I’ve been seeing more and more threads here on the forum about “Zerg” worthy thieves, I decided to make a build and share it with you.
First, I want to open with the statement that this is definitely not the thief’s forte and if you like playing with another character with these type of game plays, do it.
But, If you’re really into thieves, and don’t use other professions – this can help.
First of all – “Sb/Sb – Zerg” Build.
You have two ways to play this.
First way:
http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fYEQJAVVlcmaP3dy5E+5EhnCy+VNFy0ldPuqWrKA-j0xA4sARfCUKsIas11ioxqkJiqV3Ym7ioVLFAErBA-w
This is a Sb/Sb build – based on endurance regeneration and 3 initiative on swap. Not only is the Shortbow the best weapon a thief can use in a zerg – It’s actually and amazing weapon in general.
It’s a condition based spec, and you have bleeding, poison and weakness on demand.
Your main playstyle will be inside the enemy zerg. You will want to blast cluster bomb every moment you can, switch weapons a lot, and every time you see that white combo field circle, blast it blast finisher (Don’t press #2 again). When you’re not blasting, you’re dodging for the cripple and bleeds. Signet of Shadows is a utility I only use for running with the zerg, switch it to "Caltrops"before a major fight. You will be gaining a TON of hp due to SoM but because you’re in enemy zerg territory, but also a lot of damage. Meaning the moment you stop dealing damage (stun/dazed) the AoE will kill you instantly. This is why we have Roll of Initiative, I sometimes switch it out for Shadow Step of infiltrators Signet due to the high cool down – whatever you feel like. Poison fields – Godly, your enemies won’t usually pay attention to the red AoE circle and get a full blown sniff of your deadly gasses ;). Plus, with the blast finisher that’s AoE weakness which can really help your zerg. Don’t forget that every time you cluster bomb you also inflict weakness so you will be doing a ton of AoE damage as well as bleeds, poisons, and weakness. Another skill that most people forget is Shadow Shot. It is used almost exclusively as a mobility skill but It also blinds. It really helps if you shadow shot onto a downed player to stomp him or onto one of your own downed players to revive him without taking all the AoE damage.
Second way – Venom Sharing Sb;S/p
This is a more commonly used build –
http://gw2skills.net/editor/?fYEQNAsaVlUmCNXey0E/5EB3DjC1n6VgsaPupNjJA-jkyA4MBRKAItAg+AlCLiGbpFt+SENqkJiqV3Ym7ioVLFAErBA-w
Your job will be exclusively standing on the outskirts of zergs and picking off over extending enemies. I don’t recommend this one as much because to me it seems like a small squad tactic – thief, but I’ve seen it used. Don’t forget that you’re sharing venoms, meaning standing completely alone is a waste of your build. Personally even when I do use this build I switch the weapons a lot – I rarely stick with the S/P, either S/D, rarely P/P or Sb (double Sb – like the build before). This build is pretty much self explanatory as in putting up venoms, and taking out stragglers. The reason I don’t recommend this build is that I feel as though we’re giving up too much for the venom share trait and the venom support trait in general.
Hope this helps!
/Black Cat