Assassin Martial Arts Skills Explanation
Intrinsic to the Assassin’s arsenal of abilities is her incredible prowess in the mysterious Martial Arts style of the Viz-Jaq’taar. Martial Arts skills come in two forms, Charge-up Skills and Finishing Moves. A Charge-up Skill is an attack that adds a “charge” for each successive hit within a short time frame. While each Charge-up attack deals normal damage, the charges continue to accumulate until triggered or until the time limit runs out. To trigger the accumulated charges, strike a monster with either a normal attack or one of the Finishing Moves. A Finishing Move doesn’t just trigger the release of the accumulated charges-it also adds a powerful effect of its own. Furthermore, by building up a succession of different Charge-up Skills, Assassins can generate a potent combination of effects. Assassins are specially trained in the use of exotic Claw-class weaponry, and some of their skills can be used only when armed with these weapons.
Tiger Strike
Required Level: 1
Prerequisites: None
Charge Up Skill: Through extensive training in human, animal, and demonic anatomies, Assassins have developed the ability to perceive natural points of weakness in their foes and target these locations for especially devastating attacks.
Synergies: None
Notes:
- Tiger Strike deals enormous physical damage when charged up at higher levels.
Mana Cost: 1
Skill Level Progression
| Slvl | AR +X% | Lvl 1: Dmg +X% | Lvl 2: Dmg +X% | Lvl 3: Dmg +X% | Slvl | AR +X% | Lvl 1: Dmg +X% | Lvl 2: Dmg +X% | Lvl 3: Dmg +X% | Slvl | AR +X% | Lvl 1: Dmg +X% | Lvl 2: Dmg +X% | Lvl 3: Dmg +X% | Slvl | AR +X% | Lvl 1: Dmg +X% | Lvl 2: Dmg +X% | Lvl 3: Dmg +X% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15% | 100% | 200% | 300% | 6 | 50% | 200% | 400% | 600% | 11 | 85% | 300% | 600% | 900% | 16 | 120% | 400% | 800% | 1200% |
| 2 | 22% | 120% | 240% | 360% | 7 | 57% | 220% | 440% | 660% | 12 | 92% | 320% | 640% | 960% | 17 | 127% | 420% | 840% | 1260% |
| 3 | 29% | 140% | 280% | 420% | 8 | 64% | 240% | 480% | 720% | 13 | 99% | 340% | 680% | 1020% | 18 | 134% | 440% | 880% | 1320% |
| 4 | 36% | 160% | 320% | 480% | 9 | 71% | 260% | 520% | 780% | 14 | 106% | 360% | 720% | 1080% | 19 | 141% | 460% | 920% | 1380% |
| 5 | 43% | 180% | 360% | 540% | 10 | 78% | 280% | 560% | 840% | 15 | 113% | 380% | 760% | 1140% | 20 | 148% | 480% | 960% | 1440% |
D2R Changes Patch 2.4 – 14 April 2022
- Attack Rating bonus increased from +15% to +25% baseline, and from +7% to +10% per level
Dragon Talon
Required Level: 1
Prerequisites: None
Finishing Move: An Assassin is taught to utilize her entire body as a weapon-using this skill, she lets loose a powerful kick to send her opponents flying.
Synergies: None
Mana Cost: 6
Skill Level Progression
| Slvl | Number of Kicks | Kick Damage +X% | AR +X% | Slvl | Number of Kicks | Kick Damage +X% | AR +X% | Slvl | Number of Kicks | Kick Damage +X% | AR +X% | Slvl | Number of Kicks | Kick Damage +X% | AR +X% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 5% | 20% | 6 | 2 | 40% | 145% | 11 | 2 | 75% | 270% | 16 | 3 | 110% | 395% |
| 2 | 1 | 12% | 45% | 7 | 2 | 47% | 170% | 12 | 3 | 82% | 295% | 17 | 3 | 117% | 420% |
| 3 | 1 | 19% | 70% | 8 | 2 | 54% | 195% | 13 | 3 | 89% | 320% | 18 | 4 | 124% | 445% |
| 4 | 1 | 26% | 95% | 9 | 2 | 61% | 220% | 14 | 3 | 96% | 345% | 19 | 4 | 131% | 470% |
| 5 | 1 | 33% | 120% | 10 | 2 | 68% | 245% | 15 | 3 | 103% | 370% | 20 | 4 | 138% | 495% |
D2R Changes Patch 2.4 – 14 April 2022
- Now consumes only 1 of each Martial Arts charge when cast
- Now always hits the target only if the Assassin has any Martial Arts charges
Dragon Claw
Required Level: 6
Prerequisites: Dragon Talon
Requires: Dual claw-class weapons
Finishing Move: This skill allows the Assassin to try to finish her opponent off with a rending double claw attack.
