper.
-Cloak and Dagger returns 2 Initiative when it Stealths you.
-Whenever you gain the Stealth buff:
—You blind enemies near you (240 Radius, 5s Blind).
—You gain roughly ~302hp/sec while Stealthed with only 300 Compassion from traits.
—You gain 2x 15s Might when you enter Stealth.
—You gain +2 Initiative.
(These effects compound when 2 Thieves sharing this build run a “Wolfpack”, as all the benefits are universal upon gaining Stealth. The source of the Stealth you gain is irrelevant.)

With the Rejuv effect from Stealth plus high-end burst damage, this build can easily 1v4/5 against equally geared/leveled opponents (assuming it isn’t a premade team w/ voice comms. If you’re good/lucky it’s still doable, but you have enough Stealth escapes that if you can’t beat them- you can safely bug-out or shadow them for a more opportune moment to strike.)

Honestly I have read alot of the replys, played every character in GW2 and I must say ..that the Theif is a totally discriminated character: If I swap weapons , or in the case of elementals and engineers swap tools or element… I get the skill sets new, which allows me to actually continue the fight. The Theif however has this ridiculous thing called initiative (who and why thought that up) when its low, there is no use changing weapons to renew a skill…… it’s not useable, the initiative is still too low. Every character I play I can compete easily with a veteren at my level …. the theif I cannot. It is the most frustrating character in the game..and I have given up.. No more thief, it is an utterly useless character. Perhaps one day, a duel…pvp situation 1 on 1 will show the discrimination clearly. Either speed up this ‘initiative’ (it still makes me laugh) or give it heavy armor…. too many early deaths… too many overdrawn fights… too much frustration with an empty initiative tank…I give up

Madvangogh.4169:

Honestly I have read alot of the replys, played every character in GW2 and I must say ..that the Theif is a totally discriminated character: If I swap weapons , or in the case of elementals and engineers swap tools or element… I get the skill sets new, which allows me to actually continue the fight. The Theif however has this ridiculous thing called initiative (who and why thought that up) when its low, there is no use changing weapons to renew a skill…… it’s not useable, the initiative is still too low. Every character I play I can compete easily with a veteren at my level …. the theif I cannot. It is the most frustrating character in the game..and I have given up.. No more thief, it is an utterly useless character. Perhaps one day, a duel…pvp situation 1 on 1 will show the discrimination clearly. Either speed up this ‘initiative’ (it still makes me laugh) or give it heavy armor…. too many early deaths… too many overdrawn fights… too much frustration with an empty initiative tank…I give up

Welcome to the ugly side of playing a Thief. But now that you’re aware that Initiative is a Global Cooldown Mechanic, you can choose to augment your playstyle to that which is required of an “Assassin Class” or pick one of the other classes and enjoy the hell out of it.

Either way, it’s sometimes very easy to overlook the sort of drawback that Initiative can be – but in certain situations, I’d rather have Initiative over static cooldowns per weaponset.

It’s situational, and I find those two words to define the success of the Thief very aptly.
People who get blown up by a burst build met a thief who had all of their Utility/Elite skills up. (i.e. perfect situation, for the Thief)
People who destroy same thief 20 seconds later found a Thief with no initiative and next to no escape ability. (i.e. deadly situation for the Thief)

my PvP build: most of the time http://www.gw2db.com/skills/calc/thief#3|3|2632|2645|134|3468|4989|20|1738|1704|0|20|1731|1193|0|10|750|0|0|0|0|0|0|20|782|786|0|19|0|3|28017|28017|53495|53495|53495|53495|53495|21031|48792|0|0|0|0|

Rate/critique my PvE build,
Based on survivability and reviving fallen teammates

Heal skill could be replaced with withdraw instead,
Trickery’s minor trait could be changed to III if you prefer to be more mobile,
I normally keep Signet of Shadows on, but if I require a third Util skill I’d replace it,
And Elite just depends on the boss.

