Skip to content

Thief

At a glance

An assassin that specializes in stealth and surprise attacks, using initiative instead of cooldowns for most weapon skills.

Core thief

Thieves excel at speed and mobility. Disappear into the shadows, strike from behind, and retreat when the fight turns against you.

Thieves wear medium armor and share the lowest base-health tier with guardians and elementalists. Stealth, shadowsteps, and evasion help you avoid damage instead of trading blows. Getting hit is dangerous; positioning is your defense.

Thieves have a Dual Wield mechanic: weapon skill 3 depends on both your main-hand and off-hand weapons. A dagger in your main hand gives you a different skill when paired with another dagger than when paired with a pistol. Start with one combination and learn it before experimenting.

Armor class
Medium
Base health
Low
Beginner difficulty
Moderate

Initiative

Most thief weapon skills in slots 2–5 use a shared resource called initiative. You can repeat a skill while you have enough initiative, then wait for it to recover when you run out. Slot 1 autoattacks cost no initiative, so you can keep attacking.

The key is resource management. Spending initiative on several expensive skills can drain it quickly. Decide whether to spend it now or save some for your next action. You have freedom to choose your weapon-skill sequence, but must manage the shared pool yourself.

Weapon skill 1, your autoattack, costs no initiative. You can keep using it with an empty initiative bar.

Steal

Your core profession skill, F1, is Steal. It shadowsteps you to an enemy and gives you a single-use stolen skill based on the target's type.

Steal also works as a way to engage: shadowstep into range, then use the stolen skill for an additional effect.

Weapon skills

Universal Arsenal

Thief’s weapon skill 3 changes with the main-hand and off-hand combination. Check the weapon pair you plan to use.

Two-Handed Weapons
Main-Hand Weapons
Off-Hand Weapons
Aquatic Weapons

Utility skills

Thief Utility Skills

Core Thief utilities lean toward stealth, mobility, initiative flow, venoms, and short disruption windows. Beginners usually do better by learning one stable heal, one mobility tool, and one or two easy utility buttons before expanding into heavier stealth or venom setups.

