Xinika Posted April 23, 2012 Share Posted April 23, 2012 (edited) (New) 1/26/2015: PvP Update This update pays optimal attention to PvP in general \\ Shadow of Revan's Update Due to the increase health pools and generally reduced TTK, Deception (aka Infiltration) has fallen behind dramatically in the new expansion. There may be the slim opportunity it may have to toss a smile back to its old days, but this is a glimmer of false hope at best. Against equally geared and knowledgeable opponents, the spec's weaknesses quickly comes into the light. It is vulnerable to kiting with high dependency on healers and others to back it up. On some occasions it can relive part of its glory days by picking off wounded or clueless foes. This spec is not recommended in its current incarnation. It has less burst and survivability than sorcs and is even less useful than concealment operatives. However, it is 'fun' to play and has, arguably, some of the best animations this game has to offer. Utilities Avoidance, Obfuscation, Electric Bindings Emersion, Audacity Dark Stability, Shroud of Madness Damage: Below Average Survivability: Average Usefulness: Very Low Coolness Factor: Very High Refer to this thread for information on gearing. \\ Shadow of Revan's Update Hatred / Serenity, formerly known as Madness / Balance has dramatically improved - unlike its sister counterpart. After years of being generally useless in PvP, the spec is very strong at last. Sporting sufficient pressure damage and self sustainability without over reliance on others, it is the recommended DPS spec to use right now. It is a good team player with high cleave damage, along with the classic utility that Shadows and Assassins bring. Utilities Avoidance, Lambaste (for Aoe) or Obfuscation, Electric Bindings Disjunction, Emersion Dark Stability, Shroud of Madness Damage: High Survivability: High Usefulness: High Coolness Factor: Average Refer to this thread for information on gearing. \\ Shadow of Revan's Update Darkness / Kinetic Combat is currently in its best, team-play incarnation. It is very strong and very useful to the team with solid damage to back it up. It also acts as a counter to other Inquisitors, driving its usage even higher. It is one of the best tank specs in PvP at the moment as well. The only drawback is that it suffers from lone play in comparison to its DPS counterparts. However, Darkness combined with a Healer and a right team makes this spec, perhaps, the best team player spec in the game. Utilities Avoidance, Insulation, Electric Bindings Disjunction, Emersion Dark Stability, Shroud of Madness Damage: Above Average Survivability: Above Average (Without Healer) / Very High (With Healer) Usefulness: Very High Coolness Factor: High Refer to this thread for information on gearing. 2015 Update Credit to Exilove for Deception / Infiltration and Aelanis for Hatred / Serenity updates Deception / Infiltration PvE Update (Click Me) "Deception pretty much plays like it used to. The energy management got slightly changed and we got a replacement ability for Shock but that is really all there is to it as far as mechanical 3.0 changes go. You still have your choice for utilities which I highly advise you judge on a boss-to-boss basis. Each boss has unique abilities and that makes different utilities particulary useful. Overall though, I would generally not recommend the exercise of the Deception Discipline at all given the current strength of Hatred. Hatred beats Deception at AoE, Single Target, and in some cases even at burst capabilities." - Evolixe Hatred / Serenity PvE Update (Click Me) Hatred plays very similarly to the old Madness Assassin. Energy Management became somewhat easier outside of execute range, and very tight in the execute range, and the AoE rotation was almost entirely revamped. With the new Leeching Strike, and change of self-heals from triggering on periodic effect critical hits to being simply damage based, we saw a huge increase in self-healing and survivability that has made it the go-to spec for PvP. Utility selection should go on a boss-by-boss basis, as we have a wide variety of abilities that can make certain situations go from challenging to sleep inducing. While typically the superior choice, some bosses are better fought in Deception. However, with the decent burst Hatred can achieve, especially if given time to set up, Deception has lost some of the advantages it once had. - Aelanis 2014 Guides PvE Deception / Infiltration Update - 3/29/2014 Credit to IInox for the update to this section. Please click here for the google drive version. Build & Bonus Set Lvl 50 Tionese/Columi/Rakata Stalker's set Lvl 50 Black Hole/Campaing/Dread Guard Striker's set Lvl 55 Arkanian/Underworld/Kell Dragon/Dread Forged/Dread Master Stalker's set Bonus sets are (2) Saber Strike hits restore 1 Force. (4) Increases the critical chance of Thrash and Voltaic Slash or Double Strike and Clairvoyant Strike by 15%. Nothing special to discuss here, second bonus set is good cause it gives +15% to our spam skill (~20% of dmg) Relics 1 AutoProc Power Relic 1 AutoProc PriStat Relic More information here:http://www.swtor.com/community/showthread.php?t=648556 Stats Full Dread Master 81 Augments: 13x Willpower / 1x Accuracy rating Stat | Rating Value | Percentage Value Accuracy: 440 | 100,07% Critical Rating: 525 | 29.72% Surge Rating: 612 | 75.6% Alacrity: 0 | 0 Power: A lot I found how DPS changes with crit rating and 521crit rating is the theorycal (and average) BiS crit. Btw there is the usual range of crit rating where DeltaDPS<1, between 521 +/- (~70) crit. As you can see crit rating is higher than BiS 78 because surge rating is higher, so crits are more important. Another thing is using full willpower augments with 510accuracy rating (5enhs/implants) is a DPS loss of ~2.5 so just use 408accuracy rating plus 1x accuracy augment. (Here is higher benefit because our main stat is going to be really high and crit'DR from its is higher Full Dread Forged 78 Stat | Rating Value | Percentage Value Accuracy: 470 | 100,43% Critical Rating: 441 | 28,12% Surge Rating: 470 | 72,96% Alacrity: 0 | 0 Power: A lot Using Ino's spreadsheet I found a range of crit rating between 441 - 482 that the DeltaDPS < 1 so I chose the 441 to be ""more safe"" (I mean