Tag: druid

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)

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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 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 (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

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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)

『Diablo 4』 Devs promise to FIX the 1.1.0 MESS + Hotfix Nerf for Nightmare Dungeons

Diablo 4’s Devs promise to FIX the 1.1.0 MESS + a Hotfix Nerf for Nightmare Dungeons

(yesterday Diablo 4’s devs held another Campfire Chat livestream & made promises to FIX the current balance mess as well as to avoid making the similar messes in the future )

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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. After the 18th of July patch 1.1.0a, the game was left in a severely & unreasonably badly balanced state. All classes received massive nerfs mostly in the shape of reduced bonuses of the stats & affixes we get such as: Cooldown Reduction, Vulnerable Damage, Critical Strike Damage, Core Skill Damage, as well as various types of Damage Reduction, to name a few of the major culprits. There were a plethora of other nerfs that affected all classes as well as some buffs that do so too, but the overall result was that many of the working viable meta builds received a big blow and the ones that were non-meta & barely viable even stopped being viable for endgame content.

The aftermath was that a plethora of players, me including, did not feel the game was worth our time in its current state and were left looking for other games to play in the meantime. Blizzard held a Campfire Chat livestream yesterday and made a bunch of promises to address the situation and “fix” the mess in the upcoming Patch 1.1.1 (ETA around 1-2 weeks from the Campfire Chat on the 21st of July). What promises did they make, how do they plan to “fix” this mess, this article will hopefully answer any questions you may have regarding this.

Video Version:

“We know it is bad, we know it is not fun”

Blizzard acknowledged that reducing player power this drastically was uncalled for… but then why do it in the first place? They have at least realized that they made a big oopsie and are fast with the damage control so we already received (yesterday) a Hotfix that adjusts the hp and damage of the middle & higher tier Nightmare Dungeons. They also promise that they “don’t plan on doing a patch like this ever again”. So without further ado, below is a list of the Nightmare Dungeon changes that the most recent hotfix included:

Gameplay Update

We are implementing a reduction to overall monster power levels in Nightmare dungeons. The new top range for tier 100 will feel like what tier 70 was previously.

Developer Note: Although these values make it appear that the higher tiers are easier than lower tiers, this is not the case because the monsters also benefit from being significantly higher level than players in higher Nightmare Dungeon tiers.

Examples
Tier 35

HP reduced by ~2%
Damaged reduced by ~1%

Tier 50

HP reduced by ~20%
Damage reduced by ~13%

Tier 70

HP reduced by ~60%
Damage reduced by 54%

Tier 100

HP reduced by ~82%
Damage reduced by ~79%

Bug Fixes

Fixed an issue where additional Blood Lances from the Gore Quills aspect could sometimes not deal damage.
Fixed an issue where the Answers in the Ashes quest could have progression blocked if Varshan was killed before the quest updates to the step to defeat him.
Fixed an issue where the dungeons Buried Halls and Endless Gates dungeons were not giving players proper rewards upon completion.
Fixed an issue where the Akhan’s Grasp Nightmare Dungeon was not giving players proper rewards upon completion.
Fixed an issue where the Moonrage Malignant Power would cause the Wolves power to be unequipped from the action bar.
Fixed an issue where the Subterranean Legendary aspect was dealing far less damage than intended.
Fixed an issue where the Frozen Terror Malignant Power could also fear the player with it equipped.
Fixed an issue where Malignant Hearts could be duplicated when salvaging them, logging out immediately, and logging back in.
Fixed an issue where Tier Skips wouldn’t be properly rewarded in certain scenarios.
Fixed an issue where Whispers sometimes wouldn’t grant experience on completion.
Further stability improvements

Why did they do those Nerfs?

Blizzard explains that the reason for those nerfs is that they did not want to see certain stats over-performing as much as they did compared to others and that they wanted people to use a wider variety of affixes instead of always using the same 5-6 affixes in their gear like Cooldown Reduction, Damage Reductions, Vulnerable Damage, Critical Strike Damage, and Core Skill Damage, for example. And this seems like a sound reason BUT the way they went on about it was FAR from the right way to handle this.

First off, if they wanted people to not feel pressured to use damage reduction in 3 out of 4 of their Leg armor affix slots, for example, they should have just buffed damage reduction to the point where people would feel that 3 of those on the same item are an overkill and just 2 would suffice, but they did the exact opposite and nerfed various kinds of damage reduction affixes. And now comes the damage control hotfix I mentioned & listed earlier where Nightmare Dungeons are getting nerfed to match the weak player power. While it’s better than nothing it’s definitely not the proper way those things should be done. I’ll be logging in later tonight to see how the game feels with the new NMD rebalance.

Another change I strongly disagree with is the cooldown reduction nerfs, they went overboard with that one and this severe of a nerf was totally uncalled for. They could have went for a very minor 5 to 10% nerf and then just increased the cooldown of skills that were being abused if they wanted to prevent infinite resources, infinite cast of certain abilities and so on as they said was their intention.

Addressing The “Vulnerable Problem”

I, among many players, agree that we need a rework or a removal+replacement of the Vulnerable damage mechanic. Simply nerfing the Vulnerable Damage affixes/rolls is not going to magically solve the problem. There is a reason why we take this stat in all our builds and why we take advantage of the mechanic. And apparently Joe Piepiora knows that it’s because of how Vulnerable damage is calculated. So the Devs admitted that it was not the proper way to handle this problem and that they’ll need to do a proper rework of the Vulnerable damage formula. He also said that doing a proper rework on Vulnerable will mean needing to look at other things, such as Overpower damage as an example, because all kinds of builds use it currently to be viable, so good alternatives will be needed.

Diablo IV Mission Statement

Blizzard showed a list of 4 key points that they will use as guidelines when making patches & balance changes to avoid such a big mess of a patch from happening again. They are as follows:

A wide variety of viable builds to discover, put together, and optimize, across all five classes
New items and powers every season to keep the game fresh and increase build variety
Continually evolving endgame content with high monster density for powerful builds to mow down and activities to challenge your build
Make the game more fun for players

So, those 4 mission statement points are obviously something that makes sense. So far, since launch, I have never felt that Blizzard was spot on with either of them while playing Diablo 4 on various builds on each class. They definitely have a long way to go before I would feel like each of those things feels accomplished. I obviously can not speak about point 3 as only the future will tell if the endgame evolves in the right pace but I do believe they should have launched with 2 more endgame activities as an alternative to Nightmare Dungeons that are just as rewarding and give us more ways to level up our glyphs and spend our in-game grind time.

