Flicker Strike Mapping and Bossing 0.4
Flicker Strike has always been a high‑tempo, high‑risk attack that rewards precision and timing. In patch 0.4 the modern approach turns Flicker into a controlled one‑shot instrument rather than a mindless spam button. The core idea is to stack and convert charges, maximize critical strike multipliers, and create a loop where Flicker windows are short, devastating, and repeatable. You map with a wide AoE skill to preserve Flicker for boss windows, and you use Invoker ascendancy bonuses to amplify elemental conversion and crit synergy. The result is a build that can produce near‑infinite DPS during a properly executed burst while remaining comfortable to play in maps.
This build emphasizes three pillars: charge generation, crit scaling, and burst timing. Charge generation keeps Flicker usable and multiplies damage. Critical scaling turns each hit into a potential one‑shot. Burst timing ensures you expend your resources at the exact moment the boss is vulnerable.
Core loop explained
The loop is simple in concept and precise in execution. First, generate and stack charges using reliable sources. Second, build up temporary damage multipliers (heralds, flasks, buffs). Third, enter a Flicker window where you rapidly consume charges and crits to produce a single massive damage spike. After the window, recover and rebuild charges while using your AoE clear to maintain map speed.
A typical boss engagement looks like this: open with a short AoE to position and remove adds, use charge generation tools to reach your target charge count, swap to Flicker and activate offensive flasks, then execute the Flicker window until the boss dies or your charges are depleted. If the boss survives, back off, rebuild, and repeat.
Skill and gem setup
Primary attack: Flicker Strike linked to high‑crit and damage supports. The exact support gems depend on available gear and sockets, but prioritize supports that increase critical strike chance, critical multiplier, and flat damage. Consider a Cast on Critical or Cast on Critical Strike arrangement for charge feeding if you use procs to generate charges.
Mapping skill: a wide, fast AoE such as Storm Wave or another clear skill that pairs well with area and chain supports. This keeps screens clear without consuming Flicker resources.
Utility and buffs: Heralds (especially Herald of Thunder for crit synergy and burst potential), a movement or defensive skill for repositioning, and a curse or debuff to increase boss vulnerability. Use a totem or minion that can feed Profane Ritual or similar mechanics if your charge generation relies on minion kills.
Suggested gem links (example, adapt to sockets and gear):
Flicker Strike — Critical Support — Increased Critical Damage — Damage Support — Cast on Critical (if using procs)
Storm Wave — Area of Effect — Chain — Damage over Time (or other mapping supports)
Herald of Thunder — Spell Damage — Increased Area (as needed)
Utility: Movement Skill — Faster Attacks or Dash; Defensive Skill — Fortify or Barrier depending on playstyle
Keep Flicker linked to the highest crit supports you can afford. If you have access to unique items that change Flicker behavior, adapt the links to exploit those mechanics.
Passive tree and ascendancy priorities
Start with nodes that increase critical strike chance and critical multiplier. After securing a baseline crit profile, move into nodes that boost attack speed and flat damage. Charge nodes are essential: take clusters that grant frenzy and power charge generation and conversion. Defensive nodes should not be ignored; invest in energy shield and life nodes that complement your chosen defensive layer.
Ascendancy: Invoker. Take the nodes that increase elemental damage and critical synergy first, then the sustain and survivability nodes. The Invoker’s ability to amplify elemental conversion and crit multipliers is central to turning Flicker into a one‑shot tool. Order your ascendancy picks to secure survivability early, then scale damage aggressively.
Key passive priorities in order:
Critical chance and multiplier
Charge generation and conversion
Attack speed and flat damage
Energy shield and survivability
Utility nodes (movement, flask effectiveness)
Aim for a passive tree that supports a high crit baseline (so your Cast on Critical and charge mechanics trigger reliably) and provides enough defenses to survive short windows of vulnerability during Flicker bursts.
Gear priorities and stat targets
Weapons: prioritize high base critical chance and strong flat physical or elemental damage. A high‑crit base multiplies the effectiveness of every support gem and charge. If you can, use a weapon that grants additional attack speed or crit multiplier. A secondary weapon that summons minions or provides Profane Ritual-style effects is useful for charge stacking.
Armor and defensive items: stack energy shield and resistances. Energy shield is a reliable buffer that pairs well with Invoker’s sustain. If you prefer hybrid defenses, combine life and energy shield to avoid single‑hit deaths. Jewelry should focus on crit chance, crit multiplier, and flat damage; amulets and rings with attack speed and elemental damage are excellent.
