Well, i will follow your guidance on that.

I also read some posts about dps difference between serenity and infiltration, as serenity is DoT, so i m 99% to choose serenity right now.

I think serenity don't have that "burst over time depth" , and of course the dps numbers are way bigger than infiltration....

More like marginally. When you play both specs at the top level you can play them at, the damage difference between your parses will be less than 4%. If the 3.1.2 proposed changes go through, it'll drop to about 2%. It's not a huge damage difference.

More like marginally. When you play both specs at the top level you can play them at, the damage difference between your parses will be less than 4%. If the 3.1.2 proposed changes go through, it'll drop to about 2%. It's not a huge damage difference.

Those are very good news.

As i respect serenity AoE, Dot and generally dps numbers (slightly higher as you said but yet higher), i really prefer infiltration play style, as i'm struggling to get used to serenity play style.

Hope that tiny 2% will stay tiny and not a huge difference from the dps numbers side of view.....

Really thank you for your help...

Wow...i just have a look at 3.1.2 notes.

They really sit serenity down a little i think(still powerful but kinda reduced).

Wow...i just have a look at 3.1.2 notes.

They really sit serenity down a little i think(still powerful but kinda reduced).

Not really, it hits PvE a lot harder than PvP.

More like marginally. When you play both specs at the top level you can play them at, the damage difference between your parses will be less than 4%. If the 3.1.2 proposed changes go through, it'll drop to about 2%. It's not a huge damage difference.

This is a pve focused post.

When I read posts about this I feel like I live in a different world.

Infiltration is sooooooooooooooooooo terrible that I want to cut myself over and over and over every time I try to parse in it. It needs like 100% crit on force breach to be competitive with Serenity on any boss tbh. The opener is fine but then it's just poop poop poop poop, don't crit a few times in a row and you are at literally 400 dps below what u would be in Serenity until you get some cooldowns up or until 30%.

The only excuse for anyone to play this disaster is when mechanics demand it or you are a huge fan of the spec.

That's just my experience and opinion, but if anyone wants to get the maximum out of the class then go Serenity 99% of the time.

Nah I agree with you. Infiltration doesnt come anywhere close to Serenity even for me.

And I'm leaps and bounds better at Infi than Serenity.

This is a pve focused post.

 

When I read posts about this I feel like I live in a different world.

Infiltration is sooooooooooooooooooo terrible that I want to cut myself over and over and over every time I try to parse in it. It needs like 100% crit on force breach to be competitive with Serenity on any boss tbh. The opener is fine but then it's just poop poop poop poop, don't crit a few times in a row and you are at literally 400 dps below what u would be in Serenity until you get some cooldowns up or until 30%.

The only excuse for anyone to play this disaster is when mechanics demand it or you are a huge fan of the spec.

 

That's just my experience and opinion, but if anyone wants to get the maximum out of the class then go Serenity 99% of the time.

Maybe you just aren't running enough crit. You need a good chunk more in Deception than in Hatred. Only Assassin to yet clear HM Revan as a DPS did it in Deception, which means they broke 4.3k (more?) DPS in the burn phase losing 8 of every 60 seconds. It's not in a bad place for PvE, but if you gear for 0 crit, yes, your sustained will suck

Also, being 400 dps behind a sustained spec shortly before your burst cooldowns come back up is actually completely normal.

Ok so crit is the most important stat to have in gear for a shadow dps? currently using the Yavin 4 gear with a Masassi head piece and got told I need better gear to dps for ravegers. Any suggestions would be appreciated

You don't need better gear. Old 180 coms gear is enough to meet the DPS checks in Ravagers, having the gear just helps you out if you're not playing well. Crit isn't the most important stat, not by far, though. It's a balance, and it typically goes to WIllpower or Power. Neither Discipline wants a huge amount of critical rating, actually.

Yes, I just hit level 60 today on my Hatred Assassin, and after asking several times in PvP chat without an answer, I asked in general chat and was told by many people that I did not need Accuracy for PvP, that I should instead focus on Willpower and other issues (perhaps alacrity or fortitude depending upon my final desired stats).

I'd love to get some advice on where I should focus my stats for my new Hatred Assassin. As in, what is a good "crit %" and should I have X% in Alacrity bonus, etc. Any advice/input would be appreciated. Again, this is only a PvP gear question. I see the OP is fully detailed on PvE gearing.

Yes, I just hit level 60 today on my Hatred Assassin, and after asking several times in PvP chat without an answer, I asked in general chat and was told by many people that I did not need Accuracy for PvP, that I should instead focus on Willpower and other issues (perhaps alacrity or fortitude depending upon my final desired stats).

