The Cindercoat grants a boost to fire damage and decreases the cost of fire abilities.
In Diablo 3 version 2 and Reaper of Souls, Elemental Damage emerges as a captivating attribute, holding significant sway. Within the game, it is referred to as the empowering factor that enhances the might of specific skills, resulting in a remarkable surge of X% more damage. With this item, any skill imbued with such elemental force is bestowed with a formidable boost to its overall destructive potential.
In the damage calculation, the bonuses from Elemental damage (which can be found on different items) are incorporated at the final stage. This occurs after all the usual factors, such as skill property, mainstat, crit chance and crit damage, and +damage gear, have already determined the damage. As a result, if a player has a +50% damage to a specific element, their damage output will actually increase by 50% when using a skill of that elemental damage type. For instance, a critical hit of 1,000,000 would be boosted to 1,500,000 damage.
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Elemental Damage Types[edit | edit source]
In the world of Diablo 3, a plethora of damage types exist, yet the vast array of item bonuses and skill effects can be neatly categorized into a mere seven distinctive types. These types encompass:
Physical damage.
Arcane damage.
Cold damage.
Fire damage.
Holy damage.
Lightning damage.
Poison damage.
In the vast realm of Diablo 3, every skill and rune effect is neatly categorized into distinct types of damage, each possessing its own unique essence. Only those Skill Rune Effects that align harmoniously with the elemental damage type bestowed upon an item affix shall be bestowed with its remarkable boons.
The reign of fire devastation proved to be exceedingly advantageous during the initial launch of Reaper of Souls. Its prevalence on numerous legendary items and potent skill rune effects made it an irresistible force. The game developers, cognizant of this fact, made it a point to fine-tune the elemental damage of various abilities and runes in subsequent patches. Their aim was to grant players a wider range of choices when aligning their gear with their preferred playstyle.
Sheet DPS[edit | edit source]
Input: Though elemental damage does not show in the character window (the “sheet DPS”) it can be quite impactful, and for most players, adding 20% to the elemental damage of their main attack skill adds as much or more effective DPS than 10% critical hit chance or 75% critical hit damage. The exact benefits and values vary depending on play style, attack speed, and the relative level of other stats, but on the whole +elemental damage% is a very valuable stat. One many new players do not value properly, precisely since it does not get factored into the sheet DPS, and can only be seen by the pop up damage numbers or by judging relative kill speed in game.Although elemental damage may not be visible in the character window (the “sheet DPS”), it possesses significant impact. For the majority of players, augmenting their main attack skill’s elemental damage by 20% generates equal or greater effective DPS compared to a 10% increase in critical hit chance or a 75% boost in critical hit damage. The specific advantages and values vary based on individual play style, attack speed, and the relative level of other statistics. However, as a whole, +elemental damage% stands as an immensely valuable attribute. Many new players fail to properly appreciate its worth, primarily due to its exclusion from the sheet DPS calculation. It can only be observed through the appearance of damage numbers or by evaluating relative kill speed in the game.
Elemental Damage Availability[edit | edit source]
In the realm of Reaper of Souls, treasures adorned with elemental enhancements possess an exquisite worth. Such treasures bestow upon players the ability to unleash a torrent of devastation, surpassing the limitations imposed by conventional trifecta and mainstat attacks. While the importance of affixes remains unchanged in the presence of elemental damage, the sheer might of total damage escalates to unprecedented heights, thanks to the magnificent influence of elemental bonuses.
All Elemental Damage[edit | edit source]
Elemental havoc awaits within the realm of two item slots, where the ethereal touch of elemental damage can manifest as a capricious affix. Bracelets and amulets, in their boundless diversity, may bear the mark of a single elemental force, bestowed upon them by chance. (Though a handful of legendary amulets dance to a different tune, harboring an inherent affinity for a specific element.)
Enchanting Bracers (db): Bestow upon you the power of 15-20% intensified elemental damage, gifted by the capricious whims of random affixes.
Enchanted Charm (db): Unleashes the power of the elements, amplifying random affixes to bestow 15-20% additional elemental damage.
