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Burst on isolated targets and controlled disengagement

Assassin PvP Guide — Stigmas, Skills, Survival & Team Play

Create rear access, convert a control opening into burst and leave before the counterattack.

Global Specialty reference + Korean base skill catalog · editorial PvP plan · Updated 2026-10-05 · Potential Stone: Abyss — gear upgrade costs

Stigmas · Skills & special abilities · Passive priorities · Full PvP guide

PvP · Editorial progression targets. Spend within your available points.

PvP LOADOUT

Stigmas

Equip these 4 Stigmas

Create rear access, convert a control opening into burst and leave before the counterattack.

Elusive Clone

Stigma Lv. 1 → 5
✓ Equip · Burst window

Temporarily removes Heartcore's recast and adds damage to attacks.

Burst window. Start at rank 1 and work toward rank 5 as your Stigma budget permits. Check the current tooltip before later upgrades.

Triniel's Dagger

Stigma Lv. 1 → 5
✓ Equip · Rear pressure and disruption

Damages the target, increases enemy skill cooldowns and gains damage from behind.

Rear pressure and disruption. Start at rank 1 and work toward rank 5 as your Stigma budget permits. Check the current tooltip before later upgrades.

Evasion Contract

Stigma Lv. 1 → 5
✓ Equip · Remove root and slow

Removes slow/root and temporarily grants evasion plus immunity to those movement effects.

Remove root and slow. Start at rank 1 and work toward rank 5 as your Stigma budget permits. Check the current tooltip before later upgrades.

Swift Contract

Stigma Lv. 1 → 5
✓ Equip · Attack tempo

Temporarily increases combat speed.

Attack tempo. Start at rank 1 and work toward rank 5 as your Stigma budget permits. Check the current tooltip before later upgrades.

Need an out-of-combat approach for open-world picks?Replace Swift Contract with Shadow Walk.

Small-group starting set. The full PvP guide below explains solo, large-fight and matchup swaps. Stigma ranks are progression targets, not a fixed-budget total.

Stigmas level with Shards. They do not use Mastery Specialty slots.

Alternative Stigmas & when to use them

Savage Fang

Stigma Lv. 0 → 0
Alternative · Alternative Stigma

Damages enemies and engraves Insignias.

Optional swap for a matchup that needs this effect: Damages enemies and engraves Insignias. Replace an equipped Stigma; only four are selected.

Smoke Bomb

Stigma Lv. 0 → 0
Alternative · Alternative Stigma

Damages and blinds the target.

Optional swap for a matchup that needs this effect: Damages and blinds the target. Replace an equipped Stigma; only four are selected.

Evasive Stance

Stigma Lv. 0 → 0
Alternative · Alternative Stigma

Channelled guaranteed evasion; successful evasion restores MP and stamina.

Optional swap for a matchup that needs this effect: Channelled guaranteed evasion; successful evasion restores MP and stamina. Replace an equipped Stigma; only four are selected.

Spiral Slice

Stigma Lv. 0 → 0
Alternative · Alternative Stigma

Rushes to a target, strips buffs and deals additional damage based on buffs removed.

Optional swap for a matchup that needs this effect: Rushes to a target, strips buffs and deals additional damage based on buffs removed. Replace an equipped Stigma; only four are selected.

Shadow Walk

Stigma Lv. 0 → 0
Alternative · Alternative Stigma

Out-of-combat stealth; entering combat ends the effect.

Optional swap for a matchup that needs this effect: Out-of-combat stealth; entering combat ends the effect. Replace an equipped Stigma; only four are selected.

Shadow Blade Toss

Stigma Lv. 0 → 0
Alternative · Alternative Stigma

Ranged damage that slows the target.

Optional swap for a matchup that needs this effect: Ranged damage that slows the target. Replace an equipped Stigma; only four are selected.

Aerial Bind

Stigma Lv. 0 → 0
Alternative · Alternative Stigma

Damages and can restrain a target in the air; five Insignias strengthen the control condition.

Optional swap for a matchup that needs this effect: Damages and can restrain a target in the air; five Insignias strengthen the control condition. Replace an equipped Stigma; only four are selected.

Assault Ambush

Stigma Lv. 0 → 0
Alternative · Alternative Stigma

Area HP/MP damage and blind potential; defense increases with targets hit.

Optional swap for a matchup that needs this effect: Area HP/MP damage and blind potential; defense increases with targets hit. Replace an equipped Stigma; only four are selected.

