Storm Crows AssassinIntroductionThe Storm Crows assassin is a dexterity-based ranged build with decent sustain and the ability to play most content in the game (probably all, I haven't tried everything yet). It requires a fair bit of farming and good gear lategame, but will reward you with almost no skill switching, max block, avoid and decent damage. It started out as a variation of the Maelstrom Assassin but is now preferred by me because of it's ability to leech life and sustain much better like that.
Pros and ConsProsSSF build with moderate farming
Good boss KIller
Max-Block
High Avoid Damage
Almost no skill switching
Almost no equipment switching (Only spare I carry is a second Witchhunter's Hood
Witchhunter's Hood
Cap (Sacred)
Defense: (2136 - 2611) to (2161 - 2642)
Required Level: 90
Required Strength: 250
Item Level: 1
+(80 to 120)% Enhanced Defense
10% to Strength
10% to Dexterity
Maximum Elemental Resists +1%
Elemental Resists +(31 to 40)%
Physical Resist 5%
(16 to 20)% Bonus to Defense
Requirements -50%
Socketed (4)
Witchhunter's Attire
(Assassin Claw Set)
with Onyxes for Phoboss)
Auto-Targeting main skill (No running after teleport bosses)
ConsMana is an issue early
Transition from early to midgame can be a little rough
Auto-Targeting main skill (No possibility to target against summoning bosses)
Skillplan1 Point for transition Skills
Perfect Beeing MAX
Way of the Spider REST
Storm Crows MAX
Maelstrom 1
Wychwind 1
Way of the Griphon MAX
Way of the Phoenix MAX
Specialization MAX
Tenacity MAX
Endurance MAX
Prismatic Cloak MAX
Way of the Raven MAX
Put about 5 points into Storm Crows early and then put the remaining skill points there when the other goals are met. Putting too many points early will increase mana cost too much.
AttributesStrength - None
Dexterity - All
Vitality - None
Energy - None
You will need to put points into Strength early and then respec when you get some uber-charms. Early I like to just split 50:50 between Strength and Dexterity.
BreakpointsAttack Speed Hit Recovery
FPA - Attack Speed FPA - Hit Recovery
15 - 0 9 - 0
14 - 7 8 - 7
13 - 14 7 - 15
12 - 23 6 - 27
11 - 35 5 - 48
10 - 54 4 - 86
9 - 83 3 - 200
8 - 133
How to playMost of the time you can just stand still and attack with Storm Crows. Don't try to target anything, just hold down Shift to attack. If monsters get close throw in the opposite direction, that will focus your knives on the closest enemy. If you face low-mobility monsters use Whychwind for high damage. If you see that your knives aren't hitting the right monsters you can switch to Maelstrom. As you max Dexterity Maelstrom will still do decent damage even though it's just a 1-pointer. It's hard to explain but you will get a hang of it pretty quickly. Also use the videos from the Uberquests section for reference.
MercenaryI like to use an A2 Shapeshifter early to tank mobs, but lategame it isn't really useful at all. If you feel like using one look to the
Mercenary Guide
GearEarly Game► Show Spoiler
GearWeapon:
Ironsleet
Ironsleet
Balanced Knife (4)
Throw Damage: (9 - 11) to (19 - 30)
One-Hand Damage: (7 - 8) to (16 - 27)
Required Level: 7
Required Dexterity: 91
Item Level: 29
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.11 per Dexterity)%
5% Chance to cast level 10 Cold Fear on Kill
5% Chance to cast level 3 Knife Throw on Striking
+(8 to 17) to Maximum Damage
+(24 to 46)% Enhanced Damage
Weapon Physical Damage +12%
Cold Resist +(21 to 25)%
Socketed (1)
Throw Damage: (33 - 38) to (64 - 78)
One-Hand Damage: (23 - 26) to (51 - 62)
Required Level: 26
Required Dexterity: 132
Item Level: 40
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.11 per Dexterity)%
6% Chance to cast level 20 Cold Fear on Kill
6% Chance to cast level 7 Knife Throw on Striking
+(26 to 34) to Maximum Damage
+(69 to 92)% Enhanced Damage
