Guide to Playing a Rogue By Losstarot

About

Backstab used to be an active targeted ability, a damage burst with a long cooldown (T2). It has since changed, on T3 Backstab is a passive ability, with a short cooldown, although there are certain conditions to be met in order to trigger the feat. While the predecessor backstab functioned like a rare special attack, the current form is more common, something like an 'attack of opportunity'. In this guide I will attempt to explain how the system works, for new players and returning veterans alike.

Mechanics

Backstab is the Rogue Rank 2 Ability, so to be able to Backstab, you need to invest at least 10 levels in Rogue. This is the damage formula for backstab:

Damage = 2 X ( 5 + ( dex / 24) ) ) vs 50% of target's armor

The first thing to notice is that DEX is the deciding factor here. So having high DEX means stronger backstabs. Spending levels in Rogue or Rogue-prestiges increase DEX the best.

The cooldown is 4 seconds. That means every 4 seconds you can backstab the target you're attacking. All you have to do is swing at them (aka normal attack) and the extra damage is applied automatically, every 4 seconds.

However, Backstabs only trigger under a certain circumtance: Advantage.

Backstabbing

In order to Backstab a target, you must have 'Advantage' over them. There are four ways to achieve that:

- Target has a combatant who is not you in melee with them (flanking); - Target is Poisoned; - Attacker is in stealth (sneak attack); - ]feint grants Advantage for a single attack.

Universally, for every class, Advantage confers a bonus to hit chance. Rogue 10s, additionaly, are able to backstab when they have Advantage.

So long as you have Advantage over a target and keep attacking it, you will backstab every 4 seconds.

From my experience I have found using ]feint as a trigger works great, in case Poisoning isn't an option. As a Rogue, it is advised to gain Advantage as soon as possible in combat, if you have the chance.

Playstyle

There are several ways to explore Backstab and find a playstyle that suits you. Try combining it with Special Attacks, Stealth, Spells, movement, see what you come up with. The best part is discovering it yourself. Bear in mind the true rogue strikes only when the odds are in his favor. Good luck and happy stabbing!

PS: This is only in regards to regular melee backstab. Other classes gain backstab modifiers which were not covered by me, so I invite others to contribute!