Shadow Step

Stigma Lv. 0 → 0
Alternative · Alternative Stigma

Damages a target and moves the caster backward.

Optional swap for a matchup that needs this effect: Damages a target and moves the caster backward. Replace an equipped Stigma; only four are selected.

Play it in 3 steps

  1. Identify an isolated target and an exit; prepare Swift Contract and Elusive Clone shortly before contact.
  2. Shadow Strike → Triniel’s Dagger; follow confirmed control with Shadow Fall and Insignia pressure.
  3. Use Evasion Contract against movement restriction; disengage when your burst or control window ends.

Skills

Active skills & special abilities

All 12 active skills, their effects and Specialty selections for PvP.

Total 8 → 1 slot · 12 → 2 slots · 16 → all options · 20 → 3 slots

Option numbers match the five lines shown on each skill. Total level includes gear and Daevanion bonuses. At total 16 all five options are available, but you still have two slots. The third slot opens at total 20. Checked options show our recommended total-20 setup; use the milestone selections below at lower levels. This is not a requirement to raise every skill to 20.

Shock Release

Base Lv. 8 → 10

Removes major control effects and grants temporary immunity; recast ignores cooldown reduction.

Use it: Break lethal control and move away instead of staying in the same damage zone.

Special abilities · Specialty

Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots

  1. 1Adds [Storm Slice] Chain SkillOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  2. 2Restores 1000 Stamina on using [Defiance]OptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
Recommended selections
Total 8 · 1 slot✓ 3
Total 12 · 2 slots✓ 3 + ✓ 4
Total 16 · 2 slots✓ 3 + ✓ 5
Total 20 · 3 slots✓ 3 + ✓ 5 + ✓ 4

Break lethal control and move away instead of staying in the same damage zone. These are editorial PvP priorities. At lower total levels use the available selections shown below; change a utility choice when the matchup demands it.

Global 1.0.21.0 client-data display; editorial recommendations · Specialty reference ↗

Shadow Strike

Base Lv. 8 → 10

Moves behind the target, damages it and can turn/stun it.

Use it: Gain rear access and start a control attempt when the target is vulnerable.

Special abilities · Specialty

Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots

  1. 2+20% caster Critical Damage Boost for 10s on hitOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  2. 5Changes to AoE SkillOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 16
Recommended selections
Total 8 · 1 slot✓ 3
Total 12 · 2 slots✓ 3 + ✓ 1
Total 16 · 2 slots✓ 3 + ✓ 1
Total 20 · 3 slots✓ 3 + ✓ 1 + ✓ 4

Gain rear access and start a control attempt when the target is vulnerable. These are editorial PvP priorities. At lower total levels use the available selections shown below; change a utility choice when the matchup demands it.

Global 1.0.21.0 client-data display; editorial recommendations · Specialty reference ↗

Insignia Explosion

Base Lv. 8 → 10

Area damage and stun potential that grow with Insignia stacks.

Use it: Build Insignias first, then spend them during the attack window.

Special abilities · Specialty

Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots

  1. 1Adds rotate effectOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  2. 2+50% Multi-Hit on hitOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
Recommended selections
Total 8 · 1 slot✓ 3
Total 12 · 2 slots✓ 3 + ✓ 4
Total 16 · 2 slots✓ 3 + ✓ 4
Total 20 · 3 slots✓ 3 + ✓ 4 + ✓ 5

Build Insignias first, then spend them during the attack window. These are editorial PvP priorities. At lower total levels use the available selections shown below; change a utility choice when the matchup demands it.

Global 1.0.21.0 client-data display; editorial recommendations · Specialty reference ↗

Heartcore

Base Lv. 8 → 10

Activates after a critical hit, dealing area damage and restoring MP.

Use it: Spend critical-triggered opportunities during the burst window.

Special abilities · Specialty

Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots

  1. 1Absorbs 0.7% HPOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  2. 3Up to +20% Critical Hit when less targets hitOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
Recommended selections
Total 8 · 1 slot✓ 2
Total 12 · 2 slots✓ 2 + ✓ 4
Total 16 · 2 slots✓ 2 + ✓ 5
Total 20 · 3 slots✓ 2 + ✓ 5 + ✓ 4

Spend critical-triggered opportunities during the burst window. These are editorial PvP priorities. At lower total levels use the available selections shown below; change a utility choice when the matchup demands it.

