Old school Lightning Sorc 2020

[Engersion]

Introduction
With the influx of new players and a subsequent rise of questions about game mechanics, I have taken upon myself to make an updated version of the Temptestsucks guide found in the old guide forums. The goal is to help guide new players through the game from level 1 to at least level 125 with content up to level 125 completed. Tempest & Thunderstone is chosen because it actually requires using the entire sandbox of the game to achieve even a reasonable level of competency.

Warning
If the introduction doesn't make it clear, this build is far from being the best sorceress build. In the hierarchy of caster sorceress, she is behind her contemporary sister that focuses on Forked Lightning, and is far inferior to her cousin that focuses on Abyss & Frigid Sphere from the Cold tree. It is a constant uphill battle, but because of how much slower it is, you will end up seeing more of the game than you otherwise would if you played a superior build(because you need to squeeze everything out to get even the basics done).

Change log

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11/10/2020
Preliminary update for patch 1.7
Terminologies updated (Energy / Strength Factor to Spell Focus)
Updated Skill Plan in response to Familiar changes
Explanations for gearing updated for the new Spell Focus formula

18/7/2020
Updated the guide to patch 1.6

Courtesy of mortimer_85
Added a section detailing the workings of Witchblood.

7/7/2020
Courtesy of Jampula
Corrected Hephesto the Armorer's attacks

3/7/2020
Changed the title to be more in line with what a guide would use

Courtesy of Crash
Corrected a hyperlink at the begining of the guide.

1/7/2020
Courtesy of Scalewinged

Updated Tran Athulua map
Added
Prophecy

Prophecy
Scepters
'Ith'
Runeword Level: 18
+1 to All Skills
+(3 to 4) to Maximum Damage
+(10 to 26)% Enhanced Damage
+1 Life Regenerated per Second
Fire Resist +(21 to 40)%
Cold Resist +(21 to 40)%
Poison Length Reduced by (10 to 15)%
Attacker Takes Fire Damage of (21 to 25)
Attacker Takes Cold Damage of (21 to 25)

and
Pharaoh

Fixed explanations of certain Uber quests' mechanics

Courtesy of mortimer_85
Added new items to the last Gear Upgrade section so it also covers best in slot items.

Table of Contents

Normal
Nightmare
Hell - lvl 105 to 110
Hell - lvl 110 to 115
Hell - lvl 115 to 120
Farming for gear
Moving Forward - 120 and onward
Arbitrary link to the start of 125
The Remaining Bosses


Getting started, settings up game tools
D2 Stats

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Since the game has been around for 10+ years, the community has built many tools to help make the game more enjoyable. The most important of these are D2 stats and speed calculator. D2 stats provides an overview of your characters detail stats as well as a notifier for when an item of interest drops. Go to the page, download and unzip it. Have it open during your game session so you can alt-tab out of the game to check your character stats whenever necessary. This is combined with the speed calculator to optimally allocate your stat points.
At the start of the game go to "Notifier", find the "Signet of Learning" and put in "Ring" magic rare and "Amulet" magic rare below it like so


This allows D2 Stats to notify you whenever a magic or rare ring or amulet drops from a monster.

Speed Calculator

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Speed calculator provides the exact number for how much speed stats your character needs to increase the speed when attacking or defending. Example below

Any points of Cast Speed between FPA does not increase the speed of your attacks. So if I have 83 points of cast speed, I would not attack faster until I reach the next break point of 194 cast speed. By the same principle, having anywhere more than 194 points of cast speed is stats that are wasted and could be spent on other areas.

Preference setting

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With the introduction of Sigma comes a plethora of quality of life features. Feel free to play around with the settings in the Preference section. I do highly recommend making sure you enable "Display item level" and "Area's level when using automap" to make certain tasks easier in the game.


Another recommendation is to rebind your hotkeys so your abilities are closer to the center of the keyboard


To bind an ability to a key, Left click on either ability button, hover your cursor over to the ability you want to bind, and tab the button on the keyboard you wish to bind it to.

Skills Overview

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Forked Lightning
The primary skill of contemporary Lightning Sorcs, 1 point for this build
Thunderstone
Single Target skill, can also clear enemies that are bunched up. Lobs a stone that explodes into 20 charged bolts. The sheet damage on your character screen shows damage per charged bolt. Multiply the damage by 20 for what happens when you land a perfect hit.
Tempest
Our main aoe skill. Tempest is in this weird spot where it has the damage potential(when you can aim all 8 lightning bolts), but because it is a detection based attack, you will have to kite enemies around, line them up properly, before you can aim all 8 bolts at them.
Warp Armor
One of our defensive skills. Gives us extra defense and a chance to avoid damage. The magnitude of avoidance granted is pretty weak by today's standard, but we take what we can get. For reference, a Necromancer's Death Ward gives +1 avoidance per base level compared to our +1 every two base levels.
Nova Charge
A buff that converts 25% of our dexterity used to wear gear into energy. Also emits a nova when it detects enemies nearby.
Frigid Sphere
Investing points into it grants our Ice elementals extra health. The sphere itself is a pretty strong attack we can also use to clear lightning resistant monsters.
Shatter the Flesh
An ice version of corpse explosion. Freezes enemies caught within the blast and is capable of clearing large groups of enemies.
Abyss
The strongest attack by far. But not our focus. Leave it at 1 point.
Snow queen
Gives us extra maximum health per base level(not affected by + all skill or sorceress skill levels), and base defense per skill level(this is affected by both base level as well as + all skills / sorceress skill levels). Maximum health bonus caps at level 15 with +30% maximum health. Defense bonus is capped at 25000. Maximum bonus of +30% health and 25000 defense is achieved with around 21 to 26 base level depending on how many +all skills you have.
Ice Elemental
Summons a floating snowball that can take massive amounts of punishment. Used to hold enemies in place so we can bombard them with our own spells.
Familiar
Passive that provides us with a bonus to Cast Speed, Energy increase and Spell Focus. Every increase in base level also increases the Spell Focus bonus by 10 points.
Mana Sweep
Used when we are low on mana. Sends out a nova that drains enemy's life force to refill our mana. In early stages it can suck out all the life of surround enemies.
Antimass
Converts all available mana into health. Refills our entire health globe at early levels, not so much in the late game.
Twilight Havoc
The most bizarre skill in our arsenal. It only costs 1 point and gains exponential damage based on how many skill points we invest into other elemental attack spells. Hits 3 times total, the first 2 hits do massive damage to enemies caught inside the blast, the third hit does heavy single target damage. Which enemy takes damage is dependent on whether your manually targeted him with the spell or if he is the only straggler left from the two previous blasts.
Witch Blood
Further improves the effectiveness of syngery towards increasing the power of our spells whenever we are above 80% health, in addition to giving us life after each kill.
Symbol of Isu
Allows us to create Moon Symbols, which refills 50% of our health when consumed. The skill also gives us a maximum of 5% Cold, Lightning & Fire absorption.
Force Blast
Sends out a blast that lowers the attack damage & casting speed of nearby enemies.

Aiming Thunderstone

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Properly aiming Thunderstone is a big part towards optimizing our damage. A proper connection of the thunderstone will release all 20 charged bolts at the center of your target. Sometimes you can simply aim your cursor towards the target, wait for the target's health bar to show up on the top of your screen, then just hold down Thunderstone. Moreover than not however, certain enemies have hitboxes that are wonky enough you can't simply name lock them with Thunderstone. If this is a case, move your cursor away from the target, hold down Thunderstone, then drag your cursor towards the center of your target without letting go of Thunderstone. This allows you to aim at a specific spot of the map rather than aiming at wherever the game thinks the target is.


Proper connection, you cannot see any charged bolts on the screen


You can see the lightning bolts leaving the target. About 4 lightning bolts wasted.

Thunderstone is not a long range attack. The best position to be is at the mid range while your target is distracted by Ice elementals.

Aiming Tempest

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Similar to Thunderstone, Tempest's damage potential is achieved through proper aiming all 8 bolts at one large enemy pack. Due to Tempest being a mid-range enemy detection skill, you will have be to more involved in terms of positiong. Ideally you will want to line up as many enemies as possible before you cast the spell so you can clear as many enemies in one go as possible. However, due to Tempest's detection range, you either have to lure enemies into each other, or move yourself in a way where enemies are bunched up in one direction before you cast the spell. In general being able to aim 5 bolts at one main pack is powerful enough to clear it quickly. There is no need to get too OCD about aiming.

Normal
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Shopping list for normal

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Keep the following unique items, every other unique is tossed into the cube and disenchanted.

Demoncall

Demoncall
Short Staff (4)
Two-Hand Damage: 4 to 5
Required Level: 1
Item Level: 1
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+(1 to 2) to All Skills
+(31 to 50) Spell Focus
15% Cast Speed
Fire Resist +(11 to 15)%
Poison Resist +(11 to 15)%
Socketed (1)
Two-Hand Damage: 11 to 12
Required Level: 17
Required Dexterity: 8
Item Level: 31
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+(3 to 4) to All Skills
+(71 to 90) Spell Focus
30% Cast Speed
Fire Resist +(21 to 25)%
Poison Resist +(21 to 25)%
Socketed (2)
Two-Hand Damage: 18 to 20
Required Level: 36
Required Dexterity: 25
Item Level: 51
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+(5 to 6) to All Skills
+(111 to 130) Spell Focus
45% Cast Speed
Fire Resist +(31 to 35)%
Poison Resist +(31 to 35)%
Socketed (3)
Two-Hand Damage: 22 to 24
Required Level: 45
Required Dexterity: 52
Item Level: 77
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+(7 to 8) to All Skills
+(131 to 150) Spell Focus
60% Cast Speed
Fire Resist +(36 to 40)%
Poison Resist +(36 to 40)%
Socketed (3)

,

The Magister

The Magister
Long Staff (4)
Two-Hand Damage: 6 to 7
Required Level: 3
Required Dexterity: 8
Item Level: 1
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+1 to All Skills
+(11 to 13)% to Fire Spell Damage
+(11 to 13)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(3 to 5) to Flamefront
+(3 to 5) to Flash
Fire Resist +(16 to 25)%
Lightning Resist +(16 to 25)%
(11 to 15)% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (2)
Two-Hand Damage: 13 to 15
Required Level: 21
Required Dexterity: 19
Item Level: 31
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+(2 to 3) to All Skills
+(16 to 18)% to Fire Spell Damage
+(16 to 18)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(7 to 10) to Flamefront
+(9 to 12) to Flash
Fire Resist +(36 to 45)%
Lightning Resist +(36 to 45)%
(21 to 25)% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (3)
Two-Hand Damage: 22 to 26
Required Level: 40
Required Dexterity: 43
Item Level: 51
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+(3 to 4) to All Skills
+(21 to 23)% to Fire Spell Damage
+(21 to 23)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(13 to 16) to Flamefront
+(19 to 24) to Flash
Fire Resist +(56 to 65)%
Lightning Resist +(56 to 65)%
(31 to 35)% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (4)
Two-Hand Damage: 27 to 32
Required Level: 49
Required Dexterity: 88
Item Level: 77
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+(5 to 6) to All Skills
+(23 to 25)% to Fire Spell Damage
+(23 to 25)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(19 to 24) to Flamefront
+(25 to 30) to Flash
Fire Resist +(66 to 75)%
Lightning Resist +(66 to 75)%
(36 to 40)% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (4)

,

Staff of Roses

Staff of Roses
War Staff (4)
Two-Hand Damage: 9 to 11
Required Level: 10
Required Dexterity: 46
Item Level: 10
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+1 to All Skills
+15% Bonus to Spell Focus
10% Cast Speed
Regenerate Mana +(16 to 25)%
Fire Resist +(21 to 25)%
Lightning Resist +(21 to 25)%
+(16 to 25) Life after each Kill
2% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (2)
Two-Hand Damage: 19 to 24
Required Level: 29
Required Dexterity: 68
Item Level: 31
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+(2 to 3) to All Skills
+20% Bonus to Spell Focus
30% Cast Speed
Regenerate Mana +(36 to 45)%
Fire Resist +(31 to 35)%
Lightning Resist +(31 to 35)%
+(36 to 45) Life after each Kill
4% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (3)
Two-Hand Damage: 34 to 44
Required Level: 47
Required Dexterity: 136
Item Level: 51
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+(4 to 5) to All Skills
+25% Bonus to Spell Focus
50% Cast Speed
Regenerate Mana +(56 to 65)%
Fire Resist +(41 to 45)%
Lightning Resist +(41 to 45)%
+(56 to 65) Life after each Kill
6% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (4)
Two-Hand Damage: 41 to 53
Required Level: 54
Required Dexterity: 269
Item Level: 77
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+(5 to 6) to All Skills
+33% Bonus to Spell Focus
60% Cast Speed
Regenerate Mana +(66 to 75)%
Fire Resist +(46 to 50)%
Lightning Resist +(46 to 50)%
+(66 to 75) Life after each Kill
8% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (6)

. Pick 1 of the 3

Ennead's Bane

Ennead's Bane
Kazarghand (4)
Defense: (173 - 204) to (354 - 417)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 6
Required Dexterity: 46 to 48
Item Level: 10
+1 to Sorceress Skill Levels
5% Cast Speed
+(3 to 4)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(6 to 8)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(24 to 46)% Enhanced Defense
+(11 to 15) to Dexterity
+(11 to 15) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(11 to 15)%
Requirements -(11 to 15)%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (625 - 710) to (1152 - 1309)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 24
Required Dexterity: 60 to 63
Item Level: 36
+2 to Sorceress Skill Levels
15% Cast Speed
+(5 to 8)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(11 to 13)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(69 to 92)% Enhanced Defense
+(21 to 25) to Dexterity
+(21 to 25) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(21 to 25)%
Requirements -(21 to 25)%
Socketed (4)
Defense: (1618 - 1784) to (2915 - 3213)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 41
Required Dexterity: 110 to 117
Item Level: 51
+3 to Sorceress Skill Levels
25% Cast Speed
+(9 to 12)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(16 to 18)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(115 to 137)% Enhanced Defense
+(31 to 35) to Dexterity
+(31 to 35) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(31 to 35)%
Requirements -(31 to 35)%
Socketed (5)
Defense: (2444 - 2670) to (4372 - 4776)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 51
Required Dexterity: 211 to 225
Item Level: 85
+4 to Sorceress Skill Levels
30% Cast Speed
+(13 to 15)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(18 to 20)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(138 to 160)% Enhanced Defense
+(36 to 40) to Dexterity
+(36 to 40) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(36 to 40)%
Requirements -(36 to 40)%
Socketed (6)

Moonwrap

Moonwrap
Sash (4)
Defense: (16 - 18) to (20 - 21)
Required Level: 1
Required Strength: 25
Item Level: 1
5% Cast Speed
+3% to Spell Damage
+(18 to 29)% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +(11 to 15)%
Cold Resist +(11 to 15)%
Socketed (1)
Defense: (119 - 129) to (131 - 141)
Required Level: 17
Required Strength: 50
Item Level: 31
15% Cast Speed
+9% to Spell Damage
+(41 to 52)% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +(21 to 25)%
Cold Resist +(21 to 25)%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (331 - 353) to (370 - 395)
Required Level: 35
Required Strength: 125
Item Level: 51
25% Cast Speed
+15% to Spell Damage
+(64 to 75)% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +(31 to 35)%
Cold Resist +(31 to 35)%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (493 - 524) to (542 - 576)
Required Level: 43
Required Strength: 250
Item Level: 77
30% Cast Speed
+20% to Spell Damage
+(75 to 86)% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +(36 to 40)%
Cold Resist +(36 to 40)%
Socketed (2)

