Crossbow + Dagger (the "Scorpion") is Throne and Liberty's top single-target assassin. Crossbow and Dagger are the only two weapons with off-hand attacks, and the whole build is engineered to proc them for enormous burst. You poke and apply marks from range with the Crossbow, then dive in with the Dagger to execute the weakened target. It's a high-skill, high-reward killer that shines in PvE bossing and small-scale PvP.
If you want to be the player who deletes the priority target before the fight even develops, the Scorpion is your build. It's the classic assassin fantasy — ranged poke into a lethal melee dive — and it hits the hardest single-target burst outside of the Orb builds. Here's how it plays and the honest catch.
What the build is
The Scorpion pairs the Crossbow (fast ranged attacks, marks, and off-hand procs) with the Dagger (melee crit, poisons, and execute finishers). Both weapons have off-hand attacks — a mechanic unique to this pair — and the build is built entirely around maximizing those procs for spike damage. You're a physical assassin: soften the target at range, then close the gap for the kill.
Why it's the top assassin
- Highest single-target burst outside the Orb builds — it deletes priority targets in a proc window.
- The classic assassin loop — ranged poke that transitions cleanly into melee execute.
- Fills a real roster gap — it's a physical assassin, distinct from the caster builds, Infiltrator's pure sniping, and Crucifix's Orb burst.
- Strong in both PvE bossing and small-scale PvP — anywhere single-target damage is king.
How to play it
The heart of the Scorpion is the off-hand proc window. Skills that massively boost off-hand attack chance are what turn your poke into a burst spike, so your rotation is about setting up marks and venom, then unloading during that window and finishing with a Dagger execute. It's reaction- and rhythm-heavy — get the sequence right and priority targets simply vanish; mistime the dive and you're a squishy melee in the open.
The honest trade-off
✓ Why to run it
- Premier single-target killer — deletes the target that matters.
- The satisfying assassin fantasy: poke, dive, execute.
- A distinct physical-assassin identity in your roster.
- Excellent in PvE bossing and small-scale PvP.
△ Honest caveats
- High mechanical skill — reliant on reflexes, off-hand RNG, and tight rotations.
- Squishy melee windows — mistime a dive and you get punished.
- Weaker AoE/trash clear than Spear or Wand builds — it's single-target focused.
- Scales hard with gear and low ping; feels rough undergeared.
Kit for the dive
An assassin lives or dies on reaction speed and clean input during the proc window. Fast, precise hardware makes the execute consistent.
Quick answers
Is the Scorpion good for beginners?
It's one of the more demanding builds — it leans on reflexes, off-hand proc RNG, and tight rotations. It's very rewarding, but if you're brand new, the Ranger (Greatsword + Longbow) is an easier place to start.
How is it different from the Infiltrator (Longbow + Dagger)?
The Infiltrator snipes from range and dives for the execute with pure ranged setup. The Scorpion leans on the Crossbow's off-hand procs for a faster, higher single-target burst — a more aggressive, execute-focused assassin.
What stats should I prioritize?
Dexterity first — crit damage is the entire payoff — then Strength for the survivability to dive, then Wisdom for mana. Fine-tune to your gear.
Is it good in large-scale PvP?
It's best in duels and small-scale skirmishes where you can pick a target. In big zerg fights its squishiness and single-target focus are a liability compared to AoE builds.