Tag: debilitating roar

Twisted Shade Rogue Build for Diablo IV [Top Melee Synergy]

Twisted Shade Rogue BUILD for Diablo IV S2 [Top Melee Synergy]

(Swift Death awaits in the shadows those who dare come close enough)

♦ ◊ ♦ ◊ ♦

Diablo IV Season 2 (Season of the Blood) started on October 17th, 2023 for Players on PC (Battle.Net & Steam), XBOX, & PlayStation). After extensive testing, I bring you a Melee Rogue with a TOP Synergy for the archetype. The build’s easy to gear up & get things going but requires 1 non-codex aspect. 3 out of 4 Uniques are relatively easy to get from Uber Bosses too. As usual, I’ll evolve & keep my builds updated. This is one such build for the Rogue Class called Twisted Shade.

This build will be updated when needed.

Video Version:

Skill Trees

Below you’ll see ONLY the Active & Passive skills that were selected for this build. For additional skills that can be taken + alternative skill options, you can check my Latest & older Builds spreadsheet on this link. This build (Twisted Shade) is one of the builds on that spreadsheet.

Basic Skill (Resource Generator/Builder) (Required Points: 0)

(active – ONLY put 1 point here) Puncture – Throw blades a short distance, dealing 21% (X – ?) damage. Every 3rd cast Slows enemies by 2 seconds. Critical Strikes will always Slow.
Requires Dual Wielded Weapons.
Lucky Hit Chance: 35%
Damage: Physical ; Tags: Basic, Ranged, Marksman
- (1st upgrade) Enhanced Puncture – Gain 2 Energy when Puncture damages a Crowd Controlled enemy.
- (2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Fundamental Puncture – Puncture now throws 3 blades in a spread, each dealing 35% of its Base damage. Hitting an enemy with at least 2 blades at once makes them Vulnerable for 2 seconds.

Spirit / Core Skill(s) (Resource Spender) (Required Points: 2 )

(active) Twisting Blades – Impale an enemy on your blades, dealing 45% (X – ?) damage and making them take 8% (multiplicative) increased damage while impaled. After 1.5 seconds the blades return to you, piercing enemies for 72% (X – ?) damage. Combo Points increase damage and grant a Movement Speed bonus: 1: 58.5% damage & 20% Movement Speed (*MS) bonus ; 2: 72% damage & 40% *MS bonus ; 3: 85.5% damage & 60% *MS bonus
Requires Dual Wielded weapons
Energy Cost: 30 | Lucky Hit Chance: 33%
Damage: Physical ; Tags: Core, Melee, Imbueable, Cutthroat
(1st upgrade) Enhanced Twisting Blades – Twisting Blades deals 30% (multiplicative) increased damage when returning.
(2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Advanced Twisting Blades – When your Twisting Blades return, your active Cooldowns are reduced by 0.1 second per enemy they passed through, up to 2 seconds.
(passive) Sturdy – You gain 4%/8%/12% Close Damage Reduction.
- (upgrade) Siphoning Strikes – Heal for 1%/2%/3% of your Maximum Life when you Critically Strike Close enemies.
(passive) Stutter Step – Critically Striking an enemy grants +5%/+10%/+15% Movement Speed for 4 seconds.
(passive) did not pick any other Core passives to save points

Agility Skills (Required Points: 6 )

(active – ONLY put 1 point here) Shadow Step – Become Unstoppable and quickly move through the shadows and stab your victim from behind for 72% (X – ?) damage. Gain 50% increased Movement Speed for 2 seconds afterwards.
Requires Dual Wielded weapons
Charges Cooldown: 9 seconds ; Skill Use Cooldown: 0 seconds
Lucky Hit Chance: 100%
Damage: Physical ; Tags: Agility, Melee, Imbueable, Cutthroat
- (1st upgrade) Enhanced Shadow Step – Damaging an enemy with Shadow Step increases your Critical Strike Chance against them by +8% for 3 seconds
- (2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Methodical Shadow Step – Enemies damaged by Shadow Step are Stunned for 2 seconds.
(passive) Weapon Mastery – Gain a bonus when attacking based on weapon type:
Daggers: 5%/10%/15% (multiplicative) increased damage to Healthy enemies.
Swords: 3%/6%/9% (multiplicative) increased damage.
Bows: 4%/8%/12% (multiplicative) increased damage to Vulnerable enemies.
Crossbows: 5%/10%/15% (multiplicative) increased Critical Strike Damage.
(passive) Rugged – Gain 5%/10%/15% Damage Reduction against Damage Over Time effects.
- (upgrade) Reactive Defense – Gain 6%/12%/18% Damage Reduction while inflicted with Control Impairing Effects
(passive) Rapid Gambits – Your Evade Cooldown is reduced by 0.5/1/1.5 seconds when you Daze an enemy.
(passive) did not pick other Agility passives to save points

Subterfuge Skills (Required Points: 11 )

(active – ONLY put 1 point here) Concealment – Vanish from sight, gaining an advanced form of Stealth for 5 seconds tat will not be removed by taking damage. Concealment also makes you Unstoppable, grants +30% Movement Speed, and allows you to move freely through enemies for its duration. Using an attack Skill during Concealment will break Concealment
Cooldown: 20 seconds.
Tags: Subterfuge
- (1st upgrade) Enhanced Concealment – You gain 40 Energy when you enter Stealth.
- (2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Countering Concealment – The Skill that breaks Concealment will always be a guaranteed Critical Strike.
- (passive) Exploit – You deal 6%/12%/18% (multiplicative) increased damage to Healthy and Injured enemies.
  - (upgrade) Malice – You deal 3%/6%/9% (multiplicative) increased damage to Vulnerable enemies.
- (passive – ONLY put 1 point here) Agile – Using a Cooldown increases your Dodge Chance by 3%/6%/9% for 2 seconds.
  - (upgrade) Mending Obscurity – While Stealthed, you Heal for 1%/2%/3% Maximum Life per second.Malice – You deal 3%/6%/9% (multiplicative) increased damage to Vulnerable enemies.
- (passive) did not pick other Subterfuge passives to save points

Imbuements Skills (Required Points: 16 )

(active – ONLY put 1 point here) Shadow Imbuement – Imbue your weapons with festering shadows. Enemies struck by your next 2 Imbueable Skills deal damage and infect enemies for 6 seconds. Infected enemies explode on death, dealing 40% (X) damage to all surrounding enemies. If the infection expires before the enemy dies, it will deal 40% (X) damage to only that enemy.
Cooldown: 9 seconds | Lucky Hit Chance: 33%
Damage: Shadow ; Tags: Imbuements
- (1st upgrade) Enhanced Shadow Imbuement – You have +15% increased Critical Strike Chance against Injured enemies infected by Shadow Imbuement.
- (2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Mixed Shadow Imbuement – Enemies damaged by Shadow Imbued Skills take 12% (multiplicative) increased Non-Physical damage from you for 8 seconds.
(passive) Precision Imbuement – Imbued Skills gain +5%/+10%/+15% increased Critical Strike Chance.
(passive – ONLY put 1 point here) Shadow Crash – Lucky Hit: Shadow damage has up to a 10% chance to Stun for 0.5/1/1.5 seconds.
- (passive – did NOT put any points here) Consuming Shadows – Each time you kill an enemy with Shadow Damage, you generate 10/20/30 Energy.
(passive) did not pick other Imbuements passives to save points

Ultimate Skills (Required Points: 23 )

(active) Shadow Clone – Your shadow mimicks your actions for 15 seconds. The shadow deals 60% of your damage.
Cooldown: 60 seconds.
Damage: Physical ; Tags: Ultimate
- (1st upgrade) Prime Shadow Clone – You are Unstoppable for 5 seconds after casting Shadow Clone.
- (2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Supreme Shadow Clone – Your Shadow Clone deals an additional 20% of your damage.
(passive) did not pick any Ultimate passives to save points

Key Passive / Capstone (Required Points: 33 )

(passive) Close Quarters Combat – Damaging a close enemy with Marksman or Cutthroat Skills each grant a +10% Attack Speed bonus for 8 seconds.

While both Attack Speed bonuses are active, you deal increased damage equal to 40% (multiplicative) of your Damage vs Crowd Controlled bonus.–

Seasonal Mechanic (Vampiric Powers):

Powers Used:
Metamorphosis = ferocity 2 + divinity 2 + eternity 2
Accursed Touch = divinity 6
Prey on the Weak = ferocity 2
Ravenous = ferocity 3
Resilience = eternity 2

Class Mechanic (Specializations):

The 3 Specializations are the Rogues’ Class Mechanics:

Combo Points – Your Basic Skills now generate Combo Points. Core Skills consume Combo Points for additional effects.
Inner Sight – Attack marked enemies to fill up your Inner Sight gauge. When it’s full, gain unlimited Energy for 4 seconds.
Preparation – Every 100 Energy you spend reduces your Ultimate Skill’s Cooldown by 4 seconds. Using an Ultimate Skill resets the Cooldowns of your other Skills..

I prefer and advise using Combo Points for this build, especially if you already are using the Condemnation dagger (it would be pointless to use that dagger without that specialization). Also, try to use Twisting Blades with full Combo Points as much as possible, especially vs Bosses and Elites.

Unique Items

Top Pick Uniques for the Build

Condemnation (Dagger)

+[20%] Damage to Close Enemies

Your Core Skills deal x[20 – 40]% increased damage when spending 3 Combo Points. Your Basic Skills using this weapon have a [30%] chance to generate 3 Combo Points.

+[4.4 – 10]% Basic Skill Attack Speed
+[13 – 21]% Critical Strike Damage
+[10.5 – 17.5]% Damage with Dual-Wielded Weapons
+[12.5 – 19.5]% Core Skill Damage

“I’ve never seen such ruthless butchery. He deserves to be be shipped off to die in the swamps with the rest of the godless murderers.” – Witness to the murder of Sergeant Walcot

Godslayer Crown (Helm)

When you Stun, Freeze, or Immobilize an Elite enemy, or damage a Boss, it pulls in nearby enemies. You deal x[30-60]% increased damage to them for 3 seconds. This effect can only occur once every 12 seconds.

+[4.2 – 7]% Cooldown Reduction
+[X – Y] Maximum Life
+[10.5 – 17.5]% Damage
+[5 – 12]% Crowd Control Duration

“The Sahptev faithful believe in a thousand and one gods. If it takes me as many lifetimes, I will find and kill them all.” – Gaspar Stilbian, Veradani Outcast

Alternative Choice: Harlequin Crest (Helm) Right now this seems like a very good option for any build and if you’re lucky enough to get I Strongly advise trying it.

Gain [5-8%] Damage Reduction. In addition, gain +[4] Ranks to All Skills.

[N] Maximum Life
X% Cooldown Reduction
+12% Resource Generation
+[28] All Stats

“This headdress was once worn by an assassin disguised as a court mage. Her treachery was unveiled, but not before she used its magic to curse the king’s entire lineage.” – The Fall of House Aston

Tibault’s Will (Pants)

While Injured, Your Potion Also Restores 20% Resource You deal x[20-40]% increased damage while Unstoppable and for 4 seconds after. When you become Unstoppable, gain 50 of your Primary Resource.

