Introduction
The Phoenix Strike Assassin is a fast melee build that alternates between fire, lightning and cold damage. It clears dense packs well and handles most enemy types, but it has to stay in melee range and needs high Attack Rating to keep its rotation going.
Skill Allocation
Claw and Dagger Mastery 25Phoenix Strike 20Fists of Fire 20Claws of Thunder 20Blades of Ice 20Burst of Speed 1Weapon Block 1Dragon Flight 1Cloak of Shadows 1Mind Blast 1
How to spend your points
- Level early with Fists of Fire, then add Claws of Thunder and Blades of Ice, since they stay useful later.
- Once Phoenix Strike is unlocked, it becomes your main attack and you spread points across the four core skills.
- Take Burst of Speed early and add Weapon Block and Dragon Flight for mobility and survivability.
- Max Phoenix Strike, Fists of Fire, Claws of Thunder and Blades of Ice to 20.
- Put leftover points into Claw and Dagger Mastery if Attack Rating is short, or into Burst of Speed for faster attacks.
Recommended Breakpoints
48% minimum, 86% recommendedFaster Hit Recovery
8000 or moreAttack Rating
Stat Allocation
Strengthenough for gear
Dexterityenough for gear, more only for Attack Rating or blocking
Vitalityall remaining points
Energynothing
Pros / Cons
- Virtually no immunity problems
- Strong crowd control
- Flexible gear options
- Strong mapping and single-target damage
- Must fight in melee range
- Needs high Attack Rating
Gear
- Weapon
- Bartuc's Cut-ThroatPhoenix Strike Claw Rare or crafted, +Phoenix Strike and Attack Rating
- Shield
- Stormshield for shield builds, strong physical reductionJade Talon defensive alternativeBartuc's Cut-Throat second claw for dual-claw
- Helm
- Kira's GuardianHarlequin Crest more balanced
- Body Armor
- Steel CarapaceArkaine's ValorChains of HonorStone cheap early option
- Gloves
- Martial Arts Gloves rare or crafted with IAS and Martial ArtsDracul's Grasp
- Belt
- Verdungo's Hearty CordString of Ears good for life leechArachnid Mesh more offensive variant
- Boots
- WaterwalkSandstorm TrekRare Boots with resistances and FHR
- Amulet
- Mara's KaleidoscopeMartial Arts Amulet offensive alternative
- Rings
- Raven FrostBul-Kathos' Wedding BandRare Attack Rating Ring
Charms
- Charms
- Hellfire Torch Assassin versionAnnihilusMartial Arts Grand Charms for Phoenix Strike and synergiesSmall Charms life, Attack Rating or resistances
Mercenary
Act 2 Blessed Aim mercenary with Conviction aura
- Weapon
- Infinity
- Helm
- Andariel's Visage or Vampire Gaze
- Body Armor
- Fortitude, Shaftstop or Innocence
- Gloves
- Dracul's Grasp
- Belt
- String of Ears or Verdungo's Hearty Cord
- Boots
- Rare Boots with Resistances
Final Thoughts
This build suits players who enjoy fast, active melee play and mapping. It is a poor fit for anyone who prefers ranged play or does not want to invest in gear.
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