The Ultimate Compilation of Class Builds: Unleash Your Potential with the Finest Strategies and Discover Your Next Epic Adventure.
Throughout two decades, adventurers have embarked on epic journeys spanning multiple acts, relentlessly vanquishing the formidable Prime Evils and their henchmen, all in pursuit of valuable treasures to acquire, barter, and exchange. The seasoned veterans possess an astonishing wealth of knowledge, surpassing their own awareness of it. As for the fresh-faced newcomers, navigating the complexities of character development may seem like an enigma waiting to be unraveled. Fear not, for this comprehensive guide to Diablo 2 Resurrected shall rejuvenate your memory or introduce you to the fundamentals, regardless of which category you belong to.
In the following passage, we shall delve into the magnificent realm of D2R, exploring its seven distinct classes and their myriad builds. Once you immerse yourself in this illuminating guide, a world of possibilities will unfold, guiding you towards the ideal class to embark upon your perilous journey through Hell. Moreover, you shall discover the path to follow, along with the invaluable treasures such as unique items, set items, runes, and runewords that shall accompany you on this extraordinary odyssey.
Choosing Your Class
Whether you’re a seasoned player or a fresh-faced newcomer, it’s crucial to understand that there is no definitive choice when it comes to embarking on your journey through the treacherous realms of Hell. Embrace the freedom to select any of the magnificent seven classes, each offering its own captivating and thrilling combat style. Should you find yourself disenchanted with a particular class or have honed your skills to perfection after endless hours of gameplay, fear not! Simply venture forth and explore another class, discovering if it resonates harmoniously with your unique playstyle.
Right from the start, it’s crucial to prioritize the statting and gearing of your character according to a specific build. By doing this, you can unleash the full potential of your damage as you progress towards the end game. On the other hand, if you randomly choose skills without a clear objective, they may only assist you in navigating Normal difficulty and partially in Nightmare difficulties. One of the amazing aspects of Diablo 2 Resurrected is that you have the flexibility to switch builds midway through the game by successfully completing the Den of Evil quest and engaging in conversation with Akara, or by obtaining/acquiring a Token of Absolution through purchase or trade.
Amazon
The Amazon, a fierce warrior, harnesses the power of her bow, spear, or javelin to swiftly vanquish hordes of enemies. Among her arsenal, the bows and javelins reign supreme. Her extraordinary agility is matched only by the threat of peril in close combat, rendering the handling of hefty spears an audacious gamble for novice adventurers. Discover an array of meticulously crafted Amazon Builds showcased below:
Bowazon
The term Bowazon encompasses all Amazon characters who wield bows or crossbows as their primary means of inflicting physical, fire, ice, or magical harm. Typically, Bowazons employ the art of Multiple Shot to manage groups of enemies, while relying on Guided Arrow to vanquish formidable bosses.
Javazon
Javazon encompasses all Amazon characters who depend predominantly on javelins and excel in the art of Javelins and Spear Skills.
Other Javazon Builds
Presently, the Bowazon or Javazon builds have gained immense popularity. However, if you wish to explore an intriguing alternative, then delve into the following options:
Assassin
The Assassin possesses a diverse range of combat techniques. One approach involves honing the Martial Arts skill tree, empowering your character to charge their strikes up to threefold and unleash a destructive, potentially lethal assault on individual foes. On the other hand, players have the option to personalize their character by employing a combination of elemental and physical traps to swiftly eliminate hordes of adversaries. Regardless of your preference among the various Assassin Builds, the forthcoming compilation will provide you with a strong foundation to commence your journey.
Trap Assassin
The Trapper/Trapsin is a captivating title given to an Assassin who wholeheartedly embraces the intricate art of the Traps skill tree.
Melee Assassin
The Melee Assassin, a term commonly employed to characterize an Assassin who centers their abilities on the realm of Martial Arts, encompasses various sub-builds that can incorporate the utilization of Traps.
Bowasin
The Bowasin, a PvP build embraced by many, harnesses the power of the bow Widowmaker to acquire the oskill Guided Arrow from the renowned Amazon’s Bow and Crossbow Skills tree. As versatile warriors, Bowasins have the option to amplify their damage with Venom or enhance their attack and movement speed with Burst of Speed from the Shadow Disciplines skill tree.