Healing Skills
Antivenom Draught: Backfired
Antivenom Draught: Backfired
Uncategorized
This skill has backfired and cannot be used again until fully recharged.
Recharge10s
Hide in Shadows
Hide in Shadows
Deception
Deception. Vanish in stealth and cure conditions. Then gain regeneration and heal yourself.
Recharge25sHealing6026Apply Buff/Condition3sApply Buff/Condition6sApply Buff/ConditionApply Buff/ConditionApply Buff/ConditionApply Buff/Condition
Signet of Malice
Signet of Malice
Signet
Signet Passive: Heals when you attack.
Signet Active: Gain health.
Recharge12sHealing132Healing3275
Skelk Venom
Skelk Venom
Venom
Venom. Heal yourself. Your next few attacks heal you.
Recharge25sApply Buff/Condition24s × 5Initial Self Heal4210Healing1206Number of Attacks5Venom Duration24Number of Targets5Radius240
Withdraw
Withdraw
Trick
Trick. Cure conditions, then roll backward while healing and evading attacks.
Recharge18sHealing4778Apply Buff/ConditionApply Buff/ConditionApply Buff/ConditionApply Buff/Condition
Utility Skills
Deception
Blinding Powder
Blinding Powder
Deception
Deception. Blind nearby foes and grant stealth to nearby allies.
Recharge20sStunBreaktrueApply Buff/Condition3sApply Buff/Condition5sSmoke Bomb Radius240Number of Targets5Combo FinisherBlast 100%
Shadow Refuge
Shadow Refuge
Deception
Deception. Create a pulsing refuge at the target area that heals allies, cloaks allies in stealth, and reduces damage taken.
Range600Recharge35sHealing570Apply Buff/Condition3sApply Buff/Condition1sPulses5Radius240Duration4Number of Targets5Combo FieldDark
Shadowstep
Shadowstep
Deception
Deception. Shadowstep to target area. Becomes Shadow Return, which returns you to your starting area and cures three conditions.
Range1200Recharge30sStunBreaktrue
Shadow Return
Shadow Return
Deception. Return to your starting location, and cure three conditions.
Range1200StunBreaktrueDuration15
Smoke Screen
Smoke Screen
Deception
Deception. Create a smoke screen that blocks missiles and debilitates foes that pass through. Gain stealth when you leave the smoke screen.
Recharge25sUnblockabletrueApply Buff/Condition3sApply Buff/Condition3sApply Buff/Condition6s × 8Smoke Screen Duration7Smoke Screen Duration6Blocks MissilesRadius240Apply Buff/Condition3sCombo FieldSmoke
Signet
Assassin's Signet
Assassin's Signet
Signet
Signet Passive: Grants increased power.
Signet Active: Power is massively increased for a short duration.
Recharge20sApply Buff/Condition0sApply Buff/Condition5s
Infiltrator's Signet
Infiltrator's Signet
Signet
Signet Passive: Regenerates one extra initiative every ten seconds.
Signet Active: Shadowstep to your foe.
Range1200Recharge20sStunBreaktrueInitiative Gain every 10 seconds1
Signet of Agility
Signet of Agility
Signet
Signet Passive: Grants increased precision.
Signet Active: Refill endurance and cleanse conditions from nearby allies.
Recharge30sApply Buff/Condition0sConditions Removed3Endurance Gained100Endurance Gained50Endurance Gained25Number of Targets5Radius360
Signet of Shadows
Signet of Shadows
Signet
Signet Passive: Grants a 25% increase in movement speed.
Signet Active: Gain stealth and swiftness. Remove all movement-impairing conditions from yourself.
Recharge16sApply Buff/Condition3sApply Buff/Condition10sApply Buff/ConditionApply Buff/ConditionApply Buff/Condition
Trick
Caltrops
Caltrops
Trick
Trick. Scatter caltrops that bleed and cripple foes.
Recharge24sUnblockabletrueApply Buff/Condition10sApply Buff/Condition10sCaltrops Duration10Radius240Number of Targets5
Haste
Haste
Trick
Trick. Gain quickness, fury, and swiftness.
Recharge20sStunBreaktrueApply Buff/Condition6sApply Buff/Condition6sApply Buff/Condition6s
Roll for Initiative
Roll for Initiative
Trick
Trick. Evade backward to regenerate initiative and recover from crippled, chilled, and immobilized.
Recharge25sStunBreaktrueInitiative Gain6Initiative Gain4
Scorpion Wire
Scorpion Wire
Trick
Trick. Throw a scorpion wire and pull your foe to you.
Range1200Recharge1sDamage0.5Maximum Count2Count Recharge20Combo FinisherProjectile 100%
Preparation
Prepare Pitfall
Prepare Pitfall
Preparation
Preparation. Mark your current area with controlling magic, readying the location to crush enemies when Pitfall is released.
Recharge25sBase Arm Time3Duration300
Pitfall
Pitfall
Unleash your pitfall on the area, knocking down foes and delivering constant damage over time.
Recharge3sUnblockabletrueInitial Impact Damage1.25Initial Impact Damage0.01Pulse Damage0.5Pulse Damage0.3Apply Buff/Condition6s × 2Knockdown3Number of Targets5Duration3Interval1Radius240Traited · Apply Buff/Condition10s × 5 (Trait 1169)
Pitfall
Pitfall
Unleash your pitfall on the area, knocking down foes and delivering constant damage over time.
Recharge3sUnblockabletrueInitial Impact Damage1.25Initial Impact Damage0.01Pulse Damage0.5Pulse Damage0.3Apply Buff/Condition6s × 2Knockdown3Number of Targets5Duration3Interval1Radius240Traited · Apply Buff/Condition10s × 5 (Trait 1169)
Prepare Seal Area
Prepare Seal Area
Preparation
Preparation. Mark your current area with stifling magic, readying the location to seal enemies in.
Recharge35sUnblockabletrueBase Arm Time3Duration300
Seal Area
Seal Area
Create an area that blocks projectiles and prevents enemies from entering or leaving.
Recharge3sUnblockabletrueRadius240Number of Targets20Duration8Duration5
Seal Area
Seal Area
Create an area that blocks projectiles and prevents enemies from entering or leaving.
Recharge3sUnblockabletrueRadius240Number of Targets20Duration8Duration5
Prepare Shadow Portal
Prepare Shadow Portal
Preparation
Preparation. Mark your current area with shadow magic, which can be detonated.
Recharge60sUnblockabletrueBase Arm Time3Duration60Range5000
Shadow Portal
Shadow Portal
Unleash shadow magic at your prepared location, creating a one-way portal for you and your allies. Allies traveling through the portal gain stealth. Weakens foes around the portal's exit.
