Hey, currently going on lvl 80 and having so much fun!
Question : what equipment in the Act 2 Shapshifter Merc? Right now i have the unique Spear RavenBear...if i keep that one, what should i put in the 4 sockets?
Thanks for the help!
The Sumodin
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mathqc wrote:Hey, currently going on lvl 80 and having so much fun!
Question : what equipment in the Act 2 Shapshifter Merc? Right now i have the unique Spear RavenBear...if i keep that one, what should i put in the 4 sockets?
Thanks for the help!
I'm glad you're enjoying the build!
As for the merc: I use
Sharkbaiter
Sharkbaiter
Ring Mail (4)
Defense: (111 - 127) to (226 - 259)
Required Level: 4
Required Strength: 28
Item Level: 10
1% Chance to cast level 6 Bloodlust on Death Blow
+6% Bonus Damage to Bloodlust
5% Attack Speed
(2 to 3)% Chance of Crushing Blow
+(31 to 50)% Enhanced Defense
+(11 to 15) to Strength
+(6 to 10) Life on Melee Attack
Socketed (2)
Defense: (410 - 456) to (735 - 817)
Required Level: 21
Required Strength: 55
Item Level: 31
1% Chance to cast level 18 Bloodlust on Death Blow
+12% Bonus Damage to Bloodlust
15% Attack Speed
(4 to 5)% Chance of Crushing Blow
+(71 to 90)% Enhanced Defense
+(21 to 25) to Strength
+(16 to 20) Life on Melee Attack
Socketed (4)
Defense: (1021 - 1117) to (1744 - 1909)
Required Level: 39
Required Strength: 193
Item Level: 51
1% Chance to cast level 30 Bloodlust on Death Blow
+18% Bonus Damage to Bloodlust
25% Attack Speed
(6 to 7)% Chance of Crushing Blow
+(101 to 120)% Enhanced Defense
+(31 to 35) to Strength
+(26 to 30) Life on Melee Attack
Socketed (5)
Defense: (1591 - 1722) to (2718 - 2942)
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 385
Item Level: 77
1% Chance to cast level 36 Bloodlust on Death Blow
+24% Bonus Damage to Bloodlust
30% Attack Speed
(7 to 8)% Chance of Crushing Blow
+(131 to 150)% Enhanced Defense
+(36 to 40) to Strength
+(36 to 40) Life on Melee Attack
Socketed (6)
Ring Mail (4)
Defense: (111 - 127) to (226 - 259)
Required Level: 4
Required Strength: 28
Item Level: 10
1% Chance to cast level 6 Bloodlust on Death Blow
+6% Bonus Damage to Bloodlust
5% Attack Speed
(2 to 3)% Chance of Crushing Blow
+(31 to 50)% Enhanced Defense
+(11 to 15) to Strength
+(6 to 10) Life on Melee Attack
Socketed (2)
Defense: (410 - 456) to (735 - 817)
Required Level: 21
Required Strength: 55
Item Level: 31
1% Chance to cast level 18 Bloodlust on Death Blow
+12% Bonus Damage to Bloodlust
15% Attack Speed
(4 to 5)% Chance of Crushing Blow
+(71 to 90)% Enhanced Defense
+(21 to 25) to Strength
+(16 to 20) Life on Melee Attack
Socketed (4)
Defense: (1021 - 1117) to (1744 - 1909)
Required Level: 39
Required Strength: 193
Item Level: 51
1% Chance to cast level 30 Bloodlust on Death Blow
+18% Bonus Damage to Bloodlust
25% Attack Speed
(6 to 7)% Chance of Crushing Blow
+(101 to 120)% Enhanced Defense
+(31 to 35) to Strength
+(26 to 30) Life on Melee Attack
Socketed (5)
Defense: (1591 - 1722) to (2718 - 2942)
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 385
Item Level: 77
1% Chance to cast level 36 Bloodlust on Death Blow
+24% Bonus Damage to Bloodlust
30% Attack Speed
(7 to 8)% Chance of Crushing Blow
+(131 to 150)% Enhanced Defense
+(36 to 40) to Strength
+(36 to 40) Life on Melee Attack
Socketed (6)
Fangspear
Fangspear
Spetum (4)
Two-Hand Damage: (15 - 18) to (37 - 48)
Required Level: 7
Required Strength: 42
Required Dexterity: 63
Item Level: 19
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
200% Bonus to Miasma Haunt Duration
10% Chance to cast level 5 Miasma on Melee Attack
15% Attack Speed
Adds (8 to 10)-(21 to 30) Damage
+75 to Attack Rating
+(30 to 46)% Enhanced Damage
+(0 to 100) to Life
+(11 to 15) Life after each Kill
Socketed (2)
Two-Hand Damage: (33 - 40) to (78 - 92)
Required Level: 25
Required Strength: 70
Required Dexterity: 97