The Celestial Crown

The Celestial Crown
Circlet (4)
Defense: 22 to 47
Required Level: 4
Required Dexterity: 14
Item Level: 1
+30 Spell Focus
+(7 to 12)% to Cold Spell Damage
-(2 to 3)% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+(11 to 20) to Energy
Cold Resist +30%
Socketed (1)
Defense: 61 to 113
Required Level: 22
Required Dexterity: 29
Item Level: 31
+60 Spell Focus
+(15 to 20)% to Cold Spell Damage
-(5 to 6)% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+(21 to 30) to Energy
Cold Resist +60%
Socketed (2)
Defense: 126 to 225
Required Level: 39
Required Dexterity: 69
Item Level: 51
+90 Spell Focus
+(23 to 28)% to Cold Spell Damage
-(7 to 10)% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+(31 to 40) to Energy
Cold Resist +90%
Socketed (3)
Defense: 173 to 304
Required Level: 48
Required Dexterity: 147
Item Level: 77
+120 Spell Focus
+(31 to 36)% to Cold Spell Damage
-(11 to 13)% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+(41 to 50) to Energy
Cold Resist +120%
Socketed (4)

Rabbit's Foot

Rabbit's Foot
Boots (4)
Defense: 8 to 14
Required Level: 1
Required Strength: 21
Item Level: 1
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+10% to Spell Damage
+5 Maximum Stamina
(1 to 5)% Gold Find
(1 to 5)% Magic Find
Requirements -15%
Socketed (1)
Defense: 75 to 88
Required Level: 17
Required Strength: 35
Item Level: 31
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+12% to Spell Damage
+10 Maximum Stamina
(5 to 10)% Gold Find
(5 to 10)% Magic Find
Requirements -30%
Socketed (2)
Defense: 184 to 215
Required Level: 34
Required Strength: 96
Item Level: 51
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+16% to Spell Damage
+15 Maximum Stamina
(15 to 20)% Gold Find
(15 to 20)% Magic Find
Requirements -45%
Socketed (3)
Defense: 258 to 296
Required Level: 43
Required Strength: 140
Item Level: 77
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+20% to Spell Damage
+20 Maximum Stamina
(25 to 30)% Gold Find
(25 to 30)% Magic Find
Requirements -60%
Socketed (4)

Skill Plan for normal

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Skill plan for this build actually took quite some experimentation. Ice elementals received a massive boost to the point where they actually serve as fantastic tanks to keep enemies in place while we cast spells. Building without Ice elementals have been experimented but ultimately deemed too inefficient without high end gear compared to the alternative. This means we want to invest specifically into Ice elemental count and Ice elemental health so they survive long enough for us to dismantle opposing monsters. The wrinkle is that this takes away a lot of skills points(8 for max Ice elemental count and around 20 for Ice elementals to reach 30k health) that we would otherwise be investing into offensive spells. In reality that means we will have to choose between whether to put the remaining skill points into our AoE skill or our single target skill. Spoiler alert, our AoE skill gets the short end of the stick.

Actual skill plan below
Max, increases Ice elemental health and helps clear Lightning Absorb monsters
1 point, prerequisite, also helps clear large monster packs
1 point, prerequisite
15 points to reach +30% maximum health
8 points to reach maximum minion count
1 point, prerequisite
Max, it's a massive difference when you try to clear bosses
Remaining skill points. No amount of skill points will give you the ability to one shot a monster without crazy gear. I would have loved to invest more points into it, but Ice elementals come first.
Max. Gives us extra defense & avoidance so we don't get rekt by anything that makes it past our Ice elementals
1 point, consolation price for investing all the dexterity to wear gear and picking the Lightning tree.
1 point. With the new changes in patch 1.7 every base level increases Spell Focus by 10 points, which is worth around 1.67 mystic orbs. Compared to the old 4 points for +1 skill level and the ability to stun enemies, this skill is now a shadow of its former, more versatile self.
1 point, with the mana cost rework we don't really need it as a mana refill. Mostly used in conjunction with Antimass to survive sticky situations.
1 point just in case we need an emergency health refill for whatever reason
1 point, because it is maxed at 1 point

Stat goal for normal

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Strength ~80 by the end of normal
Dexterity - enough to wear

Ennead's Bane

Ennead's Bane
Kazarghand (4)
Defense: (173 - 204) to (354 - 417)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 6
Required Dexterity: 46 to 48
Item Level: 10
+1 to Sorceress Skill Levels
5% Cast Speed
+(3 to 4)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(6 to 8)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(24 to 46)% Enhanced Defense
+(11 to 15) to Dexterity
+(11 to 15) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(11 to 15)%
Requirements -(11 to 15)%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (625 - 710) to (1152 - 1309)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 24
Required Dexterity: 60 to 63
Item Level: 36
+2 to Sorceress Skill Levels
15% Cast Speed
+(5 to 8)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(11 to 13)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(69 to 92)% Enhanced Defense
+(21 to 25) to Dexterity
+(21 to 25) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(21 to 25)%
Requirements -(21 to 25)%
Socketed (4)
Defense: (1618 - 1784) to (2915 - 3213)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 41
Required Dexterity: 110 to 117
Item Level: 51
+3 to Sorceress Skill Levels
25% Cast Speed
+(9 to 12)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(16 to 18)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(115 to 137)% Enhanced Defense
+(31 to 35) to Dexterity
+(31 to 35) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(31 to 35)%
Requirements -(31 to 35)%
Socketed (5)
Defense: (2444 - 2670) to (4372 - 4776)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 51
Required Dexterity: 211 to 225
Item Level: 85
+4 to Sorceress Skill Levels
30% Cast Speed
+(13 to 15)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(18 to 20)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(138 to 160)% Enhanced Defense
+(36 to 40) to Dexterity
+(36 to 40) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(36 to 40)%
Requirements -(36 to 40)%
Socketed (6)

by the end of normal. You will probably start investing heavily into this stat starting from around level 20
Vitality - None
Energy - everything else

Useful Habbits

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Inspect any Magic or Rare rings and amulets you come across when you are leveling. Inspect any Rare rings and amulets once you have reached level 90+ until you have a perfect one. Rings and Amulets having a very big list of magic affix they can have and you can always find upgrades to the existing ones you are wearing.

Hoard as many Belladonna Extracts so you can preserve Akara's quest for when you really need it. You will most be using at least one respec after collecting all the level 115 charms.

Update your Notifier in D2Stats often so you don't have to hold down the show items button as you progress just to look for upgrades.

ACT I

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Brief explanation of your interface

To use Left mouse click attack, you will have to point your cursor on the target. To use a Left mouse click attack while standing in place, you will have to use it while holding the "Stand Still" button(default Shift). Hence, Left mouse click is usually reserved for attacks that require you to be within melee range. Right mouse click allows you to use the attack while standing in place, and is usually reserved for any attacks that you can use from range, arrow shots / spells etc. are typically reserved for right mouse click.

Act I functions mainly as an introduction to the game. When you leave Rogue Encampment, follow the main road and you'll eventually run into the Den of Evil. Open a town portal at the entrance but don't go in. Continue along the main road until you reach Cold Plains. Use the waypoint of Cold Plains to return to town and go back to the Den of Evil via the town portal in town. This is a nice little trick that help reduce the amount of back tracking you'll have to do. Also, don't try to clear the entire area of monsters. Monster packs are way too sparse for the experience to be worth it. Simply clear anything that is on your way, and move on to the next quest / area.

Killing enough monsters will gain you a character level, which gives you 5 stat points and 1 skill point. Stat points are there to help you either equip your gear or increase your damage. The goal of stat allocation is to put enough stat points into Strength and Dexterity (Primarily dexterity) to equip gear, with a majority of stat points going into energy for more spell damage.


For our build, we are picking the Lightning Tree and Cold Tree as our primary skills, so gradually work your skill points into those directions. We will also invest some points into Arcane tree for support skills.



Continue to fight through the map, most enemies here are not a threat. When you see large groups of enemies, use either Forked Lightning or Temptest to clear out the main pack, and pick off the stragglers with Thunderstone. Your goal at this stage is to get through the game as quickly as possible while building up your gold bank, gem supply and gear set.

Keep an eye out for any Bloodstone, Onyx, Amber and Turquoise as they can be turned into gems that will bolster your elemental resistance.

By the end of Act 1 you should have at least the following

Iblis

Iblis
Gloves
'TyrSur'
Runeword Level: 90
+40 Spell Focus if Sanguine Covenant is Active
+10% Maximum Mana if Solar Flare is Active
+(37 to 42)% to Fire Spell Damage
(25 to 35)% to Energy
Regenerate Mana +(10 to 15)%
Fire Absorb 4%
+10 to Light Radius

Pick up any gloves with 1 socket from monster or Charsi in town, and the rune from either monster drop or from the Countess quest

Rainbow

Rainbow
Belts
'Eth'
Runeword Level: 15
+5% to Spell Damage
+(6 to 10)% to Summoned Minion Resistances
Regenerate Mana +(5 to 10)%
Elemental Resists +(10 to 15)%
(6 to 8)% Magic Find
+2 to Light Radius

same as above.

Lumen Arcana

Lumen Arcana
Body Armors
'Ith'
Runeword Level: 18
+1 to All Skills
-(3 to 8)% to Enemy Fire Resistance
-(3 to 8)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
-(3 to 8)% to Enemy Cold Resistance
-(3 to 8)% to Enemy Poison Resistance
+(25 to 50)% Enhanced Defense
+2 to Light Radius

in Quilted Armored

Pax Mystica

Pax Mystica
Staves
'Tir'
Runeword Level: 10
+1 to All Skills
+7% to Spell Damage
+(2 to 5) to Blink
Elemental Resists +(11 to 15)%
(11 to 13)% Magic Find

Akara sells unsocketed staves

Pax Mystica

Pax Mystica
Staves
'Tir'
Runeword Level: 10
+1 to All Skills
+7% to Spell Damage
+(2 to 5) to Blink
Elemental Resists +(11 to 15)%
(11 to 13)% Magic Find

offers Blink, which is a teleport that can stun enemies at the target location. Use it to zip through walls and traverse the map to save some time.

Some Flawless Bloodstone, Onyx, Amber and Turquoise

The rest of your gear slots can be filled with whatever you can find. Monsters now are weak enough that you can go through most of them without much gear.

Bear in mind that runewords can only be made in non-magical bases. So don't try to put runes into either magical or rare or god forbid, unique items that also happen to have sockets.


Andariel guards the invisible gate that stops you from progressing to Act II. Most of her attacks are not threatening. The only attack that is capable of killing you is her Meteor Shower. Don't get caught in the marked area and you should be fine. You can also just vacate the hall you are fighting her in and move to another open area if you don't want to bother dodging.

Andariel is guaranteed to drop 1 unique item along with Catalyst of Disenchantment. Pick up the unique item, and hold on to it for the time being.

ACT II

► Show Spoiler

Act II is essentially the same. You are leveling up, clearing quests, building up your piggy bank and finding useful upgrades. Something that should be said is that unlike Vanilla D2, you can now skip Dry Hills & Halls of the Dead, they do not offer anything of use. Only do the parts in Far Oasis & Lost City.

The main threat in the final area is actually Zoltun Kulle, who now guards the entrance to Duriel. Be aware of when you are approaching the entrance to Duriel, and take the fight slow so you don't get caught off guard.

Duriel himself is a pushover in Median, kill him and pick up the unique item he drops and proceed forward.

Act III

► Show Spoiler

Fight your way through the absolute mess that is the Act III jungle. There is no area you can skip here, so put on your running shoes and don't forget to refresh your town portal. The Gidbiin quest gives you 1 shrine that you should hold on to, and Lam Esen's Tome now gives +10 to Attribute Points instead of +5.

Mephisto is probably the first enemy that is dangerous up until now. His most dangerous attacks are summon reinforcements and Count Down. Summon reinforcement can spawn Que-Hegen, whose body guards make your Ice elementals flee from combat. Heretics are another type of monster that can kill you with their weird boomerang projectiles(what are those seriously?). Countdown itself inflicts massive cold damage and is practically instant death if you don't have enough cold resist. The trick is to kill him before he has the time to do any of that. If you are really struggling you can consider picking up

Prophecy

Prophecy
Scepters
'Ith'
Runeword Level: 18
+1 to All Skills
+(3 to 4) to Maximum Damage
+(10 to 26)% Enhanced Damage
+1 Life Regenerated per Second
Fire Resist +(21 to 40)%
Cold Resist +(21 to 40)%
Poison Length Reduced by (10 to 15)%
Attacker Takes Fire Damage of (21 to 25)
Attacker Takes Cold Damage of (21 to 25)

and

Pharaoh

for extra damage and resist.

Mephisto drops 2 unique items, which can be either a direct upgrade, or be disenchanted into Arcane Shards and used to make your own unique items. Take some time to kill Mephisto for his unique items until you have the following
Pick one out of

Demoncall

Demoncall
Short Staff (4)
Two-Hand Damage: 4 to 5
Required Level: 1
Item Level: 1
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+(1 to 2) to All Skills
+(31 to 50) Spell Focus
15% Cast Speed
Fire Resist +(11 to 15)%
Poison Resist +(11 to 15)%
Socketed (1)
Two-Hand Damage: 11 to 12
Required Level: 17
Required Dexterity: 8
Item Level: 31
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+(3 to 4) to All Skills
+(71 to 90) Spell Focus
30% Cast Speed
Fire Resist +(21 to 25)%
Poison Resist +(21 to 25)%
Socketed (2)
Two-Hand Damage: 18 to 20
Required Level: 36
Required Dexterity: 25
Item Level: 51
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+(5 to 6) to All Skills
+(111 to 130) Spell Focus
45% Cast Speed
Fire Resist +(31 to 35)%
Poison Resist +(31 to 35)%
Socketed (3)
Two-Hand Damage: 22 to 24
Required Level: 45
Required Dexterity: 52
Item Level: 77
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+(7 to 8) to All Skills
+(131 to 150) Spell Focus
60% Cast Speed
Fire Resist +(36 to 40)%
Poison Resist +(36 to 40)%
Socketed (3)

,

The Magister

The Magister
Long Staff (4)
Two-Hand Damage: 6 to 7
Required Level: 3
Required Dexterity: 8
Item Level: 1
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+1 to All Skills
+(11 to 13)% to Fire Spell Damage
+(11 to 13)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(3 to 5) to Flamefront
+(3 to 5) to Flash
Fire Resist +(16 to 25)%
Lightning Resist +(16 to 25)%
(11 to 15)% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (2)
Two-Hand Damage: 13 to 15
Required Level: 21
Required Dexterity: 19
Item Level: 31
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+(2 to 3) to All Skills
+(16 to 18)% to Fire Spell Damage
+(16 to 18)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(7 to 10) to Flamefront
+(9 to 12) to Flash
Fire Resist +(36 to 45)%
Lightning Resist +(36 to 45)%
(21 to 25)% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (3)
Two-Hand Damage: 22 to 26
Required Level: 40
Required Dexterity: 43
Item Level: 51
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+(3 to 4) to All Skills
+(21 to 23)% to Fire Spell Damage
+(21 to 23)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(13 to 16) to Flamefront
+(19 to 24) to Flash
Fire Resist +(56 to 65)%
Lightning Resist +(56 to 65)%
(31 to 35)% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (4)
Two-Hand Damage: 27 to 32
Required Level: 49
Required Dexterity: 88
Item Level: 77
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+(5 to 6) to All Skills
+(23 to 25)% to Fire Spell Damage
+(23 to 25)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(19 to 24) to Flamefront
+(25 to 30) to Flash
Fire Resist +(66 to 75)%
Lightning Resist +(66 to 75)%
(36 to 40)% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (4)

,

Staff of Roses

Staff of Roses
War Staff (4)
Two-Hand Damage: 9 to 11
Required Level: 10
Required Dexterity: 46
Item Level: 10
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+1 to All Skills
+15% Bonus to Spell Focus
10% Cast Speed
Regenerate Mana +(16 to 25)%
Fire Resist +(21 to 25)%
Lightning Resist +(21 to 25)%
+(16 to 25) Life after each Kill
2% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (2)
Two-Hand Damage: 19 to 24
Required Level: 29
Required Dexterity: 68
Item Level: 31
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+(2 to 3) to All Skills
+20% Bonus to Spell Focus
30% Cast Speed
Regenerate Mana +(36 to 45)%
Fire Resist +(31 to 35)%
Lightning Resist +(31 to 35)%
+(36 to 45) Life after each Kill
4% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (3)
Two-Hand Damage: 34 to 44
Required Level: 47
Required Dexterity: 136
Item Level: 51
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+(4 to 5) to All Skills
+25% Bonus to Spell Focus
50% Cast Speed
Regenerate Mana +(56 to 65)%
Fire Resist +(41 to 45)%
Lightning Resist +(41 to 45)%
+(56 to 65) Life after each Kill
6% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (4)
Two-Hand Damage: 41 to 53
Required Level: 54
Required Dexterity: 269
Item Level: 77
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+(5 to 6) to All Skills
+33% Bonus to Spell Focus
60% Cast Speed
Regenerate Mana +(66 to 75)%
Fire Resist +(46 to 50)%
Lightning Resist +(46 to 50)%
+(66 to 75) Life after each Kill
8% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (6)

. If you find any one of the three before Mephisto you should just stick to that one and use Arcane crystals to upgrade it rather than re-making a new unique staff. Keep the staff at tier 2 or 3, NOT tier 4 because you won't meet the level requirement.

