How viable are backstabbing rogues in EE?

[Alvin the Elf]

I used to play as a stealthy melee rogue in the original, but I hear it has been extremely nerfed in the EE. Can anyone tell me how much it has been nerfed or whether it is still viable?

If it is really too poor in terms of combat, then I'll probably go with a ranger build.

[OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO]

Rogue is fine. They just aren't straight broken like they were in the original.

Mages and knights are still broken good, so everyone will say rogue is bad. When it's not.

[baardvaark]

Mages, Knights, and Rangers are broken good, so basically every class except rogues. Rogue is still viable, but not great. And sneak is worthless. Takes more effort for a subpar reward compared to a crossbow ranger or 2hander warrior, which can just decimate. If you do go Rogue, take advantage of grenades or you're going to be standing around waiting for an opening a lot.

[Alvin the Elf]

Thanks, people. I started a dagger-bow hybrid for now. Taking adventage of Walk in Shadows, instead of stealth. Working out alright so far.

[Charname]

Back stab Rogue actually is great. Just do a few things.

1. Make your own daggers. Home made daggers do far more damage than loots, and have speed bonus. Add element damage and sharpen them, your are good to go.

2. Set movement as one of your gear priorities. No need of sneak nor walk in shadow, just run to the back. Use invisible potion if you have to hide during a battle, only 2 AP. Guerrilla is worthless. Trip (or earth quake) and bully is a better combo, at least there is some control.

3. Use grenades and scrolls when facing multiple enemies or no back is exposed. Rogue is all about wit, isn't it.

4. After have access to Torment Souls, add them to your weapon. Than you can use heavy armors and Man at Arm skills. Boost your heavy armors by anvil, it actually add movement instead of reduce.

5. No need go beyond Scoundrel 2. The master skills are worthless, but you can try and respec anyway.

6. Due to the available of grenade and master level scrolls. AOE and control is not a issue for any class. Play whatever style you like makes more fun.

My Rogue bomb the hell out of enemies in the early game and stab more than 5000 damage each turn in the late game.

[Alvin the Elf]

We have been exploring the city right now. (I have played the base game before, my friend hasn't). We really haven't faced much combat yet. I'll keep your tips in mind.

By the way, about Scoundrel master level skills, I liked the sound of Shadow Step. I was thinking of taking that one, at least.

[Charname]

It would be good if Shadow Step have some bonus or defuff instead only do normal damage, 6 AP is a lot. But there is no harm to try it out since respec only cost 1000 coins.

[General Frost]

I'm playing a striaght Rogue and its working out great for me. still does a nice chunk of damage when you invis and start going ham on their backs.

[Scrubwave]

Way less than they were in the original since now stealth + backstab isn't worth it.

[Charname]

Originally posted by F2P Scrubwave:

Way less than they were in the original since now stealth + backstab isn't worth it.

Not way less. Sneaking only good for Guerrilla's 50% damage at a cost of 1AP. That's only ~20% damage loss if you dont sneak. Then there is no need to invest Sneaking and get some free points for other skills to boost your character.