Guild Wars 2

I have mained an asura thief since launched, and since have seen both reasons to, and not to play an asura. Why did you make yours?

-Oscuro

Yeah, I main a thief and the dodge roll is a thing I get kind of upset about, but other things make up for it. Also, using a zenith dagger, the dagger spin is really cool. Plus hiding is easier. So the positives outweigh the negatives.

I personally play a more shadow step build with s/d but theoretically you could run 20/30/20 with a sword and dagger with the two stealth utilities, and use backstabbing immediately after the #3. Right now I run 10/30/0/0/20. Out of stealth I crit about kitten .5k. I do not have 100% crit because I choose different traits to accommodate a different play style, but you could, IN THEORY, run a very effective s/d stealth build. I run full zerk, and I don’t have any problems surviving but I have played the same character since launch, and that is my thief. I would suggest signet of malice. Basically just through in the back stabbed traits and play it nearly the same way, just a bit more time out of stealth for a bit more damage.

-Oscuro

I’ve actually been running the last build you have given a title to. Ninjutsu. I’ve played that build for about a month and I crit about 4.8-5.8k on the last hit of sword one or the second hit of #3. Total nuke.

Just for some help, I run full zero which can be very VERY difficult since you have literally 0 survivability. Signet of Malice is a must. I run with shadow refuge and the other stealth in wvw, for utility purposes mostly. The 3 second stealth gives a nice bit of survivability, and I can crit for 4-5k out of stealth.

I definitely recommend this build because it is a blast. Not quite the same damage as d/d because of a slower attack rate, but the build is TONS of fun.

This build is viable for anyone wanting to run on PvE or WvW. I do not play PvP so cannot speak for those players.

Some Background: I have played a thief since launch and theory crafted this build for some thief friends and one of them tried it and said it was very good, so I tried it and it is better than I expected.

Build:
http://intothemists.com/calc/?build=-c;4ZwkZ0Y5VOVd0;9;5J-TJ;145;219A39-YFl75;9G-Gg-Ak1SN2sca-f0k1sYvZ0a63-SF6H-7PcW5V;9;9;9;7kkkkkk;9;0V5s5q

It runs 0/20/0/30/20; with p/p main and p/d.
Pretty self explanatory, you use unload for large amounts of burst, with ricochet being a very useful mobbing utility.

I personally switch to p/d when the enemy is getting close and then steal in, use the steal skill, then p/d #3 out. This should do some good damage, especially after using unload once or twice before they get to you. If they are not downed at this point, they are very close, or a guardian. Just use pistol basic attack to finish them off. If by some chance of god, or they are a very skilled player, you can wait for another weapon swap, and blow the rest of your initiative. If this doesn’t kill them, or you have not yet died, run. You will probably die. Some how they are immortal.

This does not ensure you will survive in every encounter, but if the build is played right, you should win about 65% of the time, and if you fight noobs, you will melt them with 2 unloads. Your final strike with unload hits for about 8k so it is pretty hefty damage if you get the whole chain on them.

This build is very effective, can be used for soloing majority of champs, and solo roaming in WvW/ Zerging.

Please leave any suggestions on improving the build. Always improving.

-Oscuro

I actually run berserkers, and feel like I have plenty of survivability. I run a similar p/p build in which I use 0/20/0/30/20 with one key difference. I use signet of malice and assassins reward so every attack I do, I get atleast 150 health back. I get about 1/5th of my hp back from unload. I also use positions and the speed signet, which is especially effective in wvw/champ solos.

Also, I would warn against using a short bow with p/p. I use a dagger offhand as my secondary for the #3 skill and the knife throw for a very handy cripple. But that’s just me.

-Oscuro

Hello all! I am posting this as a viable build for switching between pve and wvw effectively.
Just some Background: I have mained a thief since the beginning, and have run many builds effectively, such as unlimited stealth and s/p hopper build. This build was on I theory crafted for a guild mate who had just reached 80 on his thief, and wanted to try pistols since he already had two exotic ones from champ farming. He really enjoyed it, so I tried it myself. It is relatively versatile and very viable in both pve and wvw, if played correctly. I am able to solo most champions, with some exemptions. I DO NOT have ascended gear, and still am capable of hitting 2k on a basic attack w/ crit plus there is additional damage from the bleed.