Item Level: 36
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
200% Bonus to Miasma Haunt Duration
15% Chance to cast level 11 Miasma on Melee Attack
30% Attack Speed
Adds (11 to 15)-(31 to 40) Damage
+100 to Attack Rating
+(64 to 80)% Enhanced Damage
+(0 to 150) to Life
+(21 to 25) Life after each Kill
Socketed (4)
Two-Hand Damage: (63 - 71) to (143 - 161)
Required Level: 44
Required Strength: 144
Required Dexterity: 193
Item Level: 51
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
200% Bonus to Miasma Haunt Duration
20% Chance to cast level 18 Miasma on Melee Attack
45% Attack Speed
Adds (16 to 20)-(41 to 50) Damage
+125 to Attack Rating
+(98 to 114)% Enhanced Damage
+(0 to 200) to Life
+(31 to 35) Life after each Kill
Socketed (5)
Two-Hand Damage: (83 - 97) to (184 - 203)
Required Level: 53
Required Strength: 288
Required Dexterity: 382
Item Level: 85
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
200% Bonus to Miasma Haunt Duration
25% Chance to cast level 25 Miasma on Melee Attack
60% Attack Speed
Adds (21 to 30)-(51 to 60) Damage
+150 to Attack Rating
+(115 to 132)% Enhanced Damage
+(0 to 250) to Life
+(36 to 40) Life after each Kill
Socketed (6)
Spetum (4)
Two-Hand Damage: (15 - 18) to (37 - 48)
Required Level: 7
Required Strength: 42
Required Dexterity: 63
Item Level: 19
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
200% Bonus to Miasma Haunt Duration
10% Chance to cast level 5 Miasma on Melee Attack
15% Attack Speed
Adds (8 to 10)-(21 to 30) Damage
+75 to Attack Rating
+(30 to 46)% Enhanced Damage
+(0 to 100) to Life
+(11 to 15) Life after each Kill
Socketed (2)
Two-Hand Damage: (33 - 40) to (78 - 92)
Required Level: 25
Required Strength: 70
Required Dexterity: 97
Item Level: 36
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
200% Bonus to Miasma Haunt Duration
15% Chance to cast level 11 Miasma on Melee Attack
30% Attack Speed
Adds (11 to 15)-(31 to 40) Damage
+100 to Attack Rating
+(64 to 80)% Enhanced Damage
+(0 to 150) to Life
+(21 to 25) Life after each Kill
Socketed (4)
Two-Hand Damage: (63 - 71) to (143 - 161)
Required Level: 44
Required Strength: 144
Required Dexterity: 193
Item Level: 51
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
200% Bonus to Miasma Haunt Duration
20% Chance to cast level 18 Miasma on Melee Attack
45% Attack Speed
Adds (16 to 20)-(41 to 50) Damage
+125 to Attack Rating
+(98 to 114)% Enhanced Damage
+(0 to 200) to Life
+(31 to 35) Life after each Kill
Socketed (5)
Two-Hand Damage: (83 - 97) to (184 - 203)
Required Level: 53
Required Strength: 288
Required Dexterity: 382
Item Level: 85
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
200% Bonus to Miasma Haunt Duration
25% Chance to cast level 25 Miasma on Melee Attack
60% Attack Speed
Adds (21 to 30)-(51 to 60) Damage
+150 to Attack Rating
+(115 to 132)% Enhanced Damage
+(0 to 250) to Life
+(36 to 40) Life after each Kill
Socketed (6)
Topspin
Topspin
Skull Cap (4)
Defense: (76 - 83) to (115 - 125)
Required Level: 3
Required Strength: 28
Item Level: 1
5% Attack Speed
+(31 to 50)% Enhanced Defense
+(31 to 50) Defense
(3 to 5)% to Dexterity
(3 to 5)% to Energy
Maximum Elemental Resists +1%
10% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (1)
Defense: (277 - 301) to (365 - 397)
Required Level: 20
Required Strength: 55
Item Level: 31
15% Attack Speed
+(61 to 80)% Enhanced Defense
+(71 to 100) Defense
(6 to 8)% to Dexterity
(6 to 8)% to Energy
Maximum Elemental Resists +1%
20% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (3)
Defense: (704 - 760) to (876 - 943)
Required Level: 37
Required Strength: 192
Item Level: 51
25% Attack Speed
+(91 to 110)% Enhanced Defense
+(151 to 200) Defense
(9 to 11)% to Dexterity
(9 to 11)% to Energy
Maximum Elemental Resists +2%
30% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (4)
Defense: (1182 - 1258) to (1471 - 1564)
