Diablo
Barbarian Leveling Guide in Diablo 4
Jul
For the ultimate leveling experience, it is highly advised to embark on your journey in World Tier 1, also known as the Adventurer Tier. This particular tier guarantees a seamless and rapid progression through the game. However, for those who seek an extra dose of challenge, venturing into the World Tier 2, known as the Veteran Tier, is an option. It should be noted that although monsters in this tier offer an additional 20% experience, the extended time required to defeat them offsets this advantage, leading to a more sluggish and less fluid leveling process.
Input: Prior to embarking on epic endgame endeavors such as conquering the formidable Capstone Dungeon, unlocking the prestigious World Tier 3, braving the treacherous Nightmare Dungeons, or delving into the mystical depths of the Tree of Whispers, it is imperative that you first traverse the enthralling main storyline.
Acquiring a trusty steed marks a pivotal milestone in your adventurous odyssey, and we highly advise reserving your escapades across the vast realms (like embarking on quests to procure Altars of Lilith) until you have secured this coveted asset. For additional insights, peruse our comprehensive mount manual.
Diablo 4 Launch Updates: Skill Tree Points have undergone extensive optimization through rigorous playtesting. Rest assured, this guide will constantly evolve alongside the game’s dynamic nature and any exciting new discoveries that may arise.
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Leveling as a Barbarian with Hammer of the Ancients and Death Blow
Unleash the destructive force of the Hammer of the Ancients Barbarian leveling build, obliterating your enemies with unparalleled might. Behold, the ultimate leveling guide for Diablo 4, unveiling the pinnacle of Skill Point allocation at level 50. Through extensive beta testing, we have unequivocally determined that Hammer of the Ancients (HotA) reigns supreme for empowering a fresh Barbarian character. Now, let us delve into the intricacies of this build, the evolution of your character, and the enthralling playstyle it offers!
The Mighty Ancients’ Wrathful Hammer inflicts an extra 1% of devastation for every ounce of Fury unleashed. Swiftly amass Fury through various fountains of power, then unleash it with a thunderous strike from the Hammer of the Ancients to unleash cataclysmic devastation. The Fatal Strike, a merciless blow, can be relentlessly employed against vanquished foes.
Unleash your true potential with this remarkable leveling build, tailored specifically for players well-versed in the art of traditional generator and spender playstyles. Brace yourself for an awe-inspiring spectacle as you charge up the Hammer of the Ancients Barbarian, devastating your foes with colossal damage numbers!
Gameplay Video
Skill Tree Points
Behold, presented before you is a marvelous tableau, unveiling the sacred sequence to distribute your Skill Points when embarking on the journey of the Hammer of the Ancients Barbarian leveling. A grand total of 58 points awaits your command, comprising of 48 points bestowed upon reaching the illustrious Level 50, while an additional bounty of 2 points can be earned by triumphing over Renown in every Act zone.
| Order | Skill | Cluster |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frenzy | Basic Skill |
| 2 | Enhanced Frenzy | Basic Skill |
| 3 | Hammer of the Ancients | Core Skill |
| 4 | Enhanced Hammer of the Ancients | Core Skill |
| 5 | Furious Hammer of the Ancients | Core Skill |
| 6 | Combat Frenzy | Basic Skill |
| 7 | Rallying Cry | Defensive Skill |
| 8 | Enhanced Rallying Cry | Defensive Skill |
| 9 | Tactical Rallying Cry | Defensive Skill |
| 10 | Hammer of the Ancients Level 2 | Core Skill |
| 11 | Hammer of the Ancients Level 3 | Core Skill |
| 12 | Leap | Brawling Skill |
| 13 | Enhanced Leap | Brawling Skill |
| 14 | Power Leap | Brawling Skill |
| 15 | Hammer of the Ancients Level 4 | Core Skill |
| 16 | Hammer of the Ancients Level 5 | Core Skill |
| 17 | Death Blow | Weapon Mastery Skill |
| 18 | Enhanced Death Blow | Weapon Mastery Skill |