The Build:
It runs 0/20/0/30/20.

http://intothemists.com/calc/?build=-c;4ZwkZ0Y5VOVd0;9;5J-TJ;145;219A39-YFl75;9G-Gg-Ak1SN2sca-f0k1sYvZ0a63-SF6H-7PcW5V;9;9;9;7kkkkkk;9;0V5s5q

The stats actually came out a little bit different because the trinkets are a little bit different, but basically you regenerate health every time you fire you pistol. You really don’t need to worry about that. Escape is relatively easy because of p/d #3 and your trait that shadow steps you away when knocked down/stunned. This also makes it easier to:

A) Escape a warrior combo
B) survive much better when fighting any close range class.

Another big key is to NOT STOP MOVING! If you can keep dodging and moving you will be able to keep up around 6-7 stacks of might, which isn’t bad for passively gaining them by dodging. You can easily melt down eles and other thieves. Warriors are a bit difficult, especially if they have signet of rejuvenation, but it just results In a longer fight. Depending on how the necro is built, they will melt under your awesome unload. Engineers are a bit difficult, but they are kill able if you are able to stay out of range if their bombs/crowbar thing and dodge their confusion. Rangers are very very difficult to kill. Their knock back and superior range, as well as semi non-melt able pets makes them tricky and you will most likely die half the time when trying to solo a ranger, but it is doable with practice. Mesmers are relatively kill able, ricochet can kill their clones in 1-2 unloads and if you can track the actual player, they are like butter being thrown into the sun.
Guardians are gods to thieves, but mortality is powerful. Your bullets will ring off of his armor as the earth shakes with the epic shockwaves of your conflict. Their bullet reflect can cause incredible damage, but your bleed can start to add up. Guardians may be superior, but you can get a jump on them if you can stack all of your poisons on him or her in 1 unload. You will apply far too much cd for them to counter, and your unload will slowly bring them down to fast for their heals to counter.

This build is very effective and can cross between both pve and wvw. I have only played it for a day, so if you have any suggestions or opinions, please leave them. Hope this build helps!

-Oscuro

Hello all! I was looking to make an alt, allowing for more support/ sustainability across both wvw and pve that my thief doesn’t seem to have. Don’t get me wrong, I have found of ways to play my thief very effectively in both pve and wvw and like the play style, but I am looking for a more survivable class. I have it to Guardian and Emgineer, but any other suggestions are welcomed! Just looking for opinions on what to play.

-Oscuro

Just curious on which I should go. I have both to twenty and still can’t make a decision, just thought that maybe some players with experience could help out with my decision. I play both pve and wvw, not really any pve. A survivable class with support since I run with a guild would be ideal. Thank you in advance.

-Oscuro

Just curious on which I should go. I have both to twenty and still can’t make a decision, just thought that maybe some players with experience could help out with my decision. I play both pve and wvw, not really any pve. A survivable class with support since I run with a guild would be ideal. Thank you in advance.

-Oscuro

What would be truly awesome for an ele to have? A sword. I would come up with skills, but I’m fresh outta time. What are your opinions?

-Oscuro of Kaineng

aussieheals.6843:

Sorry, we need kangaroos first

Yes! Kangaroos!

These are awesome ideas, I contemplated using vulnerability, but I felt that it would feel too much like a land version of the necro spear, and I don’t personally feel like a staff thief wouldn’t feel like a vun stacker, but a more leap, grab and kill type, instead of the thieves normal role of stealth to insta kill, giving it a nicer mobbing ability with kickbacks and stuns, adding surbivability to the already low hp and armor of a thief. That #2 skill is a very cool idea, and would be very interesting to implement, but could easily become OP since thieves don’t utilize CD, but iniative, so it seems like more of a utility skill, rather than a 1-5 skill

-Oscuro of Kaineng

I have noticed many people being impatient about knowing what weapons thieves will get, and, in effect, many people coming up with ideas on what these weapons could be. Particularly the rifle. While I think this is a good idea, there are many other potential weapons a thief could us effectively.

