Logo Albion iconAlbion Online AoC iconAshes of Creation Corepunk iconCorepunk GW2 iconGuild Wars 2 TL iconThrone & Liberty

Spellblade - Dagger + Staff PvE Build

Overview
Class: Spellblade
Weapons: Dagger and Staff
Designed for: PvE
Focused on: DPSRanged and AoE
Difficulty:
Normal
Strengths
  • High AOE DPS
  • High Single Target DPS
Weaknesses
  • High Skill Floor & Skill Ceiling
  • Mana Intensive
This build is up to date for the September 23, 2025 patch.

Overview

This Staff and Dagger build focuses on dealing high DPS in both single target encounters (bosses in group dungeons) and when grinding in open world or even in open world dungeons as it offers great AOE DPS. The build isn't particularly difficult to play but it requires a bit of getting used to as the skill cooldowns are rather low.


Attributes

PRIMARY
Dexterity Dexterity
+
Strength Strength
SECONDARY
Wisdom Wisdom
+
Perception Perception
With the unique stats and attributes system in Throne and Liberty, it can be difficult to determine exactly where to invest your attribute points at each stage of the game. This is because gear pieces provide attributes just like leveling up does, meaning everyone will have a different number of attribute points depending on what gear they are wearing at the time.
Given this variation, it's best to reset your attributes regularly to adjust to the new gear you acquire. Aim to reach the achievement effects, which provide extra benefits at milestones like 30, 50, and 70 points.

Strength and Dexterity are the main stats for this build. Focus on them early and keep adding as you improve your gear. This increases crit rate, heavy attacks, and even max HP, making it much easier to go through dungeons. Try for 50 Strength and stack Dexterity. Perception and Wisdom are helpful but not a priority.


Skills

Shadow StrikeUsed frame.webp
Shadow Strike
Inner PeaceUsed frame.webp
Inner Peace
Ice SpearUsed frame.webp
Ice Spear
Ice Spear - Bind
Ice Spear - Damage ▲
Serial Fire BombsUsed frame.webp
Serial Fire Bombs
Serial Fire Bombs - Mobility
Serial Fire Bombs - Range Increase
Serial Fire Bombs - Instant Casting
Chain LightningUsed frame.webp
Chain Lightning
Chain Lightning - Chaining Bolt
Chain Lightning - Damage Transfer
Frost SmokescreenUsed frame.webp
Frost Smokescreen
Frost Smokescreen - Burning Smokescreen
Frost Smokescreen - Apply Designated Ground Targeting
Frost Smokescreen - Additional Damage
Inferno WaveUsed frame.webp
Inferno Wave
Inferno Wave - Consecutive Use
Fireball BarrageUsed frame.webp
Fireball Barrage
Fireball Barrage - Fireball Frenzy
Fireball Barrage - Cooldown ▼
Inject VenomUsed frame.webp
Inject Venom
Judgment LightningUsed frame.webp
Judgment Lightning
Judgment Lightning - Consecutive Use
Judgment Lightning - Damage Transfer
Judgment Lightning - Damage Transfer
High FocusUsed frame.webp
High Focus
High Focus - Targets Expanded
Icebound TombUsed frame.webp
Icebound Tomb
Icebound Tomb - Bind
Icebound Tomb - Icy Mire
Passives
Forbidden SanctuaryActive frame.webp
Mana AmpActive frame.webp
Flame CondensationActive frame.webp
AsceticismActive frame.webp
Destructive FangActive frame.webp
Assassin's InstinctsActive frame.webp
Assassin's StepActive frame.webp
Wrathful EdgeActive frame.webp
Defense
Block BladeUsed frame.webp
Guardian
Shade Revenant Stheno Guardian
Food
Quality Vegetable Stir-fry
Quality Wild Game Steak
Purification Stone
Precious Purification Vigor Stone
Depending on which Dungeon/Dimensional Trial you might run, consider using Rare Roaring SteakRare Roaring Steak, Rare Thrilling PapilloteRare Thrilling Papillote, and even Rare Scorpion Tail FrittersRare Scorpion Tail Fritters to make it easier and also deal a lot more damage.

The Staff AND Dagger build is a great choice for newer players that are looking to perform well in all scenarios without having to think of many rotations but it still offers a fun experience.