power is ""sure"" boost). When 78 came out my first BiS was about swapping 2x mr augm into 2x accuracy to use 1 more surge enh but Ino's simulator showed it wasn't the best solution and I drop it but recently MrKnightraider is playing with the same set up and is having good result but Oofalong's simulator still shows a dps loss (at least, generally) the difference is really low and it's difficult to prove which one is the best set up, damn RNG! Full Kell Dragon 75 Stat | Rating Value | Percentage Value Accuracy: 430 | 99,95% Critical Rating: 441 | 27,84% Surge Rating: 430 | 72,01% Alacrity: 0 |1 0 Power: A lot Full Underworld 72 Stat | Rating Value | Percentage Value Accuracy: 395 | ~99,50% Critical Rating: 399 | ~25/26% Surge Rating: 395 | ~71% Alacrity: 0 | 0 Power: A lot Augments: Willpower Skills Shadow Strike/Maul This is the best damage dealer we have (high damage for just 12.5Force) and it must be used with Infiltration Tactics/Duplicity that reduces its cost by 75%. Spinning Strike/Assassinate This is our "Finisher" and it can be used with <=30% target's health, must be used at CD if possible. Project/Shock One of the two semi-ranged (10m) istant skill that we can use, decent damage and must be used at CD with 2 stacks of Circling Shadow/Induction to reduce its cost by 50%)and 2 stacks of Clairvoyant/Voltage to grants at 100% 1 stack of Breaching Shadows/Static Charge. Force Breach/Discharge A non CD istant skill that can be used with 1+ stacks of Breaching Shadows/Static Charge, it must be used with 3 stacks to maximize dps and reduce its total fight cost, also the damage increase linearly with stacks so we have a tripled damage. Clairvoyant Strike/Voltaic Slash This is our spammable skill that builds Clairvoyant/Voltage and Circling Shadow/Induction for Project/Shock. Spinning Kick/Spike Our opener from stealth that ensures Infiltration Tactics/Duplicity. Damage CDs Battle Readiness/Overcharge Saber A CD that improves our technique's procs (damage and %proc) and heals us for 15% of MaxHealth. Force Potency/Recklessness A CD that increase the critical chance of next Project/SHock and/or Force Breach/Discharge. Force Cloak When used, resets CD of Blackout, so gives more sustain at our burst damage phase. Blackout It gives us istant 15Force and they proc Shadow's Respite/dark Embrace that gives +50% Force regen for 6seconds. Tools Mind Snap/Jolt - 10m 12s Interrupts casts/channels. Phase Walk - 60m 45s Our teleport and gap closer. Defensive Abilities Resilience/Force Shroud Removes all hostile removable effects and increases our chance to resist Force and tech attacks by 100% for 3 seconds. Deflection Increases our ranged and melee defenses by 50% for 12 seconds. Force of Will/Unbreakable Will It immediately frees us of all incapacitating and movement-impairing effects. Rotation: Opening Sequence There are 2 openers viable, one opens with Spinning Kick/Spike other one is the classic opener that opens with Force Breach/Discharge. The First one was suggested by Aranelde (I can wrong cause I don't remember, when mmo.mechanics is up I'll check it) at first look it's nice (I still use it) because it gives us one more Shadow Strike/Maul under Adrenal/Relic's buff but it can overcap more force than classic opener. These two openers give pretty the same burst (Classic one is more ""solid""), it's difficult to check cause of our RGN dipendence, use what you like/prefer. I will show just the Spike Opener because the classic one follows the priority list that I will show on sustained rotation. Time Condition (If) | Skills 0s - Stealthed Spinning Kick/Spike 0s<1.5s - Relic, Adrenal, Battle Readiness/Overcharge Saber 1.5s - Shadow Strike/Maul 3s Infiltration Tactics/Duplicity up Shadow Strike/Maul * 3s 0 Breaching Shadow/Static Charge Force Potency/Recklessness during GCD then Force Breach/Discharge 3s - Clairvoyant Strike/Voltaic Slash >=4.5s - Follow the Burst Phase priority until you have up your buffs * That second Shadow Strike/Maul (you can think it has 9s of CD) must be used with Force Sinergy/Exploitive Strikes up! I'll show you two different priority lists where the first is used when we have CDs/tools UP to maximize DPS and/or when we are in a phase of fight that needs a DPS focus (example: final phase of Soa on Eternity Vault); otherwise the Sustained Priority is used on each other situations. On both situations you must mantain Clairvoyant/Voltage @2stacks which gives Shock a 100% chance to automatically trigger Breaching Shadow/Surging Charge and bypass its rate limit (=> more force Breach/Discharge per fight). Another important thing is to use Shadow Strike/Maul (always with Infiltration Tactics/Duplicity up) while Force Sinergy/Exploitive Strikes is up (to have more chance to crit it), and it's triggered by Force Critical Hits. Burst Phase Priority Spinning Strike/Assassinate > Shadow Strike/Maul > Project/Shock @2stacks > Force Breach/Discharge @3stacks Clairvoyant Strike/Voltaic Slash to mantain Clairvoyance/Voltage @2stacks which gives Shock a 100% chance to automatically trigger Breaching Shadow/Surging Charge and bypass its rate limit (=> more force Breach/Discharge per fight) If you aren't so close to kill the target use Shadow Strike/Maul with Spinning Strike/Assassinate Force Sinergy/Exploitive Strikes up. Sustained Priority Force Breach/Discharge @3stacks > Project/Shock @2stacks > Spinning Strike/Assassinate > Shadow Strike/Maul Force Breach/Discharge @3stacks > Project/Shock If proc of Shadow's Technique is on CD cause we must no waste any Breaching Shadow/Static Charge => more time to build another 3stacks => DPS loss. Project/Shock @2stacks > Shadow Strike/Maul As above, Shadow Strike/Maul proc Circling Shadow/Induction, if we use Shadow Strike/Maul than Project/Shock we waste 1xCircling Shadow/Induction => +1 Clairvoyant Strike/Voltaic Slash to use => 23Force wasted => DPS loss . Spinning Strike/Assassinate > Shadow Strike/Maul Spinning Strike/Assassinate has 6s of CD and when you have it up and Shadow Strike/Maul 's proc better to use Spinning Strike/Assassinate then Shadow Strike/Maul cause last one doesn't have a real CD (just use it in 9s) To recap, we have 5 big rules to remember: 1. Force Breach/Discharge @3stacks 2. Use Project/Shock @2stacks @CD 3. Use Spinning Strike/Assassinate @CD 4. Shadow Strike just with its proc within 9s 5. Do not lose Clairvoyance/Voltage stacks ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PvP with Semjase - 3/21/2014 An update to the codex that focuses on gearing and combat mastery for the rising PvP Shadow / Assassin. INDEX 0:21 – 2:00: Combat Mastery (Tips, Guide) 2:01 – 4:13: Army of One Sneak Peak Xinika Productions Gearing The eternal path to gearing will live on as long as this game continues. Only the ilvl changes but the names generally remain the same. There are priorities to consider when gearing a Shadow / Assassin. The number one thing is what kind of playstyle do you choose to fit yourself into? Burst-Type Assassins are great at small scale combat since they have the capability to down a target quick due to their high power output. However, they pale in the longrun compared to their DPS-Type counterparts that trade some of that small scale burst for more prolonged encounters on the battlefield. Burst-Type Assassins / Shadows gearing for burst should place their gearing investments into low crit, high power. Crit should not drop lower than 21%. Advanced Aptitude Mods Advanced Adept EnhancementsWillpower AugmentsStalker MK-2 MotivatorForce-Mystic MK-1 RelayRelic of Serendipitous AssaultRelic of Focused Retribution DPS-Type Assassins / Shadows gearing for sustained damage should place their gearing investments into high crit, preferably 25% or higher. Advanced Mettle Mods (BX ver)Advanced Battle EnhancementsWillpower AugmentsStalker MK-1 ChipStalker MK-1 MotivatorRelic of Serendipitous AssaultRelic of Devastating Vengeance Combat Mastery Wisdom for the uprising Shadow / Assassin. Baiting Wait before using abilities such as CrD. Bait the opponent's breaker. Prediction Predictive Shrouds can avoid CC. Always know what your opponents can and cannot do. Cloak + Mass Taunt A useful tactic to get you out of combat without your foes utilizing the chance to heal themselves, thus giving you the advantage to reopen after their defensive cooldowns. Mind Maze into CrD An excellent way to make sure your opponent is locked down without visual sight on you until it's too late, allowing you the kill window. Phase Walk Optimal usage for Phase Walk varies based on the situation. There are times where you can use it to wait out an opponent's offensive / defensive cooldowns, other times to avoid heavy damage. Never be Predictable The one who is flexible will always triumph. You have to be willing to try new tactics, new strategies and face your fears. Versatility There are multiple ways you can open as an Assassin based on the target you are pursuing. The only way to find the right one is to try something until it works. Defensive, Offensively Using your defensive cds such as Shroud or Cloak offensively can catch opponents off guard and pile an enormous amount of damage into them. The next update will focus on PvE gearing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2013 Guides ONE WITH SIN - 8/2/2013 This update focuses on becoming one with your Assassin / Shadow. Becoming ‘one’ with the class is crucial if you are to master it in any form. Whether it’s Warzones, Arena, Open PvP or Duels. The key to success as an Assassin or Shadow is understanding and respecting the class for what it is. INDEX 0:12 – 2:36: Gameplay 2:37 – 3:34: One With Sin (Commentary, Tips, Gameplay) 3:35 – 4:05: Gear (Optimization, Goal, Variations) Xinika Productions SPEC http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/skills/Assassin#200-100221220320112032223-210012223 Playstyle The Shadow / Assassin is a stealth class. By default it has the option to pick its fight(s). This means that one shouldn’t zerg in like some swashbuckler. You need to be wise. Knowing when to attack and when not to would mean victory or defeat. Avoidance This class is strictly based on a spiked measure. It wears light armor. It can be easily destroyed by the player with the incorrect mentality. It is meant to avoid damage, not mitigate it. Mitigation is your absolute last form of defense. Your first form is making sure the enemy’s attack does not connect. Just take a look at some of the abilities Deflection Instant Cooldown: 120s Increases your ranged and melee defenses by 50% for 12 seconds. Requires a melee weapon. Force Shroud / Resilience Instant Cooldown: 60s Removes all hostile removable effects and increases your chance to resist Force and tech attacks by 100% for 3 seconds. Does not break Stealth. Low Slash Instant Force: 30 Cooldown: 15s Range: 4 m Slashes the target low, dealing 1953 - 2082 weapon damage and incapacitating the target for 4 seconds. Damage causes this effect to end prematurely. Requires a double-bladed lightsaber or electrostaff. The theory of this class is based around chances to in-take no damage or shutdown the opponent from outputting their damage. Understanding this theory will drastically improve the way you play this class and set you on course to mastering it. Damage and Tanking This class is not a pure damage dealing or tanking class. This is very important to keep in mind. It has the ability to do spike damage or spike tanking in select situations. There are times when your damage matters, other times when it pales in comparison to what others have to offer. Same applies with tanking. It cannot accurately tank without shutting down something first. Lose the Ego It's important as a Shadow / Assassin how others interact with you. Do not be overconfident. If you believe there is a battle you cannot win, then simply step aside. You don’t have to prove yourself to anyone. Your class is based on opportune moments, not honorary gains. Take the chance only if you feel the moment is right. Sooner you realize this, the more versatile you will become. Movement A vital factor of how opponents react to you is your movement. Unbinding the S Key would be a large step in this aspect. You need to slither around corners, move in and out of opponents and frankly annoy them to the point of no return. Remember, you must do damage, but they must not. Note There are abilities to mitigate damage and promote damage (IE: Blackout / Darkswell or Force Recklessness) However, these abilities should be used wisely, not recklessly. This is the least forgiving class. A simple mistake can cost you everything. Be patient, keep a cool head and never get emotional. