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Difference between revisions of "Specter - Condition Specter"
 
Line 10: Line 10:
  
 
==Overview==
 
==Overview==
−
Condition Specter is an extremely '''versatile''' and powerful specialization for OW gameplay. Due to the easy access to {{Skill|Enter Shadow Shroud}}, strong self-healing and mobile ranged gameplay, it alleviates the survivability concerns of other Thief specializations. It does not have the strongest burst and also somewhat lacks in terms of cleave damage, but it compensates that through strong single-target damage and a large amounts of native CC damage, even when alone. It also shares its gear with the condition dps variant for group content, making it a very convenient option for general PvE gameplay.
+
Condition {{Tooltip|Specter}} {{Tooltip|Bleed|bleeds}}, {{Tooltip|Torment|torments}}, and {{Tooltip|Poison|poisons}} its enemies with a continuous flurry of attacks and a very fluid rotation. {{Skill|Enter Shadow Shroud}} for extra damage and utility, and enjoy some extra durability from {{Trait|Panaku's Ambition}} and innate sustain from {{Trait|Larcenous Torment}}. With a different set of gear, condition specter can sacrifice damage and take {{Trait|Shadestep}} to provide nearby allies with permanent {{Tooltip|Alacrity}}, but never do this when soloing.
−
Specter's damage also gets ramped up with allies around you due to {{Skill|Skale Venom}}, {{Skill|Spider Venom}} and {{trait|Dark Sentry}}, so it is great for all kinds of group gameplay as well.
 
  
 +
As a downside, condition specter lacks AoE damage and burst damage, and it needs nearby allies for maximum damage by sharing Venom skills such as {{Skill|Spider Venom}}, but nevertheless performs good in solo open world.
  
 
==Skill Bar==
 
==Skill Bar==
Line 18: Line 18:
 
| profession = Thief
 
| profession = Thief
 
| specialization = Specter
 
| specialization = Specter
−
| weapon1 = Scepter
+
| weapon1 = Spear
−
| weapon2 = Dagger
+
| weapon2 =  
 
| weapon3 = Scepter
 
| weapon3 = Scepter
−
| weapon4 = Pistol
+
| weapon4 = Dagger
 
| healing = Well of Gloom
 
| healing = Well of Gloom
 
| utility1 = Well of Sorrow
 
| utility1 = Well of Sorrow
Line 28: Line 28:
 
| elite = Shadowfall
 
| elite = Shadowfall
 
}}
 
}}
 +
  
 
==Template Code==
 
==Template Code==
Line 33: Line 34:
 
code = [&DQUcGywXRxUVGwAABhsAAD4BAAAvAQAAERsAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA=]
 
code = [&DQUcGywXRxUVGwAABhsAAD4BAAAvAQAAERsAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA=]
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 +
 +
== Weapon variants ==
 +
{{Tooltip|Spear}} is your best weapon, usage requires [https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Lowland_Spear_Training land spear] with Janthir Wilds.
 +
* {{Tooltip|Pistol}} replaces spear for players without Janthir Wilds, and scepter+dagger becomes the main weapon set. Pistol should only be used for crowd control.
 +
 +
 +
== Skill variants==
 +
===Utility skills===
 +
{{Skill|Well of Sorrow}} can be replaced with:
 +
* {{Skill|Prepare Thousand Needles}} - this provides more damage but has a longer cast time and mobile enemies may get out of the radius before you can detonate the trap.
 +
* {{Skill|Haste}} for a nice stunbreak.
 +
===Elite skills===
 +
{{Skill|Shadowfall}} can be replaced with:
 +
* {{Skill|Basilisk Venom}} - better single target CC, especially when you can share the Venom with nearby allies.
 +
* {{Skill|Thieves Guild}} - extra damage but no CC.
 +
  
 
==Specializations==
 
==Specializations==
Line 38: Line 56:
 
{{Specialization|Trickery|bot|top|top|}}
 
{{Specialization|Trickery|bot|top|top|}}
 
{{Specialization|Specter|top|top|top|}}
 
{{Specialization|Specter|top|top|top|}}
−
* The choice between {{trait|Bountiful Theft}} and {{trait|Pressure Striking}} is a matter of preference; if you don't benefit from additional vigor uptime, the latter is better for a little additional damage. {{trait|Bountiful Theft}} provides boonstrip, which can also be handy in some cases.
 