Ennead's Bane

Ennead's Bane
Kazarghand (4)
Defense: (173 - 204) to (354 - 417)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 6
Required Dexterity: 46 to 48
Item Level: 10
+1 to Sorceress Skill Levels
5% Cast Speed
+(3 to 4)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(6 to 8)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(24 to 46)% Enhanced Defense
+(11 to 15) to Dexterity
+(11 to 15) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(11 to 15)%
Requirements -(11 to 15)%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (625 - 710) to (1152 - 1309)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 24
Required Dexterity: 60 to 63
Item Level: 36
+2 to Sorceress Skill Levels
15% Cast Speed
+(5 to 8)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(11 to 13)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(69 to 92)% Enhanced Defense
+(21 to 25) to Dexterity
+(21 to 25) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(21 to 25)%
Requirements -(21 to 25)%
Socketed (4)
Defense: (1618 - 1784) to (2915 - 3213)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 41
Required Dexterity: 110 to 117
Item Level: 51
+3 to Sorceress Skill Levels
25% Cast Speed
+(9 to 12)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(16 to 18)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(115 to 137)% Enhanced Defense
+(31 to 35) to Dexterity
+(31 to 35) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(31 to 35)%
Requirements -(31 to 35)%
Socketed (5)
Defense: (2444 - 2670) to (4372 - 4776)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 51
Required Dexterity: 211 to 225
Item Level: 85
+4 to Sorceress Skill Levels
30% Cast Speed
+(13 to 15)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(18 to 20)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(138 to 160)% Enhanced Defense
+(36 to 40) to Dexterity
+(36 to 40) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(36 to 40)%
Requirements -(36 to 40)%
Socketed (6)

tier 2 or 3 depending on how much dexterity you have

Moonwrap

Moonwrap
Sash (4)
Defense: (16 - 18) to (20 - 21)
Required Level: 1
Required Strength: 25
Item Level: 1
5% Cast Speed
+3% to Spell Damage
+(18 to 29)% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +(11 to 15)%
Cold Resist +(11 to 15)%
Socketed (1)
Defense: (119 - 129) to (131 - 141)
Required Level: 17
Required Strength: 50
Item Level: 31
15% Cast Speed
+9% to Spell Damage
+(41 to 52)% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +(21 to 25)%
Cold Resist +(21 to 25)%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (331 - 353) to (370 - 395)
Required Level: 35
Required Strength: 125
Item Level: 51
25% Cast Speed
+15% to Spell Damage
+(64 to 75)% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +(31 to 35)%
Cold Resist +(31 to 35)%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (493 - 524) to (542 - 576)
Required Level: 43
Required Strength: 250
Item Level: 77
30% Cast Speed
+20% to Spell Damage
+(75 to 86)% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +(36 to 40)%
Cold Resist +(36 to 40)%
Socketed (2)

tier 3

Rabbit's Foot

Rabbit's Foot
Boots (4)
Defense: 8 to 14
Required Level: 1
Required Strength: 21
Item Level: 1
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+10% to Spell Damage
+5 Maximum Stamina
(1 to 5)% Gold Find
(1 to 5)% Magic Find
Requirements -15%
Socketed (1)
Defense: 75 to 88
Required Level: 17
Required Strength: 35
Item Level: 31
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+12% to Spell Damage
+10 Maximum Stamina
(5 to 10)% Gold Find
(5 to 10)% Magic Find
Requirements -30%
Socketed (2)
Defense: 184 to 215
Required Level: 34
Required Strength: 96
Item Level: 51
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+16% to Spell Damage
+15 Maximum Stamina
(15 to 20)% Gold Find
(15 to 20)% Magic Find
Requirements -45%
Socketed (3)
Defense: 258 to 296
Required Level: 43
Required Strength: 140
Item Level: 77
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+20% to Spell Damage
+20 Maximum Stamina
(25 to 30)% Gold Find
(25 to 30)% Magic Find
Requirements -60%
Socketed (4)

tier 3

The Celestial Crown

The Celestial Crown
Circlet (4)
Defense: 22 to 47
Required Level: 4
Required Dexterity: 14
Item Level: 1
+30 Spell Focus
+(7 to 12)% to Cold Spell Damage
-(2 to 3)% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+(11 to 20) to Energy
Cold Resist +30%
Socketed (1)
Defense: 61 to 113
Required Level: 22
Required Dexterity: 29
Item Level: 31
+60 Spell Focus
+(15 to 20)% to Cold Spell Damage
-(5 to 6)% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+(21 to 30) to Energy
Cold Resist +60%
Socketed (2)
Defense: 126 to 225
Required Level: 39
Required Dexterity: 69
Item Level: 51
+90 Spell Focus
+(23 to 28)% to Cold Spell Damage
-(7 to 10)% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+(31 to 40) to Energy
Cold Resist +90%
Socketed (3)
Defense: 173 to 304
Required Level: 48
Required Dexterity: 147
Item Level: 77
+120 Spell Focus
+(31 to 36)% to Cold Spell Damage
-(11 to 13)% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+(41 to 50) to Energy
Cold Resist +120%
Socketed (4)

tier 2 or tier 3

Pax Mystica

Pax Mystica
Staves
'Tir'
Runeword Level: 10
+1 to All Skills
+7% to Spell Damage
+(2 to 5) to Blink
Elemental Resists +(11 to 15)%
(11 to 13)% Magic Find

on switch

To get the above you'll have to use either of the following cube recipes
Create unique item
Any items(normal, magic or rare) + 2* Arcane Crystals + Oil of Enhancement from Alkorr / Gheed / Drognan / Halbu / Larzuk -> Unique item
Upgrade unique item
Existing unique item + Arcane Crystal -> Unique item upgraded 1 tier
Create Arcane Crystal
arcane shard *5 -> Arcane Crystal
Disenchant existing uniques into Arcane Shards
Unique item *(1 to 10) + Catalyst of Disenchantment -> Arcane Shard(s) + Catalyst of Disenchantment

Scaling your character

► Show Spoiler

Now that we are finally taking the time to properly setup our gear, we should actually examine how characters scale in both offense and defense.

Being a spellcaster, our primary stat is energy, but we need to have enough strength or dexterity to equip other gear that provides other even more valuable stats. In order to maximize the amount of points we can put into energy, we want to spend as little points away from it as possible. That means ideally picking gear that only requires either strength or dexterity, not both. That way when we need to upgrade our gear, we only have to invest into 1 category instead of 2. With

Ennead's Bane

Ennead's Bane
Kazarghand (4)
Defense: (173 - 204) to (354 - 417)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 6
Required Dexterity: 46 to 48
Item Level: 10
+1 to Sorceress Skill Levels
5% Cast Speed
+(3 to 4)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(6 to 8)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(24 to 46)% Enhanced Defense
+(11 to 15) to Dexterity
+(11 to 15) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(11 to 15)%
Requirements -(11 to 15)%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (625 - 710) to (1152 - 1309)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 24
Required Dexterity: 60 to 63
Item Level: 36
+2 to Sorceress Skill Levels
15% Cast Speed
+(5 to 8)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(11 to 13)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(69 to 92)% Enhanced Defense
+(21 to 25) to Dexterity
+(21 to 25) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(21 to 25)%
Requirements -(21 to 25)%
Socketed (4)
Defense: (1618 - 1784) to (2915 - 3213)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 41
Required Dexterity: 110 to 117
Item Level: 51
+3 to Sorceress Skill Levels
25% Cast Speed
+(9 to 12)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(16 to 18)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(115 to 137)% Enhanced Defense
+(31 to 35) to Dexterity
+(31 to 35) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(31 to 35)%
Requirements -(31 to 35)%
Socketed (5)
Defense: (2444 - 2670) to (4372 - 4776)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 51
Required Dexterity: 211 to 225
Item Level: 85
+4 to Sorceress Skill Levels
30% Cast Speed
+(13 to 15)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(18 to 20)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(138 to 160)% Enhanced Defense
+(36 to 40) to Dexterity
+(36 to 40) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(36 to 40)%
Requirements -(36 to 40)%
Socketed (6)

being the core of our build, that kinda sets the path of us wearing dexterity gear. Hence we use dexterity helmets instead of strength ones and us using light leather armor rather than heavy metal ones.

As the main stat for casters, Energy improves the potency of our spells. That means we want as many points into Energy as possible.

Patch 1.7 also revamped the old Energy / Strength Factor stat so it's contribution to spell damage is now separate from Energy / Strength. In practical terms, the only thing that concerns us is that Spell Focus' contribution is now limited to 1000 points and any points of Spell Focus above 1000 is wasted stat. Obviously that's not going to be a problem until the very end of our progression.

Both Energy and Spell Focus contribute to the final result of improving your Synergy stat that you can check in the skill tress.

Casting speed is also an important factor. Not only does it allow us to cast more spells, it also improves our ability to dodge attacks by giving us control of our character back sooner with faster animations. This is what items like

Demoncall

Demoncall
Short Staff (4)
Two-Hand Damage: 4 to 5
Required Level: 1
Item Level: 1
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+(1 to 2) to All Skills
+(31 to 50) Spell Focus
15% Cast Speed
Fire Resist +(11 to 15)%
Poison Resist +(11 to 15)%
Socketed (1)
Two-Hand Damage: 11 to 12
Required Level: 17
Required Dexterity: 8
Item Level: 31
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+(3 to 4) to All Skills
+(71 to 90) Spell Focus
30% Cast Speed
Fire Resist +(21 to 25)%
Poison Resist +(21 to 25)%
Socketed (2)
Two-Hand Damage: 18 to 20
Required Level: 36
Required Dexterity: 25
Item Level: 51
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+(5 to 6) to All Skills
+(111 to 130) Spell Focus
45% Cast Speed
Fire Resist +(31 to 35)%
Poison Resist +(31 to 35)%
Socketed (3)
Two-Hand Damage: 22 to 24
Required Level: 45
Required Dexterity: 52
Item Level: 77
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+(7 to 8) to All Skills
+(131 to 150) Spell Focus
60% Cast Speed
Fire Resist +(36 to 40)%
Poison Resist +(36 to 40)%
Socketed (3)

and

Moonwrap

Moonwrap
Sash (4)
Defense: (16 - 18) to (20 - 21)
Required Level: 1
Required Strength: 25
Item Level: 1
5% Cast Speed
+3% to Spell Damage
+(18 to 29)% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +(11 to 15)%
Cold Resist +(11 to 15)%
Socketed (1)
Defense: (119 - 129) to (131 - 141)
Required Level: 17
Required Strength: 50
Item Level: 31
15% Cast Speed
+9% to Spell Damage
+(41 to 52)% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +(21 to 25)%
Cold Resist +(21 to 25)%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (331 - 353) to (370 - 395)
Required Level: 35
Required Strength: 125
Item Level: 51
25% Cast Speed
+15% to Spell Damage
+(64 to 75)% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +(31 to 35)%
Cold Resist +(31 to 35)%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (493 - 524) to (542 - 576)
Required Level: 43
Required Strength: 250
Item Level: 77
30% Cast Speed
+20% to Spell Damage
+(75 to 86)% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +(36 to 40)%
Cold Resist +(36 to 40)%
Socketed (2)

gives us.

Defensively it is also important to make sure you have maximum elemental resistance so we can mitigate the various spells and elemental attacks that are thrown our way, which is why we wear items that already have elemental resistance and we decorate our gear with gems that do the same.

Act IV

► Show Spoiler

This should mostly be a breeze with your newly acquired gear. Although there are various monsters here that are capable of killing you. These are
Heretics in Plains of Despair. By far the most dangerous with their weird boomerang / heat seeking projectile and their lightning resistance.
Soul Warriors in River of Flame. Close second to Heretics, they plop down invisible turrets that will bombard you with ice attacks non-stop. Vacate the area if the numbers of projectiles get out of control.

Hephasto the Armorer can also be dangerous if you get caught in his Shower of Rocks and if he is supported by Soul Warriors.

Diablo is yet another challenge with his signature lightning beam and flamestrike. Watch your feet and don't be afraid to use Blink from

Pax Mystica

Pax Mystica
Staves
'Tir'
Runeword Level: 10
+1 to All Skills
+7% to Spell Damage
+(2 to 5) to Blink
Elemental Resists +(11 to 15)%
(11 to 13)% Magic Find

to teleport away from danger.

Act V

► Show Spoiler

This is when we start spending our money we built up through the stages. Run through Bloody Foothills. The area is way too spread out for you to clear everything efficiently. At the end of Bloody Foothills is Shrek the Overseer. Kill him so you can get Mark of Infusion

Continue onward and return to town with the waypoint on Frigid Highlands. Now go back to Charsi in Act I and buy a magic Leather Gloves(1). If Charsi doesn't have it, go to Cold Plains and come back and see if she has restocked. Try until she can get it.

Put your magic Leather Gloves(1) and Mark of Infusion in your Horadric Cube to create your first Honorific item

Honorific items gain double the bonus from Mystic Orbs, which is a nice way to fill our stat budget. All items can be enchanted with Mystic Orbs at the cost of increased level requirement and a lot of gold. Although you can only put 5*Mystic Orbs of the same type in one item. For now put 5* each of +5 to Dexterity and Elemental Resist +3 into your Honorific Gloves so you can put more points into energy. Do not put anything into the one socket of your Honorific Gloves as doing so will raise the item's required level.

Now go back to Act V and continue to fight your way through the densely packed Act V map. Secure the waypoint of Crystalline Passage and head into Frozen River. At the end of Frozen River is Anya who is partly encased in ice for whatever perverted reason. Go back to Malah in town for a potion that will melt the ice(and probably give Anya 3rd degree burns when you thaw the ice). Talk to Malah in town again for the Resistance Scroll. Hold onto the Resistance Scroll for now since it cannot be consumed in Median like you can in the original game.