Regarding new items and powers patch 1.1.0 was a hit and miss. Sorcerers, once again, getting the short end of the stick with yet another unique that has an awful negative effect, and is still the only class to get negative effect alongside the positives with their unique and legendary powers. 1.1.0 did bring some cool stuff for various classes in terms of unqiues and legendaries but was kind of a 50-50 for me what i considered cool and reasonable. And that also applies to the malignant hearts that also seem to be 50-50 hit or miss, and also has some underwhelming ones for the sorcerer.

A promise to make Sorcs viable & make Barbs worth it again

Blizzard made a promise that with 1.1.1 Sorcs, who were always at the bottom of the barrel in terms of how underpowered they are compared to other classes, a viable class worth playing. They also made a promise to bring Barbs to a reasonable power level again as 1.1.0 hit the very few reasonable Barb builds pretty hard too. Will this happen? Time will tell but I for sure hope it’s not an empty promise as i love playing elemental mages/casters in games or a good close range brawler class, which the Barbarian never felt like one to me (even with a strong build) ever since the game launched.

Players can expect that to happen partially trough re-visiting of the legendary and unique powers for those two classes and reworking + re-balancing those to make the two classes have a reasonable amount of viable builds for players to use.

Changes to Crowd Control in NMDs?

Blizzard also made a promise to address the ridiculously stupid amount of crowd control that exists in Nightmare Dungeons as well as the lack of many builds capable of dealing with it. I hope this change comes with patch 1.1.1 because right now it’s extremely painful to play certain maps & map affixes on the majority of the builds, especially ones that don’t have enough unstoppable (or any for that matter) to counter the freezing, rooting, slowing, etc. enemies

New Endgame Mode to challenge our builds… in Season 3

Apparently, NMDs are not the best type of content to use as a goal/benchmark to challenge one’s builds and Blizzard will be introducing a new Endgame Mode for us to do that. BUT it’s going to be a long wait of at least another half a year before we get a taste of it as it’s coming with Season 3. Not sure if they were talking about this content but they did also say they plan on bringing back the bosses from the campaign story in new endgame type that suits them when asked about bringing those bosses back. Another thing that they were asked about was leaderboards and they did say with Season 3 they will be bringing leaderboards and content where those could fit.

Here’s a wild guess from me: could we be getting a tower/arena/crucible/survival mode type of endgame with X arena stages where every N stages there’s a bigger boss fight? Is this going to have a timer running to see who get to the end of it the quickest? Is this going to be the content that re-uses the story bosses? I say probably but my guess is as good as anyone’s at this point so we’ll just going to have to wait and see.

A promise to leave overpowered builds as they are until given reasonable alternatives

Blizzard also promised to keep some builds overpowered until they have provided the playerbase with a compelling viable alternative to those builds. What is worth noting is that such meta shift changes will occur at predictable times, like the start of a new Season. However, in cases where a bug is causing game-breaking damage or crashes, Blizzard will still react quickly.

Increased density for Helltides and NMDs

Another changed that we’ll supposedly be getting with 1.1.1 is an increase of the mob density is the majority of Helltide area zones as well as in Nightmare Dungeons. They’ll also look into improving performance for certain effects/skills so that the substantial increase to mob density doesn’t result in substantially worse performance.

More storage? Devs: 1 extra stash tab is my best offer!

A big source of the negative experience in Diablo 4 is the inventory and storage tension. And maybe only players who play 1 class and 1 build only don’t feel this but anyone who has played more than 1 character or likes testing multiple builds on at least 1 character has realized how bad and how little the storage we’ve got available is. Blizzard has previously promised that Season 2 will come with a rework to the gem system and that gems will get their own “materials” tab in the way veiled crystals and the likes do. However, players need improvements to inventory and storage space right now. The best Blizzard can do is apparently give is a measly extra stash tab which is, obviously, better than zero extra stash tabs. So what can they do to hopefully solve this problem?

I, and many others i assume, believe that giving us personal stash tabs + much more shared ones would be the best option. 4 to 5 personal stash tabs + 10 shared ones should be all we need to have enough room for all sorts of builds on every single class. Additionally, I believe we’ll need a big change to the aspects & the codex of power where every single aspect is on the codex of power and can be unlocked from dungeons and other types of content. As an added bonus being able to put extracted aspects in the codex with their “better than min-roll” values being selectable from there when imprinting would be an amazing QoL feature

Respec cost will be 40% cheaper

One more area where the game has needed improvement was the respec cost for skill points and paragon points. The devs promised that 1.1.1 will bring a 40% reduction to that cost, which should make it roughly around 7-8 million gold for a full respec at lvl 100 (down from 12-13 mil). While it’s still far from perfect it’s a step in the right direction. I still believe respecs should not cost much at all and the real cost of switching to a new build should be farming the new gear and aspects for it + re-rolling the stats on that new gear to suit the build.

Currently, having to pay 12-13 Million god coins, on top of the already costly re-roll (enchant), extract, and imprint costs that one would need to do when gearing up for a new build is a kick in the nuts. Reducing it by only 40% down to 7-8 Mil will make the kick feel like a punch in the nuts so it will still be pretty painful. I’ve counted that excluding skill & paragon respecs, switching a build could end up somewhere between 20 and 40 mil gold on average. The main reason why the cost is this high is because of the shitty design of the enchantment system where each consecutive enchant gets more expensive. If they change it so that the cost of our 2nd re-roll is as high as the cost goes, then this whole respec “problem” will be much bearable. We need a gold sink but it also needs to be reasonable with the bloody costs.

More Changes to EXP incoming

Blizzard are also promising more changed to EXP, in particular speeding up the leveling from levels 50 to 100. They did not provide any specifics but they did say they don’t want reaching lvl 100 to feel like a job but still want it to feel like a challenge. They added that they don’t want players to reach a wall around lvl 70 or 75 where leveling becomes a total slog. I’m personally looking forward to that as EXP rates are a sore subject for me in looter games like Diablo 4.