Necromancer
The Necromancer, a captivating class that harnesses the power of the deceased, often allures most novice players. Undoubtedly, among the seven classes, the Necromancer boasts unparalleled versatility, providing numerous skillsets to effortlessly conquer the game from the standard Normal mode to the treacherous Hell mode. Here are the handpicked Necromancer Builds we have curated:
Summonmancer
The term Summonmancer encompasses all Necromancers who devote their talents predominantly to the realm of Summoning Spells.
Other Necromancer Builds
Barbarian
Unleashing havoc upon both solitary creatures and hordes alike, the Barbarian possesses unparalleled prowess in inflicting devastating blows through both physical force and mystical energies. Moreover, the Barbarian’s exceptional expertise in wielding various weapons grants access to an intricate skill tree, bestowing formidable enhancements tailored to the chosen weapon. Behold these remarkable manifestations of Barbarian mastery: Barbarian Builds.
Paladin
Harnessing the might of celestial vigor, the Paladin effortlessly decimates hordes of adversaries with minimal repercussions. This close-quarter combat specialist exhibits unparalleled prowess in both physical confrontation and the unleashing of electrifying or mystical projectiles.
Auradin
An Auradin is defined as any Paladin build that incorporates one of the offensive auras from the skill tree, known for their elemental-based damage-dealing abilities.
Sorceress
The Sorceress harnesses the power of fire, ice, and lightning to unleash devastating attacks, obliterating hordes of monsters effortlessly. Yet, in exchange for her unparalleled command over the battlefield and the gift of teleportation, she must face the grim reality of being easily vanquished by formidable adversaries. Below, you will discover an assortment of Sorceress Builds to aid you in your quest.
Fire Sorceress Builds
The fiery sorceress specializes in harnessing the power of fire, placing her utmost attention on the realm of Fire Spells. Though some may argue that this skill tree pales in comparison to the others during the late stages of the game, there are specific realms where fire sorceresses truly shine.
Cold Sorceress Builds
Frost-wielding enchantresses offer a realm of possibilities beyond their fiery counterparts. Their mastery extends to vast expanses of the game, yet they may encounter difficulties conquering treacherous high-level domains without the aid of a merciless warrior.
Lightning Sorceress Builds
Without a doubt, when it comes to single-element builds, lightning-based constructions reign supreme for this particular class. Equipped with an Act 2 mercenary who wields the mighty Infinity runeword, capable of shattering the majority of lightning immunities in groups of monsters, Sorceresses who focus on harnessing the power of lightning can fearlessly navigate the treacherous realms of Hell mode all on their own.
Melee Builds
Within this class, melee builds may not be the prevailing choice, yet their potential lies in unleashing a cascade of catastrophic blows, capable of swiftly incapacitating solitary adversaries with a mere couple of swift strikes.
Hybrid Builds
Unleashing a fusion of two or even all three of the Sorceress’ skill trees, hybrid builds bring forth an enthralling gameplay experience that is absolutely worth exploring. Take a glimpse into the captivating possibilities that lie ahead:
Druid
With its intricate mechanics, the Druid stands out as the epitome of technicality among all the classes. As your journey unfolds, you will come to realize that depending solely on a single skill tree won’t suffice to conquer mobs with ease. Within this class, you have the option to explore three distinctive skill trees: Elemental, Shape Shifting, and Summoning. The secret to triumphing over Hell mode lies in the art of skillful fusion and adaptation. Feast your eyes upon these awe-inspiring Druid Builds.
Bear Builds
With a mesmerizing transformation, the Bear Druid seamlessly morphs into a formidable Werebear, unleashing a barrage of devastating abilities exclusive to this primal state.
Wolf Builds
The Wolf Druid seamlessly morphs into a formidable Werewolf, harnessing its lightning-fast abilities that can be unleashed during its lupine transformation.
Elemental Builds
The Elemental Druid dedicates their abilities to the mystical Elemental skill tree, capable of decimating hordes of creatures and vanquishing formidable foes with precision.