Global 1.0.21.0 client-data display; editorial recommendations · Specialty reference ↗

Shadow Fall

Base Lv. 8 → 10

Attacks a stunned target and knocks it down.

Use it: Follow a confirmed stun; later Blind compatibility opens another route.

Special abilities · Specialty

Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots

  1. 1Absorbs 10% HPOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  2. 2Engraves 3 Insignias for 10s on hitOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
Recommended selections
Total 8 · 1 slot✓ 3
Total 12 · 2 slots✓ 4 + ✓ 3
Total 16 · 2 slots✓ 5 + ✓ 4
Total 20 · 3 slots✓ 5 + ✓ 4 + ✓ 3

Follow a confirmed stun; later Blind compatibility opens another route. These are editorial PvP priorities. At lower total levels use the available selections shown below; change a utility choice when the matchup demands it.

Global 1.0.21.0 client-data display; editorial recommendations · Specialty reference ↗

Ambush

Base Lv. 8 → 10

Damages a target, with extra damage from behind.

Use it: Use rear access for Insignias or shield-breaking pressure.

Special abilities · Specialty

Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots

  1. 2Absorbs 3% HPOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  2. 450% chance to trigger [Whirlwind Slice] on hitOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 12
Recommended selections
Total 8 · 1 slot✓ 3
Total 12 · 2 slots✓ 3 + ✓ 1
Total 16 · 2 slots✓ 3 + ✓ 1
Total 20 · 3 slots✓ 3 + ✓ 1 + ✓ 5

Use rear access for Insignias or shield-breaking pressure. These are editorial PvP priorities. At lower total levels use the available selections shown below; change a utility choice when the matchup demands it.

Global 1.0.21.0 client-data display; editorial recommendations · Specialty reference ↗

Flash Slice

Base Lv. 8 → 10

Moves to the opposite side of a target while dealing damage and potentially blinding.

Use it: Reposition around the target and use Blind to disturb its response.

Special abilities · Specialty

Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots

  1. 2+6m RangeOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  2. 3Up to +20% damage when more targets hitOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
Recommended selections
Total 8 · 1 slot✓ 1
Total 12 · 2 slots✓ 1 + ✓ 4
Total 16 · 2 slots✓ 5 + ✓ 1
Total 20 · 3 slots✓ 5 + ✓ 1 + ✓ 4

Reposition around the target and use Blind to disturb its response. These are editorial PvP priorities. At lower total levels use the available selections shown below; change a utility choice when the matchup demands it.

Global 1.0.21.0 client-data display; editorial recommendations · Specialty reference ↗

Infiltrate

Base Lv. 1 → 10

After emergency evasion, moves behind the target and can blind it.

Use it: Use the evade follow-up to reconnect or break a shield without losing your escape plan.

Special abilities · Specialty

Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots

  1. 4Adds [Dark Strike] Chain SkillOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 12
  2. 5+20% [Infiltrate] Blind ChanceOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 16
Recommended selections
Total 8 · 1 slot✓ 2
Total 12 · 2 slots✓ 2 + ✓ 3
Total 16 · 2 slots✓ 2 + ✓ 3
Total 20 · 3 slots✓ 2 + ✓ 3 + ✓ 1

Use the evade follow-up to reconnect or break a shield without losing your escape plan. These are editorial PvP priorities. At lower total levels use the available selections shown below; change a utility choice when the matchup demands it.

Global 1.0.21.0 client-data display; editorial recommendations · Specialty reference ↗

Quick Slice

Base Lv. 1 → 10

Mobile attack chain that restores MP.

Use it: Maintain resources while moving; stop attacking when you need to reset.

Special abilities · Specialty

Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots

  1. 1+20% MP restoredOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  2. 2Absorbs 0.7% HPOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
Recommended selections
Total 8 · 1 slot✓ 3
Total 12 · 2 slots✓ 4 + ✓ 3
Total 16 · 2 slots✓ 5 + ✓ 4
Total 20 · 3 slots✓ 5 + ✓ 4 + ✓ 3

Maintain resources while moving; stop attacking when you need to reset. These are editorial PvP priorities. At lower total levels use the available selections shown below; change a utility choice when the matchup demands it.

Global 1.0.21.0 client-data display; editorial recommendations · Specialty reference ↗

Savage Roar

Base Lv. 1 → 8

Attack chain that applies an Insignia, reducing combat speed. Insignias resist debuff removal.

