I've been using whirling blades to get around in this playthrough. While it is fast, it has limited range, has a "landing" animation after the attack leaving you vulnerable (using faster attacks support gem has helped here though) and worst of all, can't get me over ledges.
Are other movement abilities limited in similar ways or would I be better off using something else?
Best Answer
Every ability has its drawbacks, and I believe this is actually called 'smart balancing'.
You can overcome it by using several movement skills. I liked using Flicker Strike together with my Whirling Blades: if I get stopped by a ledge or a rock, I flicker to a nearby monster and get on with the Whirling Blades.
If you are looking for a skill that will take you across a ledge, you need Leap Slam, Lightning Warp or Flame Dash. Leap Slam is STR-aligned (take it for your Marauder), Lightning Warp and Flame Dash are INT-aligned (go well for your Witch). Each one has its drawbacks, though: Lightning Warp has an extremely slow windup animation, Leap Slam is a melee attack that requires an axe, a staff, a sword or a mace, and Flame Dash has 3 uses and a three-second cooldown.
As a Shadow, you may be fine using Whirling Blades as a primary movement skill and Flame Dash to help you cross obstacles.
I believe all movement skills are somewhat limited in their range. Nothing will get you to the other side of the map in a split second.
Also, don't miss Smoke Mine and Blink Arrow if you play as a ranged character. Smoke Mine is particularly useful to set up before you open a strongbox.