Just don't get hit /s
Use terrain to lose agro on enemies. Know enemy vision.
Play smart, don't take risks.
If an enemy could be behind that door, it probably is.
Have failsafes: phase shift, blind dart, blink stone, artifact recharge for rouge cloak...
The dirk is too similar to the shortsword imo, the "flat" edge in the old design makes it easier to see which is which.
Love the new T4 T5 designs!