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PVE ESSENTIALS - 7/23/2013 This section is solely dedicated to PvE only. Here you will find information on gearing, rotation, specs and additional tips. DPS GUIDE DPS-Balance / Madness Spec: 8/2/36 http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/skills/Shadow#3000320-200-1012232211202212230223 http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/skills/assassin#3000320-200-1012232211202212230223 General Rotation: Force Potency FiB Force Breach Double Strike Sever Force If your first DS proced Force Strike then, Relic, Adrenal, Battle Readiness Mind Crush If you didn't proc Force Strike with DS then, DS until you proc Force Strike then pop cooldowns and Mind Crush After this it is just a matter of using FiB on cooldown and maintaining your 3 dots, then DS and Saber Strike will be used as filler. In order to play optimally it is 'absolutely' critical that you don't clip your dots. You will want to reapply the moment they fall off and not any sooner. Another thing to note is that you need to have the force available to reapply your dots. This may seem obvious, but you need to make sure that you are weaving in Saber Strikes if you get low on force. - mmerry Understanding more behind the Balance Rotation... The balance sustained dps rotation operates around the 18s DoTs. If you view the rotation as a series of 12 attacks and the 13th one is repeating the first, then try to look at them all as placements where the DoTs never move from their location. Since the FiB is a 15s CD, it will slowly move its placement back 2 spots of the 12 for the following cycle. After 5 cycles, FiB will be exactly where it was for the first cycle. This is why it is not as you say where it will happen anyways. Actually, you will run into the same problem every 5 cycles or every 90s. Yes, while your opener misses 1 GCD of your DoT being applied, it is not comparable to the multiple times you would miss the DoT damage when you have to choose between a DoT or your FiB. - Inovisible DPS-Infiltration / Deception Spec: 5/36/5 http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/skills/Shadow#320-10120211220321112232223-203 http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/skills/assassin#320-10120211220321112232223-203 General Rotation: 1.Spinning Strike/Spike > (Relic, Adrenal, Battle Readiness/Overcharge Saber) > Shadow Strike/Maul Then (with the normal priority) 2. Clairvoyant Strike/Voltaic Slash 3. Clairvoyant Strike/Voltaic Slash 4. Project/Shock 5. Force Breach/Discharge 6. Force Potency/Recklessness 7. Force Breach/Discharge - IInox Additional Rotation Information: Force Breach/Discharge @3stacks > Project/Shock @2stacks > Shadow Strike/Maul > Spinning Strike/Assassinate Force Breach/Discharge @3stacks > Project/Shock cause we must no waste any Breaching Shadow/Static Charge => more time to build another 3stacks => DPS loss. Project/Shock @2stacks > Shadow Strike/Maul as above, Shadow Strike/Maul proc Circling Shadow/Induction, if we use Project/Shock than Shadow Strike/Maul we waste 1xCircling Shadow/Induction => +1 Clairvoyant Strike/Voltaic Slash to use => 23Force wasted => DPS loss (if a burst phase you will use Shadow Strike/Maul > Project/Shock) Shadow Strike/Maul > Spinning Strike/Assassinate as you can see Shadow Strike/Maul has more damage and more crit size (and less Force cost) With new talent for Force Potency/Recklessness, we have to take a look of its CD when using Force Cloak to maximize efficiency of Shadows/Electric Ambush. Start fight with Force Breach/Discharge thanks to talented Force Potency/Recklessness. Tip: [No burst phase] If you have 1x Clairvoyant/Voltage and you see Project/Shock will be on CD for some seconds (< ~2s) and Infiltration Tactics/Duplicity is out of CD you can use Saber Strike to have more hit to proc Infiltration Tactics/Duplicity to use Shadow Strike/Maul to build the second Clairvoyant/Voltage. On the 2nd full Rotation, we will have this situation: 2x Breaching Shadow/Static Charge 2x Clairvoyant/Voltage Project/Shock on CD NO proc for ShadowStrike/Maul A lot Force As you can imagine (and remembering the notes of priority list) we can use anything unless to overcap Force (nope!); so in this case, we can use Low Slash (=filler) that procs Infiltration Tactics/Duplicity then proceed with normal rotation. (if a burst phase we can use Shadow Strike/Maul with proc > Spinning Strike/Assassinate >Low Slash then Shadow Strike/Maul > Clairvoyant Strike/Voltaic Slash ) having these CDs (better to use at same time): (Prototype Nano-Infused Resolve Stim up) 1. Battle Readiness/Overcharge Saber 2. Relic 3. Force Potency/Recklessness (to crit Force Breach/Discharge and/or Project/Shock) 4. Prototype Nano-Infused Attack Adrenal (power, power, power and POWER!) and these tools to manage Force regen: 1. Force Cloak (when used, resets CD of Blackout, use it when Blackout is on CD) 2. Blackout - llnox DPS Stats Strength 155 Power 1586 (Stack Power) Force Power 2012 (from weapons) Crit Rating 285 - 399 Surge Rating 395 Accuracy 395 Alacrity 0 Armory http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/character/b17b1b77-4ec8-4d9e-866d-16e02394559e Augments / Armoring / Enhancements / Mods / Set Bonus Augments http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/gear/46733/advanced-resolve-augment-28 Armoring http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/gear/46002/advanced-resolve-armoring-31 Enhancements http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/gear/46277/advanced-initiative-enhancement-30 http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/gear/46149/advanced-adept-enhancement-31 Mods http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/gear/45290/advanced-mettle-mod-31 http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/gear/45315/advanced-aptitude-mod-31 Set Bonus http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/gear/48298/underworld-stalkers-robe Crystal http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/gear/13586/advanced-orange-hawkeye-crystal TANK GUIDE TANK-Kinetic Combat / Darkness Spec: 37/5/4 http://www.torhead.com/skill-calc#601rsroddfdGbRZcMZbM.3 