Range5000Recharge3sApply Buff/Condition2sApply Buff/Condition3sDuration8Number of Allied Targets10Number of Allied Targets1Number of Targets5Radius240Number of Allied Targets5
Shadow Portal
Shadow Portal
Unleash shadow magic at your prepared location, creating a one-way portal for you and your allies. Allies traveling through the portal gain stealth. Weakens foes around the portal's exit.
Range5000Recharge3sApply Buff/Condition2sApply Buff/Condition3sDuration8Number of Allied Targets10Number of Allied Targets1Number of Targets5Radius240Number of Allied Targets5
Prepare Thousand Needles
Prepare Thousand Needles
Preparation
Preparation. Mark your current area with inhibiting magic, readying the location to poison enemies.
Recharge30sUnblockabletrueBase Arm Time3Duration300
Thousand Needles
Thousand Needles
Unleash a hail of needles that immobilizes enemies on impact and poisons the ground, inflicting conditions over time.
Recharge3sUnblockabletrueDamage0.5Pulsing Damage0.2Apply Buff/Condition3sApply Buff/Condition8sApply Buff/Condition5s × 2Apply Buff/Condition2sDuration5Interval1Radius240Number of Targets5
Thousand Needles
Thousand Needles
Unleash a hail of needles that immobilizes enemies on impact and poisons the ground, inflicting conditions over time.
Recharge3sUnblockabletrueDamage0.5Pulsing Damage0.2Apply Buff/Condition3sApply Buff/Condition8sApply Buff/Condition5s × 2Apply Buff/Condition2sDuration5Interval1Radius240Number of Targets5
Venom
Devourer Venom
Devourer Venom
Venom
Venom. Your next few attacks immobilize foes.
Recharge40sApply Buff/Condition30s × 2Apply Buff/Condition1sNumber of Attacks2Venom Duration30Number of Targets5Radius240
Ice Drake Venom
Ice Drake Venom
Venom
Venom. Chill foes with your next few attacks.
Recharge36sApply Buff/Condition24s × 4Apply Buff/Condition1sNumber of Attacks4Venom Duration24Number of Targets5Radius240
Skale Venom
Skale Venom
Venom
Venom. Apply vulnerability and torment with your next few attacks.
Recharge30sApply Buff/Condition24s × 4Apply Buff/Condition10sApply Buff/Condition6sApply Buff/Condition3sApply Buff/Condition5sNumber of Attacks4Venom Duration24Number of Targets5Radius240
Spider Venom
Spider Venom
Venom
Venom. Poison foes with your next few attacks.
Recharge30sApply Buff/Condition24s × 6Apply Buff/Condition3sApply Buff/Condition3sApply Buff/Condition3sNumber of Attacks6Number of Attacks3Venom Duration24Number of Targets5Radius240
Uncategorized
Canach-Coin Toss
Canach-Coin Toss
Uncategorized
This skill has backfired and cannot be used again until fully recharged.
Recharge15s
Emergency Jade Shield
Emergency Jade Shield
Uncategorized
This skill has backfired and cannot be used again until fully recharged.
Recharge15s
Inquest Portal Device: Backfired
Inquest Portal Device: Backfired
Uncategorized
This skill has backfired and cannot be used again until fully recharged.
Range600Recharge20s
Pitfall
Pitfall
Uncategorized
Unleash your pitfall on the area, knocking down foes and delivering constant damage over time.
Recharge3sUnblockabletrueInitial Impact Damage1.25Initial Impact Damage0.01Pulse Damage0.5Pulse Damage0.3Apply Buff/Condition6s × 2Knockdown3Number of Targets5Duration3Interval1Radius240Traited · Apply Buff/Condition10s × 5 (Trait 1169)
Seal Area
Seal Area
Uncategorized
Create an area that blocks projectiles and prevents enemies from entering or leaving.
Recharge3sUnblockabletrueRadius240Number of Targets20Duration8Duration5
Shadow Portal
Shadow Portal
Uncategorized
Unleash shadow magic at your prepared location, creating a one-way portal for you and your allies. Allies traveling through the portal gain stealth. Weakens foes around the portal's exit.
Range5000Recharge3sApply Buff/Condition2sApply Buff/Condition3sDuration8Number of Allied Targets10Number of Allied Targets1Number of Targets5Radius240Number of Allied Targets5
Shadow Swap
Shadow Swap
Uncategorized
Swap places with your shadow flare, causing it to detonate and deal damage to enemies at your original location. Deals increased damage to your marked target.
Range1200Damage1Number of Targets5Damage Increase against Mark50%
Stone Summit Cannon
Stone Summit Cannon
Uncategorized
Range900Recharge15s
Thousand Needles
Thousand Needles
Uncategorized
Unleash a hail of needles that immobilizes enemies on impact and poisons the ground, inflicting conditions over time.
Recharge3sUnblockabletrueDamage0.5Pulsing Damage0.2Apply Buff/Condition3sApply Buff/Condition8sApply Buff/Condition5s × 2Apply Buff/Condition2sDuration5Interval1Radius240Number of Targets5
Physical
Reflexive Strike
Reflexive Strike
Physical
Physical. Deliver a massive kick that knocks enemies down.
Range240Damage0.75Knockdown2
Elite Skills
Basilisk Venom
Basilisk Venom
Venom
Venom. Your attacks are unblockable and turn foes to stone.
Recharge40sApply Buff/Condition30sStone Duration2Venom Duration30Number of Targets5UnblockableRadius240
Dagger Storm
Dagger Storm
Trick
Trick. Spin around, reflecting projectiles and throwing daggers that cripple and bleed nearby foes. You can move while spinning.
Range900Recharge60sDamage1.33Apply Buff/Condition7s × 2Apply Buff/Condition2sDagger Storm Duration4Combo FinisherWhirl 100%Movement Speed Increase100%
Finishing Blow
Finishing Blow
Uncategorized
Deal a downward strike on your foe. Downed enemies struck with this ability are finished.
Range130Damage4
Thieves Guild
Thieves Guild
Deception
Deception. Call more thieves to support you in combat.
Recharge120sNumber of Thieves3Duration30Duration24
Uppercut
Uppercut
Uncategorized
Deal a heavy blow with your fist, sending enemies flying.
Range130Damage2.25Launch0
Finishing Blow
Finishing Blow
Deal a downward strike on your foe. Downed enemies struck with this ability are finished.
Range130Damage4

