I did pretty well, and seemed really powerful (was doing better than my Sorc friend up until about this point, then complete 180, though they're a bit better than me) up until about Teganze. Now I feel like I've really hit a brick wall and everything feels like slamming my head against a wall. So I decided to try XBow Necro since I heard it's supposed to be better/more meta, but I've had pretty much the same results (actually worse off since survivability is worse, though I can manipulate Widowmaker to at least actually be able to kill things in Teganze, though a bit slowly)
I guess I should probably post my builds.
My Melee Necro is:
Max: Embalming, Deathward, Rathma's Chosen, Deathlord.
7-Point: Carnage
1 to 9-Point: Talon's Hold
1-Point: Nightwalker
1-Point: Graveyard
1 to Max: Parasite
Rest: Death Pact.
1-Point: Pestilence
I've also tried replacing Deathlord with a mix of Famine and Death Pact, but that just seemed to make me squishier.
My Gear is
Weapon:
Reaper's Hand
with Jah Runes I have a Rathma's, but it seems pretty useless, had actually been gunning for a full Rathma's set because I heard that's supposed to be one of the good ones, but only got Scythe and BAReaper's Hand
Bonesplitter (Sacred)
Two-Hand Damage: (238 - 336) to (373 - 502)
(Necromancer Only)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 512
Item Level: 105
Strength Damage Bonus: (0.16 per Strength)%
Mega Impact
15% Chance to cast level 1 Raid on Melee Attack
Additional Strength Damage Bonus: 0.0390625%
Adds (50 to 90)-(180 to 250) Damage
(50 to 150)% Bonus to Attack Rating
(5 to 10)% Life stolen per Hit
+(130 to 200)% Enhanced Damage
Freezes Target +1
Socketed (6)
Bonesplitter (Sacred)
Two-Hand Damage: (238 - 336) to (373 - 502)
(Necromancer Only)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 512
Item Level: 105
Strength Damage Bonus: (0.16 per Strength)%
Mega Impact
15% Chance to cast level 1 Raid on Melee Attack
Additional Strength Damage Bonus: 0.0390625%
Adds (50 to 90)-(180 to 250) Damage
(50 to 150)% Bonus to Attack Rating
(5 to 10)% Life stolen per Hit
+(130 to 200)% Enhanced Damage
Freezes Target +1
Socketed (6)
Switch:
Shamanka
I also useShamanka
Long Staff (Sacred)
Two-Hand Damage: 56 to 58
Required Level: 100
Required Dexterity: 203
Item Level: 105
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+(3 to 6) to Sorceress Skill Levels
45% Cast Speed
45% Hit Recovery
+50% Damage to Undead
+(21 to 25)% to Fire Spell Damage
+(21 to 25)% to Cold Spell Damage
+(21 to 25)% to Poison Spell Damage
+(6 to 16) to Bloodlust
Maximum Life +(10 to 13)%
Fire Resist +(50 to 70)%
Lightning Resist +(50 to 70)%
Socketed (4)
Long Staff (Sacred)
Two-Hand Damage: 56 to 58
Required Level: 100
Required Dexterity: 203
Item Level: 105
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+(3 to 6) to Sorceress Skill Levels
45% Cast Speed
45% Hit Recovery
+50% Damage to Undead
+(21 to 25)% to Fire Spell Damage
+(21 to 25)% to Cold Spell Damage
+(21 to 25)% to Poison Spell Damage
+(6 to 16) to Bloodlust
Maximum Life +(10 to 13)%
Fire Resist +(50 to 70)%
Lightning Resist +(50 to 70)%
Socketed (4)
Blackheart
and Blackheart
Grim Wand (4)
One-Hand Damage: 6 to 8
(Necromancer Only)
Required Level: 11
Required Dexterity: 15
Item Level: 1
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.06 per Dexterity)%
+1 to Necromancer Skill Levels
15% Cast Speed
15% Hit Recovery
+50% Damage to Undead
+(6 to 9) to Summon Darklings
+1 to Dark Power
+(9 to 10)% to Summoned Minion Damage