Summoner Build
The Summon Druid dedicates the majority of their expertise to mastering the art of Summoning. Within their arsenal lie four distinct creature categories that the Summon Druid can effortlessly conjure upon request: Ethereal Spirits, Enigmatic Ravens, Majestic Wolves or a Formidable Grizzly, and Tenacious Vines.
Best Hell Builds
In the realm of Diablo 2, myriad captivating and formidable character builds exist, yet only a select few possess the resilience required to endure the treacherous trials of Hell difficulty. For those well-versed in the enigmatic realms of Diablo 2’s Hell mode, a multitude of menacing adversaries lie in wait, demanding your utmost attention and vigilance.
Behold, behold! Feast your eyes upon the mighty creations that not only triumph over the treacherous Hell difficulty but also possess the power to unearth magical treasures in every nook and cranny. Delve into the realms of these exceptional builds, for they shall lead you to unimaginable riches!
Immortal King Barbarian
The Immortal King set, despite its demanding Strength requirement, equips you with all the necessary tools to reign supreme in the game’s most challenging levels.
With its expansive defensive capabilities and impressive elemental Resistances, this set provides ample protection. Furthermore, the Stone Crusher, the set’s formidable Weapon, inflicts all five distinct forms of damage. Consequently, there is no need to fret over impervious creatures.
Finally, the Immortal King ensemble bestows a considerable measure of Magic Discovery.
Summoner Necromancer
The Summonmancer proves to be an exquisite option for both solitary adventures and group quests. Unleash your formidable skeleton legion, shielding you and your comrades from imminent harm, all while striking down adversaries effortlessly. Moreover, your curses bestow invaluable advantages upon your allies, effectively diminishing the enemies’ resistance and yielding expedited triumphs.
Harness the power of your Corpse Explosion prowess, a deadly blend of Physical and Fire Damage, to combat the formidable immunities of monstrous adversaries. Additionally, your trusty Skeletal Mages unleash a formidable arsenal of Poison, Cold, Fire, and Lightning Damage, further enhancing your versatility. While this build may not boast sky-high damage, it compensates generously with an abundance of endurance and longevity.
Input: The Skelemancer requires specific items to enhance his Summoning abilities, enabling his skeletons to endure Hell difficulty. However, it is also possible to incorporate items with Magic Finding, as this build is not overly reliant on gear.
Meteorb Sorceress
In the realm of Sorceresses, this particular breed lacks the pinnacle of destructive force when contrasted with other Sorceress constructs. Nevertheless, it possesses the unique ability to confront impervious creatures by harnessing the formidable powers of both fiery incantations (Meteor, Fire Ball) and frosty enchantments (Frozen Orb). Such beings impervious to the dual forces of fire and ice are exceedingly rare in the vast expanse of monstrous adversaries.
Teleport is a remarkable ability that adds a touch of magic to your repertoire. It serves as a swift getaway when faced with danger or as a means to traverse great distances effortlessly. Imagine the thrill of embarking on swift Andariel or Mephisto missions, bypassing the need to explore every nook and cranny just to confront the mighty Act Bosses.
Additionally, by equipping the right gear, you can enhance your lethal abilities while simultaneously increasing your chances of discovering magical items. Embarking on the game with a Magic-Finder Meteorb Sorceress has become a widely favored tactic, allowing players to equip her or their other characters accordingly.
Hammerdin
In the realm of Diablo 2, behold a formidable build that reigns supreme. Its prowess transcends mere monster slaying, as it also excels in PvP battles. Among the plethora of mighty Paladin builds, we have chosen this one for its remarkable capacity to seek out magical treasures while still maintaining its lethal force and endurance.
The Blessed Hammer, the epitome of this build’s prowess, unleashes an unrivaled torrent of magical devastation. In the realm of the game, where magical defenses are scarce, braving through the treacherous Hell difficulty shall prove to be a breeze. Moreover, the Holy Shield skill acts as an impenetrable barrier, shielding your character from harm’s way with unwavering fortification.
Master the game’s challenges effortlessly with a mighty Hammerdin, conquering every obstacle with ease. Yet, when it comes to clashing with fellow players, prepare yourself for an arduous quest in search of elusive treasures that cannot be acquired by mere triumph over the game’s Hell difficulty.