Synergies:
- Claw Mastery: +4% Damage Per Level
Mana Cost: 2
Skill Level Progression
| Slvl | Damage +X% | AR +X% | Slvl | Damage +X% | AR +X% | Slvl | Damage +X% | AR +X% | Slvl | Damage +X% | AR +X% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 50% | 40% | 6 | 75% | 165% | 11 | 100% | 290% | 16 | 125% | 415% |
| 2 | 55% | 65% | 7 | 80% | 190% | 12 | 105% | 315% | 17 | 130% | 440% |
| 3 | 60% | 90% | 8 | 85% | 215% | 13 | 110% | 340% | 18 | 135% | 465% |
| 4 | 65% | 115% | 9 | 90% | 240% | 14 | 115% | 365% | 19 | 140% | 490% |
| 5 | 70% | 140% | 10 | 95% | 265% | 15 | 120% | 390% | 20 | 145% | 515% |
D2R Changes Patch 2.4 – 14 April 2022
- Now consumes only 1 of each Martial Arts charge when cast
- Now always hits the target only if the Assassin has any Martial Arts charges
- Damage bonus per level increased from 5% to 15%
Fists of Fire
Required Level: 6
Prerequisites: None
Requires: Claw-class weapons
Charge-up Skill: Combining her powerful Martial Arts abilities with her psychic training, an Assassin can charge her own fists with pyrokinetic energies, scorching her opponents when the charge is released.
Synergies:
- Phoenix Strike: Grants +12% Fire Damage Per Level
Mana Cost: 2
Charge: 2
Skill Level Progression
| Slvl | Attack +X% | Charge 1 Fire Damage | Charge 3 Fire DPS | Slvl | Attack +X% | Charge 1 Fire Damage | Charge 3 Fire DPS | Slvl | Attack +X% | Charge 1 Fire Damage | Charge 3 Fire DPS | Slvl | Attack +X% | Charge 1 Fire Damage | Charge 3 Fire DPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15% | 6-10 | 9-15 | 6 | 50% | 31-35 | 48-54 | 11 | 85% | 71-78 | 110-117 | 16 | 120% | 121-133 | 189-195 |
| 2 | 22% | 11-15 | 17-23 | 7 | 57% | 36-40 | 56-62 | 12 | 92% | 81-89 | 126-132 | 17 | 127% | 141-155 | 214-221 |
| 3 | 29% | 16-20 | 25-31 | 8 | 64% | 41-45 | 64-70 | 13 | 99% | 91-100 | 142-148 | 18 | 134% | 161-177 | 239-248 |
| 4 | 36% | 21-25 | 32-39 | 9 | 71% | 51-56 | 79-85 | 14 | 106% | 101-111 | 157-164 | 19 | 141% | 181-199 | 264-275 |
| 5 | 43% | 26-30 | 40-46 | 10 | 78% | 61-67 | 95-101 | 15 | 113% | 111-122 | 173-179 | 20 | 148% | 201-221 | 289-301 |
D2R Changes Patch 2.4 – 14 April 2022
- Attack Rating bonus increased from +15% to +25% baseline, and from +7% to +10% per level
Cobra Strike
Required Level: 12
Prerequisites: Tiger Strike
Charge-Up Skill: A properly trained Assassin can focus her mind to draw upon the ambient energies surrounding her. Using this skill, she can drain her adversary of life and spiritual essence.
Synergies: None
Notes:
- Unless she becomes surrounded by too many monsters at once, an Assassin with this skill can maintain her health and mana indefinitely without the use of potions or item-based lifesteal/mana drain.
- Provided she can land at least two blows with Cobra Strike, the mana drain is more than sufficient to replenish the 2-6 mana cost to charge, allowing the use of this skill to perpetuate itself.
