Proof that Split arrow is better than Lightning arrow

Look at the few times he didn't use diamonds, it took 2-3 shots. That early pack of blues took 3-4 shots to take down. I think this is video proof that diamonds need some rework.

Try the same build replacing chain with fork. It is still very powerful but chain just breaks it, if all 5 hits land and are chaining 3 times then its 20 hits her cast.

Edit: To clarify, I'm trying to say that fork is less effective but more balanced. To make them equally good I think chain needs to only bounce to 1 additional target, not 3.

I'd say the problem is a combination of Chain and Diamond Flasks, both of which I would consider overpowered, though the former only slightly.

"

Walbert wrote:

Try the same build replacing chain with fork. It is still very powerful but chain just breaks it, if all 5 hits land and are chaining 3 times then its 20 hits her cast.

Edit: To clarify, I'm trying to say that fork is less effective but more balanced. To make them equally good I think chain needs to only bounce to 1 additional target, not 3.

Perhaps Greater/Lesser versions of Chain with less damage instead?

• Greater Chain (This is almost exactly the same as the current Chain)
  Mana Cost Multiplier: 200%
  Chain +3 Times
  50% Less Damage
• Lesser Chain
  Mana Cost Multiplier: 150%
  Chain +1 Time
  25% Less Damage

These values are just rough estimates of how it could work, to get the idea out there.

It isn't proof of anything except Split + Chain being good, but I assume the title is intentionally hyperbolic.

Compared to beta LA:
-Split has a damage effectiveness penalty. Lightning arrow does not.
-Split requires large packs so every arrow can hit for maximum chain shotgun goodness. Lightning arrow only requires 2 enemies for maximum shotgunning.
-Split cannot explode whole rooms through a narrow doorway because only 1 arrow makes it in: lightning arrow can, and then it can chain into another room you didn't even know about and explode that room too

Split DOES make gains on LA when facing very large packs if you have kept your LA at lvl 6. At lvl 6 LA+Chain delivers 16 hits, while Split+Chain delivers 20 hits (if every arrow hits). So vs a pack of 8 enemies, LA has a shotgun multiplier of 2, while Split has a shotgun multiplier of 2.5. If you somehow afford level 11 or level 16 LA, it overtakes Chain again.

Split also has a better quality bonus if you are blowing stuff up this quickly, as the shock bonus on LA is pointless for 1-shots :p

There's the breakdown folks.

I do not think just because i have the potential to kill enemies so quickly necessitates a nerf or rework.

My character has problems with survivability that other builds (you would never consider nerfing) would never have, for instance enfeeble and chaos/s maps are now a serious threat, whereas its possible to find some builds with no weakness in terms of survivability, yet they lack the ability to kill things quite as quickly.

I decided to make another video honestly comparing Lightning Arrow to Split arrow, without the use of crit flasks.

To summarize: with my build and items both skills function very similarly and both have their pros/cons. Lightning arrows packs a larger punch whereas split arrow provides a cleaner screen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CB0rXRY7Ilc

What bow are you using?

nice bow :D

regarding the thread, imo both skills are just awesome for ranged aoe.

Obviously the video doesn't prove anything about either split arrow or lightning arrow, but I was hoping to demonstrate how powerful a split arrow build can be.

The reasons split arrow work better for this build are:

- Lightning arrows increased DPS to dense packs does not matter if you can already one-shot most enemies.

- Split arrow fires more arrows, which require less aiming (allowing chaining to do the work) and considering the arrows largely one shot enemies, split arrows greater number of projectiles fired fares better than the bonus that lightning arrows' AOE provides.

- When using diamond flasks in combination with lightning arrow both the lightning arrows visual effect and cold damage freezesplosion effects are triggered (significantly increasing lag on an already laggy spell)