Helmet, gloves, boots: look for crit chance, attack speed, and movement speed. Boots with movement speed and defensive mods are invaluable for mapping. Gloves with attack speed and crit chance are ideal.
Flasks: instant life or energy shield recovery, a high‑quality offensive flask that increases crit chance or damage, and a utility flask that removes stun or freeze. Flask timing is crucial: use offensive flasks to open your Flicker window and defensive flasks to survive the aftermath.
Stat targets (example mid‑to‑endgame goals):
Critical chance: as high as possible; aim for 60%+ with gear and supports.
Critical multiplier: maximize via supports and gear.
Attack speed: enough to make Flicker windows feel fluid; higher attack speed shortens the time to consume charges.
Energy shield / life: enough to survive a failed window; exact numbers depend on playstyle.
Playstyle and boss tactics
Mapping: use your AoE clear to move quickly through maps. Keep Flicker reserved for bosses and elite packs. While mapping, maintain charge generation by weaving in single hits or using minion kills to feed Profane Ritual. Avoid using Flicker on trash unless you need to reposition or escape.
Bossing: the boss fight is a choreography of charge stacking and timed bursts. Start by clearing adds and positioning. Build charges using your fastest reliable method, then activate offensive buffs and flasks. Enter the Flicker window and focus on landing crits and consuming charges. If the boss survives, retreat to rebuild and repeat. Weapon swap mechanics can be used to trigger different effects or to refresh charges between windows.
Positioning: Flicker is a teleport‑style attack that can place you inside dangerous telegraphs. Use movement skills and flasks to avoid predictable one‑shot mechanics. Learn boss patterns and plan your Flicker windows around safe phases.
Survivability: keep an instant defensive flask ready and use movement to avoid prolonged exposure. Invoker’s sustain helps, but Flicker’s aggressive nature means you must be ready to disengage if the window fails.
Leveling and progression
Early game: focus on survivability and basic charge mechanics. Use a simple Flicker setup with life leech or energy shield sustain. Prioritize nodes that increase attack speed and crit chance so Flicker feels responsive.
Mid game: start investing in charge generation and conversion nodes. Upgrade weapons to ones with higher crit and flat damage. Add heralds and better supports to your Flicker link.
Late game: optimize gear for crit multiplier and charge synergy. Fine‑tune flask mods and socket colors. Practice boss windows and refine your timing.
A suggested progression path:
Level 1–20: basic Flicker with life sustain and a simple AoE clear skill.
Level 20–40: add heralds and start investing in crit nodes.
Level 40–70: secure charge generation and conversion, upgrade weapons.
Level 70+: optimize endgame gear, refine playstyle, and practice one‑shot windows.
Unique item and enchantment considerations
If you find uniques that boost crit or change Flicker behavior, adapt the build to exploit them. Items that grant additional attacks, increase crit multiplier, or convert physical to elemental damage can dramatically increase one‑shot potential. Enchantments that boost Flicker damage or crit chance are high value.
Socketing and colors: prioritize getting Flicker into a high‑value socket with the best supports. If you have limited colors, use Chromatic orbs strategically to ensure Flicker gets the most powerful supports.
Economy and budget options
You can make this build viable on a budget by prioritizing a few key stats: crit chance on weapon, attack speed on gloves/boots, and a reliable energy shield or life pool. Cheap uniques that provide attack speed or crit chance can be substituted for expensive endgame gear until you can afford upgrades. Focus on getting a high‑crit base weapon first; everything else scales from that.
Budget progression:
Early: use rares with crit chance and attack speed; socket a simple Flicker link.
Mid: buy a high‑crit base weapon and a few crafted pieces with crit multiplier.
Late: invest in high‑end jewelry and flasks to maximize one‑shot windows.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
One common mistake is using Flicker indiscriminately during mapping. Save it for boss windows and critical repositioning. Another is neglecting charge generation; without reliable charges, Flicker stalls and the build loses its identity. Finally, poor flask timing or ignoring defensive layers will make the build feel glassy. Practice the loop in lower‑risk encounters until your timing is consistent.
Advanced tips and micro‑optimizations
Timing flasks to overlap with your Flicker window yields the highest damage per second. Use weapon swap macros or quick hotkeys to change setups between mapping and bossing. If your gear allows, tune your crit chance so that Cast on Critical triggers reliably for charge feeding. Learn boss telegraphs and plan your Flicker windows around safe phases to minimize risk.