Javazon
The Amazon’s prowess in the game is unrivaled, as she dashes through the virtual world with lightning speed. Her impressive array of abilities, both physical and electric in nature (Charged Strike, Lightning Strike, Lightning Fury), unleash devastating levels of destruction.
When it comes to countering foes’ resistances, a Javazon has the ability to employ the Jab skill (inflicting Physical Damage) or harness the power of Poison Javelin or Plague Javelin to unleash a deadly dose of Poison Damage.
Rewrite: When it comes to sustainability, consider trading a fraction of your damage for investing points into your Valkyrie. Additionally, you can utilize certain items that enhance your Magic Finding probability. By doing so, you will be able to carry out swift and effective MF runs, even when facing the toughest challenges within the game.
Ladder Reset Builds
Unsure about which class and build to choose for the upcoming ladder reset? Explore our captivating compilation of the top 11 trending builds and find your perfect match.
Should the builds showcased captivate your interest, delve into our comprehensive guides to uncover a plethora of information.
#1 Blizzard Sorceress
At the dawn of each new ladder, the Blizzard Sorc rises to prominence, shrouded in fame. Her prowess in Teleportation sets her apart, enabling swift movements, traversing walls effortlessly, evading mundane foes, and outwitting even the cunning Mephisto.
Moreover, her exceptional ability to inflict substantial damage and exercise effective crowd control against formidable enemy forces is unparalleled, all achieved without relying on formidable or extravagant equipment. Instead, you have the option to utilize items that enhance your magic finding capabilities. This renders the Blizzard Sorceress as the perfect choice for embarking on a successful journey in the new ladder.
#2 Hammerdin
The Divine Mallet, when paired with the Aura of Focus, unleashes an immense force upon creatures, inflicting substantial damage. Moreover, when these abilities are harmoniously fused with the Holy Barrier, they culminate in a paladin archetype that possesses invincibility. This particular build is widely favored and renowned, as it is not unusual for a Divine Mallet to administer over 20,000 points of devastation. Nevertheless, crafting this build to perfection comes at a high cost, given the abundance of Hammerdins within the game.
#3 Smiter Paladin
When it comes to common Magic Finding and Baal runs, Paladins may not be the most optimal choice. However, their popularity skyrockets when it comes to combating the Prime Evils in Uber Tristram, as they possess unparalleled effectiveness. In fact, they are the sole class known to have the ability to single-handedly vanquish almost all Uber Bosses.
No adversary can escape the Smiter’s wrath, except for those who possess imperviousness to physical harm. Smite, being a close combat technique, proves less potent when confronting hordes of creatures.
#4 Chain Lightning Sorceress
Throughout the game’s evolution, the Sorceress class has remained a beloved choice among players. However, the once mighty spells such as Frozen Orb and Nova gradually lost their potency over time. It wasn’t until the emergence of Lord of Destruction that the Chain Lightning Sorceress rose to prominence as a favored build. This innovative approach allowed sorceresses to seamlessly blend the power of Chain Lightning with other elemental spells, granting them unparalleled effectiveness against foes of any resistance.
Unlock the potential of an Infinity Runeword and watch as your mercenary effortlessly obliterates any foe previously impervious to your electrifying onslaught.
#5 Wind Druid
The Mighty Nature Shaman unleashes a torrent of devastating AoE (Area of Effect) devastation upon hordes of formidable creatures. The Cyclone, in perfect harmony with the Whirlwind sorcery, unleashes a tempestuous onslaught of elemental destruction. Furthermore, the Gale Shaman can harness the power of the Oak Sage summon to fortify the collective vitality of the entire fellowship.
#6 Summoning Necromancer
The Summonmancer stands out as a uniquely captivating and thrilling character build within the realm of Diablo 2. The remarkable power to beckon forth a colossal army of skeletons and bring back Diablo’s loyal minions to wage war by your side grants this build an unparalleled distinction. This particular breed of Necromancer also proves to be an optimal selection for group endeavors, owing to their curses that effectively debilitate adversaries. Moreover, the Corpse Explosion skill manifests as an exceptional means of inflicting devastating damage.