| 19 | Warrior’s Death Blow | Weapon Mastery Skill |
| 20 | Death Blow Level 2 | Weapon Mastery Skill |
| 21 | Death Blow Level 3 | Weapon Mastery Skill |
| 22 | Death Blow Level 4 | Weapon Mastery Skill |
| 23 | Death Blow Level 5 | Weapon Mastery Skill |
| 24 | Wrath of the Berserker | Ultimate Skill |
| 25 | Prime Wrath of the Berserker | Ultimate Skill |
| 26 | Supreme Wrath of the Berserker | Ultimate Skill |
| 27 | Pit Fighter | Weapon Mastery Skill |
| 28 | Pit Fighter Level 2 | Weapon Mastery Skill |
| 29 | Pit Fighter Level 3 | Weapon Mastery Skill |
| 30 | Tempered Fury | Ultimate Skill |
| 31 | Furious Impulse | Ultimate Skill |
| 32 | Furious Impulse Level 2 | Ultimate Skill |
| 33 | Furious Impulse Level 3 | Ultimate Skill |
| 34 | Walking Arsenal | Key Passives |
| 35 | Hamstring | Weapon Mastery Skill |
| 36 | No Mercy | Weapon Mastery Skill |
| 37 | Expose Vulnerability | Weapon Mastery Skill |
| 38 | Expose Vulnerability Level 2 | Weapon Mastery Skill |
| 39 | Expose Vulnerability Level 3 | Weapon Mastery Skill |
| 40 | No Mercy Level 2 | Weapon Mastery Skill |
| 41 | No Mercy Level 3 | Weapon Mastery Skill |
| 42 | Swiftness | Brawling Skill |
| 43 | Swiftness Level 2 | Brawling Skill |
| 44 | Swiftness Level 3 | Brawling Skill |
| 45 | Thick Skin | Weapon Mastery Skill |
| 46 | Thick Skin Level 2 | Weapon Mastery Skill |
| 47 | Thick Skin Level 3 | Weapon Mastery Skill |
| Switch Tactical Rallying Cry to Strategic Rallying Cry | Defensive Skill | |
| 48 | Counteroffensive | Weapon Mastery Skill |
| 49 | Counteroffensive Level 2 | Weapon Mastery Skill |
| 50 | Counteroffensive Level 3 | Weapon Mastery Skill |
| 51 | Defensive Stance | Weapon Mastery Skill |
| 52 | Defensive Stance Level 2 | Weapon Mastery Skill |
| 53 | Defensive Stance Level 3 | Weapon Mastery Skill |
| 54 | Slaying Strike | Weapon Mastery Skill |
| 55 | Slaying Strike Level 2 | Weapon Mastery Skill |
| 56 | Slaying Strike Level 3 | Weapon Mastery Skill |
| 57 | Aggressive Resistance | Brawling Skill |
| 58 | Prolific Fury | Brawling Skill |
Mechanics and Playstyle
The Barbarian leveling build known as the Hammer of the Ancients demands resource management and strategic skill employment. To generate Fury efficiently, one must master the art of utilizing Enhanced Frenzy, Rallying Cry, Power Leap, Furious Impulse, and Prolific Fury. Once the Fury gauge is brimming, unleash a torrent of devastation with the mighty Hammer of the Ancients, all the while ensuring a consistently high Fury count to maximize DPS potential.
The skill known as Death Blow delivers a devastating blow, inflicting significant damage with each strike. Its purpose is to vanquish foes and provide an opportunity to reset its cooldown. The Weapon Master’s Aspect bestows upon Death Blow an additional charge, ensuring that if an enemy remains alive after being attacked, you can strike again with renewed vigor.
Input: Unleash the Fury of the Berserker to overcome formidable elites and bosses, invoking a state of Berserk and Unstoppable power.
The Hamstring ability inflicts a decelerating effect on adversaries already suffering from Bleeding, thereby triggering additional damage enhancements against Slowed and Crowd Controlled targets. To induce Bleeding, we solely rely on our proficiency in wielding the mighty Two-Handed Sword.
Fortify
Enhancing survivability can be achieved by acquiring Fortify via Strategic Rallying Cry and Thick Skin. Amplified damage resistance while being fortified can be obtained by utilizing Defensive Stance and specialized gear. Moreover, Fortify not only bolsters defensive capabilities but also augments offensive potential through Counteroffensive and Damage while Fortified attributes.
Vulnerable
Unleash the Vulnerability by delivering a crushing blow with the Hammer of the Ancients right after executing the Death Blow. Maintaining this skill can be quite challenging when facing formidable bosses. Employ the Death Blow to vanquish additional boss minions and strategically pace your attacks if you have Weapon Master’s Aspect equipped to maximize the duration of Vulnerability.
