How to use Fade to Shadow in Plunderstorm
Whether you're using it to escape certain death, reposition for a better attack angle, or set up a devastating ambush, Fade to Shadow opens up a world of strategic possibilities.
Fade to Shadow is an incredibly versatile ability that can fundamentally change how you approach combat.
As you grow more comfortable with the precise movement and timing required to make the most of Fade to Shadow, you'll start to see opportunities everywhere. So embrace the shadows, play with your enemy's expectations, and always keep them guessing about where you'll appear next!
In this guide, we'll illuminate the secrets of Fade to Shadow, from juking enemies to setting up ganks and everything in between.
Escaping and Repositioning
Fade to Shadow's primary use is as a powerful escape and repositioning tool. When activated, you will instantly teleport 25 yards in the direction you are currently moving, while also entering stealth for 4 seconds. This combination of sudden movement and temporary invisibility makes it one of the best abilities in the game for getting out of tough situations and finding a new vantage point.
When using Fade to Shadow to escape danger, try to anticipate when you'll need it and start moving in your desired escape direction ahead of time. The teleport will carry you in the direction you're moving when the ability is activated, so it's important to be proactive in your movements. If you wait until you're already under heavy attack to start moving, you may not be able to get clear in time.
In addition to escaping, Fade to Shadow can also be used aggressively to reposition for a better attack angle. If you're having trouble getting a clear shot at a target, or if you need to get behind an enemy to avoid their frontal defenses, a quick Fade to Shadow can put you exactly where you need to be.
When soloing difficult content, Fade to Shadow can be a lifesaver when things start to go south. If you pull too many mobs or start to get overwhelmed, quickly start moving away from the danger and activate Fade to Shadow. The teleport will carry you to safety, and the stealth will give you a few seconds to recover and plan your next move. Fade to Shadow can also be used to bypass certain obstacles or skip past groups of enemies. If you're trying to reach a specific location and don't want to fight through everything in your way, look for a clear path and Fade to Shadow past the dangers. Just be sure to keep moving in stealth until you're well clear, as attacking or using abilities will break your invisibility.
In duo play, Fade to Shadow can allow you and your partner to split up and flank enemies from multiple angles. Have one player engage the target head-on, then have the other use Fade to Shadow to teleport behind the enemy and attack from the rear. The sudden appearance of a second attacker can catch opponents completely off guard. Fade to Shadow is also a great tool for saving an ally who's bitten off more than they can chew. If your partner is getting overwhelmed by enemies, Fade to Shadow to their location and help thin the herd. The sudden arrival of reinforcements can turn the tide of a fight.
Stealth and Surprise Attacks
While the mobility provided by Fade to Shadow is incredibly valuable, don't underestimate the power of its stealth effect. 4 seconds of invisibility is more than enough time to completely change the dynamic of a fight, allowing you to disappear from your enemy's view and strike from an unexpected angle.
When using Fade to Shadow for stealth, it's important to plan your next move before you activate the ability. 4 seconds can feel like an eternity in the heat of battle, but it will be over before you know it. Know where you want to go and what you want to do when you get there, so you can make the most of your brief window of invisibility.
One of the most effective uses of Fade to Shadow's stealth is to set up surprise attacks. If you can get close to an enemy without being detected, you can use Fade to Shadow to appear suddenly in their midst, catching them completely off guard. This is especially powerful if you coordinate with your allies to strike simultaneously from multiple angles.
In solo play, Fade to Shadow's stealth can allow you to get the drop on tough enemies. If you're facing a particularly dangerous foe, use Fade to Shadow to teleport behind them and start your attack from stealth. The sudden strike from an unexpected angle can give you a significant advantage in the opening moments of the fight. Fade to Shadow can also be used to set up powerful burst combos from stealth. Abilities like Searing Axe and Star Bomb deal massive damage, but can be hard to land on alert opponents. By using Fade to Shadow to get in close and start your cast from stealth, you can ensure that these heavy hitters land for maximum impact.
Coordinating stealth attacks with a partner can lead to some truly devastating ambushes. Have one player use Fade to Shadow to get into position, while the other waits nearby in regular stealth. When the time is right, the Fade to Shadow player can initiate with a surprise attack, and the other can join in a second later. The sudden appearance of two attackers can overwhelm even the toughest foes. In PvP situations, you can use Fade to Shadow to set up clever mind games and bait your opponents into overextending. Have one player use Fade to Shadow to feign a retreat, while the other stays put. When the enemy team rushes forward to chase the fleeing player, the hidden partner can surprise them from behind, trapping them in a deadly pincer.