Core specializations

Choose 3 of the 5 core specialization lines, then one trait from each line's Adept, Master, and Grandmaster tiers.

Core Traits

Core Thief trait lines split between crit pressure, stealth support, initiative flow, and direct offensive focus. Instead of memorizing every interaction at once, it is usually better to decide what kind of entry pattern and resource flow you want and choose a line from there.

Daredevil: Heart of Thorns

A melee fighter with three dodges

Daredevil adds a melee staff and Physical skills to the thief's toolkit. Its biggest change is increasing your dodge capacity from two to three.

Daredevil can turn dodging into offense. Your grandmaster trait changes your dodge: throw daggers, deal area damage, or dash a longer distance.

With three dodges and traits that add offensive effects, you can keep moving through enemies while dealing damage. This creates a different rhythm from opening with stealth and a surprise attack.

Staff: A two-handed melee weapon unlocked through Daredevil. Quick strikes, area attacks, and movement skills work well against groups of enemies.

Physical skills: Direct martial techniques with effects such as healing, knockdown, and knockback. They fit a fast-paced fighting style.

Daredevil | Dodge Pressure and Staff Tempo

Daredevil pushes Thief much harder toward dodge pressure and close-range tempo. Instead of feeling like one extra profession button, it plays more like a more aggressive thief that uses staff and physical skills to fight through repeated evade timing.

Key Focus

Daredevil is defined more by dodge timing and physical-skill flow than by one clean extra F-key mechanic.

Recommended For

A good fit for players who want an agile, close-range thief with frequent evade timing and more hands-on tempo control.

Daredevil Utility Skills
Healing Skills
Channeled Vigor
Channeled Vigor
Physical
Physical. Channel your energy to gain endurance and health per pulse. Heal for more if your endurance is full.
Recharge20sHeal if Endurance is Full2440Healing1840Endurance Gained15Endurance Gained25Pulses3
Utility Skills
Physical
Bandit's Defense
Bandit's Defense
Physical
Physical. Briefly block incoming attacks. Blocking an attack grants access to a retaliatory attack.
Recharge16sStunBreaktrueDuration2
Reflexive Strike
Reflexive Strike
Physical. Deliver a massive kick that knocks enemies down.
Range240Damage0.75Knockdown2
Reflexive Strike
Reflexive Strike
Physical. Deliver a massive kick that knocks enemies down.
Range240Damage0.75Knockdown2
Distracting Daggers
Distracting Daggers
Physical
Physical. Fire a dazing dagger at your enemy. If this ability interrupts a skill, gain initiative and a temporary damage increase.
Range900Recharge1sDamage0.55Daze0Maximum Count3Count Recharge20Initiative2Apply Buff/Condition5sTraited · Count Recharge16 (Trait 1949)
Fist Flurry
Fist Flurry
Physical
Physical. Strike your enemy multiple times. If all attacks hit, gain access to Palm Strike.
Range130Recharge16sDamage0.75 × 5Apply Buff/Condition5sApply Buff/Condition5s
Palm Strike
Palm Strike
Physical. Strike your foe once to deal massive damage and stun them, marking your target with a Pulmonary Impact.
Range130Damage1.75Stun2Second Strike Damage3.28Apply Buff/Condition2s × 2
Impairing Daggers
Impairing Daggers
Physical
Physical. Fling multiple daggers at a single enemy, inflicting conditions.
Range900Recharge15sDamage0.75 × 3Apply Buff/Condition10s × 3Apply Buff/Condition5sApply Buff/Condition2sApply Buff/Condition2sCombo FinisherProjectile 100%
Elite Skills
Impact Strike
Impact Strike
Physical
Physical. Strike your enemy and stun them.
Range300Recharge25sDamage1.75Daze2
Uppercut
Uppercut
Deal a heavy blow with your fist, sending enemies flying.
Finishing Blow
Finishing Blow
Deal a downward strike on your foe. Downed enemies struck with this ability are finished.
Range130Damage4
Uppercut
Uppercut
Deal a heavy blow with your fist, sending enemies flying.
Finishing Blow
Finishing Blow
Deal a downward strike on your foe. Downed enemies struck with this ability are finished.
Range130Damage4

Deadeye: Path of Fire

A rifle assassin focused on a distant target

Deadeye adds a rifle for focusing on one enemy from a distance. Steal becomes Deadeye's Mark, and you gain Cantrip skills.

F1 Steal becomes Deadeye's Mark. Instead of shadowstepping, you mark a target. Normally, you build malice by hitting that target with skills that cost initiative. Landing a stealth attack on the marked target consumes malice for enhanced effects.

Kneel: A key rifle skill. It greatly reduces movement speed but changes your rifle attacks to stronger versions. Find a safe position, kneel, mark your target, and fire.

