The Dragon Talon Kicksin Assassin build, often referred to simply as "Kicksin," is a formidable build in Diablo 2 Resurrected (D2R), particularly effective in taking down Uber Bosses. With the advent of Ladder Season 6 and the changes introduced in patches 2.5 and 2.6, the Kicksin build has evolved to become even more potent.
Introduction
The Kicksin Assassin is a build that focuses on the Dragon Talon skill. This martial arts ability allows the Assassin to perform a series of rapid kicks, dealing significant damage with each hit. The Crushing Blow mechanic further enhances the build's effectiveness, which reduces a percentage of the enemy's total hit points, making it especially useful against bosses with large health pools.
Skill Allocation
The core of the Kicksin build is the Dragon Talon skill, which should be maximized for the highest damage output. The skill's synergies, including Tiger Strike and Cobra Strike, should also be prioritized to increase the build's damage and sustainability.
• Dragon Talon: Max out this skill first for its primary damage.
• Tiger Strike: Maximize to enhance damage further.
• Cobra Strike: Allocate points here for life and mana leech.
• Fade: Invest points for increased resistance and damage reduction.
• Weapon Block: If dual-wielding claws, put enough points to reach a 61% block chance.
Stat Prioritization
The stat distribution for a Kicksin is straightforward:
• Strength: Enough to equip gear.
• Dexterity: Enough for max block chance with Holy Shield.
• Vitality: All remaining points for increased health.
• Energy: None, as mana, should be sustained through gear and leech.
Gear Selection
The Kicksin's gear should focus on increasing kick damage, attack speed, Crushing Blow, and resistance. With the introduction of the Mosaic Runeword, the build has gained a significant D2R boost. Dual-wielding Mosaic in Greater Talons ensures that charges from charge-up skills are not consumed, allowing continuous high-damage output.
• Weapons: Dual Mosaic Greater Talons for the non-consumption of charges.
• Helm: Guillaume's Face for Crushing Blow and other damage modifiers.
• Armor: Fortitude Runeword for enhanced damage and resistances.
• Gloves: Dracul's Grasp for Life leech and Crushing Blow.
• Boots: Gore Rider for Crushing Blows and Open Wounds.
• Belt: Thundergod's Vigor is used for increased vitality and lightning Absorb.
• Amulet: Highlord's Wrath for increased attack speed and skills.
• Rings: Raven Frost for Cannot Be Frozen and dual leech rings for sustain.
Combat Strategy
In combat, the Kicksin excels at single-target damage. Use Cloak of Shadows to blind enemies and Mind Blast to convert or stun them. Engage bosses with Dragon Talon, utilizing the rapid kicks to apply Crushing Blow repeatedly. Use Cobra Strike when necessary to replenish life and mana.
Mercenary Choice
A Might aura mercenary from Act 2 can significantly increase your damage output. Equip your mercenary with gear that provides life leech, resistance, and enhanced damage to support your playstyle.
Sunder Charm Setup
The Kicksin build does not benefit from Sunder Charms as it focuses on physical damage, which Uber Bosses does not typically resist. Therefore, the negative effects of Bone Break, which increase difficulty, are not offset by any positive effects.
Terror Zones
The Kicksin is not designed for farming large areas with high density. It is a specialized build for boss killing, particularly effective in Uber Tristram. Avoid farming Terror Zones with this build.
Patch 2.5 and 2.6 Impact
The buffs to the Martial Arts Skill Tree in Patch 2.5, which made finisher moves always hit when any charge of a charge-up skill is used, have significantly improved the Kicksin's reliability. Patch 2.6's introduction of the D2R Mosaic Runeword has revolutionized the build, allowing for a constant up-time of charges, thus enhancing both damage and sustain.
Conclusion
The Dragon Talon Kicksin Assassin build remains one of the most effective builds for tackling the toughest bosses in D2R. With the right skill allocation, stat distribution, and gear selection, you can create a character capable of soloing Uber Bosses and contributing significantly to group play. While the build may have low mobility and is not suited for clearing large areas, its specialization in boss killing makes it a valuable asset in any player's arsenal. As Season 6 progresses, the Kicksin Assassin will undoubtedly continue to be a popular choice for those looking to challenge the game's most formidable foes.