Talk to Anya for a way into Nihlathak's lair. Fight your way through the monsters and make sure you get the waypoint in Hall of Pain. From here either proceed to Halls of Vaught and slay Nihlathak for 3 unique item drops, or go back to Crystalline Passage and continue your hunt for Baal.

Halls of Vaught
Probably the most densely packed area in all of Act V. The entire map is filled with various elite monsters. The most dangerous enemy here are the Storm Shaman and their Thunderlings. Thunderlings are simple minions that will charge you and die. However, their corpses will quickly be turned into Faerie rings by their Storm Shamans, which are basically 7 turrets per corpse that will bombard you with shrapnel. With the sheer number of minions that will die in close proximity, you can quickly see why that is a problem.
How many turrets are there

The simplest way to deal with this is to just vacate the area once you see the turrets pop up. It's not worth it to try to fight through the turrets unless you can find cover to block all the shrapnel. Nihlathak is not really worth mentioning since he's such a pushover. Kill him and pick up the three unique items that will be used to further upgrade your gear.

Kill Nihlathak a couple more time for those Arcane Crystals until you reach level 50.

The rush to Baal
Back to the Crystalline Passage, run through the Glacial Trail, Frozen Tundra and Ancient's Way. Don't even bother picking up the Waypoint since there's no reason to come back once you made it past the area. Leave a TP before you enter Arreat Summit because initiating the boss fight will take away your TP at the Summit. Take out the 3 ancients everything standing between you and Baal. Pick up the Waypoint of World Stone Keep level 2 if you are not level 50 yet. Skip the waypoint otherwise since there is no reason to come back. Do watch out for Bloodliths and their fire cannonade that can chew through your health.

Throne of Destruction
Most monsters here are not threatening. Do however keep an eye out for the Dirge and Bloodlith combo as the death of a Dirge curses you with lower resist which will empower the fire cannonade of the Bloodliths

Clear the waves of Baal's champion, the last Champion, Infernal Contraption, opens up a portal to Tran Athulua upon its destruction. The area requires level 50 to enter. Journey into the portal and hunt down the 3 bosses that hold a Sunstone each. Gather the 3 sunstones , put them in your cube and transmute them into

Sunstone of the Twin Seas

Sunstone of the Twin Seas
Required Level: 50
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
+2 to All Skills
10% Combat Speeds
-5% to Enemy Fire Resistance
-5% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
-5% to Enemy Cold Resistance
10% to All Attributes
Elemental Resists +10%
+5% to Experience Gained

. Below is a map with pathing marked for minimum backtracking







This last part is a bit trickier to get. You want to aim your cursor to the south / south east of where you are. Have the cursor be as close to your xp bar as possible without touching it. If you line it up properly you be will able to use the final shortcut.

Once you have

Sunstone of the Twin Seas

Sunstone of the Twin Seas
Required Level: 50
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
+2 to All Skills
10% Combat Speeds
-5% to Enemy Fire Resistance
-5% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
-5% to Enemy Cold Resistance
10% to All Attributes
Elemental Resists +10%
+5% to Experience Gained

, go back out the portal and face Baal in the World Stone Chamber. Your Ice elementals will do most of the heavy lifting here by distracting him while you lob thunderstones at him from a distance.

Gear check before entering Nightmare

► Show Spoiler

Demoncall

Demoncall
Short Staff (4)
Two-Hand Damage: 4 to 5
Required Level: 1
Item Level: 1
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+(1 to 2) to All Skills
+(31 to 50) Spell Focus
15% Cast Speed
Fire Resist +(11 to 15)%
Poison Resist +(11 to 15)%
Socketed (1)
Two-Hand Damage: 11 to 12
Required Level: 17
Required Dexterity: 8
Item Level: 31
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+(3 to 4) to All Skills
+(71 to 90) Spell Focus
30% Cast Speed
Fire Resist +(21 to 25)%
Poison Resist +(21 to 25)%
Socketed (2)
Two-Hand Damage: 18 to 20
Required Level: 36
Required Dexterity: 25
Item Level: 51
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+(5 to 6) to All Skills
+(111 to 130) Spell Focus
45% Cast Speed
Fire Resist +(31 to 35)%
Poison Resist +(31 to 35)%
Socketed (3)
Two-Hand Damage: 22 to 24
Required Level: 45
Required Dexterity: 52
Item Level: 77
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+(7 to 8) to All Skills
+(131 to 150) Spell Focus
60% Cast Speed
Fire Resist +(36 to 40)%
Poison Resist +(36 to 40)%
Socketed (3)

/

The Magister

The Magister
Long Staff (4)
Two-Hand Damage: 6 to 7
Required Level: 3
Required Dexterity: 8
Item Level: 1
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+1 to All Skills
+(11 to 13)% to Fire Spell Damage
+(11 to 13)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(3 to 5) to Flamefront
+(3 to 5) to Flash
Fire Resist +(16 to 25)%
Lightning Resist +(16 to 25)%
(11 to 15)% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (2)
Two-Hand Damage: 13 to 15
Required Level: 21
Required Dexterity: 19
Item Level: 31
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+(2 to 3) to All Skills
+(16 to 18)% to Fire Spell Damage
+(16 to 18)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(7 to 10) to Flamefront
+(9 to 12) to Flash
Fire Resist +(36 to 45)%
Lightning Resist +(36 to 45)%
(21 to 25)% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (3)
Two-Hand Damage: 22 to 26
Required Level: 40
Required Dexterity: 43
Item Level: 51
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+(3 to 4) to All Skills
+(21 to 23)% to Fire Spell Damage
+(21 to 23)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(13 to 16) to Flamefront
+(19 to 24) to Flash
Fire Resist +(56 to 65)%
Lightning Resist +(56 to 65)%
(31 to 35)% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (4)
Two-Hand Damage: 27 to 32
Required Level: 49
Required Dexterity: 88
Item Level: 77
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+(5 to 6) to All Skills
+(23 to 25)% to Fire Spell Damage
+(23 to 25)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(19 to 24) to Flamefront
+(25 to 30) to Flash
Fire Resist +(66 to 75)%
Lightning Resist +(66 to 75)%
(36 to 40)% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (4)

/

Staff of Roses

Staff of Roses
War Staff (4)
Two-Hand Damage: 9 to 11
Required Level: 10
Required Dexterity: 46
Item Level: 10
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+1 to All Skills
+15% Bonus to Spell Focus
10% Cast Speed
Regenerate Mana +(16 to 25)%
Fire Resist +(21 to 25)%
Lightning Resist +(21 to 25)%
+(16 to 25) Life after each Kill
2% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (2)
Two-Hand Damage: 19 to 24
Required Level: 29
Required Dexterity: 68
Item Level: 31
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+(2 to 3) to All Skills
+20% Bonus to Spell Focus
30% Cast Speed
Regenerate Mana +(36 to 45)%
Fire Resist +(31 to 35)%
Lightning Resist +(31 to 35)%
+(36 to 45) Life after each Kill
4% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (3)
Two-Hand Damage: 34 to 44
Required Level: 47
Required Dexterity: 136
Item Level: 51
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+(4 to 5) to All Skills
+25% Bonus to Spell Focus
50% Cast Speed
Regenerate Mana +(56 to 65)%
Fire Resist +(41 to 45)%
Lightning Resist +(41 to 45)%
+(56 to 65) Life after each Kill
6% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (4)
Two-Hand Damage: 41 to 53
Required Level: 54
Required Dexterity: 269
Item Level: 77
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+(5 to 6) to All Skills
+33% Bonus to Spell Focus
60% Cast Speed
Regenerate Mana +(66 to 75)%
Fire Resist +(46 to 50)%
Lightning Resist +(46 to 50)%
+(66 to 75) Life after each Kill
8% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (6)

, tier 3 or 4, depending on whether you want to spend an extra Arcane Crystal to upgrade it. Socketed with Perfect Diamonds for + spell damage

Ennead's Bane

Ennead's Bane
Kazarghand (4)
Defense: (173 - 204) to (354 - 417)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 6
Required Dexterity: 46 to 48
Item Level: 10
+1 to Sorceress Skill Levels
5% Cast Speed
+(3 to 4)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(6 to 8)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(24 to 46)% Enhanced Defense
+(11 to 15) to Dexterity
+(11 to 15) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(11 to 15)%
Requirements -(11 to 15)%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (625 - 710) to (1152 - 1309)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 24
Required Dexterity: 60 to 63
Item Level: 36
+2 to Sorceress Skill Levels
15% Cast Speed
+(5 to 8)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(11 to 13)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(69 to 92)% Enhanced Defense
+(21 to 25) to Dexterity
+(21 to 25) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(21 to 25)%
Requirements -(21 to 25)%
Socketed (4)
Defense: (1618 - 1784) to (2915 - 3213)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 41
Required Dexterity: 110 to 117
Item Level: 51
+3 to Sorceress Skill Levels
25% Cast Speed
+(9 to 12)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(16 to 18)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(115 to 137)% Enhanced Defense
+(31 to 35) to Dexterity
+(31 to 35) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(31 to 35)%
Requirements -(31 to 35)%
Socketed (5)
Defense: (2444 - 2670) to (4372 - 4776)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 51
Required Dexterity: 211 to 225
Item Level: 85
+4 to Sorceress Skill Levels
30% Cast Speed
+(13 to 15)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(18 to 20)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(138 to 160)% Enhanced Defense
+(36 to 40) to Dexterity
+(36 to 40) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(36 to 40)%
Requirements -(36 to 40)%
Socketed (6)

tier 4, just look at it

The Celestial Crown

The Celestial Crown
Circlet (4)
Defense: 22 to 47
Required Level: 4
Required Dexterity: 14
Item Level: 1
+30 Spell Focus
+(7 to 12)% to Cold Spell Damage
-(2 to 3)% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+(11 to 20) to Energy
Cold Resist +30%
Socketed (1)
Defense: 61 to 113
Required Level: 22
Required Dexterity: 29
Item Level: 31
+60 Spell Focus
+(15 to 20)% to Cold Spell Damage
-(5 to 6)% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+(21 to 30) to Energy
Cold Resist +60%
Socketed (2)
Defense: 126 to 225
Required Level: 39
Required Dexterity: 69
Item Level: 51
+90 Spell Focus
+(23 to 28)% to Cold Spell Damage
-(7 to 10)% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+(31 to 40) to Energy
Cold Resist +90%
Socketed (3)
Defense: 173 to 304
Required Level: 48
Required Dexterity: 147
Item Level: 77
+120 Spell Focus
+(31 to 36)% to Cold Spell Damage
-(11 to 13)% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+(41 to 50) to Energy
Cold Resist +120%
Socketed (4)

tier 4, for the Spell Focus and 4 sockets

Moonwrap

Moonwrap
Sash (4)
Defense: (16 - 18) to (20 - 21)
Required Level: 1
Required Strength: 25
Item Level: 1
5% Cast Speed
+3% to Spell Damage
+(18 to 29)% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +(11 to 15)%
Cold Resist +(11 to 15)%
Socketed (1)
Defense: (119 - 129) to (131 - 141)
Required Level: 17
Required Strength: 50
Item Level: 31
15% Cast Speed
+9% to Spell Damage
+(41 to 52)% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +(21 to 25)%
Cold Resist +(21 to 25)%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (331 - 353) to (370 - 395)
Required Level: 35
Required Strength: 125
Item Level: 51
25% Cast Speed
+15% to Spell Damage
+(64 to 75)% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +(31 to 35)%
Cold Resist +(31 to 35)%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (493 - 524) to (542 - 576)
Required Level: 43
Required Strength: 250
Item Level: 77
30% Cast Speed
+20% to Spell Damage
+(75 to 86)% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +(36 to 40)%
Cold Resist +(36 to 40)%
Socketed (2)

tier 4, +20 spell damage

Rabbit's Foot

Rabbit's Foot
Boots (4)
Defense: 8 to 14
Required Level: 1
Required Strength: 21
Item Level: 1
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+10% to Spell Damage
+5 Maximum Stamina
(1 to 5)% Gold Find
(1 to 5)% Magic Find
Requirements -15%
Socketed (1)
Defense: 75 to 88
Required Level: 17
Required Strength: 35
Item Level: 31
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+12% to Spell Damage
+10 Maximum Stamina
(5 to 10)% Gold Find
(5 to 10)% Magic Find
Requirements -30%
Socketed (2)
Defense: 184 to 215
Required Level: 34
Required Strength: 96
Item Level: 51
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+16% to Spell Damage
+15 Maximum Stamina
(15 to 20)% Gold Find
(15 to 20)% Magic Find
Requirements -45%
Socketed (3)
Defense: 258 to 296
Required Level: 43
Required Strength: 140
Item Level: 77
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+20% to Spell Damage
+20 Maximum Stamina
(25 to 30)% Gold Find
(25 to 30)% Magic Find
Requirements -60%
Socketed (4)

tier 4, +20 spell damage & 4 sockets
magical or rare ring & amulet with either +all skills, - enemy lightning resistance or + lightning spell damage
Honorific Gloves with +50 dexterity, +30 elemental resist and some gold find*
Enough Perfect Bloodstone, Perfect Onyx, Perfect Amber and Perfect Turquoise in your armor sockets to reach at least 110% all resistance on your character sheet.

Why gold find
This may seem like a waste of money and required level. However, with the crazy price of mystic orbs for starting characters, having some gold find ensure you don't have to scour around different maps just to look for gold to upgrade your gear further. Having even +20% gold find helps build our gold bank exponential quicker than if we didn't. This mean quicker access to more mystics orbs to enchant our gear with.

Nightmare
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Items to look for in Nightmare

► Show Spoiler

List of items you want to keep an eye out for throughout Nightmare. You don't have to go out of your way to find them when you are progressing through this difficulty. Just come back here after you have defeated Baal once again to see what you are missing.