+[2 – 3] Potion Capacity
+[7 – 14]% Damage Reduction from Close Enemies
+[10.5 – 17.5]% Damage
+[5 – 13] Maximum Resource

“The younger apprentices think wearing heavy plate in the swamps is foolish. They fail to understand that our armor is our legacy, and without it we are nothing.” – Crusader Pembroke

Grasp of Shadow (Gloves)

Lucky Hit: Damaging a Vulnerable enemy with a Marksman or Cutthroat Skill has up to a [24 – 34]% chance to summon a Shadow Clone that mimics your attack.

+[4.4 – 10]% Attack Speed
+[28 – 42] Dexterity
+[31.5 – 52.5]% Shadow Clone Damage
+[3 – 4] Ranks of All Core Skills (note: you get +5 to 6 ranks when fully upgraded)

Dark wisps creep hungrily across these gloves, like an assassin’s blade seeking a life to steal on a moonless night.

Sockets & Gems

There are various possible good/viable choices for the gem slots. I’ve shortlisted what works by slot. I’d recommend picking one of those:

Weps: Emerald.
Armor: Ruby or Sapphire/Topaz (dmg reduction can help you needed in higher tier NM dungeons).
Jewelry: Diamond unless you need specific resistance more than all.

XYZ Diamond (Requires Level XY)

• Weapon: +N% Ultimate Skill Damage
• Armor: +N% Barrier Generation
• Jewelry: N% Resistance to All Elements

+15%/+5%/+8% for Royal (the 5th grade at lvl 60)

XYZ Emerald (Requires Level XY)

• Weapon: +N% Critical Strike Damage to Vulnerable Enemies
• Armor: +N Thorns
• Jewelry: N% Poison Resistance

+12%/+250/22.1% for Royal (the 5th grade at lvl 60)

XYZ Ruby (Requires Level XY)

• Weapon: +N% Overpower Damage
• Armor: +N% Maximum Life
• Jewelry: N% Fire Resistance

+24%/+4.0%/22.1% for Royal (the 5th grade at lvl 60)

XYZ Topaz (Requires Level XY)

• Weapon: +N% Basic Skill Damage
• Armor: N% Damage Reduction While Control Impaired
• Jewelry: N% Lightning Resistance

+20%/10%/22.1% for Royal (the 5th grade at lvl 60)

XYZ Saphire (Requires Level XY)

• Weapon: +N% Critical Strike Damage to Crowd-Controlled Enemies
• Armor: N% Damage Reduction While Fortified
• Jewelry: N% Cold Resistance

+12%/3%/22.1% for Royal (the 5th grade at lvl 60)

Legendary Aspects / Powers

I will only list the Legendary Aspects that have been selected for the build and the slots in which I advise putting those. For in-depth information you can check my Latest & Older Builds spreadsheet on this link. This build (Twisted Shade) is one of the builds on that spreadsheet.

Helm: Aspect of The Protector / Godslayer Crown OR the Alternative Helm Pick (see notes in the Unique Items section)
Amulet: Aspect of Disobedience
Chest: Aspect of Might
Pants: Aspect of Lethal Dusk / Tibault’s Will
Gloves: Exploiter’s Aspect / Grasp of Shadow
Boots: Mangler’s Aspect
Ring 1: Accelerating Aspect
Ring 2: Aspect of Inner Calm
Main Hand Weapon: Aspect of The Expectant
I recommend using a sword as the 1h weapon
Off-hand Weapon: Rapid Aspect / Condemnation
(I recommend using another sword until the Unique Dagger Condemnation drops)
2-H Weapon: Bladedancer’s Aspect
(I recommend using a Crossbow as the 2H weapon)

Paragon Boards:

Use the link below to check the paragon boards selected and the nodes I’ve taken. On the link you’ll see what the boards will look like at lvl 100 with ALL paragon points spent and fully min-maxed to get the most out of every board BUT it’s base on my gear’s attributes bonuses (DEX, STR, INT) so you may need to reorder some of the floating nodes to make sure you get the double bonus requirements of all rare nodes. Leveling in Season 2 is fast so I no longer will provide a version with less points spent.

MAX LEVEL & MAX Paragon points spent : Click THIS LINK

Suggested Gear Rolls to look out for (in order of priority):

This is the Sorted by Slot list of Top Priority Affixes/Rolls:

Helm:
- Priority 1: Cooldown Reduction
- Priority 2: Maximum Life
- Priority 3: Basic Skill Attack Speed
- Priority 4: Core Stats (Dex, Str, Int, All Stats), Total Armor
Chest:
- Priority 1: Damage Reduction from Close/Distant Enemies,
- Priority 2: Maximum Life, +N% X Resistance, Damage Reduction
- Priority 3: Core Stats (Dex, Int, Str, All Stats), Total Armor
- Priority 4: Imbued/Imbuement Skill Damage, Cutthroat Skill Damage, Damage with Dual-Wielded, +X% Damage, Physical Damage
Gloves:
- Priority 1: + X ranks of Twisting Blades, Critical Strike Chance
- Priority 2: Damage to Injured Enemies, Attack Speed
- Priority 3: Critical Strike Damage to Injured, Critical Strike Chance Against Injured
- Priority 4: Core Stats (Dex, Int, Str, All Stats)
Pants:
- Priority 1: Damage Reduction from Close/Distant Enemies, Damage Reduction while Injured
- Priority 2: Maximum Life, Damage Reduction
- Priority 3: Core Stats (Dex, Int, Str, All Stats)
- Priority 4: Total Armor
Boots:
- Priority 1: Movement Speed, Damage Reduction while Injured
- Priority 2: +N% X Resistance
- Priority 3: Core Stats (Dex, Int, Str, All Stats)
- Priority 4: Energy Cost Reduction
Amulet:
- Priority 1: Cooldown Reduction, Movement Speed
- Priority 2: Damage Reduction from Close/Distant Enemies,
- Priority 3: Imbuement Skill Damage, Cutthroat Skill Damage, Damage with Dual-Wielded, +X Ranks of a Passive you like, Damage Reduction While Injured, Damage Reduction
- Priority 4: Energy Cost Reduction
Rings:
- Priority 1: Critical Strike Damage, Critical Strike Chance, Damage to Crowd Controlled
- Priority 2: Maximum Life
- Priority 3: Vulnerable Damage, Core Skill Damage, Damage to Injured/Close
- Priority 4: Physical/Cutthroat Damage
Main Hand Weapon: See the 2H Weapon Rolls List. Ideally, you’ll get a good high roll of +ALL Stats on the 2h Wep so that you won’t need to roll it on the 1h wep. It’s best to use a sword.
Off-hand Weapon: same stats preferred as main-hand & 2h Wep BUT eventually you’ll use a Unique Dagger here
2-H Weapon:
- Priority 1: Critical Strike Damage, Core Skill Damage, Damage to Crowd Controlled
- Priority 2: (All Stats or Dex), Damage to Close Enemies, Vulnerable Damage
- Priority 3: Damage to Injured Enemies
- Priority 4: Critical Strike Damage with Imbued Skills

This is the UNsorted by list of useful Affixes/Rolls:

Damage Against Crowd Controlled Enemies
Critical Strike Chance/Critical Damage Bonus
Critical Chance / Critical Damage with Physical/Cutthroat/Imbued/Dual-Wielded Skills
Critical Chance/Critical Damage with Core Skills
Damage with Core/Cutthroat/Imbued/Imbuement/Dual-Wielded Skills
Damage Against Close Enemies
+ X Ranks to Core Skills
+ X Ranks to Twisting Blades
Cooldown Reduction
+ Maximum Life
+ All Stats
+ Dexterity, + Strength, + Intelligence
Vulnerable Damage / Damage Against Vulnerable Enemies
Resource/Spirit Cost Reduction
Attack Speed
Damage Reduction while from Close Enemies
Damage Reduction from Distant Enemies
Damage Reduction while Injured
Movement Speed
Resistance to All Elements / to XYZ type
Total Armor
+ X% Damage
Damage vs Injured Enemies
Damage vs Healthy Enemies
Damage while Healthy
Critical Strike Chance Against Injured Enemies
Physical/Cutthroat/Imbued/Dual-Wielded Skill Damage Bonus
Energy Generation / Regeneration / On Kill
Lucky Hit Chance

Higher Priority

Lucky Hit Chance with Physical/Cutthroat/Imbued/Dual-Wielded Skill Damage
Damage Reduction from Enemies That Are Poisoned
Barrier Generation
Lucky Hit: Up to a 5% chance to Restore +X% Primary Resource
Weapon Damage (not sure if there are any bonuses to that as rolls)
Lucky Hit: Up to a 5% chance to Heal +X Life
Lucky Hit: Up to a +X% Chance to Execute Injured Non-Elites

Lower Priority

Useful Links (Spreadsheets & more):

For all of my Diablo IV Latest Season 2 & Older (Post-Launch, RDY-4-Launch) Theorycrafts/Builds: This Spreadsheet

For my Diablo IV Class Skill Trees (can be used as mini-calculator): This Spreadsheet

For all of my Diablo IV Pre-Launch Theorycrafts/Builds: This Spreadsheet

♦ ◊ ♦ ◊ ♦

This concludes the Twisted Shade Rogue Build for Diablo IV. If you’re interested in the game below are links to the various platforms where one can buy it (you can just click the links to open a new tab):

PC (Battle.Net, Steam)

BIG GRIZZ 4.0 Druid Build for Diablo IV [Top Werebear Synegy]

BIG GRIZZ 4.0 Druid BUILD for Diablo IV S2 [Top Werebear Synegy]

(BIG GRIZZ IS BACK and it’s still got that BIG GRIZZ energy, it’s angrier than ever before, yet still feels beary tanky)

♦ ◊ ♦ ◊ ♦

Diablo IV Season 2 (Season of the Blood) started on October 17th, 2023 for Players on PC (Battle.Net & Steam), XBOX, & PlayStation). After extensive testing, I bring you a Werebear Druid with the TOP Synergy for the archetype. The build’s easy to gear up & get things going but requires 1 non-codex aspect. 2 out of 4 Uniques are relatively easy to get from Uber Bosses too. As usual, I’ll evolve & keep my builds updated. This is one such build for the Druid Class called BIG Grizz 4.0.

I’ve also made spreadsheets for my builds (see the links below) that have shortlisted the active and passive skills + legendary aspect + unique item + gems & sockets + suggested stat rolls + paragon boards that work well with the build which you can use to tinker. Alternatively, I’ve added a link to a new build calculator/planner that I’ll be using from now on as well which seems amazing.

This build will be updated when needed.

Video Version:

Skill Trees

Below you’ll see ONLY the Active & Passive skills that were selected for this build. For additional skills that can be taken + alternative skill options, you can check my Latest & older Builds spreadsheet on this link. This build (BIG Grizz 4.0) is one of the builds on that spreadsheet.