Minimal checklist before a boss pull
Charges stacked to target count.
Offensive flasks ready and active.
AoE clear used to remove adds.
Positioning safe for Flicker entry.
FAQ
How do I keep Flicker from stalling? Keep a reliable charge source active at all times. Use minion kills, Cast on Critical procs, or dedicated charge nodes to ensure you can always refresh charges between windows. If Flicker stalls, back off and rebuild rather than forcing another window.
Is this viable at league start? Yes. The build scales well from early to late game. Focus on crit and charge nodes early, and upgrade your weapon as soon as you can. Use budget uniques and rares to bridge the gap until you can afford endgame pieces.
What defensive layers are essential? A solid energy shield or life pool, instant recovery flasks, and stun/freeze mitigation. Mobility and positioning are also defensive tools; Flicker can place you in danger if you’re not careful.
Can I use this build for mapping and bossing equally well? Yes, but treat them differently. Map with a wide AoE clear and reserve Flicker for bosses and elite packs. The build excels at single‑target burst while remaining competent at clearing with the right AoE skill.
What if I prefer life over energy shield? You can hybridize the build. Invest in life nodes and life on hit or leech mechanics. The core charge and crit mechanics remain the same; adjust defensive nodes and flask choices accordingly.
How important are flasks? Crucial. Offensive flasks amplify your one‑shot windows, and defensive flasks save you when a window fails. Learn to time them precisely.
What are the best stats to craft on gear? Crit chance and crit multiplier on weapons and jewelry, attack speed on gloves and boots, and flat damage on weapons. Resistances and energy shield/life on defensive pieces.
Passive tree export (textual blueprint)
This export is a readable, copyable blueprint you can use to plan your passive pathing. It’s organized by progression tiers so you can follow it while leveling and then refine it for endgame. Node names are descriptive rather than exact in‑game labels so you can match them to the tree UI easily.
Starting cluster (levels 1–20) Begin with attack speed and life/ES hybrid nodes near the starting area. Take the small crit chance nodes that are immediately reachable. Prioritize a short path to a nearby attack speed cluster and a small critical chance cluster. Pick up a life node and a small energy shield node to keep early survivability balanced.
Early core (levels 20–40) Move toward the first critical cluster that increases both critical strike chance and critical multiplier. From there, path to a nearby frenzy charge node and a small power charge node. Take a short detour for a flask effectiveness node and a movement speed node to smooth leveling.
Mid core (levels 40–60) Lock in the main crit wheel: large nodes that grant substantial critical strike chance and critical multiplier. From the crit wheel, branch to the charge generation cluster that grants increased chance to gain frenzy/power charges and nodes that convert frenzy into power or otherwise improve charge uptime. Add attack speed and flat physical damage nodes along the way.
Charge and sustain cluster (levels 60–75) Take the nodes that increase the maximum number of charges and the nodes that grant on‑hit charge generation. Add a few life/ES hybrid nodes and a notable that increases flask recovery speed. If you prefer energy shield, take the ES notable that grants faster ES recharge; if you prefer life, take life leech or life on hit nodes.
Endgame shaping (levels 75+) Finish the tree by taking the largest crit multiplier notables, the final charge conversion notable, and the high‑value attack speed and flat damage notables. Fill remaining sockets with defensive nodes: high life, high ES, and any remaining resist caps. If you have room, pick up a jewel socket near the crit wheel and place a jewel that grants crit multiplier and attack speed.
Keystone and notable priorities Avoid keystones that reduce your ability to crit or that punish rapid movement. Favor notables that explicitly increase critical strike multiplier, chance to gain charges on hit, and attack speed. If a jewel grants both crit multiplier and charge generation, it’s a top priority.
Sample node order (practical path)
Small crit chance node near start.
Attack speed cluster.
Life/ES hybrid node for early survivability.
First crit wheel notable.
Frenzy charge node.
Power charge node.
Charge conversion notable.
Large crit multiplier notable.
Attack speed and flat damage notables.
Defensive notables and jewel socket.
This blueprint is intentionally flexible: match exact node names to the in‑game tree, but follow the order above to ensure you always have crit baseline, charge generation, and survivability in the right sequence.
Budget gear shopping list and stat priorities
Below is a practical shopping list organized by budget tiers—starter, mid, and endgame—so you can make meaningful upgrades as currency becomes available. Each item entry explains the why behind the stat choices and offers alternatives if your economy or luck differs.
Weapon (most important slot) Priority stats: high base critical chance, flat physical or elemental damage, attack speed, crit multiplier.