Your main damage will be coming from your Judgment LightningUsed frame.webpJudgment Lightning and Serial Fire BombsUsed frame.webpSerial Fire Bombs with its burn stacks, Chain LightningUsed frame.webpChain Lightning and Inferno WaveUsed frame.webpInferno Wave should also be prioritized when leveling as they deal high damage with low cooldowns. Try to push them to purple as soon as possible. Inject VenomUsed frame.webpInject Venom should always be used at the start of your rotations, applying the poison that decreases enemy resistances and increases the damage you do. Inject VenomUsed frame.webpInject Venom also triggers the Destructive FangActive frame.webpDestructive Fang, improving your crit rate when attacking poisoned targets. You can easily spread this poison on multiple targets using Frost SmokescreenUsed frame.webpFrost Smokescreen.

Icebound TombUsed frame.webpIcebound Tomb freezes enemies in place and also lowers their resistances, being a great skill to use when bursting down groups of mobs and allowing you to combo with Frost SmokescreenUsed frame.webpFrost Smokescreen and Inject VenomUsed frame.webpInject Venom.

As far as passives go, you should focus on upgrading Flame CondensationActive frame.webpFlame Condensation for additional damage. Assassin's InstinctsActive frame.webpAssassin's Instincts for extra crit rate and Assassin's StepActive frame.webpAssassin's Step is the perfect passive to help with your mana regeneration between fights as every enemy you and your party kill will also grant you mana regen and movement speed.

Keep in mind that Shadow StrikeUsed frame.webpShadow Strike will send you on the opposite side of the mob you use it on, not directly behind him, so if he isn't targeting you, you can end up on mob's side and still be hit.