+1 Life Regenerated per Second (Based on Character Level)
Socketed (1)
One-Hand Damage: 11 to 17
(Necromancer Only)
Required Level: 29
Required Dexterity: 23
Item Level: 31
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.06 per Dexterity)%
+2 to Necromancer Skill Levels
25% Cast Speed
25% Hit Recovery
+50% Damage to Undead
+(12 to 16) to Summon Darklings
+2 to Dark Power
+(16 to 20)% to Summoned Minion Damage
+1 Life Regenerated per Second (Based on Character Level)
Socketed (2)
One-Hand Damage: 17 to 26
(Necromancer Only)
Required Level: 47
Required Dexterity: 46
Item Level: 51
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.06 per Dexterity)%
+3 to Necromancer Skill Levels
35% Cast Speed
35% Hit Recovery
+50% Damage to Undead
+(20 to 26) to Summon Darklings
+3 to Dark Power
+(26 to 30)% to Summoned Minion Damage
+1 Life Regenerated per Second (Based on Character Level)
Socketed (2)
One-Hand Damage: 20 to 31
(Necromancer Only)
Required Level: 55
Required Dexterity: 92
Item Level: 77
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.06 per Dexterity)%
+4 to Necromancer Skill Levels
40% Cast Speed
40% Hit Recovery
+50% Damage to Undead
+(32 to 36) to Summon Darklings
+4 to Dark Power
+(36 to 40)% to Summoned Minion Damage
+1 Life Regenerated per Second (Based on Character Level)
Socketed (2)
Grim Wand (4)
One-Hand Damage: 6 to 8
(Necromancer Only)
Required Level: 11
Required Dexterity: 15
Item Level: 1
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.06 per Dexterity)%
+1 to Necromancer Skill Levels
15% Cast Speed
15% Hit Recovery
+50% Damage to Undead
+(6 to 9) to Summon Darklings
+1 to Dark Power
+(9 to 10)% to Summoned Minion Damage
+1 Life Regenerated per Second (Based on Character Level)
Socketed (1)
One-Hand Damage: 11 to 17
(Necromancer Only)
Required Level: 29
Required Dexterity: 23
Item Level: 31
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.06 per Dexterity)%
+2 to Necromancer Skill Levels
25% Cast Speed
25% Hit Recovery
+50% Damage to Undead
+(12 to 16) to Summon Darklings
+2 to Dark Power
+(16 to 20)% to Summoned Minion Damage
+1 Life Regenerated per Second (Based on Character Level)
Socketed (2)
One-Hand Damage: 17 to 26
(Necromancer Only)
Required Level: 47
Required Dexterity: 46
Item Level: 51
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.06 per Dexterity)%
+3 to Necromancer Skill Levels
35% Cast Speed
35% Hit Recovery
+50% Damage to Undead
+(20 to 26) to Summon Darklings
+3 to Dark Power
+(26 to 30)% to Summoned Minion Damage
+1 Life Regenerated per Second (Based on Character Level)
Socketed (2)
One-Hand Damage: 20 to 31
(Necromancer Only)
Required Level: 55
Required Dexterity: 92
Item Level: 77
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.06 per Dexterity)%
+4 to Necromancer Skill Levels
40% Cast Speed
40% Hit Recovery
+50% Damage to Undead
+(32 to 36) to Summon Darklings
+4 to Dark Power
+(36 to 40)% to Summoned Minion Damage
+1 Life Regenerated per Second (Based on Character Level)
Socketed (2)
Homunculus
to buff withHomunculus
Preserved Head (Sacred)
Defense: 1215 to 1300
Chance to Block: 2%
(Necromancer Only)
Required Level: 115
Required Dexterity: 436
Item Level: 120
Graveyard: +2 Additional Projectiles
4% Chance to cast level 21 Lifeblood on Kill
+(50 to 100) Spell Focus
-30% to Enemy Poison Resistance
+(7 to 12) to Graveyard (Necromancer Only)
+(31 to 44) to Arachnomancy
+(100 to 150) to Vitality
Maximum Poison Resist +(2 to 3)%
50% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (4)
Preserved Head (Sacred)
Defense: 1215 to 1300
