UO OUTLANDS / BUILDS

Basic Backstabber

A stealth-focused Thief build built around Backstab attacks, Stealing, and the Shadow Aspect for safe PvP and solo play.

Last Updated: September 18, 2026
Author: Soren Longhorn
Category PvP
Build Type Intermediate
Investment Moderate ◆ ◆ ◆ ◇ ◇
Chain Links Light ◆ ◆ ◇ ◇ ◇
Difficulty Moderate

Overview

This build is a stealth-focused Thief designed around finding opportunities to land powerful Backstab attacks before disappearing back into stealth.

The combination of Hiding, Stealth, Tracking, Stealing, and Snooping gives you a unique playstyle focused on positioning, patience, and picking the right moment to strike.

Corners are your friend. Use the environment to break line of sight, re-hide, and set up your next attack.

With Tracking, the build is also extremely difficult for PKs to catch when played carefully.

Aspect Options

Shadow Aspect is mandatory for this build and is central to its stealth-focused playstyle.

Links are helpful but not required to get started. Focus on improving your Backstab damage and melee damage as you invest further into the character.

  • PvM:
    • Melee Special Chance / Special Damage
    • Damage Dealt by Player
    • Melee Damage / Ignore Armor Chance

Codex Use

  • Thieves Codex

    • The Thieves Codex is a core part of the build. You must join the Thieves Guild, either Grey or Red Hand, to level it.
    • Focus on abilities that improve your stealth, stealing, and overall effectiveness as a Thief.

  • Macefighting / Fencing

    • Choose either Macefighting or Fencing as your weapon skill and use the corresponding Weapon and Shield Codex.
    • Your weapon is primarily used to deliver the initial Backstab before transitioning into follow-up attacks if necessary.

Additional Codex info is in the build card

Equipment

Use a Burst Weapon for your initial Backstab and keep a Grinding Light or Medium weapon available for follow-up damage if the target survives.

Carry several Smoke Bombs for additional safety and use potions for healing and utility.

Farming/Gameplay

This build plays very differently from a traditional melee character. Your primary goal is to remain hidden, position yourself correctly, and choose when to engage.

Use Stealth and Hiding to move around safely and use corners to break line of sight when you need to disappear.

When the opportunity presents itself, use your Burst Weapon to deliver a powerful Backstab. If the target survives, switch to your follow-up weapon and continue the engagement only if it is safe to do so.

Tracking is highly recommended for identifying nearby threats and avoiding unwanted encounters with PKs.

Additional Notes

  • Macefighting and Fencing are both viable weapon choices.
  • Shadow Aspect is mandatory.
  • Join the Thieves Guild to level the Thieves Codex.
  • Carry Smoke Bombs for emergency escapes.
  • Potions provide additional healing and utility.
  • Chivalry can be taken instead of Tracking or Camping.
  • Tracking is recommended for safer travel and detecting hostile players.
  • Camping can be used as an alternative utility skill.

Stats

STR: 100, INT: 25, DEX: 100