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The Assassin class in Blade & Soul NEO Classic is a master of stealth, speed, and deadly precision. Among their arsenal, Shadow Slash stands out as a core skill that enables high burst damage and seamless integration with stealth mechanics. This guide explores how to master Shadow Slash for both PvE and PvP, covering mechanics, combos, upgrades, and advanced tips.

Understanding Shadow Slash

Skill Overview

Shadow Slash is a quick, close-range skill available to the Assassin class. When executed from stealth, it deals massive damage, applies debuffs, and can reset or enhance other skill cooldowns depending on your skill path.

• Skill Type: Melee | Single Target

• Cooldown: 6 seconds (modifiable)

• Chi Cost: 2

• Base Effect: Deals high damage. If used from stealth, deals bonus critical damage and has a chance to reset Heart Stab.

Key Mechanics

• Stealth Bonus: Shadow Slash deals increased damage when used from stealth.

• Combo Starter or Finisher: Can be used to initiate a combo from stealth or end one with burst damage.

• Cooldown Reset Synergy: Works well with Heart Stab and Lightning Pierce resets.

Shadow Slash in PvE

Optimal Use

In PvE, Shadow Slash should be weaved into your DPS rotation, especially when you can maintain high uptime in stealth. The Assassin's ability to cycle into stealth repeatedly makes this a reliable high-damage option.

Suggested Rotation (PvE)

• Smoke Screen > Enter Stealth

• Heart Stab (x3)

• Shadow Slash (bonus stealth damage)

• Lightning Pierce > Reset cooldowns

• Repeat combo cycle

Skill Tree Suggestions

• Enhanced Shadow Slash: Increases crit damage and adds bleed effect.

• Chi Return Upgrade: Returns 2 Chi if used from stealth, allowing tighter rotation.

PvE Tips

• Use Decoy and Shadow Dash to maintain stealth during boss mechanics.

• Use Tab Escape defensively, then re-enter stealth with Smoke Screen.

Shadow Slash in PvP

• PvP is where Shadow Slash truly shines due to its burst potential and utility in locking down opponents.

Tactical Use in PvP

• Stealth Approach: Use Smoke Screen or Shadow Dash to get close without being seen.

• Initiate with Stun (e.g., Webbing) > Shadow Slash for burst damage.

• Heart Stab + Shadow Slash chain can melt opponents quickly.

Combos for PvP

Burst Combo:

• Shadow Dash > Enter Stealth

• Webbing (Stun)

• Shadow Slash

• Heart Stab

• Lightning Pierce

• Tab + Smoke Screen to re-enter stealth

PvP Upgrades

• Snare Effect: Add a brief root/snare effect on hit.

• Damage Amplifier: Increases damage by 15% against stunned or snared targets.

PvP Tips

• Always keep an eye on enemy escape cooldowns.

• Time your Tab Escape to bait out enemy burst, then retaliate with stealth entry and Shadow Slash.

Gear and Weapon Synergy

Weapons

• Shadowfang Dagger (NEO Classic): Increases damage of stealth skills.

• Venomshard Dagger: Adds poison DoT, which combos well with Shadow Slash's bleed.

Soul Shields

• Silent Fang Set: Grants bonus crit rate from stealth and reduces cooldown of Shadow Slash by 1 second.

Accessories

• Assassin's Ring of Evasion: Increases evasion and stealth duration.

• Necklace of the Phantom: Adds bonus Chi regen, synergizing with frequent Shadow Slash usage.

Stealth Mechanics Refresher

• Understanding how to maintain and re-enter stealth is crucial for maximizing Shadow Slash.

Stealth Entry Methods

• Smoke Screen (manual trigger)

• Shadow Dash (gap closer with stealth bonus)

• Backstab (teleport + stealth)

• Successful Counter (via Decoy)

Stealth Maintenance Tips

• Avoid AoE zones during stealth.

• Always have a re-entry plan via Smoke Screen or Tab escape.

• Use movement skills and terrain to stay elusive.

Advanced Shadow Slash Techniques

Animation Canceling

• Use Heart Stab > Shadow Slash > Lightning Pierce quickly in succession.

• Cancelling the end animation of Shadow Slash with another skill increases DPS output.

Double Stealth Loop

• After using Shadow Slash, immediately cast Lightning Pierce, then use Smoke Screen to go back into stealth and repeat the combo.

Bait and Slash

• In PvP, pretend to retreat. Use Shadow Dash from a hidden angle and execute Shadow Slash before they can react.

Training and Practice

Where to Practice

• Mushin's Tower Floor 1–5: Great for learning combo timing.

• Hongmoon Training Room: Has a dedicated combo practice mode.

• Faction Duel Grounds: Real-player sparring for PvP mastery.

Drills

• Stealth Timing Drill: Enter and exit stealth using 3 different methods.

• Combo Speed Drill: Perform Shadow Slash combos 10 times without dropping stealth.

• Burst Drill: Execute full burst on a dummy in under 5 seconds.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Wasting Shadow Slash outside stealth. You lose the critical bonus and Chi recovery.

• Ignoring cooldown synergies. Always plan your combo around resets.

• Overcommitting in PvP. Assassins are fragile. In-and-out burst is key.

Conclusion

Shadow Slash is one of the most versatile and deadly skills in the Assassin's toolkit in Blade & Soul NEO Classic. When mastered, it becomes the centerpiece of a deadly burst combo that leverages stealth and speed. With the right timing, gear, and awareness, you can dominate both PvE dungeons and PvP arenas. Practice your combos, refine your stealth tactics, and let Shadow Slash carve your path to victory.