This is my take on the famous Pierce Shadow Strike concept.
The build was previewed w/o a GT link on my Pierce Caster thread. A lot of credit goes to JoV’s Rune build concept that I extended to Shadow Strike and to Superfluff whose raw data helped me a lot.
Screenshot (with Word of Renewal, Pneumatic Burst, Deadly Aim and Inquisitor Seal)-
GrimTools-
My Setup - https://www.grimtools.com/calc/RZRRB44Z
BiS Setup (probably) - https://www.grimtools.com/calc/M2ge54WZ
No-MI Setup- https://www.grimtools.com/calc/d2j0WKqZ
Video-
FAQ-
Why use the phrase “Probable BiS”?
As you can see I am using epic pants and faction shoulders. That is because I don’t have the MIs to test things out. But even w/o testing I think the setup I provided there should be close to BiS
Is Assassin better than Unknown Soldier?
Node wise Unknown Soldier is better but the granted skill of Assassin is a great boost to single target DPS and AoE. So we prefer that.
Why not go for Harp instead of Panther?
Harp is great, but energy issues aren’t too bad. In a boss fight you won’t run out energy that’s for sure. OA and DA are also at somewhat decent levels, but crit bonus is lacking and since we dropped Unknown Soldier I had to go for Panther for the crit bonus.
Can’t you get Unknown Soldier along with Assassin?
I’d have to axe something that I value like Fiend or Behmoth or Ghoul. So I won’t recommend it.
The HP and armor seem a little low. Is it safe?
In my experience perfectly so. Just remember to not get swarmed by HP reduction mobs. You won’t die instantly even then tbh as I breezed through packs of oppressors and those Blight Fiend thingies
Most of the bosses are easy except for the gigantic asshole named Grava.
Any specific Blacksmith to craft the items?
Angrim because his Armor bonus and Physique bonus is the go-to smith for crafting.
In Closing-
Thanks again to JoV and Superfluff (also to him for recommending Bandicam)
For anyone interested in Aether SS you can check this out. I really like this build as it has a unique core concept and different approach to things than conventional Pierce Melee builds. Hope you guys enjoy this.