Jump to content

[Guide/Video] Min-Maxing DPS, Stat / Gear Check


Xinika

Recommended Posts

10/30/2019: Deception PvP Update - Gearing / Basic Rotation

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:

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

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]:

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

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

 

Edited by Xinika
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 253
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

I have been stacking power though I did want to try switching out my power augs for willpower but probably wont seeing I just don't care anymore.

 

Also should try 0/23/23 if you havn't. Pretty fun spec if you want to play a madness type hybrid.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have been stacking power though I did want to try switching out my power augs for willpower but probably wont seeing I just don't care anymore.

 

Also should try 0/23/23 if you havn't. Pretty fun spec if you want to play a madness type hybrid.

Cycao, please show me the spec. You've got me really darn curious now...:p

 

That's my gear at the moment: http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/character/394605de-cb31-492f-a430-bf7573727f65

 

Any advice? I haven't logged in since patch therefore I'm still stacking power proc relics. Any advice on the second relic is also appreciated. My greatest concern is that my accuracy is to high. Is that true?

Your accuracy is too high and your crit is 0.50% too low. You'll also need to increase your surge.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

This is what I run when I am not messing arund with deception.

 

Basically a similar hybrid I ran prior to 2.0 where you go into the madness tree to get deathmark but now that UK has been replaced lingering nightmares so you could use those points elsewhere like maybe grabbing static cling. You also get the force management and your burst back with getting maul while grabbing low slash for the extra CC since madness lost instant WW.

 

I actually feel I can put more pressure on healers with this build and my mauls are still hitting around 7k, thrash is hitting hard and you just keep the dot's rolling.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I personally run 0/18/28 when I'm in a Madness mood, just personal preference.

 

Anyway, very well done as always Shin. I do question you taking Electric Execution over Torment, other than that I would agree with pretty much everything here. It's become less necessary since your return, but I've also been thinking of writing up a guide. Just making up my mind whether or not it would be worth the effort, since you seem to be covering things nicely on your own.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

This is what I run when I am not messing arund with deception.

 

Basically a similar hybrid I ran prior to 2.0 where you go into the madness tree to get deathmark but now that UK has been replaced lingering nightmares so you could use those points elsewhere like maybe grabbing static cling. You also get the force management and your burst back with getting maul while grabbing low slash for the extra CC since madness lost instant WW.

 

I actually feel I can put more pressure on healers with this build and my mauls are still hitting around 7k, thrash is hitting hard and you just keep the dot's rolling.

Cycao, thanks. I've come up with a new hybrid that's very high in DPS due to what you showed me here.

 

I fiddled around with a few enhancements, got my conqueror offhand and installed the matrix cube.

That's how it looks now: http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/character/394605de-cb31-492f-a430-bf7573727f65

Matrix Cube is actually legit. Though, it won't be that way forever. (I'm using one in-game atm)

 

I personally run 0/18/28 when I'm in a Madness mood, just personal preference.

 

Anyway, very well done as always Shin. I do question you taking Electric Execution over Torment, other than that I would agree with pretty much everything here. It's become less necessary since your return, but I've also been thinking of writing up a guide. Just making up my mind whether or not it would be worth the effort, since you seem to be covering things nicely on your own.

Can't see why more guides / help will be a bad thing. Get it done imo. Community could always use some more benevolence.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Much appreciated guide, thanks for this!

 

The only thing you could add is how to get the target enhancements, ie. which gear pieces you have to buy that contain them.

 

EDIT: I see that that info is listed in the links provided, but you could always just state which of the gear is cheapest for guide completeness.

Edited by MagikFingerz
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm running with 27 crit rating right now (from Matrix Cube), stacking full power instead. Seems to work out just fine. I'm usually 1-3 in damage when I'm not guarding. I'm not even augmented in 66s and my melee bonus damage is like 810. I normally run 5/36/5 but I've been running full madness (7/2/36) for the past couple of days. Been pretty lost since 2.0 dropped though tbh. I'm still running power crystals in my main and offhand for example, and I'm not really sure if thats BiS anymore. I suspect it isn't.