Weapon Physical Damage +24%
Cold Resist +(31 to 35)%
Socketed (2)
Throw Damage: (79 - 87) to (133 - 151)
One-Hand Damage: (45 - 49) to (94 - 108)
Required Level: 44
Required Dexterity: 258
Item Level: 67
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.11 per Dexterity)%
7% Chance to cast level 30 Cold Fear on Kill
7% Chance to cast level 11 Knife Throw on Striking
+(43 to 52) to Maximum Damage
+(115 to 137)% Enhanced Damage
Weapon Physical Damage +36%
Cold Resist +(41 to 45)%
Socketed (2)
Throw Damage: (104 - 114) to (173 - 192)
One-Hand Damage: (57 - 62) to (118 - 132)
Required Level: 54
Required Dexterity: 508
Item Level: 85
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.11 per Dexterity)%
8% Chance to cast level 40 Cold Fear on Kill
8% Chance to cast level 13 Knife Throw on Striking
+(52 to 60) to Maximum Damage
+(138 to 160)% Enhanced Damage
Weapon Physical Damage +48%
Cold Resist +(46 to 50)%
Socketed (2)
Armor:
Akara's Robe (1)
Akara's Robe
Quilted Armor (1)
Defense: 74 to 100
Required Level: 10
Required Strength: 10
Item Level: 255
+50 Defense
+(6 to 10) to all Attributes
+50 to Life
Elemental Resists +(11 to 15)%
Cannot be Upgraded
Socketed (2)
Shield:
Black Sheep Wall
Black Sheep Wall
Totem Shield (4)
Defense: (47 - 51) to (91 - 100)
Chance to Block: 4%
(Assassin Only)
Required Level: 6
Required Dexterity: 44
Item Level: 10
+1 to Assassin Skill Levels
+(4 to 5) to Maximum Damage
Adds 6-8 Magic Damage
2% Chance of Crushing Blow
+(12 to 23)% Enhanced Defense
4% to Dexterity
+2 to Light Radius
Socketed (1)
Defense: (175 - 189) to (290 - 313)
Chance to Block: 4%
(Assassin Only)
Required Level: 24
Required Dexterity: 65
Item Level: 31
+2 to Assassin Skill Levels
+(7 to 9) to Maximum Damage
Adds 18-23 Magic Damage
4% Chance of Crushing Blow
+(35 to 46)% Enhanced Defense
8% to Dexterity
+4 to Light Radius
Socketed (4)
Defense: (442 - 473) to (701 - 750)
Chance to Block: 4%
(Assassin Only)
Required Level: 41
Required Dexterity: 137
Item Level: 51
+3 to Assassin Skill Levels
+(15 to 18) to Maximum Damage
Adds 61-68 Magic Damage
6% Chance of Crushing Blow
+(58 to 69)% Enhanced Defense
12% to Dexterity
+7 to Light Radius
Socketed (5)
Defense: (650 - 693) to (1025 - 1092)
Chance to Block: 4%
(Assassin Only)
Required Level: 50
Required Dexterity: 282
Item Level: 77
+4 to Assassin Skill Levels
+(31 to 36) to Maximum Damage
Adds 150-200 Magic Damage
7% Chance of Crushing Blow
+(69 to 80)% Enhanced Defense
16% to Dexterity
+10 to Light Radius
Socketed (6)
Helm:
Topspin
Topspin
Skull Cap (4)
Defense: (76 - 83) to (115 - 125)
Required Level: 3
Required Strength: 28
Item Level: 1
5% Attack Speed
+(31 to 50)% Enhanced Defense
+(31 to 50) Defense
(3 to 5)% to Dexterity
(3 to 5)% to Energy
Maximum Elemental Resists +1%
10% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (1)
Defense: (277 - 301) to (365 - 397)
Required Level: 20
Required Strength: 55
Item Level: 31
15% Attack Speed
+(61 to 80)% Enhanced Defense
+(71 to 100) Defense
(6 to 8)% to Dexterity
(6 to 8)% to Energy
Maximum Elemental Resists +1%
20% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (3)
Defense: (704 - 760) to (876 - 943)
Required Level: 37
Required Strength: 192
Item Level: 51
25% Attack Speed
+(91 to 110)% Enhanced Defense
+(151 to 200) Defense
(9 to 11)% to Dexterity
(9 to 11)% to Energy
Maximum Elemental Resists +2%
30% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (4)
Defense: (1182 - 1258) to (1471 - 1564)
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 384
Item Level: 77
30% Attack Speed
+(121 to 140)% Enhanced Defense
+(301 to 400) Defense
(12 to 14)% to Dexterity
(12 to 14)% to Energy
Maximum Elemental Resists +2%
40% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (4)
Belt:
Wormtongue
Wormtongue
Light Belt (4)
Defense: (53 - 58) to (71 - 78)
Required Level: 3
