Breakpoints

This page lists vanilla information. Breakpoint values haven't changed in PD2, although Frozen Orb now uses "slow" sorc frames and Lightning now uses "normal" sorc frames instead of their original breakpoint frames.

Diablo 2 runs at 25 frames per second and events cannot occur in timeframes smaller than a single frame, so improvements to animation speeds (from stats like FCR, IAS, FHR, or FBR) are only realized in intervals of 1 frame or more. These intervals are called breakpoints.

Breakpoints depend on the character being animated, and in some cases, the weapon that character is wielding. Breakpoints for attack speed depend heavily on the wielded weapon(s) so people often use Attack Speed Calculators for them. Also see: Table of IAS Breakpoints

For example, a Sorceress with 100% FCR will cast "normal" spells in 9 frames (9/25 = 0.36 seconds). In order to cast those spells faster, she will need 5% more FCR for a total of 105% FCR, at which point she will cast those spells in 8 frames (8/25 = 0.32 seconds) instead.