Chance to Block: 2%
(Necromancer Only)
Required Level: 115
Required Dexterity: 436
Item Level: 120
Graveyard: +2 Additional Projectiles
4% Chance to cast level 21 Lifeblood on Kill
+(50 to 100) Spell Focus
-30% to Enemy Poison Resistance
+(7 to 12) to Graveyard (Necromancer Only)
+(31 to 44) to Arachnomancy
+(100 to 150) to Vitality
Maximum Poison Resist +(2 to 3)%
50% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (4)
Gloves:
Hammerfist
with gems (don't have great resists, because I'm nervous about MO'ing my rings and Amulet because I just feel so damn unsure of what I should do, everything feels wrong)Hammerfist
Gauntlets (Sacred)
Defense: (1227 - 1450) to (1436 - 1697)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 625
Item Level: 105
Adds (1 to 15)-(20 to 30) Damage
5% Life stolen per Hit
+(15 to 25) to Spiral Dance
5% Chance of Crushing Blow
Weapon Physical Damage +(30 to 60)%
+(120 to 160)% Enhanced Defense
Elemental Resists +15%
Socketed (4)
Gauntlets (Sacred)
Defense: (1227 - 1450) to (1436 - 1697)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 625
Item Level: 105
Adds (1 to 15)-(20 to 30) Damage
5% Life stolen per Hit
+(15 to 25) to Spiral Dance
5% Chance of Crushing Blow
Weapon Physical Damage +(30 to 60)%
+(120 to 160)% Enhanced Defense
Elemental Resists +15%
Socketed (4)
Helm:
Witchhunter's Hood
Witchhunter's Attire
(Assassin Claw Set)
with Ber Jewels (edit, holy shit my friend just found Metalhead for me, I might have to respec to Melee again)Witchhunter's Hood
Cap (Sacred)
Defense: (2136 - 2611) to (2161 - 2642)
Required Level: 90
Required Strength: 250
Item Level: 1
+(80 to 120)% Enhanced Defense
10% to Strength
10% to Dexterity
Maximum Elemental Resists +2%
Elemental Resists +(31 to 40)%
Physical Resist 5%
(16 to 20)% Bonus to Defense
Requirements -50%
Socketed (4)
Cap (Sacred)
Defense: (2136 - 2611) to (2161 - 2642)
Required Level: 90
Required Strength: 250
Item Level: 1
+(80 to 120)% Enhanced Defense
10% to Strength
10% to Dexterity
Maximum Elemental Resists +2%
Elemental Resists +(31 to 40)%
Physical Resist 5%
(16 to 20)% Bonus to Defense
Requirements -50%
Socketed (4)
Witchhunter's Attire
(Assassin Claw Set)
Body Armor:
Erawan
with Ber JewelsErawan
Body Armors
'LemKoCham'
Runeword Level: 83
15% Combat Speeds
5% Chance of Crushing Blow
+(144 to 171)% Enhanced Defense
(27 to 30)% to Strength
(27 to 30)% to Vitality
Physical Resist (13 to 15)%
(15 to 20)% Bonus to Defense
Body Armors
'LemKoCham'
Runeword Level: 83
15% Combat Speeds
5% Chance of Crushing Blow
+(144 to 171)% Enhanced Defense
(27 to 30)% to Strength
(27 to 30)% to Vitality
Physical Resist (13 to 15)%
(15 to 20)% Bonus to Defense
Boots:
Megalith
with Ber JewelsMegalith
Boots
'LoFal'
Runeword Level: 73
+1 to All Skills
25% Cast Speed
15% Block Speed
+(115 to 143)% Enhanced Defense
+(10 to 20) to all Attributes
5% to Dexterity
Regenerate Mana +30%
Physical Resist 5%
Boots
'LoFal'
Runeword Level: 73
+1 to All Skills
25% Cast Speed
15% Block Speed
+(115 to 143)% Enhanced Defense
+(10 to 20) to all Attributes
5% to Dexterity
Regenerate Mana +30%
Physical Resist 5%
Belt:
Nero
Surprise with Ber Jewels Also used (only able to get this because friend gave me rune, I couldn't do zone to get runes =() Also used Marchosias' Hatred
Marchosias' Essence
(Druid Werewolf Set)
Marchosias' Hatred
Heavy Belt (Sacred)
Defense: (3111 - 3455) to (3359 - 3731)
Required Level: 90
Required Strength: 625
Item Level: 1
5% Chance to cast level 3 Bladestorm on Melee Attack
3% Chance of Crushing Blow
