Tag: druid

Volatile 2.0 Diablo IV Rogue Build [RDY-4-Launch]

Volatile 2.0 Rogue BUILD for Diablo IV [RDY-4-Launch]

(did anyone say “EXPLOSIONS?!” be the bearer of bad news BOOMS & send your victims to the other side with traps & all kinds of explosive goodness)

♦ ◊ ♦ ◊ ♦

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 Rogue Class called Volatile 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 (Volatile 2.0) is one of the builds on that spreadsheet.

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

  • (active) Puncture – Throw blades a short distance, dealing 21% (X – ?) damage. Every 3rd cast Slows enemies by 2 seconds. Critical Strikes will always Slow. Requires Dual Wielded Weapons. Lucky Hit Chance: 50% Damage: Physical ; Tags: Basic, Ranged, Marksman
    • (1st upgrade) Enhanced Puncture – Gain 2 Energy when Puncture damages a Crowd Controlled enemy.
    • (2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Primary Puncture – Puncture now throws 3 blades in a spread, each dealing 35% of its Base damage. Hitting an enemy with at least 2 blades at once makes them Vulnerable for 2 seconds.

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

  • (active) Twisting Blades – Impale an enemy on your blades, dealing 45% (X – ?) damage and making them take 8% (multiplicative) increased damage while impaled. After 1.5 seconds the blades return to you, piercing enemies for 72% (X – ?) damage. Combo Points increase damage and grant a Movement Speed bonus: 1: 58% damage & 20% Movement Speed (*MS) bonus ; 2: 72% damage & 40% *MS bonus ; 3: 86% damage & 60% *MS bonus Requires Dual Wielded weapons Energy Cost: 30 Lucky Hit Chance: 33% Damage: Physical ; Tags: Core, Melee, Imbueable, Cutthroat
    • (1st upgrade) Enhanced Twisting Blades – Twisting Blades deals 30% (multiplicative) increased damage when returning.
    • (2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Advanced Twisting Blades – When your Twisting Blades return, your active Cooldowns are reduced by 1 second per enemy they passed through, up to 3 seconds.
  • (passive) did not pick any Core passives to save points

Agility Skills (Required Points: 6 )

  • (active) Caltrops – Leap backwards and throw Caltrops on the ground, dealing 30% (X – ?) damage and Slowing enemies by 50%. Lasts 6 seconds. Energy Cost: 21 Lucky Hit Chance: 25% Damage: Physical ; Tags: Agility, Trap
    • (1st upgrade) Enhanced Caltrops – Enemies take 3% (multiplicative) increased damage from you each second they’re in Caltrops.
    • (2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Disciplined Caltrops – You have +5% Critical Strike Chance against enemies inside your Caltrops. Double this amount against Vulnerable enemies.
  • (passive) Weapon Mastery – Gain a bonus when attacking based on weapon type:
    Daggers: 5%/10%/15% (multiplicative) increased damage to Healthy enemies.
    Swords: 3%/6%/9% (multiplicative) increased damage.
    Bows: 4%/8%/12% (multiplicative) increased damage to Vulnerable enemies.
    Crossbows: 5%/10%/15% (multiplicative) increased Critical Strike Damage.
  • (passive) did not pick other Agility passives to save points

Subterfuge Skills (Required Points: 11 )

  • (active) Dark Shroud – Surround yourself with up to 5 protective shadows. Gain 8% Damage Reduction per active shadow. Each time you take direct damage, that damage is reduced and a shadow is consumed Cooldown: 20 seconds. Tags: Subterfuge
    • (1st upgrade) Enhanced Dark Shroud – Dark Shroud’s shadows have a 10% chance to not be consumed
    • (2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Countering Dark Shroud – While you have at least 2 active shadow from Dark Shroud, gain +10% Critical Strike Chance.
  • (passive) Exploit – You deal 6%/12%/18% (multiplicative) increased damage to Healthy and Injured enemies.
    • (upgrade) Malice – You deal 3%/6%/9% (multiplicative) increased damage to Vulnerable enemies.
  • (passive) Agile – Using a Cooldown (skill with cooldown) increases your Dodge Chance by 3%/6%/9% for 2 seconds.
    • (upgrade) Mending Obscurity – DID NOT INVEST into this to save points
  • (passive) did not pick other Subterfuge passives to save points