 

I'd love to get some advice on where I should focus my stats for my new Hatred Assassin. As in, what is a good "crit %" and should I have X% in Alacrity bonus, etc. Any advice/input would be appreciated. Again, this is only a PvP gear question. I see the OP is fully detailed on PvE gearing.

I strongly think that accuracy is the first that you have to cap in any class except healers where crit is more important.

Getting your accuracy to 95/105(pvp) , 100/110(pve) , is a must target to achieve.

No matter what telling you less accuracy than normal will guide to many misses inside wz's(both force and melee attacks) causing your dps to decrease.

I strongly think that accuracy is the first that you have to cap in any class except healers where crit is more important.

Getting your accuracy to 95/105(pvp) , 100/110(pve) , is a must target to achieve.

No matter what telling you less accuracy than normal will guide to many misses inside wz's(both force and melee attacks) causing your dps to decrease.

Well, without really focusing on Accuracy augments or whatever you can get the 95/105 PvP level with the basic Dark Reaver set. Hence, in a way, you answered that question about Accuracy not being important.

Well, without really focusing on Accuracy augments or whatever you can get the 95/105 PvP level with the basic Dark Reaver set. Hence, in a way, you answered that question about Accuracy not being important.

Check out the guide in my signature for a detailed breakdown of mods and enhancements for min maxing all 3 shadow specs

(New) 1/26/2015: PvP Update

This update points the scope mainly at Ranked PvP

\\

Gearing & Stats Priority

• Accuracy is mandatory as this spec more than the others since it has more emphasis on melee attacks than the other specs without the tank accuracy benefits. You'll need at least 95% / 105% (Force) as this spec.
  
• 23 - 25% Critical Strike Rating.
  
• Absolutely no Alacrity
  
• Must at least hit 75% Surge
  
• Rest in Power
  
• Power / Main Stat Relics
  
• Resolve Augments (Makes it easier to hit the necessary crit without sacrificing enhancements / mods)
  

Refer to this thread for feedback on the spec.

\\

Gearing & Stats Priority

• Accuracy is important, but unlike Deception you can get away with some missed hits. Roughly 94 - 95% would be all that is needed.
  
• 22 - 24% Critical Strike Rating.
  
• 2-3% Alacrity
  
• 68-70% Surge
  
• Rest in Power
  
• Power / Main Stat Relics
  
• Resolve Augments (Makes it easier to hit the necessary crit without sacrificing enhancements / mods)
  

Refer to this thread for feedback on the spec.

\\

Gearing & Stats Priority

• Accuracy is not mandatory as this spec since it receives the accuracy tank bonus. It is not recommend to use any accuracy pieces for this spec.
  
• Absolutely no Crit
  
• Absolutely no Alacrity
  
• Must at least hit 75% Surge
  
• All in Power (Due to Auto-Crits and the high uptime on Shock, Darkness' burst potential benefits greatly from stacking as much Power / Surge as possible)
  
• Power / Main Stat Relics
  
• Requires A Shield instead of a Power Generator
  
• Resolve Augments (Makes it easier to hit the necessary crit without sacrificing enhancements / mods) or Power Augments for the all-burst style
  
• Note that in 3.1, Alacrity may become more important due to Discharge changes.
  

Refer to this thread for feedback on the spec.

 

 

 

2015 Update

Credit to Exilove for Deception / Infiltration and Aelanis for Hatred / Serenity updates

 

Disclaimer

The following information below is geared toward maximum PvE output.

 

Deception / Infiltration

Gearing & Stats Priority

• Must Have Accuracy: As close to 759 accuracy rating as possible.
  
• 0 Alacrity
  
• 68-77% Surge
  
• 180-220 Critical Rating (Got less attractive, not sure about the values)
  
• All other secondary stats in Power
  
• Must Have Augments: Willpower (Resolve)
  
• Relics: Serendipitous Assault & Focused Retribution
  
• Alternate Relic: Boundless Ages
  
• Set bonus: 6 piece Stalker’s
  
• Surging Charge

 

Gearing Overview

• Reaching the Accuracy cap should be your highest priority
  
• At this point in time Alacrity is not advised until you start hitting massive Surge Diminishing Returns (over 74%, which you won’t reach for a while with the accuracy requirement). It doesn’t reduce the cooldown of your Force Cloak and therefore completely mucks up your Recklessness/Blackout synergy.
  
• Crit rating isn’t that amazing anymore, I’m unsure of the exact values that would be wishful. But I’d personally stay around the ~180-220 crit rating right now.
  