Weapon Physical Damage +(55 to 60)%
+(144 to 171)% Enhanced Defense
(6 to 10)% to Strength
Socketed (2)
Heavy Belt (Sacred)
Defense: (3111 - 3455) to (3359 - 3731)
Required Level: 90
Required Strength: 625
Item Level: 1
5% Chance to cast level 3 Bladestorm on Melee Attack
3% Chance of Crushing Blow
Weapon Physical Damage +(55 to 60)%
+(144 to 171)% Enhanced Defense
(6 to 10)% to Strength
Socketed (2)
Marchosias' Essence
(Druid Werewolf Set)
Rings: Two
Ripstar
now, was using Ripstar
Ring
Required Level: 60
Item Level: 60
+0.5625 to Maximum Damage (Based on Character Level)
+20 Life on Melee Attack
Ring
Required Level: 60
Item Level: 60
+0.5625 to Maximum Damage (Based on Character Level)
+20 Life on Melee Attack
Adrenaline Rush
and Adrenaline Rush
Ring
Required Level: 100
Item Level: 120
+1 to All Skills
40% Combat Speeds
40% Movement Speed
Maximum Elemental Resists +1%
Ring
Required Level: 100
Item Level: 120
+1 to All Skills
40% Combat Speeds
40% Movement Speed
Maximum Elemental Resists +1%
Earth Rouser
got two Earth Rouser
Ring
Required Level: 100
Item Level: 100
2% Chance to cast level 10 Shockwave on Melee Attack
5% Chance of Crushing Blow
Weapon Physical Damage +15%
(6 to 10)% to Strength
Ring
Required Level: 100
Item Level: 100
2% Chance to cast level 10 Shockwave on Melee Attack
5% Chance of Crushing Blow
Weapon Physical Damage +15%
(6 to 10)% to Strength
Der Nebelring
now, but am currently switched to XBow and haven't got a chance to try them outDer Nebelring
Ring
Required Level: 110
Item Level: 105
+(20 to 30)% to Summoned Minion Life
+15% to Summoned Minion Damage
+1000 Defense
+400 to Life
Physical Resist (4 to 6)%
+(40 to 50) Life after each Kill
+2 to Light Radius
Ring
Required Level: 110
Item Level: 105
+(20 to 30)% to Summoned Minion Life
+15% to Summoned Minion Damage
+1000 Defense
+400 to Life
Physical Resist (4 to 6)%
+(40 to 50) Life after each Kill
+2 to Light Radius
Amulet:
Athulua's Oracle
Athulua's Oracle
Amulet
Required Level: 60
Item Level: 60
+(1 to 2) to All Skills
40% Attack Speed
(150 to 250)% Bonus to Attack Rating
Cannot Be Frozen
Amulet
Required Level: 60
Item Level: 60
+(1 to 2) to All Skills
40% Attack Speed
(150 to 250)% Bonus to Attack Rating
Cannot Be Frozen
Felblood
and Felblood
Amulet
Required Level: 10
Item Level: 1
Metal Solace: Also Regenerates Totem Life
+(1 to 2) to Necromancer Skill Levels
5% Life stolen per Hit
+4 to Life (Based on Character Level)
3% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Amulet
Required Level: 10
Item Level: 1
Metal Solace: Also Regenerates Totem Life
+(1 to 2) to Necromancer Skill Levels
5% Life stolen per Hit
+4 to Life (Based on Character Level)
3% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Angel of Death
Astrogha's Moon
(Wyrd Set)
(Currently need to use either Athulua's Oracle or Ardenaline Rush to achieve breakpoints)Angel of Death
Amulet
Required Level: 90
Item Level: 123
2% Chance to cast level 33 Punisher Bolt on Striking
+(0 to 2) to All Skills
+(11 to 30)% to Poison Spell Damage
-(6 to 15)% to Enemy Poison Resistance
Amulet
Required Level: 90
Item Level: 123
2% Chance to cast level 33 Punisher Bolt on Striking
+(0 to 2) to All Skills
+(11 to 30)% to Poison Spell Damage
-(6 to 15)% to Enemy Poison Resistance
Astrogha's Moon
(Wyrd Set)
My Xbow gear is pretty much the same (I was surprised when the guide recommended such similar gear, I have a full Achillo's Set I haven't really played with too much since this DOES seem better for how it says to play, but I don't know.)