Thunderball

Thunderball
Clasped Orb (4)
One-Hand Damage: 6 to 7
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 15
Required Dexterity: 9
Item Level: 1
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.11 per Dexterity)%
+1 to Sorceress Skill Levels
15% Cast Speed
+(6 to 10)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(2 to 3) to Thunderstone (Sorceress Only)
Lightning Resist +30%
Socketed (1)
One-Hand Damage: 11 to 14
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 25
Required Dexterity: 15
Item Level: 31
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.11 per Dexterity)%
+2 to Sorceress Skill Levels
25% Cast Speed
+(13 to 18)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(4 to 5) to Thunderstone (Sorceress Only)
Lightning Resist +60%
Socketed (2)
One-Hand Damage: 17 to 21
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 43
Required Dexterity: 32
Item Level: 51
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.11 per Dexterity)%
+(2 to 3) to Sorceress Skill Levels
40% Cast Speed
+(20 to 25)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(6 to 7) to Thunderstone (Sorceress Only)
Lightning Resist +90%
Socketed (2)
One-Hand Damage: 20 to 25
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 52
Required Dexterity: 65
Item Level: 77
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.11 per Dexterity)%
+3 to Sorceress Skill Levels
50% Cast Speed
+(26 to 35)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(9 to 10) to Thunderstone (Sorceress Only)
Lightning Resist +120%
Socketed (2)

tier 4

The Ivory Tower

The Ivory Tower
Tower Shield (4)
Defense: (205 - 233) to (404 - 459)
Chance to Block: Class%
Required Level: 7
Required Strength: 17
Required Dexterity: 43
Item Level: 19
+1 to All Skills
+(4 to 5)% Bonus to Spell Focus
5% Cast Speed
+(11 to 15)% to Fire Spell Damage
+(11 to 15)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(41 to 60)% Enhanced Defense
Maximum Mana +(3 to 5)%
Requirements -40%
Socketed (1)
Defense: (678 - 712) to (1219 - 1280)
Chance to Block: Class%
Required Level: 25
Required Strength: 31
Required Dexterity: 58
Item Level: 36
+(1 to 2) to All Skills
+(8 to 9)% Bonus to Spell Focus
10% Cast Speed
+(16 to 20)% to Fire Spell Damage
+(16 to 20)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(81 to 90)% Enhanced Defense
Maximum Mana +(9 to 11)%
Requirements -45%
Socketed (3)
Defense: (1525 - 1593) to (2685 - 2805)
Chance to Block: Class%
Required Level: 42
Required Strength: 101
Required Dexterity: 113
Item Level: 59
+2 to All Skills
+(12 to 13)% Bonus to Spell Focus
15% Cast Speed
+(21 to 25)% to Fire Spell Damage
+(21 to 25)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(101 to 110)% Enhanced Defense
Maximum Mana +(15 to 17)%
Requirements -50%
Socketed (4)
Defense: (2278 - 2371) to (4002 - 4165)
Chance to Block: Class%
Required Level: 51
Required Strength: 181
Required Dexterity: 210
Item Level: 85
+2 to All Skills
+(14 to 15)% Bonus to Spell Focus
15% Cast Speed
+(26 to 30)% to Fire Spell Damage
+(26 to 30)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(121 to 130)% Enhanced Defense
Maximum Mana +(18 to 20)%
Requirements -55%
Socketed (4)

tier 3

The Jester

The Jester
Cap (4)
Defense: 14 to 17
Required Level: 1
Required Strength: 25
Item Level: 1
+(4 to 5)% to Spell Damage
+(51 to 100) to Life
Physical Resist 2%
Random Movement Speed Bonus
Socketed (1)
Defense: 85 to 93
Required Level: 17
Required Strength: 50
Item Level: 31
+(6 to 10)% to Spell Damage
+(101 to 150) to Life
Physical Resist 3%
Random Movement Speed Bonus
Socketed (3)
Defense: 202 to 226
Required Level: 35
Required Strength: 175
Item Level: 51
+(11 to 15)% to Spell Damage
+(151 to 200) to Life
Physical Resist 4%
Random Movement Speed Bonus
Socketed (4)
Defense: 282 to 310
Required Level: 44
Required Strength: 350
Item Level: 77
+(18 to 20)% to Spell Damage
+(201 to 250) to Life
Physical Resist 5%
Random Movement Speed Bonus
Socketed (4)

tier 4

Ennead's Bane

Ennead's Bane
Kazarghand (4)
Defense: (173 - 204) to (354 - 417)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 6
Required Dexterity: 46 to 48
Item Level: 10
+1 to Sorceress Skill Levels
5% Cast Speed
+(3 to 4)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(6 to 8)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(24 to 46)% Enhanced Defense
+(11 to 15) to Dexterity
+(11 to 15) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(11 to 15)%
Requirements -(11 to 15)%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (625 - 710) to (1152 - 1309)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 24
Required Dexterity: 60 to 63
Item Level: 36
+2 to Sorceress Skill Levels
15% Cast Speed
+(5 to 8)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(11 to 13)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(69 to 92)% Enhanced Defense
+(21 to 25) to Dexterity
+(21 to 25) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(21 to 25)%
Requirements -(21 to 25)%
Socketed (4)
Defense: (1618 - 1784) to (2915 - 3213)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 41
Required Dexterity: 110 to 117
Item Level: 51
+3 to Sorceress Skill Levels
25% Cast Speed
+(9 to 12)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(16 to 18)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(115 to 137)% Enhanced Defense
+(31 to 35) to Dexterity
+(31 to 35) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(31 to 35)%
Requirements -(31 to 35)%
Socketed (5)
Defense: (2444 - 2670) to (4372 - 4776)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 51
Required Dexterity: 211 to 225
Item Level: 85
+4 to Sorceress Skill Levels
30% Cast Speed
+(13 to 15)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(18 to 20)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(138 to 160)% Enhanced Defense
+(36 to 40) to Dexterity
+(36 to 40) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(36 to 40)%
Requirements -(36 to 40)%
Socketed (6)

tier 4

Moonwrap

Moonwrap
Sash (4)
Defense: (16 - 18) to (20 - 21)
Required Level: 1
Required Strength: 25
Item Level: 1
5% Cast Speed
+3% to Spell Damage
+(18 to 29)% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +(11 to 15)%
Cold Resist +(11 to 15)%
Socketed (1)
Defense: (119 - 129) to (131 - 141)
Required Level: 17
Required Strength: 50
Item Level: 31
15% Cast Speed
+9% to Spell Damage
+(41 to 52)% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +(21 to 25)%
Cold Resist +(21 to 25)%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (331 - 353) to (370 - 395)
Required Level: 35
Required Strength: 125
Item Level: 51
25% Cast Speed
+15% to Spell Damage
+(64 to 75)% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +(31 to 35)%
Cold Resist +(31 to 35)%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (493 - 524) to (542 - 576)
Required Level: 43
Required Strength: 250
Item Level: 77
30% Cast Speed
+20% to Spell Damage
+(75 to 86)% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +(36 to 40)%
Cold Resist +(36 to 40)%
Socketed (2)

tier 4

Rabbit's Foot

Rabbit's Foot
Boots (4)
Defense: 8 to 14
Required Level: 1
Required Strength: 21
Item Level: 1
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+10% to Spell Damage
+5 Maximum Stamina
(1 to 5)% Gold Find
(1 to 5)% Magic Find
Requirements -15%
Socketed (1)
Defense: 75 to 88
Required Level: 17
Required Strength: 35
Item Level: 31
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+12% to Spell Damage
+10 Maximum Stamina
(5 to 10)% Gold Find
(5 to 10)% Magic Find
Requirements -30%
Socketed (2)
Defense: 184 to 215
Required Level: 34
Required Strength: 96
Item Level: 51
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+16% to Spell Damage
+15 Maximum Stamina
(15 to 20)% Gold Find
(15 to 20)% Magic Find
Requirements -45%
Socketed (3)
Defense: 258 to 296
Required Level: 43
Required Strength: 140
Item Level: 77
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+20% to Spell Damage
+20 Maximum Stamina
(25 to 30)% Gold Find
(25 to 30)% Magic Find
Requirements -60%
Socketed (4)

tier 4
Upgraded Honorific Gloves or Rare Leather Gloves(4) from Bloody Foothills and onwards.
Pieces of

Elemental Children

Elemental Children
(Sorceress Lightning Set)

Elemental Clash
Elemental Fury
Elemental Spirit
Elemental Storm

Set Bonus with 2 or more set items:
-20% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+50 to all Attributes

Set Bonus with 3 or more set items:
75% Cast Speed
+25% to Lightning Spell Damage

Set Bonus with complete set:
+5 to Sorceress Skill Levels
+150 Spell Focus
Blink Cooldown Reduced by 2 seconds
+50% to Lightning Spell Damage
+16 to Blink
+100 to all Attributes
Physical Resist 15%

, specifically

Elemental Clash

Elemental Clash
Circlet (Sacred)
Defense: 1515 to 1713
Required Level: 90
Required Dexterity: 262
Item Level: 1
+(1 to 2) to Sorceress Skill Levels
+20 Spell Focus
20% Cast Speed
+20% to Lightning Spell Damage
-10% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+200% Enhanced Defense
+(51 to 75) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(31 to 50)%
Socketed (4)

Elemental Children
(Sorceress Lightning Set)

and

Elemental Spirit

Elemental Spirit
Leather Gloves (Sacred)
Defense: 1410 to 1431
Required Level: 90
Required Strength: 250
Item Level: 1
+(31 to 40) Spell Focus
+(10 to 20)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+200% Enhanced Defense
+(31 to 40) to Strength
+(31 to 40) to Vitality
Maximum Mana +(15 to 25)%
Requirements -50%
Socketed (4)

Elemental Children
(Sorceress Lightning Set)

.
As many Yul Runes, Thai Runes, Rha Runes, Xar Runes, Nih Runes, Lai Runes and On Runes as possible.
At least 5* Jewels
War Staff(4) or War Staff(sacred)
As many Eerie Shrines and Ornate Shrines as possible.

Skill Plan for nightmare

► Show Spoiler

This is a continuation from what we were already doing in normal, not a whole lot changes except we will gain additional skills
Max, increases Ice elemental health and helps clear Lightning Absorb monsters
1 point, prerequisite, also helps clear large monster packs
1 point, prerequisite
15 points to reach +30% maximum health
8 points to reach maximum minion count
1 point, prerequisite
Max, it's a massive difference when you try to clear bosses
Leftover points. I would have loved to invest more points into it, but Ice elementals come first.
Max. Gives us extra defense & avoidance so we don't get rekt by anything that makes it past our Ice elementals
1 point, consolation price for investing all the dexterity to wear gear and picking the Lightning tree.
1 point, especially when you will find more and more gear that offers Spell Focus
1 point, with the mana cost rework we don't really need it as a mana refill. Mostly used in conjunction with Antimass to survive sticky situations.
1 point just in case we need an emergency health refill for whatever reason.
1 point
Max, for Life after each kill as well as some spell damage
Max, makes us slightly more durable against elemental attacks and is capped at 5 points

Most of Nightmare function the same way as normal except monsters are now capable of killing you if you don't have the proper defensive stats. Your primary goal here is to build up your gold bank and enchant all your gear with the appropriate mystic orbs with the gold you have accumulated. There are also certain monsters that you have to hunt down for specific upgrades, these are

Nexus Crystal

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Requires level 80
The death of Mephisto in Act III opens a portal that will take you to Kurast 3000 BA. Just like Tran Athulua, you are here to hunt down an Ennead Necromancer that will drop you a Heroic Torch which when transmuted into your cube will turn into

Nexus Crystal

Nexus Crystal
(Sorceress Challenge Item)

(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 90
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Unlocks your Ennead Skill
+2 to Sorceress Skill Levels
+15% Bonus to Spell Focus
+15% to Spell Damage

.

I have marked the path I like to use for this challenge. The goal is to avoid getting swarmed and attracting the least number of monsters possible. You only have to kill one of the three necromancers to get your

Nexus Crystal

Nexus Crystal
(Sorceress Challenge Item)

(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 90
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Unlocks your Ennead Skill
+2 to Sorceress Skill Levels
+15% Bonus to Spell Focus
+15% to Spell Damage

How does Witchblood Work

► Show Spoiler

I would like to thank mortimer_85 for taking the time to go through how Witchblood actually works. This section would not exist without his patience and help.


Contrary to what the tooltip would suggest, Witchblood actually does not offer an increase to spell damage the way + x% to Lightning Spell damage does. Instead, it increases the damage of Sorceress spells by increasing the synergy between the mainstat(Energy), spell focus, and the spell.


This is the actual stat that Witchblood uses to determine how much bonus it offers. The 307% is determined by the number of points you have in with Energy and Spell Focus.

With the way spell damage is calculated, that means you will be leaning more towards getting + x% to Lightning Spell Damage rather than + x Energy Factor to Spell Damage

Using an example constructed by mortimer_85, with numbers from my Sorc.


I also have + 326% to Lightning Spell Damage

In this case, when given the choice to get an extra +30% to Lightning Spell Damage or +30% to my synergy numbers, I am considering the following

With Withcbloood on,
Increasing Lightning Spell damage by 30% will lead to a total increase in damage by
(1+3.26+0.3)*(1+3.07+2.28) = 28.956

Increasing my synergy numbers by 30%
(1+3.26)*(1+3.07+2.28+0.3) = 28.329

When we drop below 80% health and lose the Witchblood bonus however,
Increasing Spell Damage by 30% will lead to
(1+3.26+0.3)*(1+3.07) = 18.5592

Increasing Synergy by 30% leads to
(1+3.26)*(1+3.07+0.3) = 18.6162

With the rework in patch 1.7 giving Spell Focus an effective cap at 1000, it practically eliminates the competition between Spell Focus and Lightning Spell damage. And because Lightning Spell damage very rarely competes with Energy, it means now you should always focus on securing Lightning Spell damage on Jewels and Mystic Orbs. While Spell Focus will be taken care of by their dedicated gear slots.

Rare items, Shrines, reading item affix

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Starting from Bloody Foothills in Act V you will start to come across level 90 items. These are items that have a chance to get the strongest attributes, with some surpassing attributes of Unique items. As such, starting from Bloody Foothills(level 90 zone), we will have an increased number of items we can access that will be an upgrade over existing uniques.

Magic item vs Rare item
The only difference between the two is that Rare item can have a higher number of affixes. In term of magnitude or the actual affix, whatever Rare item[/u] can have, the same can be had by Magic items. However, whereas Rare item can have up to 4 affixes, Magic items cannot. Thus we will only be inspecting specific Rare item and ignoring their Magic variant for the higher number of affix found on the item.

In this case, the best upgrade Nightmare can offer in the form of Rare item is Rare Leather Gloves(4) to replace our Honorific Gloves. Specifically, we are looking at Rare Leather Gloves(4) that has the follow attributes.




Refer to the affix page for a list of complete affixes you can find on different items. You will be using the search function a lot as you progress to higher difficulties to look for appropriate upgrades.

Crafting

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Crafting is essentially a way to re-assign affixes to items. Similar to how we use the create unique recipe to assign a specific set of item affixes to an existing item, we use the crafting recipes to practically re-drop the item with the hopes of getting better affixes while also imbuing it with whatever magical powers from the rest of the ingredients. The two recipes that actually matters are

Jewel crafting for spell damage
Jewel(ideally level 99) + Arcane Crystal / Arcane Shards + Zod Rune + Oil of Craft -> Crafted Jewel + Arcane Shards with 1 less charge + Zod Rune
This recipe consumes the Oil and one Arcane shard and imbues the Jewel with guaranteed +(1 to 2)% to spell damage from the Zod rune as well as 2 random jewel affixes. The recipe also returns your Zod rune so you don't have to keep farming it. It should be noted that each time you use the recipe, the item level of the or the jewel decreases by 5%. That means you can only use the recipe on the same jewel a finite amout of times before it becomes useless and you have to look for a new one.

Jewel stats that you want to have
+(11 to 15) Spell Focus
+(1 to 2)% to Lightning Spell Damage in addition to +(1 to 2)% to Spell Damage from Zod Rune, so +4% Lightning Spell Damage total
+(1to 2)% to Energy
Requirements -10%

The spell damage related stats should be self explanatory. Having -requirement allows you to wear heavier gear with less stats invested into either Strength or Dexterity. Which frees up more stats for Energy.

Shrine Crafting
Any Shrine + Rare sacred item -> Crafted sacred item + Shrine with 1 less charge
This recipe works as a supercharged version of Charsi's imbue. Not only do you get to re-drop the item for a chance at improved affixes, it also grants your item the bonuses from the shrine. For our build we are looking to use either Ornate Shrines or Eerie Shrines because they offer the only relevant bonuses. It should be noted that Sorceress Orbs are also part of the Weapons category. The same can be said for Circlets and the Helm category. So if you can't find one affix in one category, look for it in the secondary one.

Shrine Blessing
Crafted sacred item or Honorific Sacred item + any shrine + 2*Arcane Crystals -> Crafted sacred item or Honorific Sacred item with added shrine bonus + Shrine with 1 less charge
Done with Ornate Shrines or Eerie Shrines for obvious reasons.

