Hey guys and girls! I thought I'd update this build as I've learned a few more things since playing a few more games with Phantom Lancer. This is a build designed for playing Phantom Lancer as a hard carry, which is what he does best. I've updated this build with some modifications and slightly more in-depth explanations so that you know what you do when you play this hero.

Some things to remember:
1. Phantom Lancer carries HARD. At no point in the game does Phantom Lancer fall off in his leveling or become ineffective unless he dies multiple times early game or does a bad job of farming and gaining xp. Phantom Lancer has the highest stat gain in the game along with illusions and abilities that get better as he gets better.
2. Phantom Lancer needs his farm. He's extremely item dependent because of the fact that all of his abilities scale. He also needs the right items to get the job done. Not every item synergizes well with Phantom Lancer.
3. Phantom Lancer starts off weak and squishy; he'll be the target of many gank attempts. If the enemy team does not try to do anything about Phantom Lancer, lets him level up and farm, and delays the game, they will likely lose. A smart team facing Phantom Lancer knows that they have to do anything to set him back to neutralize his effectiveness later in the game.
4. Phantom Lancer's illusions can only utilize certain benefits from items. This build for the most part opts for the most cost-effective items that help both Phantom Lancer and his illusions.
5. Phantom Lancer works best in the safe lane. Love the safe lane. Embrace it. Also embrace your laning buddy, who hopefully is keeping the heat off of your rear.