# DoTs freeze certain buffs into themselves at the moment they're applied - this is the single biggest snapshotting mechanic in the game

If a target is Vulnerable (or you are Berserking) at the instant a Damage-over-Time effect is applied, that DoT keeps ('snapshots') the bonus for its ENTIRE remaining duration - even after Vulnerable or Berserking expires moments later.

Diablo IV patch 3.2.1. Category: snapshotting. Evidence: Confirmed.

## Detail
This applies to both targeted DoTs left on an enemy and non-targeted, ground-based DoTs (e.g. a Firewall): if the target is Vulnerable when it first starts taking damage from the ground effect, that instance of the effect keeps dealing Vulnerable-boosted damage to that target for its whole duration, independent of the target's Vulnerable status a tick later. Confirmed snapshot-able sources include the innate Vulnerable bonus, Barbarian Berserking, and several Aspects/uniques (Adaptability, Edgemaster's, Elements, Ring of Starless Skies).

## Why it works
The DoT instance stores a locked-in damage-per-tick value computed once at application using whatever multiplier state existed at that instant, rather than re-querying the source's or target's current buffs every tick.

## How to use it
Time your DoT applications to land while your strongest temporary buffs (Vulnerable window, Berserking, a cooldown burst) are active, even if the DoT's own duration will outlast that buff - you keep the bonus for the full DoT duration regardless.