Required Strength: 26
Item Level: 1
(31 to 50)% Bonus to Attack Rating
Adds 5-13 Poison Damage over 2 seconds
(2 to 4)% Life stolen per Hit
+(18 to 29)% Enhanced Defense
+(11 to 15) to Dexterity
Socketed (1)
Defense: (214 - 231) to (259 - 279)
Required Level: 21
Required Strength: 55
Item Level: 31
(71 to 90)% Bonus to Attack Rating
Adds 19-50 Poison Damage over 2 seconds
(8 to 10)% Life stolen per Hit
+(41 to 52)% Enhanced Defense
+(21 to 25) to Dexterity
Socketed (2)
Defense: (544 - 581) to (649 - 693)
Required Level: 38
Required Strength: 192
Item Level: 51
(111 to 130)% Bonus to Attack Rating
Adds 75-150 Poison Damage over 2 seconds
(14 to 16)% Life stolen per Hit
+(64 to 75)% Enhanced Defense
+(31 to 35) to Dexterity
Socketed (2)
Defense: (801 - 851) to (946 - 1006)
Required Level: 46
Required Strength: 384
Item Level: 77
(131 to 150)% Bonus to Attack Rating
Adds 100-250 Poison Damage over 2 seconds
(17 to 19)% Life stolen per Hit
+(75 to 86)% Enhanced Defense
+(36 to 40) to Dexterity
Socketed (2)
Gloves:
Featherclaw
Boots:
Zealot Rush
Zealot Rush
Light Plated Boots (4)
Defense: (67 - 78) to (102 - 119)
Required Level: 6
Required Strength: 31
Item Level: 10
5% Attack Speed
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
(11 to 25)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(21 to 40)% Enhanced Defense
(3 to 5)% to Dexterity
1% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (1)
Defense: (248 - 281) to (338 - 384)
Required Level: 24
Required Strength: 62
Item Level: 36
10% Attack Speed
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
(41 to 55)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(41 to 60)% Enhanced Defense
(9 to 11)% to Dexterity
2% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (2)
Defense: (613 - 685) to (817 - 914)
Required Level: 41
Required Strength: 218
Item Level: 51
20% Attack Speed
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
(71 to 85)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(61 to 80)% Enhanced Defense
(15 to 17)% to Dexterity
3% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (3)
Defense: (944 - 1044) to (1247 - 1378)
Required Level: 50
Required Strength: 436
Item Level: 85
30% Attack Speed
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
(86 to 100)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(81 to 100)% Enhanced Defense
(18 to 20)% to Dexterity
4% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (4)
Amulet:
Rare with +Skills, and any combination of DEX, HR, flat damage, Life, Laek/Maek, and Res
Rings:
Ripstar
Ripstar
Ring
Required Level: 60
Item Level: 60
+0.5625 to Maximum Damage (Based on Character Level)
+20 Life on Melee Attack
Socket FillersWeapon: FAL Runes
Armor (except Shield): Perfect Res Gems (Amber, Bloodstone, Onyx, Turquoise)
Shield: Diamonds
MYSTIC ORBSWeapon: Mana Steal; Life Steal; ED; Max Damage
Armor: ED; BtD; Max Damage; DEX
Jewelry: Mana Regen; Flat Def
Mid Game► Show Spoiler
GearWeapon:
Tracker's Strike
Tracker's Strike
Flying Knife (Sacred)
Throw Damage: (181 - 199) to (246 - 264)
One-Hand Damage: (131 - 142) to (193 - 205)
Required Level: 90
Required Dexterity: 473
Item Level: 1
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.11 per Dexterity)%
15% Chance to cast level 6 Knife Throw on Striking
50% Attack Speed
Adds 40-100 Damage
+(140 to 170)% Enhanced Damage
+(41 to 50) to Dexterity
Socketed (2)
Creed
(Assassin Throwing Set)
Armor:
Akara's Robe (Sacred)
Akara's Robe
Quilted Armor (Sacred)
Defense: 2763 to 2831
Required Level: 80
Required Strength: 350 to 395
Item Level: 255
+1 to All Skills
+500 Defense
+(31 to 50) to all Attributes
+200 to Life
Elemental Resists +(31 to 40)%
Requirements -(21 to 30)%
Socketed (6)
Shield:
Tracker's Effigy
Tracker's Effigy
Aspis (Sacred)
Defense: (2622 - 3277) to (3060 - 3825)
Chance to Block: 4%
(Assassin Only)