Among the myriad of mythical artifacts, a few possess the remarkable ability to harness one of the seven manifestations of elemental energy, chosen at random. To facilitate effortless navigation through the elemental realms, these extraordinary items have been meticulously cataloged under their respective damage categories.
Helm of Andariel’s Countenance (db) — Enhances damage by 15-20% for either one or all seven elemental categories.
Etlich’s Gaze (db) – Enhances damage output by 15-20% for either one or all seven elemental forces. A mystical amulet.
Wall of the Unblinking Eye (db) – Amplifies elemental damage by 15-20%, embracing one out of the seven ethereal forces. A formidable shield.
Jordan’s Enigmatic Stone (db) — Amplifies the might by 15-20% for one of the seven majestic elemental forces. A mystical ring.
Arcane Damage[edit | edit source]
The ethereal power of Arcane damage is a realm solely mastered by the enigmatic Wizards, with an array of items that bestow the ability to unleash its destructive force found predominantly in their possession.
Helm of Andariel’s Countenance (db) — Enhances damage by 15-20% for either one or all seven elemental categories.
Etlich’s Gaze (db) – Enhances damage output by 15-20% for either one or all seven elemental forces. A mystical amulet.
Wall of the Unblinking Eye (db) – Amplifies elemental damage by 15-20%, embracing one out of the seven ethereal forces. A formidable shield.
Jordan’s Enigmatic Stone (db) — Amplifies the might by 15-20% for one of the seven majestic elemental forces. A mystical ring.
Luna Veil (db)) – Enhances Arcane abilities, boosting damage by 20-25%. A mystical amulet.
The Triumvirate (db) bestows a remarkable enhancement of 7-10% in damage for Fire, Lightning, and Arcane abilities. This enigmatic Wizard orb holds immense power.
Input: Orpheus’ Gesture (db) – Boosts Arcane skills by an additional 15-20% damage. A mystical wand exclusively for the Wizard class.
Tal Rasha’s Unyielding Quest (db) Set of Artifacts, embracing the power of duality. (Necklace, Headpiece, Waistband, Torso Attire, Mystic Sphere.) Enveloping realms of Arcane, Cold, Fire, and Lightning, augmenting their might by 5%.
Cold Damage[edit | edit source]
Helm of Andariel’s Countenance (db) — Enhances damage by 15-20% for either one or all seven elemental categories.
Etlich’s Gaze (db) – Enhances damage output by 15-20% for either one or all seven elemental forces. A mystical amulet.
Wall of the Unblinking Eye (db) – Amplifies elemental damage by 15-20%, embracing one out of the seven ethereal forces. A formidable shield.
Jordan’s Enigmatic Stone (db) — Amplifies the might by 15-20% for one of the seven majestic elemental forces. A mystical ring.
Frostbite (db) – Amplifies the might of Cold abilities by 15-20%. A single-handed blade of icy prowess.
Frostfire (db) – Enhances the power of frigid abilities by 10-15%. Gauntlets.
Frostbite’s Fury (db) — Unleash the chilling might of the Utar’s Roar, granting a formidable 15-20% boost in damage for all icy prowess. Behold its elegant one-handed axe form.
Rewritten Frosty Tempest (db))– Enhances Cold skills, boosting damage by 5-20%. A magical orb exclusively for Wizards.
Tal Rasha’s Unyielding Quest (db) Set of Artifacts, embracing the power of duality. (Necklace, Headpiece, Waistband, Torso Attire, Mystic Sphere.) Enveloping realms of Arcane, Cold, Fire, and Lightning, augmenting their might by 5%.
Fire Damage[edit | edit source]
The Wall without a Lid has the ability to traverse and adapt to all types of elemental energy.
Fire damage is not the most common bonus on items, but it’s second to Lightning in frequency, and players feel that most of the best skills in the game hit forFire damage.
Helm of Andariel’s Countenance (db) — Enhances damage by 15-20% for either one or all seven elemental categories.
Etlich’s Gaze (db) – Enhances damage output by 15-20% for either one or all seven elemental forces. A mystical amulet.
Wall of the Unblinking Eye (db) – Amplifies elemental damage by 15-20%, embracing one out of the seven ethereal forces. A formidable shield.