Rifle Deadeye emphasizes taking a position and firing rather than repeatedly moving in and out of melee. It trades mobility for concentrated single-target damage.

Cantrips: Skills for defense, control, and stealth. Choose the effects you need; check individual descriptions for effects involving your marked target.

Deadeye | Mark Management and Rifle Angles

Deadeye pushes Thief toward mark-based pressure and ranged execution. The first things to understand are how Deadeye's Mark changes your target priority and how Kneel changes rifle flow.

Key Focus

Deadeye is built around target marking and stance commitment.

Recommended For

Best for players who want Thief tempo with a more deliberate single-target execution style.

Deadeye's Mark (F1)
Deadeye's Mark
Deadeye's Mark
F1
Mark a target, causing your initiative attacks to generate malice when they hit or critically hit your mark. Shadowstep to your target if you are wielding a dagger, sword, spear, or staff in your main hand. Lose malice when the mark ends or when this skill is recast on a new target.
Malice is only gained once per skill use.
Range1500Recharge25sDuration30Maximum Malice5Malice Gained upon Hit1Malice Gained upon Critical Hit1Traited · Apply Buff/Condition10s × 5 (Trait 1169)Traited · Number of Allied Targets5 (Trait 1163)Traited · Maximum Malice7 (Trait 2111)
Kneel (Rifle #5)
Kneel
Kneel
#5
Your base and maximum movement speed is reduced. Gain access to kneel skills, which have increased projectile velocity. You can still dodge roll while kneeling. Kneeling is canceled if you swap weapons or use Free Action.
Range1500Recharge0.5sInterval3Bonus Initiative Gain1Velocity Increase50%Base Movement Speed-75%Maximum Movement Speed-75%
Rifle
Brutal Aim
Brutal Aim
1
Fire a shot that inflicts vulnerability on your target. Applies additional vulnerability when used against your marked target.
Range1200Damage0.75Apply Buff/Condition6sApply Buff/Condition6sCombo FinisherProjectile 20%
Deadly Aim
Deadly Aim
Kneel. Fire a shot that inflicts vulnerability on your target. Applies additional vulnerability against your marked target.
Range1500Damage1.1Damage1.1Apply Buff/Condition6s × 2Apply Buff/Condition6sCombo FinisherProjectile 20%
Malicious Death's Judgment
Malicious Death's Judgment
Stealth Attack. Reveal yourself and fire a powerful shot at your target that pierces but deals less damage to untargeted foes. If this attack targets and hits your mark, it consumes all malice and deals increased damage for each malice consumed.
Range1500Recharge1sDamage2.67Damage on Untargeted Foes1.32Damage on Untargeted Foes0.165Damage Bonus per Stack10%Apply Buff/Condition3sNumber of Targets5Combo FinisherProjectile 100%Traited · Apply Buff/Condition3s (Trait 1284)
Malicious Death's Judgment
Malicious Death's Judgment
Stealth Attack. Reveal yourself and fire a powerful shot at your target that pierces but deals less damage to untargeted foes. If this attack targets and hits your mark, it consumes all malice and deals increased damage for each malice consumed.
Range1500Recharge1sDamage2.67Damage on Untargeted Foes1.32Damage on Untargeted Foes0.165Damage Bonus per Stack10%Apply Buff/Condition3sNumber of Targets5Combo FinisherProjectile 100%Traited · Apply Buff/Condition3s (Trait 1284)
Skirmisher's Shot
Skirmisher's Shot
2
Fire a bullet that inflicts conditions on your target and grants you a boon.
Range1200Damage1Apply Buff/Condition4sApply Buff/Condition6sPiercesNumber of Targets5Combo FinisherProjectile 100%
Spotter's Shot
Spotter's Shot
Kneel. Fire a bullet that grants you boons and inflicts conditions on your target.
Spotter's Shot
Spotter's Shot
Kneel. Fire a bullet that grants you boons and inflicts conditions on your target.
Double Tap
Double Tap
3
Fire two bullets that grant might if they hit your target.
Range1200Damage0.7 × 2Apply Buff/Condition6s × 3PiercesCombo FinisherProjectile 20%
Three Round Burst
Three Round Burst