Variant: 37/5/4 http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/skills/Assassin#1220322123212110223302-203-220 General Rotation: The attack priority for ST is... (Spinning Strike)* Force Breach (for debuff) HSx3 TkT Project Slow Time (Spinning Strike)* Shadow Strike (with proc) Double Strike Saber Strike * Choose one or the other for Spinning Strike; placing it at the top will cause a minute drop in survivability but a much larger DPS increase whereas placing it lower will keep mitigation the same but provide a smaller DPS benefit For AoE... Force Breach Slow Time HSx3 TkT Project Whirling Blow Saber Strike - Kitru Tips: Gear priority is pretty simple: don't take any accuracy or alacrity gear, use all Force Wielder armorings, Bastion and Bulwark enhancements (Immunity and Sturdiness 66s are actually better than the Bastion/Bulwark 69s, but that's only applicable for entry level gearing), and, until such time that they fix our spikiness, use B variant mods (when/if they fix our spikiness, use unlettered mods). For relics, the BIS are the Ephemeral Healing relic (i.e. heal proc relic) and the Fortunate Redoubt relic (i.e. def proc relic). The third best is the Shield Amplification relic (i.e. abs proc relic) which is what you want to use until you can get a def proc relic. If you don't have an Ephemeral Healing relic, the Shrouded Crusader (i.e. shield/abs use relic) is an acceptable choice otherwise (and is actually better for situations where you have to deal with *massive* spikiness at intervals of 40-59 seconds, which don't currently exist). - Kitru Mitigation / Stat Distribution: http://www.swtor.com/community/showthread.php?t=616779 - KeyboardNinja In-Depth Tank Essentials: http://www.swtor.com/community/showthread.php?t=659873 - insaneric TANK Stats 3523 Endurance 860 Shield Chance 1152 Absorption 527 Defense Chance 0 Accuracy / Alacrity Armory http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/character/5446d5ae-6482-4c5a-8d78-20cae0ad3f70 Augments / Armoring / Enhancements / Mods / Set Bonus Augments http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/gear/46741/advanced-absorb-augment-28 http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/gear/46735/advanced-redoubt-augment-28 Armoring http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/gear/45976/advanced-force-wielder-armoring-33 Enhancements http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/gear/46414/advanced-bulwark-enhancement-33 http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/gear/46105/advanced-bastion-enhancement-33 Mods http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/gear/45405/advanced-robust-mod-33b http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/gear/45587/advanced-reinforced-mod-33 Set Bonus http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/gear/47247/kell-dragon-survivors-boots Crystal http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/gear/13431/advanced-black-red-indestructible-crystal Additional Shadow Abilities http://www.torhead.com/abilities/advclass/601/class/6/level/1-50 Assassin Abilities http://www.torhead.com/abilities/advclass/200/class/2/level/1-50 Contributors mmerry, insaneric, KeyboardNinja, Kitru, llnox ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SHADOW / ASSASSIN ADVANCED PLAY - 6/20/2013 In hopeful cheer of an eventual arena system, this video takes its own stand. Included are some 1vX, 2v2, 3v3 and 2vX battles paired with tips, cliff notes and pointers on why or what to do in select, dynamic situations. This video contains less vanity, but can be very helpful to those learning Assassin / Shadow PvP. Sit back and enjoy! 0:06 - 2:47 - 2v2, 3v3, Cliff Notes. 2:50 - 5:14 - 1v2, 1v1, 2vX, 3vX, Tips, Cliff Notes. SPEC [Deception/Infiltration] http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/skills/Assassin#320-12120221220320112032223-203 Xinika Productions ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SHADOW / ASSASSIN CODEX 2.1+ - 5/31/2013 For Tank Shadows / Sins, please refer to Zabuza's collection of Tank wisdom: http://www.swtor.com/community/showthread.php?p=5781269 Video: 0:00 - 2:13 : Gameplay 2:13 - 2:20 : Mods, Enhancements, Augments 2:21 - 2:26 : Stats to Aim For 2:27 - 3:13 : Gameplay INTRO Welcome to the new 2.1+ Shadow / Assassin Codex. I’d like to get straight down to business. Topics that will be covered will include the following: - Stats - Gear (Min/Max) - Specs - Notes - Armory STATS Now the stat section of the Assassin / Shadow has been changed not too drastically since the expansion, but enough to make some scratch their heads as to where to go or where not too. Luckily it isn’t as uniform as it was before, but there is a general rule of thumb for each DPS spec. Basically, here are the stats you want to aim for (Assuming, all buffs) 1262-1565 Damage 95 - 97% Accuracy 21.50 - 23% Crit 72 - 75% Surge 1072 - 1200 Bonus Damage (Force) 2018 Expertise This setup ensures that you have enough burst damage with consistency to follow. I’ve been using this and generally topping charts even sometimes on node defense. It is the perfect balance to hit the smooth spots required. GEAR Next we’re going to cover the gear section. I automatically assume that you will be aiming for full Conqueror gear. If you aren’t, then you should. Now let’s move onto the more important matter pertaining to gear. First, I’d like to show you the difference between geared vs undergeared. (Note: These are averaged values, not direct.) Now let's start with the initial difference. http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/gear/49013/partisan-stalkers-boots vs http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/gear/48997/conqueror-stalkers-boots +8 Armor +9 Endurance +8 Willpower +3 Power +4 Surge Rating For the sake of saving time and making this easier for readers, let's convert the off stats to 1 stat: Off Stats. So basically, we'll combine Surge, Power, or Crit, Alacrity etc. +8 Armor +9 Endurance +8 Main Stat +7 Off Stats Now this is 1 piece of gear, we have a total of 14 pieces to upgrade. So let's multiply these numbers by 14 for the full set. 14x8 = +112 Armor 14x9 = +126 Endurance 14x8 = +112 Main Stat 14x7 = +98 Off Stats Now this is the shift from full Partisan to full Conq. Next, let's calculate