Shadowstep (mechanic)

This article is about the mechanic shadow step. For the skill of the same name, see Shadowstep.

Shadowstepping is a mechanic that allows the user to move instantly from one place to another. Shadowstep skills and traits are mostly unique to the thief, although some skills such as Blink function similarly. Shadowstepping (usually) allows the player to move horizontally as long the position can be reached normally by moving on the ground without jumping. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to be completely unable to use a ground targeted shadowstep skill in certain types of terrain, notably on/around many walls in WvW. Shadowstep skills will not activate if a valid path to the target point cannot be found, except when it acts as a stun breaker. Shadowstepping will also ignore Immobile effects and relocate the player, but will not cancel the condition.

Related skills

Weapon skills that shadowstep

•   Unrelenting Assault — Sword
•   Deathstrike — Sword
•   Devour Brand — Spear
•   Shadow Shot — Dagger
•   Shadow Strike — Pistol
•   Infiltrator's Strike — Sword
•   Infiltrator's Return — Sword
•   Infiltrator's Arrow — Short bow
•   Ink Shot — Harpoon gun
•   Smoke Trail — Harpoon gun
•   Death's Retreat — Rifle
•   Polaric Leap — Sword, when attuned to air
•   Axes of Symmetry — Axe
•   Dark Spear — Spear

Transform skills that shadowstep

•   Dark Pursuit — Death Shroud
•   Ripple of Horror — Lich Form
•   March of Undeath — Lich Form

Utility skills that shadowstep

•   Phase Traversal — Legendary Assassin Stance
•   Shadowstep — Deception
•   Shadow Return — Deception
•   Infiltrator's Signet — Signet
•   Illusionary Ambush — Deception
•   Mirage Advance — Deception

Elite skills that shadowstep

•   Jaunt — Deception

Profession mechanic skills that shadowstep

•   Steal
•   Swipe

Pet skills that shadowstep

•   Savannah Strike — Juvenile Cheetah

Common skills that shadowstep

•   Sohothin Blitz — Sohothin

Skills that behave like a shadowstep

• The following skills are functionally identical to a shadowstep, but they are not referred as such in their description:
  •   Symbol of Blades
  •   Judge's Intervention
  •   Lightning Flash
  •   Blink
  •   Swap
  •   Ambush Assault

Related traits

Traits that improve shadowstep

 Shadow Savior — After completing a shadowstep, you are healed. Nearby allies are also healed for a larger amount. Only affects thief shadowsteps.

Trivia

• In the original Guild Wars, there was a mechanic with a similar effect.

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Skill types and profession mechanics