Basic Skill (Resource Generator/Builder) (Required Points: 0)

(active – ONLY put 1 point here) Maul – Shapeshift into a Werebear and maul enemies in front of you, dealing 21% (X-?) damage.
Lucky Hit Chance: 30%
Type: Shapeshifting ; Damage: Physical Generates: 11 Spirit
- (1st upgrade) Enhanced Maul – If an enemy is hit by Maul, then Fortify for 2% of your Maximum Life.
- (2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Fierce Maul – Increases the range and radius of Maul by 25%.

Spirit / Core Skill(s) (Resource Spender) (Required Points: 2 )

(active) Pulverize – Shapeshift into a Werebear and slam the ground, dealing 50% (X-?) damage to nearby enemies.
Lucky Hit Chance: 33% | Type: Shapeshifting ; Damage: Physical
Spirit Cost: 35
(1st upgrade) Enhanced Pulverize – Your next Pulverize will Overpower every 12 seconds while you remain Healthy.
(2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Primal Pulverize – Enemies hit with Pulverize deal 20% reduced damage for 4 seconds.
(passive) Predatory Instinct – Critical Strike Chance against nearby enemies is increased by +3%/+6%/+9%.
- (upgrade) Iron Fur – You gain 3%/6%/9% Damage Reduction while in Werebear form. This bonus persists for 3 seconds after leaving Werebear form.
- (upgrade – did NOT take cuz it’s a Werewolf synergy) Digitigrate Gait
(passive) did not pick other Spirit/Core passives to save points

Defensive Skills (Required Points: 6 ) I took both of the Defensive skills listed below

(active – ONLY put 1 point here) Earthen Bulwark – Rocks surround you for 3 seconds, granting a Barrier that absorbs 45% of your Base Life in damage.
Lucky Hit Chance: 50%
Cooldown: 16 seconds | Type: Earth Magic ; Damage: Physical
(1st upgrade) Enhanced Earthen Bulwark – Earthen Bulwark makes you Unstoppable while active.
(2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Preserving Earthen Bulwark – Casting Earthen Bulwark grants 18% Maximum Life as Fortify.

(active – ONLY put 1 point here) Debilitating Roar – Shapeshift into a Werebear and bellow a mighty roar, reducing Nearby enemies’ damage dealt by 70% for 4 seconds.
Cooldown: 22 seconds | Type: Shapeshifting
(1st upgrade) Enhanced Debilitating Roar – Debilitating Roar also Fortifies you for 22% Maximum Life.
(2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Preserving Debilitating Roar – Debilitating Roar also heals you for 4% of your maximum Life each second for its duration.
(passive) did not pick any Defensive passives to save points

Companion Skills (Required Points: 11 ) I did NOT take a companion

(active) DID NOT TAKE a Companion active due to using already full skillbar
(1st upgrade)
(2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2)
(passive) did not pick any Companion passives to save points

Wrath Skills (Required Points: 16 )

(active – ONLY put 1 point here) Trample – Shapeshift into a Werebear , become Unstoppable, and charge forward, dealing 25% (X-?) damage and Knocking Back enemies. Enemies who are Knocked Back into terrain take an additional 45% (X-?) damage and are Stunned for 3 seconds.
Lucky Hit Chance: 20%
Cooldown: 14 seconds | Type: Shapeshifting ; Damage: Physical
(1st upgrade) Enhanced Trample – Trample deals 150% bonus damage. This bonus is reduced by 50% (multiplicative) for each enemy hit after the first.
(2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Savage Trample – Casting Trample grants 40 Spirit.
(passive – ONLY put 1 point here) Crushing Earth – Earth Skills deal 5%/10%/15% (multiplicative) increased damage to Slowed, Stunned, Immobilized or Knocked Back enemies.
- (upgrade) Stone Guard – While Fortified for over 50% of your maximum Life, your Earth Skills deal 4%/8%/12% (multiplicative) increased damage.
- (upgrade) Safeguard – Critical Strikes with Earth Skills Fortify you for 2%/4%/7% Maximum Life.
(passive – ONLY put 1 point here) Mending – While in Werebear form, you receive +5%/+10%/+15% additional healing from all sources.
- (upgrade) Provocation – When you remain in Werebear form for at least 24/20/16 seconds, your next Skill will Overpower.
(passive) did not pick any other Wrath passives to save points but there are some worth considering

Ultimate Skills (Required Points: 23)

(active) Grizzly Rage – Shapeshift into a Dire Werebear for 10 seconds gaining 20% (multiplicative) bonus damage and 20% damage reduction. Damage bonus is increased by 3% each second while in this form. Kills extend the duration by 1 second up to 10 additional seconds.
Cooldown: 60 seconds Type: Shapeshifting
(1st upgrade) Prime Grizzly Rage – Grizzly Rage grants you Unstoppable for 6 seconds.
(2nd upgrade) Supreme Grizzly Rage – Gain 8% Maximum Life as Fortify per second while Grizzly Rage is active.
(passive) Defiance – Nature Magic skills deal 4% (multiplicative) increased damage to Elites.
- (upgrade) Natural Disaster – Your Earth Skills deal 4%/8%/12% (multiplicative) increased damage to Vulnerable enemies.
  Your Storm Skills deal 4%/8%/12% (multiplicative) increased damage to enemies that are Stunned, Immobilized, or Knocked Back.
- (upgrade – did NOT pick to save points) Circle of Life
- (upgrade – did NOT pick to save points) Resonance
(passive) Defensive Posture – Increases the amount of Fortify you gain from all sources by +5%/+10%/+15%.
- (upgrade – did NOT pick to save points) Thick Hide
- (upgrade) Nature’s Resolve – 5%/10%/15% chance when struck to Fortify you for 4% Maximum Life.
- (upgrade – did NOT pick to save points) Unrestrained
(passive – ONLY put 1 point here) Quickshift – After Shapeshifting into a different form, your next skill deals 5%/10%/15% (multiplicative) increased damage.
- (upgrade) Heightened Senses – Upon shapeshifting into a Werewolf or Werebear, gain 4%/8%/12% damage reduction against Elites for 5 seconds.
- (upgrade) Natural Fortitude – Shapeshifting Fortifies you for 1%/3%/4% Maximum Life.
(passive) did not pick other Ultimate passives to save points

Key Passive / Capstone (Required Points: 33 )

(passive) Ursine Strength – Gain 20% (multiplicative) additional maximum Life while in Werebear form and for 3 seconds after leaving Werebear form. While Healthy, deal 25% (multiplicative) increased damage, and 25% (multiplicative) increased Overpower damage.

Seasonal Mechanic (Vampiric Powers):

Powers Used:
Blood Boil = eternity 6
Accursed Touch = divinity 6
Prey on the Weak = ferocity 2
Sanguine Brace = divinity 1 + eternity 1
Anticipation = divinity 1

Class Mechanic (Spirit Boons):

Eagle Category: take those two
- Scythe Talons: +5% Critical Strike Chance.
- Avian Wrath: +30% Critical Strike Damage.
Deer Category: take this one
- Wariness: Take 10% reduced damage from Elites
Snake Category: IMPORTANT TO NOTE that the best pick for mobbing is terrible for single target here!
That best pick is Obsidian Slam: Every 20th kill will case your next Earth Skill to Overpower.
As it’s obvious, while it’s a 1on1 fight it’s practically useless. Thus, you may temporarily swap it out for 99% of the boss fights that won’t have constant minions/summons, especially for uber bosses. As replacement, there are two decent picks here so choose whichever you like based on whether you need more survivability or ultimate CDR
- option 1) Masochistic: Critical Strikes with Shapeshifting Skills heal you for 3% of your maximum Life.
- option 2) Calm Before the Storm: Lucky Hit: Nature Magic Skills (Earth & Storm) have up to a 15% chance to reduce the Cooldown of your Ultimate Skill by 2 seconds.
Wolf Category: There are also two decent picks here. I personally think Energize is the best fit since Bolster‘s Survivability is no longer needed and Calamity‘s duration increase only counts Grizzly Rage‘s base duration and not the bonus from the aspect when counting those 25%. Pick based on whether you need more spirit regen or longer Ultimates.
- option 1) Energize: Lucky Hit: Dealing damage has up to a 15% chance to restore 10 Spirit.
- option 2) Calamity: Extend the duration of Ultimate Skills by 25%.

Unique Items

Top Pick Uniques for the Build

Insatiable Fury (Chest Armor)

Werebear form is now your true form, and you gain +3 Ranks to all Werebear Skills.

+[10.5 – 17.5]% Physical Damage
+[84 – 126%] Overpower Damage
+[4.9 – 10.5]% Damage Reduction while Fortified
+[25.5 – 46.5]% Total Armor while in Werebear Form

When the Days of Ash began, the great druid Nafain reminded his disciples that nothing, not even the loss of their humanity, was too great a sacrifice to protect Túr Dúlra from Astaroth’s flames.

Vasily’s Prayer (Helm) This one’s currently broken and the Fortify it gives does not scale with level/item power so it’s only half good/half worth it.

Your Earth Skills are now also Werebear Skills and Fortify you for N.

+[10.5 – 17.5]% Damage while Shapeshifted
+[42 – 63%] Overpower Damage
+[X – Y] Maximum Life
+[19 – 40]% Lightning Resistance

“Roots from the Great Oak growing at the seaward statue of Vasily will, on rare occasions, be found twisted back upon themselves, suffused with ferocious magic.” – Barrett’s Book of Implements

Alternative Choice 1: Harlequin Crest (Helm) Right now this seems like a very good option considering how broken Vasily’s Prayer is. It’s acceptable to loose the ability to cast Earthen Bulwark during grizzly rage if it means using a helmet with stats and bonuses that the Shako/Harlequin Crest provides.

Gain [5-8%] Damage Reduction. In addition, gain +[4] Ranks to All Skills.

[N] Maximum Life
X% Cooldown Reduction
+12% Resource Generation
+[28] All Stats

“This headdress was once worn by an assassin disguised as a court mage. Her treachery was unveiled, but not before she used its magic to curse the king’s entire lineage.” – The Fall of House Aston

Alternative Choice 2: Godslayer Crown (Helm) Right now this also seems like a very good option considering how broken Vasily’s Prayer is. It’s acceptable to loose the ability to cast Earthen Bulwark during grizzly rage if it means using a helmet with stats, CC and massive DPS boost that the Godslayer Crown provides.

When you Stun, Freeze, or Immobilize an Elite enemy, or damage a Boss, it pulls in nearby enemies. You deal x[30-60]% increased damage to them for 3 seconds. This effect can only occur once every 12 seconds.

+[4.2 – 7]% Cooldown Reduction
+[X – Y] Maximum Life
+[10.5 – 17.5]% Damage
+[5 – 12]% Crowd Control Duration

“The Sahptev faithful believe in a thousand and one gods. If it takes me as many lifetimes, I will find and kill them all.” – Gaspar Stilbian, Veradani Outcast

Banished Lord’s Talisman (Amulet)

+[X]% Resistance to All Elements

After you spend 300 of your Primary Resource, your next Core Skill is guaranteed to Overpower. Your Critical Strikes that Overpower deal x[80-120]% increased damage.

