What are Breakpoints in Diablo II: Resurrected?
Diablo II was built on an action animation model of 25 frames per second (fps). To preserve the original look and feel of the game, the developers decided that D2:R would remain true to this graphics limitation. There are actions that require using up a certain number of those frames per second. Two are offensive, and two are defensive:
- Cast rate - how long it takes your character to cast a spell
- Weapon speed - how long it takes for your character to swing and connect with a weapon
- Hit recovery - how long it takes your character to recover from being stunned
- Block speed - how long it takes for your character to block an incoming attack with a shield
Each class has built-in values for these four traits, and within each class, there may be different values depending on what weapon they are using and what form they are in (Druids, for example, have three forms: Human, Werewolf, and Werebear). One class may have a naturally fast Cast Rate, meaning that they complete a cast within significantly fewer animation frames -- the fewer animation frames the action takes, the faster the action. A Sorceress who casts any spells other than Lightning has a base casting frame rate of 13 fps, while an Amazon has a base casting frame rate of 19 fps. Others may not be as adept in one of these four traits, and would need to invest more to improve them than another class and spec. The trick is knowing how these traits work best for your class and spec, what's worth improving, and by how much.
Frame rates can be improved by using traits that speed up these skills. These are found as magic prefixes or suffixes on Magic, Rare, Set, and Unique items.
- Faster Cast Rate (FCR)
- Increased Attack Speed (IAS)
- Faster Hit Recovery (FHR)
- Faster Block Rate (FBR)