Walking Arsenal
Unleash the power of the Key Passive, Walking Arsenal, and witness a surge of x45% amplified damage through skillful weapon swapping. Unleashing the Dual Wield frenzy with Frenzy and the Two-Handed Bludgeoning might of Hammer of the Ancients is a seamless task. Empower your Two-Handed Slashing weapon with the might of Leap and activate the ultimate buff with the devastating Death Blow. When facing formidable bosses, master the art of alternating between Leap and Death Blow to maximize the effectiveness of the buff duration.
Damage Rotation
Unleash devastating blows upon your foes by employing the subsequent sequence of moves to amplify your destructive potential.
Weapon Expertise System
At the mesmerizing threshold of level 15, the realm of the Barbarian unravels before you, revealing its hidden specialization. With each swing of a specific weapon, the Weapon Expertise bonuses ascend, growing in power and might. Behold the enigmatic slotted Weapon Technique, a conduit through which the mastery of weapons bestows its blessings upon every strike. Imbue the Weapon Technique slot with the unparalleled skill of Two-Handed Sword Expertise, and witness as a crimson trail of bleeding wounds adorns your every attack, leaving adversaries in awe and agony.
Input: Hammer of the Ancients is restricted to being equipped with a Two-Handed Mace, whereas Frenzy requires a Dual Wielded weapon set. After obtaining the Walking Arsenal ability, allocate your Two-Handed Slashing weapon to both Death Blow and Leap.
Gear Choice and Stat Priority while Leveling
While leveling your Hammer of the Ancients Barbarian, remember to seize every opportunity to collect Rare equipment drops that have the potential to enhance your skills. Set aside any Legendary items that possess valuable attributes, as they can be utilized in the future for extracting and imprinting onto exceptionally crafted Rare items in your stash.
Give utmost importance to the weapon setup that delivers the most devastating blow per strike. When evaluating weapons of comparable item levels, it is typically advisable to lean towards Two-Handed weapons.
Here’s a compilation of the stat affixes you should focus on when leveling up your Hammer of the Ancients Barbarian. These affixes are ranked based on their significance, with those on the same level holding similar importance.
| Importance | Affixes |
|---|---|
| 1 | DPS value on all weapon slots |
| 2 | Rank of Hammer of the Ancients and Death Blow |
| 3 | – All Damage – Damage to Close, Slowed, Crowd Controlled and Healthy Enemies – Damage with Mace, Core and Weapon Mastery Skills – Damage while Fortified, Berserking and Healthy – Vulnerable Damage – Critical Strike Chance and Damage – Attack Speed and Basic Skill Attack Speed – Strength |
| 4 | – Damage Reduction – Damage Reduction while Fortified – Any Elemental Resistances – Armor |
| 5 | – Crowd Control Duration – Cooldown Reduction – Movement Speed – Life |
Legendary Item Aspects
To access the hidden realms within the Codex of Power, one must embark on a daring journey through the treacherous dungeons that hold the keys. The enigmatic Aspect of Ancestral Force, for instance, awaits those who conquer the Sunken Ruins of Scosglen. Seek out the wise Occultist, who holds the power to imprint this ancient force onto your chosen artifact. With the knowledge bestowed by the Codex, wield the mighty Aspects to imbue your weapons with extraordinary abilities, unlocking a world of limitless possibilities.
Input: Aspects found on dropped Legendary Items have stronger effects than those applied from the Codex of Power. Additionally, it is important to know that certain Aspects can only be obtained by finding them on a legendary item, and are not accessible through the Codex of Power. Extract Aspects from unusable Legendary Items to imprint them onto well-rolled Rare Items. Avoid imprinting valuable extracted Aspects onto weapons, because weapons they get replaced often while leveling.The effects of Aspects found on dropped Legendary Items are more potent compared to those applied from the Codex of Power. Furthermore, it is crucial to acknowledge that specific Aspects can solely be acquired by discovering them on a legendary item, rendering them inaccessible through the Codex of Power. Extract the Aspects from unusable Legendary Items to imprint their power onto exceptionally crafted Rare Items. It is advisable to refrain from imprinting valuable extracted Aspects onto weapons, as weapons tend to be frequently replaced during the leveling process.
Delve into our meticulously crafted compendium, the Aspect and Codex of Power, which serves as an extraordinary resource for those seeking further enlightenment.
