[PoF] Deadeye Builds/Discussion

In light of the new forums and the need for new threads: let's use this thread to discuss the soon to be released expansion's thief elite specialization—the Deadeye.

I'll update the OP with builds after we get a chance to theorycraft on GW2 Skills.

EDITING below the line (wip and still working on formatting):

Formatting the builds as follows:

Build Name

• Build Type (WvW/PvP/PvE)
• GW2 Skills Build Link
• Short description

-----[POWER] RIFLE–SHORTBOW BUILDS-----

Deadeye Tactician (@"Shtark.7250")

• PvP
• GW2 Skills Build Link
• Description WIP

Deadeye Sniper (@"Mordaredrom.9162")

• PvE
• GW2 Skills Build Link
• A traditional glass build designed for high impact damage.

Relentless Sniper (@"YuiRS.8129")

• PvP
• GW2 Skills Build Link
• This Deadeye doesn't wait for malice to slowly build up. This Deadeye's first volley comes mere moments before the last volley of bullets which signal defeat.

Malicious Rejuvenator (@"Zacchary.6183")

• WvW
• GW2 Skills Build Link
• This build combines healing sustain with the critical hit chance bonuses in Deadeye to outlast opponents on the battlefield while dealing out consistent ranged pressure.

Relentless Marksman (@"Wargameur.6950")

• PvP
• GW2 Skills Build Link
• This build focuses on evade based gameplay and uses quickness with basilisk's venom to overwhelm even the toughest opponents in an instant.

-----[POWER] RIFLE–SWORD/DAGGER BUILDS-----

Deadeye Specialist (@"Collinz.1642")

• PvP
• GW2 Skills Build Link
• Description...wip

Deadeye Sword-Sniper (@"Cave Rock.4869") MODIFIED

• WvW
• GW2 Skills Build Link
• A variation of the Deadeye Sniper which takes Sword/Dagger over Shortbow and has quickness for a faster opening burst.

Boonslinger (@"Phosphorite.6192") [MODIFIED: Changed Vigorous Recovery to Pain Response b/c it was redundant with Bountiful Theft]

• PvE
• GW2 Skills Build Link
• Provides constant boon application for group members

Relentless Duelist (@"Khazik.8052")

• WvW
• GW2 Skills Build Link
• This build focuses on maintaining high uptime on vigor and quickness to be highly evasive and deadly with a sword. Rifle provides ranged pressure against opponents with traps and for engaging in chokeholds.

Relentless Shadow (@"Taobella.6597")

• WvW
• GW2 Skills Build Link
• A deadly combination of stealth, evade and rapid damage application.

-----[POWER] RIFLE–PISTOL/PISTOL BUILDS-----

Nighteye Cowboy (@"babazhook.6805")

• WvW
• GW2 Skills Build Link
• At midnight the bell tolls for you. This build focuses on damage bonuses and high critical hit rates to apply chill while making short work of your enemies in the dead of night.

-----[CONDITION/HYBRID] ALL BUILDS-----

Malicious Shadow Duelist (@"saerni.2584")

• PvP: Pistol-Dagger + Shortbow
• GW2 Skills Build Link
• This build uses might to significantly increase damage of both the Deadeye and their allies. Each stolen skill applies AoE might, boons and conditions. Body Shot serves as a powerful tool for locking down single targets and poisoning them.

Griefeye (@"babazhook.6805")

• WvW
• GW2 Skills Build Link
• A hybrid build which applies both strong condition and power damage from the shadows.

I made a long ass post on the old forums about how I used this build, but I think it's pretty self-explanatory by now.http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vZAQJAUVnsMBlOhtFD+OBUGjFkCj/S2JLlcNgAwCwLHcD6BA-jpxHQBA4IAQwLAw1KDwwHAQP2fYgHCAA

Generic pve build, venons can be sloted if neededhttp://gw2skills.net/editor/?vZAQJAUVnsMB9FjNOBGOBUGjFaCTLAMhiA8/yiZzcLPNc2TA-jhRBABUq+jZKBva/R53DXCA80EAwTAgUARM0C-e

High mobility spec....great and choosing targets and melting them. can easily get away if need be and using shadow flare while they're immob'd with malice is good for close quarters.http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vZAQNAU8Yn0MBlOh9OB+FDUGjFaCTLAMhiAc1gUwMg/XWMbmA-jpxHQBw7IAwwHAAM2fYAXAAAcQAuWZAA