−
* {{trait|Consume Shadows}} can be used for a large area heal upon exiting shroud, at the cost of the remaining shadow force.
 
  
  
Line 50: Line 66:
 
| rune = Superior Rune of the Trapper
 
| rune = Superior Rune of the Trapper
 
| rune-qt = 6
 
| rune-qt = 6
−
| weapon1 = Scepter
+
| weapon1 = Spear
−
| weapon2 = Dagger
+
| weapon2 =  
−
| sigil1 = Superior Sigil of Doom
+
| sigil1 = Superior Sigil of Torment
−
| sigil2 = Superior Sigil of Demons
+
| sigil2 = Superior Sigil of Earth
−
| weapon1-stats =
+
| weapon3 = Scepter
−
| weapon2-stats =
+
| weapon4 = Dagger
−
| weapon3 =  
+
| sigil3 = Superior Sigil of Torment
−
| weapon4 = Pistol
+
| sigil4 = Superior Sigil of Earth
−
| sigil4 = Superior Sigil of Paralyzation
+
| relic = Relic of the Fractal
−
| weapon3-stats =
 
−
| weapon4-stats =
 
−
| head =
 
−
| shoulders = Sinister
 
−
| chest =
 
−
| hands = Sinister
 
−
| legs =
 
−
| feet = Sinister
 
−
| backpiece =
 
−
| accessory1 = Sinister
 
−
| accessory2 = Sinister
 
−
| amulet =
 
−
| ring1 =
 
−
| ring2 =  
 
−
| relic = Relic of Akeem
 
 
}}
 
}}
−
* Other relics include {{Relic|Relic of the Cavalier}}, {{Relic|Relic of Durability}}, and {{Relic|Relic of the Chronomancer}}.  
+
* Other relics include {{Relic|Relic of the Cavalier}}, {{Relic|Relic of Durability}}, and {{Relic|Relic of the Chronomancer}}.
  
−
===Ritualist===
+
===Alacrity===
−
This setup provides much higher HP and boon duration while maintaining very similar (within 15%) damage output. This allows for the ability to keep up {{tooltip|Alacrity}} via {{Trait|Shadestep}}. It also makes all of your Shroud skills benefit up to three other allies around your tethered ally! This build is the Editor's Choice for playing Specter, as while it will have somewhat lower burst it is a more generally-useful setup for Open World and provides incredible party support to farm zergs while also being very strong for solo play.
+
This setup provides much higher HP and boon duration while sacrificing about 16% of its damage. This allows for the ability to keep up {{tooltip|Alacrity}} via {{Trait|Shadestep}}.
 
{{PvE equipment
 
{{PvE equipment
 
| weight = Medium
 
| weight = Medium
Line 84: Line 85:
 
| rune = Superior Rune of the Trapper
 
| rune = Superior Rune of the Trapper
 
| rune-qt = 6
 
| rune-qt = 6
−
| weapon1 = Scepter
+
| weapon1 = Dagger
 
| weapon2 = Dagger
 
| weapon2 = Dagger
 
| sigil1 = Superior Sigil of Doom
 
| sigil1 = Superior Sigil of Doom
−
| sigil2 = Superior Sigil of Demons
+
| sigil2 = Superior Sigil of Geomancy
−
| weapon1-stats =
+
| weapon3 = Scepter
−
| weapon2-stats =
+
| weapon4 =  
−
| weapon3 =  
+
| sigil3 = Superior Sigil of Torment
−
| weapon4 = Pistol
+
| sigil4 =
−
| sigil4 = Superior Sigil of Paralyzation
+
| relic = Relic of the Fractal
−
| weapon3-stats =
 
−
| weapon4-stats =
 
−
| relic = Relic of Akeem
 
 
}}
 
}}
−
* Other relics include {{Relic|Relic of the Cavalier}}, {{Relic|Relic of Durability}}, and {{Relic|Relic of the Chronomancer}}.  
+
* Use {{Trait|Shadestep}} to provide {{Tooltip|Alacrity}} to nearby allies with your full {{Tooltip|Ritualist stats|Ritualist}} gear. You will need to spend more time in Shadow Shroud. Also use {{Trait|Amplified Siphoning}} and {{Trait|Deadly Ambush}}, and replace {{Skill|Skale Venom}} with {{Skill|Caltrops}}.
 +
** Spend all your initiative on {{Skill|Death Blossom}}, and your time in Shadow Shroud casting {{Skill|Grasping Shadows}} twice filling the cooldown gap with one {{Skill|Eternal Night}} and auto attacks.
 +
* Generally speaking, it's not worth playing alacrity specter in solo open world, as you lose valuable damage, especially in short fights which are the majority of fights in open world. Only consider playing alacrity specter when in groups and fighting bosses.
 +
 
  
−
<br>
 
 
==Consumables==
 
==Consumables==
 
Budget consumables are acceptable for use in open world.
 