+[5 – 12]% Resource Generation
+[21 – 42] Overpower Damage
+[1.8 – 5]% Critical Strike Chance
+1 Ranks of All Core Skills (note: this goes to +2 when fully upgrade to 5/5)

Tibault’s Will (Pants)

While Injured, Your Potion Also Restores 20% Resource You deal x[20-40]% increased damage while Unstoppable and for 4 seconds after. When you become Unstoppable, gain 50 of your Primary Resource.

+[2 – 3] Potion Capacity
+[7 – 14]% Damage Reduction from Close Enemies
+[10.5 – 17.5]% Damage
+[5 – 13] Maximum Resource

“The younger apprentices think wearing heavy plate in the swamps is foolish. They fail to understand that our armor is our legacy, and without it we are nothing.” – Crusader Pembroke

Sockets & Gems

There are various possible good/viable choices for the gem slots. I’ve shortlisted what works by slot. I’d recommend picking one of those:

Weps: Ruby. (if you don’t have any use Emerald for a bit)
Armor: Ruby or Saphire/Topaz (dmg reduction can help you needed in higher tier NM dungeons).
Jewelry: Diamond unless you need specific resistance more than all.

XYZ Ruby (Requires Level XY)

• Weapon: +N% Overpower Damage
• Armor: +N% Maximum Life
• Jewelry: N% Fire Resistance

+24%/+4.0%/22.1% for Royal (the 5th grade at lvl 60)

XYZ Topaz (Requires Level XY)

• Weapon: +N% Basic Skill Damage
• Armor: N% Damage Reduction While Control Impaired
• Jewelry: N% Lightning Resistance

+20%/10%/22.1% for Royal (the 5th grade at lvl 60)

XYZ Saphire (Requires Level XY)

• Weapon: +N% Critical Strike Damage to Crowd-Controlled Enemies
• Armor: N% Damage Reduction While Fortified
• Jewelry: N% Cold Resistance

+12%/3%/22.1% for Royal (the 5th grade at lvl 60)

Legendary Aspects / Powers

I will only list the Legendary Aspects that have been selected for the build and the slots in which I advise putting those. For in-depth information you can check my Latest & Older Builds spreadsheet on this link. This build (BIG Grizz 4.0) is one of the builds on that spreadsheet.

Helm: Aspect of Disobedience / Vasily’s Prayer OR 1 of the Alternative Helm Picks (see notes in the Unique Items section)
Amulet: Aspect of Retaliation / Banished Lord’s Talisman
Chest: Aspect of Might / Insatiable Fury
Pants: Aspect of Mending Stone / Tibault’s Will goes here
Gloves: Aspect of the Rampaging Werebeast
Boots: Ballistic Aspect
Ring 1: Aspect of The Ursine Horror
Ring 2: Raw Might Aspect
Main Hand Weapon: I recommend using a 2h Hammer
Off-hand Totem: I recommend using a 2h Hammer
2-H Weapon: Shockwave Aspect
(I recommend using a 2H Hammer as a weapon. With a 1h weapon + off-hand totem you can get quite a bit less dps but more utility (cooldown reduction, spirit cost reduction, etc.) so if you decide to do that a 1h Mace/Hammer will be the best choice)

Paragon Boards:

Use the link below to check the paragon boards selected and the nodes I’ve taken. On the link you’ll see what the boards will look like at lvl 100 with ALL paragon points spent and fully min-maxed to get the most out of every board BUT it’s base on my gear’s attributes bonuses (WIL, DEX, INT) so you may need to reorder some of the floating nodes to make sure you get the double bonus requirements of all rare nodes. Leveling in Season 2 is fast so I no longer will provide a version with less points spent.

MAX LEVEL & MAX Paragon points spent : Click THIS LINK

Suggested Gear Rolls to look out for (in order of priority):

This is the Sorted by Slot list of Top Priority Affixes/Rolls:

Helm:
- Priority 1: Cooldown Reduction
- Priority 2: Maximum Life, Basic Skill Attack Speed
- Priority 3: Core Stats (Wil, Dex, Int, All Stats), Total Armor
- Priority 4: Maximum Spirit
Chest:
- Priority 1: Damage Reduction from Close/Distant Enemies, Damage Reduction while Fortified, Overpower Damage with Werebear Skills
- Priority 2: Maximum Life, + X% Damage, Damage Reduction
- Priority 3: Core Stats (Wil, Dex, Int, All Stats), +x Ranks to Debilitating Roar/Earthen Bulwark, Total Armor
- Priority 4: Damage while Shapeshifted, Werebear Skill Damage, Earth Skill Damage, Earth Damage, Physical Damage
Gloves:
- Priority 1: + X ranks of Pulverize, Overpower Damage, Critical Strike Chance
- Priority 2: Damage to Injured Enemies, Attack Speed
- Priority 3: Earth Skill Cooldown Reduction, Lucky Hit Chance, Earth Critical Strike Damage, Critical Strike Damage with Werebear Skills
- Priority 4: Core Stats (Wil, Dex, Int, All Stats), Critical Strike Chance Against Injured Enemies
Pants:
- Priority 1: Damage Reduction from Close/Distant Enemies, Damage Reduction while Fortified
- Priority 2: Maximum Life, Damage Reduction while Injured
- Priority 3: + X ranks of Trample, Core Stats (Wil, Dex, Int, All Stats), Total Armor while in Werebear Form
- Priority 4: Total Armor, Damage Reduction
Boots:
- Priority 1: Movement Speed, Damage Reduction while Injured
- Priority 2: Spirit Cost Reduction
- Priority 3: Core Stats (Wil, Dex, Int, All Stats), Total Armor while in Werebear Form
- Priority 4: Total Armor while in Werewolf Form
Amulet:
- Priority 1: Cooldown Reduction, +X Ranks of Wrath Skills, Movement Speed
- Priority 2: Maximum Life, +X Ranks of a Passive you like, Storm Skill Cooldown Reduction
- Priority 3:Damage while Shapeshifted, Werewolf/Storm Skill Damage, +X% Damage, Damage Reduction from Close or Distant Enemies/While Injured/While Fortified, Damage Reduction from Enemies That Are Poisoned
- Priority 4: Spirit Cost Reduction
Rings:
- Priority 1: Vulnerable Damage, Critical Strike Damage, Core Skill Damage
- Priority 2: Maximum Life, Critical Strike Chance, Damage to Injured/Close/Poisoned Enemies
- Priority 3: Physical/Lightning Damage, Lucky Hit Chance
- Priority 4: Resource Generation, Fortify Generation
Main Hand Weapon: See the 2H Weapon Rolls List
Off-hand Totem: if you decide to use 1H + Totem
- Priority 1: Cooldown Reduction, Critical Strike Chance
- Priority 2: Spirit Cost Reduction
- Priority 3: Lucky Hit Chance, Core Stats (Int, Dex, Wil, All Stats), Damage Reduction while Fortified
- Priority 4: Fortify Generation, Up to a 5% Chance to Restore X% Primary Resource, Critical Chance Against Injured
2-H Weapon: See the 1H Weapon Rolls List
- Priority 1: Vulnerable Damage, Critical Strike Damage, Core Skill Damage
- Priority 2: Damage to Injured Enemies, Damage to Close Enemies
- Priority 3: Critical Strike Damage with Werewolf Skills, Lightning Critical Strike Damage, Damage to Poisoned Enemies
- Priority 4: Core Stats (Wil, Dex, Int, All Stats)

This is the UNsorted by list of useful Affixes/Rolls:

Overpower / Overpower with Werebear Skills
Critical Strike Chance/Critical Damage Bonus
Critical Chance / Critical Damage with Physical/Earth/Nature/Shapeshifting/Werebear Skills
Critical Chance/Critical Damage with Core/Basic Skills
Damage with Core/Basic/Nature/Earth/Shapeshifting/Werebear Skills
Damage Against Close Enemies
+ X Ranks to Core/Defensive/Wrath Skills
+ X Ranks to Pulverizee/Debilitating Roar/Earthen Bulwark/Trample
Cooldown Reduction
+ Maximum Life
+ All Stats
+ Willpower, + Dexterity, + Intelligence
Vulnerable Damage / Damage Against Vulnerable Enemies
Resource/Spirit Cost Reduction
Attack Speed
Damage Reduction while from Close Enemies
Damage Reduction while Fortified
Damage Reduction while Injured
Movement Speed
Resistance to All Elements
Total Armor / Total Armor in Werebear Form
+ X% Damage
Damage vs Injured Enemies
Damage vs Healthy Enemies
Damage while Healthy
Critical Strike Chance Against Injured Enemies
Physical/Earth Skill Damage Bonus
Spirit Generation / Regeneration / On Kill
Lucky Hit Chance

Higher Priority

Lucky Hit Chance with Physical/Earth/Nature/Shapeshifting/Werebear Skill Damage
Damage Reduction from Enemies That Are Poisoned
Damage Against Crowd Controlled Enemies
Lucky Hit: Up to a 5% chance to Restore +X% Primary Resource
Fortify Generation
Lucky Hit: Up to a 5% chance to Heal +X Life
Barrier Generation
Lucky Hit: Up to a +X% Chance to Execute Injured Non-Elites
Weapon Damage (not sure if there are any bonuses to that as rolls)

Lower Priority

Useful Links (Spreadsheets & more):

For all of my Diablo IV Latest Season 2 & Older (Post-Launch, RDY-4-Launch) Theorycrafts/Builds: This Spreadsheet

For my Diablo IV Class Skill Trees (can be used as mini-calculator): This Spreadsheet

For all of my Diablo IV Pre-Launch Theorycrafts/Builds: This Spreadsheet

♦ ◊ ♦ ◊ ♦

This concludes the BIG Grizz 4.0 Druid Build for Diablo IV. If you’re interested in the game below are links to the various platforms where one can buy it (you can just click the links to open a new tab):

PC (Battle.Net, Steam)

Storm Lord 3.0 Druid Build for Diablo IV [S- Tier Potential]

Storm Lord 3.0 Druid BUILD for Diablo IV [S- Tier Potential]

(call upon the forces of Nature, embrace your Inner Wolf, & Claw your foes to Smite them with wrathful Storm Strikes)

♦ ◊ ♦ ◊ ♦

Diablo IV launched on June 6th, 2023 for PC (Battle.Net), XBOX, & PlayStation) and I’ve had my fair share of playing and testing done. I’m already making full Builds/Theorycrafts that work for both ‘fresh-into-endgame’ characters as well as late endgame. I’ll evolve & keep them updated when we get major rebalance updates. This is one such build for the Druid Class called Storm Lord 3.0.

I’ve also made spreadsheets for my builds (see the links below) that have shortlisted the active and passive skills + legendary aspect + unique item + gems & sockets + suggested stat rolls + paragon boards that work well with the build which you can use to tinker. Alternatively, I’ve added build calculator links (mostly needed for the paragons)

This build will be updated when needed.