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)

BIG GRIZZ 3.0 Druid Build for Diablo IV [A Tier Grade]

BIG GRIZZ 3.0 Druid BUILD for Diablo IV [A Tier Grade]

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

♦ ◊ ♦ ◊ ♦

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 now ready to start 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 BIG GRIZZ 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 (BIG GRIZZ 3.0) is one of the builds on that spreadsheet.

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

(active – ONLY put 1 point here) Storm Strike – Electricity gathers around your weapon, dealing 20% (X-?) damage to your target and chaining to up to 3 surrounding enemies, dealing 20% less damage each time it chains. You gain 25% Damage Reduction for 3 seconds after dealing damage with Storm Strike.
Lucky Hit Chance: 25% | Type: Storm Magic ; Damage: Lightning
Generates: 15 Spirit
- (1st upgrade) Enhanced Storm Strike – Storm Strike has a 15% chance to Immobilize all enemies hit for 2.5 seconds.
- (2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Fierce Storm Strike – Storm Strike has a 50% chance to make enemies Vulnerable for 3 seconds.

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 – did NOT take to save points) Iron Fur
- (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% Base Life as Fortify.

(active – ONLY put 1 point here) 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) Ancestral Fortitude – Increase your Non-Physical Resistances by 5%/10%/15%.
- (upgrade – ONLY put 2 points here due to not enough points left) Vigilance – You gain 5%/10%/15% Damage Reduction for 6 seconds after using a Defensive Skill.
(passive) did not pick other 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) 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) Petrify – Petrify all Nearby enemies in stone, Stunning them for 3 seconds. You deal 25% (multiplicative) increased Critical Strike Damage to enemies affected by Petrify.
Type: Earth Magic ; Damage: Physical
Cooldown: 60 seconds
(1st upgrade) Prime Petrify – Petrify’s duration is increased by 1 seconds.
(2nd upgrade) Supreme Petrify – Killing an enemy affected by Petrify grants 25 Spirit.
(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 – Nature Magic skills that consume Spirit restore 1%/2%/3% of your maximum Life.
- (upgrade) Resonance – Nature Magic Skills deal 2%/4%/6% (multiplicative) increased damage. Triple this bonus if an Earth Skill is the next Skill cast after a Storm Skill, or a Storm Skill is the next Skill cast after an Earth Skill.
(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) did not pick other Ultimate passives to save points

Specializations (Required Points: 33 )

(passive) Earthen Might – Lucky Hit: Damaging enemies with Earth Skills has up to a 5% chance to grant Earthen Might, which does:
Restore all of your Spirit
Cause your attacks to be guaranteed Critical Strikes for 5 seconds

This chance is increased by: 10% for Critical Strikes 10% if the target is Stunned, Immobilized, or Knocked Back.

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 more spirit generation or more survivability.
- option 1) Energize: Lucky Hit: Dealing damage has up to a 15% chance to restore 10 Spirit.
- 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 fights.

Unique Items

Insatiable Fury (Chest Armor)

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

+[0.07 – 0.14] Physical Damage
+[21 – 42]% Overpower Damage
[7 – 14]% Damage Reduction while Fortified
+[0.07 – 0.14] Armor

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.

+[7 – 14]% Damage while Shapeshifted
[24.5 – 45.5]% Lightning Resistance
[0.12 – 0.26] Maximum Life
[12 – 20] Spirit On Kill

“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

Harlequin Crest (Helm) Right now this seems like a very good option considering how broken Vasily’s Prayer is.

Gain [5-8%] Damage Reduction. In addition, gain +[2-4] Ranks to All Skills.

[0.245 – 0.455] Maximum Life
X% Cooldown Reduction
+[42 – 70]% Crafting Material Drop Rate
[14 – 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

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

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)

XYZ Topaz (Requires Level XY)

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

+16.7%/8.2%/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 (BIG GRIZZ 3.0) is one of the builds on that spreadsheet.

Helm: Aspect of Mending Stone / Harlequin Crest OR Vasily’s Prayer (see notes below)
Amulet: Ballistic Aspect
Chest: Exploiter’s Aspect / Insatiable Fury (see notes below)
Pants: Skinwalker’s Aspect
Gloves: Aspect of The Ursine Horror
Boots: Stormshifter’s Aspect
Ring 1: Shockwave Aspect
Ring 2: Aspect of Natural Balance
1H Weapon: Nighthowler’s Aspect
Off-hand: Aspect of Retaliation
2-H Weapon: Nighthowler’s Aspect OR Aspect of Retaliation OR Aspect of Natural Balance BUT I do NOT recommend using a 2-hander

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

- Exploiter’s Aspect stays in the Chest slot ONLY until you get the Insatiable Fury Unique Chest Armor.  For after that just discard it from the build. 
- For Vasily's Prayer (Helm): Aspect of Mending Stone gets removed from the Helm slot to make room for the Unique Helm.
- For Harlequin Crest (Helm): Aspect of Mending Stone get removed from the Helm to make room for the Unique Helm.
- For Eyes in the Dark (Pants): Aspect of Control gets removed from the Ring 1 slot to make room for the Unique Ring. 

ALTERNATIVE: ALTERNATIVE: If you decide to use Mother's Embrace (Ring) in the build, you will need to sacrifice one more aspect and it may be hurting the build to loose any of the remaining aspects once you have the Helmet and Chest slots filled up with Uniques. Up to you to decide which on is okay to sacrifice for that Unique ring.

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 88 with 175 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 but i did leave the last 1 up to you to spend.