Budget consumables are acceptable for use in open world.
Line 118: Line 118:
 
* {{Food|Peppermint Omnomberry Bar}}
 
* {{Food|Peppermint Omnomberry Bar}}
 
* {{Utility|Sharpening Skull}} (and variants)
 
* {{Utility|Sharpening Skull}} (and variants)
−
<br>
 
  
  
 
==Usage==
 
==Usage==
 +
===Shadow Shroud===
 +
{{Skill|Enter Shadow Shroud}} is the profession mechanic of the specter. After building Shadow Force by spending initiative in combat and using {{Skill|Siphon}}, Enter Shadow Shroud to gain access to new skills.
 +
 +
Your damage skills in shroud are {{Skill|Grasping Shadows}} and {{Skill|Eternal Night}}, while {{Skill|Dawn's Repose}} provides a leap and CC, and {{Skill|Mind Shock}} stuns and gives stability.
 +
 +
Generally speaking, when playing condition specter you want to enter Shadow Shroud, use {{Skill|Grasping Shadows}} and {{Skill|Eternal Night}} once, then immediately leave. This also provides initiative due to {{Trait|Quick Pockets}}.
 +
 +
===Damage===
 +
====Spear====
 +
On {{tooltip|Spear}} you want to use the following combo: 2-2-3-1-2-2-2-4-2-3-1 (these are the keys you press on your keyboard)
 +
# {{Skill|Mantis Sting}} (2)
 +
# {{Skill|Entangling Asp}} (2)
 +
# {{Skill|Shattering Assault}} gives {{Tooltip|Stealth}} (3)
 +
# {{Skill|Ashen Assault}} stealth attack (1)
 +
# {{Skill|Mantis Sting}} (2)
 +
# {{Skill|Entangling Asp}} (2)
 +
# {{Skill|Falling Spider}} (2)
 +
# {{Skill|Distracting Throw}} (4)
 +
# {{Skill|Entangling Asp}} (2)
 +
# {{Skill|Shattering Assault}} gives {{Tooltip|Stealth}} (3)
 +
# {{Skill|Ashen Assault}} stealth attack (1)
 +
# {{Skill|Enter Shadow Shroud}}
 +
# {{Skill|Grasping Shadows}}
 +
# {{Skill|Eternal Night}}
 +
# {{Skill|Exit Shadow Shroud}} and repeat from step 1
 +
* This is your full rotation. It's actually very simple and fluid.
 +
* Use {{Skill|Siphon}}, {{Skill|Well of Sorrow}}, {{Skill|Skale Venom}} and {{Skill|Spider Venom}} off cooldown.
 +
* The first {{Skill|Mantis Sting}} can be replaced with {{Skill|Unsuspecting Strike}} as Unsuspecting Strike deals more damage to targets above 90% health.
 +
====Scepter====
 +
{{Tooltip|Scepter}} is your ranged weapon but it offers less damage so only use it if range is needed. In this weapon set you just spam {{Skill|Twilight Combo}}. Don't waste initiative on other skills, except for {{Skill|Dancing Dagger}} against groups of enemies.
  