EXCEPT:
Weapon:
Hwanin's Hwacha
Hwanin's Hwacha
Needle Crossbow (Sacred)
(Necromancer Only)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 244
Item Level: 105
Innate Fire Damage: (80.0% of Strength)
Alchemic Preparation: Flametail Shot gains +1 Projectile per 4 Base Levels
Flametail Shot Inherits Catapult Shot's Fire Damage
4% Chance to cast level 24 Flametail Shot on Striking
+5 to Necromancer Skill Levels
60% Attack Speed
Adds 250-350 Fire Damage
(5 to 12)% Innate Elemental Damage
+150 to Strength
-100 to Dexterity
Socketed (6)
Needle Crossbow (Sacred)
(Necromancer Only)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 244
Item Level: 105
Innate Fire Damage: (80.0% of Strength)
Alchemic Preparation: Flametail Shot gains +1 Projectile per 4 Base Levels
Flametail Shot Inherits Catapult Shot's Fire Damage
4% Chance to cast level 24 Flametail Shot on Striking
+5 to Necromancer Skill Levels
60% Attack Speed
Adds 250-350 Fire Damage
(5 to 12)% Innate Elemental Damage
+150 to Strength
-100 to Dexterity
Socketed (6)
Helm:
Trang-Oul's Breath
Trang-Oul's Breath
Mask (Sacred)
Defense: (1316 - 2256) to (1405 - 2409)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 600
Item Level: 105
Dragon Breath: Reduces Weapon Physical Damage by 25%
+(1 to 2) to All Skills
+(15 to 40)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(40 to 140)% Enhanced Defense
+250 to Mana
Maximum Fire Resist +(1 to 2)%
Maximum Cold Resist +(1 to 2)%
Socketed (4)
Mask (Sacred)
Defense: (1316 - 2256) to (1405 - 2409)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 600
Item Level: 105
Dragon Breath: Reduces Weapon Physical Damage by 25%
+(1 to 2) to All Skills
+(15 to 40)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(40 to 140)% Enhanced Defense
+250 to Mana
Maximum Fire Resist +(1 to 2)%
Maximum Cold Resist +(1 to 2)%
Socketed (4)
Quiver: Random trash rare, since I got so pissed off after rolling about 6 or 7 Quivers with ACs only to get fucking Plague Gland Every. Goddamn. Time. even though there are three TU quivers listed. (If anyone knows for sure if you can actually roll one of the others please let me know, I really want a Tranquilizer)
Skills copypasta:
Max: Widowmaker, Death Ward, Dragonfire oil, Embalming
1 pointers: Talon's hold, first summon (the skeleton dudes)
5 Death Pact
9 Famine
2 Rathma's Chosen (I actually kinda hate the guide gave me choices as I suck so fucking bad I don't have any idea what I want for this build)
14 points Flametail shot
And since I'm too lazy to indivually list all my charms here's a screenshots of my inventory (and no, that Teganze charm doesn't have anything on it)
(Edit D2Stats for Xbow (don't have melee)
I'm guessing since these are so similar to the guide suggestions that the fact that I'm having trouble just means i need to gitgud, but I've also heard a lot of people say that the guides on here sucks and you need to expertpromode totes create your own build, but I don't know about that shit.
I do think that having some confirmation that my build is at least on point will at least make me feel more like I can make some progress as opposed to pointlessly beating my head against the wall, since I don't wanna keep changing back and forth trying shit since I can't seem to get many belladonna pots at all.
I've honestly stopped playing the last few days because it seems pointless and feels like I've just been relegated to farming Kurast or Tran Athulua over and over again, I can do Duncraig but it's just so goddamn frustrating to me. Motherfucker that made Xbow guide lied and said that with Hwanin and trash gear he could facetank barrels (idk that might be true, but I cannot).
I've even starting rolling a Hammerzon after I got a Thunderbane SU, because that's what I was playing Pre-Ladder reset (I got her to 117, befoe reset, so hard to compare)
So yeah, any advice other than the obligatory kys would be nice.
(edit: I also have a Xis rune available from friend, but not sure what to use it for, since I can't unsocket I'm nervous about using it)