Jordan’s Enigmatic Stone (db) — Amplifies the might by 15-20% for one of the seven majestic elemental forces. A mystical ring.
Blazeweave (database) – Unleashes a fiery fury, granting Fire skills an intensified 15-25% boost in damage. This resplendent Chest Armor ignites the battlefield.
Inferno Crusher (db) – Unleashes the fiery fury, amplifying Fire Skills’ might by 15-20%. Behold, the mighty single-handed mace.
Flamegrasp (db) – Enhances Fire skills with an additional 15-20% damage boost. Handwear.
Maximus (db) – Unleashes the untamed power of Fire, enhancing damage by a staggering 15-20%. This mighty two-handed sword ignites the battlefield with its fiery might.
Rewritten The Triumvirate (db) grants an additional 7-10% boost in damage for Fire, Lightning, and Arcane abilities. It is a powerful artifact coveted by wizards.
Rewritten Flaming Gaze (db) – Amplifies Fire skills with a 15-20% boost in damage. Behold, the mystical sphere! (Exclusive to the esteemed Wizards.)
Unleash the Blazing Axe of Sankis (db) — Augment your Fire skills by 15-20% for intensified devastation. Behold this formidable one-handed axe.
Tal Rasha’s Unyielding Quest (db)Item Set, the power of two. (Amulet, Helm, Belt, Chest Armor, Orb.) Arcane, Cold, Fire, and Lightning abilities unleash a 5% surge in destructive might.
Holy Damage[edit | edit source]
The sacred form of damage is predominantly observed in the abilities of Crusaders and Monks.
Helm of Andariel’s Countenance (db) — Enhances damage by 15-20% for either one or all seven elemental categories.
Etlich’s Gaze (db) – Enhances damage output by 15-20% for either one or all seven elemental forces. A mystical amulet.
Rewritten Sanctified Bulwark (db) – Amplify the might of Holy abilities by 15-20%. A protective shield.
Input: Sacred Luminary (db) – Amplifies Holy prowess by 11-20%, empowering Holy skills. A mystical amulet.
Wall of the Unblinking Eye (db) – Amplifies elemental damage by 15-20%, embracing one out of the seven ethereal forces. A formidable shield.
Jordan’s Enigmatic Stone (db) — Amplifies the might by 15-20% for one of the seven majestic elemental forces. A mystical ring.
Rewritten Divine Affliction (db) – Amplifies Holy skills, granting a remarkable 15-20% boost in damage. Solely reserved for the valiant Crusader, this remarkable weapon takes the form of a single-handed flail, known as the Golden Scourge.
Celestial Blade (db) – Amplifies Holy skills by 15-20%, inflicting heightened damage. A single-handed sword of divine might.
Lightning Damage[edit | edit source]
Lightning reigns supreme when it comes to the vast array of item types that bestow +elemental damage. It is only the prevalence of top-tier skills that predominantly inflict Fire damage which prevents Lightning from claiming the coveted title of the ultimate elemental damage type. (One could potentially reach a staggering 290% increase in Lightning Damage, although this would require a character to possess multiple classes simultaneously and equip up to 4 items in a single slot.)
Helm of Andariel’s Countenance (db) — Enhances damage by 15-20% for either one or all seven elemental categories.
Etlich’s Gaze (db) – Enhances damage output by 15-20% for either one or all seven elemental forces. A mystical amulet.
Wall of the Unblinking Eye (db) – Amplifies elemental damage by 15-20%, embracing one out of the seven ethereal forces. A formidable shield.
Jordan’s Enigmatic Stone (db) — Amplifies the might by 15-20% for one of the seven majestic elemental forces. A mystical ring.
Storm’s Gaze (db) – A sacred relic of the Monk, imbued with the power of tempestuous energy, granting a formidable boost of 20-30% in Lightning Damage.
Unleash the power of Won Khim Lau (db) and witness lightning skills electrify your enemies, inflicting a staggering 15-25% additional damage. This legendary monk fist channels the raw energy of thunder to bring forth unparalleled devastation.
The Triumvirate (db) bestows a remarkable enhancement of 7-10% in damage for Fire, Lightning, and Arcane abilities. This enigmatic Wizard orb holds immense power.