With this build, in a mob of 10-15 (5-7 in Dgns), you could avoid having your health drop below 85% while soloing them (assuming you don’t get any conditions on yourself)

With normal soloing, you can use the elite skill if you pulled too much.
To calculate healing, you heal around 97 Hp per hit,
Assuming the only increase in healing is from trait line, you heal 69.7 Hp per initiative,
And when you kill an enemy, you gain more less 670 Hp

Now how I play the build, I use Dagger Dagger with sigil of restoration (I know they don’t stack, but I’m bothered when they’re not matching).
So let’s add up, assume I pulled a mob of five,
I would use heart seeker on one, 97 Hp (0 Hp really, you shouldn’t have been hit)
then with 15 initiative, I would use Death Blossom x3 (if you’re a initiative shore or two, steal from one) this alone deals around 4000 x3 Damage over 10s to the one monster in the mob, give or take(not including the non-initiative skill damge) but the important part is how much you heal.
I said a mob of 5 in the event I totally missed one, over this attack, I would have hit at least 36 times. 36 × 97 is around 3500 Hp then we used three 5 initiative skills which from assassin’s reward gives us around 1050 Hp.

From this, we gain around 4550 Hp per full bar of initiative with hitting 4 targets perfectly.

This is only with initiative skills only, incorporating the auto attacks, if you kite the mob while auto attacking, you’ll hit usually 3-4 monsters resulting in 388 Hp gain, along with the sigil of restoration, we would gain around 670 Hp per defeated enemy. (for added bonus, you can add a sigil of water to your other weapon, to gain roughly 270 Hp per activation).

And I made this because I wanted something a little different from a glass cannon…

http://www.gw2db.com/skills/calc/thief#3|3|3537|3999|3997|3361|4989|10|1143|0|0|30|1190|1193|1728|0|0|0|0|30|727|1695|1163|0|0|0|0|10|10|1|28037|28035|49965|49965|49965|49965|49965|25790|21080|21080|21080|21080|21080|

easy as tap 4, 2 spam 1 and bam whoever you hit down under 6 seconds. and that isnt even a stealth build but hey if you need stealth hit 5.

This P/D build’s finally been working for me in PvP.

Mainhand: Pistol, +10% condition duration Rune
Offhand: Dagger, +10 Condition Damage/kill Rune

All armor has Runes of the Afflicted

Healing: Hide in Shadows.

Utility 1: Devourer Venom.
Utility 2: Shadowstep:
Utility 3: Needle Trap.
Elite: Thieves Guild : Dagger storm

Traits:

Deadly Arts: 30. Mug (III)/Corrosive Traps(II)/Panic Strike(XI)
Critical Strikes: 10. Pistol Mastery(V)
Trickery: 30. Flanking Strikes(IV)/Instinctual Response(II)/Initial Strike(IX)

my WvW build i also use it PvE work ok… probably beter
Traits: 0
15 5
25 6 3
30 2 10 9
0
healing: hide in shadows
Utilitys: roll for initiative, infiltrator’s signet, Shadow Refuge
Elite Dagger storm

Weapons
Main hand 1: Sword sigil = Sigil of rage type : berserker
Off hand 1: dagger sigil = Sigil of preception type: berserker
Off hand 1: dagger B sigil = Sigil of Force type: berserker
Off hand 1: dagger C sigil = Sigil of the Night type: berserker
offhand A to 25 stack Offhand B during day offhand C during night

Main hand 2: Pistol Sigil of rage type: berserker
Offhand 2: Pistol Sigil of force type berserker
Offhand 2: Pistol B Sigil of night Type berserker

Armor: Valkyrie Emblazoned Set
Runes 4x Superior Rune of Divinity 2x Superior Rune of Hoelbrak
Jewerly : Backpeice: Berserker
accessory : Ancient Karka Shell of the berserker with Exquisted Ruby Jewel and Berserker accessory with exquisted ruby jewel
Rings: Lunaria Circle of the moon, Solaria Circle of the sun
Amulet: berserker with exquisite ruby jewel

Food: Bowl of Orrian Truffle and meat stew, Master Maintenance Oil

sub stat With buffs (might stack + sigil charges + food )
attack 2910 attack 3400
critical chance 33% critical chance 50%
critical dmg 87% same
armor 2334 same
HP 17315 same
Healing Power 354
Rotation S/D: 5 wait 2 seconds 1 1 1 1 Dodge 5 dodge repeat
Rotation P/P 3 !!!!! (only be used in rare cases of people running away )

Note: this build can not fight DD ele on 1v1 fight

This is my first attempt at a build: http://www.guildhead.com/skill-calc#mMkzzc0zMMxnaoMxnlo0GaGGocoMoVk

I’m aiming for something fairly capable at both PvE and WvW. Decent survivability with good damage (through critical strikes). I use D/D with either a lot of bleeds, or striking out of stealth (I like to mix it up).

Feedback is appreciated.