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 384
Item Level: 77
30% Attack Speed
+(121 to 140)% Enhanced Defense
+(301 to 400) Defense
(12 to 14)% to Dexterity
(12 to 14)% to Energy
Maximum Elemental Resists +2%
40% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (4)
Skull Cap (4)
Defense: (76 - 83) to (115 - 125)
Required Level: 3
Required Strength: 28
Item Level: 1
5% Attack Speed
+(31 to 50)% Enhanced Defense
+(31 to 50) Defense
(3 to 5)% to Dexterity
(3 to 5)% to Energy
Maximum Elemental Resists +1%
10% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (1)
Defense: (277 - 301) to (365 - 397)
Required Level: 20
Required Strength: 55
Item Level: 31
15% Attack Speed
+(61 to 80)% Enhanced Defense
+(71 to 100) Defense
(6 to 8)% to Dexterity
(6 to 8)% to Energy
Maximum Elemental Resists +1%
20% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (3)
Defense: (704 - 760) to (876 - 943)
Required Level: 37
Required Strength: 192
Item Level: 51
25% Attack Speed
+(91 to 110)% Enhanced Defense
+(151 to 200) Defense
(9 to 11)% to Dexterity
(9 to 11)% to Energy
Maximum Elemental Resists +2%
30% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (4)
Defense: (1182 - 1258) to (1471 - 1564)
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 384
Item Level: 77
30% Attack Speed
+(121 to 140)% Enhanced Defense
+(301 to 400) Defense
(12 to 14)% to Dexterity
(12 to 14)% to Energy
Maximum Elemental Resists +2%
40% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (4)
Deadfall
and Deadfall
Heavy Belt (4)
Defense: (135 - 159) to (178 - 210)
Required Level: 7
Required Strength: 36
Item Level: 19
2% Chance to cast level 2 Shower of Rocks on Kill
1% Chance of Crushing Blow
+(24 to 46)% Enhanced Defense
+(16 to 25) to Strength
Lightning Resist +(11 to 15)%
Socketed (1)
Defense: (485 - 551) to (616 - 700)
Required Level: 24
Required Strength: 62
Item Level: 36
2% Chance to cast level 4 Shower of Rocks on Kill
2% Chance of Crushing Blow
+(69 to 92)% Enhanced Defense
+(36 to 45) to Strength
Lightning Resist +(21 to 25)%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (1270 - 1400) to (1595 - 1758)
Required Level: 41
Required Strength: 218
Item Level: 51
2% Chance to cast level 8 Shower of Rocks on Kill
3% Chance of Crushing Blow
+(115 to 137)% Enhanced Defense
+(56 to 65) to Strength
Lightning Resist +(31 to 35)%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (1918 - 2095) to (2403 - 2626)
Required Level: 50
Required Strength: 436
Item Level: 85
2% Chance to cast level 12 Shower of Rocks on Kill
4% Chance of Crushing Blow
+(138 to 160)% Enhanced Defense
+(66 to 75) to Strength
Lightning Resist +(36 to 40)%
Socketed (2)
Heavy Belt (4)
Defense: (135 - 159) to (178 - 210)
Required Level: 7
Required Strength: 36
Item Level: 19
2% Chance to cast level 2 Shower of Rocks on Kill
1% Chance of Crushing Blow
+(24 to 46)% Enhanced Defense
+(16 to 25) to Strength
Lightning Resist +(11 to 15)%
Socketed (1)
Defense: (485 - 551) to (616 - 700)
Required Level: 24
Required Strength: 62
Item Level: 36
2% Chance to cast level 4 Shower of Rocks on Kill
2% Chance of Crushing Blow
+(69 to 92)% Enhanced Defense
+(36 to 45) to Strength
Lightning Resist +(21 to 25)%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (1270 - 1400) to (1595 - 1758)
Required Level: 41
Required Strength: 218
Item Level: 51
2% Chance to cast level 8 Shower of Rocks on Kill
3% Chance of Crushing Blow
+(115 to 137)% Enhanced Defense
+(56 to 65) to Strength
Lightning Resist +(31 to 35)%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (1918 - 2095) to (2403 - 2626)
Required Level: 50
Required Strength: 436
Item Level: 85
2% Chance to cast level 12 Shower of Rocks on Kill
4% Chance of Crushing Blow
+(138 to 160)% Enhanced Defense
+(66 to 75) to Strength
Lightning Resist +(36 to 40)%
Socketed (2)
Lionpaw
Lionpaw
Chain Boots (4)
Defense: (49 - 54) to (71 - 78)
