Backstabber upgrade

[phiphler]

Backstabber is a great item, but it falls of late because of its nature as a t2 item and non-scaling.
An interesting idea would be to make it even more backstabby, as in an upgrade that gives your melee in the enemy back a better effect. Melee already triggers Backstabber so it makes sense to me as a concept.

Critical Backstab, t3 Gun item, upgrades from Backstabber.
Same stats as Backstabber, but with a small added Spirit scaling of 0.05 on the DPS.
Melee attacks in the back triggers a critical Backstab, dealing 25%+ melee damage and further reducing Bullet resist by an additional 12%. Applies the basic Backstabber effect as well but with 8 second duration instead of 5 seconds.

The fact that the item would have 2 cooldowns is a problem, but I feel that it would provide a dynamic and fun incentive to truly hit people (with your melee) in the back. Melee items are also currently a little underexplored, there is room for at least 1 more.

 

[Acurrz]

i dont think every item needs to be lategame viable, backstabber is fine being an item you use early game and sell late for a slot

 

[AleksiyFlek$$iy]

It's difficult to launch a successful melee attack into an opponent's back, but I think the item rewards the player well enough for that.

 

[Acurrz]

It's difficult to launch a successful melee attack into an opponent's back, but I think the item rewards the player well enough for that.

it is not difficult, this would just skyrocket melee calico into absurd statuses

 

[AleksiyFlek$$iy]

it is not difficult, this would just skyrocket melee calico into absurd statuses

How often your melees strike to the back?

 

[back_biter+deadlock]

How often your melees strike to the back?

Almost literally every time I melee someone as shiv, I proc backstabber (back when I used to buy it more on him)
However this is usually after slice and dice, or when brawling with torment pulse, so your mileage may vary

 

[AleksiyFlek$$iy]

Almost literally every time I melee someone as shiv, I proc backstabber (back when I used to buy it more on him)
However this is usually after slice and dice, or when brawling with torment pulse, so your mileage may vary

I have the opposite situation. Enemies usually try to parry me and escape or fight back while keeping their distance. It's rare when they turn their backs on me. Maybe I'm just so unlucky.

 

[Fred_]

i dont think every item needs to be lategame viable, backstabber is fine being an item you use early game and sell late for a slot

I agree, there are some items that should definitely remain upgrade-less, items like Rebuttal, Backstabber and Fleefoot.

 

[Acurrz]

How often your melees strike to the back?

it is impossible for calico 2 to not trigger the item lol

 

[back_biter+deadlock]

I have the opposite situation. Enemies usually try to parry me and escape or fight back while keeping their distance. It's rare when they turn their backs on me. Maybe I'm just so unlucky.

I don't think it's usually from hitting them in the back exactly; Usually I'm inside their model (or close) when I proc it.