Here is a comprehensive list of the key elements that hold utmost significance for the leveling build of the Hammer of the Ancients Barbarian. These aspects have been arranged in a prioritized order.
| Aspect Name | Legendary Aspect Power | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Edgemaster’s Aspect | Skills deal up to #%[x] increased damage based on your available Primary Resource when cast, receiving the maximum benefit while you have full Primary Resource. | Oldstones, Scosglen |
| Aspect of Ancestral Force | Hammer of the Ancients quakes outwards, dealing #% of its damage to enemies. | Sunken Ruins, Scosglen |
| Weapon Master’s Aspect | Your Weapon Mastery Skills have an additional Charge. Lucky Hit: Damaging an enemy with a Weapon Mastery Skill has up to a #% chance to Stun them for # seconds. | Random Drop Only |
| Aspect of the Expectant | Attacking enemies with a Basic Skill increases the damage of your next Core Skill cast by #%[x], up to 30%[x]. | Underroot, Scosglen |
| Aspect of Might | Basic Skills grant 20% Damage Reduction for # seconds. | Dark Ravine, Dry Steppes |
| Aspect of Disobedience | You gain #%[x] increased Armor for 4 seconds when you deal any form of damage, stacking up to #%[x]. | Halls of the Damned, Kehjistan |
| Rapid Aspect | Basic Skills gain #%[+] Attack Speed. | Buried Halls, Dry Steppes |
| Aspect of Encroaching Wrath | After spending 100 Fury, your next Weapon Mastery Skill deals #%[x] increased damage. | Random Drop Only |
| Aspect of the Relentless Armsmaster | Gain #%[x] increased Fury Generation while all damage bonuses from the Walking Arsenal Key Passive are active. | Calibel’s Mine, Scosglen |
| Aspect of Giant Strides | Reduces the Cooldown of Leap by # seconds per enemy hit, up to a maximum of # seconds. | Random Drop Only |
| Aspect of Echoing Fury | Your Shout Skills generate # Fury per second while active. | Sirocco Caverns, Kehjistan |
| Aspect of Unrelenting Fury | Killing an enemy with a Core Skill refunds #% of its base Fury cost. Can only happen once per Skill cast. | Hallowed Ossuary, Fractured Peaks |
| Ghostwalker Aspect | While Unstoppable and for 2 seconds after, you gain #%[+} increased Movement Speed and can move freely through enemies. | Broken Bulwark, Scosglen |
| Iron Blood Aspect | Gain #% Damage Reduction for each Nearby Bleeding enemy up to #% maximum. | Forgotten Ruins, Kehjistan |
Gems
Discover the ultimate selection of Gems to embed into various gear slots while venturing through the realms of the Hammer of the Ancients Barbarian leveling journey.
Elixirs and Health Potions
Explore the realm of the Alchemist, where magical concoctions are brewed to enhance your abilities and expedite your progress for a limited time. Unleash your inner botanist as you embark on thrilling quests, gathering precious plant specimens and essential ingredients scattered throughout the vast expanse of this enchanting world. Imbibe an Elixir tailored to your needs, be it fortifying your defenses with a Resistance-enhancing potion, unleashing a flurry of rapid strikes with the Assault Elixir, or honing your precision with the mighty Precision Elixir.
Make your way back to the Alchemist’s den upon reaching Level 20, 30, 45, 60, 70, 80, and 90 in order to enhance your elixir. These potent concoctions are vital for ensuring your survival.
Endgame Tips After Level 50
As you embark on your journey towards level 50, the leveling build presented here serves as a stepping stone. However, once you near this significant milestone or even surpass it, your mind may be brimming with curiosity about the multitude of activities awaiting you in Diablo 4. Fear not, for we shall now delve into a concise exploration of the various endeavors that lie ahead, providing insight into what you can and, at times, should partake in post-level 50.
It is imperative to conclude the storyline in order to access the myriad of exciting endgame activities that await, making it a top priority. Ensure that you diligently accomplish all the quests marked in yellow, and navigating your path will be a breeze.
After finishing the main story, remember that the game becomes wonderfully boundless, granting you the freedom to choose from a plethora of activities and decide their sequence based on your objectives (like leveling up swiftly, conquering Nightmare Dungeons, participating in PvP, and more). Nevertheless, in the upcoming sections, we have curated a rapid compilation of tasks that you ought to undertake, in a rough order.
Complete the Level 50 Capstone Dungeon
Embark on an exhilarating adventure by embracing the challenge of World Tier 2 and conquering the awe-inspiring Capstone Dungeon, nestled in the enchanting realm of Kyovashad, amidst the majestic Fractured Peaks.
