Hiltless Viper Strike: Overview and Thoughts

Currently having a blast playing my Hiltless Viper Strike Pathfinder, so I thought I'd share some thoughts for those interested in a unique playstyle. It's by no means the strongest build out there, but it's more than capable of getting the job done.

TDLR: https://pastebin.com/mz6hwiZq

Video: The Twisted

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A Quick Background:

I league started Poison Concoction Pathfinder and switched over a Hiltless Viper Strike build once I could afford the key items (Hiltless, Flagellant Flasks, Brass Dome, Cluster Jewels). I prefer builds that lean toward bossing damage than AoE mapping damage, so the switch from Poison Concoction to Viper Strike was a welcome one. I've also never played a DoT build, so I decided to go with Viper Strike over Molten Strike or Heavy Strike, which are the more popular flavors of the build.

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Core Mechanics:

The general idea revolves around using Hiltless (Enemies you attack reflect 100 physical damage to you) to constantly proc all the Flagellant Flasks (Gain 7 charges when you are hit by an enemy), and then using Master Surgeon to gain 6% life when using a flask. A similar version can be constructed using the Champion's Adrenaline mechanic and Olroth's Charge.

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My thoughts:

Pros:

1. Excellent DPS
2. Fun and unique playstyle
3. Capable of doing all map mods (outside of -% Resistances, Searing Exarch Altar flask mods)
4. Capable of doing most endgame content (I haven't tried The Feared or a Simulacrum yet)

Neutral:

1. Moderately expensive to get started (~15 ex)
2. Mapping isn't the fastest
3. Delayed poison DPS takes some getting used to
4. Fairly tanky once invested

Cons:

1. Without significant investment into defenses, you're susceptible to 1-shots
2. DoTs and Degens are lethal without anything to hit (no flask charges)
3. Some people hate melee builds

Tips (things I've learned along the way):

1. +1 strike gloves are super easy to get now with the Searing Exarch Implicit
2. I've found that melee splash isn't needed as long as you have strike gloves, but it can be added for additional clear
3. The new mana reservation efficiency implicit allows me to not use a lvl 4 enlighten :)
4. Brass Dome makes it difficult to get tons of life, so top tier life rolls are super important
5. Farming Searing Exarch influence can be a pain because there are a lot of rippy flask altar mods

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Here are some videos to get a feel for the build:

The Infinite Hunger

The Elder

Sirus

General Mapping (before game crashed)

Maven: The Twisted

The Formed

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Hope this helps anyone who is looking for a fun and interesting build to play this league! Feel free to ask questions or share your thoughts (and tips if you find anything I can improve on the build).