Imbuements Skills (Required Points: 16 )

  • (active) Shadow Imbuement – Imbue your weapons with festering shadows. Enemies struck by your next 2 Imbuable Skills deal damage and infect enemies for 6 seconds. Infected enemies explode on death, dealing 40% (X) damage to all surrounding enemies. If the infection expires before the enemy dies, it will deal 40% (X) damage to only that enemy. Cooldown: 9 seconds. Lucky Hit Chance: 33% Damage: Shadow ; Tags: Imbuements
    • (1st upgrade) Enhanced Shadow Imbuement – You have +25% increased Critical Strike Chance against Injured enemies infected by Shadow Imbuement.
    • (2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Mixed Shadow Imbuement – Enemies damaged by Shadow Imbued Skills take 12% (multiplicative) increased Non-Physical damage from you for 8 seconds.
  • (passive) Precision Imbuement – Imbued Skills gain +5%/+10%/+15% increased Critical Strike Chance.
  • (passive – Invested 2/3 ranks into it only to save points) Shadow Crash – Lucky Hit: Shadow damage has up to a 10% chance to Stun for 0.5/1/1.5 seconds.
    • (upgrade) Consuming Shadows – Each time you kill an enemy with Shadow Damage, you generate 10/20/30 Energy.
  • (passive) did not pick other Imbuements passives to save points

Ultimate Skills (Required Points: 23 )

  • (active) Death Trap – Place a trap that arms after 1.25 seconds. It activates when an enemy moves near, dealing 250% (X – ?) damage to enemies in the area. Cooldown: 50 seconds. Lucky Hit Chance: 4% Damage: Shadow ; Tags: Ultimate, Trap
    • (1st upgrade) Prime Death Trap – Enemies are Pulled into Death Trap when it activates.
    • (2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Supreme Death Trap – If Death Trap kills an enemy, its Cooldown is reduced by 10 seconds.
  • (passive) Innervation – Lucky Hit: Up to a 10%/20%/30% chance to gain 8 Energy.
    • (upgrade) Second Wind – Every 100 Energy you spend grants you +5%/+10%/+15% increased Lucky Hit Chance for 5 seconds.seconds.
    • (upgrade) Alchemist’s Fortune – Non-Physical damage you deal has a +5%/+10%/+15% increased Lucky Hit Chance.
  • (passive ) Trap Mastery – When Poison Trap or Death Trap activates, you gain +4%/+8%/+12% increased Critical Strike Chance against Vulnerable and Crowd Controlled enemies for 4 seconds.
  • (passive) Aftermath – After using an Ultimate Skill, restore 25/50/75 Energy.
  • (passive) did not pick other Ultimate passives to save points

Specializations (Required Points: 33 )

  • (passive) Victimize – Lucky Hit: Dealing direct damage to a Vulnerable enemy has up to a +30% chance to cause an explosion, dealing 23% of the original damage to them and surrounding enemies.

Class Mechanic:

I don’t have much information about the 3rd Specialization of the Rogue. The 3 Specializations are the Rogues’ Class Mechanics:

  • Combo Points – Your Basic Skills now generate Combo Points. Certain Skills consume Combo Points for additional effects.
  • Inner Sight – Attack marked enemies to fill up your Inner Sight gauge. When it’s full, gain unlimited Energy for 4 seconds.
  • Preparation – This specialization was not available during the closed beta builds of the game.
probably evolved into Inner Sight
probably replaced by Preparation

I prefer and advise using Combo Points but I liked Inner Sight during the beta too so not a bad one either for some 0 cost Skill Spams every now and then. We’ll have to wait and see about the last one.

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:

Eyes in the Dark (Pants)

While Injured, Your Potion Also Grants [30%] Movement Speed for 2 Seconds

Unless it hits a Boss or Player, Death Trap will continue to re-arm itself until it kills an enemy. However, Death Trap‘s Cooldown is increased by [15 – 30]%.