• Choice of relics should be made on a fight-to-fight basis. Serendipitous Assault and Focused Retribution will give you a greater overall damage increase, while Boundless Ages will allow you to focus your burst into a short window for fights with tight burn phases
  
• Getting your set bonus as quickly as possible is highly recommended. It will increase your dps substantially enough that having lower item level armorings with the set bonus is still a better option than higher item level armorings without it.

 

 

 

Hatred / Serenity

Gearing & Stats Priority

• Must Have Accuracy: As close to 759 accuracy rating as possible.
  
• 1.5-3.1% Alacrity (111 to 240 Rating)
  
• 64-69% Surge (222 to 360 Rating)
  
• 150-250 Critical Rating (156 in Resurrected, 252 in Revanite)
  
• All other secondary stats in Power
  
• Must Have Augments: Willpower (Resolve)
  
• Relics: Serendipitous Assault & Focused Retribution
  
• Alternate Relic: Boundless Ages
  
• Set bonus: 6 piece new Stalker’s
  
• Lightning Charge

 

Gearing Overview

• Reaching the Accuracy cap should be your highest priority
  
• Due to nasty diminishing returns beyond the first 250 points of Surge, Alacrity is going to be very important in 3.0, especially since it makes your periodic effects tick through faster. The split will likely end up being a 3:2 Surge:Alacrity ratio through most of 3.X, though current Best in Slot looks like a 2:2 ratio for 192 and 198 gear levels.
  
• Critical rating fell vastly in usefulness in 3.0. Thrash is down 20% of its old Surge boost, our periodic effects and Death Field, though we picked up 30% on Assassinate. A smaller portion of our overall damage now has a Surge boost, but that doesn’t make the stat obsolete.
  
• Choice of relics should be made on a fight-to-fight basis. Serendipitous Assault and Focused Retribution will give you a greater overall damage increase, while Boundless Ages will allow you to focus your burst into a short window for fights with tight burn phases
  
• Getting your set bonus as quickly as possible is highly recommended. It will increase your DPS substantially enough that having lower item level armorings with the set bonus is still a better option than higher item level armorings without it.
  
• Despite the old 4 piece giving a substantial boost to the critical chance of a move used quite often, it is not as valuable, even with the new 2 piece, as the full new set bonus. You can PM Aelanis on the forums for these calculations.

 

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 Enhancements
  
• Willpower Augments
  
• Stalker MK-2 Motivator
  
• Force-Mystic MK-1 Relay
  
• Relic of Serendipitous Assault
  
• Relic 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 Enhancements
  
• Willpower Augments
  
• Stalker MK-1 Chip
  
• Stalker MK-1 Motivator
  
• Relic of Serendipitous Assault
  
• Relic 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

An important feature as a Shadow / Assassin is vital to 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:

 

 

Understanding more behind the Balance Rotation...

 

 

 

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:

 

 

Additional Rotation Information:

 

 

 

DPS Stats

 

 

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:

 

 

Tips:

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

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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

 

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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

20 - 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]:

 

 

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

 

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Why Acc all you do is hurt your DPS output

Why Acc all you do is hurt your DPS output

Not exactly. It creates a more stable output at the cost of spike damage. It really depends on what you want.

I've said it before, I'm not an accuracy person for that reason. Doing max DPS isn't my strafing, doing max burst is.

Not exactly. It creates a more stable output at the cost of spike damage. It really depends on what you want.

 

I've said it before, I'm not an accuracy person for that reason. Doing max DPS isn't my strafing, doing max burst is.

And to put it in perspective. The longer the fight, the more useful accuracy becomes. That's why you see people saying to use it for PvE, and not PvP.

Really need an update for PVE Kinetic for Jedi Shadow. My experience with 4.0 is it's all burst damage: acc -> 110%, alac -> 5% and the rest crit. Thoughts?

So there are 2 consequences of using Kinetic Combat as a DPS spec in PvE.

1. You're going to terrorize your tanks hardcore. That's a lot of amplified-threat damage.
   
2. It's a lot of damage for a tank, but junk DPS for a DPS. Playing a tank as a DPS means you're not getting hit to regenerate resources, in addition to the fact that it's simply not designed to do a lot of damage.
   

Those aside, why would you gear for accuracy if you were going to do this? Simply being in Combat Technique grants 101% accuracy since 3.0, so it's not like it's even a new mechanic.

[/sISooooo..... Now what?

Who are the "best" assassins? 1v1s? warzones? ranked? ZE]

Good post, love it that you put a video in there,

(Referral link if you wanna http://www.swtor.com/r/lywgXw )