Mana Cost: 2
Skill Level Progression
| Slvl | AR +X% | Lvl 1: Life Leech +X% | Lvl 2: Life/ Mana Leech +X% | Lvl 3: Life/ Mana Leech +X% | Slvl | AR +X% | Lvl 1: Life Leech +X% | Lvl 2: Life/ Mana Leech +X% | Lvl 3: Life/ Mana Leech +X% | Slvl | AR +X% | Lvl 1: Life Leech +X% | Lvl 2: Life/ Mana Leech +X% | Lvl 3: Life/ Mana Leech +X% | Slvl | AR +X% | Lvl 1: Life Leech +X% | Lvl 2: Life/ Mana Leech +X% | Lvl 3: Life/ Mana Leech +X% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15% | 40% | 40% | 80% | 6 | 50% | 65% | 65% | 130% | 11 | 85% | 90% | 90% | 180% | 16 | 120% | 115% | 115% | 230% |
| 2 | 22% | 45% | 45% | 90% | 7 | 57% | 70% | 70% | 140% | 12 | 92% | 95% | 95% | 190% | 17 | 127% | 120% | 120% | 240% |
| 3 | 29% | 50% | 50% | 100% | 8 | 64% | 75% | 75% | 150% | 13 | 99% | 100% | 100% | 200% | 18 | 134% | 125% | 125% | 250% |
| 4 | 36% | 55% | 55% | 110% | 9 | 71% | 80% | 80% | 160% | 14 | 106% | 105% | 105% | 210% | 19 | 141% | 130% | 130% | 260% |
| 5 | 43% | 60% | 60% | 120% | 10 | 78% | 85% | 85% | 170% | 15 | 113% | 110% | 110% | 220% | 20 | 148% | 135% | 135% | 270% |
D2R Changes Patch 2.4 – 14 April 2022
- Attack Rating bonus increased from +15% to +25% baseline, and from +7% to +10% per level
Dragon Tail
Required Level: 18
Prerequisites: Dragon Talon, Dragon Claw
Finishing Move: The experienced Assassin can deliver a kick so powerful it actually causes an explosion on impact, sending any nearby victims sprawling.
Synergies: None
Notes:
- Dragon Tail’s fire damage calculation is based off the actual physical damage receieved by the target from the Assassin’s kick. A level 2 Dragon Tail adds 60% of the physical damage delivered from the kick as fire damage. However, if the target resists physical damage by 50%, the target will receive 50% of the physical damage from the Assassin’s kick, and based off that physical damage, 60% of that will be fire damage (30%).
- Therefore, if the target is physical immune, the Dragon Tail attack does not directly affect the target.
Mana Cost: 10
Radius: 4 yards
Skill Level Progression
| Slvl | Fire Damage +X% | AR +X% | Slvl | Fire Damage +X% | AR +X% | Slvl | Fire Damage +X% | AR +X% | Slvl | Fire Damage +X% | AR +X% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 50% | 20% | 6 | 100% | 95% | 11 | 150% | 170% | 16 | 200% | 245% |
| 2 | 60% | 35% | 7 | 110% | 110% | 12 | 160% | 185% | 17 | 210% | 260% |
| 3 | 70% | 50% | 8 | 120% | 125% | 13 | 170% | 200% | 18 | 220% | 275% |
| 4 | 80% | 65% | 9 | 130% | 140% | 14 | 180% | 215% | 19 | 230% | 290% |
| 5 | 90% | 80% | 10 | 140% | 155% | 15 | 190% | 230% | 20 | 240% | 305% |
D2R Changes Patch 2.4 – 14 April 2022
- Now consumes only 1 of each Martial Arts charge when cast
- Now always hits the target only if the Assassin has any Martial Arts charges
- Damage bonus per level increased from 10% to 20%
Claws of Thunder
Required Level: 18
Prerequisites: Fists of Fire
Requires: Claw-class weapons
Charge Up Skill: Using her weapon’s metal blades as conductors, an Assassin charges the ions surrounding her and delivers a devastating lightning attack to any who dare challenge her.
