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Last Epoch
Last Epoch features a variety of Damage over Time (DoT) effects, including Spreading Flames and Ignite. Spreading Flames is a DoT effect in Last Epoch that deals consistent fire damage to a target over time. While it is similar to the Ignite ailment, Spreading Flames has distinct characteristics that set it apart. Here's a detailed look at how Spreading Flames works in Last Epoch and how it can be used effectively in the game.
What is Spreading Flames in Last Epoch?
Spreading Flames is a DoT effect that deals Fire damage over time to a target. Unlike Ignite, which can stack indefinitely on a single target, Spreading Flames can only have one active application per target. However, when the original target dies, there is a chance for the ailment to spread to nearby enemies, making it particularly potent in crowd-control situations.
How To Apply Spreading Flames
There are several ways to apply Spreading Flames in Last Epoch:
Mage/Sorcerer: Activate the Spreading Inferno node for the Fireball spell.
Spellblade: Get the Engulfing Flames node for the Flame Reave spell.
Sentinel: Take the Wildfire Shell node for the Rebuke ability, or use the Smite ability with the Immolate node.
Additionally, unique items like Cinder Song and Firestarter's Torch can also apply Spreading Flames, providing alternative options for non-Mage and non-Sentinel builds.
Stacking and Interaction
Spreading Flames does not stack with itself; if you apply the ailment to a target already affected by it, the new application will replace the old one. This limitation makes it crucial to maximize the initial application's damage, as there is no benefit to reapplying the ailment to the same target.
Key Differences Between Spreading Flames and Ignite
While both Spreading Flames and Ignite deal fire damage over time, they have distinct characteristics:
Stacking: Ignite can stack indefinitely on a single target, increasing its damage output with each stack. In contrast, Spreading Flames does not stack; instead, it spreads to nearby targets upon the death of the original host.
Mana Cost: Spreading Flames typically costs less mana to apply compared to Ignite, making it more efficient for AoE damage in crowded encounters.
Damage Focus: Ignite excels at dealing significant damage to singular targets, making it ideal for focused attacks. Spreading Flames, on the other hand, shines in situations where spreading elemental damage across multiple enemies is crucial.