#7 Javazon
With its extensive area of effect damage, the Javazon unleashes a torrent of destruction, rendering it an exceedingly potent force in PvM encounters. Moreover, the Charged Strike ability inflicts devastating harm upon individual targets, proving invaluable when facing formidable Bosses. When skillfully constructed, this build is capable of obliterating Baal within mere moments, leaving no room for escape.
#8 Frenzy Barbarian
The frenzy barbarians have gained immense popularity owing to their unparalleled speed in inflicting damage on a single target, along with the added perk of increased running speed. Despite being highly underestimated by the community, this particular build has managed to establish itself as one of the most formidable and efficient strategies within the game.
#9 Whirlwind Barbarian
The WW Barbarian reigned supreme as an iconic and potent build in the legendary realm of Diablo 2. However, with the advent of Lord of Destruction, a plethora of mightier builds emerged. Although the Whirlwind Barbarian may not unleash colossal damage, its remarkable blend of supportive prowess and tenacity make it an exceptional choice as a resilient tank, particularly when venturing forth in the company of allies.
#10 Frozen Orb Sorceress
The Sorceress class in Diablo 2 gained immense popularity with this particular build, making it a fan favorite. The Frozen Orb skill unleashed devastating damage during the game’s early stages, but its power was tempered following a patch. Consequently, players swiftly shifted their focus to the more potent Cold spell, Blizzard, which continues to reign as the ultimate choice for unleashing icy havoc.
Nonetheless, the Frozen Orb can serve as a secondary technique or be employed as a primary maneuver when paired with a skill from an alternate element. By doing so, you gain the ability to thwart adversaries boasting various forms of immunity.
#11 Bowazon
Among the myriad of forsaken creations in Diablo 2, there exists one that once wielded unparalleled might during its fledgling era. Bowazons persist as a source of amusement and efficacy amidst the game’s present state, yet the introduction of overpowering Runewords has cast a shadow upon this once beloved build, causing its popularity to wane.
With its wide array of items and skills, the class offers limitless possibilities for creating unique combinations, making it an incredibly captivating choice.
Best Hardcore Builds
In Diablo 2, players are presented with the exciting choice of beginning their journey in either Hardcore mode or Softcore. This pivotal decision is made by simply toggling the Hardcore box on or off within the captivating “Create New Character” Screen. It is strongly recommended that novice players first immerse themselves in the thrilling world of Softcore (unchecked) before daring to venture into the treacherous realm of Hardcore.
Softcore mode in the game operates in such a way that when your character meets their demise, they are stripped of all their possessions and are left bare. At this point, you are faced with two options: you can either venture back to the exact location where your character met their unfortunate end and retrieve their lifeless body, or you can opt to exit the game and start afresh, which will transport your character’s body back to the safety of town. In the progressively challenging Nightmare mode, a penalty of 5% of your current experience level is imposed upon death, while in the daunting Hell mode, the penalty increases to a staggering 10%. Nonetheless, by successfully retrieving your character’s corpse, you can reclaim a significant portion of the lost experience, specifically 75%. It is important to note that if you choose to exit the game and begin anew, none of the lost experience will be regained.
In the realm of Hardcore, once your character meets their demise, they are forever lost. However, there exists a silver lining – you possess the ability to grant fellow players the privilege of “looting” your lifeless body upon death, thereby aiding them in transferring its essence to a fresh Hardcore persona. Astonishingly, certain individuals, who have been present since the very inception of Diablo 2 in 2000, shun Hardcore mode with unwavering determination.
Input: Although all the builds mentioned above are viable options, it would be wise to steer clear of the PvP builds, as Hardcore mode leaves little room for resurrection. However, let’s briefly explore the most secure builds for each class and highlight key factors to enhance your chances of survival.
Amazon Hardcore Builds
Assassin Hardcore Builds
The Trapsin possesses exceptional crowd control abilities through the strategic placement of Lightning and Death Sentries. Enhancing your mercenary with an Infinity runeword can prove tremendously beneficial, as it effectively neutralizes enemy lightning immunities. While most Trapsins opt for a Spirit shield runeword, which grants a +2 bonus to All Skills, it might be worth considering a switch to a Stormshield for its superior physical damage reduction and impressive block rate. Moreover, in the case of Hardcore Trapsins, the skill Fade can be utilized to further minimize physical damage and bolster resistance against all types of attacks. To divert attention from your character, having a loyal Shadow Warrior or Shadow Master at your side can prove invaluable.