Use it: Build Insignias and pressure without delaying your defensive response.

Special abilities · Specialty

Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots

  1. 1-20% MP consumedOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  2. 3Deals up to 12% more damage when less targets are hitOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
Recommended selections
Total 8 · 1 slot✓ 2
Total 12 · 2 slots✓ 2 + ✓ 4
Total 16 · 2 slots✓ 2 + ✓ 4
Total 20 · 3 slots✓ 2 + ✓ 4 + ✓ 5

Build Insignias and pressure without delaying your defensive response. These are editorial PvP priorities. At lower total levels use the available selections shown below; change a utility choice when the matchup demands it.

Global 1.0.21.0 client-data display; editorial recommendations · Specialty reference ↗

Whirlwind Slice

Base Lv. 1 → 8

After evading, damages a target and can turn/stun it.

Use it: Punish an evasion trigger; the stun still needs to connect.

Special abilities · Specialty

Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots

  1. 2Changes to AoE damageOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  2. 525% chance to reset [Whirlwind Slice] cooldown on EvasionOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 16
Recommended selections
Total 8 · 1 slot✓ 3
Total 12 · 2 slots✓ 3 + ✓ 4
Total 16 · 2 slots✓ 3 + ✓ 4
Total 20 · 3 slots✓ 3 + ✓ 4 + ✓ 1

Punish an evasion trigger; the stun still needs to connect. These are editorial PvP priorities. At lower total levels use the available selections shown below; change a utility choice when the matchup demands it.

Global 1.0.21.0 client-data display; editorial recommendations · Specialty reference ↗

Storm Rampage

Base Lv. 1 → 8

Damages a staggered target.

Use it: Use only when the target meets the stagger condition.

Special abilities · Specialty

Recommended setup · Total Lv. 20 · 3 slots

  1. 2Restores 120 MP on hitOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 8
  2. 4Multi-Hit on hitOptionalUnlocks at total Lv. 12
Recommended selections
Total 8 · 1 slot✓ 3
Total 12 · 2 slots✓ 3 + ✓ 1
Total 16 · 2 slots✓ 3 + ✓ 5
Total 20 · 3 slots✓ 3 + ✓ 5 + ✓ 1

Use only when the target meets the stagger condition. These are editorial PvP priorities. At lower total levels use the available selections shown below; change a utility choice when the matchup demands it.

Global 1.0.21.0 client-data display; editorial recommendations · Specialty reference ↗

Passive skills & investment priorities

Max these passives first — in this order

For PvP, put your passive upgrade points into the priority skills below. Max the first one, then the next, until this list is complete. Do not spread points across optional passives first.

  1. Revival Contract — max Base Lv. 10
  2. Impact Hit — max Base Lv. 10
  3. Rear Smite — max Base Lv. 10
  4. Exploit Weakness — max Base Lv. 10
  5. Defense Crack — max Base Lv. 10

Revival Contract

1. Max first · Base Lv. 10

Adds status resistance and conditional recovery at low health, with further resistance under control.

Max this priority before optional passives. Its effect supports this PvP role: Adds status resistance and conditional recovery at low health, with further resistance under control.

Impact Hit

2. Max first · Base Lv. 10

Increases impact-type hit and a bonus-strike stat.

Max this priority before optional passives. Its effect supports this PvP role: Increases impact-type hit and a bonus-strike stat.

Rear Smite

3. Max first · Base Lv. 10

Increases rear damage and PvE/PvP damage amplification.

Max this priority before optional passives. Its effect supports this PvP role: Increases rear damage and PvE/PvP damage amplification.

Exploit Weakness

4. Max first · Base Lv. 10

Increases critical; critical hits can summon clones that damage and apply Insignias.

Max this priority before optional passives. Its effect supports this PvP role: Increases critical; critical hits can summon clones that damage and apply Insignias.

Defense Crack

5. Max first · Base Lv. 10

Hits against impact-controlled targets reduce defense and status resistance.

Max this priority before optional passives. Its effect supports this PvP role: Hits against impact-controlled targets reduce defense and status resistance.

Optional passives — after your priorities

Keep these at their initial rank while completing the priority list. Invest leftover points only when their effect helps your build or encounter.

Enhanced Sixth Sense

Optional · upgrade after the priority list

Increases evasion and maximum HP; evading restores HP.

Upgrade after the priority passives if you need this effect for your matchup: Increases evasion and maximum HP; evading restores HP.