Starter: a rare one‑handed weapon with the highest crit chance you can afford; prioritize flat damage and attack speed. If you can’t find a high‑crit base, pick a fast base with good flat damage. Mid: a crafted rare with crit chance and flat physical damage; add attack speed if possible. Consider a weapon with a socket color that matches your Flicker support setup. Endgame: a high‑crit unique or a perfectly rolled rare with maximum crit chance and crit multiplier; if available, a weapon that grants extra attacks or converts physical to elemental damage is ideal.
Why this matters: Flicker Strike scales explosively with crit chance and flat damage on the weapon. The weapon is the single biggest multiplier for your one‑shot windows.
Off‑hand / secondary weapon Priority stats: minion summon on kill, charge generation on hit, or a utility effect that feeds Profane Ritual or similar mechanics.
Starter: a cheap rare with life and resistances; if you can find one with a minion summon or on‑kill effect, it helps charge stacking. Mid: a weapon that summons a small minion or grants on‑kill effects to feed charge mechanics. Endgame: a crafted or unique off‑hand that reliably generates charges or provides a strong defensive layer.
Why this matters: a secondary weapon that feeds charges or summons minions creates a steady, passive source of charge generation so your Flicker windows never stall.
Helmet Priority stats: crit chance or crit multiplier, energy shield or life, resistances.
Starter: rare helmet with life and resistances. Mid: helmet with crit chance or a crafted enchant that boosts Flicker damage or crit. Endgame: helmet with high crit multiplier enchant or a unique that synergizes with Flicker.
Body armor Priority stats: energy shield (or life), resistances, socket colors.
Starter: high life or ES rare. Mid: crafted armor with high ES and resistances; aim for good socket colors. Endgame: perfect ES roll with life hybrid and high resistances.
Gloves and boots Priority stats: attack speed, crit chance, movement speed, life/ES.
Starter: gloves with attack speed and life; boots with movement speed and resistances. Mid: gloves with crit chance and attack speed; boots with movement speed and defensive mods. Endgame: gloves with high crit chance and attack speed; boots with movement speed and unique defensive mods.
Rings and amulet Priority stats: crit chance, crit multiplier, flat damage, attack speed, resistances.
Starter: rings with life and resistances. Mid: rings with crit chance and flat damage; amulet with crit multiplier or elemental damage. Endgame: amulet with crit multiplier and flat damage; rings with crit chance and attack speed.
Flasks Priority stats: instant life or ES recovery, offensive flask that increases crit chance or damage, utility flask that removes stun/freeze.
Starter: life flask and a damage flask. Mid: add an instant ES flask and a flask that increases crit chance. Endgame: perfectly rolled flasks with increased duration, instant recovery, and additional offensive mods.
Jewels Priority stats: crit multiplier, attack speed, flat damage, charge generation.
Starter: jewels with flat damage and life. Mid: jewels that add crit multiplier and attack speed. Endgame: jewels that explicitly increase crit multiplier and grant on‑hit charge generation.
Budget shopping tips If you have limited currency, prioritize the weapon first, then rings/amulet, then gloves. A single high‑crit weapon will outpace many other upgrades. Use cheap uniques that grant attack speed or crit chance as stopgaps. Crafting on mid‑tier bases can be more cost‑effective than buying perfect rares.
Socketing and gem color strategy
Flicker wants the best supports in its socket. If you have limited colors, prioritize getting Flicker into a 4‑link with the most important supports: Critical Support, Increased Critical Damage, Damage Support, and Attack Speed or Cast on Critical depending on your setup. Use Chromatic Orbs to tune sockets, and consider using a high‑value jewel in a nearby socket to boost crit multiplier.
If you have a 6‑link, add utility supports like Cast on Critical or Elemental Conversion to maximize burst. Keep Heralds and mapping skills in separate links so Flicker always has the best supports available.
Boss walkthrough: step‑by‑step execution for a one‑shot window
This walkthrough assumes you have the charge generation, crit baseline, and gear described above. It’s written as a sequence you can practice until it becomes muscle memory. The goal is to produce a single, repeatable infinite DPS Flicker window that kills bosses quickly and reliably.
Preparation phase Positioning is everything. Approach the boss arena and clear any adds with your AoE mapping skill. Keep movement fluid and avoid standing in telegraphed danger zones. While clearing, maintain charge generation by landing a few single hits or letting minions proc on kills. Confirm your offensive flasks are ready and that your defensive flask is off cooldown.
