SHADOWBLADE
ZER0 THE ASSASSIN BUILD
Last updated on March 13th, 2026
SHADOWBLADE
Level 72 OP8
Melee • Complex
PLAYSTYLE
Melee is a big part of Zer0’s toolkit and this build utilizes his melee capabilities to deal devastating damage reaching 999999k and beyond. It relies on effectively using Slag, Death Mark, multiple skills from each skill tree, and a pinch of practice to pull off. You will also strip your shield, which means willingly depleting it to gain bonus melee damage thanks to Hide of Terramorphous’s depletion bonuses.
For this build, you’ll first need to apply Slag to the enemies and use decoy to avoid getting hit. Next, you’ll want to throw Kunai, without spamming, unless it’s a badass or boss as it will mitigate MMF (Many Must Fall) activation. Continue applying Slag or shield stripping, and once your shield is depleted switch to your Rapier and go for backstabs. MMF will activate as you continue to backstab. The Chain lighting grenade paired with the Grog Nozzle comes handy to regain health almost instantly.
SOLO
For solo play, this is the “character fantasy” build in my opinion. It allows players to live out Zer0’s assassin class persona in a rewarding way. The complete reliance on Melee means you’re simply moving from target to target, and finishing them off with quick blows. Due to its complexity and perfect execution demand, it’s one of the harder builds to fully master. Slag is your best friend here, and knowing when to throw Kunai can often finish off bosses as well.
COOP
This build is very friendly in co-op, and compatible with most classes, and builds. You’re still doing a lot of damage here, and Maya is the perfect support character for this particular build. Her Scorn and Ruin skills phaselock enemies while adding significant Slag to aid your playstyle. Zer0 can stand his ground and doesn’t need particular support, but Gaige can prove detrimental to this particular build because of her Buck Up skill that regenerates shield, which you don’t want.
GEARS
Slot 1: Rabid Rapier
Slot 2: Evisceration Grog Nozzle
slot 3: Banbury Pimpernel
Slot 4: Gromky Lyuda
Grenade: Chain Lightning
Shield: Hide of Terramorphous
MOD: Legendary Ninja Class Mod
Relic: Bone of The Ancients
SKILLS
To increase melee damage, you’ll rely a lot on Killing Bl0w which increases melee damage by 1000% when an enemy is below 30% health.
Backstab adds an extra 80% damage and is extremely useful while you’re in deception. Execute and F0ll0wthr0ugh add to your traversal potential, allowing you to zap around the map in style.
Many Must Fall chains deception and Death Mark greatly increase damage, and B0re highlights critical spots and comes in handy for a second wind.