After losing interest in the thief class I decided to change my build, to see if I’d enjoy it more. Changed it 2 times, think I found a decent build now however
http://gw2.luna-atra.fr/skills_tool/?lang=en&code=3c32g0fn7on1n0idi0u0p0f8788989nj7jb

30 in deadly arts
25 in shadow arts
15 in trickery

I mainly use the venoms now, for elite I swap it out depending on what I do, but I mostly use the human grenth elite skill to apply more debuffs.
The stealing health when using the venoms have proven to be a charm for me.

I usually start of with shortbow when there’s more enemies. Laying down the poison field, swap to daggers, death blossom for the poison darts.
Every now and then I use P/P, mainly because I still enjoy pistols too

I don’t really pvp, and haven’t tested the build there.

Aervius.2016:

This is what I usually rock for WvW.
(Full Zerker exotic armor/weapons/jewelry)

http://www.intothemists.com/calc/index.php?build=Vc33V-FGSwkZ0J5VOFd0;9;49TT;02;029B45A;45Nl0-Nl6G3G3G3G35BFR

Con’s:
-Low HP (11.5k)
-Low(ish) Armor (2.2k)
-No AoE aside from Cluster Bomb spam
-12 Initiative “pool”.

Pro’s:
-#1 slot chain usually totals for 6-7k.
-7-8k backstabs, 9-10k+ if Fire procs.
-BP is an awesome emergency Stealth.
-SR is a Might stacking machine + Group Stealth/Heal/Stomp-Stopper.
-Cloak and Dagger returns 2 Initiative when it Stealths you.
-Whenever you gain the Stealth buff:
—You blind enemies near you (240 Radius, 5s Blind).
—You gain roughly ~302hp/sec while Stealthed with only 300 Compassion from traits.
—You gain 2x 15s Might when you enter Stealth.
—You gain +2 Initiative.
(These effects compound when 2 Thieves sharing this build run a “Wolfpack”, as all the benefits are universal upon gaining Stealth. The source of the Stealth you gain is irrelevant.)

With the Rejuv effect from Stealth plus high-end burst damage, this build can easily 1v4/5 against equally geared/leveled opponents (assuming it isn’t a premade team w/ voice comms. If you’re good/lucky it’s still doable, but you have enough Stealth escapes that if you can’t beat them- you can safely bug-out or shadow them for a more opportune moment to strike.)

Note:
I’ve noticed that Shadow’s Rejuv extends its effects to allies you stealth. I’m not sure if this is intended or not, but I’m certainly not complaining.

Thank you so much. I have thief alt jut hit 80. This build is freaking awesome in WvW. My main in ele I love the ele but this build rocks newbies so hard I’m having thought of making thief my main now lol.

Slow and Steady-

I am running a 0-0-30-25-15 build and loving it. Full condition/precision/toughness gear. 30% chance to lifeleech on crit combined with 66% chance to life leech on crit food is really nice for keeping your health full.

Cloak and Dagger heals for about 1000 with Shadow’s rejuvenation while stacking bleeds.

CUT AND PASTE
http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fYAQRAqY4YlUmiP3ey5E95EB3ji60m6f4r9MwqVB;TIAAzCpA

My only problem is chasing runners, because of the lack of a root or stun.
I thought I had created this build, because I couldn’t find anything like it. Then I mentioned it in guild chat and was told it is a pretty common survival build, or near the common build for survival/condition.

EDITING MY POST:

Thieves are not challenging at all to play and need to be nerfed. Hopefully they do something about CnD, because currently it takes no thought or decision making on when to use it. The initiative should be 9, not 6. I will come back to playing a thief, when it actually takes skill.
What is funny, I made a thief because I got bored with my Elementalist, who is also OP.

Awsome build. Its like u vanish every second.

http://www.gw2build.com/builds/stealth-damage-condition-remove-spamm-stealth-builds-9379.html

Hard to look through each and every post but, anyone got a good Venom build? And more so, how do you choose the stats for venom build? Is it looking into cond dmg with them or is it a crit build with traits offering various effects for venoms (i.e Leeching venoms, Venoms give might, Venoms last an extra strike(does this count of Basilik venom?), Venoms given to allies, etc) Thank you.

I’m working on a dd/sb build, with my traits being 0/30/0/20/20.

I’m still pretty new to the thief class, and this is my first attempt at coming up with a build.