Back to top
Before going to Hell

Check your stats

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Speed
Cast all your buffs and open D2 stats and Speed Calculator. These are the speed stats you are looking for before you proceed to the next difficulty
Cast Speed 6 FPA
Hit Recovery Speed 4 FPA
Block Speed does not matter because c'mon, look at your Block Chance

Resistance
At least 150% all resistance. Done with more Perfect Gems

Spell Focus / Lightning Spell damage / Lightning pierce are not mentioned because they come naturally with your gear set

Gear Set

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From this point on gear is less about having a rigid set of pieces and more about increasing your overall stat budget. So if you have to swap out your Honorific Leather Gloves(4) for something better, you will have to fill the stats of those Gloves from something else. This is done either by replacing one of your other armor pieces with an Honorific or having reward charms from bosses.

Rabbit's Foot

Rabbit's Foot
Boots (4)
Defense: 8 to 14
Required Level: 1
Required Strength: 21
Item Level: 1
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+10% to Spell Damage
+5 Maximum Stamina
(1 to 5)% Gold Find
(1 to 5)% Magic Find
Requirements -15%
Socketed (1)
Defense: 75 to 88
Required Level: 17
Required Strength: 35
Item Level: 31
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+12% to Spell Damage
+10 Maximum Stamina
(5 to 10)% Gold Find
(5 to 10)% Magic Find
Requirements -30%
Socketed (2)
Defense: 184 to 215
Required Level: 34
Required Strength: 96
Item Level: 51
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+16% to Spell Damage
+15 Maximum Stamina
(15 to 20)% Gold Find
(15 to 20)% Magic Find
Requirements -45%
Socketed (3)
Defense: 258 to 296
Required Level: 43
Required Strength: 140
Item Level: 77
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+20% to Spell Damage
+20 Maximum Stamina
(25 to 30)% Gold Find
(25 to 30)% Magic Find
Requirements -60%
Socketed (4)

is the next item on the chopping block if you get a proper upgrade to your gloves.

Thunderball

Thunderball
Clasped Orb (4)
One-Hand Damage: 6 to 7
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 15
Required Dexterity: 9
Item Level: 1
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.11 per Dexterity)%
+1 to Sorceress Skill Levels
15% Cast Speed
+(6 to 10)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(2 to 3) to Thunderstone (Sorceress Only)
Lightning Resist +30%
Socketed (1)
One-Hand Damage: 11 to 14
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 25
Required Dexterity: 15
Item Level: 31
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.11 per Dexterity)%
+2 to Sorceress Skill Levels
25% Cast Speed
+(13 to 18)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(4 to 5) to Thunderstone (Sorceress Only)
Lightning Resist +60%
Socketed (2)
One-Hand Damage: 17 to 21
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 43
Required Dexterity: 32
Item Level: 51
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.11 per Dexterity)%
+(2 to 3) to Sorceress Skill Levels
40% Cast Speed
+(20 to 25)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(6 to 7) to Thunderstone (Sorceress Only)
Lightning Resist +90%
Socketed (2)
One-Hand Damage: 20 to 25
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 52
Required Dexterity: 65
Item Level: 77
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.11 per Dexterity)%
+3 to Sorceress Skill Levels
50% Cast Speed
+(26 to 35)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(9 to 10) to Thunderstone (Sorceress Only)
Lightning Resist +120%
Socketed (2)

socketed with 2* Perfect Diamonds. Enchanted with Mystic Orbs for
+10% Lightning Spell damage
Some casting speed if you cannot reach 6 FPA
+Experienced gained or Life after Each kill

The Ivory Tower

The Ivory Tower
Tower Shield (4)
Defense: (205 - 233) to (404 - 459)
Chance to Block: Class%
Required Level: 7
Required Strength: 17
Required Dexterity: 43
Item Level: 19
+1 to All Skills
+(4 to 5)% Bonus to Spell Focus
5% Cast Speed
+(11 to 15)% to Fire Spell Damage
+(11 to 15)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(41 to 60)% Enhanced Defense
Maximum Mana +(3 to 5)%
Requirements -40%
Socketed (1)
Defense: (678 - 712) to (1219 - 1280)
Chance to Block: Class%
Required Level: 25
Required Strength: 31
Required Dexterity: 58
Item Level: 36
+(1 to 2) to All Skills
+(8 to 9)% Bonus to Spell Focus
10% Cast Speed
+(16 to 20)% to Fire Spell Damage
+(16 to 20)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(81 to 90)% Enhanced Defense
Maximum Mana +(9 to 11)%
Requirements -45%
Socketed (3)
Defense: (1525 - 1593) to (2685 - 2805)
Chance to Block: Class%
Required Level: 42
Required Strength: 101
Required Dexterity: 113
Item Level: 59
+2 to All Skills
+(12 to 13)% Bonus to Spell Focus
15% Cast Speed
+(21 to 25)% to Fire Spell Damage
+(21 to 25)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(101 to 110)% Enhanced Defense
Maximum Mana +(15 to 17)%
Requirements -50%
Socketed (4)
Defense: (2278 - 2371) to (4002 - 4165)
Chance to Block: Class%
Required Level: 51
Required Strength: 181
Required Dexterity: 210
Item Level: 85
+2 to All Skills
+(14 to 15)% Bonus to Spell Focus
15% Cast Speed
+(26 to 30)% to Fire Spell Damage
+(26 to 30)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(121 to 130)% Enhanced Defense
Maximum Mana +(18 to 20)%
Requirements -55%
Socketed (4)

socketed with 4* Yul Runes

If you want to use a Staff to make reaching 6 FPA easier you can also use

Elverfolk

Elverfolk
Staves
'ChamIstVex'
Runeword Level: 83
+(7 to 8) to All Skills
+(60 to 80) Spell Focus
35% Cast Speed
-(27 to 33)% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+750 Defense vs. Missile
(21 to 30)% to Energy
Maximum Life and Mana +5%
Elemental Resists +(35 to 45)%
(31 to 40)% Bonus to Defense
10% Magic Find

. It offers fantastic amount of Lightning piece, although we have to lose 12 extra points to Thunderstone.

Ennead's Bane

Ennead's Bane
Kazarghand (4)
Defense: (173 - 204) to (354 - 417)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 6
Required Dexterity: 46 to 48
Item Level: 10
+1 to Sorceress Skill Levels
5% Cast Speed
+(3 to 4)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(6 to 8)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(24 to 46)% Enhanced Defense
+(11 to 15) to Dexterity
+(11 to 15) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(11 to 15)%
Requirements -(11 to 15)%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (625 - 710) to (1152 - 1309)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 24
Required Dexterity: 60 to 63
Item Level: 36
+2 to Sorceress Skill Levels
15% Cast Speed
+(5 to 8)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(11 to 13)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(69 to 92)% Enhanced Defense
+(21 to 25) to Dexterity
+(21 to 25) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(21 to 25)%
Requirements -(21 to 25)%
Socketed (4)
Defense: (1618 - 1784) to (2915 - 3213)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 41
Required Dexterity: 110 to 117
Item Level: 51
+3 to Sorceress Skill Levels
25% Cast Speed
+(9 to 12)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(16 to 18)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(115 to 137)% Enhanced Defense
+(31 to 35) to Dexterity
+(31 to 35) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(31 to 35)%
Requirements -(31 to 35)%
Socketed (5)
Defense: (2444 - 2670) to (4372 - 4776)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 51
Required Dexterity: 211 to 225
Item Level: 85
+4 to Sorceress Skill Levels
30% Cast Speed
+(13 to 15)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(18 to 20)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(138 to 160)% Enhanced Defense
+(36 to 40) to Dexterity
+(36 to 40) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(36 to 40)%
Requirements -(36 to 40)%
Socketed (6)

socketed with 6* Yul Runes

The Jester

The Jester
Cap (4)
Defense: 14 to 17
Required Level: 1
Required Strength: 25
Item Level: 1
+(4 to 5)% to Spell Damage
+(51 to 100) to Life
Physical Resist 2%
Random Movement Speed Bonus
Socketed (1)
Defense: 85 to 93
Required Level: 17
Required Strength: 50
Item Level: 31
+(6 to 10)% to Spell Damage
+(101 to 150) to Life
Physical Resist 3%
Random Movement Speed Bonus
Socketed (3)
Defense: 202 to 226
Required Level: 35
Required Strength: 175
Item Level: 51
+(11 to 15)% to Spell Damage
+(151 to 200) to Life
Physical Resist 4%
Random Movement Speed Bonus
Socketed (4)
Defense: 282 to 310
Required Level: 44
Required Strength: 350
Item Level: 77
+(18 to 20)% to Spell Damage
+(201 to 250) to Life
Physical Resist 5%
Random Movement Speed Bonus
Socketed (4)

socketed with Resistance Gems. Enchanted with Mystic Orbs for
+10% Lightning Spell damage
+30% Hit Recovery
+15% Elemental Resistance
Some Gold find if you are struggling with gold, Spell Focus otherwise

Elemental Clash

Elemental Clash
Circlet (Sacred)
Defense: 1515 to 1713
Required Level: 90
Required Dexterity: 262
Item Level: 1
+(1 to 2) to Sorceress Skill Levels
+20 Spell Focus
20% Cast Speed
+20% to Lightning Spell Damage
-10% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+200% Enhanced Defense
+(51 to 75) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(31 to 50)%
Socketed (4)

Elemental Children
(Sorceress Lightning Set)

if you manage to find it at this point in the game

Moonwrap

Moonwrap
Sash (4)
Defense: (16 - 18) to (20 - 21)
Required Level: 1
Required Strength: 25
Item Level: 1
5% Cast Speed
+3% to Spell Damage
+(18 to 29)% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +(11 to 15)%
Cold Resist +(11 to 15)%
Socketed (1)
Defense: (119 - 129) to (131 - 141)
Required Level: 17
Required Strength: 50
Item Level: 31
15% Cast Speed
+9% to Spell Damage
+(41 to 52)% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +(21 to 25)%
Cold Resist +(21 to 25)%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (331 - 353) to (370 - 395)
Required Level: 35
Required Strength: 125
Item Level: 51
25% Cast Speed
+15% to Spell Damage
+(64 to 75)% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +(31 to 35)%
Cold Resist +(31 to 35)%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (493 - 524) to (542 - 576)
Required Level: 43
Required Strength: 250
Item Level: 77
30% Cast Speed
+20% to Spell Damage
+(75 to 86)% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +(36 to 40)%
Cold Resist +(36 to 40)%
Socketed (2)

sockted with Resistance Gems. Enchanted with Mystic Orbs for
+10% Lightning Spell damage
+30% hit recovery
+15% Elemental Resistance

Rabbit's Foot

Rabbit's Foot
Boots (4)
Defense: 8 to 14
Required Level: 1
Required Strength: 21
Item Level: 1
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+10% to Spell Damage
+5 Maximum Stamina
(1 to 5)% Gold Find
(1 to 5)% Magic Find
Requirements -15%
Socketed (1)
Defense: 75 to 88
Required Level: 17
Required Strength: 35
Item Level: 31
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+12% to Spell Damage
+10 Maximum Stamina
(5 to 10)% Gold Find
(5 to 10)% Magic Find
Requirements -30%
Socketed (2)
Defense: 184 to 215
Required Level: 34
Required Strength: 96
Item Level: 51
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+16% to Spell Damage
+15 Maximum Stamina
(15 to 20)% Gold Find
(15 to 20)% Magic Find
Requirements -45%
Socketed (3)
Defense: 258 to 296
Required Level: 43
Required Strength: 140
Item Level: 77
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+20% to Spell Damage
+20 Maximum Stamina
(25 to 30)% Gold Find
(25 to 30)% Magic Find
Requirements -60%
Socketed (4)

socketed with either Resistance Gems or Yul Runes.

Honorific Leather Gloves(4) socketed with Resistance Gems, enchanted for
+20% Lightning Spell damage
+50 Dexterity
+30% Elemental Resistance
+60% Hit Recovery
+20% Gold Find

Alternatively Rare Leather Gloves(4) with proper stats or

Elemental Spirit

Elemental Spirit
Leather Gloves (Sacred)
Defense: 1410 to 1431
Required Level: 90
Required Strength: 250
Item Level: 1
+(31 to 40) Spell Focus
+(10 to 20)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+200% Enhanced Defense
+(31 to 40) to Strength
+(31 to 40) to Vitality
Maximum Mana +(15 to 25)%
Requirements -50%
Socketed (4)

Elemental Children
(Sorceress Lightning Set)

. Socketed with either Yul runes / Ort Runes or resistance Gems depending on what you are missing.

Reaching the speed stat is paramount. Change the Yul Runes to Ort Runes in armor pieces if you need the space for addition +hit recovery Mystic Orbs

Hell - lvl 105 to 110
Hell is where the actual game takes place. Here you will find a large variety of items, numerous new encounters as well as rewards that don't occupy gear slots. All Act quests operate the same way they do in Normal and Nightmare. There are however a lot of portals / cave entrances or expanded areas scattered throughout the 5 Acts that will take you to levels never seen before in classic D2.

Skill Plan for Hell

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Again, not a whole lot changes except it's very unlikely you will get extra skill points because of the +maximum skill level you will get throughout all your boss hunting adventures.
around 20, enough for your Ice Elemental to reach 30k health.
1 point, prerequisite, also helps clear large monster packs
1 point, prerequisite
15 points to reach +30% maximum health
8 points to reach maximum minion count
1 point, prerequisite
Max, it's a massive difference when you try to clear bosses
Leftover points. No amount of skill points will give you the ability to one shot a monster without crazy gear. I would have loved to invest more points into it, but Ice elementals come first.
Max. Gives us extra defense & avoidance so we don't get rekt by anything that makes it past our Ice elementals
1 point, consolation price for investing all the dexterity to wear gear and picking the Lightning tree.
1 point, especially when you will find more and more gear that offers Spell Focus
1 point, with the mana cost rework we don't really need it as a mana refill. Mostly used in conjunction with Antimass to survive sticky situations.
1 point just in case we need an emergency health refill for whatever reason.
1 point
Max, Life after each Kill really starts to shine in this difficulty
Max, makes us slightly more durable against elemental attacks and is capped at 5 points

Items you are looking for in part 1 of Hell

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Ghostmoon

Ghostmoon
Sacred Globe (Sacred)
One-Hand Damage: 36 to 37
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 100
Required Dexterity: 177
Item Level: 105
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.11 per Dexterity)%
+8 to Maximum Forked Lightning Projectiles
+(4 to 6) to Sorceress Skill Levels
+20% to Spell Damage
-20% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
Regenerate Mana +(15 to 40)%
Maximum Elemental Resists +(0 to 1)%
(15 to 25)% Gold Find
(15 to 25)% Magic Find
Socketed (2)

- By far the most significant upgrade. Trade it, buy it, sell your ass for it, get it as soon as you can.

