What should I focus on as a Thief in an uncoordinated team? For what I’ve read, it should mainly be stealing undefended nodes and creating mismatched (+1) fights. I normally play more point-fighter type of characters in PvP, so this is a different playstyle for sure.
+1 fights is always good. Aside from that, try spiking the targets who are at lowest hp OR the opposing damage dealers (other thieves, rangers, mesmers, s/f eles mostly). If you join a fight and you see someone below 50%hp and no “squishy” classes around, try hitting the guy below 50% to proc Panic Strike.
You burst, then get out. Do not, DO NOT, EVER EVER EVER fight ON point, let the other tanky classes do the work. If you go down while you were bursting a target because of random AoE, it’s 100% your fault.
When do you use Steal? Do you primarily save it for boon rips? Are there other good times to use Steal, for example against specific classes where you want the stolen item more than the boon rip?
Steal is usually used as a FOLLOWUP of your burst. Start with a backstab, then after they dodge proceed to Steal to interrupt their possible Healing skill.
In theory this always work. In practice, good players won’t get fooled by that. However, as a general rule, try to avoid opening with Steal unless the added 2k dmg is guaranteed to kill him OR severely cripple him.
Aside from bursting, Steal is usually used as boon rip as well. I always try to keep it when I join a teamfight if there’s an enemy warrior around, so that I can interrupt his Banner. Same if there are other possible Stab-rezzers. Aside from this, use it to strip Stability from classes that usually have a Stability skill (guardians, Eles)…
When do you equip Infiltrator’s Signet versus Blinding Powder? Obviously having another stun-break is useful, but I don’t find much need for the extra teleport between Shadow Shot, Steal, and Shadowstep. Is the signet mostly held for stun breaks?
Entirely up to you. If you’re scared of the enemy thief or if you’re the only damage dealer in your team you might go for Blinding Powder. Blinding Powder in general is better for solo plays. Infiltrator Signet is better if you have a team that calls targets, so you can easily port to a marked enemy without worrying about LoS.
On the other hand, since it is easy to enter stealth with Blinding Powder and Heartseeker, what are the reasons you would want to equip Blinding Powder? Is it mostly used as an opener for Backstab?
You can use it in an offensive way, but I usually like to keep it as a defensive utility (either for disengages or condi cleanse), especially in soloq (UNLESS the "free"backstab that it gives you 100% will kill the enemy you’re facing).
In group plays, the group stealth + Blast finisher can provide a “free” 6s group stealth (so can be used to deny enemy stomps or safestomping or to set up a coordinated burst).
When do you use Shadowstep? I mostly use this for escaping a bad situation, making the second half of shadow step less useful. I also see how it could be used for jukes, but I haven’t really practiced that too much. It seems like I am missing opportunities to set this up for better use, but I just haven’t seen them yet.
Mostly for escape, but don’t be afraid of using it if a teammate needs help ASAP and you are far away from him. Remember: if you only use your skills defensively, there is a chance you will never use them in the entire match (which would mean having, virtually, a wasted skill slot).
Can also be used for safestomping or for a condi cleanse.