Video Version:

Skill Trees

Below you’ll see ONLY the Active & Passive skills that were selected for this build. For additional skills that can be taken + alternative skill options, you can check my RDY-4-Launch Builds spreadsheet on this link. This build (Storm Lord 3.0) is one of the builds on that spreadsheet.

Basic Skill (Resource Generator/Builder) (Required Points: 0)

(active) Claw – Shapeshift into a Werewolf and shred an enemy, dealing 20% (X-?) damage.
Lucky Hit Chance: 50%
Type: Shapeshifting ; Damage: Physical Generates: 9 Spirit
- (1st upgrade) Enhanced Claw – Claw’s Attack Speed is increased by +10%.
- (2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Fierce Claw – Claw applies 10% (X) poisoning damage over 3 seconds.

Spirit / Core Skill(s) (Resource Spender) (Required Points: 2)

(active) Tornado – Conjure a swirling tornado that deals 35% (X-?) damage.
Lucky Hit Chance: 33%
Type: Storm Magic ; Damage: Physical | Spirit Cost: 40
- (1st upgrade) Enhanced Tornado – Each time you cast Tornado, you have a 20% chance to spawn an additional Tornado.
- (2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Raging Tornado – Enemies hit with Tornado have a 10% chance to become Vulnerable for 3 seconds.
(passive – ONLY put 1 point here) Heart of the Wild – Maximum Spirit is increased by 3/6/9.
- (upgrade – did NOT take to save points) Wild Impulses
- (upgrade) Abundance Basic Skills generate 6%/12%/18% (multiplicative) more Spirit.
(passive) Predatory Instinct – Critical Strike Chance against nearby enemies is increased by +3%/+6%/+9%.
- (upgrade – did NOT take as its’ Werebear synergy) Iron Fur
- (upgrade – did NOT take to save points) Digitigrate Gait / Lycanthropic Speed
(passive) did not pick other Spirit/Core passives to save points

Defensive Skills (Required Points: 6 ) I took both of the Defensive skills listed below

(active – ONLY put 1 point here) Earthen Bulwark – Rocks surround you for 3 seconds, granting a Barrier that absorbs 45% of your Base Life in damage.
Lucky Hit Chance: 50%
Cooldown: 16 seconds | Type: Earth Magic ; Damage: Physical
(1st upgrade) Enhanced Earthen Bulwark – Earthen Bulwark makes you Unstoppable while active.
(2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Preserving Earthen Bulwark – Casting Earthen Bulwark grants 18% Base Life as Fortify.

(active – ONLY put 1 point here) Debilitating Roar – Shapeshift into a Werebear and bellow a mighty roar, reducing Nearby enemies’ damage dealt by 50% for 4 seconds.
Cooldown: 22 seconds | Type: Shapeshifting
(1st upgrade) Enhanced Debilitating Roar – Debilitating Roar also Fortifies you for 22% Base Life.
(2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Preserving Debilitating Roar – Debilitating Roar also heals you for 4% of your maximum Life each second for its duration.
(passive) did not pick any Defensive passives to save points

Companion Skills (Required Points: 11 ) I did NOT take a companion

(active) DID NOT TAKE a Companion active due to using already full skillbar
(1st upgrade)
(2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2)
(passive) did not pick any Companion passives to save points

Wrath Skills (Required Points: 16 )

(active – ONLY put 1 point here) Hurricane – Form a hurricane around you that deals 97% (X-?) damage to surrounding enemies over 8 seconds.
Lucky Hit Chance: 33%
Cooldown: 20 seconds | Type: Storm Magic ; Damage: Physical
(1st upgrade) Enhanced Hurricane – Enemies who are damaged by Hurricane are Slowed by 25% for 2 seconds.
(2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2)Savage Hurricane – Enemies affected by Hurricane deal 20% less damage.
(passive – ONLY put 1 point here) Elemental Exposure – Lucky Hit: Your Storm Skills have up to 20% chance to make enemies Vulnerable for 1/2/3 second(s).
- (upgrade) Endless Tempest – Increase the duration of Hurricane and Cataclysm by 5%/10%/15% (multiplicative). This node is ONLY required to unlock Bad Omen BUT you’ll also need a point in Atmosphere for Bad Omen
- (upgrade – did NOT take to save points) Charged Atmosphere
- (upgrade – did NOT take to save points) Bad Omen
- (upgrade – did NOT take to save points) Electric Shock
(passive) did not pick any other Wrath passives to save points but there are some worth considering

Ultimate Skills (Required Points: 23)

(active) Cataclysm – A massive storm follows you for 8 seconds. Tornadoes Knock Back enemies, and lightning strikes wildly dealing 52% (X-?) damage.
Lucky Hit Chance: 82%
Cooldown: 80 seconds | Type: Storm Magic ; Damage: Lightning
(1st upgrade) Prime Cataclysm – Cataclysm’s duration is increased by 2 seconds.
(2nd upgrade) Supreme Cataclysm – Lightning strikes from Cataclysm make enemies Vulnerable for 2 seconds.
(passive) Defiance – Nature Magic skills deal 4% (multiplicative) increased damage to Elites.
- (upgrade – did NOT pick to save points) Natural Disaster
- (upgrade – did NOT pick to save points) Circle of Life
- (upgrade – did NOT pick to save points) Resonance
(passive) Defensive Posture – Increases the amount of Fortify you gain from all sources by +5%/+10%/+15%.
- (upgrade – did NOT pick to save points) Thick Hide
- (upgrade) Nature’s Resolve – 5%/10%/15% chance when struck to Fortify you for 4% Base Life.
- (upgrade – did NOT pick to save points) Unrestrained
(passive – ONLY put 1 point here) Quickshift – After Shapeshifting into a different form, your next skill deals 5%/10%/15% (multiplicative) increased damage.
- (upgrade) Heightened Senses – Upon shapeshifting into a Werewolf or Werebear, gain 4%/8%/12% damage reduction against Elites for 5 seconds.
- (upgrade) Natural Fortitude – Shapeshifting Fortifies you for 1%/3%/4% Base Life.
(passive) did not pick other Ultimate passives to save points

Key Passive / Capstone (Required Points: 33 )

(passive) Lupine Ferocity – Every 6th Werewolf skill hit Critically Strikes and deals 60% (multiplicative) increased damage.

Class Mechanic (Spirit Boons):

Eagle Category: take those two
- Scythe Talons: +5% Critical Strike Chance.
- Avian Wrath +30% Critical Strike Damage.
Deer Category: take this one
- Wariness: Take 10% reduced damage from Elites
Snake Category: two decent picks here so choose whichever you like based on whether you need more survivability or ultimate CDR
- option 1) Masochistic: Critical Strikes with Shapeshifting Skills heal you for 3% of your maximum Life.
- option 2) Calm Before the Storm: Lucky Hit: Nature Magic Skills (Earth & Storm) have up to a 15% chance to reduce the Cooldown of your Ultimate Skill by 2 seconds.
Wolf Category: There are also two decent picks here. Pick based on whether you need longer Ultimates or more survivability.
- option 1) Calamity: Extend the duration of Ultimate Skills by 25%.
- option 2) Bolster: Fortify for 10% of your Maximum Life when you use a Defensive Skill

Note: Obsidian Slam on the Snake Category is also a very interesting synergy with this build worth considering for mobbing but won’t be great on Boss figh

Unique Items

Top Pick Uniques for the Build

Greatstaff of the Crone (Staff)

+[17.5%] Damage to Crowd Controlled Enemies

Claw is now a Storm Skill and also casts Storm Strike at [120 – 150]% normal damage.

+[16.5 – 23.5]% Damage to Close Enemies
+[9.5 – 16.5]% Damage to Crowd Controlled Enemies
+[7 – 14]% Non-Physical Damage
+[X – 9] Ranks of Claw

“She has existed in Scosglen since before Fiacla-Géar walked the land. Her purpose is a mystery to us all. However, approach her with deference; she may grant you her counsel.” – Airidah, to Donan

Tempest Roar (Helm)

Lucky Hit: Storm Skills have up to a [15 – 25]% chance to grant 10 Spirit. Your base Storm Skills are now also Werewolf Skills

+[7 – 14]% Damage while Shapeshifted
[24.5 – 45.5]% Poison Resistance
+[16 – 24] Maximum Spirit
[0.031 – 0.073] Life On Kill

“Listen, child, to the music of the storm. It has its own rhythm. Its own melody. Hear how beautifully it sings, and perhaps one day you will be able to join in its harmony.” – Airidah

Sockets & Gems

There are various possible good/viable choices for the gem slots. I’ve shortlisted what works by slot. I’d recommend picking one of those:

Weps: Emerald is what this build needs most BUT worth trying Topaz too
Armor: Ruby or Saphire/Topaz (dmg reduction is very needed in high tier NM dungeons).
Jewelry: Skull for Armor until they rework resistances. After the rework: Diamond unless you need specific resistance more than all.

XYZ Skull (Requires Level XY)

• Weapon: +N Life On Kill
• Armor: +N% Healing Received
• Jewelry: +N Armor

+24/+5%/+250 for Royal (the 5th grade at lvl 60)

XYZ Ruby (Requires Level XY)

• Weapon: +N% Overpower Damage
• Armor: +N% Maximum Life
• Jewelry: N% Fire Resistance

+24%/+4.0%/22.1% for Royal (the 5th grade at lvl 60)

XYZ Topaz (Requires Level XY)

• Weapon: +N% Basic Skill Damage
• Armor: N% Damage Reduction While Control Impaired
• Jewelry: N% Lightning Resistance

+20%/10%/22.1% for Royal (the 5th grade at lvl 60)

XYZ Saphire (Requires Level XY)

• Weapon: +N% Critical Strike Damage to Crowd-Controlled Enemies
• Armor: N% Damage Reduction While Fortified
• Jewelry: N% Cold Resistance

+12%/3%/22.1% for Royal (the 5th grade at lvl 60)

Legendary Aspects / Powers

I will only list the Legendary Aspects that have been selected for the build and the slots in which I advise putting those. For in-depth information you can check my RDY-4-Launch Builds spreadsheet on this link. This build (Storm Lord 3.0) is one of the builds on that spreadsheet.

Helm: Aspect of Disobedience / Tempest Roar (see notes below)
Amulet: Eluding Aspect
Chest: Aspect of Might
Pants: Vigorous Aspect
Gloves: Aspect of the Dark Howl
Boots: Stormshifter’s Aspect
Ring 1: Accelerating Aspect / Rapid Aspect (see notes below)
Ring 2: Stormchaser’s Aspect
Main Hand Weapon: I recommend using a 2h axe before you get the unique Staff
Off-hand Totem: I recommend using a 2h axe before you get the unique Staff
2-H Weapon: Rapid Aspect / Greatstaff of the Crone (see notes below)
(I recommend using a 2H Axe as a weapon until Greatstaff of the Crone drops. With a 1h weapon + off-hand totem you can get a bit less dps but more utility (cooldown reduction, spirit cost reduction, etc.) so if you decide to do that a 1h Axe will be the best choice)

NOTES: How to re-arrange if using any of the Uniques:

- For Tempest Roar (Helm): Aspect of Disobedience gets removed from the Helm slot to make room for the Unique Helm.
- For Greatstaff of the Crone (2h Staff): Accelerating Aspect gets removed from the Ring 1 slot. Then, Rapid Aspect goes into the, now empty, Ring 1 slot to make room for the 2H Staff.