Vaetia's Wall

Vaetia's Wall
Tower Shield (Sacred)
Defense: (4603 - 5157) to (5543 - 6210)
Chance to Block: -1% + Class%
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 460
Required Dexterity: 471
Item Level: 105
-1% Base Block Chance
-(11 to 15)% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+(4 to 8) to Vengeful Power (Sorceress Only)
+(4 to 8) to Warp Armor (Sorceress Only)
+(4 to 8) to Snow Queen (Sorceress Only)
+(4 to 8) to Living Flame (Sorceress Only)
+(141 to 170)% Enhanced Defense
Maximum Mana +(11 to 25)%
Maximum Elemental Resists +(0 to 1)%
Requirements -20%
Socketed (4)

- A good replacement for

The Ivory Tower

The Ivory Tower
Tower Shield (4)
Defense: (205 - 233) to (404 - 459)
Chance to Block: Class%
Required Level: 7
Required Strength: 17
Required Dexterity: 43
Item Level: 19
+1 to All Skills
+(4 to 5)% Bonus to Spell Focus
5% Cast Speed
+(11 to 15)% to Fire Spell Damage
+(11 to 15)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(41 to 60)% Enhanced Defense
Maximum Mana +(3 to 5)%
Requirements -40%
Socketed (1)
Defense: (678 - 712) to (1219 - 1280)
Chance to Block: Class%
Required Level: 25
Required Strength: 31
Required Dexterity: 58
Item Level: 36
+(1 to 2) to All Skills
+(8 to 9)% Bonus to Spell Focus
10% Cast Speed
+(16 to 20)% to Fire Spell Damage
+(16 to 20)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(81 to 90)% Enhanced Defense
Maximum Mana +(9 to 11)%
Requirements -45%
Socketed (3)
Defense: (1525 - 1593) to (2685 - 2805)
Chance to Block: Class%
Required Level: 42
Required Strength: 101
Required Dexterity: 113
Item Level: 59
+2 to All Skills
+(12 to 13)% Bonus to Spell Focus
15% Cast Speed
+(21 to 25)% to Fire Spell Damage
+(21 to 25)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(101 to 110)% Enhanced Defense
Maximum Mana +(15 to 17)%
Requirements -50%
Socketed (4)
Defense: (2278 - 2371) to (4002 - 4165)
Chance to Block: Class%
Required Level: 51
Required Strength: 181
Required Dexterity: 210
Item Level: 85
+2 to All Skills
+(14 to 15)% Bonus to Spell Focus
15% Cast Speed
+(26 to 30)% to Fire Spell Damage
+(26 to 30)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(121 to 130)% Enhanced Defense
Maximum Mana +(18 to 20)%
Requirements -55%
Socketed (4)

. Hold onto it if you find it but either can't afford to stat requirements or if it lowers your combat speed. You will have the chance to use it as you progress further.

Elemental Clash

Elemental Clash
Circlet (Sacred)
Defense: 1515 to 1713
Required Level: 90
Required Dexterity: 262
Item Level: 1
+(1 to 2) to Sorceress Skill Levels
+20 Spell Focus
20% Cast Speed
+20% to Lightning Spell Damage
-10% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+200% Enhanced Defense
+(51 to 75) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(31 to 50)%
Socketed (4)

Elemental Children
(Sorceress Lightning Set)

- Basically a Lightning version of

The Celestial Crown

The Celestial Crown
Circlet (4)
Defense: 22 to 47
Required Level: 4
Required Dexterity: 14
Item Level: 1
+30 Spell Focus
+(7 to 12)% to Cold Spell Damage
-(2 to 3)% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+(11 to 20) to Energy
Cold Resist +30%
Socketed (1)
Defense: 61 to 113
Required Level: 22
Required Dexterity: 29
Item Level: 31
+60 Spell Focus
+(15 to 20)% to Cold Spell Damage
-(5 to 6)% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+(21 to 30) to Energy
Cold Resist +60%
Socketed (2)
Defense: 126 to 225
Required Level: 39
Required Dexterity: 69
Item Level: 51
+90 Spell Focus
+(23 to 28)% to Cold Spell Damage
-(7 to 10)% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+(31 to 40) to Energy
Cold Resist +90%
Socketed (3)
Defense: 173 to 304
Required Level: 48
Required Dexterity: 147
Item Level: 77
+120 Spell Focus
+(31 to 36)% to Cold Spell Damage
-(11 to 13)% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+(41 to 50) to Energy
Cold Resist +120%
Socketed (4)

, it will last you a very long time and means you can have more spare shrines for other armor pieces

Elemental Spirit

Elemental Spirit
Leather Gloves (Sacred)
Defense: 1410 to 1431
Required Level: 90
Required Strength: 250
Item Level: 1
+(31 to 40) Spell Focus
+(10 to 20)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+200% Enhanced Defense
+(31 to 40) to Strength
+(31 to 40) to Vitality
Maximum Mana +(15 to 25)%
Requirements -50%
Socketed (4)

Elemental Children
(Sorceress Lightning Set)

- A good option especially if you can pair it with the Circlet.
Other Pieces of

Elemental Children

Elemental Children
(Sorceress Lightning Set)

Elemental Clash
Elemental Fury
Elemental Spirit
Elemental Storm

Set Bonus with 2 or more set items:
-20% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+50 to all Attributes

Set Bonus with 3 or more set items:
75% Cast Speed
+25% to Lightning Spell Damage

Set Bonus with complete set:
+5 to Sorceress Skill Levels
+150 Spell Focus
Blink Cooldown Reduced by 2 seconds
+50% to Lightning Spell Damage
+16 to Blink
+100 to all Attributes
Physical Resist 15%

, but don't replace your current gear with the two remaining pieces.
Rare Leather Gloves(sacred) don't worry about the actual stats. We will be using this for Shrine Crafting.
Rare Boots(sacred), again for crafting
Rare Sash(sacred)
As many Eerie Shrines and Ornate Shrines as possible.

Waypoints you have to secure when progressing

► Show Spoiler

Stony Field & Outer Cloister
Dry Hills / Halls of the Dead lvl 2(pick 1 of the two)
Flayter Jungle & Lower Kurast
City of the Damned
Arreat Plateau / Frozen Tundra(pick one), Halls of Pain, World Stone Keep lvl 2

Fight your way through the 5 Acts, but take some time away from the rush to clear the following:

The Butcher

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Has a level lock after 20 seconds*
Reward

The Butcher's Tooth

The Butcher's Tooth
Required Level: 105
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
+10 to all Attributes
20% Magic Find
+1 to Light Radius
Horror Under Tristram (Heroic)
Difficulty Level: 120
Transmute in the cube after reaching Level 120

Tristram > North West house > The Butcher's Lair


A reimagining of The Butcher from Diablo I. The gimmick of this fight is that everytime his casts Bloodlust, he fills up the four faux health shrines around the map. When the shrine is completely filled, it will send out energy waves that do heavy damage. Ideally you will kill him before he gets the chance to fill up the shrines.

Note on level lock
Level lock is basically a way for the devs to create a mechanic that resets the fight since no such mechanic exists in classic D2. The idea is that fights that have level lock are fights you are not supposed to die on and is balanced as such. That means if you are having trouble killing a boss before the level lock you are either taking too much avoidable damage or you are not doing enough damage to clear the stage quickly before you get overrun.

The Infernal Machine

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Reward

Optical Detector

Optical Detector
Required Level: 105
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Unlocks Mastery Skill: Tenacity
+5% to Summoned Minion Resistances
Elemental Resists +15%
Infernal Machine (Heroic)
Difficulty Level: 122
Transmute in the cube after reaching Level 122

Get the Waypoint of Outer Cloister as you're progressing > Back track to Tamoe Highlands > The Pit > The Pit level 2

Remember The Infernal Contraption from Baal? This is just like that except it comes with already summoned Elite monsters. Tempest is a bit limited here due to its detection range. Thunderstone yourself when you run forward so that anything that has a teleport will die when they teleport onto you. Just like the Contraption, The Infernal Machine can gain 100% avoidance.

Island of the Sunless Sea

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Reward

Six Angel Bag

Six Angel Bag
Required Level: 105
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
(3 to 5)% Innate Elemental Damage
Fire Resist +(21 to 25)%
Lightning Resist +(21 to 25)%
Cold Resist +(21 to 25)%

, some gold, and a chance at Sungless Crystal bird


You want an Angel bag with -5 enemy elemental resistance. Gaining as many -elemental resistance through charms frees up space in your gear to forgo Yul Runes

Rocky Waste > Leave a TP at the entrance of Stony Tomb > Return to Town with the waypoint in Dry Hills > Stony Tomb > Treasure Vault > Island of the Sunless Sea

One of the recently revamped maps. The area is filled with invisible templars. You will have a field day here with Tempest and Shatter the Flesh. Clear the entire map for the reward. If you cannot find the Sunless Crystal Bird, come back again for the chance of 5% Lightning Pierce. The Lightning Pierce is very important, come back as many times as you need until you can get it.

The Riftwalker

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Reward Riftwalker's Eye to be Cubed with your Nexus Crystal

Lut Gholein > Harem level 1

Newly introduced quest in Patch 1.6. The Riftwalker is mostly a gear check for your resistance. Periodically the map will mark areas with a lightning circle for lightning bolts to descend upon. Step out of the circles whenever you see them. The boss itself is immobile and won't chase you around the map. He is however, capable of plopping down a turret that will shoot two sets of rotating Lightning bolts clockwise. Don't try to out run the beams. Instead, stay inside the center of the Lightning Vortex and move clockwise and the beams spin around. With enough Lightning Resistance and damage you'll take him down easily.

Tal Rasha - requires lvl 110

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Scroll of Kings

Scroll of Kings
Required Level: 110
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
+10% to Spell Damage
20% to All Attributes

you want 10% spell damage and 20% all attributes for obvious reasons

Duriel's Entrance > Kill Zoltan Kuelle > Red portal to Canyon of the Magi

You probably won't meet the level 110 requirement for the portal. Come back again after you reach level 110 at around Act V. If you have to save and exit before you can come back for the portal, remember the map reveal in Median marks the correct tomb in green so you don't have to go through the Arcane Sanctuary again.

Entering the portal, you'll transform into Baal whenever you are close to Tal Rasha. The boss is invincible until all Horadric Mages around him are dead. So in realistic term that just means kill everything before you attack Tal Rasha. Be aware that you can get stunned while you are in Baal form without any changes to your animation. That means if you find yourself losing control of your character, it's a good time for some healing items. Twilight Havoc and Tempest will quickly clear the surrounding mages while your Ice elementals engage Tal Rasha and keep him occupied.

[Engersion]

Death Projector

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Reward

Laser Focus Crystal

Laser Focus Crystal
Required Level: 105
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Maximum Life +3%
Maximum Mana +10%
+10% to Experience Gained
Death Projector (Heroic)
Difficulty Level: 121
Transmute in the cube after reaching Level 121

repeat it until you get 10% experience gained. It will make your life way easier in the 110 to 120 range

Flayer Jungle Waypoint > Swampy Pit level 1 > Swampy Pit level 2 > Proving Grounds



The projector spins out this rotating mind flay that does heavy damage to anything that is caught in it. The gimmick of this fight is that the machine is invincible unless one of the untargetable templars are close to it. Hold the templars in place with your Ice elementals and bombard the projector with Thunderstone & Twilight Havoc. If your elementals die before you can kill the projector, run clockwise around the machine while resummoning your elementals. Or you can just do it like a man and lob Thunderstone at the projector as you kite all the templars behind you while also running away from the laser.

Ignore Vizjun, you'll come back for that at level 125 or above

Bul Kathos - lvl 110

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Reward

Sacred Worldstone Key

Sacred Worldstone Key
Required Level: 110
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Weapon Physical Damage +(25 to 30)%
(21 to 30)% Bonus to Defense

come back again for 30% Total Character Defense if you feel like it.

Leave a TP in Ancient's way > Arreat Summit before you fight the Ancients > Kill Narthal for another Red portal to the Arreat Summit of old.

Basically a carbon copy of Tal Rasha. You are still susceptible to being stunned, enemies are just as frail. The boss however is not invincible until all his minions are dead. So lure the boss out with your Ice elemental(again), bring him close to the entrance, and kill him for the key.

Clear you way to World Stone Keep level 2, grab the waypoint. DO NOT proceed to Baal. Instead, go back to previous Acts and continue your hunt for bosses. By this point you should be around level 110. If you are not, spend some time in the Halls of Vaught for some extra levels as well as a chance at extra gear.


Hell - lvl 110 to lvl 115
Back to top
By this point you would have completed all the aforementioned areas as well as securing the waypoint in World Stone Keep lvl 2. Go back to Kurast Docks in Act III, head to the south east of the docks and you'll find a portal that'll lead you to


Torajan Jungles

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Massive area that consists of multiple bosses in addition to entrance to other areas. Our goal now is to kill 2 bosses as well as grabbing the waypoint for the area


Lord Aldric Jitan
Reward

Moon of the Spider

Moon of the Spider
By Richard Knaak

Required Level: 110
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
+(21 to 25) Spell Focus
+1 to Jitan's Gate
Half Freeze Duration

by Richard A. Knaak - You want +25 energy factor to increase the effectiveness of energy
A reimagining of Moon of the Spider. Here you'll find Lord Aldric Jitan as well as the entrance to Astroga's lair. Both are characters from the book. For now we are only interested in Jitan. Leave a TP(marked in Blue in the map) before engaging his forces. His guardsman summon guard towers that inflict heavy elemental damage. Don't attempt to tank the hits. Kill the guardsman one by one, let your elementals do the work. Jitan himself uses Fortress, which spawns 6 guard towers around him. Lure him away from the spider cave so his guard towers don't spawn around you. Continue distracting him with Ice elementals and bombard him with Thunderstone.

Once you have your pirated book, continue south along the marked path to find the waypoint for the area. Proceed up north after that to find

Akarat
Reward

Visions of Akarat

Visions of Akarat
Required Level: 110
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
+(201 to 250) Defense
+(21 to 25) to all Attributes

- You want + 25 all attributes for more spare points you can invest into energy
A man that receives messages from angels and founded the biggest religion in the realm, why does that sound familiar. Akarat is invincible unless he is caught within the energy blasts released by his follower's death. Each energy wave makes him vulnerable to damage for a short amount of time. When he drops below 30% health, he'll cast Inner Fire and heal himself to full. This can be circumvented by making him chase you and put him into some kind of "seek target" mode where he won't do anything until he catches up to a target. Although with how involved this is, you are better off just killing him before he has a chance to do that. If your thunderstone isn't doing enough damage, cast Twilight Havoc when he is at around 40% health and resuming lobbing thunderstones at him. The final tick from Twilight Havoc alone should be enough to take out the last 30% of his health.

Return to town with a TP after you kill Akarat. Now go back to Lower Kurast with the waypoint, head towards the Flayer Jungles. Killing The Vizier will open a portal that takes you to

Caldeum

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The pride of mages in the realm, Caldeum is home to many secrets of the arcane and that means bosses and rewards for us to collect. Head south as you enter the city for the waypoint. then go towards south east where you will find a portal leading to

Dimensional Sanctum
Reweard

Horazon's Focus

Horazon's Focus
Required Level: 110
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
(3 to 5)% Life stolen per Hit
(3 to 5)% Mana stolen per Hit
-50 Defense
+(21 to 25) to all Attributes

- You want +25 all attributes
Immediately you will be greeted by Horazon's familiar. Quickly dispatch of it to reach the Creature of Flame. This is another damage check boss where you have to kill him before you get overrun by enemies. The Creature summons Dimensional Gates that summon additional monsters. Simply kill him before he can spawn too many gates, but don't tunnel vision since the Creature can fire back with his own fire mortars.

The Secret Cow Level

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Stony Field > Tristam > Wirt's Body > Cube Wirt's leg by itself
We are here primarily for character levels and Eerie Shrines and Ornate Shrines. You can basically turn this into your primary farm area once you have gained the proper charms and have no reason to revisit all the other bosses. Everything you will possibly want in this stage of Hell can be found in this area. So spend some time here after you have killed all the other bosses enough times for the charms to level yourself up to level 115 so you can transmute Wirt's other leg by itself to light the way to

Bull Prince Rodeo
Reward

Fool's Gold

Fool's Gold
Moo moo moo Moooo! Moo!