[3.1 – 7.3]% Dodge Chance
+[0.07 – 0.14] Shadow Damage
+[16.5 – 23.5]% Damage to Elites
+[7 – 14]% Damage to Trapped Enemies

“And so, when the sun dipped behind the hills each night, he knew that Ashen Jack would soon be near. Watching, and waiting.” – Greenslade’s Tales, Chapter 2: “Each Long Night”

Sockets & Gems

Full Diamonds is a good fit for many builds, including this one. 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 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 (Volatile 2.0) is one of the builds on that spreadsheet.

  • Helm: Enshrouding Aspect
  • Amulet: *Aspect of Unstable Imbuements OR Aspect of Volatile Shadows (see notes)
  • Chest: *Aspect of Cruel Sustenance OR Aspect of Siphoned Protection (see notes)
  • Pants: *Aspect of Cruel Sustenance OR Aspect of Siphoned Protection UNTIL the Unique goes here (see notes)
  • Gloves: Vengeful Aspect
  • Boots: Exploiter’s Aspect
  • Ring 1: Ravenous Aspect
  • Ring 2: Aspect of Unstable Imbuements OR Aspect of Volatile Shadows (see notes)
  • 1H Weapon (see NOTE below): Aspect of Corruption
  • Off-hand (see NOTE below): Blast-Trapper’s Aspect
  • 2-H Weapon: Bladedancer’s Aspect
NOTE 1: You have to pick one aspect that will be discаrded once you get the Unique Pants. You can use both Aspect of Cruel Sustenance AND Aspect of Siphoned Protection only until you get & equip Eyes in the Dark. So pick whichever you feel is weaker and less worth it and discard it while putting the other one in the Chest slot.

NOTE 2: You have to pick one aspect that will be in the +50% effectiveness Amulet slot out of those two: Aspect of Unstable Imbuements OR Aspect of Volatile Shadows. So pick whichever you feel is more worth the bonus and put it on the Amulet slot while putting the other on Ring Number 2.

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.

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

I’ve shortlisted 41 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
Shadow Damage Bonus
Shadow Critical Strike Damage Bonus
Resistance to All Elements
Cooldown Reduction
+ % Critical Strike Chance with Shadow Damage
+ % Damage to Elites
+ % Shadow Damage to Elites
Damage Upon Killing an Elite
+ % Critical Strike Chance with Shadow 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
Crit Chance / Critical Strike Damage with Cuththroat/Imbued/ Skills
Damage while Healthy
Damage to Vulnerable Enemies
Damage to Close Enemies
Damage to Crowd Controlled Enemies
Damage to Vulnerable Enemies with Imbued Skills
Critical Strike Damage with Imbued Skills
Imbuement Potency
Shadow Imbued Skill Damage
Damage to Enemies Affected by Trap Skills
High Priority
+ All Stats
Damage vs Injured Enemies
Damage vs Healthy Enemies
Weapon Damage (not sure if there are any bonuses to that as rolls)
Energy Generation / Regeneration/ On Kill
Movement Speed
Attack Speed
Dexterity
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 Volatile Rogue 2.0 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)

XBOX

PlayStation

Official Website

BIG GRIZZ 2.0 Diablo IV Druid Build [RDY-4-Launch]

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

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

♦ ◊ ♦ ◊ ♦

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

Diablo IV‘s 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 BIG GRIZZ 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 (BIG GRIZZ 2.0) 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) 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 10 seconds while you remain Healthy.
  • (2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Raging Pulverize – Enemies are Stunned for 2 seconds when they are Overpowered with Pulverize.
  • (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 / 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) 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) 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) Vigilance – did not take to save points
  • (passive) did not pick other Defensive passives to save points

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

  • (active) 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) 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) 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 – You are Unstoppable when Grizzly Rage is active.
  • (2nd upgrade) Supreme Grizzly Rage – Gain 8% Base 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 – 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 – only invested 1 point due to lack of points) Nature’s Resolve – 5%/10%/15% chance when struck to Fortify you for 4% Base Life.
    • (upgrade) Unrestrained – Reduce the duration of control impairing effects by 3%/6%/9%. Triple this effect while you have Fortify for over 50% of your maximum Life.
  • (passive) did not pick other Ultimate passives to save points

Specializations (Required Points: 33 )

  • (passive) Ursine Strength – Gain 20% (multiplicative) additional maximum Life while in Werebear form and for 3 seconds after leaving Werebear form. While Healthy, deal 30% (multiplicative) increased damage.