Additional Note: Since on higher Nightmare dungeon Tiers damage reduction is too important, the unique werewolf chest armor (Mad Wolf's Glee) is not recommended. BUT you can use if it drops for you up until around NMD Tiers 50-60, especially if you're maxed out and speed-running those tiers.

Paragon Boards:

Use the links below to check the paragon boards selected and the nodes I’ve taken. One link is for what the boards will look like at lvl 91 with 186 paragon points (so more paragon points will be obtained on the way to 100). The other link is what the boards will look like when fully maxed out on paragon points.

186/223 Paragon Pts. (~LVL 91 with renown & altar pts): Click THIS LINK
MAX LEVEL & MAX Paragon points spent (223/223): Click THIS LINK

Suggested Gear Rolls to look out for (NOT in order of priority):

I’ve shortlisted 36 different affixes that work well with the build of almost 300 total. I’ll highlight in Orange the ones I think should get higher priority. NOTE: I’ve added a new “Top Priority per Slot” list but left the old unsorted list below it.

This is the Sorted by Slot list of Top Priority Affixes/Rolls:

Helm:
- Priority 1: Cooldown Reduction
- Priority 2: Maximum Life, Basic Skill Attack Speed
- Priority 3: Core Stats (Int, Dex, Wil, All Stats), Maximum Spirit
- Priority 4: Total Armor
Chest:
- Priority 1: Damage Reduction from Close/Distant Enemies, Damage Reduction while Fortified
- Priority 2: Maximum Life, + X% Damage, Damage Reduction from Enemies That Are Poisoned
- Priority 3: Core Stats (Int, Dex, Wil, All Stats), +x Ranks to Debilitating Roar/Earthen Bulwark, Total Armor
- Priority 4: Damage while Shapeshifted, Werewolf Skill Damage, Storm Skill Damage, Lightning Damage, Physical Damage
Gloves:
- Priority 1: + X ranks of Tornado
- Priority 2: Critical Strike Chance, Damage to Injured Enemies, Attack Speed
- Priority 3: Storm Skill Cooldown Reduction, Lucky Hit Chance, Lightning Critical Strike Damage, Critical Strike Damage with Werewolf Skills
- Priority 4: Core Stats (Int, Dex, Wil, All Stats), Critical Strike Chance Against Injured Enemies
Pants:
- Priority 1: Damage Reduction from Close/Distant Enemies, Damage Reduction while Fortified
- Priority 2: Maximum Life, Damage Reduction while Injured
- Priority 3: + X ranks of Hurricane, Core Stats (Int, Dex, Wil, All Stats)
- Priority 4: Total Armor, Damage Reduction
Boots:
- Priority 1: Movement Speed, Damage Reduction while Injured
- Priority 2: Energy Cost Reduction
- Priority 3: Core Stats (Int, Dex, Wil, All Stats), Fortify Generation
- Priority 4: Total Armor while in Werewolf Form
Amulet:
- Priority 1: Cooldown Reduction, +X Ranks of Wrath Skills, Movement Speed
- Priority 2: Maximum Life, +X Ranks of a Passive you like, Storm Skill Cooldown Reduction
- Priority 3:Damage while Shapeshifted, Werewolf/Storm Skill Damage, +X% Damage, Damage Reduction from Close or Distant Enemies/While Injured/While Fortified, Damage Reduction from Enemies That Are Poisoned
- Priority 4: Spirit Cost Reduction
Rings:
- Priority 1: Vulnerable Damage, Critical Strike Damage, Core Skill Damage
- Priority 2: Maximum Life, Critical Strike Chance, Damage to Injured/Close/Poisoned Enemies
- Priority 3: Physical/Lightning Damage, Lucky Hit Chance
- Priority 4: Resource Generation, Fortify Generation
Main Hand Weapon: See the 2H Weapon Rolls List
Off-hand Totem: if you decide to use 1H + Totem
- Priority 1: Cooldown Reduction, Critical Strike Chance
- Priority 2: Spirit Cost Reduction
- Priority 3: Lucky Hit Chance, Core Stats (Int, Dex, Wil, All Stats), Damage Reduction while Fortified
- Priority 4: Fortify Generation, Up to a 5% Chance to Restore X% Primary Resource, Critical Chance Against Injured
2-H Weapon: See the 1H Weapon Rolls List
- Priority 1: Vulnerable Damage, Critical Strike Damage, Core Skill Damage
- Priority 2: Damage to Injured Enemies, Damage to Close Enemies
- Priority 3: Critical Strike Damage with Werewolf Skills, Lightning Critical Strike Damage, Damage to Poisoned Enemies
- Priority 4: Core Stats (Int, Dex, Wil, All Stats)

This is the UNsorted by list of useful Affixes/Rolls:

+ X% Damage
Critical Strike Chance/Critical Damage Bonus
Critical Chance / Critical Damage with Physical/Storm/Nature/Shapeshifting/Werewolf Skills
Critical Chance/Critical Damage with Core/Basic Skills
Damage with Core/Basic/Nature/Storm/Shapeshifting/Werewolf Skills
Lucky Hit Chance
+ X Ranks to Core/Defensive/Wrath Skills
+ X Ranks to Tornado/Debilitating Roar/Earthen Bulwark/Hurricane
Damage vs Injured Enemies
+ Intelligence, + Dexterity, + Willpower
+ All Stats
+ Maximum Life
Spirit Generation / Regeneration / On Kill
Resource/Spirit Cost Reduction
Cooldown Reduction
Attack Speed
Physical/Lightning Skill Damage Bonus
Lucky Hit Chance with Physical/Storm/Nature/Shapeshifting/Werewolf Skill Damage
Resistance to All Elements
Damage Against Close/Distant Enemies
+ % Physical/Lightning Damage to Elites
Vulnerable Damage / Damage Against Vulnerable Enemies
Damage Reduction from Enemies That Are Poisoned
Damage Reduction while Fortified
Damage Reduction for X Seconds After Killing an Elite
Damage Reduction from Elites
+ % Damage for X Seconds After Killing an Elite
Damage Against Crowd Controlled Enemies
Lucky Hit: Up to a 5% chance to Restore +X% Primary Resource
Lucky Hit: Up to a 5% chance to Heal +X Life
Damage while Healthy
Barrier Generation
Movement Speed
Fortify Generation

Higher Priority

Critical Strike Chance Against Injured Enemies
Lucky Hit: Up to a +X% Chance to Execute Injured Non-Elites
Damage vs Healthy Enemies
Weapon Damage (not sure if there are any bonuses to that as rolls)

Lower Priority

Useful Links (Spreadsheets & more):

For all of my Diablo IV Post-Launch & RDY-4-Launch Theorycrafts/Builds: This Spreadsheet

For my Diablo IV Class Skill Trees (can be used as mini-calculator): This Spreadsheet

For all of my Diablo IV Pre-Launch Theorycrafts/Builds: This Spreadsheet

♦ ◊ ♦ ◊ ♦

This concludes the Storm Lord 3.0 Druid Build for Diablo IV. If you’re interested in the game below are links to the various platforms where one can buy it (you can just click the links to open a new tab):

PC (Battle.Net)

Lycan Lacerator 2.0 Diablo IV Druid Build [RDY-4-Launch]

Lycan Lacerator 2.0 Druid BUILD for Diablo IV [RDY-4-Launch]

(Shapeshift into a Werewolf to Claw & Shred trough your enemies, tearing them apart)

♦ ◊ ♦ ◊ ♦

Diablo IV launches on June 6th, 2023 for PC (Battle.Net), XBOX, & PlayStation with a 4 days Early Access (no wipe) for pre-orders (so kind of really launching June 2nd).

Diablo IV‘s Launch is almost upon us and it’s time for some Ready-For-Launch full Builds/Theorycrafts that should be good for both ‘fresh-into-endgame’ characters as well as late endgame. I also plan to evolve them further when the game is released & keep them updated when we get rebalance updates. This is one such build for the Druid Class called Lycan Lacerator 2.0.

I’ve also made spreadsheets for those builds (see the links below) that have shortlisted the active and passive skills + legendary aspect + unique item + gems & sockets + suggested stat rolls + paragon boards that work well with the build which you can use to tinker. Alternatively, I’ve added build calculator links (mostly needed for the paragons)

This build will be updated post-launch to a new & expanded version when I have more in-game information as reference.

Video Version:

Skill Trees

Below you’ll see ONLY the Active & Passive skills that were selected for this build. For additional skills that can be taken + alternative skill options, you can check my RDY-4-Launch Builds spreadsheet on this link. This build (Lycan Lacerator 2.0) is one of the builds on that spreadsheet.

Basic Skill (Resource Generator/Builder) (Required Points: 0)

(active – ONLY put 1 point here) Claw – Shapeshift into a Werewolf and shred an enemy, dealing 20% (X-?) damage.
Lucky Hit Chance: 50% Type: Shapeshifting ; Damage: Physical Generates: 9 Spirit
- (1st upgrade) Enhanced Claw – Claw’s Attack Speed is increased by +10%.
- (2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Wild Claw – Claw has a 10% chance to attack twice.

Spirit / Core Skill(s) (Resource Spender) (Required Points: 2)

(active) Shred – Shapeshift into a Werewolf and and perform a trio of combo attacks:
1st Attack: Deal 25% damage.
2nd Attack: Deal 35% damage.
3rd Attack: Perform a larger finishing move dealing 60% damage.
Lucky Hit Chance: 20% Type: Shapeshifting ; Damage: Physical Spirit Cost: 34
- (1st upgrade) Enhanced Shred – Shred gains +30% Attack Speed and Heals for 2% of your Maximum Life if an enemy is struck.
- (2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Primal Shred – Shred’s second and third attacks also perform a dash. In addition, Shred’s Critical Strike Damage is increased by 20% (multiplicative).
(passive) Predatory Instinct – Critical Strike Chance against nearby enemies is increased by +3%/+6%/+9%.
- (upgrade – did NOT take as its’ Werebear synergy) Iron Fur
- (upgrade – did NOT take cuz no points) Digitigrate Gait / Lycanthropic Speed
(passive) did not pick other Spirit/Core passives to save points

Defensive Skills (Required Points: 6) I took both of the Defensive skills listed below

(active – ONLY put 1 point here) Debilitating Roar – Shapeshift into a Werebear and bellow a mighty roar, reducing Nearby enemies’ damage dealt by 50% for 4 seconds.
Cooldown: 22 seconds Type: Shapeshifting
(1st upgrade) Enhanced Debilitating Roar – Debilitating Roar also Fortifies you for 22% Base Life.
(2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Preserving Debilitating Roar – Debilitating Roar also heals you for 4% of your maximum Life each second for its duration.