175/223 Paragon Pts. (~LVL 88 with renown & altar pts): Click THIS LINK
MAX LEVEL & Paragon points spent (223/223): Click THIS LINK

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

I’ve shortlisted 45 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

Suggested Gear Rolls to look out for (NOT in order of priority)
+ X% Damage
Critical Strike Chance/Critical Damage Bonus
Critical Chance / Critical Damage with Physical/Earth Skills
Critical Chance/Critical Damage with Core/Werebear/Shapeshifting/Nature/Storm Skills
Damage with Core/Werebear/Shapeshifting/Wrath/Nature Skills
Lucky Hit Chance
+ X Ranks to Core/Werebear/Shapeshifting/Wrath/Defensive/Nature/Storm Skills
+ X Ranks to Pulverize
Overpower Damage
+ Intelligence, + Dexterity, + Willpower
+ All Stats
+ Maximum Life
Spirit Generation / Regeneration / On Kill
Resource/Spirit Cost Reduction
Cooldown Reduction
Earth/Storm Skills Cooldown Reduction
Physical/Earth Damage Bonus
Lucky Hit Chance with Physical/Earth Damage
Resistance to All Elements
+ % Critical Chance / Critical Damage with Physical/Earth Damage
+ % Physical/Earth Damage to Elites
+ % Critical Strike Chance with Physical/Earth 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 / Critical Chance / Critical Damage Against Close Enemies
Damage / Critical Chance / Critical Damage Against Crowd Controlled Enemies
Vulnerable Damage
Damage / Critical Chance / Critical Damage Against Vulnerable Enemies
Damage while Shapeshifted
Damage while in Werebear Form
Damage while Healthy
Fortify Generation
Damage while Fortified
Chance When Struck to Fortify for X Life
Movement Speed

Higher Priority

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)
Attack Speed

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 BIG GRIZZ 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

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)

Rocky 2.0 Diablo IV Druid Build [RDY-4-Launch]

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

(Rock their world by causing the Earth beneath their feet to slide, crushing their hopes)

♦ ◊ ♦ ◊ ♦

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 getting closer and it’s time to make 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 Rocky 2.0.

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

Video Version:

https://youtu.be/a88BAzgeUgQ

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 (Rocky 2.0) is one of the builds on that spreadsheet.

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

(active – ONLY put 1 point here) Earthspike – Sunder the earth, impaling the first enemy hit for 16% (X-?) damage. Lucky Hit Chance: 25% Requires s Bludgeoning weapon. Type: Earth Magic ; Damage: Physical Generates: 8 Spirit
- (1st upgrade) Enhanced Earthspike – Earthspike has a 10% chance to Stun for 2.5 seconds.
- (2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Fierce Earthspike – Fortify for 2% of your Base Life whenever Earthspike damages enemies who are Stunned, Immobilized, or Knocked Back.

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

(active) Landslide – Crush enemies between 2 pillars of earth, dealing up to 113% (X-?) damage. Lucky Hit Chance: 20% Type: Earth Magic ; Damage: Physical Spirit Cost: 30
- (1st upgrade) Enhanced Landslide – After Landslide damages enemies 4 times, the next hit will Immobilize enemies for 3 seconds.
- (2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Primal Landslide – When you Immobilize or Stun an enemy, you gain a Terramote. Each enemy hit by Landslide consumes a Terramote causing a guaranteed Critical Strike with 40% (multiplicative) Critical Strike Damage. Bosses always have up to a 10% chance to grant a Terramote when hit.
(passive) did not pick any 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) 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) Nature’s Reach – Deal 3%/6%/9% (multiplicative) increased damage to Distant enemies Double this bonus if they are also Slowed, Stunned, Immobilized, or Knocked Back.
(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 – 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 – did NOT take this
- (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 ) Bad Omen – did NOT take this
- (upgrade) Electric Shock – did NOT take this
(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) Petrify – Petrify all Nearby enemies in stone, Stunning them for 3 seconds. You deal 25% (multiplicative) increased Critical Strike Damage to enemies affected by Petrify. Type: Earth Magic ; Damage: Physical Cooldown: 60 seconds
(1st upgrade) Prime Petrify – Petrify’s duration is increased by 1 seconds.
(2nd upgrade) Supreme Petrify – Killing an enemy affected by Petrify grants 25 Spirit.
(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) Circle of Life – Nature Magic skills that consume Spirit restore 1%/2%/3% of your maximum Life.
- (upgrade) Resonance – Nature Magic Skills deal 2%/4%/6% (multiplicative) increased damage. Triple this bonus if an Earth Skill is the next Skill cast after a Storm Skill, or a Storm Skill is the next Skill cast after an Earth Skill.
(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) did not pick other Ultimate passives to save points

Specializations (Required Points: 33 )

(passive) Earthen Might – Lucky Hit: Damaging enemies with Earth Skills has up to a 5% chance to grant Earthen Might, which does:
Restore all of your Spirit Cause your attacks to be guaranteed Critical Strikes for 5 seconds

This chance is increased by:
10% for Critical Strikes 10% if the target is Stunned, Immobilized, or Knocked Back.

Class Mechanic (Spirit Boons):

Eagle Category:
Scythe Talons: +5% Critical Strike Chance
Avian Wrath: +30% Critical Strike Damage
Deer Category:
Wariness: Take 10% reduced damage from Elites
Snake Category:
Calm Before the Storm: Lucky Hit: Nature Magic Skills have up to 15% chance to reduce the Cooldown of your Ultimate Skill by 2 seconds
Wolf Category:
Bolster: Fortify for 10% of your Maximum Life when you use a Defensive Skill

Unique Item

Vasily’s Prayer (Helm)

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

+[7 – 14]% Damage while Shapeshifted
[24.5 – 45.5]% Lightning Resistance
[0.12 – 0.26] Maximum Life
[12 – 20] Spirit On Kill

“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

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 (Rocky 2.0) is one of the builds on that spreadsheet.

Helm: *Stormshifter’s Aspect / Vasily’s Prayer OR Harlequin Crest (see notes below)
Amulet: Ballistic Aspect
Chest: Earthguard Aspect / Insatiable Fury (see notes below)
Pants: Aspect of Mending Stone
Gloves: Seismic-shift Aspect
Boots: Exploiter’s Aspect
Ring 1: Nighthowler’s Aspect
Ring 2: Aspect of The Aftershock / Mother’s Embrace (see notes below)
1H Weapon: Crashstone Aspect
Off-hand: Mighty Storm’s Aspect
2-H Weapon: Crashstone Aspect

NOTE 1: Seismic-shift Aspect goes in the Gloves slot ONLY until you get the Vasily's Prayer Unique Helm. After that, scrap it and put Stormshifter's Aspect in the Gloves to make room for the Unique Helm.