Synergies:
- Phoenix Strike grants +8% Lightning Damage Per Level
Mana Cost: 4
Skill Level Progression
| Slvl | AR +X% | Lvl 1: Light. Dmg. | Lvl 2: Nova Dmg. | Lvl 3: Bolt Dmg. | Slvl | AR +X% | Lvl 1: Light. Dmg. | Lvl 2: Nova Dmg. | Lvl 3: Bolt Dmg. | Slvl | AR +X% | Lvl 1: Light. Dmg. | Lvl 2: Nova Dmg. | Lvl 3: Bolt Dmg. | Slvl | AR +X% | Lvl 1: Light. Dmg. | Lvl 2: Nova Dmg. | Lvl 3: Bolt Dmg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15% | 1-80 | 1-30 | 1-40 | 6 | 50% | 1-180 | 1-105 | 1-140 | 11 | 85% | 1-340 | 1-210 | 1-300 | 16 | 120% | 1-540 | 1-335 | 1-500 |
| 2 | 22% | 1-100 | 1-45 | 1-60 | 7 | 57% | 1-200 | 1-120 | 1-160 | 12 | 92% | 1-380 | 1-235 | 1-340 | 17 | 127% | 1-600 | 1-370 | 1-560 |
| 3 | 29% | 1-120 | 1-60 | 1-80 | 8 | 64% | 1-220 | 1-135 | 1-180 | 13 | 99% | 1-420 | 1-260 | 1-380 | 18 | 134% | 1-660 | 1-405 | 1-620 |
| 4 | 36% | 1-140 | 1-75 | 1-100 | 9 | 71% | 1-260 | 1-160 | 1-220 | 14 | 106% | 1-460 | 1-285 | 1-420 | 19 | 141% | 1-720 | 1-440 | 1-680 |
| 5 | 43% | 1-160 | 1-90 | 1-120 | 10 | 78% | 1-300 | 1-185 | 1-260 | 15 | 113% | 1-500 | 1-310 | 1-460 | 20 | 148% | 1-780 | 1-475 | 1-740 |
D2R Changes Patch 2.4 – 14 April 2022
- Attack Rating bonus increased from +15% to +25% baseline, and from +7% to +10% per level
Blades of Ice
Required Level: 24
Prerequisites: Fists of Fire, Claws of Thunder
Requires: Claw-class weapons
Charge-up Skill: Charging the ether around her claw blades, the trained Assassin can chill opponents with a vicious rake of her razors.
Synergies:
- Phoenix Strike grants +8% Cold Damage Per Level
Eadius: +4 yards
Charge: 2
Skill Level Progression
| Slvl | AR +X% | Charge 1 Cold Damage | Charge 3 Freeze Duration (seconds) | Slvl | AR +X% | Charge 1 Cold Damage | Charge 3 Freeze Duration (seconds) | Slvl | AR +X% | Charge 1 Cold Damage | Charge 3 Freeze Duration (seconds) | Slvl | AR +X% | Charge 1 Cold Damage | Charge 3 Freeze Duration (seconds) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15% | 15-35 | 4 | 6 | 50% | 55-75 | 6 | 11 | 85% | 101-121 | 8 | 16 | 120% | 151-171 | 10 |
| 2 | 22% | 23-43 | 4.4 | 7 | 57% | 63-83 | 6.4 | 12 | 92% | 111-131 | 8.4 | 17 | 127% | 171-193 | 10.4 |
| 3 | 29% | 31-51 | 4.8 | 8 | 64% | 71-91 | 6.8 | 13 | 99% | 121-141 | 8.8 | 18 | 134% | 191-215 | 10.8 |
| 4 | 36% | 39-59 | 5.2 | 9 | 71% | 81-101 | 7.2 | 14 | 106% | 131-151 | 9.2 | 19 | 141% | 211-237 | 11.2 |
| 5 | 43% | 47-67 | 5.6 | 10 | 78% | 91-111 | 7.6 | 15 | 113% | 141-161 | 9.6 | 20 | 148% | 231-259 | 11.6 |
D2R Changes Patch 2.4 – 14 April 2022
- Attack Rating bonus increased from +15% to +25% baseline, and from +7% to +10% per level
Dragon Flight
Casting Delay: 1 Second
Required Level: 24
Prerequisites: Dragon Talon, Dragon Claw, Dragon Tail
Finishing Move: After years of disciplined physical conditioning, an Assassin can develop the ability to move faster than the eye can follow in one quick burst. Using this skill, she lunges at her target and delivers a devastating kick.
