phoenix strike assassin d2r

Phoenix Strike Assassin: Unleash Elemental Fury in Diablo 2 Resurrected

The Phoenix Strike Assassin in Diablo 2 Resurrected is a potent hybrid character build that utilizes martial arts skills to unleash elemental attacks. This build allows for versatile gameplay, dealing significant physical and elemental damage to enemies.

The Assassin’s Phoenix Strike ability allows her to charge up three elemental attacks (Fire, Lightning, and Cold) and then release them with a finishing move, creating devastating explosions. This build is popular for its area-of-effect damage and ability to handle various monster types.

Understanding Phoenix Strike

Phoenix Strike is a key martial arts skill for the Assassin. Each charge adds a different elemental damage type to the next finishing move:

• Charge 1 (Fire): Adds Meteor to the finisher.
• Charge 2 (Lightning): Adds Chain Lightning to the finisher.
• Charge 3 (Cold): Adds Glacial Spike to the finisher.

By strategically charging and releasing these elements, players can deal significant damage to multiple targets simultaneously.

Key Skills and Stat Allocation

Skill Allocation

• Phoenix Strike: Maximize this skill for optimal elemental damage.
• Claws of Thunder: Synergy skill for Phoenix Strike, increases Lightning damage.
• Fists of Fire: Synergy skill for Phoenix Strike, increases Fire damage.
• Blades of Ice: Synergy skill for Phoenix Strike, increases Cold damage.
• Dragon Talon: Commonly used finishing move for fast, multiple kicks.
• Death Sentry: Provides corpses for corpse explosion, enhancing area damage.
• Shadow Warrior or Shadow Master: Summons that provide support and diversion.

Stat Allocation

• Strength: Enough to wear your gear.
• Dexterity: Enough to achieve maximum block chance with your shield (if using).
• Vitality: All remaining points for maximum health.
• Energy: None. Mana can be managed through gear and mana leech.

Essential Gear for Phoenix Strike Assassin

Gear plays a vital role in maximizing the effectiveness of the Phoenix Strike Assassin. Look for items that provide:

• +Skills: Boosts the level of your skills, increasing damage and effectiveness.
• Faster Cast Rate: Allows for quicker charging of Phoenix Strike and casting other spells.
• +% Elemental Damage: Increases the damage output of your elemental attacks.
• Life Leech/Mana Leech: Helps sustain your character in combat.
• Resistances: Provides protection against elemental attacks.

Some popular gear choices include:

• Weapons: Bartuc’s Cut-Throat, Chaos Runeword Claws
• Armor: Enigma Runeword, Treachery Runeword
• Helm: Harlequin Crest (Shako), Crown of Ages
• Gloves: Dracul’s Grasp, Magefist
• Boots: Shadow Dancer
• Belt: Arachnid Mesh
• Amulet: Mara’s Kaleidoscope, Highlord’s Wrath
• Rings: Stone of Jordan, Bul-Kathos’ Wedding Band

Strategy and Gameplay

The core strategy involves charging Phoenix Strike to build up the desired elemental attacks and then releasing them with a finishing move like Dragon Talon. Use Death Sentry to create corpses for Corpse Explosion, adding additional AoE damage. Maintain distance when necessary and utilize your Shadow Warrior/Master for support and crowd control.

Martial Arts Skills Explanation

To further delve into the nuances of the Assassin’s Martial Arts tree, you may find this Diablo II skills explanation beneficial.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best finishing move for a Phoenix Strike Assassin?

Dragon Talon is a popular choice due to its fast attack speed and multiple kicks, allowing for rapid release of the charged elemental attacks.

How do I deal with immunities?

Death Sentry’s Corpse Explosion deals physical and fire damage, which can help overcome elemental immunities. Also, consider using gear with the “-% Enemy Resistance” stat.

Is Phoenix Strike a good build for beginners?

While powerful, Phoenix Strike can be gear-dependent and requires some understanding of the game mechanics. It might be more challenging for brand-new players compared to simpler builds.

What mercenary should I use?

An Act 2 Might mercenary is a common choice to increase physical damage. An Act 2 Holy Freeze mercenary can provide crowd control and slow down enemies.

How much Faster Cast Rate (FCR) do I need?

Aim for at least 65% FCR to improve the speed of charging Phoenix Strike and casting other skills.

Summary

The Phoenix Strike Assassin is a versatile and powerful build in Diablo 2 Resurrected. By mastering the art of charging and releasing elemental attacks, players can obliterate hordes of enemies and conquer the challenges of Sanctuary. With the right gear and strategy, this build can be a formidable force in both PvM and PvP.