Class Mechanic (Spirit Boons):

I don’t have much info regarding the Spirit Boons but I think you can pick at least 2 from the same category + maybe 1 more from another. I’d advise getting the following 2 for now.

  • Eagle Category, Scythe Talons: +5% Critical Strike Chance.
  • Eagle Category, Avian Wrath +30% Critical Strike Damage.

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:

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.

Sockets & Gems

Full Diamonds is a good fit for many builds, including this one. I’ve shortlisted 5 total gems that work well with the build so pick based on your preference. I’d recommend doing for Weps: Diamond, Skull, Saphire, Ruby 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 (BIG GRIZZ 2.0) is one of the builds on that spreadsheet.

  • Helm: Stormshifter’s Aspect
  • Amulet: Ballistic Aspect
  • Chest: *Earthguard Aspect OR Exploiter’s Aspect OR Symbiotic Aspect (see note below)
  • Pants: Mending Stone
  • Gloves: Aspect of The Ursine Horror
  • Boots: *Symbiotic Aspect OR Exploiter’s Aspect (see note below)
  • Ring 1: Aspect of Retaliation
  • Ring 2: Mangled Aspect
  • 1H Weapon (see note below): Aspect of Natural Balance
  • Off-hand (see note below): *Shockwave Aspect (see note below)
  • 2-H Weapon (see note below): Aspect of Natural Balance
NOTE 1: Get rid of 1, keep 1 in the boots, and use temporarily the other between: Earthguard Aspect OR Symbiotic Aspect OR Exploiter’s Aspect. This is a tough choice to make and it's up to you which one you like most to keep in the Boots and which one you want to use until the Unique. We'll need to empty this slot for the awesome unique eventually. You can have 1 here & the other in the Boots before you get the Unique Chest. I'd go Earthguard in the Chest as temp and Exploiter's in the Boots

NOTE 2: You may wanna consider putting Crashstone Aspect in the Off-hand slot or maybe put Aspect of The Rampaging Werebeast there

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 92 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.

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
Critical Strike Damage with Core Skills
Damage with Core Skills
Lucky Hit Chance
Earth/Lightning Damage Bonus
Earth/Lightning Critical Strike Damage Bonus
Resistance to All Elements
Cooldown Reduction
+ % Critical Strike Chance with Earth/Lightning Damage
+ % Damage to Elites
+ % Earth/Lightning Damage to Elites
Damage Upon Killing an Elite
+ % Critical Strike Chance with Earth/Lightning 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
Critical Strike Damage to Close Enemies
Critical Strike Damage to Vulnerable Enemies
Critical Strike Damage to Crowd Controlled Enemies
Critical Strike Damage with Nature/Earth/Shapeshifting/Storm Skills
Damage while Healthy
Damage to Vulnerable Enemies
Damage to Close Enemies
Damage to Crowd Controlled Enemies
Damage while Fortified
High Priority
+ All Stats
Damage vs 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
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 BIG GRIZZ 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)

XBOX

PlayStation

Official Website

Storm Lord Diablo IV Druid Build

Storm Lord Druid BUILD for Diablo IV

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

♦ ◊ ♦ ◊ ♦

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

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

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

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

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

Video Version:

Skill Trees

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

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

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

  • (active) Storm Strike – Electricity gathers around your weapon, dealing +27.34% (X-?) damage split between your target and up to 3 nearby enemies. Type: Storm Magic Damage: Lightning Generates: 15 Spirit
    • (1st upgrade) Enhanced Storm Strike – Dealing damage with Storm Strike reduces your damage taken by +25% for 3 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) Tornado – Conjure a vortex that moves outwards and curves in a random direction, dealing 105.00% (X-?) damage every second. Talents: Natural Balance, Eye of the Storm, Elemental Exposure, Natural Resonance, Fury of Nature, Perfect Storm. Type: Storm Magic Damage: Physical Spirit Cost: 38
  • (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 – Each time an enemy is damaged by a Tornado, they take 5% (multiplicative) increased damage from Tornado for 3 seconds, stacking up to 15% (multiplicative) increased damage.
  • (passive) Heart of the Wild – Maximum Spirit is increased by 3.
    • (upgrade – did NOT take to save points) Wild Impulses – Your Core Skills cost 5% (multiplicative) more Spirit but deal 10% (multiplicative) increased damage
    • (upgrade) Abundance – Basic Skills generate 5% more Spirit.
  • (passive – did NOT take to save points) Predatory Instinct – Critical Strike Chance against nearby enemies is increased by 3%.
    • (upgrade – did NOT take as it’s not needed) Iron Fur – While in Werebear form, damage reduction is increased by 3%. This bonus persists for 3 seconds after leaving Werebear form.
    • (upgrade – did NOT take as it’s not needed) 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) Cyclone Armor – Powerful winds protect you, granting 20.0% ranged damage reduction. When an enemy in melee range hits you, there is up to a 15.75% (X- ?) chance for the winds to knock it back. Type: Storm Magic
  • (1st upgrade) Enhanced Cyclone Armor – Enemies who are Knocked Back by Cyclone Armor are also Slowed by 40% for 3 seconds.
  • (2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Preserving Cyclone Armor – Every 10 seconds, Cyclone Armor intensifies, reducing the next instance of non-Physical damage by an additional 40%.
  • (passive) Ancestral Fortitude – Increase your non-physical resistances by 5%.
    • (upgrade) Vigilance – You Take X% reduced damage for X seconds after using a Defensive Skill.
  • (active) Blood Howl – Shapeshift into a Werewolf and howl furiously, restoring X% Life. Cooldown: 15 seconds
  • (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.

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

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

Wrath Skills (Required Points: 16 )

  • (active) Hurricane – Form a hurricane around you that deals 102.37 (X-?) damage to nearby enemies over 8 seconds. Talents: Storm and Claw, Eye of the Storm, Natural Resonance, Endless Tempest, Fury of Nature, Perfect Storm, Type: Storm Magic Damage: Physical Cooldown: 20 seconds
  • (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 who are in Hurricane’s radius have their damage reduced by 20%.
  • (passive) Elemental Exposure – Lucky Hit: Your Storm Skills have up to 20% chance to make enemies Vulnerable for 1.0 seconds.
    • (upgrade 1) Endless Tempest – Increase the duration of Hurricane and Cataclysm by 5%.
    • (upgrade 2 – did NOT pick this one) Charged Atmosphere – Every 18 seconds, a Lightning Strike hits a nearby enemy dealing 47.25% (X-?) damage.
    • (upgrade 3 – did NOT pick this one) Bad Omen – Lucky Hit: Up to a 10% chance when dealing damage to a Vulnerable, Immobilized or Stunned enemy that a Lightning Strike also hits dealing 57.75% (X-?} damage.
    • (upgrade 4 – did NOT pick this one) Electric Shock – Lucky Hit: Dealing Lightning damage to enemies has a 5% chance to Immobilize them for 3 seconds. If the target is already Immobilized, the Lightning damage dealt to them is increased by X% instead.
  • (active) Ravens – Active: The target area is swarmed with ravens. dealing 89.25 (X-?) damage over 6 seconds. Type: Companion Damage: Physical Cooldown: 25 seconds
  • (1st upgrade) Enhanced Ravens – Passive: Ravens fly above you and periodically attack your enemies for 13.85% (X-?) damage every 5 seconds.
  • (2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Ferocious Ravens – Enemies inside the swarm of Ravens when it is activated become Vulnerable for 3 seconds.
  • (passive) did not pick any other Wrath passives

Ultimate Skills (Required Points: 23 )

  • (active) Cataclysm – A massive storm follows you for 8 seconds Tornadoes knock back enemies, and lightning strikes wildly dealing 54.60% (X-?) damage. Cooldown: 80 seconds
  • (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.
    • (passive) Natural Disaster – Your Earth Skills deal 4% (multiplicative) increased damage to Vulnerable enemies. Your Storm Skills deal 4% (multiplicative) increased damage to enemies that are Stunned, Immobilized, or Knocked Back.
    • (passive – did NOT pick to save points) Circle of Life – Nature Magic skills that consume Spirit restore 1% of your maximum Life.
    • (passive – did NOT pick to save points) Resonance – Nature Magic skills deal 2% (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 to save points) Defensive Posture – Increase the Damage Reduction gained while you are Fortified by an additional +3%.
    • (upgrade – did NOT pick to save points) Thick Hide – Whenever you are Stunned, Immobilized, or Knocked Down, Fortify for X.
    • (upgrade – did NOT pick to save points) Nature’s Resolve – 5% chance when struck to Fortify you for X
  • (passive) did not pick any other Ultimate passives