Mark, spam #3 and kill anything in 3 seconds. Perma 20+ Might stacks, ok condi cleanse and survivability thanks to stealth, but the defining feature is stupidly high damage that requires no preparation. Also remember to use #2 so people can't roll on the ground... then press #3 some more. #1 with 25 Might crits for 6k sometimes, which is pretty funny too.http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vZAQJAUVn0MBlOhFOB+OBUGjFYCj/Y2Mvmehh4QbQLBEAyAA-jpxHQBaY/hrVGAAHCAldEAI4DAghXAAA

I am working on a more tanky build that has decent healing capabilities and takes slight advantage of all the things the spec has to offer. This build is more of a +1 and conditions support build But tanky enough to survive.http://en.gw2skills.net/editor/?vZAQJAUVnkFD9OhFOBOGDUGjFaCjfYWMbmaBgJ0sxLMkGKDA-jVSEQBNUpniU/xiKDQwFAoAHBAA8IAcjuAit/AgUCCA-w

Through Mug (2k heal), Maleficent Seven and the Malicious Restoration heal, there will be plenty of chances to spot heal. MR can heal for a maximum of 15.3k and seven condition cleanse. The high hp should help make sure no healing goes to waste.Although this build has low precision (36% crit rate), the amount of fury upkeep with Rifle k2 (kneel 2) and Thrill of the Crime, on top of the Sniper's Cover crit bonus is enough to pump out enough crits and keep dps high.Keeps your initiative high with Roll for Initiative and Mercy, assuming your malice is high enough.Power is boosted when revealed with Revealed Training, so revealing yourself from time to time will be beneficial to DPS output. Also assuming that the Revealed skillfact on Rifle k4 is correct, that means using it will boost your power by 200.One in the Chamber combined with Improv, Sleight of Hand, Mercy, Malicious Restoration and Shadow Meld will ensure that you have plenty of Stolen Skills to buff yourself with.

I will run something along that vein in pvp:

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vZAQJAUVn0MB9Oh9FDmOB8PhFqCjPQmIfkd9kAQQyLEkCKBA-jpxHQBE8CAwwHAw1KDAgDBQP2fYgHBAA

I might change it here and there but that's a style I like really much. It's funny because every build I came up until now have diverged from using stealth too much.

This thread should be pinned. IMHO tho

@saerni.2584 said:I'll update the OP with builds after we get a chance to theorycraft on GW2 Skills.

Sadly, you won't :( These forums don't allow editing long after your first post. I hope there is a workaround found for that, or the limit is lifted by ANet, because I will be very keen to see Deadeye build suggestions fairly soon after launch and having them consolidated would be handy.

Yeah I discovered that little limitation after I posted. Hopefully that changes.

Either way I'll post an update further down with a breakdown of the various builds and play styles.

I've been playing around with builds using leadership runes, using variations of Acrobatics (for S/D), Crit, and Trickery lines. Just thinking outside the box as far as traditional burst builds go, but it's an Idea I'm playing around with given all the boons that can be had with the Deadeye line.

With 50% boon duration, opening up you have a solid 24s of quickness, 7 something seconds of the buffs provided once you reach max Malice (5), and 6s of quickness every time you re-mark an enemy (keep in mind Mercy util). Can easily self buff 25 stacks of might and hold it without the FFE GM trait.
Example build here.

Using the FFE GM trait for endless might sharing something like this could provide 30s of 25 stacks easily, on top of the boons granted by the steal abilities.

I'm really looking forward to the new runes in PoF, I'm particular fond of the boon sharing Deadeye idea.

@saerni.2584 said:In light of the new forums and the need for new threads: let's use this thread to discuss the soon to be released expansion's thief elite specialization—the Deadeye.

I'll update the OP with builds after we get a chance to theorycraft on GW2 Skills.

Hey there guys and girls, thanks for opening up this thread. So far I have only tinkered with a build that theoretically should work well from a tower or keep defense. Also it might work picking off a target and then bailing fast. Squishy but deadly power damage. 4090 with max might and bloodlust stacks.