I’m a little stuck on the gear/runes/sigils. Would I be better off focusing on precision/condition dmg or precision/crit? Also, I’m wondering where the best place is to throw in some toughness for survivability (and how much). Any advice on the build or especially the gear is much appreciated.

http://intothemists.com/calc/?build=Vd33V-FCZwFb0N5V-Vd08EBP;1K5;7T-JJ;128A;128-46-LFG5;2NV05NV052VFh

this is my personal “crit bleed build”. recommendations, critique, suggestions are welcome and will be considered. I’m just new to the game so I might overlooked a lot of things so bear with me.

copy paste:

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fYAQNAqYVlUmaN3cS6E95Ex2jeuTey9woItpaFwJA;TsAg0CnowxgjAHLOOck4siYUxkAA

My first attempt at making a build. Just looking for some feedback. Clearly stealth/backstab centered.

http://en.gw2skills.net/editor/?fYAQNAsaVlcmaOHcy9E95Ey2jKUn4JPFk1Y1p4qsKA

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fYAQNAqaVlYm6O3cy8E95Ex2DgmTdqpAnvsTRW1KA

This is the build I’m planning on using so far, focusing on crits and kiting with pistols for single target and short bow for groups. Advice not only appreciated but requested.

http://www.gw2db.com/skill-builds/2561-wvwvw-pve-sword-pistol-build

This is my first S/P build, so if u can help me improve it i’ll thankfull. I think that its easy build even on lvling and u can use in every SPvP/WvW or PvE

My PvP build offers high mobility, survivability & enemy kiting (annoyance!) due to lot’s of dodging and crippling as well as pretty decent damage.

http://www.guildhead.com/skill-calc#mckMzMMzMmblvMmbTvm0x0GGVkqckcV8khT70V7kGL70V7owY70m

p/d & p/p

A typical encounter might go like…

Dancing Dagger (4) (use 4 ini and cripple. Want to use ini as steal gets it back!)
Steal (F1) (shadowstep to your foe)
Cloak & Dagger (5) (stealth)
Sneak Attack (1 from stealth)
Use whatever you stole (F1)
Shadow Strike (3) (to get distance)
Swap to p/p and then Unload & kite until dead (either them or you)

Dodging (Caltrops and condition removal) and liberal use of the utility skill Withdraw (restores endurance due to traits allowing more dodging) plus Roll for Initiative and Shadowstep all help with the kiting and there’s always ‘Black Powder’ to get you some respite if needed.

Hello there!I`m so confused, I can`t decide how to build my thief, because I`m disappointed in glass cannon, it`s not valuable for anything.I would like to change my build for more survivability, but also I don`t want to lose all my damage.Can you help me?
I have full exotic equipment with stats: power/precision/condition damage.Also I have runes of air in slots.

Denker.1984:

Hello there!I`m so confused, I can`t decide how to build my thief, because I`m disappointed in glass cannon, it`s not valuable for anything.I would like to change my build for more survivability, but also I don`t want to lose all my damage.Can you help me?
I have full exotic equipment with stats: power/precision/condition damage.Also I have runes of air in slots.

Hey…I ran into the same problems…depends if you want to go condition damage in order not to have to get new gear…if you want to keep condition damage and maintain decent survivability…got the p/d, sb route…invest 30pts in Shadow arts…and use bleeding duration sigils with air…and get some toughness and vitality in your accessories…spam 5…then 1…rinse and repeat…

I personally found that build to be boring so I went with a S/D, D/D build and switched gear for berserker (Divinity runes) with weapons and accessories that gave me some toughness and vitality…which gives me plenty of damage and survivability, and by far most fun i’ve had playing a thief…keep crit dmg high, crit chance around 50%…

PM me I’ll send you the exact build details if you want. Good luck.

Build what I use for WvW. Rest i don’t do

0 in DA
30 Crit Str: III, X, XII
30 Shadow: I, VIII, XI
10 Acrobatics: I

Stat’s: 3100+ Attack
42% crit chance
92% Crit damage
17,5k health

Gear: All Beserker clothing, Berserker necklage, rest Valkyre jewels.
Weapons, Dagger (Bloodlust) Dagger (Rage) Pistol (Earth) Shortbow (Earth)
The runes are of the Pack.

Utility setup:

Heal: Hide in Shadows.
Blinding Powder.
Shadow Refuge
Shadow trap. (Shadow trap,caltrops or sos)
Elite: most daggerstorm, but use all if the situation ask for it.

Cons: mobility, Utility failure, not the thief damage output like most fear.
Pro’s: High Survivability through stealth, not a 2# thief, tactical playing. Healing while in stealth.