the augment (purple) differences. http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/gear/46733/advanced-resolve-augment-28 +20 Endurance +32 Willpower Now, let's multiply this by 14, because we need to augment all our gear. 20x14 = +280 Endurance 32x14 = +448 Main Stat (aka WP for me) Now, let's total it together in order to find true values of geared people, vs entry-geared players. Remember, these values can change based on the player's profession. IE: Tank, more End. +560 Main Stat +406 Endurance +112 Armor +98~200 Off Stat This is example math, but clearly, there is a major difference between entry-geared players, and not-even-optimized-but-geared players. Don’t let anyone fool you, gear makes a tremendous difference. Especially considering the fact that people do not die in one hit, so if you want additional math on the gear, multiply each hit you take to kill someone, times that by your entire team (X DPS on your team) and, in addition, multiple how many heals your healers take to heal you up in how many heals. Then, multiply that by how much absorb/end/mitigation your tanks have (1-2?) and now add that all up in comparison to the enemy team. Additional Non-Average Math [Part v Conq]: Helm, Chest, Gloves, Legs, Feet (x5) +8 Armor +9 Endurance +8 Main Stat +7 Off Stats MH and OH (x2) +5 Endurance +7 Main Stat +6 Off Stats +96 Force Power Belt and Bracers (x2) +8 Armor +7 Endurance +6 Main Stat +3 Off Stat Relics (x2) +5 Endurance +0 Main Stat +2 Off Stats Earpiece (x1) +7 Endurance +7 Main Stat +7 Off Stats Implants (x2) +10 Endurance +7 Main Stat +10 Off Stats. +56 Armor, rather than +112 Armor +106 Endurance, rather than +126 Endurance +87 Main Stat, rather than +112 Main Stat +84 Off Stats, rather than +98 Off Stats +96 Force Power (not listed in the original model) -Satedbuffalo Now, let’s focus on optimizing our gear to its full potential. We already know what stats we should aim for, but now, let’s discuss what mods/enh are needed to get there. I automatically assume you will be using Conqueror armoring, so I will not go over that. Prime Mods: http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/gear/45870/advanced-mettle-mod-28x http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/gear/45762/advanced-aptitude-mod-28x Prime Enhancements: http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/gear/46632/advanced-adept-enhancement-28x http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/gear/46597/advanced-battle-enhancement-28x Notice a trend here? There are no high-WP mods. Why? Wait and see. Augments: http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/gear/46733/advanced-resolve-augment-28 And that will be your reason why. All augments should strictly be WP, because this grants you access to be more flexible concerning your mods/enh. High WP-Mods are generalist in nature. They specialize in nothing, and therefore, will make it more strenuous to attain min/maxer stats. SPECS KC/Darkness (Tank DPS): 36/5/5 http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/skills/shadow#1201322123212110223302-203-221 Standard Tank Build designed for use with a generator. Warning, this spec with DPS gear may not be overly efficient for a specialist-based team. Infiltration/Deception (Burst DPS): 7/36/3 http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/skills/Assassin#2000320-12120221220320112032223-3 DPS build with emphasis on heavy burst damage backed with respectable consistency and defensive output. Balance/Madness (DoT DPS): 7/3/36 http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/skills/assassin#2000320-3-1212232211002212230223 DPS build designed for harassment scaled encounters on multiple ranges. NOTES The Shadow / Assassin in 2.0+ so far seem to have a solid spot as a DPS. Particularly, Deception / Infiltration are performing (at last) at a balanced level. Madness / Balance, however, are desperately lagging behind and are in need of some serious revamps. Some changes I’d recommend is to make the tree a lot more tanky. Have it perform similar to that of an Annihilation Marauder. I’ll get into that in more detail for another subject. It should also be noted that Darkness is performing on a solid level, though, lacking the absurd mitigation compared to that of a VG/PT Tank. Overall, I think the state of the class is in a fine chapter. This is one of the better times we’ve had since launch. Let’s enjoy it. ARMORY http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/character/158eee0e-aed4-4bb5-a455-9fadd0b2fe10 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Deception / Infiltration 2.0, Leveling Guide - 5/18/2013 ASSASSIN / SHADOW LEVELING GUIDE 2.0 This high-speed action video dedicates itself to splitting between entertainment and tutorial footage. Included in this video: Help with Rotation, Spec and some General Tips more geared toward the newer Assassin / Shadow. Along with, of course, some good ole assassination action. INDEX 0:00 - 2:10 : Gameplay 2:11 - 3:00 : Tutorial (General, Rotation, Spec, Tips) SPEC [Deception/Infiltration] http://www.swtor-spy.com/skill-tree-calculator/sith-assassin/11/?build=000000000000000000000000000000000322230021102030221022000010000003222100012200000000000000000000&ver=20 Xinika Productions 2012 End-Year Guide Shadow Acumen - Shadow / Assassin Training - 12/29/2012 Watchmen Jedi Shadow Guide / Entertainment The sequel to Shadow Breaker has arrived! A 'hybrid' video, featuring Tutorial and Entertainment qualities packed with new information to make sure you're unmatched out there on the battlefield. Sit back and enjoy! INDEX 14/4/23 Balance 0:21 - 0:38 : Spec Introduction and Rotation. 0:13 - 1:20: Gameplay. 2:20 - 3:10: Gameplay. 17/1/23 Balance 0:39 - 0:54 : Spec Introduction and Rotation. 0/27/14 Infiltration 1:26 - 1:40 : Spec Introduction and Rotation. 1:24 - 2:19 : Gameplay. 3:11 - 4:00 : Gameplay. 6:09 - 6:52 : Gameplay. 8:07 - 8:52 : Gameplay. 27/1/13 Kinetic Combat 6:56 - 7:07 : Spec Introduction and Rotation. 6:53 - 8:06 : Gameplay. 