−
===Damage/CC===
+
===Defense===
−
* Outside of {{Skill|Enter Shadow Shroud}}, spam {{Skill|Twilight Combo}} as it grants by far the highest amount of damage per cast/initiative spent. That is also why it is not recommended to change any of the two weapons.
+
* The best defense is always to dodge or sidestep attacks.
−
* Also use {{Skill|Siphon}}, {{Skill|Well of Sorrow}}, {{Skill|Skale Venom}} and {{Skill|Spider Venom}} on cooldown to condi-bomb enemies and to generate additional shadow force. Be careful not to overcap Initiative.
+
* All your well skills also allow you to quickly reposition yourself since they are shadowsteps. This includes your heal skill {{Skill|Well of Gloom}}.
−
* In situations where you are alone, you can use {{Skill|Haste}} instead of {{Skill|Spider Venom}} for personal Quickness {{tooltip|Quickness}} and a Stunbreak.
+
* {{Skill|Enter Shadow Shroud}} replaces your health, so it is your main source of damage mitigation. {{Skill|Eternal Night}} will also heal you for a very small amount. You also have access to stability with {{Skill|Mind Shock}}.
−
* In {{Skill|Enter Shadow Shroud}}, use {{Skill|Grasping Shadows}} on cooldown and spam auto attacks. {{Skill|Eternal Night}} also applies poison, so it is worth casting as well.  
 
−
* You have lots of CC sources, both for soft and hard CC.{{Skill|Siphon}}, {{Skill|Dawn's Repose}}, {{Skill|Mind Shock}}, {{Skill|Twilight Combo}} and {{Skill|Shadowfall}}  all apply hard or soft CC, making it very easy to break defiance bars, espeically since you have a high uptime on {{tooltip|Chilled}}, {{tooltip|Weakness}}, {{tooltip|Slow}}, {{tooltip|Immobile}} and {{tooltip|Cripple}} as well.
 
  
−
===Survivability===
+
===Crowd control===
−
* {{Skill|Well of Gloom}} is your main source of healing, so make use of it as often as required. It also heals allies over time.
+
* {{Skill|Dawn's Repose}}.
−
* In {{Skill|Enter Shadow Shroud}}, {{Skill|Eternal Night}} also provides some healing upon hitting enemies with it. {{Skill|Mind Shock}} is also a great source of {{tooltip|Stability}}.
+
* {{Skill|Mind Shock}}.
−
* {{Skill|Enter Shadow Shroud}} makes you immune to damage while it is active (you will take damage to shadow force instead), so it is your main source of damage mitigation.
+
* {{Skill|Shadowfall}}.
−
* All your well skills also allow you to quickly resposition yourself since they are shadowsteps
+
* {{Skill|Distracting Throw}} (if the target is movement-impaired).
 +
* Soft cc from {{Skill|Siphon}}, {{Skill|Entangling Asp}} or {{Skill|Twilight Combo}}.

Latest revision as of 20:37, 21 February 2025

The community gave this build a rating, making it second-tier: Good

Focused on: Condition damage

Designed for: Open World and Open World General

Expansions required: End of Dragons builds

Difficulty:
Normal
This build was last updated on February 21, 2025 and is up to date for the February 11, 2025 patch.

Overview

Condition Specter Specter bleeds bleeds, torments torments, and poisons poisons its enemies with a continuous flurry of attacks and a very fluid rotation.

Enter Shadow Shroud
for extra damage and utility, and enjoy some extra durability from
Panaku's Ambition
 and innate sustain from
Larcenous Torment
. With a different set of gear, condition specter can sacrifice damage and take
Shadestep
 to provide nearby allies with permanent Alacrity Alacrity, but never do this when soloing.

As a downside, condition specter lacks AoE damage and burst damage, and it needs nearby allies for maximum damage by sharing Venom skills such as

Spider Venom
, but nevertheless performs good in solo open world.

Skill Bar

Spear
Scepter/Dagger
Utility


Template Code

[&DQUcGywXRxUVGwAABhsAAD4BAAAvAQAAERsAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA=]
Copy Template Code


Weapon variants

Spear Spear is your best weapon, usage requires land spear with Janthir Wilds.

  • Pistol Pistol replaces spear for players without Janthir Wilds, and scepter+dagger becomes the main weapon set. Pistol should only be used for crowd control.


Skill variants

Utility skills

Well of Sorrow
can be replaced with:

  • Prepare Thousand Needles
     - this provides more damage but has a longer cast time and mobile enemies may get out of the radius before you can detonate the trap.
  • Haste
     for a nice stunbreak.

Elite skills

Shadowfall
can be replaced with:

  • Basilisk Venom
     - better single target CC, especially when you can share the Venom with nearby allies.
  • Thieves Guild
     - extra damage but no CC.


Specializations


Equipment

Viper

This setup uses Viper equipment for high raw DPS.