Embarking on the dungeon before reaching level 50 is not only possible but also exhilarating, as long as the main storyline has been conquered. The dungeon poses a formidable challenge with its adversaries all set at level 50, making it unwise to venture into its depths before attaining level 40. Unlocking the dungeon requires the player to ascend to World Tier 2, granting access and paving the way for exploration.
After conquering the formidable Capstone dungeon, it is highly recommended to embark on a new adventure by shifting the difficulty level to World Tier 3. This exhilarating transition will unlock an enchanting realm where Sacred items, surpassing their non-Sacred counterparts, eagerly await to be discovered, offering remarkable enhancements to your journey.
Complete Renown in All Zones
Conquer the untrodden paths of Renown in every zone, leaving no stage unfinished. To unveil the hidden treasures of stages 4 and 5, which lie beyond the gates of World Tier 3, it is imperative to embark upon the Capstone dungeon as a primordial quest.
Rewritten Keep in mind that you have the flexibility to postpone this step according to your preferred gameplay style. It might be more beneficial to tackle it at a higher level, around 65-70, when leveling becomes slower and obtaining character power becomes more challenging. The reason behind this is that achieving stage 5 Renown in every zone requires a significant amount of time, whereas leveling up and obtaining Sacred gear from Nightmare dungeons or other endgame activities can enhance your character’s power at a faster pace during levels 50-60. (Refer to the information below for further details.)
Tree of Whispers
The Whispering Tree, nestled in the mystical land of Hawezar, bestows upon you great rewards for accomplishing diverse bounties scattered throughout the vast game realm. These lucrative endeavors not only grant you valuable experience and coveted items, but their widespread availability allows for seamless integration with other captivating events and activities.
The Whispering Tree serves as the initial wellspring of Nightmare Sigils, the essential components required to awaken Nightmare Dungeons, an exhilarating pursuit in the realm of endgame ventures.
Nightmare Dungeons
Rewritten The realm of Nightmare dungeons stands as the pinnacle of endgame pursuits in Diablo 4. Upon acquiring your inaugural Sigil, typically bestowed by the mystical Tree of Whispers, the gateway to these treacherous dungeons opens, yielding additional Sigils in abundance. Henceforth, scarcity shall be a notion foreign to you. Engaging in Nightmare dungeons mandates World Tier 3 or beyond.
Nightmare labyrinths, an integral aspect of the endgame due to their vast potential for escalating difficulty, present an exhilarating challenge that yields bountiful rewards in the form of remarkable items. Additionally, these labyrinths stand as the sole means by which one can enhance the Glyphs nestled within their Paragon board, a pivotal factor in bolstering character prowess.
Helltides
Behold, the ethereal Helltides emerge on the sacred cartographic canvas, exclusively gracing the presence of valiant players who dare to ascend beyond the realm of World Tier 3. With an unforgiving dominance, these enigmatic forces seize vast expanses of terrain, reigning supreme for a fleeting hour. Within this mystical interlude, the vanquished foes within the affected domain bestow upon the triumphant warriors a unique ephemeral currency, a key to unlock the enigmatic chests concealed within the very heart of the Helltide realm.
Joining the realm of Helltides is an absolute must, not only for the thrill but also for the exclusive opportunity to acquire Forgotten Souls. These elusive essence is an essential component for enhancing Sacred and Ancestral (World Tier 4) items at the mystical Occultist. Unleashing the power of enchantment to replace unwanted properties is the ultimate secret to perfecting your gear, and it all begins with the invaluable Forgotten Souls.
Complete the Level 70 Capstone Dungeon
Once you conquer the formidable level 70 Capstone dungeon (indicated on your map by a vibrant orange entrance), a whole new realm awaits you. The gateway to World Tier 4 opens up, revealing a treasure trove of legendary Ancestral items, surpassing all other forms of equipment in sheer power and prestige.
The adversaries lurking within this Dungeon have been locked in at the formidable level of 70, while the ultimate boss’s wrath knows no bounds, hence we strongly discourage any audacious endeavors prior to reaching level 60 (or perhaps even 65).
Legion Events and World Bosses
The map is adorned with icons denoting the presence of mighty Legion events and formidable World Bosses, beckoning adventurous souls to partake in the realms of World Tiers 3 or 4. These endeavors offer not only the promise of remarkable treasures but also the chance to bask in invaluable experiences, particularly during the thrilling Legion events. Embark on a journey to the designated spots on the map and unite with fellow players in vanquishing the adversaries that stand in your way.
