This guide will walk you through building an effective Shadowstrike assassin and preparing to face the awakened form of Antharas with confidence and precision.

Mastering Shadowstrike: The Assassin’s Signature Move

Shadowstrike is a potent rogue skill that epitomizes precision damage and stealth. Available to classes like Abyss Walker or Treasure Hunter, this ability focuses on dealing heavy critical strikes from behind or out of stealth, ideal for both PvE boss fights and PvP ambushes.

Core Mechanics:

Type: Melee active skill

Effect: Delivers massive backstab damage with increased crit chance

Perks: Bypasses a portion of enemy defense; high burst potential

Cooldown: Balanced; short enough to use multiple times per boss phase

It’s a skill designed for players who excel at timing, positioning, and surgical strikes during chaotic battles.

Building Your Shadowstrike Assassin

A successful Shadowstrike build focuses on speed, critical hit rate, and evasive agility. Your goal is to dive in, strike hard, and escape before retaliation.

Class Progression:

Start with the Rogue base class

Specialize into Treasure Hunter or Abyss Walker

Focus on passives that increase stealth duration, crit rate, and movement speed

Stat Priorities:

DEX for accuracy and evasion

STR for increased melee power and crit damage

AGI for faster skill cooldowns and movement

Recommended Gear:

Weapons: High-crit daggers or dual blades such as the Silent Fang

Armor: Light armor sets with evasion, movement speed, and stealth bonuses

Accessories: Use crit-enhancing rings and cooldown reduction items

Enchants: Prioritize backstab damage and critical rate improvements

Preparing for the Antharas Awakening Encounter

Antharas isn’t just another boss — he’s a world-ending force. When he awakens in the Dragon Valley Core, your team must be well-geared, highly coordinated, and fast to react.

Minimum Requirements:

Level 55+ character

Enhanced equipment (+6 or better)

Access to Dragon Valley Dungeon – Core Chamber

Awareness of global spawn timers for Antharas Awakening events

Antharas Mechanics Breakdown

Antharas’ fight is split into distinct phases, each presenting unique hazards. Reacting appropriately to each mechanic can mean the difference between victory and a wipe.

Phase 1: Earthquake Shockwaves

Giant AoE slams deal heavy earth damage

Position around his flanks to avoid direct hits

Use mobility skills to dodge and reposition

Phase 2: Stone Golem Summons

Golems spawn in waves to protect Antharas

Prioritize ranged and healer-type golems

Shadowstrike is excellent for sniping key targets during this phase

Phase 3: Awakened Rage

At 30% HP, Antharas enters an enraged state

All attacks are faster and deadlier

He unleashes Roar of Destruction, a massive AoE that can kill if not dodged

Assassin Strategy: Shadowstrike in Action

Here’s how to leverage Shadowstrike in each phase for maximum impact:

Engagement:

Use stealth or evasion skills to close in without drawing aggro

Time your Shadowstrike for when crit buffs or debuffs are active on the boss

Hit from behind to trigger maximum damage potential

During the Fight:

Wait for openings between Antharas’ AoE attacks to move in

Chain Shadowstrike with evasion or retreat abilities to minimize risk

Use cooldown potions to maximize uptime on Shadowstrike

Mob Phase Tactics:

Quickly eliminate stone golems to reduce pressure on your team

Shadowstrike can one-shot key minions if timed correctly

Avoid getting surrounded — always plan your escape route

Teamplay Tips

Tanks should position Antharas so assassins have clear access to his rear

Healers need to stay mobile to follow fast-moving DPS

Communicate cooldown rotations and alert teammates when the rage phase begins

Assign Shadowstrike users to minion control when needed

Loot and Long-Term Gains

Victory against Antharas can earn you:

Antharas Ring – A powerful crit-based accessory

Dragon Scale Materials for crafting rare gear

Blueprints for assassin-focused weapons

Earth Essence Crystals to enhance Earth resistance or backstab damage

The Antharas Cloak, a rare drop, grants stealth-related bonuses and is highly sought-after by rogue classes.

Conclusion: Become the Shadow That Slays the Dragon

Lineage 2M: Shadowstrike of the Antharas Awakening is a high-stakes challenge where speed, precision, and strategy come together. The rogue classes excel in this fight, weaving through danger and delivering fatal strikes. Shadowstrike is more than just a skill — it's a statement of dominance in the art of assassination.