Required Level: 90
Required Strength: 368
Required Dexterity: 374
Item Level: 1
+(1 to 2) to Assassin Skill Levels
25% Block Speed
+(21 to 30)% to Poison Spell Damage
+(100 to 150)% Enhanced Defense
Elemental Resists +(21 to 25)%
Requirements -33%
Socketed (4)
Creed
(Assassin Throwing Set)
Helm:
Witchhunter's Hood
Witchhunter's Hood
Cap (Sacred)
Defense: (2136 - 2611) to (2161 - 2642)
Required Level: 90
Required Strength: 250
Item Level: 1
+(80 to 120)% Enhanced Defense
10% to Strength
10% to Dexterity
Maximum Elemental Resists +1%
Elemental Resists +(31 to 40)%
Physical Resist 5%
(16 to 20)% Bonus to Defense
Requirements -50%
Socketed (4)
Witchhunter's Attire
(Assassin Claw Set)
Belt:
The Endless Loop
The Endless Loop
Light Belt (Sacred)
Defense: 1101 to 1143
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 550
Item Level: 105
40% Combat Speeds
+(10 to 19) to Charged Strike
Slow Target 10%
+50 to all Attributes
+75 Life Regenerated per Second
+(0 to 1) Mana on Striking
Socketed (2)
Gloves:
Water
Water
Leather Gloves (Sacred)
Defense: (940 - 1175) to (954 - 1192)
Required Level: 80
Required Strength: 335
Item Level: 1
+(100 to 150)% Enhanced Defense
(11 to 15)% to Strength
(11 to 15)% to Dexterity
Fire Resist +(31 to 50)%
(13 to 19)% Gold Find
Requirements -33%
Socketed (4)
Pantheon
(Amazon Bow Set)
Boots:
Zealot Rush
Zealot Rush
Light Plated Boots (4)
Defense: (67 - 78) to (102 - 119)
Required Level: 6
Required Strength: 31
Item Level: 10
5% Attack Speed
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
(11 to 25)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(21 to 40)% Enhanced Defense
(3 to 5)% to Dexterity
1% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (1)
Defense: (248 - 281) to (338 - 384)
Required Level: 24
Required Strength: 62
Item Level: 36
10% Attack Speed
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
(41 to 55)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(41 to 60)% Enhanced Defense
(9 to 11)% to Dexterity
2% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (2)
Defense: (613 - 685) to (817 - 914)
Required Level: 41
Required Strength: 218
Item Level: 51
20% Attack Speed
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
(71 to 85)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(61 to 80)% Enhanced Defense
(15 to 17)% to Dexterity
3% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (3)
Defense: (944 - 1044) to (1247 - 1378)
Required Level: 50
Required Strength: 436
Item Level: 85
30% Attack Speed
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
(86 to 100)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(81 to 100)% Enhanced Defense
(18 to 20)% to Dexterity
4% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (4)
Amulet:
Athulua's Oracle
Athulua's Oracle
Amulet
Required Level: 60
Item Level: 60
+(1 to 2) to All Skills
40% Attack Speed
(150 to 250)% Bonus to Attack Rating
Cannot Be Frozen
Rings:
Ripstar
Ripstar
Ring
Required Level: 60
Item Level: 60
+0.5625 to Maximum Damage (Based on Character Level)
+20 Life on Melee Attack
Socket FillersRunewords: Life and Mana Steal Jewels
None-Runewords: FAL Runes
MYSTIC ORBSWeapon: Mana Steal; Life Steal; ED; Max Damage
Armor: ED; BtD; Max Damage; DEX
Jewelry: Mana Regen; Flat Def
Late Game► Show Spoiler
GearWeapon:
Dawn
Dawn
Weapons
'Zol'
Runeword Level: 100
10% Chance to cast level 32 Celerity on Kill
45% Hit Recovery
(301 to 500)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(172 to 200)% Enhanced Damage
75% to Strength
75% to Dexterity
35% to Vitality
75% to Energy
+80 to Mana
60% Gold Find
+(2 to 4) to Light Radius
(Balanced Knife) or
Shadow Bite
Shadow Bite
Throwing Knives
'Phul'
Runeword Level: 110
+4 Storm Crows Projectiles
5% Chance to cast level 24 Hammertime on Kill
20% Combat Speeds
Adds 75-(160 to 180) Damage
Adds (200 to 300)-(400 to 500) Magic Damage
