Backstab

In NetHack, backstab refers to the extra damage done by Rogues in melee against fleeing monsters, and attacks that deal backstab damage are sometimes called sneak attacks. It is calculated as 1dxplevel. Only melee attacks count toward backstab damage.

Strategy

A basic means of utilizing backstabs is to inscribe Elbereth with a monster next to you, then step off to attack the monster as it turns to flee. This can be repeated ad infinitum, with the only limitation being your patience, but is probably not worth your time against monsters that you can kill easily. Musical instruments, mirrors, and all the other methods of scaring can be used to set up easy backstabs.

Backstab is one of the few damage bonuses that are affected by double damage, so it can be very powerful with an appropriate artifact weapon. While it's impossible to backstab while twoweaponing, with high enough Dexterity switching between one and two weapons is a free action.

History

In NetHack 3.4.3 and previous versions, including some variants based on these versions, any weapon's damage against a fleeing monster while not wielding two weapons would qualify for the backstab bonus, including thrown objects such as daggers—this was seen as unbalancing and changed in NetHack 3.6.0.

Variants

dNetHack

dNetHack, notdNetHack and notnotdNetHack expand upon the sneak attack mechanic from NetHack 3.4.3, providing several new ways to perform sneak attacks in addition to backstabbing fleeing enemies: there are methods for heroes in other roles to gain the ability to perform sneak attacks, as well as ways to increase their power, and monsters can perform sneak attacks themselves under the right circumstances.

xNetHack

In xNetHack, backstab damage is applied when a Rogue performs a melee attack against a monster that is fleeing, trapped, immobilized, sleeping, stunned, confused, or blinded. The bonus damage is dependent on weapon skill: +d2 for restricted weapons, +d4 for Unskilled, +d10 for Basic, +d20 for Skilled, and +d30 for Expert.

References

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