Phoenix Striker = lots of fun

[Bratty]

This is my first real time at playing an assassin. So I did what any first timer should do and read through the different Assassin builds stickied to this forum.

Found the Phoenix Striker to be quite an interesting read.

So I undertook the challenge. The sticky link based it's build around a full set of Natalyas, which I am still working towards. Am only level 51 atm and only found the boots so far.

Let me tell you so far this build is a TON of fun. It's not invincible, it's by no means the most powerul char I have played but I'm always on my toes, flicking hotkeys about almost like playing piano, unleasing devastating AOEs, ducking and weaving, finding different ways to kill things all the time, and above all the C/C combination looks so great I may enter my char into a pinup model competition! :clap:

The build always requires me to be active, the constant hotkeying keeps the brain active and reflexes going. Just got past beating Andariel in NM. There is more of a sense of challenge with this build so far than a sense of being overpowered. Love it, love it, love it.

Don't care that it isn't a PVP killer, don't care that it isn't the most powerful PVM build ever made, don't care don't care don't care.

Great build for those who just want to have real Assassin FUN.

[angel wraith]

lets see what u will say when u will reach Hell, especially WSK Hell.
let us know, plz.

[Bratty]

The guide suggests the build can tackle Hell and overcome it. I guess I will find out.

I'll let you know what I think of it when I cross that bridge.

[wasonlp]

Dont care about hell, the phoenix assa can clean all acts in hell alone... with very litle problems.

The are no inmunes to this assa couse she make dmg: cold+fire+ligth+poison+phisical .... and all at time!!!!

Using cloac of shadows+mindBlast , and merc+shadowmaster you will dont have eny problem.

And of course its the funnyest assa of all (for me). I have one and im making another in Hc (it will be harder ^ ^) and there are the funniests chars if have.

Cu ;)

[BIGeyedBUG]

The guide suggests the build can tackle Hell and overcome it. I guess I will find out.

It's definitely doable, especially in SC. HC is tough without great gear, but I just Guardian'd a CoT/BoI/Phoenix variant last night with strict gear limitations.

I'd say the keys to the build (generally, not just the Nat's set variant) are

- +skills. Get them up to level 30+ for Hell, unless you go more of a weapon damage route.

- speed. Get as close to the best fpa that you can, but more importantly, learn to nail the right chargeup even if everything's going to hell. CtH and lag will have a big impact on that. In laggy conditions, CoT and FoF will be your friends.

- Mind Blast. Simply an incredible tool for any martial artist that solos. Practically an "I win" button if used right.

- And more than anything else, and like you've already seen, smarts and creativity are the name of the game.

Anyway, definitely let us know how it goes...and welcome to the funnest thing in D2. :thumbsup:

[ilkori]

I agree with BeB, and you. Phoenix Strikers are by far the most fun character to play, despite how strong they may or may not be.

[Bratty]

For those that care, I just beat Baal and thus am done through Nightmare.

I spent some time at Mephisto just trying to gather more tuned equipment to a Phoenix Striker and a few extra levels and once I was satisfied I progressed to Diablo, which ended up being a moderate challenge, but Baal just now I was surprised how easy it was. Just kept Meteor showers on him until he expired.

Bigeyedbug and Ilkori, thank you for the tips. I tried to do those things you said, increase my skills, namely phoenix strike and all its synergies, put points into claw mastery and and burst of speed mainly with the odd point thrown into weapon block. I also added one point into mind blast which you were right, was a real advantage in a tight spot sometimes.

I have reached level 70 now, probably going to aim for a few more Baal runs hoping for higher end equipment and thus more levels before I start going through Hell. Although I am confident I could probably even start tackling it now. But it was satisfying slapping Baal around like a ragdoll, so why not :thumbsup:

As far as this build goes, I'm totally totally sold. Anyone who bags it, just hasn't played through it. I can see now why the original author recommended it. It's still one huge load ball of fun, quite exciting at times also and that is what games are all meant to be about hey :clap:

Will let you know how it goes when its time to tackle Hell :)

[Leonavice]

Try to wear Bartucs with Nat claw if using C/C. More + skills that way.

[Bratty]

Try to wear Bartucs with Nat claw if using C/C. More + skills that way.

Yes :) Managed to get a Bartucs from one of my Mephisto runs and managed to socket it with a Shael just recently. No luck on the Natalyas claw yet, but not equipable for another 9 more levels so I have time yet I hope *crosses fingers*

Pray for me ;)