+(171 to 200)% Enhanced Damage
(5 to 10)% to All Attributes
+(100 to 200) to Life
(Balanced Knife)
Armor:
Natasha's LegacyShield:
Svalinn
Svalinn
Shields
'RhalLoOhn'
Runeword Level: 115
-1% to Enemy Elemental Resistances per 150 Dexterity
8% Chance to cast level 7 Life Spark when Blocking
1% Base Block Chance
15% Block Speed
20% Hit Recovery
+(151 to 200)% Enhanced Defense
+(30 to 40) to all Attributes
(15 to 20)% to Dexterity
+200 to Life
Fire Resist +(20 to 25)%
Lightning Resist +(20 to 25)%
Cold Resist +(20 to 25)%
Poison Resist +(20 to 25)%
Fire Absorb (3 to 5)%
Physical Resist 5%
or
The Doom Gong of Xiansai
The Doom Gong of Xiansai
Aspis (Sacred)
Defense: (3146 - 3539) to (3672 - 4131)
Chance to Block: 5%
(Assassin Only)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 550
Required Dexterity: 559
Item Level: 105
2% Chance to cast level 12 Thunder Slam on Melee Attack
1% Base Block Chance
Adds (10 to 40)-(50 to 100) Damage
(10 to 20)% Life stolen per Hit
+(140 to 170)% Enhanced Defense
20% to Dexterity
Socketed (4)
Helm:
Witchhunter's Hood
Witchhunter's Hood
Cap (Sacred)
Defense: (2136 - 2611) to (2161 - 2642)
Required Level: 90
Required Strength: 250
Item Level: 1
+(80 to 120)% Enhanced Defense
10% to Strength
10% to Dexterity
Maximum Elemental Resists +1%
Elemental Resists +(31 to 40)%
Physical Resist 5%
(16 to 20)% Bonus to Defense
Requirements -50%
Socketed (4)
Witchhunter's Attire
(Assassin Claw Set)
Belt:
Black Void
Black Void
Heavy Belt (Sacred)
Defense: (3060 - 3442) to (3304 - 3717)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 625
Item Level: 120
20% Attack Speed
Adds 10-15 Damage
(10 to 15)% Life stolen per Hit
Slow Target 10%
+(140 to 170)% Enhanced Defense
10% to Strength
10% to Dexterity
Target Takes Additional Damage of (25 to 50)
30% Magic Find
Socketed (2)
Gloves:
Savage
Savage
Gloves
'YstFelKa'
Runeword Level: 110
+1% Weapon Physical Damage per 50 Strength or Dexterity
(Whichever is Higher)
75% Attack Speed
+10 Damage
+200% Enhanced Defense
+(10 to 40) to all Attributes
10% to Strength
10% to Dexterity
Maximum Cold Resist +1%
Cold Resist +25%
10% Magic Find
(Gauntlets)
Boots:
Lifecrusher
Lifecrusher
Boots
'MhalChamUm'
Runeword Level: 110
30% Hit Recovery
0.125% Chance of Crushing Blow (Based on Character Level)
+(171 to 200)% Enhanced Defense
(5 to 10)% to All Attributes
Maximum Life +(7 to 10)%
Maximum Elemental Resists +1%
Elemental Resists +(15 to 25)%
(Greaves) or
Wind Runner
Wind Runner
Boots
'SilElqSilGul'
Runeword Level: 100
+(0 to 1) to All Skills
50% Attack Speed
10% Movement Speed
Adds 25-68 Damage
250% Bonus to Attack Rating
(12 to 15)% Life stolen per Hit
+(171 to 200)% Enhanced Defense
(Greaves); More Tankiness vs. More Damage [I personally prefer Tankiness]
Amulet:
Beads of the Snake Queen
Beads of the Snake Queen
Amulet
Required Level: 100
Item Level: 120
4% Chance to cast level 33 Scorpion Blade on Kill
Adds 5-10 Damage
Stun Attack
+(200 to 500) Defense
(20 to 25)% to Strength
(20 to 25)% to Dexterity
+100 Life after each Kill
or
Dyers Eve
Dyers Eve
Amulet
Required Level: 100
Item Level: 120
5% Chance to cast level 5 Time Strike on Striking
+2 to All Skills
Adds 15-20 Damage
5% Life stolen per Hit
Elemental Resists +10%
Physical Resist (1 to 10)%
Rings:
Giant's Knuckle
Giant's Knuckle
Ring
Required Level: 100
Item Level: 120
20% Attack Speed
Adds 10-15 Damage
(5 to 10)% Life stolen per Hit
5% Deadly Strike
+25 Life Regenerated per Second
Physical Resist 5%
Socket Fillers Runewords: All Attribute Jewels with 45+ life as a secondary roll
None-Runewords: FEL Runes
MYSTIC ORBSWeapon: ED; Max Damage; Life Steal; Mana Steal
Armor: ED; BtD; Max Damage; DEX
Jewelry: Life; Flat Def; UMOs
UbersAll Ubers can be found on this
Youtube Playlist.
It's only missing a few of the "Impossible" Ones, but I'm working on it