Since I can't find any Shadeborn guides that address some of the Shadeborn issues in order to maximize it's potential. I decided to make a quick guide with what I think is the most optimal way of playing 61 Shadeborn as it is going to be used in 4.1 especially with improved utilities for melee specs and (along with Bladedancer).
Spoiler!
Firstly, what I think is the one of the most important things for Shadeborn is the correct opener as taking any Ranged (off)souls would trigger ranged autoattacks even when using Melee abilities.
What I think is optimal is as following: (I'll keep this as informative as possible)
-Have 3~5 combo points prepull (Marksman, Physician or Tactician to gain combo points when not in combat)
-Buff up: Inescapable Bond
-You want to be within 20m range when the fight begins (Meter starts counting)
-Charge is 20m range, Initial abilties are 35m range, so always try to start off within this range ( 20~25m).
-Use Innumerable Shadows twice to stack LVL64 Mastery "Repetitive Strikes" pre-pull, both has same durations.
-After using that ability, your first finisher will be "ranged", therefore, you can open in a 20m ranged distance.
-You want to be moving left and right with your character (A and D) before using initial abilities, that would force-cancel your Ranged autoattacks to prevent ninja-pulling or accidental pulls.
Actual opener:
Stand within 20m, apply Bond of Night, stack up Repetitive Strikes by using Innumerable Shadows, then Innumerable Shadows + Void touch whilst moving your character (W or A or D), Strangulate, the fight will start upon using Mirrored Strike, Use Sudden Appearance to charge to your target. Use Consuming Depths if you're lucky enough to get a proc, then use Spam macro 3x (very important here, 3GCDs include Scything Night, Deadly Strike, Shadow Flurry). Another finisher (only if you have 1-2 Combo points). Ignore your Consuming Depths proc here if you get one, continue with Burst macro 2x (which includes Nexus of Darkness, Shadow Flurry), Use your Consuming Depths Proc now. Then there are some variations before Shadow Twin ends. For example:
-(Scything Night, finisher(s), Innumerable Shadows + Void touch, finisher(s), Consuming Depths Proc, finisher(s)).
-(Innumerable Shadows + Void touch, finisher(s), Scything Night, finisher(s), Consuming Depths Proc, finisher(s)).
And so on...so forth...
Keep up the following abilities (Track them by KAlert):
-Buffs: Innumerable Shadows, Mirrored Strike (Try not to let them fall off)
-Debuffs or DoTs: Void touch, Strangulate, Consuming Depths (Try not to clip them)
- Use cooldowns whenever available or whenever you feel right: Shadow Twin. (I usually hold on to Nexus of Darkness when it is about to come up)
-Use Nexus of Darkness when you have 0~1 Combo point.
- Use Shadow Restoration to help out your healer when necessary.
- Takes a little while to min-max the flow.
Soulpoints:
Spoiler!
Below are my macros if you don't already have them: (Feel free to alter them to your preference)
Spam Macro:
Spoiler!
Burst Macro: (Dessication is a PA ability)
Spoiler!
Charge Macro: (Gap-closer) (Vapor Rush 30m Charge, PA ability)
Spoiler!
INNUMERABLE SHADOWS + VOID TOUCH Macro:
Spoiler!
Consuming Depths proc macro: (Why need it? To prevent accidental double-taps)
Spoiler!
Double @focus interrupt macro: (Shift+F to add focus to your target that needs interrupts)
Spoiler!
Hour-long self-buff: Inescapable Bond
Only three keybinds that require no macroing are: Bond of Night, Strangulate and Mirrored Strike.
Optional: Shadow Restoration, Meld Into Darkness (you can add "cancelbuff Meld Into Darkness" to all your other macros.
My KAlert set:
Spoiler!
Ultimately, some parses and a video demonstration for you to replicate the same results!
Spoiler!
Gear itemization? stack Attack Power (this spec has low base critical hit rates and attack power really is effective)
Leave a comment if you have a suggestion to propose. Enjoy!.
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