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):

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

Legendary Aspects / Powers

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

  • Helm: Storm Beast’s Aspect
  • Amulet: Aspect of Shared Misery
  • Chest: Skinwalker’s Aspect
  • Pants: Cyclonic Force
  • Gloves: Stormshifter’s Aspect
  • Boots: Ghostwalker Aspect
  • Ring 1: Aspect of The Umbral
  • Ring 2: Overcharged Aspect
  • 1H Weapon (see note below): Nighthowler’s Aspect
  • Off-hand (see note below): Aspect of The Tempest
  • 2-H Weapon (see note below): Nighthowler’s Aspect
NOTE: I recommend using 1H + offhand so that you can get an extra aspect. 

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

Useful Links (Spreadsheets & more):

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

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

♦ ◊ ♦ ◊ ♦

This concludes the Storm Lord 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)

XBOX

PlayStation

Official Website

Rocky Diablo IV Druid Build

Rocky Druid BUILD for Diablo IV

(Rock their world with giant Boulders while naturally 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 Open Beta Tests are almost here and I felt motivated to make some Pre-Launch theorycrafted semi-builds that should be good for ‘fresh-into-endgame’ characters when the game launches. I also plan to evolve them into FULL builds when the game is released & keep them updated when we get rebalance updates. This is one such build for the Druid Class called Rocky.

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

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

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

Video Version:

Skill Trees

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

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

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

  • (active) Earthspike – Sunder the earth, impaling the first enemy hit for 16.80% (X-?) damage. Each time you hit an enemy with Earthspike, your chance to deal Crushing Blow to that target is increased by 10%. Requires a 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 X 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 3 pillars of earth, dealing up to 78.75% (X-?) damage. Has an additional 10% chance to deal a Crushing Blow. Talents: Natural Balance, Eye of the Storm, Elemental Exposure, Natural Resonance, Primal Resonance, Earthbind, Fury of Nature, Earthen Might. Type: Earth Magic Damage: Physical Spirit Cost: 29
  • (1st upgrade) Enhanced Landslide – Enemies hit by all 3 Landslide pillars have a 25% chance to be Immobilized for 3 seconds by the final hit.
  • (2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Primal Landslide – Landslide has a 10% increased Critical Strike Chance and deals 30% (multiplicative) increased Critical Strike Damage against enemies who are Stunned, Immobilized or Knocked Back.
  • (passive) Heart of the Wild – Maximum Spirit is increased by 3.
    • (upgrade did NOT take to save points) Wild Impulses – Your Core Skills cost 5% (multiplicative) more Spirit but deal 10% (multiplicative) increased damage
    • (upgrade) Abundance – Basic Skills generate 5% more Spirit.
  • (passive) did not pick other Spirit/Core passives to save points

Defensive Skills (Required Points: 6 )

  • (active) Earthen Bulwark – Rocks surround you for 3 seconds, making you Unstoppable and absorbing up to X damage. Type: Earth Magic Damage: Physical Cooldown: 16 seconds
  • (1st upgrade) Enhanced Earthen Bulwark – Earthen Bulwark makes you Unstoppable while active.
  • (2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Preserving Earthen Bulwark – Casting Earthen Bulwark grants X Fortify.
  • (passive) Ancestral Fortitude – Increase your non-physical resistances by 5%.
    • (upgrade) Vigilance – You Take X% reduced damage for X seconds after using a Defensive Skill.

