WvW Roaming Havoc Build

WvW Roaming Havoc Build

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Posted by: Arikyali.5804

Arikyali.5804

Posting a thief build for the first time. Hope you guys like it. I did create it on my own, using another build as the basis. I just hope it hasn’t already been discovered.

This is the build I am currently using for WvW roaming: http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fZAQRAoa8Yl0Mp8plOx7J8PNRSRw9SQi3517ddC-TlTBwAXOCA00JkVJRYlQPOIAmVCeVZQXlI3U/BrSBUaDOu/gmTAAgHAQAAEA25O35O/5PLFge6qA-w

It’s a variation of the 2/0/6/0/6, and I find it to abuse some of the most despised mechanics of the thief class. I’m still learning to adapt to it, but it has served me quite well in WvW.

1. Changed “Thrill of the Crime” to “Long Reach” – the surprise assault is worth the loss of boons, in my humble opinion. I’ve been able to catch up to several other roamers running away, or gain a surprise attack on those who were not ready to face off a thief.

2. Drop 2 points in Deadly Arts for 2 points in Acrobatics – This is to accommodate WvW’s situational needs. Vigorous recovery helps in outnumbered fights, and fall damage reduction is easy to switch back and forth with.

3. No SB weapon swap – I know, I know. The standard WvW havoc thief demands the shortbow, but it’s not much effort to switch from one of the sets, to the SB. However, I find the thief’s natural mobility, plus speed runes, to make up for the loss.

4. Superior sigil of intelligence? – I was a cheapskate. No other reason.

5. Mixed up ascended accessory stats? – Don’t judge me! Go full zerker if you want, I just like the slightly added toughness/vitality/little bit of healing power. Annnnd the accessory themes matches my thief. Don’t. Judge. Me. (How could I say no to Tybalt’s appleseller trinket?)

Pros
-High survivability and mobility
-Good steady damage
-Useful in outnumbered situations
-Boon stripping
-Great escape
-Great gap closer
-Strong use of crowd control (daze and basilisk venom)
-plethora of blinds
-Compliments very well with duos of other classes.

Cons
-Lacks reliable burst damage. Fights can sometimes take awhile, especially against guardians and celestial elementalists. It’s a bit tricky to land the final killing blow yourself. (or maybe that’s just me still learning how to use it effectively). Thankfully, it cuts through glassy builds pretty well.

Any input (like how to accommodate that ‘lack of burst’ I mentioned) would be appreciated.

(edited by Arikyali.5804)

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Posted by: Domey.9804

Domey.9804

If you want some better burst, take thrill of the crime and use air+fire sigill.
Long reach is just Not necessary. You got a low cd steal, infil strike, shadowshot, shadowstep, heartseeker.
Your opening combo could be: infil strike – steal+cnd – switch to d/p – backstab.
Who needs long reach

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Posted by: Arikyali.5804

Arikyali.5804

I do, when people run away halfway across the map..

I’ll try it with Thrill of the Crime again, and see how it goes.

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Posted by: Cam Ron.4170

Cam Ron.4170

I LOVE long reach (though only when using sleight of hand, more worth it with low steal cooldown). Thrill of the crime is more useful in some cases, but long reach is simply more fun than boons, and when chasing someone- they are usually dead with or without fury. I switch between the two myself in power builds and can’t decide which I like more either

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Posted by: Arikyali.5804

Arikyali.5804

I’m just gonna bump this, since I’m still looking for assistance in a method for landing a good finishing blow.

This build adds pressure very well, but it does less damage than glassy builds. I used to play a glassy 06620 build, so I’m spoiled for ‘moar damage’.

I think I just need to brush up on my technique – I know I’m just missing something. I know there’s a way to link steal with S/D 3, and with the sigils I picked, it should be a generous burst. Anyone to offer advice?

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Posted by: mao.9832

mao.9832

Well you can try to run a 02606 with signets of power trait and use the Assassin’s signet if you need some finishing blows. Or just the utility iitself

[EzPz] Mao. Thief for the lulz.

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Posted by: Gilburt.9146

Gilburt.9146

I’d maybe try something like this. (assuming you don’t want to change the traits)

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fZAQRAoa8Yl0Mp8plOx7J8PNRSRw9SQi3317ddC-T1CFwAIOCAl0JoUpBgHCwVlgIVmJ4EAgSdlMaDqt/gKVKCAgAwO35O35P/ZZA0XAA-w

Long Reach is a fun trait, however you definitely need the fury from Thrill of the Crime. Thrill of the Crime can also give the boons to your allies which is nice.

Also, since you don’t trait into the power/precision lines you need a more offensive runes/gear to make up for the lack of damage. I would recommend runes of the pack or runes of the centaur. The first gives power, precision, fury, swiftness, etc. while the latter will at least give a decent amount of power while also giving you perma-swiftness. Scholar runes/strength runes would also be good for damage, however they only give you higher damage.

Also, I personally like to mix zerker with some PTV to get more or less decent survivability stats. However, as a glassy thief I don’t go crazy with the PTV. Also put some valkryie in the armor.

Brother Gilburt – Guard / Agent Gilburt – Thief

(edited by Gilburt.9146)