Required Level: 4
Required Strength: 29
Item Level: 10
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+(18 to 29)% Enhanced Defense
+(7 to 10) to all Attributes
+(31 to 50) to Life
+(16 to 25) to Mana
(3 to 5)% Bonus to Defense
10% Gold Find
Socketed (1)
Defense: (203 - 218) to (267 - 288)
Required Level: 22
Required Strength: 58
Item Level: 31
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+(41 to 52)% Enhanced Defense
+(15 to 18) to all Attributes
+(71 to 90) to Life
+(36 to 45) to Mana
(9 to 11)% Bonus to Defense
15% Gold Find
Socketed (2)
Defense: (519 - 554) to (667 - 712)
Required Level: 39
Required Strength: 202
Item Level: 51
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+(64 to 75)% Enhanced Defense
+(23 to 26) to all Attributes
+(111 to 130) to Life
+(56 to 65) to Mana
(15 to 17)% Bonus to Defense
20% Gold Find
Socketed (3)
Defense: (759 - 807) to (974 - 1036)
Required Level: 48
Required Strength: 403
Item Level: 77
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+(75 to 86)% Enhanced Defense
+(31 to 35) to all Attributes
+(131 to 150) to Life
+(66 to 75) to Mana
(18 to 20)% Bonus to Defense
25% Gold Find
Socketed (4)
Chain Boots (4)
Defense: (49 - 54) to (71 - 78)
Required Level: 4
Required Strength: 29
Item Level: 10
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+(18 to 29)% Enhanced Defense
+(7 to 10) to all Attributes
+(31 to 50) to Life
+(16 to 25) to Mana
(3 to 5)% Bonus to Defense
10% Gold Find
Socketed (1)
Defense: (203 - 218) to (267 - 288)
Required Level: 22
Required Strength: 58
Item Level: 31
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+(41 to 52)% Enhanced Defense
+(15 to 18) to all Attributes
+(71 to 90) to Life
+(36 to 45) to Mana
(9 to 11)% Bonus to Defense
15% Gold Find
Socketed (2)
Defense: (519 - 554) to (667 - 712)
Required Level: 39
Required Strength: 202
Item Level: 51
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+(64 to 75)% Enhanced Defense
+(23 to 26) to all Attributes
+(111 to 130) to Life
+(56 to 65) to Mana
(15 to 17)% Bonus to Defense
20% Gold Find
Socketed (3)
Defense: (759 - 807) to (974 - 1036)
Required Level: 48
Required Strength: 403
Item Level: 77
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+(75 to 86)% Enhanced Defense
+(31 to 35) to all Attributes
+(131 to 150) to Life
+(66 to 75) to Mana
(18 to 20)% Bonus to Defense
25% Gold Find
Socketed (4)
Sharkbaiter is great to increase the damage output of your minions. Fangspear is mainly used for the Miasma proc, but I still wonder if
Sea Summoner
might be better... It adds TCD and a good proc after all. Sea Summoner
Trident (4)
Two-Hand Damage: (6 - 7) to (9 - 11)
Required Level: 3
Required Strength: 18
Required Dexterity: 29
Item Level: 1
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
5% Chance to cast level 2 Glacial Nova on Melee Attack
Adds (3 to 5)-(5 to 7) Cold Damage
+(24 to 40)% Enhanced Damage
Slow Target (3 to 5)%
+(16 to 25) to Dexterity
+20 Life Regenerated per Second
(11 to 20)% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (2)
Two-Hand Damage: (18 - 21) to (30 - 33)
Required Level: 21
Required Strength: 39
Required Dexterity: 53
Item Level: 31
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
6% Chance to cast level 6 Glacial Nova on Melee Attack
Adds (13 to 18)-(21 to 25) Cold Damage
+(58 to 75)% Enhanced Damage
Slow Target (9 to 11)%
+(36 to 45) to Dexterity
+40 Life Regenerated per Second
(21 to 30)% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (4)
Two-Hand Damage: (38 - 41) to (63 - 68)
Required Level: 40
Required Strength: 88
Required Dexterity: 114
Item Level: 51
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
7% Chance to cast level 10 Glacial Nova on Melee Attack
Adds (51 to 70)-(81 to 100) Cold Damage
+(92 to 109)% Enhanced Damage
Slow Target (15 to 17)%
+(56 to 65) to Dexterity