Kneel. Fire three bullets that grant might if they hit your target.
Range1500Damage0.75 × 3Apply Buff/Condition6s × 3PiercesCombo FinisherProjectile 20%
Three Round Burst
Three Round Burst
Kneel. Fire three bullets that grant might if they hit your target.
Range1500Damage0.75 × 3Apply Buff/Condition6s × 3PiercesCombo FinisherProjectile 20%
Death's Retreat
Death's Retreat
4
Shadowstep away from your target and lose conditions. Poisons foes at your starting location.
Distance600Conditions Removed1Damage0.3Apply Buff/Condition8sRadius180Number of Targets5Combo FinisherLeap 100%
Sniper's Cover
Sniper's Cover
Kneel. Create a barrier of shadows that blocks incoming missiles. For a short period of time, gain access to Death's Advance while kneeling.
Range600Duration5Blocks MissilesApply Buff/Condition5sCombo FieldSmoke
Death's Advance
Death's Advance
Kneel. Shadowstep forward while granting yourself stealth. While standing within Sniper's Cover, shadowstep to any position within range instead.
Range600Distance600Apply Buff/Condition3s
Sniper's Cover
Sniper's Cover
Kneel. Create a barrier of shadows that blocks incoming missiles. For a short period of time, gain access to Death's Advance while kneeling.
Range600Duration5Blocks MissilesApply Buff/Condition5sCombo FieldSmoke
Kneel
Kneel
5
Your base and maximum movement speed is reduced. Gain access to kneel skills, which have increased projectile velocity. You can still dodge roll while kneeling. Kneeling is canceled if you swap weapons or use Free Action.
Range1500Recharge0.5sInterval3Bonus Initiative Gain1Velocity Increase50%Base Movement Speed-75%Maximum Movement Speed-75%
Free Action
Free Action
Kneel. Stop kneeling and move freely. If you used at least one kneel skill, gain swiftness.
Apply Buff/Condition6s
Deadeye Utility Skills
Healing Skills
Malicious Restoration
Malicious Restoration
Cantrip
Cantrip. Transfer your conditions to your marked target and then heal yourself.
Range1500Recharge25sHealing7200Conditions Transferred3
Utility Skills
Cantrip
Binding Shadow
Binding Shadow
Cantrip
Cantrip. Reveal yourself if you are stealthed and remove boons from your target after a short delay. If the foe is your marked target, they are also immobilized.
Range1200Recharge20sDamage1Apply Buff/Condition2sApply Buff/Condition3sApply Buff/Condition10s × 2Apply Buff/Condition10s × 15Boons Removed2
Mercy
Mercy
Cantrip
Cantrip. Lose all malice, instantly refresh Deadeye's Mark, and gain initiative. Gain additional initiative for each stack of malice you had prior to using this skill.
Recharge1sStunBreaktrueInitiative3Initiative per Malice1Count Recharge30
Shadow Flare
Shadow Flare
Cantrip
Cantrip. Throw an orb of shadow magic that damages nearby foes at your targeted location. You may reactivate this skill to swap places with the orb. Deals increased damage to your marked target.
Range1200Recharge20sDamage1Damage Increase against Mark50%Number of Targets5Radius240Duration4
Shadow Swap
Shadow Swap
Swap places with your shadow flare, causing it to detonate and deal damage to enemies at your original location. Deals increased damage to your marked target.
Range1200Damage1Number of Targets5Damage Increase against Mark50%
Shadow Swap
Shadow Swap
Swap places with your shadow flare, causing it to detonate and deal damage to enemies at your original location. Deals increased damage to your marked target.
Range1200Damage1Number of Targets5Damage Increase against Mark50%
Shadow Gust
Shadow Gust
Cantrip
Cantrip. Knock away nearby foes with a burst of shadow magic, then stealth yourself. If this skill hits your marked target, they'll be launched instead.
Recharge30sDamage0.4Knockback450Launch450Radius240Number of Targets5Apply Buff/Condition3s
Elite Skills
Shadow Meld
Shadow Meld
Cantrip
Cantrip. Vanish into stealth.
Recharge5sApply Buff/Condition3sApply Buff/Condition2sMaximum Count2Count Recharge45Apply Buff/ConditionCount Recharge25