Apply Poison

Optional · upgrade after the priority list

Attacks can apply poison damage over time and reduce received healing.

Upgrade after the priority passives if you need this effect for your matchup: Attacks can apply poison damage over time and reduce received healing.

Assault Stance

Optional · upgrade after the priority list

Increases critical damage amplification.

Upgrade after the priority passives if you need this effect for your matchup: Increases critical damage amplification.

Ambush Stance

Optional · upgrade after the priority list

Movement and rush skills grant a chance-based additional-damage effect.

Upgrade after the priority passives if you need this effect for your matchup: Movement and rush skills grant a chance-based additional-damage effect.

Resolve

Optional · upgrade after the priority list

Adds damage against targets below a health threshold.

Upgrade after the priority passives if you need this effect for your matchup: Adds damage against targets below a health threshold.

Full PvP guide — tactics, gear & sources

Potential Stone: Abyss (Unique) — PvP gear upgrades

Use this material to unlock Potential on eligible Unique gear that has been Soul Bound. Open the item’s Potential upgrade preview and confirm eligibility before spending. This is an equipment upgrade, not a Stigma or Specialty choice.

The Global client reference lists PvP Damage Boost on weapons and accessories, and PvP Damage Tolerance on armor and bracelets: 0.5% per step, reaching 2% on that piece at +4. These are PvP bonuses; do not budget them as dungeon damage or healing bonuses.

Global reference — cost per equipment piece
Potential stepStonesAbyss Points
+0 → +11100,000
+1 → +22100,000
+2 → +33100,000
+3 → +44100,000
Total to +410400,000

The reference lists 100% success for these four steps. The total excludes any Abyss Points spent buying the stones.

Where to get it: Chaotic Lower Reshanta monster drops and the Abyss Shop. Check your shop’s current price tier and remaining server allowance; a weekly limit is not a reason to buy every tier.

Investment priority: finish planned equipment transfers first, then improve the gear you intend to keep for PvP. Potential is lost on transfer. If you die before fulfilling your role, consider defensive pieces first; if survival is stable and pressure is the problem, consider offensive pieces.

Checked 5 October 2026 against Global client references; costs and outcomes have not been independently tested in game. Sources: Stone and acquisition · Upgrade cost example · Potential and transfer reference.

Your job in a party

Finish or disable a vulnerable target while allies occupy the frontline. Rear access is an opportunity, not permission to remain surrounded. Communicate the target before spending your short offensive window.

Solo and large fights

Solo: watch the opposing break and defensive buffs before committing all damage. Large fights: approach from a safe side, contribute to one kill attempt and return to support. Shadow Walk at the starting ranks is an out-of-combat approach, not an assumed in-combat reset.

Against shields, ranged enemies and healers

Ambush or Infiltrate options can help with shields. Preserve movement for ranged escapes. Poison and controlled burst can pressure healing, but do not expect a kill through an active invulnerability effect.

Stigma swaps

Shadow Walk replaces Swift Contract when approach is more valuable than tempo. Spiral Slice can replace an offensive slot against removable buffs. Evasive Stance is an alternative for a planned defensive channel; do not assume all evade effects stop every attack.

Gear and growth priorities

Prioritize Status Effect Resist and a survivable health pool, then Accuracy, Impact-type Chance and burst stats that fit your access to the rear. Bonus levels on Shadow Strike, Insignia Explosion and Heartcore should unlock a planned choice before you spend more resources.

Avoid these mistakes

Do not use Evasion Contract as a replacement for every control break, open through visible immunity, or keep attacking after losing both support and your exit.

Daevanion, Arcana & preparation

Use bonus skill levels to reach a specific option or slot milestone on the skills you actually use. Total 16 opens all five options but still permits two selections; the third slot opens at total 20. Compare the full Daevanion path cost before buying a node. Use Arcana lines that support your role and current equipment rather than assuming a universal best set.

Keep a separate PvP preset. Check your mode’s gear rules and available recovery consumables before joining; do not assume a PvE-only bonus applies to players. Practice your control break and defensive skills on separate, reachable keys.

Sources & PvP recommendation scope

Updated 2026-10-05. Global Specialty reference + Korean base skill catalog · editorial PvP plan. The loadout, upgrade order and matchup advice are editorial starting recommendations, not measured arena rankings or a claim that every allocation fits a new character’s points. Base effects retain the published Korean guide’s names; Global translations and balance can differ. Check your current in-game tooltip.