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vZAQNAU8YnkFDFOhNOB+FDUGjFaCj/XWMfmaBgJUEYLPNcCBA-jVSBABA8AAoU9HjvAA0sggZKBxT3wFHEgr2PU+twRAIAACwNvZ2sNDu5Nv5Nv5N7628m38m38m38m38mlCIihWA-w

Btw all I have a vid about Guild Wars 2 Path of Fire. Its an overview of the second expansion and a discussion about the nine new elites.

Also I have changed my opinion on the Deadeye, I actually liked the process of making a build for this elite as it was fun. I especially liked all the trait synergies between the Deadeye and core Thief. Initially I had concerns it would be overpowered. Perhaps that might be the case but it will come with some nasty drawbacks, like possibly less movement, evasion and general survival. But we shall see real soon on the 22nd of September.

I tossed together a general purpose PvE roaming build which gives increased support in the form of spreading boons and conditions. It's hardly meta, but I think it looks like it would be fun and contribute to a PUG open world event group solidly: http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vZAQNAU4an0MpZien8OZxTinwxYjxQZsyYLkFG/YcN+G9CAJgCg2Fa2MVA-jBCBQBSU5n6UCChrAAAeIAEZ/BBq+j80NoAzfkCIitWA-e

@Mercurias.1826 said:I tossed together a general purpose PvE roaming build which gives increased support in the form of spreading boons and conditions. It's hardly meta, but I think it looks like it would be fun and contribute to a PUG open world event group solidly: http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vZAQNAU4an0MpZien8OZxTinwxYjxQZsyYLkFG/YcN+G9CAJgCg2Fa2MVA-jBCBQBSU5n6UCChrAAAeIAEZ/BBq+j80NoAzfkCIitWA-e

Great idea! No matter what game mode all builds can gives us knowledge, tips or tricks we can learn. Even mistakes help out the same way.

I will have a few builds using DE spec. This is the one I am thinking of for my "cowboy" build. Note in pistol offhand sigil of severance will be used, this to enable interrupts to give that extra bonus. Rifle MH will have a day and night version.

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vZAQNAU6ansMBtFjlOBOOBUGjFkCzLGcD6BcNgAwCg/S2JPlA-j1SBQBJU9HRqUIjK5MpSQfs/AAeAAXRZwCOIA4RHQeuCA5TzAA-w

It should be relatively easy to get the MARK down to under 50 percent meaning the Infiltrators will have that constant 12 percent bonus. The GM trait out of SA should generate INI and health on an ongoing basis but dependent on how necessary that is , it might change to RS or the new CIS.

While HIS does have that long cast time , I do feel at range it will be easier to use and be supplemeted by high stealth uptime with rejuv while providing yet another stealth source. I might toyy with Malicous in that slot. I mostly WvW so this intended for there.

@babazhook.6805 said:I will have a few builds using DE spec. This is the one I am thinking of for my "cowboy" build. Note in pistol offhand sigil of severance will be used, this to enable interrupts to give that extra bonus. Rifle MH will have a day and night version.

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vZAQNAU6ansMBtFjlOBOOBUGjFkCzLGcD6BcNgAwCg/S2JPlA-j1SBQBJU9HRqUIjK5MpSQfs/AAeAAXRZwCOIA4RHQeuCA5TzAA-w

It should be relatively easy to get the MARK down to under 50 percent meaning the Infiltrators will have that constant 12 percent bonus. The GM trait out of SA should generate INI and health on an ongoing basis but dependent on how necessary that is , it might change to RS or the new CIS.

While HIS does have that long cast time , I do feel at range it will be easier to use and be supplemeted by high stealth uptime with rejuv while providing yet another stealth source. I might toyy with Malicous in that slot. I mostly WvW so this intended for there.

Hey Baba, ain't making cowboy and cowgirl builds fun to do for the Deadeye. Man have my opinions on this elite changed. First I thought it was overpowered and an unskilled long range sniper style, but there are so many other options. Plus the trait synergies with core Thief are really well done. See what i mean in my video I dislike the elite and now I have done a total 180 to say I actually like it. There I ate my words. Deadeyes please don't hate me for what I said in the past.

Just thought about it, couldn't we make a knock-down build work ? Something relying on tripwire and unforgiving.

We still haven't found a cancerous DE build btw....

Yeah knockdowns do seem to be quite prevelant in amongst the Deadeye rifle skills and utilities. It might just work a knockdown build.