Specter: End of Dragons

A support thief using shadow magic

Specter adds a scepter, Wells, and Shadow Shroud. It uses shadow magic to protect allies with barrier and remove conditions.

Specter can tether to an ally while in Shadow Shroud. Entering with F2 connects you to a targeted or previously siphoned ally. While in shroud, F1 Siphon can change your tethered ally.

Shadow Shroud: Enter this form once you have enough shadow force. It replaces your weapon bar with five shroud skills, with options to provide allies with barrier and healing.

Wells: Place a shadow field at a targeted location. Casting one shadowsteps you there, combining movement with support.

Specter can use a support build that provides Alacrity. Supporting your tethered ally and nearby allies while managing shadow force takes practice beyond core thief play.

Specter | Scepter, Wells, and Shadow Support

Specter shifts Thief toward a darker support and control role. It combines scepter and well skills with Siphon and Shadow Shroud.

Recommended For

A good fit for players who want Thief mobility but with more team utility and sustained control layered in.

Siphon (F1)
Siphon
Siphon
F1
Steal.
Range1200Recharge18sTraited · Number of Allied Targets5 (Trait 1163)
Enter Shadow Shroud (F2)
Enter Shadow Shroud
Enter Shadow Shroud
F2
Ally Target: Enter shadow shroud and tether a targeted or previously siphoned ally, granting them barrier. If no target is selected, one will be chosen randomly in the indicated radius.
Range1200Recharge8sBarrier1428Shroud Degeneration Rate4%Shroud Degeneration Rate2%Radius1200Maximum Stacks5Damage Reduced33%
Exit Shadow Shroud
Exit Shadow Shroud
Exit your shadow shroud, breaking the tether between you and your ally.
Shadow Shroud
Haunt Shot
Haunt Shot
1
Unleash darkness at a target, inflicting conditions on foes while healing and granting might to nearby allies and your tethered ally for each target struck.
Range900Damage1.075Tethered Ally Healing per Target517Apply Buff/Condition6sApply Buff/Condition5sRadius180Number of Targets3Traited · Healing130 (Trait 2289)
Grasping Shadows
Grasping Shadows
2
Unleash darkness on your target's location, inflicting conditions on foes. Cleanse conditions from yourself while healing and cleansing your tethered ally based on targets struck.
Range900Recharge3sDamage1.25Apply Buff/Condition3sApply Buff/Condition5s × 2Tethered Ally Heal per Target517Conditions Removed1Number of Targets5Radius180Traited · Apply Buff/Condition5s (Trait 2289)Traited · Apply Buff/Condition3s (Trait 2289)
Dawn's Repose
Dawn's Repose
3
Leap to the targeted area, inflicting fear on foes at your ending point. Grant barrier to your tethered ally and nearby allies based on targets struck. Heal your tethered ally based on targets struck.
Range450Recharge8sDamage1Apply Buff/Condition1sMinimum Barrier1605Maximum Barrier6405Tethered Ally Healing per Target517Number of Targets5Radius180Combo FinisherLeap 100%Traited · Apply Buff/Condition5s (Trait 2289)
Eternal Night
Eternal Night
4
Strike at foes in front of you with your shadow magic, inflicting conditions. Nearby allies and your tethered ally gain health for each enemy struck.
Range130Recharge8sDamage1.75 × 2Apply Buff/Condition2sApply Buff/Condition4sApply Buff/Condition4s × 2Tethered Ally Healing per Target517Self-Heal517Number of Targets5Traited · Healing974 (Trait 2289)
Mind Shock
Mind Shock
5
After a short channel, unleash a blast of compressed magic that stuns enemies. Nearby allies and your tethered ally gain stability. Heal your tethered ally based on each enemy you hit.
Range240Recharge16sDamage2Stun2Apply Buff/Condition4s × 3Tethered Ally Healing per Target517Combo FinisherBlast 100%Number of Targets5Traited · Apply Buff/Condition4s (Trait 2289)
Specter Utility Skills
Healing Skills
Well of Gloom
Well of Gloom
Well
Well. Shadowstep to your target location and drop a well that cripples foes and heals allies.
Range600Recharge20sSelf-Heal3560Area Heal857Apply Buff/Condition2sInterval1Number of Impacts5Radius240Number of Targets5Combo FieldDarkTraited · Apply Buff/Condition3s (Trait 2285)
Utility Skills
Well
Well of Bounty
Well of Bounty
Well
Well. Shadowstep to a targeted point and create a well that grants boons to allies.
Range600Recharge20sApply Buff/Condition5s × 2Apply Buff/Condition15s × 8Apply Buff/Condition5sApply Buff/Condition8sApply Buff/Condition12sRadius240Number of Targets5Boons per Pulse1Boon Application Interval1Pulses5Combo FieldDarkTraited · Apply Buff/Condition3s (Trait 2285)
Well of Silence
Well of Silence
Well
Well. Shadowstep to the target area and lay down a well that removes conditions from allies. Gain shadow force for each condition removed. The first strike of the well dazes foes.
Range600Recharge25sDaze2Shadow Force1%Radius240Number of Targets5Interval1Number of Impacts5Combo FieldDarkTraited · Apply Buff/Condition3s (Trait 2285)
Well of Sorrow
Well of Sorrow
Well
Well. Shadowstep to your target location and create a well that inflicts foes with conditions.
Range600Recharge20sDamage0.222Apply Buff/Condition6s × 2Apply Buff/Condition6s × 3Apply Buff/Condition6s × 3Radius240Number of Targets5Conditions per Pulse1Interval1Number of Impacts5Combo FieldDarkTraited · Apply Buff/Condition3s (Trait 2285)
Well of Tears
Well of Tears
Well
Well. Shadowstep to the target location and drop a well that repeatedly strikes foes.
Range600Recharge20sDamage1Radius240Number of Targets5Interval1Number of Impacts5Combo FieldDarkTraited · Apply Buff/Condition3s (Trait 2285)
Elite Skills
Shadowfall
Shadowfall
Well
Well. Shadowstep to your target location and drop a well that continuously pulls foes to its center, increasing intensity with each hit.
Range600Recharge75sDamage1.5Base Pull1Pull Distance Increase per Hit50Radius240Number of Targets5Interval1Number of Impacts3Duration3Combo FieldDarkTraited · Apply Buff/Condition3s (Trait 2285)

Antiquary: Visions of Eternity

A treasure hunter fighting with stolen artifacts

Steal becomes Skritt Swipe, which provides random artifacts to use in combat. Double Edge skills can be used again while on cooldown, but doing so causes a negative backfire effect on you.