+60 Life Regenerated per Second
(31 to 40)% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (5)
Two-Hand Damage: (50 - 54) to (83 - 90)
Required Level: 49
Required Strength: 180
Required Dexterity: 230
Item Level: 77
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
8% Chance to cast level 12 Glacial Nova on Melee Attack
Adds (116 to 140)-(176 to 200) Cold Damage
+(109 to 126)% Enhanced Damage
Slow Target (18 to 20)%
+(66 to 75) to Dexterity
+75 Life Regenerated per Second
(41 to 50)% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (6)
Trident (4)
Two-Hand Damage: (6 - 7) to (9 - 11)
Required Level: 3
Required Strength: 18
Required Dexterity: 29
Item Level: 1
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
5% Chance to cast level 2 Glacial Nova on Melee Attack
Adds (3 to 5)-(5 to 7) Cold Damage
+(24 to 40)% Enhanced Damage
Slow Target (3 to 5)%
+(16 to 25) to Dexterity
+20 Life Regenerated per Second
(11 to 20)% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (2)
Two-Hand Damage: (18 - 21) to (30 - 33)
Required Level: 21
Required Strength: 39
Required Dexterity: 53
Item Level: 31
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
6% Chance to cast level 6 Glacial Nova on Melee Attack
Adds (13 to 18)-(21 to 25) Cold Damage
+(58 to 75)% Enhanced Damage
Slow Target (9 to 11)%
+(36 to 45) to Dexterity
+40 Life Regenerated per Second
(21 to 30)% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (4)
Two-Hand Damage: (38 - 41) to (63 - 68)
Required Level: 40
Required Strength: 88
Required Dexterity: 114
Item Level: 51
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
7% Chance to cast level 10 Glacial Nova on Melee Attack
Adds (51 to 70)-(81 to 100) Cold Damage
+(92 to 109)% Enhanced Damage
Slow Target (15 to 17)%
+(56 to 65) to Dexterity
+60 Life Regenerated per Second
(31 to 40)% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (5)
Two-Hand Damage: (50 - 54) to (83 - 90)
Required Level: 49
Required Strength: 180
Required Dexterity: 230
Item Level: 77
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
8% Chance to cast level 12 Glacial Nova on Melee Attack
Adds (116 to 140)-(176 to 200) Cold Damage
+(109 to 126)% Enhanced Damage
Slow Target (18 to 20)%
+(66 to 75) to Dexterity
+75 Life Regenerated per Second
(41 to 50)% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (6)
But as I said, I'll probably change to a different merc soon.
@Grasshopper: Yes if you want to free up some skillpoints, Dragonheart would be the best option. Though I already wonder if we really need Plague later on.
have much fun with this build too 
equip is a bit different because i found different things ...
and my merc uses sea sumoner and torcs gift .... until now (A4 Nightmare) its fine
equip is a bit different because i found different things ...
and my merc uses sea sumoner and torcs gift .... until now (A4 Nightmare) its fine
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Glad you guys like the guide
Updated Akarat, DP and Jitan. Hope to get to level 115 today and finish all the 110 ubers.
Updated Akarat, DP and Jitan. Hope to get to level 115 today and finish all the 110 ubers.
Hi, happy to see a guide which goes in a similar direction i´ve choosen to start with. However i decided the "Holy Neutral" tree, going with Hoplites - was more a decision because that tree has Rapture which i found quite useful for starting. What do you think about Hoplites? they are less in count, but more defensive ones. Now i read you can summon 15 scourges. Of course they can spread more plague damage as they are more, but less tanky (???). What do you think about the Hoplites - i mean, they can cast retalitate and inner fire - as i will respec once i finished baal on terror (which was frustrating yesterday, i really hit a wall...but to be honest, i have so crap gear - it wasn´t required before until now...