Synergies: None
Notes:
- Dragon Flight will teleport you and your minions to the monster you clicked. It requires a clear line of sight; in other words, trees, walls and other obstacles will omit a Dragon Flight beyond it. Use Dragon Flight to quickly bypass rivers or to teleport you out of danger when surrounded.
Mana: 15
Skill Level Progression
| Slvl | Attack Rating +% | Kick Damage +X% | Slvl | Attack Rating +% | Kick Damage +X% | Slvl | Attack Rating +% | Kick Damage +X% | Slvl | Attack Rating +% | Kick Damage +X% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 100 | 100% | 6 | 200 | 225% | 11 | 300 | 350% | 16 | 400 | 475% |
| 2 | 120 | 125% | 7 | 220 | 250% | 12 | 320 | 375% | 17 | 420 | 500% |
| 3 | 140 | 150% | 8 | 240 | 275% | 13 | 340 | 400% | 18 | 440 | 525% |
| 4 | 160 | 175% | 9 | 260 | 300% | 14 | 360 | 425% | 19 | 460 | 550% |
| 5 | 180 | 200% | 10 | 280 | 325% | 15 | 380 | 450% | 20 | 480 | 575% |
D2R Changes Patch 2.4 – 14 April 2022
- Now consumes only 1 of each Martial Arts charge when cast
- Now guarantee hits the target only if the Assassin has any Martial Arts charges
- Casting Delay removed
- Damage bonus per level increased from 25% to 35%
Phoenix Strike
Required Level: 30
Prerequisites: Tiger Strike, Fists of Fire, Cobra Strike, Claws of Thunder, Blades of Ice
Charge-up Skill: This mighty skill allows the Assassin trained in its arts to prepare an attack that gives off powerful elemental energies.
Synergies:
- Fists of Fire: +10% Fire Damage Per Level
- Fists of Fire: +6% Average Fire Damage Per Second Per Level
- Claws of Thunder: +13% Lightning Damage Per Level
- Blades of Ice: +10% Cold Damage Per Level
Notes:
- Phoenix Strike launches the active charge, not all three charges at once. So if you have it built up to Charge 2, Chain Lightning will be released.
- Phoenix strike is a handy skill if you’re fighting around monsters with different Resistances, because you don’t need to change between skills.
Mana: 4
Skill Level Progression
| Slvl | AR +X% | Lvl 1: Fire Dmg. | Lvl 2: Light Dmg. | Lvl 3: Cold Dmg. | Slvl | AR +X% | Lvl 1: Fire Dmg. | Lvl 2: Light Dmg. | Lvl 3: Cold Dmg. | Slvl | AR +X% | Lvl 1: Fire Dmg. | Lvl 2: Light Dmg. | Lvl 3: Cold Dmg. | Slvl | AR +X% | Lvl 1: Fire Dmg. | Lvl 2: Light Dmg. | Lvl 3: Cold Dmg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15% | 22-44 | 1-45 | 17-35 | 6 | 50% | 77-99 | 1-158 | 39-57 | 11 | 85% | 161-190 | 1-339 | 74-92 | 16 | 120% | 266-305 | 1-565 | 118-136 |
| 2 | 22% | 33-55 | 1-67 | 22-39 | 7 | 57% | 88-110 | 1-180 | 44-61 | 12 | 92% | 182-213 | 1-384 | 83-101 | 17 | 127% | 298-342 | 1-632 | 132-150 |
| 3 | 29% | 44-66 | 1-90 | 26-44 | 8 | 64% | 99-121 | 1-203 | 48-66 | 13 | 99% | 203-236 | 1-429 | 92-110 | 18 | 134% | 310-330 | 1-700 | 145-165 |
| 4 | 36% | 55-77 | 1-113 | 30-48 | 9 | 71% | 119-144 | 1-248 | 57-74 | 14 | 106% | 224-259 | 1-474 | 101-118 | 19 | 141% | 330-378 | 1-768 | 158-179 |
| 5 | 43% | 66-88 | 1-135 | 35-52 | 10 | 78% | 140-157 | 1-293 | 66-83 | 15 | 113% | 245-282 | 1-519 | 110-127 | 20 | 148% | 361-414 | 1-836 | 171-193 |
D2R Changes Patch 2.4 – 14 April 2022
- Attack Rating bonus increased from +15% to +25% baseline, and from +7% to +10% per level