F1 Steal becomes Skritt Swipe. Each use gives you one of four offensive artifacts in F2 and one of four defensive artifacts in F3. You receive two artifacts at once and can use Skritt Swipe without selecting an enemy.

Double Edge skills: Reusing one before its cooldown ends comes with a backfire effect. Read each skill's penalty and decide whether you need its effect badly enough to pay that price now.

Antiquary rewards quick decisions. Random artifacts and Double Edge timing encourage you to respond to the situation instead of repeating a fixed skill sequence.

Antiquary | Artifact Draws and Skritt Mechanics

Antiquary adds an artifact draw and skritt pilfer layer on top of Thief.

Recommended For

A good fit for players who enjoy layering improvisational tools and situational adaptation on top of baseline Thief tempo.

Skritt Swipe (F1)
Skritt Swipe
Skritt Swipe
F1
Summon a skritt to pilfer artifacts.
Range1200Recharge25sTraited · Apply Buff/Condition3s (Trait 1284)Traited · Apply Buff/Condition10s × 5 (Trait 1169)Traited · Number of Allied Targets5 (Trait 1163)

List of antiquary skills

Antiquary Utility Skills
Healing Skills
Antivenom Draught
Antivenom Draught
Double Edge
Recharge10s
Antivenom Draught: Backfired
Antivenom Draught: Backfired
This skill has backfired and cannot be used again until fully recharged.
Recharge10s
Antivenom Draught: Backfired
Antivenom Draught: Backfired
This skill has backfired and cannot be used again until fully recharged.
Recharge10s
Utility Skills
Double Edge
Canach-Coin Toss
Canach-Coin Toss
Double Edge
This skill has backfired and cannot be used again until fully recharged.
Recharge15s
Canach-Coin Toss
Canach-Coin Toss
This skill has backfired and cannot be used again until fully recharged.
Recharge15s
Canach-Coin Toss
Canach-Coin Toss
This skill has backfired and cannot be used again until fully recharged.
Recharge15s
Emergency Jade Shield
Emergency Jade Shield
Double Edge
This skill has backfired and cannot be used again until fully recharged.
Recharge15s
Emergency Jade Shield
Emergency Jade Shield
This skill has backfired and cannot be used again until fully recharged.
Recharge15s
Emergency Jade Shield
Emergency Jade Shield
This skill has backfired and cannot be used again until fully recharged.
Recharge15s
Inquest Portal Device
Inquest Portal Device
Double Edge
Range900Recharge20s
Inquest Portal Device: Backfired
Inquest Portal Device: Backfired
This skill has backfired and cannot be used again until fully recharged.
Range600Recharge20s
Inquest Portal Device: Backfired
Inquest Portal Device: Backfired
This skill has backfired and cannot be used again until fully recharged.
Range600Recharge20s
Stone Summit Cannon
Stone Summit Cannon
Double Edge
Range900Recharge15s
Stone Summit Cannon
Stone Summit Cannon
Range900Recharge15s
Stone Summit Cannon
Stone Summit Cannon
Range900Recharge15s
Elite Skills
Skritt Scuffle
Skritt Scuffle
Double Edge
Recharge50s
Unstable Skritt Bomb
Unstable Skritt Bomb
Backfire. The bomb explodes in your hands, damaging you and damaging and knocking down enemies around you.
For a short time after using this skill, you take increased strike and condition damage.
Apply Buff/Condition5sDamage3Number of Targets5Radius180Base Health Damage50%Knockback180

Frequently asked questions

What is initiative? Do thief skills really have no cooldowns?

Most weapon skills in slots 2–5 use initiative instead of cooldowns. You can repeat a skill while you have enough initiative, and slot 1 autoattacks are free. Healing, utility, elite, and other skills still have their own cooldowns. Start by mixing one or two useful weapon skills into your autoattacks to learn their costs.

Which elite specialization should I try first?

For PvE: Daredevil. A third dodge gives you more room to avoid attacks, and staff works well against enemy groups in the open world. It expands the thief's toolkit with mobile melee combat.

For support: Specter. You can use a build that supports allies and provides Alacrity. Learn Shadow Shroud and tether management first, as its gameplay differs considerably from core thief.

Deadeye is a matter of preference. Try it if you enjoy long-range rifle attacks. Kneel greatly reduces movement speed, so choosing a good position matters more than with a mobile open-world build.

VoE option: Antiquary. Choose it if you like adapting to random offensive and defensive artifacts. Learn the backfire effects before reusing Double Edge skills early.

Elite specializations require level 80, the corresponding expansion, and completed core skill and trait training. Once eligible, you need 250 hero points to unlock one fully. In HoT or PoF maps, 25 previously uncompleted hero challenges give 10 points each, for a total of 250.

Is thief good for solo play?

Thief is convenient for solo open-world play: stealth helps avoid unwanted fights, shadowsteps provide mobility, and you can focus down individual enemies quickly. Low health makes being surrounded dangerous. Pick targets and disengage when needed. Daredevil's third dodge makes it a useful first choice for solo play.