Companion Skills (Required Points: 11 )

  • (active) Wolves – Passive: Summon 2 wolf companions that bite enemies for 18.19% (X-?) damage. Active: Direct the wolves to focus an enemy, leaping to them and striking for 36.75% (X-?) damage. Talents: Call of the Wild Type: Companion Damage: Physical Cooldown: 14.0 seconds
  • (1st upgrade) Enhanced Wolves – Wolves deal 20% (multiplicative) increased damage to Immobilized, Stunned, Slowed, or poisoned enemies.
  • (2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Ferocious Wolves You deal 10% (multiplicative) increased damage to your Wolves’ focus target.
  • (passive) did not pick any Companion passives to save points

Wrath Skills (Required Points: 16 )

  • (active) Boulder – Unearth a large rolling boulder that knocks back and crushes enemies, dealing 34.65% (X-?) damage with each hit. Type: Earth Magic Damage: Physical Cooldown: 10 seconds
  • (1st upgrade) Enhanced Boulder – Enemies are slowed by 30% for 2 seconds after being hit with Boulder.
  • (2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Natural Boulder – Your Basic Skills grant 75% bonus Spirit while damaging enemies who are Knocked Back by Boulder.
  • (passive) Crushing Earth – Earth Skills deal 5% (multiplicative) increased damage to Slowed, Stunned, Immobilized or Knocked Back enemies.
    • (upgrade) Stone Guard – While Fortified over 50% of your maximum Life, your Earth Skills deal 4% (multiplicative) increased damage.
    • (upgrade – did NOT pick to save points) Safeguard Critical Strikes with Earth Skills Fortify you for X.

Ultimate Skills (Required Points: 23 )

  • (active) Petrify – Petrify all nearby enemies, Stunning them for 3 seconds. You deal 25% (multiplicative) increased Critical Strike Damage to Petrified enemies. Damage: Physical Cooldown: 60 seconds
  • (1st upgrade) Prime Petrify – Petrify’s duration is increased by 1 seconds.
  • (2nd upgrade) Supreme Petrify – Killing a Petrified enemy grants 25 Spirit.
  • (passive) Defiance – Nature Magic skills deal 4% (multiplicative) increased damage to Elites.
    • (upgrade) did NOT take either of the two upgrades to save points
  • (passive) Defensive Posture – Increase the Damage Reduction gained while you are Fortified by an additional +3%.
    • (upgrade) Thick Hide – Whenever you are Stunned, Immobilized, or Knocked Down, Fortify for X.
    • (upgrade – did NOT pick to save points) Nature’s Resolve – 5% chance when struck to Fortify you for X

Specializations (Required Points: 33 )

  • (passive) Earthen Might – Lucky Hit: Damaging enemies with Earth Skills has up to a 5% chance to grant Earthen Might. This chance is increased by 10% for Critical Strikes, and is further increased by 10% if the target is Stunned, Immobilized, or Knocked Back. Earthen Might restores all of your Spirit & grants you 100% Critical Strike Chance for 5 seconds.

Class Mechanic (Spirit Boons):

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

Legendary Aspects / Powers

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

  • Helm: Aspect of Shared Misery
  • Amulet: Ballistic Aspect
  • Chest: Aspect of Quicksand
  • Pants: Mending Stone
  • Gloves: Nighthowler’s Aspect
  • Boots: Ghostwalker Aspect
  • Ring 1: Aspect of The Umbral
  • Ring 2: Aspect of Pummeling
  • 1H Weapon (if possible to even use a Bludgeoning 1H weapon): Crashstone Aspect
  • Off-hand (if possible to even use a Bludgeoning 1H weapon): Aspect of Retribution
  • 2-H Weapon (must be Bludgeoning): Crashstone Aspect

Useful Links (Spreadsheets & more):

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

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

♦ ◊ ♦ ◊ ♦

This concludes the Rocky 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)

XBOX

PlayStation

Official Website

Lycan Lacerator Diablo IV Druid Build

Lycan Lacerator Druid BUILD for Diablo IV

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

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

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

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

Video Version:

Skill Trees

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

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

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

  • (active) Claw – Shapeshift into a Werewolf and shred an enemy, dealing 21.00% (X-?) damage. 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 an additional +10% Critical Strike Chance and deals +15% increased Critical Strike Damage.