(active) Blood Howl – Shapeshift into a Werewolf and howl furiously, Healing you for 20% of your Maximum Life.
Cooldown: 15 seconds Type: Shapeshifting
(1st upgrade) Enhanced Blood Howl – Kills reduce the Cooldown of Blood Howl by 1 second.
(2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Innate Blood Howl – Blood Howl also generates 20 Spirit.
(passive – ONLY put 1 point here) Ancestral Fortitude – Increase your Non-Physical Resistances by 5%/10%/15%.
- (upgrade) Vigilance – You gain 5%/10%/15% Damage Reduction for 6 seconds after using a Defensive Skill.
(passive) did not pick any other Defensive passives to save points

Companion Skills (Required Points: 11) I did NOT take a companion Active Skill

(active)
- (1st upgrade)
- (2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2)
(passive) did not pick any Companion passives to save points

Wrath Skills (Required Points: 16 )

(active – ONLY put 1 point here) Hurricane – Form a hurricane around you that deals 97% (X-?) damage to surrounding enemies over 8 seconds.
Lucky Hit Chance: 33% Cooldown: 20 seconds Type: Storm Magic ; Damage: Physical
- (1st upgrade) Enhanced Hurricane – Enemies who are damaged by Hurricane are Slowed by 25% for 2 seconds.
- (2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Natural Hurricane – Hurricane has a 15% chance to make enemies Vulnerable for 3 seconds.
(passive) Elemental Exposure – Lucky Hit: Your Storm Skills have up to 20% chance to make enemies Vulnerable for 1/2/3 second(s).
- (upgrade) Endless Tempest – Increase the duration of Hurricane and Cataclysm by 5%/10%/15% (multiplicative). This node is ONLY required to unlock Bad Omen BUT you’ll also need a point in Atmosphere for Bad Omen
- (upgrade – ONLY put 1 point here) Charged Atmosphere – Every 18/15/12 seconds, a Lightning Strike hits a nearby enemy dealing 45% (X-?) damage. This node is required to unlock BOTH Bad Omen & Electric Shock
- (upgrade – ONLY put 1 point here ) Bad Omen – Lucky Hit: Up to a 10%/20%/30% chance when dealing damage to a Vulnerable, Immobilized or Stunned enemy that a Lightning Strike also hits dealing 55% (X-?) damage.
- (upgrade) Electric Shock – Lucky Hit: Dealing Lightning damage to enemies has a 5%/10%/15% chance to Immobilize them for 3 seconds. If the target is already Immobilized, the Lightning damage dealt to them is increased by 5%/10%/15%% (multiplicative) instead.
(passive – ONLY put 1 point here) Crushing Earth – Earth Skills deal 5%/10%/15% (multiplicative) increased damage to Slowed, Stunned, Immobilized or Knocked Back enemies.
- (upgrade) Stone Guard – While Fortified for over 50% of your maximum Life, your Earth Skills deal 4%/8%/12% (multiplicative) increased damage.
- (upgrade)Safeguard – Critical Strikes with Earth Skills Fortifiy you for 2%/4%/7% Base Life.
(passive) did not pick any other Wrath passives to save points but there are some worth considering

Ultimate Skills (Required Points: 23)

(active) Lacerate – Shapeshift into a Werewolf, become Immune and quickly dash 10 times between nearby enemies dealing up to 400% (X-?) damage.
Lucky Hit Chance: 15% Cooldown: 50 seconds Type: Shapeshifting ; Damage: Physical
(1st upgrade) Prime Lacerate – Each time Lacerate deals a Critical Strike, heal for 3% of your maximum Life.
(2nd upgrade) Supreme Lacerate – Lacerate’s final strike deals 150% (multiplicative) increased damage.
(passive) Defensive Posture – Increases the amount of Fortify you gain from all sources by +5%/+10%/+15%.
- (upgrade) Thick Hide – Whenever you are Stunned, Immobilized, or Knocked Down, Fortify for 6%/13%/19% Base Life.
- (upgrade) Nature’s Resolve – 5%/10%/15% chance when struck to Fortify you for 4% Base Life.
- (upgrade) Unrestrained – did NOT take this
(passive – ONLY put 1 point here) Quickshift – After Shapeshifting into a different form, your next skill deals 5%/10%/15% (multiplicative) increased damage.
- (upgrade) Heightened Senses – did NOT take this
- (upgrade) Natural Fortitude – Shapeshifting Fortifies you for 1%/3%/4% Base Life.
(passive) did not pick other Ultimate passives to save points

Specializations (Required Points: 33 )

(passive) Lupine Ferocity – Every 6th Werewolf skill hit Critically Strikes and deals 60% (multiplicative) increased damage.

Class Mechanic (Spirit Boons):

I don’t have much info regarding the Spirit Boons but I think you can pick at least 2 from the same category (when you specialize into it) + maybe 1 more from every other category . I’d advise getting the following 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 for now.

Eagle Category (specialize into this):
Scythe Talons: +5% Critical Strike Chance
Avian Wrath: +30% Critical Strike Damage
Deer Category:
Wariness: Take 10% reduced damage from Elites
Snake Category: (two decent picks here so choose whichever ONE you like)
option 1) Masochistic: Critical Stikes with Shapeshifting Skills heal you for 3% of your maximum Life.
option 2) Overload: Lucky Hit: Lightning Damage has up to a 20% chance to cause the target to emit a static discharge, dealing 63.53% damage to surrounding enemies.
Wolf Category:
Bolster: Fortify for 10% of your Maximum Life when you use a Defensive Skill

Unique Item

In Diablo IV apparently (I have multiple sources that confirmed this) we can equip more than one unique item at the same time (not so ‘unique’ if we can get decked out in full uniques I guess). It seems that the one unique per build idea that Unique inherited from the Mythical gear they supposedly replaced was scrapped even before the closed beta tests. My top pick will be the following one but check the notes under the Aspects list for some additional picks:

Mad Wolf’s Glee (Chest Armor)

Werewolf form is now your true form, and you gain +2 Ranks to all Werewolf Skills.

+[0.07 – 0.14] Physical Damage
+[0.07 – 0.14] Poison Damage
[7 – 14]% Damage Reduction from Poisoned Enemies
+[16.5 – 23.5]% Movement Speed

“He was not a victim of the curse – he sought it out. As his skin split and his bones cracked, his laughter never ceased.” – Tale of the Mad Nobleman

Sockets & Gems

There are various possible good/viable choices for the gem slots. I’ve shortlisted what works by slot. I’d recommend picking one of those:

Weps: Emerald, Saphire, Ruby, Diamond, or Skull.
Armor: Saphire, Ruby, Diamond, or Skull.
Jewelry: Diamond unless you need specific resistance more than all.

XYZ Diamond (Requires Level XY)

• Weapon: +N% Ultimate Skill Damage
• Armor: +N% Barrier Generation
• Jewelry: N% Resistance to All Elements

+5%/+5%/5% for chipped (the 2nd grade at lvl 20)

XYZ Skull (Requires Level XY)

• Weapon: +N Life On Kill
• Armor: +N% Healing Received
• Jewelry: +N Armor

+13/+5%/+170 for chipped (the 2nd grade at lvl 20)

XYZ Saphire (Requires Level XY)

• Weapon: +N% Critical Strike Damage to Crowd-Controlled Enemies
• Armor: N% Damage Reduction While Fortified
• Jewelry: N% Cold Resistance

+7.5%/5%/14.3% for chipped (the 2nd grade at lvl 20)

XYZ Ruby (Requires Level XY)

• Weapon: +N% Overpower Damage
• Armor: +N% Maximum Life
• Jewelry: N% Fire Resistance

+15%/+5.5%/14.3% for chipped (the 2nd grade at lvl 20)

XYZ Emerald (Requires Level XY)

• Weapon: +N% Critical Strike Damage to Vulnerable Enemies
• Armor: +N Thorns
• Jewelry: N% Poison Resistance

+7.5%/+39/14.3% for chipped (the 2nd grade at lvl 20)

Legendary Aspects / Powers

I will only list the Legendary Aspects that have been selected for the build and the slots in which I advise putting those. For in-depth information you can check my RDY-4-Launch Builds spreadsheet on this link. This build (Lycan Lacerator 2.0) is one of the builds on that spreadsheet.

Helm: Aspect of the Dark Howl / Tempest Roar OR Harlequin Crest (see notes below)
Amulet: Accelerating Aspect / Exploiter’s Aspect (see notes below)
Chest: Exploiter’s Aspect / Mad Wolf’s Glee (see notes below)
Pants: Vigorous Aspect
Gloves: Overcharged Aspect / Accelerating Aspect (see notes below)
Boots: Stormshifter’s Aspect
Ring 1: Nighthowler’s Aspect
Ring 2: Aspect of The Unsatiated / Aspect of Retaliation (see notes below)
1H Weapon: Aspect of Retaliation / Waxing Gibbous (see notes below)
Off-hand: Stormclaw’s Aspect
2-H Weapon: Aspect of Retaliation (is you use one before Waxing Gibbous drop, which I don’t recommend)

NOTE 1: Overcharged Aspect goes in the Gloves slot ONLY until you get the Mad Wolf's Glee Unique Chest Armor. After that, scrap it and put Accelerating Aspect in the, now empty, Gloves slot. Then place Exploiter’s Aspect in the, now empty, Amulet Slot to make room for the Unique Chest Armor.

There are three other alternative picks for Uniques you could use if you get those first: Tempest Roar (Helm), Harlequin Crest (Helm) & Waxing Gibbous (Axe)

NOTE 2: How to re-arrange the aspects for any of the alternative Unique drops: (I tried to make is as painless as possible):
- For Tempest Roar (Helm): Aspect of the Dark Howl gets removed from the Helm slot to make room for the Unique Helm.
- For Harlequin Crest (Helm): Aspect of the Dark Howl gets removed from the Helm slot to make room for the Unique Helm.
- For Waxing Gibbous (Axe): Aspect of The Unsatiated gets removed from the Ring 2 slot & Aspect of Retaliation goes in the, now empty, Ring 2 slot to make room for the Unique Axe.

Paragon Boards:

Use the links below to check the paragon boards selected and the nodes I’ve taken. One link is for what the boards will look like at lvl 87 without any paragon points from renown (so more paragon points will be obtained on the way to 100 as well as from renown. The other link will be what the boards will look like when fully maxed out on paragon points.