Equipment

Daigon's Charred Emberstaff
Daigon's Charred Emberstaff
Heavy Attack Chance
Critical Hit Chance
Hit Chance
Resonance Effect: Cooldown Speed
Attack
Support
Defense
Primary
Razorthorn Shredders
Razorthorn Shredders
Heavy Attack Chance
Critical Hit Chance
Hit Chance
Resonance Effect: Cooldown Speed
Attack
Support
Defense
Crowned Skull of Victory
Crowned Skull of Victory
Max Health
Magic Evasion
Mana Cost Efficiency
Resonance Effect: Max Mana
Starlight Fur Cloak
Starlight Fur Cloak
Mana Regen
Debuff Duration
Skill Damage Resistance
Resonance Effect: Max Mana
Spectral Overseer's Tunic
Spectral Overseer's Tunic
Debuff Duration
Magic Evasion
Mana Regen
Resonance Effect: Max Mana
Devious Hellfire Grips
Devious Hellfire Grips
Hit Chance
Ranged Evasion
Range
Resonance Effect: Max Mana
Feral Prophet's Pants
Feral Prophet's Pants
Magic Evasion
Mana Regen
Buff Duration
Resonance Effect: Max Mana
Spectral Overseer's Boots
Spectral Overseer's Boots
Ranged Evasion
Magic Evasion
Movement Speed
Resonance Effect: Max Mana
Earrings of Forlorn Elegance
Earrings of Forlorn Elegance
Front Heavy Attack Chance
Side Heavy Attack Chance
Side Critical Hit
Resonance Effect: Max Mana
Support
Attack
Defense
Pendant of Frozen Tears
Pendant of Frozen Tears
Skill Damage Boost
Mana Regen
Buff Duration
Resonance Effect: Max Health
Attack
Defense
Support
Barbed Cuffs of the Tormentor
Barbed Cuffs of the Tormentor
Max Health
Skill Damage Resistance
Debuff Duration
Resonance Effect: Max Health
Attack
Attack
Attack
Ring of Spirited Desire
Ring of Spirited Desire
Skill Damage Boost
Mana Regen
Buff Duration
Resonance Effect: Max Health
Support
Attack
Defense
Runed Band of the Black Anvil
Runed Band of the Black Anvil
Skill Damage Boost
Buff Duration
Max Health
Resonance Effect: Max Health
Support
Attack
Defense
Belt of Claimed Trophies
Belt of Claimed Trophies
Max Health
Debuff Duration
Skill Damage Resistance
Resonance Effect: Max Health
Attack
Attack
Attack
Info
Equipment is being updated, if tier 3 items are in the tier 3 tab, it means the equipment on this build was updated.
Calanthia's Spire of Torment
Calanthia's Spire of Torment
Heavy Attack Chance
Critical Hit Chance
Hit Chance
Resonance Effect: Hit Chance
Attack
Defense
Support
Primary
Kowazan's Daggers of the Blood Moon
Kowazan's Daggers of the Blood Moon
Heavy Attack Chance
Critical Hit Chance
Hit Chance
Resonance Effect: Heavy Attack Chance
Attack
Defense
Support
Blood Hunter Hood
Blood Hunter Hood
Magic Evasion
Cooldown Speed
Mana Cost Efficiceny
Resonance Effect: Max Health
Calanthia's Confession
Calanthia's Confession
Max Mana
Skill Damage Resistance
Debuff Duration
Resonance Effect: Max Health
Blood Hunter Garb
Blood Hunter Garb
Max Health
Buff Duration
Debuff Duration
Resonance Effect: Max Health
Blood Hunter Hand Guards
Blood Hunter Hand Guards
Max Health
Hit Chance
Range
Resonance Effect: Max Health
Blood Hunter Leg Guards
Blood Hunter Leg Guards
Max Health
Magic Evasion
Ranged Evasion
Resonance Effect: Max Health
Imperial Seeker's Boots
Imperial Seeker's Boots
Max Stamina
Magic Evasion
Movement Speed
Resonance Effect: Max Health
Teardrops of Fortunate Omens
Teardrops of Fortunate Omens
Back Hit Chance
Back Heavy Attack Chance
Side Heavy Attack Chance
Resonance Effect: Max Health
Support
Defense
Attack
Collar of the New Moon
Collar of the New Moon
Skill Damage Boost
Max Mana
Buff Duration
Resonance Effect: Max Health
Support
Defense
Attack
Bracelet of Infernal Loops
Bracelet of Infernal Loops
Max Health
Skill Damage Resistance
Weaken Resistance
Resonance Effect: Max Health
Support
Defense
Attack
Coil of Seething Venom
Coil of Seething Venom
Skill Damage Boost
Heavy Attack Damage Resistance
Buff Duration
Resonance Effect: Max Health
Defense
Attack
Support
Eternal Promise
Eternal Promise
Skill Damage Boost
Buff Duration
Max Health
Defense
Attack
Support
Belt of the Dying Spark
Belt of the Dying Spark
Max Mana
Skill Damage Resistance
Debuff Duration
Resonance Effect: Max Health
Support
Attack
Defense


