Post by [SA}XaeSword on Sept 8, 2015 13:49:23 GMT -5
~The Trap Assassin~
~Intro~
Alright guys, I know a lot of us here don't like Trapsins, but they can be really fun to duel if you play well, and they're also really fun to use, when played correctly. Hopefully this guide can give some insight on how to play a more offensive Trap Assassin variant. Let's hop right into the skills, shall we?
~Skills~
A Trap Assassin's skills are generally quite straight-forward, there is little variance from build to build. This is what my Trapper, Eternity, uses.
Traps: Shadow Disciplines: Martial Arts:
~Key points regarding skills~
-I like to use one point in Dragon Talon (DT) to use against low defense, no block characters such as vita nec, Druids, etc, to help FHR, it works better than using Fire Blast, which is what I'd use vs a Paladin and max block chars.
-Some Trap Assassin builds like to max Mind Blast to cause the Shadow Master/Warrior to use it more, however I find that to be a massive waste of points, since you'll be using Mind Blast a lot yourself, and shouldn't need your Shadow to do it for you.
-Not maxing Mind Blast allows you to dump your remaining points in Fade. My Trap Assassin has level 36 Fade with Claw/Claw (c/c) set up. This, combnined with Enigma's Ber rune, gives me 44% Damage Reduced. In case you aren't aware, Fade gives +1% Damage Reduced per Skill Level. Level 36 Fade = 36% Damage Reduced. Then there's also the added Resistance stack given by Fade's buffed level, as well, which always helps.
-The three points in Weapon Block gives us 60% chance to block with Weapon Block, with Battle Command.
~Gear~
The fun part, gear makes a char, and everyone knows this. This is why we play Open Battle.net. You're free to use this gear, or you can make your own, but this gear hits all the essential breakpoints for Trappers.
Charms:
- +1 Traps, 45 life GC x9
- 20 life, 5 all res SC x9
- 5% FHR, 5 all res SC x1
- 20/20/25% CtC Assassin Torch
- 20/20/x Annihilus
Armor:
-No other options here. I use a Wire Fleece base so I can strength bug my char, but it can be in any base armor you'd like, as long as you have the strength to wear a Monarch for BO spirit and the max block and 174 FCR set ups.
Helm(s):
-I use a Griffon's Eye to hit the 102% FCR breakpoint. Many people will say that 08 Valk is better, but after doing some research and deciding that I don't like to use bugged items, Griffon's became the best choice.
- A 2 Assassin skills, 20 FCR, 20 Dex, 20 All Resistance, 2 open socket Rare Circlet. This is for your max block and 174% FCR set ups.
-However, if you wish, you can still use an 08 Valk... ~~
Belt:
-I personally never switch from this belt, even for Trap vs Trap.
Gloves:
-Trang-Oul's Claws are the only gloves I use on any caster. The cold resistance stack and 20% fcr make them a must have on any caster vs all.
Boots:
Wot?! Y u no use Trex?! (Or any other boots)
-Simple. Shadow Dancers add +2 to Shadow Disciplines, which helps your Fade level, along with FR/W (More than Trex by 10%), 25 to Dexterity, and 30% FHR.
Amulet:
-This is your main amulet, used on two of the three set ups for this build. Note: If you're using a different base besides Wire Fleece, with a lower Strength requirement, you won't need as much strength on your gear as me.
- A 20 Dexterity safety craft Amulet. This is for your max block set up. Note: If you're using a different base besides Wire Fleece, with a lower Strength requirement, you won't need as much strength on your gear as me.
Rings:
-Note: If you're using a different base besides Wire Fleece, with a lower Strength requirement, you won't need as much strength on your gear as me.
-Resistance stacking = GG.
-My rings should be pretty self-explanitory. You need the FCR to hit 102% FCR, the Dexterity helps you wear your claws (Runic Talons require 115 Dexerity), etc.
Weapons:
Finally! The nitty-gritty of Assassins!
Left Claw (Glove-side):
-Rare 3 Sentry, Fade, Weapon Block Runic Talons socketed with 2x Shaels, for trap laying speed and IAS stack versus Necromancer's Clay Golem.
Right Claw (Boot-side):
-Rare 3 Sentry, 3 Fade, 3 Weapon Block Runic Talons socketed with 2x FHR/ Tri Resistance Jewels.
-These claws are obviously for your c/c set up, which gives you the best trap damage.
-Note: If you notice your trap laying speed is really slow, open your inventory, pick up your boot-side claw, and put it back in place again, this should fix your trap laying speed.