Necromancer Hardcore Builds
Barbarian Hardcore Builds
Barbarians reign supreme as the most resilient class, capable of enduring massive amounts of damage. When it comes to Hardcore mode, the Whirlwind Barb stands out as a particularly wise selection. To maximize your survivability, prioritize leveling up the Battle Orders skill to enhance your health pool. Additionally, the passive skill Iron Skin will bolster your defense rating. As you assemble your gear, opt for a single Grief runeword and equip a Stormshield. Although it may take a tad longer to vanquish foes, your character will be able to deflect physical attacks while executing the mighty Whirlwind maneuver.
If you dare to embark on the perilous Hardcore mode without the protection of a shield, why not take a leap of faith and give the Frenzy Barb build a whirl? The mighty Dual Grief runewords will swiftly bring down hordes of monsters, while the heightened run/walk bonus granted by Frenzy could prove invaluable in escaping precarious predicaments. It might be wise to consider utilizing the Leap skill to forcefully repel foes before launching into battle, as well as gracefully leaping away from harm’s way.
Paladin Hardcore Builds
With the mastery of Holy Shield, Paladins become a formidable force, enhancing both their defensive capabilities and the probability of successful blocks. The resilience of a Hammerdin is truly remarkable, as they fearlessly teleport amidst hordes of monsters, undeterred by the Enigma runeword. It matters little that they lack a Stormshield, for their innate ability to block a staggering 75% of incoming attacks remains unyielding.
With the mighty power of Zeal, the Zealot can vanquish numerous monstrosities. In the midst of battle, he cunningly extracts life and mana from his adversaries, greatly enhancing his ability to endure, even amidst the hordes of Diablo’s minions. By devoting oneself to the sacred shield and allocating extra points to Defiance, one can amass enough defense to shield the team from harm or triumphantly conquer the game alone.
As previously mentioned, the Smiter is primarily employed to vanquish Uber bosses. Nevertheless, Smiters have the ability to independently conquer the game by wielding a formidable weapon such as Grief and unleashing fervent strikes of Zeal to eliminate hordes of monsters. Possessing an item that grants the chance to cast Life Tap can prove immensely advantageous, particularly considering that your character lacks the innate ability to siphon life from adversaries.
Sorceress Hardcore Builds
The Blizzard Sorceress possesses a remarkable ability to unleash immense devastation and immobilize adversaries, all while maintaining a safe distance. This exceptional build is truly perfect for those who prefer the Sorceress class. Dedicate ample skill points to Cold Mastery, effectively diminishing your foes’ resistance to cold by a staggering 100%. Additionally, employ the use of Static Field to rapidly decrease the health points of cold-immune creatures, leaving them vulnerable at 50% before allowing your trusty mercenary to deliver the final blow. Remember, when navigating the treacherous Hardcore mode, rely on Stormshield as your ultimate ally for survival.
Should you be blessed with the serendipitous discovery of the esteemed high runes essential for crafting an Infinity runeword, it is opportune to transition from being a Blizzard Sorceress to embodying the essence of a Lightning/Chain Lightning Sorceress. By unleashing the power of lightning-infused assaults, the annihilation of formidable foes becomes a swifter affair compared to relying on fire or cold-based techniques. Additionally, it is noteworthy that lightning-immune adversaries often succumb to vulnerability upon encountering the awe-inspiring level-12 Conviction aura emanating from your loyal mercenary’s Infinity.
Druid Hardcore Builds
The Werebear Fireclaw build stands as the epitome of safety for Druids venturing into Hardcore mode. With its ability to unleash devastating physical and fire damage, Fire Claws becomes a force to be reckoned with, its potency determined by the equipment you don. Rather than relying on Oak Sage to bolster your vitality, immerse yourself in the Lycanthropy skill, channeling its power to summon a Heart of the Wolverine, enhancing your attack rating and amplifying your destructive capabilities. Embracing the Werebear (and Werewolf) form, Druids can effectively block incoming attacks, making the acquisition of a Stormshield an absolute priority.