I suppose Shadow Gust, Binding Shadow, Scorpion wire and Tripwire would all qualify to a degree as knockdowns. I doubt any would use all of these but Severance sigil with draining or absorption as interrupt sigils could magnify the damage these do. While PI can not be traited you could also take Pressure strike .

If you open with a Scorpion wire on a Fresh Mark and have Unforgiving traited then generate an interrupt you will pull,knockdown , stun for a second and get 250 precision +250 ferocity for 4 seconds if that Severance sigil used plus a 1200k life drainfor sigil of draining. If you have be quick or be killed traited you get another 200 precision and 200 power along with quickness that will last through the duration of the other triggered effects. Theoretically you can do the SW pull, and immediately stealth and get another 200 power if you went the revealed training route out of DA. (DA,DE,TR build). Thats 400 power, quickness , 450 precision and 250 ferocity for about 4 seconds before might stacks.

Hard to pull of no doubt but it could be nasty. Followup with binding shadow and another knockdown which also throws in 15 stacks Vuln.

This could be killer in a p/p build. If I ever pull it off I will let you all know :)

I seen a deadeye in the little solo arena thing who tried to stay stealth full time using rifle only and his first attack would knockdown. He killed pretty much everyone that fought him but he was using stealth really well. Even though when played well it does get kills I dont think it will make it into meta. I liked how he would stay stealth and always get the first hit. I think I sat there and watched him kill like twenty people myself included without him dieing once.

The rifle does have some fun factor to use however the same 5 skills will get old like the other weapons something seriously needs to be done about this I been saying since beta like interchangeable weapon skills or being able to choose from multiple weapon templates for the same weapon, I get seriously tired of the same combo over and over again after a short period of time it makes it hard to login knowing I'm going to do the same rotation of skills on whatever weaponset im using since five years ago. Take mes gs for example its the same spike every fight and will get old sometimes I go to login think about the class for a second and say I don't even want to play that anymore. Plus it gives more build variety which is heavily required especially at this point in time.

I call this one the Boonslinger :D As one can see this build is completely focused on sharing boons and increasing their duration, while also having stuff to do besides that. You really could make this into a healing build as well, which actually was my first idea but eventually, I settled with Power instead bc the Thief really doesn't have that many healing skills.

Let me know what you think~ ^^

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vZAQNAU8YnkFDtFj1FDOGDUGjFtCrrA0cCAeVgJQGg/O+HLkA-jBSBQBL4CAgyDCwLVC6Q1f8nuBA8EA8oyv9t/QAgDgzPPzbew5nf+5nfeN/8zP/8zP/8zPvUAetSD-e

I'm going to be working on transferring builds to the main post.

I'll invent a name for your builds if you don't provide one :p

My PvE build will be swapping between P/P and D/D depending if I need AoE. Also my GM trait will depend on the target. I'll be using BQBK trait against low health mobs and I'll use M7 against high health mobs.http://en.gw2skills.net/editor/?vZAQRAqa4Yn0MB9Fj9OBuFDUGjFmCjrAEAGAdNlnUUiPSmJ7kA-jRCBwAJM/lS/w09HOq8AnaFGViB4tAkTVFJKBBA-e

My WvW build is about dealing as much initial damage as possible and finishing the target off with S/Dhttp://en.gw2skills.net/editor/?vZAQNAU8YnsMBNOh9OBePBUGjFfCjLEUBGB8tyaZucLA8aaAA-jlCBABJY+LFNDA8VAOS5hEKBlXHQOqqYkSMs2fAH1KAA-w

I'm still debating if RoI is even necessary because Binding Shadow is a really good prep for S/D or Death's Judgment. Mobility is my main issue using DE.

As for PvP, I cannot honestly say that DE is better than DD or Core spec. It's just that the PvP map and game modes are not designed with DE in mind.

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vZAQNAsaUnsMBNGjtFDmOBUGjFeCj/VmL/ldtlE0NQ7MNgCAA-jVSBQB55EAchDBQCV/BAPAgFcEAMpSwMq8Lf6Duy+DkCIiJYA-w this probably going to be my build :).

That heal is my favorite thief heal but I cant use it over the dodge one anymore. Out of all skills I feel that one should probably cancel revealed.

The dodge is like instant healing and cant be interrupted.