This Thief tagging build focuses on getting credit for as many enemies as possible in large group content like Meta Events and PvE Zergs. This build focuses on dishing out quick and consistent AoE damage that hits hard enough to get credit for the enemy’s death. This will maximize the amount of loot you get while running with large groups.
This is my personal favorite of all of my tagging builds. I feel that Thief outperforms every other class when it comes to maximizing kill credit.
The Build
Build Code: [&DQUsFTY9BxqUEgwBNAFbAVcBVgFYADMBnwEoAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA=]
Abilities
This build relies on the spammable AoE of Trick Shot, the #1 ability on Shortbow. Infiltrator’s Arrow (Shortbow #5) can be used to catch up with groups or get out in front to secure tags. Cluster Bomb (Shortbow #2) for power builds or Choking Gas (Shortbow #4) for condition builds can be used to spread a bit of damage in a specific area, but often is not needed. Remember though that Cluster Bomb and Choking Gas will use up initiative that could otherwise be used on Infiltrator’s Arrows.
For the heal skill, Channeled Vigor can be used as a utility skill to refill your endurance. Signet of Malice is a good choice for some mindless sustain if you don’t have Daredevil.
For Utility skills, I suggest Blinding Powder for those instances where you overextend or outrun the main group. Signet of Agility is great as another way to refill your endurance. However, if you are don’t have the permanent swiftness that Daredevil gives, consider bringing Signet of Shadows to increase your movement speed out of Swiftness. Finally, Shadowstep is a great gap closer, similar to Infiltrator’s Arrow with a longer reach. It will help keep you at the front of the group.
For the Elite Skill, Dagger Storm is a great skill to drop in the middle of a large group of enemies. Be sure to move around while channeling it to try to hit every enemy you can.
Traits
Daredevil is a great addition to this build, as it supplies you with permanent Swiftness and augments your dodges to deal AoE damage. From the Daredevil tree, Escapist’s Fortitude allows you to clear troublesome conditions. Havoc Specialist will almost always be up with how often you will be dodge rolling. The last trait choice for Daredevil is up to you. Impaling Lotus will give you access to a lot of spammable point-blank AoE, but if you are having trouble keeping up with the group, Dash has a longer reach and increased Swiftness bonus.
Trickery further augments your dodge rolls to make them even more effective for tagging enemies while also supplying you with more initiative for Infiltrator’s Arrows. Uncatchable will leave caltrops, a 3 second duration AoE, at the location you dodge, even if you are using Dash. The tier 2 choice for Trickery is not all that impactful, but picking up Bountiful Theft will give boons to nearby allies, further increasing your chances getting loot from tagged enemies. Finally, Quick Pockets will help keep your initiative high for Infiltrator’s Arrows.
Acrobatics makes spamming dodge rolls easier with the minor trait Feline Grace. You also gain Swiftness every time you dodge and since this build can dodge so often, you can keep Swiftness up permanently. Instant Reflexes can save you from big hits since you will be quite squishy, giving you enough time to Blinding Powder or retreat. Hard to Catch is a great way to shrug off the occasional CC. Finally, Don’t Stop will keep you moving quick as long as you maintain Swiftness.
Stats
You stat choice is not too important for this build, but I do suggest a full Berserker’s set if you can. This will nearly guarantee that a single hit from Trick Shot will give you kill credit on normal enemies. Survivability is not much of an issue with this build, as you will be at range with access to many dodge rolls.
Playstyle
Moving Group
If the group is moving, stay near the front by maintaining Swiftness through dodge rolling and closing gaps with Infiltrator’s Arrow and Shadowstep. This will allow you to tag enemies early and move on to others. One Trick Shot hit will often be enough to get credit for the kill, especially with a Berserker’s set, allowing you to move to the next group. Try to target a different enemy with each shot, preferably one away from the last group of enemies you hit.
Camping Spawns
When trying to tag enemies that your group is camping the spawn location of, drop a Choking Gas or dodge roll to drop caltrops on the spot enemies will spawn. Use Steal to buff nearby allies with Bountiful Theft, as often Choking Gas will not be enough damage to secure kill credit. Other than that, you can often get at least one Trick Shot off before groups die as long as you react quickly.
Large Enemy Groups
For large groups of many enemies, drop a few Chocking Gases or Cluster Bombs while you move into the enemy group. Once there, dodge roll to drop caltrops in the group and avoid damage. After you’ve spent your endurance, go into Dagger Storm to tag enemies near you. Use Shadowstep about halfway through the Dagger Storm channel to move to another concentrated group of enemies. Use your endurance refill abilities and keep using your dodge roll to tag nearby enemies.
World vs. World
This build does not perform as well in a PvP environment as it does in a PvE environment. This build is very squishy and can be quickly taken down by enemy players, even while sticking with a friendly team. It’s range is low, forcing you to move into dangerous ranges to even hit an enemy. However, if you are playing WvW more like a PvE game, moving uncontested between Forts and Keeps, this build works great at securing credit.