Shadow Warrior (SW) :
Can be played 3 different ways :
Stationary long range single target (st) DPS.
Mobile middle range are of effect (aoe) DPS.
Mobile melee st DPS.
Archetype : DPS
Mechanic : Strategic Maneuvers (3 different stances)
Each stance enables the use of certain abilities. As a general rule, Assault is for melee abilities, Scout for long range single target abilities, and Skirmish for medium range aoe abilities.
Shadow Warrior Pros (Range) :
– Very easy RR levelling, just follow a blob (stay solo tho), do some dps and you’ll be flooded with renown.
– Relaxed playstyle, when I’m sick or very tired, I can play my SW and still do good.
– Good variety of playstyles.
– Can be a good ST DPS, Assault or Scout, and even Skirmish can work there with some adjustments (prolly not ideal tho, highly situational).
– Good aoe damage from medium range (even if not a lot of kill potential), or very good damage from close range if paired with SwordMaster(s).
– Amazing M2 with Ambush!
– Good escape tools (for order).
– Good morale drain (if SwordMaster in party).
– Can be a good support character, spreading armor debuff (procs on gear sets) and defense debuff (Tactic).
Shadow Warrior Cons (Range):
– It takes 3 GCD to apply BH, but only one to dispel it, you are at a severe disadvantage when facing competent healers. Ofc they can dispel something else, but since most destruction groups have access to CDR, good healers will dispel your dots and there is not much you can do about it.
– Cannot hit oil. Have a dual screen setup and read Cake’s Plan articles to avoid being bored to death during sieges.
– You have less survivability tools than Squig Herders (SH) AND destruction have more tools to catch kiters. That means you are not allowed to make any mistakes or you will get stomped.
– Being a rDPS is in most cases regarded as being a liability. And it is not wrong, because as mentioned earlier, you are not allowed to make any mistakes. But you will, everybody makes mistakes (yes, even YOU mr xxxPr0g4m3r-69xxx), it’s just impossible to be perfect.
Shadow Warrior Pros and Cons (Melee) :
I do not, and never have played ASW. My input would simply be too inaccurate to be taken seriously, I prefer not to comment on that.
Cake’s Thoughts :
Sadly, Shadow Warrior used as a rdps is not in a great position right now.
It is not horrible and can have its place in some comps, we even had success running a 7 SW city wb vs one of the best destro guild, but I guess it’s more because they were not used to playing vs such a comp, than it’s actual strength.
My opinion is mostly based on city and scenarios, because in oRvR, we ran an elf warband with MASSIVE success.
If you want a city powerhouse, look somewhere else. If you want to have fun in oRvR, then SW is good. Be ready to afk during sieges tho.
Cake's Plan 