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Our latest featured ESO player build is a Nightblade that cuts down enemies both at range and in close quarters with a masterful mix of subterfuge and rapid damage output.
Welcome back to the Battlemaster's Corner, where we feature character builds devised by you, the players! In this article, you'll find a Nightblade build that hits all the right classic rogue attributes you know and love: mastery of stealth and shadows and high damage output in close-quarters and at range. The Shadow Striker has a few special tricks of its own, too. Give this one a spin if you've been looking to add an edge to your DPS Nightblade.
We love seeing your character builds, especially with all the changes introduced in Update 6. Send yours to community@elderscrollsonline.com and we'll take a look. Make sure you include a handful of nice screenshots of your character for us to choose from!
The Shadow Striker
From the deepest depths of the shadow realm comes the assassin who strikes with deadly precision. Meet Night Dreadheart, a vampire whose thirst for blood is not easily sated.
Utilizing the Nightblade's shadow magic, as well as his own dual-wield mastery, the Shadow Striker is a vital threat on the battlefield and dungeons alike. Striking with Ambush from the shadows, only to dispatch his foes with Surprise Attacks, Rapid Strikes, and Killer's Blade. If need be, the Shadow Striker will masterfully vanish from the naked eye with Shadowy Disguise, confusing his enemies and securing a critical hit on his target.
Unlike many of his fellow comrades upon the battlefield, the Shadow Striker wastes no effort on the defense, but goes in on the full offense. Focusing completely on his stamina to sustain his damaging attacks, the Shadow Striker strikes down with deadly force, but will vanish from sight if reinforcement are to arrive.
If the crowd is too big, and fire is flung through the air with ease by the enemy, the Shadow Striker will assist his fellow comrades in dire need of help in the defense. Taking a stance with his bow, the Shadow Striker will pick-off his opponents at range.
But most importantly, the Shadow Striker uses the shadows to his advantage, utilizing the gift of Vampirism to further aid his movement through the darkness.
PRIMARY WEAPON: DUAL WIELD – SWORD & DAGGER
Assassin's Blade (Killer's Blade) – This is the killer, literally! When you see your target below 30% health, this is the go-to ability!
Death Stroke (Soul Harvest) – Good heavy-hitting strike. It leaves Major Defile on your target, which reduces their healing taken. Plus, it will grant you an additional 20% damage done towards your target.
Flurry (Rapid Strikes) – Used for maintaining DPS in a boss fight in PvE, or to quickly deplete a blocking-tank's stamina in PvP.
Shadow Cloak (Shadowy Disguise) – Good for stealth play, use this if you need to get somewhere unseen, need a critical boost, or need to escape a heated situation. This is the Shadow Strikers key-ability; spend all your magicka on this!
Teleport Strike (Ambush) – For whenever there's a little too much space between you and your target. Use this to get up-close and personal. This gets even more useful if you use Soul Harvest right after Ambushing your enemy, it will deal great damage, and leave you with a huge damaging buff to finish your opponent off quickly.
Veiled Strike (Surprise Attack) – Good as quick DPS strikes, this ability reduces your opponents' armor and can be used as a stun if combined with Shadowy Disguise.
SECONDARY WEAPON: BOW
Arrow Spray (Bombard) – You see that group of adds over there? Good, why not just stand behind, stun lock their movement with Bombard and watch as they slowly die. Your team will love this.
Bat Swarm (Clouding Swarm) – This is a great AoE damage Ultimate option. Use this with Bombard against your enemies to dish out an awesome amount of damage to all opponents at the same time. Or, you can also use this Ultimate to cause confusion between your enemies as the bats will render you unseen.
Grim Focus (Relentless Focus) – Increases your Stamina Regeneration, which gives you a nice boost to your sustainable DPS.
Mist Form (Elusive Mist) – Is the AoE too hot? Do you need to get across a whole array of AoE ground effects? Yup, Elusive Mist is your ability of choice. Get away from the harmful effects on the ground, quickly and easily.
Snipe (Focused Aim) – This ability belongs on all bow ability bars – great for long-range damage!
Summon Shade (Dark Shades) – This is the support to your group. It reduces the target's damage by 15%, which gives a nice breathing room for your healer and tank. But this is also useful in PvP. It allows you to quickly deplete your opponent's stamina bar, leaving them unable to block your strikes.
ALTERNATE ABILITIES FOR SWAP-IN
Mark Target (Piercing Mark) – In PvP, replace Bombard with Piercing Mark for a more precise take-down of your opponents. It will also prevent your enemies from going invisible.
SET BONUSES
5 pieces of Medium Armor: Hundings Rage
1 Medium and 1 Light Armor Piece: Night's Silence
All Weapons: Night's Silence
Jewelry: Shadow Walker
Armor Traits: Divines
Armor Enchantments: All Max Stamina
Weapon Traits: Weighted
Weapon Enchantments: Poison Damage (DW) Fire Damage (Bow)
Jewelry Enchantments: Reduced Stamina Cost