). Invested too much points into the Vessel of retribution - was nice for starting, but now it does almost no damage compared to the other skills (hoplites/ retaliate / divine judgement)
). Invested too much points into the Vessel of retribution - was nice for starting, but now it does almost no damage compared to the other skills (hoplites/ retaliate / divine judgement)First off, thank you for your guide and I appreciate the work you've put into it. I did have a question about Retaliation. In your introduction of what the Sumodin is, you mention: "Because this build is supposed to stay safe by staying in the debuff area the Colosseum skill creates while pushing out every enemy that dares hitting you with retaliate."
My question is: Are you saying we still use Retaliate for gameplay after level 24? Because if so, you do not list how many points to put into Retaliate. Or do we not worry about any more points going into Retaliate because Plague takes care of the damage?
Any clarification to this will be helpful to me! Thanks again for the great guide!
My question is: Are you saying we still use Retaliate for gameplay after level 24? Because if so, you do not list how many points to put into Retaliate. Or do we not worry about any more points going into Retaliate because Plague takes care of the damage?
Any clarification to this will be helpful to me! Thanks again for the great guide!
Dakai wrote:My question is: Are you saying we still use Retaliate for gameplay after level 24? Because if so, you do not list how many points to put into Retaliate. Or do we not worry about any more points going into Retaliate because Plague takes care of the damage?
I guess HechtHeftig would say same: Retaliate is a 1pt wonder, so no reason to put more than 1 pt into it. It is mainly to knock back enemies and spread poison from Plague through a wide area
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as69 wrote:Hi, happy to see a guide which goes in a similar direction i´ve choosen to start with. However i decided the "Holy Neutral" tree, going with Hoplites - was more a decision because that tree has Rapture which i found quite useful for starting. What do you think about Hoplites? they are less in count, but more defensive ones. Now i read you can summon 15 scourges. Of course they can spread more plague damage as they are more, but less tanky (???). What do you think about the Hoplites - i mean, they can cast retalitate and inner fire - as i will respec once i finished baal on terror (which was frustrating yesterday, i really hit a wall...but to be honest, i have so crap gear - it wasn´t required before until now...
Honestly, it's really hard to say since I didn't try out a neutral summoner. Hoplites are definitely the better 1-point summons. While Scourge have around 20% avoid, hoplites have around 80% or something like that if I remember correctly and if it wasn't changed. However one reason why I chose to go with the holy tree is the damage bonus of 5% you get for each skillpoint. I invested 72 skillpoints into the holy tree atm, which means I get a damage boost of 360%, buffing the damage from something around 480 to 2200. Combine that with their Crucify attack, and you have the perfect boss-killer minions.
Another reason is the skill Colosseum. In early game (in normal and nightmare) it spreads the poison damage really well while knocking back every enemy on the screen. So it's both a really good defensive and a really good offensive choice, especially since it gives your minions time to attack freely, while rendering the enemies useless until Crucify hits. And as a bonus it also allows you to teleport and gather your minions, which is really important for every boss. This skill single-handedly increases the damage against any boss by about 200% that way due to that focused attacks.
In my understanding Scourge are more the squishy boss killer minions, whereas Hoplites are the tanky AoE minions. It just happens to be the case that Scourge are in a bigger number which results in their damage against groups being equally good, if not better than Hoplites. And the poison damage from Plaque... honestly at this point I think the poison is too weak. Most of the damage comes from Crucify anyway. But I'll keep it because it adds to the Crucify damage.
Imho though, I think the general idea of those 2 summons goes against every good game design since they are either tanky and have low damage or have low defense and kill everything quickly due to the fact that they get buffed so much by every single point into the holy/unholy tree. And you can't have both since holy and unholy lock each other out, which sucks. This is just me ranting though.
@Dakai what as69 said is correct. Retaliate only needs 1 point to be effective. I still keep it on my LMB so I can push enemies away if I get hit.
@Pub Yeah that's what I originally planned, but the new sprint mode made me mad, so I made a totemancer to avoid having to sprint all the time. But that was boring so I wanted to try out something else, which was this pala, and it worked surprisingly well.