Other Weapons:
-A Spirit Phase Blade for your max block set up. It has to be a Phase Blade so you get the max trap laying speed with Burst of Speed.
-Heart of the Oak in any Flail variant, I use Scourge for the Strength bug. This is for your 174% FCR setup, it also allows the stacking of Oak sage in that setup.
Shields:
-Stormshield socketed with an Eld for increased blocking chance and high DR% on your max block set up.
-Spirit Monarch for your 174% FCR setup, also allows for higher FHR breakpoints.
Weapon Switch:
- A 6/6/4 CtA. I chose Caduceus so I could tell what weapon I'm using during a duel more easily. The base doesn't matter, though.
-A BO Spirit, for the skill boost.
~Setups~
102% FCR 48% FHR c/c setup
Helm: Griffon's Eye
Armor: Enigma
Belt: Arachnid's Mesh
Gloves: Trang-Oul's Claws
Boots: Shadowdancer
Amulet: 20% FCR crafted amulet
Rings: 2x FCR craft/rare rings
Weapons: 2x Trapper Claws (3 sentry/etc)
Approximate life with BO: 4,500
Approximate mana with BO: 580
Trap Damage: On-screen, 14k Actual damage, 13k
Fire Resistance (From 0%): 91% (26% Overstacked)
Cold Resistance (From 0%): 211% (136% Overstacked)
Lightning Resistance (From 0%): 211% (136% Overstacked)
Poison Resistance (From 0%): 211% (136% Overstacked)
On-Screen Resistances: 75% all
Max block 102% FCR 86% FHR setup
Helm: 20% FCR/20 Dex Circlet
Armor: Enigma
Belt: Arachnid's Mesh
Gloves: Trang-Oul's Claws
Boots: Shadowdancer
Amulet: 20 Dexterity safety craft
Rings: 2x FCR craft/rare rings
Weapon: Spirit Phase Blade
Shield: Stormshield (Eld)
Approximate life with BO: 4,600
Approximate mana with BO: 750
Trap Damage: 10k
Damage Reduced%: 43%
Resistances shouldn't matter on this setup, you'll only use it against Bowas and Barbs, if you feel it necessary.
174% FCR 86% FHR setup
Helm: 20% FCR Circlet
Armor: Enigma
Belt: Arachnid's Mesh
Gloves: Trang-Oul's Claws
Boots: Shadowdancer
Amulet: 20% FCR crafted amulet
Rings: 2x FCR craft/rare rings
Weapon: Heart of the Oak Flail
Shield: Spirit Monarch
Approximate life with BO: 4,600
Approximate mana with BO: 850
Trap Damage: 11k
Damaged Reduced% and resistances shouldn't matter on this set up, since you'll only really use it against Necromancers and Hammerdins.
Bottom line: The 102% FCR 48% FHR c/c setup is your main setup, to be used against most opponents. I only recommend using the c/c setup against Necromancers if you know what you're doing.
~Stats~
Alright, that should cover the gear. Now for the stats.
Strength: Base (20)
Dexterity: Enough for max block (75% Chance to Block) with your max block set up on. (My Trapper has 62 Dexterity with no gear on.)
Vitality: Any remaining.
Energy: Base (25)
~Basic Advice~
When playing Trapper, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Your Shadow is your friend, keep her alive as much as possible, she can lay traps and cast Mind Blast and other spells. This can be really helpful.
- Use the corners of your screen when you cast Traps when you can, you get the most range that way.
- Do not run or walk. Weapon Block only works while standing still, using WW, or teleporting. However, Weapon Block will block attacks that are normally blockable while walking, but it's not as powerful as max block with a shield, since the percentage is much lower, it's better to just avoid trying to tank any kind of attack.
- Cast Fade, Venom, Burst of Speed, and Blade Shield on whichever side gives a higher skill boost. Remember, Fade and Burst of Speed cannot be active at the same time.
- Use Burst of Speed against Necromancers, and when on your max block or 174% FCR setups.
- Keep traps near to you as well as around the screen at all times.
- Spamming Mind Blast in the direction of your opponent can make your Shadow cast it on them, adding stun to them.
- Stun (Swirlies) causes any amount of damage to force the victim into FHR animation.
~Outro~
Alright guys, that's my Trapper. Not a real difficult build, the skill comes in while dueling. The build itself is very solid when played correctly, but easily beaten if not. But then, that's the case with any character on this game.
- [SA}XaeSword