Input: Odyn’s Son (db) – Lightning skills deal additional 5-20% damage. A mighty one-handed mace.
Input: Schaefer’s Thunderstrike (db) – Empowers Lightning skills with an astounding boost of 10-15% additional damage. A colossal mace that demands both hands to wield.
Input: The Storm Crow (db) is a wizard helm that grants a significant boost of 15-20% in damage for all Lightning skills.
Input: The Tempest’s Gaze (db) — Lightning skills unleash a surge of power, amplifying damage by 15-30%. Exclusively for the Monk, this Spirit stone channels the storm within.
Input: Thundergod’s Vigor (db) — Enhances the might of Thunder by granting a formidable boost of 10-15% in damage to Lightning skills. A magnificent belt of power.
Input: Raiment adorned by a Myriad of Storms — Enhanced by an additional 15% of Electric Fury, this ensemble grants a remarkable advantage. The Enigmatic Eight-Demon Footwear (db) — A pair of remarkable boots.
Thunder’s Embrace (db) – Gauntlets.
Crashing Wave’s Essence (db) – A Breastplate of the Soul.
Sinister Shoulder Embrace – The Inverted Sinners’ Cloak (db)
Celestial Veil of the Blazing Firmament (db) — Headgear.
Serpent’s Dance Scales (db) — Trousers.
Introducing Tal Rasha’s Relentless Pursuit Item Set (db), now presenting its intriguing two-piece bonus. Brace yourself for the enchanting Amulet, Helm, Belt, Chest Armor, and Orb. Witness the extraordinary surge as Arcane, Cold, Fire, and Lightning skills amplify their destructive potential by an impressive 5% increase in damage.
Physical Damage[edit | edit source]
Various skills and pets can inflict physical harm, with Witch Doctors reaping the greatest rewards from bonuses to physical damage when opting for a formidable zookeeper playstyle focused on summoning.
Helm of Andariel’s Countenance (db) — Enhances damage by 15-20% for either one or all seven elemental categories.
Etlich’s Gaze (db) – Enhances damage output by 15-20% for either one or all seven elemental forces. A mystical amulet.
Wall of the Unblinking Eye (db) – Amplifies elemental damage by 15-20%, embracing one out of the seven ethereal forces. A formidable shield.
Jordan’s Enigmatic Stone (db) — Amplifies the might by 15-20% for one of the seven majestic elemental forces. A mystical ring.
The Doombringer(db) is a one-handed sword that enhances Physical skills, granting them a remarkable 15-20% increase in damage.
Poison Damage[edit | edit source]
Poison damage, unfortunately, receives the most meager of elemental damage bonuses from equipment and is quite rare as a skill damage type. Those who yearn for more of this venomous power often jest that Blizzard distributes these bonuses in alphabetical order, leaving none for them once they reach the coveted realms of Physical and Poison.
Helm of Andariel’s Countenance (db) — Enhances damage by 15-20% for either one or all seven elemental categories.
Etlich’s Gaze (db) – Enhances damage output by 15-20% for either one or all seven elemental forces. A mystical amulet.
Wall of the Unblinking Eye (db) – Amplifies elemental damage by 15-20%, embracing one out of the seven ethereal forces. A formidable shield.
Jordan’s Enigmatic Stone (db) — Amplifies the might by 15-20% for one of the seven majestic elemental forces. A mystical ring.
Marshland Stompers (db) — Inflict 15-20% additional damage with Poison abilities.
Elemental Damage Balance[edit | edit source]
Patch 2.0.5 (May 2014) has left us with a glaring lack of balance when it comes to the utility and abundance of items with different bonuses. While it is impossible to achieve perfect equilibrium due to the varying prevalence of elemental types, the Diablo 3 developers have expressed their commitment to attaining a fair and balanced distribution of elemental damage types.
During its inception and up until Patch 2.0.5, Fire damage reigned supreme as the most formidable among all damage types, with Lightning trailing closely behind. Countless patches, both during and after the game’s release, have continuously fine-tuned the damage types of various skills and the bonuses bestowed by items, and there are still plenty more adjustments on the horizon.
