Yes, Diffusal Blade is now even more core than it used to be, as his illusions (remember, 40% chance to create up to 6 illusions at level 6!) do paper cuts worth of damage early on and direly need that extra damage. 'Hey! What's the Diffusal Blade doing all the way over here already?' is a thing you may (although you probably won't) think as you see this item. If your lane isn't going amazingly well, you could consider skipping it. That's why I'm suggesting a Hand of Midas pickup- not incredibly common before, but more viable now.

Phantom Lancer is now a lot more level-hungry than he was in 6.81- he absolutely needs to get to level 16 as early as possible. Power Treads are still the boots of choice, as PL now fights so often that Tranqs isn't really an option anymore, and he doesn't need Phase due to Phantom Rush. He's no longer a late-game pusher who excels at being in one place while his illusions are in another, and he doesn't need -that- much tankiness with shorter-lasting illusions. Phantom Lancer's item build has changed massively as a result of his overhaul in 6.82. This is a potential skill build to use in a dangerous lane: Phantom Rush is useless until later on- get one level in it at 4, if at all. If you're having an easy lane, consider picking up stats instead. Some of these situations could be: playing in the middle lane against a hero like QOP or Puck and needing to dodge projectiles often, playing in a lane where you're often heavily harassed and need to escape often. I share the same sentiment with this ability as I did with Doppelwalk- get a single point in it at level 1 or 2, then refrain from skilling it for a while, unless you're in a lane that requires you to need it. Doppelganger's effects and mana cost are the same at all levels, the only thing that improves is its cooldown. Naturally, Spirit Lance should still be finished first, as it is his main source of damage early on. There are several ways to build PL skill-wise at this point. However, since PL's chance to create illusions is so large, the player can focus on building attack speed and damage instead of STR and HP. These illusions take 600% damage and only last for a few seconds, meaning they're unable to push and die rather quickly. The original PL will have a 40/45/50% chance to create an illusion, while his illusions have an 8% chance. Juxtapose is now PL's ultimate, though it works in a different way than it used to.

Battle fury phantom lancer