There are three other alternative picks for Uniques you could use if you get those first: Insatiable Fury (Chest Armor), Harlequin Crest (Helm) & Mother's Embrace (Ring)

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 Insatiable Fury (Chest Armor): Earthguard Aspect gets removed from the Chest slot to make room for the Unique Chest Armor.
- For Harlequin Crest (Helm): Seismic-shift Aspect gets removed from the Helm slot and Stormshifter's Aspect goes in the now empty Gloves slot to make room for the Unique Helm.
- For Mother's Embrace (Ring): Aspect of The Aftershock gets removed from the Ring 2 slot to make room for the Unique Ring.

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 88 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 88 & no Points from renown: Click THIS LINK
MAXed out points (left the last 2 unspent): Click THIS LINK

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

I’ve shortlisted 43 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/Earth/Wrath/Defensive/Werebear/Shapeshifting/Nature/Storm Skills
Damage with Core/Earth/Wrath/Defensive/Werebear/Shapeshifting/Nature/Storm Skills
Lucky Hit Chance
+ X Ranks to Core/Earth/Wrath/Defensive/Werebear/Shapeshifting/Nature/Storm Skills
+ X Ranks to Landslide/Hurricane/Earthen Bulwark/Earth Spike/Blood Howl
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 Werebear 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 Rocky 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)

Storm Lord 2.0 Diablo IV Druid Build [RDY-4-Launch]

Storm Lord 2.0 Druid BUILD for Diablo IV [RDY-4-Launch]

(call upon the forces of Nature to smite your foes with the power of wrathful storm strikes)

♦ ◊ ♦ ◊ ♦

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).

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 (Storm Lord 2.0) 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) Wild Claw – Claw has a 10% chance to attack twice.

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) Wild Impulses Your Core Skills cost 5%/10%/15% (multiplicative) more Spirit but deal 10%/20%/30% (multiplicative) increased damage
- (upgrade – did NOT take cuz no points) Abundance
(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) 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.

(active – ONLY put 1 point here) Cyclone Armor – Passive: Powerful winds surround you, granting 20% Non-Physical Damage Reduction. Active: The winds rapidly expand, Knocking Back enemies and dealing 15% (X) damage. Lucky Hit Chance: 25% Type: Storm Magic ; Damage: Physical
- (1st upgrade) Enhanced Cyclone Armor – Enemies who are Knocked Back by Cyclone Armor are also Slowed by 70% for 1.5 seconds.
- (2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Innate Cyclone Armor – Enemies Knocked Back by Cyclone Armor become Vulnerable for 3 seconds.
(passive) did not pick any 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 – 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 – 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 2 points 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 – ONLY put 1 point here) 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) 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

Specializations (Required Points: 33 )

(passive) Perfect Storm – Your Storm Skills grant 2 Spirit and deal 20% (multiplicative) increased damage when damaging a Vulnerable, Immobilized or Slowed enemy.

Class Mechanic (Spirit Boons):

Eagle Category:
Scythe Talons: +5% Critical Strike Chance
Avian Wrath: +30% Critical Strike Damage
Deer Category:
Wariness: Take 10% reduced damage from Elites
Snake Category:
Calm Before the Storm: Lucky Hit: Nature Magic Skills have up to 15% chance to reduce the Cooldown of your Ultimate Skill by 2 seconds
Wolf Category:
Energize: Fortify for 10% of your Maximum Life when you use a Defensive Skill

Unique Item

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
+[2 – 4] 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

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: Topaz, Ruby, Saphire, Skull, Diamond, or Emerald.
Armor: Skull, Ruby, or Saphire.
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)

XYZ Topaz (Requires Level XY)

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

+16.7%/+8.2%/+14.3% for chipped (the 2nd grade at lvl 20)

Legendary Aspects / Powers

Helm: Stormshifter’s Aspect
Amulet: Nighthowler’s Aspect
Chest: Aspect of Might
Pants: Aspect of Cyclonic Force
Gloves: Stormchaser’s Aspect
Boots: Exploiter’s Aspect
Ring 1: Runeworker’s Conduit Aspect (temporary, see notes below)
Ring 2: Storm Beast’s Aspect
1H Weapon (see note below): Rapid Aspect Until The Unique goes in the 2-handed slot
Off-hand (see note below): Overcharged Aspect Until The Unique goes in the 2-handed slot
2-H Weapon (see note below): Rapid Aspect Until The Unique goes in the 2-handed slot

NOTE 1: Rapid Aspect goes in the 1h weapon & Overcharged Aspect goes in the Off-hand slot ONLY until you get the Greatstaff of the Crone Unique Staff.

There are two other alternative picks for Uniques you could use if you get those first: Tempest Roar (Helm) & Harlequin Crest (Helm). See the other note below for how to re-arrange the aspects for any Unique drop:

NOTE 2: How to re-arrange if using any of the alternative Uniques:
- For Tempest Roar (Helm): Overcharged Aspect gets removed from the Off-hand slot and Stormchaser’s Aspect goes in the now empty Off-hand slot. Then Stormshifter's Aspect goes in the now empty Gloves slot to make room for the Unique Helm.
- For Harlequin Crest (Helm): Overcharged Aspect gets removed from the Off-hand slot and Stormchaser’s Aspect goes in the now empty Off-hand slot. Then Stormshifter's Aspect goes in the now empty Gloves slot to make room for the Unique Helm

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 94 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 94 & no Points from renown: Click THIS LINK
MAXed out points: Click THIS LINK

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

I’ve shortlisted 43 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 Basic/Core/Wrath/Werewolf/Shapeshifting/Nature/Storm Skills
Damage with Basic/Core/Wrath/Werewolf/Shapeshifting/Nature/Storm Skills
Lucky Hit Chance
+ X Ranks to Basic/Core/Wrath/Werewolf/Shapeshifting/Nature/Storm Skills
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 Strike Chance Against Close Enemies
Critical Strike Damage to Close Enemies
Critical Strike Chance Against Crowd Controlled Enemies
Critical Strike Damage to Crowd Controlled Enemies
Damage to Crowd Controlled Enemies
Critical Strike Chance Against Vulnerable Enemies
Critical Strike Damage to 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 Storm Lord 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)

MAD DOG Diablo IV Druid Build [RDY-4-Launch]

MAD DOG Druid BUILD for Diablo IV [RDY-4-Launch]

(a Rabid Dog let loose & its companions are on the prowl, looking for prey to infest & Shred to pieces)

♦ ◊ ♦ ◊ ♦

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).