1. Staff:
Now hear me out, this may seem a bit odd, but this context can fit the idea of a thief. Instead of using it like a magical weapon, it is used physically, similar to the concept of the quarter staff in some games.

1a. Bash
Quickly thrust the butt of your staff into the does infront of you.
Damage: kitten

1b. Side Sweep
Swipe your staff horizontally across the foes i front of you with great speed.
Damage: 500

1c. Circular Sweep
Use the momentum from your previous strike to diagonally swipe down on the foes infront of you with a combination of speed and strength.
Damage: 550
Knock back: 100

1 Stealth. Overhead Doom
Use the cover of stealth to charge an immensely powerful two-handed overhead strike, smashin your enemies skull
Damage: 640
Stun duration:0.5 seconds

2. Monkeys Tail
Reach out as far as you can with your staff, and pull does in front of you to you.
Damage:200
Reach: 400
Initiative: 3

3. Jin-su
Twirl your staff in front of you, savagely beating foes in your way. Finish with a downward stroke, knocking back the foes in front of you.
Damage: 500 x6; Finisher: 550
Knock back: 300
Initiative: 5

4. Soldier Hopping
Leap to your foe and whack their legs, immobilizing them.
Damage: 200
Immobilize: 1 sec
Range: 500
Initiative: 3

5. Final Crash
Hit your enemy with full force, dealing more damage to weaker targets by hitting their weakened areas.
Damage: +50%: 400. +25%: 600. -25%: 760
Initiative: 7

2. Warhorn
This could have great potenti for expanding their use and utility in dungeons and PvE content.

3. W/Sword: Pillage: Blow the Theives gathering call while thrusting with your sword, bringing multiple thieves to assist you and keep you from harm.
Damage: 500 x5
Evade chance: 100%

W/ Dagger: Unseen Strikes: Rapidly attack your enemy while shadow stepping around them to avoid damage.
Damage: 400 x6

W/ Pistol: Accelerated Shot: Through the power of the Thieves Call, you shoot a bullet true to its mark that spreads into shrapnel when hitting your for, hitting the surrounding enemies.
Damage: 700; Shrapnel Damage: 200
Shrapnel Bleed: 1000
Duration: 5 sec

4. Final Assasination:
Roll back and gain swiftness to escape the avengers of he whom you have just vanquished.
Duration: 30 sec

5. Thieves Cover:
Through extreme training, you can now stealth you and your allies through a silent blow of your horn to vanquish enemies.
Stealth duration: 4 sec
Swiftness duration: 5 sec

Those are just some not including the rifle, since there are already SO many of those ideas.

I will say that I believe that the rifle should be based on a system in which you critical chance is increased if the target stays at a certainty distance, and the damage should increase as it gets closer. That’s all of my thoughts on how the thief COULD have new weapons. This is simply my opinions, please leave yours below, they are much appreciated and your ideas are fun to read too.

-Oscuro of Kaineng

Just some background:
I have played a thief since launch. I have an elementalist, but never play it, as I have crafted a build that Is very effective in pve, and can be useful to cause chaos in wvw.

So this build is pve oriented but I have also found success with it in WvW when zerging and you need to use melee.

It runs 30/20/20/0/0.

The key is to use sword/pistol and signet of malice. When utilizing this build, it is best to have the signet of shadows (speed), one stealth skill, and one venom. With this build you have a chance to proc. haste, which is UNBELIEVABLE with the sword. Also, when using Pistol Whip, you evade all attacks, so it is a semi-heal, as it restores 155 health per hit, while losing none. Furthermore, you have a spammable stun, which is mostly helpful in WvW. Finally, you can pop blindness with your #5 skill. You can hit up to, but not exceeding, 10.5k on the last 1-2 hits of Pistol Whip.

I DO NOT have full ascended equips, but run a full zerker build with Rune of the Eagle, and sigils of force. I have yet to have a total damage output with ascended, and will post a thread when I do.

Yeah, I really wished we got something like a sword speed increase or something that would make our pve a little more easy and viable.