3.0 - Combat Methods

Many thanks to Brokain of Kithicor for sharing
his methods as an experienced Shadowknight.

Note from Brokain: This is all based on my play experience as a SK. Other play experiences may yield different results and this is purely subject to my experience as a non-raiding SK.



Stances: 

The Sword stance line is usually your best bet. While increasing your offensive capabilities it also gives you a boost to your intelligence that can go as high as 187 in your upper levels. This makes for a powerful boost to your casting damage and less interruptions. The Circle stance line is ok, but it doesn’t seem that the benefits outweigh the benefits of the Sword stance line.



Weapons: 

There is a large debate about what’s better, sword and shield or two handed. Which one holds aggro better? Which one is best for soloing? Truth be told, there’s a lot of pros and cons for each style, but in the end the numbers are close enough that you can go either way so it really comes down to a matter of style. Your battle techniques will vary though depending on which way you go.



Sword and Shield technique: 



The main difference between 2h and Sword and Shield is the knockdown. With a shield equipped you get access to a second knockdown that lasts longer than the Kick line. Using both of these knockdowns, you have the ability to keep your opponent on the floor for more than half the battle, and keep casters from casting for almost the whole battle. So with Sword and Shield, your battle may look something like this.



Solo: The best way to start off any battle is with a shield bash from the Slam line. This does two things. First, it generates Hate over Time (HoT). This will come in handy for when you are acting as Main Tank (MT) for a group. Second, it has a knockdown effect. This allows you to get through ¾ of the casting time for your Blessing line without interruption, which will be the second thing you do. You’ll want to recast your blessing line as needed, but watch your power. The Blessing line is a power gobbler so manage it wisely or you’ll be stuck at little power halfway through a tough battle. Heroic Opportunities (HO) are your friend and you’ll want to invite your friend to the party often. Set up heroic opportunities every chance you get using your Vitae line of spells. These are all lifetaps and will heal you while hurting your opponent. It’s important to note that you should spam your lifetap spells. They’ll help you go deep into a long battle and they can make the difference between a struggle and an easy victory. You’ll always want to finish off your HO’s with your Promise line of spells. This is a Damage over Time (DoT) that also does HoT, once again very handy for group situations. You also have the ability to call on a pet. Use it for when you’re fighting something that may need a little extra umph to take down or when you’re soloing mobs 2-3 levels above you. He does a decent amount of damage for a temp pet. 



We, as SK’s, have access to one of the more powerful single shot damage spells in the game. The Touch line is a high powered, high refresh timer spell that can do upwards of 5000 pts of damage in a single shot. Since the reuse timer is set at 15min, it’s a last ditch spell, but one you’ll want to upgrade as soon as possible.



Group: Always start a group encounter where you are MT with your taunt. There’s only one taunt so make sure that you take it as a training spell at Master II anytime it’s available. When the mob gets to you, use your Shield Bash to start generating HoT, and then quickly cast your Blessing line. The Blessing lifetap ward is a versatile spell as a main tank and it does a few things that are important to your group. First and foremost, it creates extra damage for every hit that connects with you and that helps keep aggro on top of you. Second, it makes things a bit easier on the healers in the group as it will heal you an amount for every bit of damage you take for up to 5 hits or 24 seconds, whichever comes first. Next, you’ll want to throw in your Promise line, for the HoT effect. One of the best ways to do this is a quick HO and if you get lucky, you’ll get the Crushing Anvil HO and grab a piece of all the mob. Then, if possible, you’ll want to start in on your Area of Effect (AoE) spells. These are great spells for making sure to grab a nice chunk of hate from a mob or multiple mobs, whatever the case may be. One of the key techniques you want to use is your knockdown. By keeping the mob on the ground, you keep it from doing damage and casting as well as making it easier to hit for the group. Get into a group with a Monk/Bruiser and a Berserker and that mob will never get of it’s back.



Two Handed Weapon Technique:



Solo/Group: Very similar to the above, however you loose the Shield Bash knockdown from the Slam line of Combat Arts (CA’s). What you gain is a two handed strike that lowers your opponent’s Wisdom, making it harder for them to resist your spells and the spells of your group mates in the Agony line of CA’s. Two handed weapons tend to have a large impact but strike less often. You’ll still want to keep your Blessing line cast for the extra hate it generates and you’ll want to hit your Kick line to keep the mob off it’s feet as often as possible. Then just follow the same steps as for Sword and Shield as far as combat, just replacing the agony line with the Slam line.

3.2 - Combat Abilities Progression

This gives you a break down of your combat arts, what they do, and when
they are upgraded.  It's a good format to see what line of skills you may
wish to upgrade, and which are of less use to you.

Self Buffs & Stances

Group Buffs

Taunts & Hate Increasing Spells and CA's

Life, Power, and Strength Taps

AoE's and DoT's

Protection Abilities

Direct Damage Spells, CA's & Debuffs

Advice? 
Suggestions?  I'm always looking to add more useful information to this
guide.  If you are a Shadowknight, and would like to add tips, tricks, or
helpful advice, please drop me a note at [email protected]!