 

Cycao, that 0/23/23 build looks really interesting. One of the things I really like about Madness is the 45% crit chance on Discharge, so it feels like by running Madness you're less crit dependent than in Deception, which as I said with the stacking power thing is good for me.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm running with 27 crit rating right now (from Matrix Cube), stacking full power instead. Seems to work out just fine. I'm usually 1-3 in damage when I'm not guarding. I'm not even augmented in 66s and my melee bonus damage is like 810. I normally run 5/36/5 but I've been running full madness (7/2/36) for the past couple of days. Been pretty lost since 2.0 dropped though tbh. I'm still running power crystals in my main and offhand for example, and I'm not really sure if thats BiS anymore. I suspect it isn't.

 

Cycao, that 0/23/23 build looks really interesting. One of the things I really like about Madness is the 45% crit chance on Discharge, so it feels like by running Madness you're less crit dependent than in Deception, which as I said with the stacking power thing is good for me.

 

Specifically for Deception:

Deception needs crit.

 

20% buffed is too low. I've played around with it and I do not like it at all. It might be good for just gimping one guy off somewhere, but the consistency is severely lacking. With 25% (As Deception), I'm able to get more overall damage in and my swaps to targets are guaranteed criticals.

 

A year ago if you told me to go 20% buffed, I might've agreed. Now? Not really.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Specifically for Deception:

Deception needs crit.

 

20% buffed is too low. I've played around with it and I do not like it at all. It might be good for just gimping one guy off somewhere, but the consistency is severely lacking. With 25% (As Deception), I'm able to get more overall damage in and my swaps to targets are guaranteed criticals.

 

A year ago if you told me to go 20% buffed, I might've agreed. Now? Not really.

 

Yeah...So uh, I think you're right. I decided to spend like 1200 WZ comms on Crit mods and try it out via the ship dummy. What I came out with was pretty surprising to me:

 

With 18.25% Crit ~ 3:07 - 2060.4 DPS

Maul - 31%

Shock - 20%

Discharge 14%

Voltiac Slash - 13%

Surging Charge - 10%

 

With 22.05% Crit ~ 3:07 - 2243.7 DPS

Maul - 28%

Shock - 20%

Discharge - 16%

Voltiac Slash - 14%

Surging Charge 11%

(The rest of the percentages are in Saber Strike & Low Slash.)

 

I stopped at 3 minutes exactly but it carried over to 3:07. Had no idea that by adding 4% crit the results would increase so much (I should note that this was in my PvP gear and no adrenals were used since that's irrelevant where WZs are concerned.) Wonder if I should continue to add crit to that 25% you're talking about. Hmm. I mean, if the parses were like ~40-60 DPS close to each other, I might chalk it up to RNG and run more tests. But damn, the 0 crit one isn't even close.

Edited by Aetrus
Link to comment
Share on other sites

@Aetrus Can you pls post your stats for the above parses, bonus damage, accuracy etc. ?

 

At the time of that parse it was:

Damage (Pri): 1290-1544

Bonus dmg: 782.3

Accuracy: 95.85%

Crit chance: 22.05%

Surge: 73.44%

 

http://i.imgur.com/5C2YuZJ.jpg was the only game I played on that toon today. Outdamaged a sniper, gunslinger, and smash mara. Low objective score was because I was the only one on the freecasting commando. Zzz. :( Definitely looking at upping the crit by a percent or two more though, like Shinka says.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

No worries, I won't play objective police. ;) Was just curious if you had maxed gear.

 

Hmm, around 23% crit appeared to be the sweet spot to me so far. Or alternatively going for max AP.

However, I should have the mods and enhancements to give 25% crit another try and will probably do so after transfers are done.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I am currently pvp'ing with Madness assassin and I find it my favorite spec. The more posts that I read the more differing % requirments I see. One forum will say you must have 110% Accuracy while others say that's too high. As for crit% some say 25% is a must and others say power. As we speak I mainly PVP as I have said and I have 25% crit and 106% accuracy.

 

So my question is should I continue to chase those "Ideal" numbers ? Thoughts ?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

One forum will say you must have 110% Accuracy while others say that's too high. As for crit% some say 25% is a must and others say power. As we speak I mainly PVP as I have said and I have 25% crit and 106% accuracy.

 

So my question is should I continue to chase those "Ideal" numbers ? Thoughts ?

 

If that's your melee accuracy and you're PvPing, 106% is way too high. At 95% accuracy you're going to hit almost every time with everything but saber strike. The OP says 95-97% and I think that's perfect.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


×
×
  • Create New...