Stacking charges Use your fastest charge source to reach your target number of charges. This could be a Cast on Critical proc, a minion kill feeding Profane Ritual, or a dedicated charge skill. The target is the number of charges you’ve tuned your build around—practice to find the sweet spot where your Flicker window reliably kills the boss. Don’t rush; missing the target charge count reduces your one‑shot potential.
Buff and flask timing Activate your offensive flask(s) immediately before the Flicker window. If you have a flask that increases crit chance or damage, pop it first so the buff is active during the entire window. If you have a flask that grants instant ES or life, keep it ready to react if the window fails.
Entry and execution Swap to your Flicker setup if you use weapon swap mechanics. Move into position so that your first Flicker strike lands in a safe spot relative to boss telegraphs. Begin the Flicker sequence: rapidly execute Flicker strikes while focusing on landing crits and consuming charges. Keep your camera and movement steady; Flicker teleports you and can place you inside danger if you’re not careful.
If the boss dies Collect loot, reset, and continue mapping. If the boss dies in one window, you’ve executed correctly.
If the boss survives Immediately back off to a safe distance. Use your defensive flask if needed. Rebuild charges using your fastest method and repeat the sequence. Analyze why the window failed: insufficient charges, poor crit rolls, or bad positioning. Adjust accordingly.
Micro‑timing tips
Time your offensive flask to overlap the entire Flicker window.
Use weapon swap to trigger different on‑hit effects between windows.
If your Flicker relies on Cast on Critical procs, tune your crit chance so the proc triggers reliably but doesn’t waste sockets.
Example boss scenario Boss has a predictable 6‑second safe phase every 20 seconds. Use the first 10 seconds to clear adds and stack charges. At the 6‑second safe phase, pop offensive flasks and enter Flicker window. Execute until the safe phase ends. If the boss is not dead, retreat and rebuild during the next safe phase.
Leveling plan with node milestones
This plan gives concrete milestones so you know which nodes to take at which levels. It’s a practical path that avoids wasted travel and keeps your Flicker responsive.
Levels 1–10: take attack speed and life nodes; get a basic Flicker link and a simple AoE clear. Levels 10–20: pick up small crit nodes and a movement speed node; add a herald for damage. Levels 20–40: secure the first crit wheel and a frenzy charge node; upgrade weapon to a higher crit base. Levels 40–60: take power charge nodes and charge conversion; add attack speed and flat damage notables. Levels 60–80: finish crit multiplier notables, add defensive nodes, and place a jewel in the crit wheel socket. Levels 80+: fine‑tune remaining nodes for maximum crit multiplier and survivability.
Playtesting and tuning
After you reach midgame, spend time playtesting boss windows on progressively harder encounters. Record what fails: are you missing crits, running out of charges, or dying to telegraphs? Tune gear and passive nodes accordingly. Small changes—an extra crit multiplier on a ring or a faster flask—can dramatically change one‑shot reliability.
Troubleshooting common failure modes
If Flicker stalls: check charge generation sources and ensure minions or procs are active. If crits feel inconsistent: increase crit chance or crit multiplier. If you die during windows: add defensive nodes, improve flask mods, or practice positioning.
Final checklist before pushing endgame content
Confirm weapon crit baseline, ensure charge generation is stable, optimize flasks, and practice the boss walkthrough until the sequence is muscle memory. Keep a backup defensive flask and a quick escape macro bound to a comfortable key.
FAQ
How do I keep Flicker from stalling? Maintain at least one passive, reliable charge source. Use minion kills, Cast on Critical procs, or dedicated charge nodes so you never rely on a single mechanic. If a charge source is inconsistent, add redundancy.
Is this viable at league start? Yes. Start with crit and attack speed early, then add charge nodes as you progress. Use budget uniques and crafted pieces to bridge the gap until you can afford endgame gear.
What defensive layers are essential? A solid energy shield or life pool, instant recovery flasks, and stun/freeze mitigation. Mobility and positioning are also defensive tools; Flicker can place you in danger if you’re not careful.
Can I run this as life instead of energy shield? Yes. Hybridizing is possible. Invest in life nodes and life sustain mechanics if you prefer a life‑based approach; the core charge and crit mechanics remain the same.
What if I don’t have a weapon with high crit? Prioritize getting one as soon as possible. Until then, increase attack speed and flat damage to keep your Flicker windows meaningful. Cheap uniques that boost attack speed or crit chance can be a stopgap.
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