Fun or not?

Well I have a lot of buddy’s that are quite happy with this build. On the other side, some havin to many problems with that because they are to long bound on there old playing build. When you are able to adjust, all builds and every profession is playable.

How to play?

By die trying. I trained it by walking in a zerk to there point where they where heading.
Or staying alive in a enemy zerk, with the intention to kill 5 targets.
What also is a very fun experience!

^^ hey bro it’s “zerg” fyi, and that look’s like great build. I don’t wvw but when I do I will check how that build works for sure.

Anyway

I played back-stab burst d/d short bow and really liked it, but one night I was just bored and jumped onto my other thief I use for messing around with builds.
When I picked up the p/p combo at first I didn’t like it at all, then I decided to give it a try at least until I made a build to focus around its vitality which is a lot different than the back stab thief ( even tho you still use short bow a lot in spvp)
Now I moved the the p/p short bow to my main.. When I get into a random group most people laugh and since my back stab build is a quick switch I just switch back to d/d&sb for the paid or free, however when I run with my team we do really great in paids and frees( me as the p/p SB. Just bringing that up so you can be weary, because most people want a thief for the burst and while p/p short bow has a little burst its nothing compared to the back stab. I do feel our mobility and CC’s make up for that as a p/p shotbow..

Here is my build I’m using.. I couldn’t find much about it online so I just had to make my own go ahead and crit it please and thanks!

Traits
http://puu.sh/1Un5L/37c385372f
Gear
http://puu.sh/1Unfp/24cb5dd664
http://puu.sh/1UnfD/03224e7ff4
http://puu.sh/1Ung2/f78a422be4
http://puu.sh/1Ungt/e40ac4f9cc
http://puu.sh/1UngG/b3ebcfa75c

Liav.7598:

I posted this in another thread just now, but I’ll put it here anyway.

Dagger+Dagger/Shortbow

0/0/20/30/20

Shadow Arts: Infusion of Shadow, Patience
Acrobatics: Power of Inertia, Pain Response, Quick Recovery
Trickery: Uncatchable, Trickster

Runes: Rune of the Undead 6/6

Sigils: Sigil of Agony 2/2+1/1

Utility Skills: Roll For Initiative, Caltrops, Signet of Shadows

Elite Skills: Dagger Storm, Thieves Guild (situationally)

This build is ALL condition damage, and relies on constant movement/evading/Death Blossom to avoid damage and prolong fights for as long as possible.

Very few classes can compete with the longevity of this build.

Roll For Initiative is the only stun break I need. Enjoy getting all of your initiative back while dodging far enough away from your opponent that their 4s Quickness ability is used up.

Every dodge you perform gives you a 20 (twenty, yes, twenty) second duration stack of Might. I’ve managed to get upwards of 7 (yes, seven) stacks of Might in the heat of combat, which means improved Condition damage.

If your endurance is not full, you’re getting a passive 10% damage bonus via the Acrobatics line. This does not apply to bleeds to my knowledge, only direct damage. This means that you should be dodging 100% of the time if you do not have the initiative to use Death Blossom, or if your endurance bar is full. Do not allow your endurance bar to fill up.

Dodge right on top of your opponent if possible to ensure Caltrops lands on them, applying extra stacks of bleeds as well as cripple, in addition to the HUGE radius of the utility Caltrops.

Avoid using Hide in Shadows to cure conditions if your health is >75%. Pain Response will automatically remove all damaging conditions from you once your health hits 75%, this ability is on a 45s internal cooldown.

Enjoy.

This build turned my thief into a one man killing machine. Be ready to mash a lot of buttons with this build, but you will easily take on 5-7 mobs solo, no problem. I can’t stress enough how important dodging and Death Blossom are with this build.

Thanks Liav.7598 for posting it.

Funny thing that happened, I was doing an event with my thief and someone asked how I liked it. After I told them that you need your skills and traits set up correctly, they commented “I think your hand would be sore after playing for a couple hours.”.

What is “better” for WvW? Condition or a GC backstab build? If someone could also post a link to a build (I have looked at several builds and many seem outdated) that would also be epic.

not 80 yet, but this is the build I’m aiming for on my 100% PvE Thief:
http://www.guildhead.com/skill-calc#mVkmM9mooMwoooMwoxx9MaocbozqV8kil70V7kGc70V7ofD70m

Sword/Pistol build, going for lloottsss of crits, because big numbers are fun