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Ratings
We’ve got a new meta that’s possibly rotation heavy with less of the bunker FB + necro combo. I wouldn’t say this is meta rn but it still has uses. It is a lot like rev rn main difference is it’s not as weak to conditions also it’s very fast. If played well this can counter classes like Mesmer, sometimes fbs , but what I like it for is countering other thief burst builds like DE sometimes condi thief and also sometimes rev. I don’t think it’s meta but I think it’s pretty solid.
Edit: assuming no more staff thief this build is now good enough at bursting. Ei some ppl will 100% want to play this in ATs it’s just now condi thief is good in ats so it’ll be less common. I think 5 stars though honestly I think rev is a little better but this is better against conditions so even a rev main may sometimes want to swap to this.
It's still a solid, viable build, but it no longer has a strong place in the meta. Power S/D had its niche because of its ability to destroy scourges in firebrand comps easily. The high amount of unblockable boon-rips present on the build made it perfect for dpsing necros through firebrand aegis spam and healing. It is also fantastic at countering mesmers, which propelled it into the meta when scourge/fb + sidenode mesmer teams were everywhere. Currently, scourge popularity is at an all-time low with mesmers following closely behind. Because of this, Power S/D has essentially turned into a basic roamer class, and when compared to other roamer classes (such as Condi S/D, Herald, Holo, Mirage, Symbol Brand, and, in some cases, even Deadeye), it is a much weaker pick, usually.
Since I’ve mostly been playing thief and playing around with all its specs and variations- I’d like to say this is the best thief build rn. It’s also worth mentioning the many variations - like using lesser haste or eagle runes, but I personally prefer this version though sometimes I play the healing trait in acro. It’s still possible to play this in this meta and with rev nerfs players think we may see it again in the meta sometime soon
Best for decapping, great for plussing, and offers a kit with unblockable/poison skill that really stings bunker/healer builds. Also has nasty unblockable boonrip from Steal and Sword 3.
IMO having a Thief/Herald/FB/Scourge/X-Duelist is one of the best comps--very strong rotational power, teamfight ability, and a duelist that can yield a solid 2-cap. Thief/Herald can serve as plussers and also assist in decaps and teamfights in their own way.
Verdict: very useful in Ranked and ATs. 5/5
This is presently the only "competitive" Thief build in conquest.
I will also go on to highlight that there are several weaknesses existent in this build such as disproportionate burst in relation to its survivability, lack of sustain, the inability to provide any relevant support and the biggest problem...
It's not very accommodating to newer players. Some may not see this as a problem but to each their own.
The crux of the matter is that there are several stronger options available to the player base which can fulfill the current role Thief brings in terms of decapping and +1ing opponents.
I digress...
I give the build 4/5 as it can and will work if executed in the right hands, but there are better options other than Thief right now... and most players will not be able to play this class well.
4-24-19 Patch: Now the only pure rotational thief in the meta. It's this or nothing basically. Still pretty good though.
The best thief build that plays true to its role of uber-mobility and +1-ing. It's a lot of fun and takes quite the practice to master, but when you do get them cleaves, it is very rewarding.
Even after the nerfs this one refuses to go away. Relatively durable (by thief standards), this one has a very versatile toolkit with evasion, unblockables, boon rip, and so forth. That being said, it was meta for being such a good bunker killer, but I think Power Rev is just better for that now.
This build is superb. Great damage, boonrip and utility. Mobility and survivability are perfect for the role this thief can play. Excels against certain classes due to unblockable attacks.
I think it still being good because it has a lot of boonrip, double steal, instant reflexes and unblockable damage, and still having more dmg than d/p thief and a lot of evades
Love this build. Not quite as much damage as before, but the boon rip is still there which is a key aspect of its strength. Struggles against D/P thieves and can't 1v1 really tanky builds--probably won't die, but won't kill them.
As long as the boon rip remains largely untouched wich it is. this build will be a meta pick
its still the best build of thief, it's still the meta and it is still one of the best 5v5 classes in the game
https://youtu.be/C25eG8qyGBE?t=6258
mAT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHGc1RvRTEw
I pushed this build as soon as Swindler's got buffed alongside flanking strike. It can really harass its target, good pressure even in team fights although you don't want to stay long. Still a capable +1 and while a tad slower to decap than Dash (unless using RFI) it makes up for it in the return if you leave an infiltrator's return point on the way there (especially where there are things you can port "through"). The buff to make flanking strike unblockable again gives S/D great power against warriors and guardians when blocking, and the boon rip is insane (just be wary of corrupts).
Plus, it flows, and it's a ton of fun.
On the skill bar, Agility and SS are musts. Shadow refuge I would remove as a viable option. Shadow trap CAN work, but you often want an extra escape and it has a long cast time unless tripped. RFI is the easiest, safest option, but I advocate for Infiltrator's signet. It's higher skill level to make the most of but it's invaluable in so many situations (catching decap attempts, saving allies, general mobility, chasing, decent passive, stun break and port toward an enemy to get away from the one currently near you i.e. defensive AND offensive applications).
I actually think this is a pretty solid build now especially if you consider deadeye as a variant situational replacement for Deadly Arts. It requires finesse and tact, but s/d and acro does a lot to make up for marauder's squish. Flexibility is its biggest strength imo, with DA/DE to choose from, several viable skill choices, and top notch single target boon purging, it has great synergy with Condition build team mates while still being capable of damage and utility itself.
It could be accused of a utility loss under D/P, particularly due to a mobility hit, but in my mind the mobility hit is worth it to actually be able to go toe to toe with people. acrobatics does feel like a poor man's daredevil sometimes, but as far as poor things go it gets the job done.
Love this build, have been primarily playing it this season and i'm in plat. Has all the usual perks of a thief in PvP, is excellent for 1v1s especially against most other thief builds. If you know what you're doing and aren't just spamming, no other particular builds completely trash or counter it in any way. Great condi cleanse, boon stealing and overall a solid build you can't go wrong with.
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