In Blade & Soul NEO Classic, few skills carry the flash and lethality of Phantom Slice—a devastating slashing ability used by Shadow-based classes such as the Assassin and Blade Dancer. Known for its rapid execution and synergy with stealth or combo mechanics, Phantom Slice is both a PvE powerhouse and a PvP finisher. This 800-word guide will walk you through how to unlock, upgrade, and BnS NEO Classic Divine Gems use Phantom Slice effectively in both content formats.

How to Obtain Phantom Slice

Phantom Slice is a mid-to-late game skill that is not available from the start. Here's how to obtain it:

1. Prerequisite Class and Specialization

Phantom Slice is exclusive to:

Assassin (Shadow specialization)

Blade Dancer (Darkness specialization)

Make sure you have chosen the appropriate Shadow path during your class advancement at Level 45. Without this specialization, Phantom Slice won't be available in your skill tree.

2. Quest Chain Unlock (Level 50+)

Once you hit Level 50, visit the Midnight Skypetal Plains and speak to Skillmaster Yuan at the Shadow Training Pavilion. Accept the quest titled:

"The Phantom Awakens"

Quest steps:

Eliminate 20 Phantom Strikers (found in the Plains)

Clear the mini-boss Whisperblade Kaela

Deliver the Shadow Scroll to Skillmaster Yuan

Once complete, you will unlock Phantom Slice Lv.1 as a new active skill in your combat panel.

Phantom Slice Skill Overview

Base Cooldown: 18 seconds

Chi Cost: 2

Casting Time: Instant

Requirement: Target must be under a crowd control (CC) debuff or in stealth mode

Effect:

Slashes the enemy three times rapidly

Each hit deals high shadow damage

20% chance to reset the cooldown if the target dies within 3 seconds

Tier Bonuses (through Skill Book upgrades):

Lv. 2: Grants +20% evasion for 5 seconds after use

Lv. 3: Hits ignore 15% of enemy defense

Lv. 4: Resets stealth cooldown on kill

Lv. 5: Grants “Spectral Dash”—a teleport to next enemy within 10m

How to Upgrade Phantom Slice

Phantom Slice can be upgraded using Skill Books, dropped in specific dungeons and events. Here's where to find each level:

Phantom Slice Vol. 2 (Lv. 2)

Dungeon: Twilight Forge (Hard)

Boss: Soulbound Armor

Drop Rate: Medium

Alternative: Purchase from the Midnight Market for 500 Soulstones

Vol. 3 (Lv. 3)

Dungeon: Ebon Citadel (Elite)

Boss: Iron Dancer

Condition: Must score S-rank for guaranteed drop

Vol. 4 (Lv. 4)

Event Reward: Seasonal PvP tokens (50 total)

Alternative: 5% drop rate from Desolate Tomb – Nightmare Mode

Vol. 5 (Lv. 5)

Mythic Tier Content Only

Sources:

Skyreach Tower – Floor 7

Raid boss: Shadow Empress Kaiven

Weekly Raid Token Exchange (750 tokens)

Mastering Phantom Slice in Combat

Once unlocked and upgraded, Phantom Slice becomes a core skill for damage bursts and stealth resets. Here's how to integrate it into your rotations:

PvE Rotation – Assassin (Shadow)

Enter Stealth with Smoke Screen

Apply Poison Mark using Venom Shuriken

Use Phantom Slice from stealth for bonus damage

Follow up with Lightning Pierce or Heartstab

If the enemy dies, re-enter stealth using cooldown reset and repeat

Tip: Pair it with Darkstorm Emblem for +10% critical chance after each kill.

PvP Combos – Blade Dancer

Use Phantom Grip + Lightning Crash to stun

Activate Phantom Slice during the CC window

Follow up with Spinning Vortex to zone escape

If the enemy survives, teleport behind them using Spectral Dash (Lv.5 effect)

Tip: Cast Phantom Slice only after baiting out the enemy’s defensive skills like Escape or Roll.

Gear & Buff Synergy

To maximize Phantom Slice’s potential, use gear that enhances shadow or stealth-based damage.

Soul Badge: Shadow Brand – Crimson (+12% Phantom Slice damage)

Mystic Badge: Eclipse Circle (reduces cooldown by 4s on kill)

Legendary Accessory: Ring of Twilight Execution (adds +8% crit rate to Phantom Slice)

Pro Tips for Phantom Slice Mastery

Always combo off CC — Phantom Slice does more damage when the target is stunned or dazed.

Map cooldowns — With an 18s base cooldown, coordinate its use with other burst windows.

Take advantage of AoE reset — In mob-heavy dungeons, killing one enemy can reset the skill and allow chain-kills.

Practice spacing — Especially in PvP, you must be in melee range to use Phantom Slice; pair with gap closers like Shadow Step or Spectral Dash.

Customize keybinds — Assign Phantom Slice to an accessible key (e.g., R or Thumb Mouse Button) for faster reactions.

Final Thoughts

Phantom Slice is a standout shadow skill in Blade & Soul NEO Classic that offers versatility, burst potential, and synergy with stealth mechanics. From dungeon-clearing rotations to high-stakes PvP duels, mastering its use and timing will greatly enhance your effectiveness. Focus on acquiring all five skill volumes, pairing with the right gear, and buy BnS NEO Classic Divine Gems practicing rotations until Phantom Slice becomes your signature move in battle.

Ready to slice through the shadows? Phantom power awaits.