Weapon Masteries

Staff_Hero_Tactic_04
Staff_Hero_Defense_03
Staff_Hero_Util_02
Staff_Hero_Attack_01
Staff_Rare_Tac_Skill
Staff_Rare_Def_Skill
Staff_Rare_Util_Skill
Staff_Rare_Attack_Skill
Staff_Rare_TacticAttack_12
Staff_Rare_Tactic_11
Staff_Rare_Tactic_10
Staff_Rare_DefenseTactic_09
Staff_Rare_Defense_07
Staff_Rare_Defense_08
Staff_Rare_UtilDefense_06
Staff_Rare_Util_05
Staff_Rare_Util_04
Staff_Rare_AttackUtil_03
Staff_Rare_Attack_01
Staff_Rare_Attack_02
Staff_High_Tac_Skill
Staff_High_Def_Skill
Staff_High_Util_Skill
Staff_High_Attack_Skill
Staff_High_TacticAttack_12
Staff_High_Tactic_11
Staff_High_Tactic_10
Staff_High_DefenseTactic_09
Staff_High_Defense_07
Staff_High_Defense_08
Staff_High_UtilDefense_06
Staff_High_Util_05
Staff_High_Util_04
Staff_High_AttackUtil_03
Staff_High_Attack_01
Staff_High_Attack_02
Staff_Normal_Tac_Skill
Staff_Normal_Def_Skill
Staff_Normal_Util_Skill
Staff_Normal_Attack_Skill
Staff_Normal_TacticAttack_12
Staff_Normal_Tactic_11
Staff_Normal_Tactic_10
Staff_Normal_DefenseTactic_09
Staff_Normal_Defense_07
Staff_Normal_Defense_08
Staff_Normal_UtilDefense_06
Staff_Normal_Util_05
Staff_Normal_Util_04
Staff_Normal_AttackUtil_03
Staff_Normal_Attack_01
Staff_Normal_Attack_02
Attack
Tactic
Defense
Utility
Staff
Overcome CrisisUsed frame.webp
Destruction SpearUsed frame.webp
Dragon AscentUsed frame.webp
Falling FlowerUsed frame.webp
Dagger_Hero_Tactic_04
Dagger_Hero_Defense_03
Dagger_Hero_Util_02
Dagger_Hero_Attack_01
Dagger_Rare_Tac_Skill
Dagger_Rare_Def_Skill
Dagger_Rare_Util_Skill
Dagger_Rare_Attack_Skill
Dagger_Rare_TacticAttack_12
Dagger_Rare_Tactic_10
Dagger_Rare_Tactic_11
Dagger_Rare_DefenseTactic_09
Dagger_Rare_Defense_07
Dagger_Rare_Defense_08
Dagger_Rare_UtilDefense_06
Dagger_Rare_Util_04
Dagger_Rare_Util_05
Dagger_Rare_AttackUtil_03
Dagger_Rare_Attack_01
Dagger_Rare_Attack_02
Dagger_High_Tac_Skill
Dagger_High_Def_Skill
Dagger_High_Util_Skill
Dagger_High_Attack_Skill
Dagger_High_TacticAttack_12
Dagger_High_Tactic_10
Dagger_High_Tactic_11
Dagger_High_DefenseTactic_09
Dagger_High_Defense_07
Dagger_High_Defense_08
Dagger_High_UtilDefense_06
Dagger_High_Util_04
Dagger_High_Util_05
Dagger_High_AttackUtil_03
Dagger_High_Attack_01
Dagger_High_Attack_02
Dagger_Normal_Tac_Skill
Dagger_Normal_Def_Skill
Dagger_Normal_Util_Skill
Dagger_Normal_Attack_Skill
Dagger_Normal_TacticAttack_12
Dagger_Normal_Tactic_10
Dagger_Normal_Tactic_11
Dagger_Normal_DefenseTactic_09
Dagger_Normal_Defense_07
Dagger_Normal_Defense_08
Dagger_Normal_UtilDefense_06
Dagger_Normal_Util_04
Dagger_Normal_Util_05
Dagger_Normal_AttackUtil_03
Dagger_Normal_Attack_01
Dagger_Normal_Attack_02
Attack
Tactic
Defense
Utility
Dagger
Overcome CrisisUsed frame.webp
Destruction SpearUsed frame.webp
Dragon AscentUsed frame.webp
Falling FlowerUsed frame.webp
You should be aiming to reach and unlock masteries (the corner nodes) as soon as possible as they usually make the largest impact in the build. While minor nodes shouldn't be forgotten, make sure to unlock masteries as fast as possible before spreading out and spending into less important nodes.


Artifacts

Chaos Harbinger Talistone I
Damage: 9
Heavy Attack Chance
Magic Critical Hit Chance
Magic Heavy Attack Chance
Chaos Harbinger Solarstone
Weaken Chance
Silence Chance
Weaken Chance
CC Chance
Chaos Harbinger Talistone III
Max Health: 1600
Max Mana
Mana Regen
CC Resistance
Chaos Harbinger Talistone I
Chaos Harbinger Solarstone
Chaos Harbinger Talistone III
Chaos Harbinger Talistone I
Chaos Harbinger Talistone II
Chaos Harbinger Talistone III
Chaos Harbinger Talistone IV
Chaos Harbinger Talistone II
Chaos Harbinger Lunarstone
Chaos Harbinger Talistone IV
Chaos Harbinger Talistone II
Defense: 160
Magic Endurance
Endurance
Heavy Attack Evasion
Chaos Harbinger Lunarstone
Weaken Resistance
Collision Resistance
Weaken Resistance
CC Resistances
Chaos Harbinger Talistone IV
Max Health: 1600
Critical Hit Chance
Magic Heavy Attack Chance
Magic Critical Hit Chance