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 (MAD DOG) is one of the builds on that spreadsheet.

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

(active) Storm Strike – Electricity gathers around your weapon, dealing 20% (X-?) damage to your target and chaining to up to 3 surrounding enemies, dealing 20% less damage each time it chains. You gain 25% Damage Reduction for 3 seconds after dealing damage with Storm Strike. Lucky Hit Chance: 25% Type: Storm Magic ; Damage: Lightning Generates: 15 Spirit
- (1st upgrade) Enhanced Storm Strike – Storm Strike has a 15% chance to Immobilize all enemies hit for 2.5 seconds.
  - (2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Fierce Storm Strike – Storm Strike has a 50% chance to make enemies Vulnerable for 3 seconds.

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) Raging Shred – Shred’s third combo attack is larger and applies an additional 51% Poisoning Damage over 5 seconds.
(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)

(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) did not pick any Defensive passives to save points

Companion Skills (Required Points: 11)

(active) Wolves –
Passive: Summon 2 wolf companions that bite enemies for 8% (X-?) damage.
Active: Direct the wolves to focus an enemy, leaping to them and striking for 35% (X-?) damage. Lucky Hit Chance: 50% Cooldown: 14.0 seconds Type: Companion ; Damage: Physical
- (1st upgrade) Enhanced Wolves – Wolves deal 20% (multiplicative) increased damage to Immobilized, Stunned, Slowed, or poisoned enemies.
- (2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Brutal Wolves – When you Critically Strike, your Wolves gain +20% Attack Speed for 3 seconds.
(passive) Call of the Wild – Your Companions deal 10%/20%/30% (multiplicative) bonus damage.
(passive) did not pick any other Companion passives to save points

Wrath Skills (Required Points: 16)

(active) 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.

(active) Rabies – Shapeshift into a Werewolf and perform an infectious bite on the target dealing 28% (X-?) damage, and an additional 53% (X) Poisoning damage over 6 seconds. Infected enemies spread Rabies to other nearby targets. Lucky Hit Chance: 50% Cooldown: 12 seconds Type: Shapeshifting ; Damage: Poison
- (1st upgrade) Enhanced Rabies – Rabies’ Poisoning Damage also increases over the lifetime of the disease, dealing 30% (multiplicative) bonus damage at maximum duration.
- (2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Savage Rabies – Rabies deals its total Poisoning Damage in 4 seconds instead of 6.
(passive – ONLY put 2 points here) Elemental Exposure – Lucky Hit: Your Storm Skills have up to 20% chance to make enemies Vulnerable for 1/2/3 second(s).
- (upgrade – did NOT pick to save points) 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) 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 – ONLY put 2 points here) 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) Neurotoxin – Poisoned enemies are slowed by 8%/16%/24%.
- (upgrade ) Envenom – Poisoned enemies take 10%/20%/30% (multiplicative) additional Critical Strike Damage.
- (upgrade) Toxic Claws – Critical Strikes with Werewolf skills deal 8%/15%/23% of their base damage as Poison damage over 4 seconds.
(passive) did not pick any other Wrath passives to save points but there are some worth considering

Ultimate Skills (Required Points: 23) Not taking an Active Ultimate

(active)
- (1st upgrade)
- (2nd upgrade)
(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 – Nature Magic skills that consume Spirit restore 1%/2%/3% of your maximum Life.
- (upgrade – did NOT pick to save points) Resonance – Nature Magic Skills deal 2%/4%/6% (multiplicative) increased damage. Triple this bonus if an Earth Skill is the next Skill cast after a Storm Skill, or a Storm Skill is the next Skill cast after an Earth Skill.
(passive) did not pick other Ultimate passives to save points

Specializations (Required Points: 33 )

(passive) Bestial Rampage – After being a Werewolf for 2.5 seconds, gain +20% Attack Speed for 15 seconds. After being a Werebear for 2.5 seconds, deal 20% (multiplicative) increased damage for 15 seconds.

Class Mechanic (Spirit Boons):

Eagle Category:
Scythe Talons: +5% Critical Strike Chance
Avian Wrath: +30% Critical Strike Damage
Deer Category:
Wariness: Take 10% reduced damage from Elites
Snake Category:
Masochist: Critical Strikes with Shapeshifting Skills heal you for 3% Maximum Life
Wolf Category:
Energize: Lucky Hit: Dealing damage has up to a 15% Chance to restore 10 Spirit

Unique Item

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: Ruby, Saphire, Skull, Amethyst, or Emerald.
Armor: Skull, Ruby, or Saphire.
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)

XYZ Amethyst (Requires Level XY)

• Weapon: +N% Damage Over Time
• Armor: N% Damage Taken Over Time Reduction
• Jewelry: N% Shadow Resistance

+5%/+8.2%/+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 (MAD DOG) is one of the builds on that spreadsheet.

Helm: Stormshifter’s Aspect
Amulet: Nighthowler’s Aspect
Chest: Aspect of Might Until The Unique goes here (see note below)
Pants: Vigorous Aspect
Gloves: Aspect of the Wildrage
Boots: Exploiter’s Aspect
Ring 1: Aspect of The Tempest
Ring 2: Storm Beast’s Aspect
1H Weapon (see note below): Aspect of the Alpha
Off-hand (see note below): Stormclaw’s Aspect
2-H Weapon (see note below): Aspect of the Alpha

NOTE 1: Aspect of Might goes in the Chest slot ONLY until you get the Mad Wolf's Glee Unique Chest. There are two other alternative picks for Uniques you could use if you get those first: Andariel's Visage (Helm) & Storm's Companion (Pants)

NOTE 2: How to re-arrange if using any of the alternative Uniques:
- For Andariel's Visage (Helm): Aspect of Might gets removed from the Chest and Stormshifter's Aspect goes in the Chest to make room for the Unique
- For Storm's Companion (Pants): Aspect of Might gets removed from the Chest and Vigorous Aspect goes in the Chest to make room for the Unique

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 95 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 95 & no Points from renown: Click THIS LINK
MAXed out points: Click THIS LINK