Head
Viper
Shoulders
Viper
Chest
Viper
Hands
Viper
Legs
Viper
Feet
Viper
Backpiece
Viper
Accessory
Viper
Accessory
Viper
Amulet
Viper
Ring
Viper
Ring
Viper
Spear
Viper
Sigil
Sigil
Scepter
Viper
Dagger
Viper
Sigil
Sigil
Rune
x6


Relic

Alacrity

This setup provides much higher HP and boon duration while sacrificing about 16% of its damage. This allows for the ability to keep up Alacrity Alacrity via

Shadestep
.

Head
Ritualist
Shoulders
Ritualist
Chest
Ritualist
Hands
Ritualist
Legs
Ritualist
Feet
Ritualist
Backpiece
Ritualist
Accessory
Ritualist
Accessory
Ritualist
Amulet
Ritualist
Ring
Ritualist
Ring
Ritualist
Dagger
Ritualist
Dagger
Ritualist
Sigil
Sigil
Scepter
Ritualist
Sigil
Rune
x6


Relic
  • Use
    Shadestep
     to provide Alacrity Alacrity to nearby allies with your full Ritualist Ritualist gear. You will need to spend more time in Shadow Shroud. Also use
    Amplified Siphoning
     and
    Deadly Ambush
    , and replace
    Skale Venom
     with
    Caltrops
    .
  • Generally speaking, it's not worth playing alacrity specter in solo open world, as you lose valuable damage, especially in short fights which are the majority of fights in open world. Only consider playing alacrity specter when in groups and fighting bosses.


Consumables

Budget consumables are acceptable for use in open world.

DPS

Defense

Farming


Usage

Shadow Shroud

Enter Shadow Shroud
is the profession mechanic of the specter. After building Shadow Force by spending initiative in combat and using
Siphon
, Enter Shadow Shroud to gain access to new skills.

Your damage skills in shroud are

Grasping Shadows
and
Eternal Night
, while
Dawn's Repose
 provides a leap and CC, and
Mind Shock
 stuns and gives stability.

Generally speaking, when playing condition specter you want to enter Shadow Shroud, use

Grasping Shadows
and
Eternal Night
 once, then immediately leave. This also provides initiative due to
Quick Pockets
.

Damage

Spear

On Spear Spear you want to use the following combo: 2-2-3-1-2-2-2-4-2-3-1 (these are the keys you press on your keyboard)

  1. Mantis Sting
     (2)
  2. Entangling Asp
     (2)
  3. Shattering Assault
     gives Stealth Stealth (3)
  4. Ashen Assault
     stealth attack (1)
  5. Mantis Sting
     (2)
  6. Entangling Asp
     (2)
  7. Falling Spider
     (2)
  8. Distracting Throw
     (4)
  9. Entangling Asp
     (2)
  10. Shattering Assault
     gives Stealth Stealth (3)
  11. Ashen Assault
     stealth attack (1)
  12. Enter Shadow Shroud
  13. Grasping Shadows
  14. Eternal Night
  15. Exit Shadow Shroud
     and repeat from step 1

Scepter

Scepter Scepter is your ranged weapon but it offers less damage so only use it if range is needed. In this weapon set you just spam

Twilight Combo
. Don't waste initiative on other skills, except for
Dancing Dagger
 against groups of enemies.

Defense

  • The best defense is always to dodge or sidestep attacks.
  • All your well skills also allow you to quickly reposition yourself since they are shadowsteps. This includes your heal skill
    Well of Gloom
    .
  • Enter Shadow Shroud
     replaces your health, so it is your main source of damage mitigation.
    Eternal Night
     will also heal you for a very small amount. You also have access to stability with
    Mind Shock
    .

Crowd control

Retrieved from "https://metabattle.com/wiki/index.php?title=Build:Specter_-_Condition_Specter&oldid=20403"


Ratings

This build has a rating of 5 stars based on 1 votes.
Log in or register to rate this build.
5 stars
Stx gave this build 5 stars • April 2022
Giving condition spectre a 5 star rating because it is clearly the best thief build in the game for soloing champion mobs, bounties, or other challenging boss types. The build has range, and lots of survival due to heal on exiting shadowform. Plenty of breakbar damage as well. I personally prefer scepter/pistol for kiting and the 7 hits on the beam, but scepter Dagger works great too.

Comments

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