LVL 87 & no Points from renown: Click THIS LINK
MAXed out points (left the last 3 unspent): Click THIS LINK

Suggested Gear Rolls to look out for (NOT in order of priority):

I’ve shortlisted 42 different affixes that work well with the build of almost 300 total. I’ll highlight in Orange the ones I think should get higher priority

Bonus to All Damage
Critical Strike Chance/Critical Damage Bonus
Critical Chance / Critical Damage with Physical/Lightning Skills
Critical Chance/Critical Damage with Core/Werewolf/Shapeshifting/Wrath/Nature/Storm Skills
Damage with Core/Werewolf/Shapeshifting/Wrath/Nature/Storm Skills
Lucky Hit Chance
+ X Ranks to Core/Werewolf/Shapeshifting/Wrath/Defensive/Nature/Storm Skills
+ X Ranks to Shred/Hurricane/Claw/Blood Howl/Debilitating Roar
Overpower Damage
Physical/Lightning Damage Bonus
Lucky Hit Chance with Physical/Lightning Damage
Resistance to All Elements
+ % Critical Chance / Critical Damage with Physical/Lightning Damage
+ % Physical/Lightning Damage to Elites
+ % Critical Strike Chance with Physical/Lightning Damage Against Elites
+ % Damage for X Seconds After Killing an Elite
Damage Reduction for X Seconds After Killing an Elite
Damage Reduction from Elites
Damage to Close Enemies
Critical Chance / Critical Damage Against Close Enemies
Damage to Crowd Controlled Enemies
Critical Chance / Critical Damage Against Crowd Controlled Enemies
Damage to Vulnerable Enemies
Critical Chance / Critical Damage Against Vulnerable Enemies
Vulnerable Damage
Damage while Shapeshifted
Damage while in Werewolf Form
Damage while Healthy
Fortify Generation
Damage while Fortified
Chance When Struck to Fortify for X Life

Higher Priority

+ All Stats
Damage vs Injured Enemies
Lucky Hit: Up to a +X% Chance to Execute Injured Non-Elites
Critical Strike Chance Against Injured Enemies
Damage vs Healthy Enemies
Weapon Damage (not sure if there are any bonuses to that as rolls)
Spirit Generation / Regeneration / On Kill
Movement Speed
Attack Speed
Willpower
Resource Cost Reduction

Lower Priority

Useful Links (Spreadsheets & more):

For all of my Diablo IV RDY-4-Launch Theorycrafts/Builds: This Spreadsheet

For my Diablo IV Pre-Launch Class Skill Trees (can be used as mini-calculator): This Spreadsheet

For all of my Diablo IV Pre-Launch Theorycrafts/Builds: This Spreadsheet

♦ ◊ ♦ ◊ ♦

This concludes the Lycan Lacerator 2.0 Druid Build for Diablo IV. If you’re interested in the game, below are links to the various platforms where one can buy it (you can just click the links to open a new tab):

PC (Battle.Net)

BIG GRIZZ Diablo IV Druid Build

BIG GRIZZ Druid BUILD for Diablo IV

(this build’s got that BIG GRIZZ energy & uses two defensive skills, making it beary tanky)

♦ ◊ ♦ ◊ ♦

Diablo IV launches on June 6th, 2023 for PC (Battle.Net), XBOX, & PlayStation with a 4 days Early Access (no wipe) for pre-orders (so kind of really launching June 2nd).

Diablo IV’s Open Beta Tests are almost here and I felt motivated to make some Pre-Launch theorycrafted semi-builds that should be good for ‘fresh-into-endgame’ characters when the game launches. I also plan to evolve them into FULL builds when the game is released & keep them updated when we get rebalance updates. This is one such build for the Druid Class called BIG GRIZZ.

The Beta tests will only let us reach lvl 25 and only let us play in the first Act/Zone (Fractured Peaks) so those builds will be more useful for the actual game launch and ideally for characters around lvl 50+ or 60+. I’ve used 50+ and 60+ skill points when making the builds instead of the full 100 so that they can be used to jumpstart a player’s post-story endgame grind.

I’ve also made spreadsheets for those builds (see the links below) that have shortlisted the active and passive skills + legendary aspect that work well with the build so one can spend the extra skill points on the way to lvl 100 into those other skills.

This build will be updated post-launch to a new & expanded version when I have actual in-game information as reference.

Video Version:

Skill Trees

Below you’ll see ONLY the Active & Passive skills that were selected for this build. For additional skills that can be taken on the way to lvl 100 + alternative skill options, you can check my pre-launch builds spreadsheet on this link. This build (BIG GRIZZ) is one of the builds on that spreadsheet.

Some of the skill icon images you see could be outdated & different from what is seen in the Full release version. I plan to replace them once the Beta ends or after the full launch

Basic Skill (Resource Generator/Builder) (Required Points: 0 )

(active) Maul – Shapeshift into a Werebear and maul nearby enemies, dealing +21.00% (X-?) damage. Type: Shapeshifting Damage: Physical Generates: 11 Spirit
- (1st upgrade) Enhanced Maul – If an enemy is hit by Maul, then Fortify for X.
- (2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Fierce Maul – While Healthy, Maul grants 4 additional Spirit.

Spirit / Core Skill(s) (Resource Spender) (Required Points: 2 )

(active) Pulverize – Shapeshift into a Werebear and slam the ground, dealing 52.50% (X-?) damage to nearby enemies. Talents: Iron Hide, Hunt the Weak, Feral Spirit, Quickshift, Storm and Claw, Elemental Exposure. Type: Shapeshifting Damage: Physical Spirit Cost: 34
(1st upgrade) Enhanced Pulverize – Pulverize deals 20% (muiltiplicative) increased bonus damage when hitting 2 or more enemies.
(2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Primal Pulverize – Enemies hit with Pulverize deal 15% reduced damage for 4 seconds.
(passive) Heart of the Wild – Maximum Spirit is increased by 3.
- (upgrade did NOT take to save points) Wild Impulses – Your Core Skills cost 5% (multiplicative) more Spirit but deal 10% (multiplicative) increased damage
- (upgrade) Abundance – Basic Skills generate 5% more Spirit.
(passive) Predatory Instinct – Critical Strike Chance against nearby enemies is increased by 3%.
- (upgrade) Iron Fur – While in Werebear form, damage reduction is increased by 3%. This bonus persists for 3 seconds after leaving Werebear form.
- (upgrade – did NOT take cuz it’s a Werewolf synergy) Digitigrate Gait / Lycanthropic Speed
(passive) did not pick other Spirit/Core passives to save points

Defensive Skills (Required Points: 6 ) I took both of the Defensive skills listed below

(active) Debilitating Roar – Shapeshift into a Werebear and bellow with ferocity, reducing the attack speed of nearby enemies by 50% for 4 seconds. Talents: Iron Hide, Hunt the Weak, Feral Spirit, Quick Shift, Storm and Claw. Type: Shapeshifting Damage: Physical Cooldown: 22 seconds
(1st upgrade) Enhanced Debilitating – Roar Debilitating Roar also Fortifies you for X.
(2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Preserving Debilitating – Roar Debilitating Roar also heals you for 4% of your maximum Life each second for its duration.
(passive) Ancestral Fortitude – Increase your non-physical resistances by 5%.
- (upgrade) Vigilance – You Take X% reduced damage for X seconds after using a Defensive Skill.

(active) Earthen Bulwark – Rocks surround you for 3 seconds, making you Unstoppable and absorbing up to X damage. Type: Earth Magic Damage: Physical Cooldown: 16 seconds
(1st upgrade) Enhanced Earthen Bulwark – Earthen Bulwark makes you Unstoppable while active.
(2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Preserving Earthen Bulwark – Casting Earthen Bulwark grants X Fortify.

Companion Skills (Required Points: 11 ) I did NOT take a companion BUT if you want to sacrifice one of the Defensive skills, I recommend the skills & upgrades below

(active) Ravens – Active: The target area is swarmed with ravens. dealing 89.25 (X-?) damage over 6 seconds. Type: Companion Damage: Physical Cooldown: 25 seconds
(1st upgrade) Enhanced Ravens – Passive: Ravens fly above you and periodically attack your enemies for 13.85% (X-?) damage every 5 seconds.
(2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Ferocious Ravens – Enemies inside the swarm of Ravens when it is activated become Vulnerable for 3 seconds.
(passive) did not pick any Companion passives to save points BUT even if you take a companion i still won’t recommend the Companion passives for this build

Wrath Skills (Required Points: 16 )

(active) Trample – Shapeshift into a Werebear and charge forward, dealing 26.25% (X-?) damage and Knocking Back enemies. Enemies who are Knocked Back into terrain take an additional 47.25% (X-?) damage and are Stunned for 3 seconds. Type: Shapeshifting Damage: Physical Cooldown: 14 seconds
(1st upgrade) Enhanced Trample – You are Unstoppable during Trample.
(2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Savage Trample – Casting Trample grants 20 Spirit.
(passive) did not pick any Wrath passives to save points but there are some worth considering

Ultimate Skills (Required Points: 23 )

(active) Grizzly Rage – Shapeshift into a Dire Werebear for 10 seconds gaining 20% (multiplicative) bonus damage and 20% (multiplicative) damage reduction. Damage bonus is increased by +3% each second while in this form. Kills extend the duration by 1 second up to +10 additional seconds. Cooldown: 60 seconds
(1st upgrade) Prime Grizzly Rage – You are unstoppable when Grizzly Rage is active.
(2nd upgrade) Supreme Grizzly Rage – Gain X Fortified Life per second while Grizzly Rage is active.
(passive) Defensive Posture – Increase the Damage Reduction gained while you are Fortified by an additional +3%.
- (upgrade) Thick Hide – Whenever you are Stunned, Immobilized, or Knocked Down, Fortify for X.
- (upgrade – did NOT pick to save points) Nature’s Resolve – 5% chance when struck to Fortify you for X

Specializations (Required Points: 33 )

(passive) Ursine Strength – Gain 20% (multiplicative) additional maximum Life while in Werebear form and for 3 seconds after leaving Werebear form. While Healthy, deal 20% (multiplicative) increased damage.

Class Mechanic (Spirit Boons):

I don’t have much info regarding the Spirit Boons but I think you can pick at least 2 from the same category + maybe 1 more from another. I’ll leave this empty for now.

Legendary Aspects / Powers

I will only list the Legendary Aspects that have been selected for the build and the slots in which I advise putting those. For in-depth information you can check my pre-launch builds spreadsheet on this link. This build (BIG GRIZZ) is one of the builds on that spreadsheet.

Helm: Aspect of Shared Misery
Amulet: Ballistic Aspect
Chest: Skinwalker’s Aspect
Pants: Mending Stone
Gloves: Aspect of Quicksand
Boots: Ghostwalker Aspect
Ring 1: Aspect of The Umbral
Ring 2: Aspect of The Rampaging Werebeast
1H Weapon (see note below): Crashstone Aspect
Off-hand (see note below): Aspect of The Ursine Horror
2-H Weapon (see note below): Crashstone Aspect

NOTE: I recommend using 1H + offhand so that you can get an extra aspect. 

If you go for 2-Handed and put Aspect of The Ursine Horror in the Gloves Slot you could move Aspect of Quicksand to the Chest Slot, while removing Skinwalker's Aspect from the setup or replacing Mending Stone in the Pants slot with it (skinwalker).

Useful Links (Spreadsheets & more):

For all of my Diablo IV Pre-Launch Theorycrafts/Builds: This Spreadsheet

For my Diablo IV Pre-Launch Class Skill Trees (can be used as mini-calculator): This Spreadsheet

♦ ◊ ♦ ◊ ♦

This concludes the BIG GRIZZ Druid Build for Diablo IV. If you’re interested in the game, below are links to the various platforms where one can buy it (you can just click the links to open a new tab):

PC (Battle.Net)