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

I’ve shortlisted 44 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/Poison Skills
Critical Chance/Critical Damage with Core/Wrath/Companion/Werewolf/Shapeshifting/Nature/Storm Skills
Damage with Core/Wrath/Companion/Werewolf/Shapeshifting/Nature/Storm Skills
Lucky Hit Chance
+ X Ranks to Core/Wrath/Companion/Werewolf/Shapeshifting/Nature/Storm Skills
Overpower Damage
Physical/Lightning/Poison Damage Bonus
Lucky Hit Chance with Physical/Lightning/Poison Damage
Resistance to All Elements
+ % Critical Chance / Critical Damage with Physical/Lightning/Poison Damage
+ % Physical/Lightning/Poison Damage to Elites
+ % Critical Strike Chance with Physical/Lightning/Poison Damage Against Elites
Damage Reduction for X Seconds After Killing an Elite
+ % Damage for X Seconds After Killing an Elite
Damage Reduction from Elites
Critical Strike Chance Against Close Enemies
Damage to Close Enemies
Critical Strike Damage to Close Enemies
Critical Strike Chance Against Crowd Controlled Enemies
Critical Strike Damage to Crowd Controlled Enemies
Damage to Crowd Controlled Enemies
Critical Strike Chance Against Vulnerable Enemies
Critical Strike Damage to 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
Companion Movement Speed
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 MAD DOG 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)

Overkiller Diablo IV Barbarian Build [RDY-4-Launch]

Overkiller Barbarian BUILD for Diablo IV [RDY-4-Launch]

(get MAD, Charge headfirst into combat & Overpower your foes before dealing a final Death Blow)

♦ ◊ ♦ ◊ ♦

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 getting closer and it’s time to make 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 Barbarian Class called Overkiller.

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 (Overkiller) is one of the builds on that spreadsheet.

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

(active) Lunging Strike – Lunge forward and strike an enemy for 30% (X – ?) damage. Generate Fury: 9 Lucky Hit Chance: 50% Damage: Physical ; Tags: Basic,
- (1st upgrade) Enhanced Lunging Strike – Lunging Strike deals 30% (multiplicative) increased damage and Heals you for 2% Maximum Life when it damages a Healthy enemy.
- (2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Combat Lunging Strike – Critical Strikes with Lunging Strike grant you Berserking for 1.5 seconds

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

(active) Upheaval – Tear into the ground with your weapon and fling debris forward, dealing 70% (X – ?) damage. Requires a two-handed weapon Fury Cost: 40 Lucky Hit Chance: 20% Damage: Physical ; Tags: Core,
- (1st upgrade) Enhanced Upheaval – Upheaval has an 20% chance to Stun all enemies it damages for 2.5 seconds.
- (2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Furious Upheaval – Dealing direct damage to an enemy with a Skill that is not Upheaval causes your next cast of Upheaval to deal 8% (multiplicative) increased damage, stacking up to 10 times.
(passive) Pressure Point – Lucky Hit: Your Core Skills have up to a 10%/20%/30% to make enemies Vulnerable for 2 seconds.
(passive) did not pick any other Core passives to save points

Defensive Skills (Required Points: 6 )

(active) I did NOT take any Active Defensive Skills due to lack of enough skillbar slots
- (1st upgrade)
- (2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2)
(passive) Imposing Presence – Gain 5%/10%/15% (multiplicative) additional Maximum Life.
- (upgrade) Martial Vigor – Damage Reduction against Elites, is increased by 4%/8%/12% (multiplicative).
(passive) did not pick other Defensive passives to save points

Brawling Skills (Required Points: 11 )

(active 1 rank/level only) War Cry – Bellow a mighty war cry, increasing your damage dealt by 15% (multiplicative) for 8 seconds, and Nearby allies for 4 seconds. Cooldown: 25 seconds Tags: Brawling, Shout
- (1st upgrade) Enhanced War Cry – War Cry grants you Berserking for 4 seconds.
- (2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Mighty War Cry – War Cry grants grants you 28% Base Life as Fortify.

(active 1 rank/level only) Charge – Become Unstoppable and rush forward pushing enemies with you then swinging through them for 25% (X – ?) damage and Knocking them Back. Cooldown: 17 seconds Lucky Hit Chance: 33% Damage: Physical ; Tags: Brawling,
- (1st upgrade) Enhanced Charge – Enemies who are Knocked Back into terrain by Charge take 15% (X – ?) damage and are Stunned for 3 seconds.
- (2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Mighty Charge – Damaging enemies with Charge makes them Vulnerable for 2 seconds.
(passive) Booming Voice – Shout Skill effect durations are increased by 10%/20%/30% (multiplicative).
- (upgrade) Guttural Yell – Your Shout Skills cause enemies to deal 8%/16%/24% (multiplicative) less damage for 5 seconds.
- (upgrade) Raid Leader – did NOT take this one
(passive 1 point/rank only) Aggressive Resistance – Gain 4%/8%/12% Damage Reduction while Berserking.
- (upgrade) Battle Fervor – did NOT take this one
- (upgrade) Prolific Fury – did NOT take this one
(passive) did not pick other Brawling passives to save points

Weapon Mastery Skills (Required Points: 16 )

(active) Death Blow – Attempt a killing strike, dealing 120% (X – ?) to enemies in front of you. If this kills an enemy, the Cooldown is reset. Cooldown: 15 seconds Lucky Hit Chance: 50% Damage: Physical ; Tags: Weapon Mastery,
- (1st upgrade) Enhanced Death Blow – Death Blow deals 100% (multiplicative) increased damage to bosses.
- (2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Fighter’s Death Blow – If Death Blow damages at least 1 enemy, gain 20 Fury.
(passive) Pit Fighter – You deal 3%/6%/9% (multiplicative) increased damage to Close enemies and gain 2%/4%/6% Distant Damage Reduction.
- (upgrade) Slaying Strike – You deal 8%/15%/23% increased damage against Injured enemies.
- (upgrade) No Mercy – did NOT take this one
- (upgrade) Expose Vulnerability – did NOT take this one
(passive) did not pick other Weapon Mastery passives to save points

Ultimate Skills (Required Points: 23 )

(active) Wrath of the Berserker – Gain Berserking and Unstoppable for 5 seconds. For the next 10 seconds, dealing direct damage with Basic Skills grants Berserking for 25 seconds Cooldown: 60 seconds Lucky Hit Chance: 40% Tags: Ultimate,
- (1st upgrade) Supreme Wrath of the Berserker – While Wrath of the Berserker is active, gain +20% increased Movement Speed and increase Fury Generation by 30% (multiplicative)
- (2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Prime Wrath of the Berserker – While Wrath of the Berserker is active, every 50 Fury spend increases Berserk’s damage bonus by 25% (multiplicative)
(passive) Wallop – Your Skills using Bludgeoning weapons deal 5%/10%/15% (multiplicative) increased damage if the enemy is Stunned or Vulnerable.
- (upgrade) Concussion – Lucky Hit: Skills using Bludgeoning weapons have up to a 10%/20%/30% chance to Stun enemies for 3 seconds, or up to a 15%/30%/45% chance when using a Two-Handed Bludgeoning weapon.
- (upgrade) Brute Force – did NOT take this one
(passive ) Heavy Handed – While using Two-Handed weapons you deal 5%/10%/15% (multiplicative) increased Critical Strike Damage.seconds.
(passive) did not pick other Ultimate passives to save points

Specializations (Required Points: 33 )

(passive) Unconstrained – Increase Berserk’s maximum duration by 5 seconds and increase its damage bonus by +25%.

Class Mechanic:

The Barbarian class mechanics is called Arsenal and this is how I believe it works:

The Barbarian class can equip 4 weapons at the same time: a Dual-wielding set of 2x One-Handed weps + two separate Two-Handed weapons (not dual-wielding those). They switch in combat between those based on what weapon is assigned to specific skills via the class unique Arsenal System. So each skill can have its own weapon assigned to it as long as it’s one of the 4 weapons equipped. The weps you don’t actually use work as ‘stat sticks’, even any aspects slotted on them. Here are the types:

Dual Wielded 1-Handed Weapons on Barbarians can be either Slashing or Bludgeoning such as: Swords, Axes, or Maces. The game seems to clump all 1-Handed weapons together under the “Dual-Wielding” as far as Barbarians and their skill tags are concerned so regardless of Slashing or Bludgeoning type, a 1-Handed weapon will apparently not count as either.
The two slots of Two-Handed Weapons can be occupied by Slashing type weps like Swords, Axes, & Polearms and/or by Bludgeoning Maces
Ideally 1x 2h Slashing, 1x 2h Bludgeoning and a Dual-Wield 1h combo for the 4 weps if you go for a swap-centric build

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:

Overkill (Two-Handed Mace)

+[31.5]% Overpower Damage

Death Blow creates a shockwave, dealing [16 – 30]% of its Base damage to enemies. Enemies who die to this effect also reset Death Blow’s Cooldown.

+[21 – 35]% Damage to Injured Enemies
+[4.5 – 12]% Critical Strike Chance Against Injured Enemies
Elite_Kill_Damage (Struck’s note: I suspect this is X% dmg after killing an Elite for X seconds)
+[2 – 4] Ranks of Death Blow

The malformed snake creatures that live in the swamps are not content with simply killing their prey. They seem to take a malicious pleasure from inflicting as much suffering as possible before death.

Sockets & Gems

Full Diamonds is a good fit for many builds, not so much for this one due to not much Barrier sources. I’ve shortlisted 5 total gems that work well with the build so pick based on your preference. I’d recommend either of those for Weps: Diamond, Skull, Saphire or Emerald. For Armor: Diamond, Skull, Saphire or Ruby. For 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 (Overkiller) is one of the builds on that spreadsheet.

Helm: Aspect of Might
Amulet: Exploiter’s Aspect
Chest: Weapon Master’s Aspect
Pants: Steadfast Berserker’s Aspect
Gloves: *Aspect of Inner Calm (see NOTE below)
Boots: Relentless Berserker’s Apect
Ring 1: Bold Chieftain’s Aspect (see notes for alternative choices)
Ring 2: Bear Clan Berserker’s Aspect (see notes for alternative choices)
1H Weapon: Aspect of Brawler’s Aspect
Off-hand: Edgemaster’s Aspect
2-H Weapon 1: Aspect of Encroaching Wrath
2-H Weapon 2 (see NOTE below): Aspect of Veteran Brawler

NOTE 1: Aspect of Veteran Brawler should go into the 2nd 2-Hander slot until the Overkill Unique 2-handed mace drops. After that, move it to the Gloves slot and discard the aspect there (Aspect of Inner Calm).

NOTE 2: The two Resource aspects I put for the Ring slots can me mix-and-matched with those two other resource aspects in any ways between the 4: Aspect of Echoing Fury & Aspect of Berserk Fury.

It's up to you which 2 of the 4 resource Aspects to take if you're not "feeling it" with the two I picked.

Paragon Boards:

LVL 95 & no Points from renown: Click THIS LINK
MAXed out points: Click THIS LINK

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

I’ve shortlisted 37 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 Damage Bonus
Critical Strike Chance
Crit Chance / Critical Strike Damage with Core Skills
Damage with Core Skills
Lucky Hit Chance
Physical Damage Bonus
Physical Crit Chance / Critical Strike Damage Bonus
Resistance to All Elements
Cooldown Reduction
Weapon Mastery Skill Damage
+ % Damage to Elites
+ % Physical Damage to Elites
Damage Upon Killing an Elite
+ % Critical Chance / Crit Damage with Physical Damage Against Elites
Damage Reduction for X Seconds After Killing an Elite
+ % Damage for X Seconds After Killing an Elite
Damage Reduction from Elites
Vulnerable Damage
Crit Chance / Critical Strike Damage to Close Enemies
Crit Chance / Critical Strike Damage to Vulnerable Enemies
Crit Chance / Critical Strike Damage to Crowd Controlled Enemies
Damage while Healthy
Damage to Vulnerable Enemies
Damage to Close Enemies
Damage to Crowd Controlled Enemies
Damage to Vulnerable Enemies with Core / Weapon Mastery Skills
Crit Chance/ Critical Strike Damage with Weapon Mastery Skills

+ All Stats
Damage vs Injured Enemies
Damage vs Healthy Enemies
Weapon Damage (not sure if there are any bonuses to that as rolls)
Fury Generation / Regeneration/ On Kill
Movement Speed
Attack Speed
Strength
Resource Cost Reduction

Low 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 Overkiller Barbarian 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)