Rotations

Single Target DPS ↴
High LocusUsed frame.webp
Arrow right.webp
Frost SmokescreenUsed frame.webp
Arrow right.webp
Inject VenomUsed frame.webp
Arrow right.webp
Icebound TombUsed frame.webp
Arrow right.webp
Serial Fire BombsUsed frame.webp
Arrow right.webp
Chain LightningUsed frame.webp
Arrow right.webp
Fireball BarrageUsed frame.webp
Arrow right.webp
Frost SmokescreenUsed frame.webp
Arrow right.webp
Inject VenomUsed frame.webp
Arrow right.webp
Inferno WaveUsed frame.webp
Arrow right.webp
Inferno WaveUsed frame.webp
Arrow right.webp
Chain LightningUsed frame.webp
Arrow right.webp
Ice SpearUsed frame.webp
Arrow right.webp
Judgment LightningUsed frame.webp
Arrow right.webp
Judgment LightningUsed frame.webp
  • This rotation is focused on delivering the highest possible damage to a single target while maintaining while keeping up poison and fire stacks on the mob/boss. Start with High LocusUsed frame.webpHigh Locus to buff yourself and your party before using Frost SmokescreenUsed frame.webpFrost Smokescreen on top of the enemy, popping Inject VenomUsed frame.webpInject Venom right after so your Frost SmokescreenUsed frame.webpFrost Smokescreen also stacks up poison on the target.

Continue by debuffing the target with Icebound TombUsed frame.webpIcebound Tomb and a quick cast of before transitioning into 3 hits of Serial Fire BombsUsed frame.webpSerial Fire Bombs to max out the stacks of fire and poison. Once you've maxed the stacks, use Fireball BarrageUsed frame.webp Fireball Barrage before using Frost SmokescreenUsed frame.webpFrost Smokescreen again to keep fire stacks active.

Follow up with recasting Inject VenomUsed frame.webpInject Venom before Inferno WaveUsed frame.webpInferno Wave (two times if you proc the second cast). Couple it with Chain LightningUsed frame.webpChain Lightning and Ice SpearUsed frame.webpIce Spear. Finish the rotation with Judgment LightningUsed frame.webpJudgment Lightning two times.

AOE Burst ↴
Inject VenomUsed frame.webp
Arrow right.webp
Frost SmokescreenUsed frame.webp
Arrow right.webp
Chain LightningUsed frame.webp
Arrow right.webp
Serial Fire BombsUsed frame.webp
Arrow right.webp
Inferno WaveUsed frame.webp
Arrow right.webp
Inferno WaveUsed frame.webp
Arrow right.webp
Judgment LightningUsed frame.webp
Arrow right.webp
Judgment LightningUsed frame.webp
Arrow right.webp
Inject VenomUsed frame.webp
Arrow right.webp
Frost SmokescreenUsed frame.webp
  • Use this rotation when you are grinding open world dungeons or large groups of mobs. Start with Inject VenomUsed frame.webpInject Venom so all your attacks poison before using Frost SmokescreenUsed frame.webpFrost Smokescreen to apply fire stacks and poison on all mobs. Continue with Chain LightningUsed frame.webpChain Lightning and 3 casts of Serial Fire BombsUsed frame.webpSerial Fire Bombs to maximize your fire and poison stacks.

Use Inferno WaveUsed frame.webpInferno Wave (2 times if you proc the re-cast), then transition into 2 casts of Judgment LightningUsed frame.webpJudgment Lightning before using Inject VenomUsed frame.webpInject Venom and Frost SmokescreenUsed frame.webpFrost Smokescreen again.

High LocusUsed frame.webpHigh Locus: This version of the skill decreases yours and party's cooldowns. However, you can adjust to the regular version to enjoy the full 50% cooldown decrease if you are playing alone.

Shadow StrikeUsed frame.webpShadow Strike: This is your main utility skill to get back to the boss in order to soak damage during mechanics or if you need to quickly move to summoned ads.

Inner PeaceUsed frame.webpInner Peace: Use this skill between rotations or if you have the chance during certain boss mechanics where you have to stand in place. This skill helps a lot with your mana sustain and is best used when under the influence of Nature's BlessingUsed frame.webpNature's Blessing.


Other Spellblade Builds


Comments

Split Metabattle Logo