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

  • (active) Shred – Shapeshift into a Werewolf and leap onto an enemy slashing them 3 times for 42.00% (X-?) damage per slash. Type: Shapeshifting Damage: Physical Spirit Cost: 34
  • (1st upgrade) Enhanced Shred – Each slash with Shred heals you for 2% of your maximum Life when it deals damage.
  • (2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Raging Shred – Shred has an additional +10% Critical Strike Chance against Poisoned enemies.
  • (passive) Heart of the Wild – Maximum Spirit is increased by 3.
    • (upgrade) Wild Impulses – Your Core Skills cost 5% (multiplicative) more Spirit but deal 10% (multiplicative) increased damage
    • (upgrade) Abundance – Basic Skills generate 5% more Spirit.
  • (passive) Predatory Instinct – Critical Strike Chance against nearby enemies is increased by 3%.
    • (upgrade) Iron Fur – did not pick to save points
    • (upgrade) Digitigrate Gait / Lycanthropic Speed – did not pick to save points

Defensive Skills (Required Points: 6 )

  • (active) Blood Howl – Shapeshift into a Werewolf and howl furiously, restoring X% Life. Cooldown: 15 seconds
  • (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%.
    • (upgrade) Vigilance – did not pick to save points

Companion Skills (Required Points: 11 )

  • (active) Vine Creeper – Passive: A vine creeper periodically emerges from the ground every 7 seconds and poisons a nearby enemy for 37.80% (X) damage over 6 seconds. Active: Vines strangle enemies in a target area, poisoning them for X damage over 6 seconds and stunning them for 2 seconds. Type: Companion Damage: Poison Cooldown: 20 seconds
  • (1st upgrade) Enhanced Vine Creeper – Vine Creeper’s Immobilize duration is increased by 1 second.
  • (2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Brutal Vine Creeper – Your chance to Critically Strike is increased by 20% against enemies strangled by Vine Creeper.
  • (passive) did not pick any Companion passives to save points

Wrath Skills (Required Points: 16 )

  • (active) Rabies – Shapeshift into a Werewolf and perform an infectious bite on the target dealing 24.40% (X-?) damage, and an additional 55.65% (X) damage over 6 seconds. Infected enemies spread Rabies to other nearby targets. Poison Damage Cooldown: 12 seconds
  • (1st upgrade) Enhanced Rabies – Once Rabies infects 4 targets, it deals 30% (multiplicative) increased Poison damage against all targets.
  • (2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Enhanced Rabies – Once Rabies infects 4 targets, it deals 30% (multiplicative) increased Poison damage against all targets.
  • (passive) Toxic Claws – Critical Strikes with Werewolf skills deal 8% of their base damage as Poison damage over 4 seconds.
    • (upgrade) Neurotoxin – DID NOT INVEST in this to save points

Ultimate Skills (Required Points: 23 )

  • (active) Lacerate – Shapeshift into a Werewolf, become Immune and quickly dash 10 times between nearby enemies dealing up to 420.20% (X-?) damage. Cooldown: 50 seconds
  • (1st upgrade) Prime Lacerate – Each time Lacerate deals a Critical Strike, heal for 3% of your maximum Life.
  • (2nd upgrade – my pick of the 2) Supreme Lacerate – Lacerate’s final strike deals 200% (multiplicative) increased damage.
  • (passive) Quickshift – After Shapeshifting into a different form, your next skill deals 5% (multiplicative) increased damage. (i only put 1 point into it to unlock the upgrades)
    • (upgrade) Heightened Senses – Upon shapeshifting into a Werewolf or Werebear, gain 4% damage reduction against Elites for 3 seconds.
    • (upgrade) Natural Fortitude – Shapeshifting Fortifies you for 0.56.

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 + maybe 1 more from another. I’ll leave this empty for now.

Legendary Aspects / Powers

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

  • Helm: Aspect of Disobedience
  • Amulet: Aspect of Shared Misery
  • Chest: Stalking Beast Aspect
  • Pants: Vigorous Aspect
  • Gloves: Nighthowler’s Aspect
  • Boots: Wind Striker Aspect
  • Ring 1: Aspect of The Unsatiated
  • Ring 2: Aspect of The Umbral
  • 1H Weapon: Edgemaster’s Aspect
  • Off-hand: Aspect of Retribution
  • 2-H Weapon (if you decide to use one): Edgemaster’s Aspect

Useful Links (Spreadsheets & more):

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

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

♦ ◊ ♦ ◊ ♦

This concludes the Lycan Lacerator 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)

XBOX

PlayStation

Official Website