8:53 - 9:48 : Gameplay. Commentary 4:04 - 5:15 : Basic Training. Gear Optimizing 5:20 - 6:00 : Stats to Aim for and Mod/Enh Tips. Spec Examples 9:49 - 10:12 4/14/23: http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/skills/Shadow#2c-180kf-c72e832f 17/1/23 : http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/skills/Shadow#220829e-1-c72e832f 0/27/14: http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/skills/Shadow#0-c8cf78cif-8830f 27/1/13: http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/skills/Shadow#e79e162fe-1-2830f 2012 1.65 Update 1.6 Updated Builds - 12/19/2012 KINETIC COMBAT 31/0/10: http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/skills/Shadow#9e79e162fe-0-230f Usual standard tanking PvP build. A point can be exchanged from Psychokinesis to Infiltration Tactics. Note that the points can be swapped around to get Kinetic Ward and go full tank if one desires. 23/1/17: http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/skills/Shadow#79e162fe-1-2e830f Most versatile Shadow spec available to date. Excellent for group combat performance. 27/0/14: http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/skills/Shadow#e79e162fe-0-8830f Predominant small scale encounter spec. Can handle any foe toe to toe. One point can also be exchanged for Infiltration Tactics if one desires. INFILTRATION 2/31/8: http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/skills/Shadow#20-7c8ef78cif-30f Standard heavy burst infiltration build. 0/27/14: http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/skills/Shadow#0-c8cf78cif-8830f Excellent build featuring a mixture of balance between burst and sustainability. 0/14/27: http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/skills/Shadow#0-18cif-2d6ee83cf Also known as "The backstab" build. Allows high penetrating burst. BALANCE 5/5/31: http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/skills/Shadow#3c-f-13e72e8f2f Standard Balance build with emphasis on heavy pressure damage. 17/1/23: http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/skills/Shadow#220923e-1-c72e832f Mobile Balance build leaning toward low ramp up time and sustained damage. 2012 Original Guide Main Guide - (Old) YouTube: Watchmen's Jedi Shadow/Sith Assassin Guide The ultimate Jedi Shadow/ Sith Assassin guide to PvP. This segment is jam-packed with information to cover almost every aspect of this class. From learning to spec to understanding how to use your abilities, this montage sees to it that you perform at the top notch of your ability. Hope you enjoy the education and find the material useful. Stay tuned! 00:19-00:39 : Ability Codex 00:40-01:33 : Kinetic Combat Introduction, Rotation, Tips, Focus and Gear 01:34-02:09 : Infiltration Introduction, Rotation, Tips, Focus and Gear 02:10-02:45 : Balance Introduction, Rotation, Tips, Focus and Gear 02:47-03:15 : Gear Setup for All Specs 03:16-04:57 : Example Fights for All Specs 04:58-05:16 : Example Specs for All Specs Balance: http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/skills/Shadow#32-i-1fe72e8f2f Infiltration: http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/skills/Shadow#20-1vc2k78cki-30f Infiltration Variant 2: http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/skills/Shadow#2032-1vc2k78cki-3 Kinetic: http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/skills/Shadow#9e79e162fe-0-230f Additional Ability Descriptions: http://jedi.well-of-souls.com/abilities_consular.html Shinarika's Gear/Character Check: http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/character/bd1776e3-0a13-4fb4-b715-cca50ac5b742/ Produced by PSI Edited and Filmed by Shinarika. Edited January 27, 2015 by Xinika Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Exzileforgotten Posted April 23, 2012 Share Posted April 23, 2012 Great as always but I just lost all desire to play dps shadow. Just seems silly when you can wear heavy and do more dps =( GG vanguard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xinika Posted April 23, 2012 Author Share Posted April 23, 2012 Great as always but I just lost all desire to play dps shadow. Just seems silly when you can wear heavy and do more dps =( GG vanguard Another one to the darkside... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mclammitys Posted April 23, 2012 Share Posted April 23, 2012 Nice video! But i would like to ask why dont you use single target taunt as you can use it 30m and no power cost and it dosent trigger global cooldown? Allmost every assasin/shadow pvp vid i see lot off times people dont use it. I just wonder why? i dont see the down side off it as its nice to but on some dps hammering our healers. Just wonder have i missed some reson why most people dont user it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbuschell Posted April 23, 2012 Share Posted April 23, 2012 I'm always taunting in all specs, all it does is lead to more medals Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbuschell Posted April 23, 2012 Share Posted April 23, 2012 Great as always but I just lost all desire to play dps shadow. Just seems silly when you can wear heavy and do more dps =( GG vanguard I have an assault VG and I do about the same Dmg and protection on both my VG and my balance shadow except my shadow gets more self heals. Assault VG is also pretty squishy especially since most Dmg in this game bypasses armor, unless you're tank spec you still die pretty quickly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Feralclaw Posted April 23, 2012 Share Posted April 23, 2012 Two thumbs up for this, well it's really 4 thumbs up using the ones from the feet as well! Thanks for helping to keep the class alive, no matter the spec, how squishy we are, how low DPS we perform in tank compared to others, if we play to the full of our habilities we still are a great, deadly and useful class imo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Payneintherear Posted April 23, 2012 Share Posted April 23, 2012 Assault VG is also pretty squishy especially since most Dmg in this game bypasses armor, unless you're tank spec you still die pretty quickly This is blantantly false. Armor is the single most important defensive stat, as very few skills, comparatively, bypass armor . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GekoKujo Posted April 23, 2012 Share Posted April 23, 2012 Thank you very much for continuing to post videos and taking the effort that is required to produce these. It can be very time intensive. Well done. I just want to say that I probably speak for many when I say that I believe very little of what I read on this forum. It is frankly, just as bad as any other MMO. I do however, find what you produce to have some validity, due to showing your experience. As opposed to the majority of people that post and boo hoo about Shadows who really cannot validate what they say. It ends up being nonsense and heresay. So again thank you for posting these vids. Shadows/sins are a great class but are even better when the player is really good. Player skill trumps all else. Been this way since the beginning of games. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbuschell Posted April 23, 2012 Share Posted April 23, 2012 Uhh not really, yeah it mitigates some Dmg, but not to the point where the survivability is gamebreaking as an all out dps spec VG have you even played one? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Payneintherear Posted April 23, 2012 Share Posted April 23, 2012 Uhh not really, yeah it mitigates some Dmg, but not to the point where the survivability is gamebreaking as an all out dps spec VG have you even played one? Are you spinning this into a "Vanguards are the squishiest class, but I don't know why" argument? I couldn't care less about Vanguard's survivability, but to state that they are squishy as hell, because armor doesn't matter is ignorant. Most skills are subject to armor mitigation and having heavy armor is a huge boon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbuschell Posted April 23, 2012 Share Posted April 23, 2012 No I'm not spinning it that way, I'm not even talking about the tank specs either, because through talents I will say that tank vgs do have better survivability then a KC shadow especially if they're both wearing dps gear. All I'm saying is that assault VG doesn't have great survivability that's all I'm saying and I would say my balance shadow has it better when it comes to surviving simply because of force cloak. All in all though I do appreciate the video and will not discuss this further. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephenTheOne Posted April 23, 2012 Share Posted April 23, 2012 Nice! but 23/1/17 is still the best spec EVAR! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Exzileforgotten Posted April 23, 2012 Share Posted April 23, 2012 Either way you cut it heavy to to light armor is I want to say 6% mitigation increase. With most of the skills mitigated by the armor stat its silly to wear a robe. To say 6% is not is a lot is also silly. Think of it in terms of expertise and how much expertise you need to get 6% damage reduction. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Exzileforgotten Posted April 23, 2012 Share Posted April 23, 2012 To follow my post up none of the mitigation matters anyways when the TTK meta is all about who can global who faster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Payneintherear Posted April 23, 2012 Share Posted April 23, 2012 Either way you cut it heavy to to light armor is I want to say 6% mitigation increase. With most of the skills mitigated by the armor stat its silly to wear a robe. To say 6% is not is a lot is also silly. Think of it in terms of expertise and how much expertise you need to get 6% damage reduction. Hmm, not sure how you figure it's 6% (although you do concede the point that light vs. heavy is not a trivial difference in mitigation). Between light and heavy there are about 15% difference in mitigation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Exzileforgotten Posted April 23, 2012 Share Posted April 23, 2012 I honestly just pulled 6% out of my butt no lies there. But even at 15% thats absurdly tankier then a robe! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Exzileforgotten Posted April 23, 2012 Share Posted April 23, 2012 I have been a avid balance promoter for a long time but lets face it. They are just a sage with a handicap of less range. You do get the defensive CD that may let you stay alive slightly longer. Then you can pretend your a vanguard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alkhattabi Posted April 23, 2012 Share Posted April 23, 2012 (edited) thx shin what do u think about theses stats Balance: Melee Accuracy 95.34% Critical Chance 30.31% Inf/kc dps : Melee Accuracy 95.34% Critical Chance 17.30% is the accuracy and crit enough in each spec ? Edited April 23, 2012 by alkhattabi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tharryth Posted April 23, 2012 Share Posted April 23, 2012 I honestly just pulled 6% out of my butt no lies there. But even at 15% thats absurdly tankier then a robe! WOW. If thats true I'm so NOT touching that 6%. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeverRose Posted April 23, 2012 Share Posted April 23, 2012 Why are you using project without particle acceleration as an opener? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xinika Posted April 23, 2012 Author Share Posted April 23, 2012 Why are you using project without particle acceleration as an opener? Build 3 stacks of HS as quickly as possible. Besides, when you hit DS after a project and get a PA proc, how legit is that? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alkhattabi Posted April 23, 2012 Share Posted April 23, 2012 (edited) thx shin what do u think about theses stats Balance: Melee Accuracy 95.34% Critical Chance 30.31% Inf/kc dps : Melee Accuracy 95.34% Critical Chance 17.30% is the accuracy and crit enough in each spec or should i increase it / decrease it and replace by power/surge? not sure if u did see my question Edited April 23, 2012 by alkhattabi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeverRose Posted April 23, 2012 Share Posted April 23, 2012 Build 3 stacks of HS as quickly as possible. Besides, when you hit DS after a project and get a PA proc, how legit is that? It's basically like having unprotected sex, I agree. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Makk Posted April 24, 2012 Share Posted April 24, 2012 Is the difference for balance between running with the 30 percent crit vs stacking power and foregoing crit significant? What do you recommend for relics? Wh pvp relic + matrix shard, or perhaps 2 pvp relics (wh power and bm power?) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts