Phantom Assassin Survivability Build

Why Use This Build?

Phantom Assassin is a hero who has an amazing 50% physical evasion chance. This basically means she can dodge half the auto-attacks from the enemy (effective against other hard-hitting carries). However, PA only has an average base strength and strength growth (20+1.85) compared to other agility carries. This is purely situational, but if you want more survivability while sacrificing some damage, this build will work for you.

Remember, this blog is all about non-traditional and situational builds, so use this only when necessary!

Item Build

(Refer here for specific item info)

Core Items

Drums of Endurance is a good core item for survivability. It provides good stats, especially for a nice strength gain. The speed boost is definitely also helpful for chasing and running, although PA is good at that already. Lastly, it provides extra attack speed, which is definitely useful for PA's crit. If you wish, you can simply opt for a traditional Helm of the Dominator instead.

Power Treads are the best boots for this build. Although Phase Boots are faster and give more damage, Power Treads give a good amount of strength (or any attribute) and also provide 30 attack speed.

Situational Items

Armlet of Mordiggian. Best item in the game if used correctly (although it got a huge nerf a while back). It is still very effective on many heroes, especially on PA. It gives everything PA needs: attack speed, damage, and armor (and HP regen). It's true that PA does not lack those things according to her stat growth, but the early bonus helps. Also, the toggling on Armlet is a MAJOR benefit. It adds extra strength and ultimately, HP. Damage and attack speed are also increased even more when toggled. Pair this item with Helm of the Dominator, and you have a deadly combo. Lifesteal always goes well with Armlet.

Now we get to the fun part! Manta Style, one of my favorite items. First of all, it provides decent stats, including mostly agility. It also provides movement speed and attack speed, just like the Drums. The greatest part is obviously the active component, making 2 PA illusions that have the same amount of evasion and crit chance!

Sange and Yasha is a decent alternative for the Manta. Obviously, don't get Manta AND S&Y because the movement speed doesn't stack. Instead, get this item if you do not think you can afford a Manta or if you want more of a chasing ability (although PA is pretty good at that already). This item gives more movement speed and has a maim (slow) chance on enemies to help you with chasing.

Eye of Skadi is an amazing item in general, and good for PA. The intelligence it provides is sort of a waste, but besides that, it is exactly what we are looking for. It provides tankiness for survivability. It also provides a nice Attack Modifier in movement speed slow and attack speed slow. A great item to chase down squishy supports and fight other carries. Plus, this can stack with a Helm of Dominator and ultimately a Satanic, which is hard to beat! (Do NOT get this item with Sange and Yasha, because remember, they do not stack!)

Conclusion 

Try to mix and match what combinations work for you, and remember, DotA 2 is purely situational, so when you are up against a lot of disablers, get a BKB! Get items that work best for what the enemy team has. Also, be sure to share what you think and what build you may use instead below!