Required Level: 115
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
+(0 to 38) to Strength
+(0 to 38) to Dexterity
+(0 to 38) to Vitality
+(0 to 38) to Energy
(11 to 15)% Bonus to Defense
-10% Gold Find
(16 to 20)% Magic Find

- You want as close to max Strength and Dexterity as possible. I would say energy as well, but c'mon.
Make sure you have 4FPA hit recovery. Bull Prince Rodeo has this hoof stomp attack where he sends out multiple waves of Bear Claw Nova that will knock you back and stun you. Having 4FPA hit recovery makes this slightly less maddening to do. Position yourself between him and a wall / fence so you don't get too far out of range. Have your finger on healing items at all times and don't get hit by Cows rushing down from the north.

Hell - lvl 115 to 120
Back to top
This is the last stage in the game where your progress is measure by character level. By this point you should have all the lower level charms with the proper stats. If you can get your hands on some Sacred Uniques, that's a bonus. Although you should be able to clear all bosses up to level 120 without too much trouble with existing gear. The main goal at this stage is to hunt down more bosses as well as finally beginning to put together a competent set of gear.

Buyard Cholik

► Show Spoiler

Reward

The Black Road

The Black Road
Required Level: 115
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Unlocks your Black Road Skill
+150 to Life
+75 to Mana

by Mel Odom and
Rogue Encampment > Caravan next to Warriv > North of the map
Reimagining of The Black Road. Remember the Heretics in Act III and IV? They are back. This time with upgraded projectiles that look way more menacing. These are obviously the first priority to take out as you work your way to the boss. Buyard Cholik is only vulnerable when he is inside the fire circle. You want to get him into the circle, lure him to the edge of said circle and hold him in place with Ice elementals while you bombard him with Thunderstone. He can activate the gargoyle trap at the center of the circle so it starts spewing fire at anything inside the circle. The boss can also summon reinforcements from the north of the map. Reserve your Twilight Havoc for when this happens. Play it safe and you'll have your pirated E book in no time.

Asmodan

► Show Spoiler

Reward

Azmodan's Heart

Azmodan's Heart
Required Level: 115
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Maximum Elemental Resists +2%
Elemental Resists +(11 to 20)%
-5% to All Vendor Prices

- As close to 20% resistance as possible
Chaos Sanctuary > Kill Ghom > Right Click Key of Sin > Realm of Sin

Blink through the lava to avoid engaging the massive horde that resides in the area. It's very unlikely for monsters here to drop anything of value so just rush to the boss instead of clearing the entire area. Be aware of the invisible & untargetable Fireblood in the area. Don't stay in one place for too long, and don't run through any fire trails left behind by molten boulders. Azmodan himself uses flamestrike, fortress, shower of rock and summon demon sacrifices that pop up for one second and is incinerated to damage the entire area as well as leaving cluster bombs around its corpse. Disengage when the arena becomes filled with cluster bombs, fortresses and shower of rocks. Come back again when all the hazards are gone. The boss isn't going anywhere. Just look at him.

Rathma Square

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Reward

Spirit Trance Herb

Spirit Trance Herb
Required Level: 115
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
10% Attack Speed
10% Cast Speed
(21 to 150)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(10 to 25) Life Regenerated per Second

Caldeum > East Temple in town > Take the stairs
Stick to the right side of the map, clear Gore Crawlers with your Tempest. Projectiles of Gore Crawlers ignore defense but not physical resist. Although due to how brittle they are, you shouldn't have any problems thinning their herd before you are in any danger. They will respawn 10 seconds after death. So don't bother trying to clear everything around you. At the end of the map of Primus. He uses the same Chronofield that we can pick as reward skill. It reduces our physical resistance which makes us more vulnerable to Gore Crawlers and his attacks. A second attack he is use is a ranged version of Blade Storm from our melee tree. Ideally your ice elementals will be the ones taking the brunt of his attacks with their 30k+ health(you see the pattern here?). Sit back and lob Thunderstones at him while switching to Tempest to clear gore crawlers every now and then.

Legacy of Blood

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Reward

Legacy of Blood

Legacy of Blood
By Richard Knaak

Required Level: 115
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Unlocks Mastery Skill: Endurance
(3 to 5)% Life stolen per Hit
(3 to 5)% Mana stolen per Hit

by Richard A. Knaak
Toraja Jungle Waypoint > South West from the waypoint > Chamber of Blood
A slight variation of Rathma square you just got out of. Instead of Gore Crawlers you're fighting Blood Golems. Both of them use the same type of projectile that ignores defense but not physical resist. However, the Blood Golems gain an extra ability to lay a chest at your feet upon their death, which will open and release a nova of fire balls. Oh, they are also invincible until they use their projectile, which leaves them vulnerable for a couple seconds. Instead of Primus who uses Chronofield and ranged blade storm, you are fighting some moron that was possessed by the spirit of Bartuc, who is invincible until he does something. Yeah he's not too exciting as a character to fight. The primary threat here are the blood golems. Let your ice elementals do the work(again), clear the initial wave with Tempest, stay mobile so you don't get blown to bits by the fire chests, and recast Ice elementals on top of Bartuc once the close golems are dead. Bombard him with Thunderstones once your elementals have his attention, collect the e-book and never come back again.

The Silver City - Part I

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Reward Silver City waypoint,

Zakarum's Ear

Zakarum's Ear
Required Level: 115
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
(6 to 10)% to All Attributes
+(6 to 15)% to Experience Gained
Heroic Library of Fate
Rewards: Angelic Items, Crafting Rares, Crafting Exclusive Uniques
Tramsmute with a Perfect Gem to open with Area Level 125
Tramsmute with 2 Angelic items to open with Area Level 130

- you want a perfect roll to make your life easier as you progress
City of the Damned waypoint > Back track to Plains of Despair > Kill Izual > Red Portal to Diamond Gates
Nothing special here. Proceed up north after you enter the portal until you reach the Silver City. Pick up the waypoint, ignore the red portal near Halbu and continue north to the Libraries of Fate and slay all of Zakarum's avatars until you get a perfect roll of the charm. Once you have cleared the stage, go back to the north east of the library where a red portal to more reward is located. In it you'll find

The Veiled Prophet
Reward

Idol of Vanity

Idol of Vanity
Required Level: 115
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Unlocks Mastery Skill: Continuity
15% Combat Speeds

A reimagining of Inarius' last days during the sin war(If you're wondering why multiplayer in Median is called The Sin War, that's why). As you enter the portal you'll be in combat with Inarius' harem who also doubles as Nuns of his church. All combatants here are invincible until you destroy the totem that is shooting lightning at you. Force Blast the room, let your elementals do the work, sneak away from the main pack and destroy the totem with Thunderstone. This will summon Inarius to combat. Clear out his concubines with Tempest, re-summon Ice elementals between you and Inarius so you don't get destroyed by his guard towers. Inarius also has Abyss(the same as ours), and a machine gun sentry that shoots out this chilling air. Although you most likely won't see them with Inarius being too busy with your elementals. Clear out the perverted priests at the end of the map if you feel like it, or just ignore them after Inarius is dead and leave them to clean up the mess.

Farming for gear
Back to top

Stat Goal and Gear Plan

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Similar to how we farmed Mephisto for gear upgrades back in Normal, we will now have to do the same again to upgrade our gear before proceeding forward. Except this time our farming goals are more complicated. Gear by this point is a way to reach our stat goal. While we do have items that are clearly the best choice, there are still slots that are more up in the air due to being crafted items enchanted by mystic orbs.

Stat Goal
Strenght & Dexterity - Enough for gear, no more than 460 total points each(including +all attributes from charms and Honorific item).
Vitality - None
Energy - Everything Else

6 FPA Cast Speed
4 FPA Hit Recovery Speed
At least 135 Lightning Pierce, ideally more
Around 300 Spell Focus
Around 200 Lightning Spell damage

Gear plan

Ghostmoon

Ghostmoon
Sacred Globe (Sacred)
One-Hand Damage: 36 to 37
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 100
Required Dexterity: 177
Item Level: 105
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.11 per Dexterity)%
+8 to Maximum Forked Lightning Projectiles
+(4 to 6) to Sorceress Skill Levels
+20% to Spell Damage
-20% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
Regenerate Mana +(15 to 40)%
Maximum Elemental Resists +(0 to 1)%
(15 to 25)% Gold Find
(15 to 25)% Magic Find
Socketed (2)

socketed with Yul Runes / Ix Runes / crafted jewel with casting speed depending on your combat frames. Enchanted with Lightning Spell damage mystic orbs as you level up

Ennead's Bane

Ennead's Bane
Kazarghand (4)
Defense: (173 - 204) to (354 - 417)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 6
Required Dexterity: 46 to 48
Item Level: 10
+1 to Sorceress Skill Levels
5% Cast Speed
+(3 to 4)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(6 to 8)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(24 to 46)% Enhanced Defense
+(11 to 15) to Dexterity
+(11 to 15) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(11 to 15)%
Requirements -(11 to 15)%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (625 - 710) to (1152 - 1309)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 24
Required Dexterity: 60 to 63
Item Level: 36
+2 to Sorceress Skill Levels
15% Cast Speed
+(5 to 8)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(11 to 13)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(69 to 92)% Enhanced Defense
+(21 to 25) to Dexterity
+(21 to 25) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(21 to 25)%
Requirements -(21 to 25)%
Socketed (4)
Defense: (1618 - 1784) to (2915 - 3213)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 41
Required Dexterity: 110 to 117
Item Level: 51
+3 to Sorceress Skill Levels
25% Cast Speed
+(9 to 12)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(16 to 18)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(115 to 137)% Enhanced Defense
+(31 to 35) to Dexterity
+(31 to 35) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(31 to 35)%
Requirements -(31 to 35)%
Socketed (5)
Defense: (2444 - 2670) to (4372 - 4776)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 51
Required Dexterity: 211 to 225
Item Level: 85
+4 to Sorceress Skill Levels
30% Cast Speed
+(13 to 15)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(18 to 20)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(138 to 160)% Enhanced Defense
+(36 to 40) to Dexterity
+(36 to 40) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(36 to 40)%
Requirements -(36 to 40)%
Socketed (6)

socketed with Yul Runes. Enchanted with Lightning Spell damage mystic orbs as you level up
Our trusty

Moonwrap

Moonwrap
Sash (4)
Defense: (16 - 18) to (20 - 21)
Required Level: 1
Required Strength: 25
Item Level: 1
5% Cast Speed
+3% to Spell Damage
+(18 to 29)% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +(11 to 15)%
Cold Resist +(11 to 15)%
Socketed (1)
Defense: (119 - 129) to (131 - 141)
Required Level: 17
Required Strength: 50
Item Level: 31
15% Cast Speed
+9% to Spell Damage
+(41 to 52)% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +(21 to 25)%
Cold Resist +(21 to 25)%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (331 - 353) to (370 - 395)
Required Level: 35
Required Strength: 125
Item Level: 51
25% Cast Speed
+15% to Spell Damage
+(64 to 75)% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +(31 to 35)%
Cold Resist +(31 to 35)%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (493 - 524) to (542 - 576)
Required Level: 43
Required Strength: 250
Item Level: 77
30% Cast Speed
+20% to Spell Damage
+(75 to 86)% Enhanced Defense
Lightning Resist +(36 to 40)%
Cold Resist +(36 to 40)%
Socketed (2)

from Normal and Nightmare

Black Dwarf

Black Dwarf
Amulet
Required Level: 110
Item Level: 105
+2 to All Skills
20% Cast Speed
20% Hit Recovery
+(15 to 25)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(5 to 20)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(15 to 25)% to Cold Spell Damage
-(5 to 20)% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+(21 to 29) to Supernova
(30 to 40)% Bonus to Defense
-5 to Light Radius

with proper lightning rolls
Rare rings with a selection from the following stats
+1 to all skills
+(21 to 30) Spell Focus
+(8 to 15)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(6 to 10)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
Anything you can get on top of 2 or 3 of the above is a bonus.

Elemental Clash

Elemental Clash
Circlet (Sacred)
Defense: 1515 to 1713
Required Level: 90
Required Dexterity: 262
Item Level: 1
+(1 to 2) to Sorceress Skill Levels
+20 Spell Focus
20% Cast Speed
+20% to Lightning Spell Damage
-10% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+200% Enhanced Defense
+(51 to 75) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(31 to 50)%
Socketed (4)

Elemental Children
(Sorceress Lightning Set)

or Ornate Shrine Crafted Circlet with at least three of the following stats
+2 to All SKills
+3 to All Skills
+(41 to 50) Spell Focus
+(8 to 15)% Lightning Spell Damage, in addition to the guaranteed +(2 to 8)% to Lightning spell damage from Ornate Shrine
-(6 to 10)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance, in addition to the guaranteed -(3 to 5)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance from Ornate Shrine
Bless the circlet with Ornate Shrine again once you have a good enough craft. Like the ones below

Elemental Spirit

Elemental Spirit
Leather Gloves (Sacred)
Defense: 1410 to 1431
Required Level: 90
Required Strength: 250
Item Level: 1
+(31 to 40) Spell Focus
+(10 to 20)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+200% Enhanced Defense
+(31 to 40) to Strength
+(31 to 40) to Vitality
Maximum Mana +(15 to 25)%
Requirements -50%
Socketed (4)

Elemental Children
(Sorceress Lightning Set)

or Ornate Shrine Crafted Leather Gloves(sacred) with a selection from the following stats
+1 to Sorceress Skill levels
+2 to Sorceress Skill levels
+(21 to 30) Spell Focus
+(11 to 20) to Lightning Spell damage, in addition to the guaranteed +(2 to 8)% to Lightning spell damage from Ornate Shrine
-(11 to 15)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance, in addition to the guaranteed -(3 to 5)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance from Ornate Shrine
Bless the Gloves with Ornate Shrine again once you are satisfied with the stats.

The Ivory Tower

The Ivory Tower
Tower Shield (4)
Defense: (205 - 233) to (404 - 459)
Chance to Block: Class%
Required Level: 7
Required Strength: 17
Required Dexterity: 43
Item Level: 19
+1 to All Skills
+(4 to 5)% Bonus to Spell Focus
5% Cast Speed
+(11 to 15)% to Fire Spell Damage
+(11 to 15)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(41 to 60)% Enhanced Defense
Maximum Mana +(3 to 5)%
Requirements -40%
Socketed (1)
Defense: (678 - 712) to (1219 - 1280)
Chance to Block: Class%
Required Level: 25
Required Strength: 31
Required Dexterity: 58
Item Level: 36
+(1 to 2) to All Skills
+(8 to 9)% Bonus to Spell Focus
10% Cast Speed
+(16 to 20)% to Fire Spell Damage
+(16 to 20)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(81 to 90)% Enhanced Defense
Maximum Mana +(9 to 11)%
Requirements -45%
Socketed (3)
Defense: (1525 - 1593) to (2685 - 2805)
Chance to Block: Class%
Required Level: 42
Required Strength: 101
Required Dexterity: 113
Item Level: 59
+2 to All Skills
+(12 to 13)% Bonus to Spell Focus
15% Cast Speed
+(21 to 25)% to Fire Spell Damage
+(21 to 25)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(101 to 110)% Enhanced Defense
Maximum Mana +(15 to 17)%
Requirements -50%
Socketed (4)
Defense: (2278 - 2371) to (4002 - 4165)
Chance to Block: Class%
Required Level: 51
Required Strength: 181
Required Dexterity: 210
Item Level: 85
+2 to All Skills
+(14 to 15)% Bonus to Spell Focus
15% Cast Speed
+(26 to 30)% to Fire Spell Damage
+(26 to 30)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(121 to 130)% Enhanced Defense
Maximum Mana +(18 to 20)%
Requirements -55%
Socketed (4)

from the beginning of Hell, or

Vaetia's Wall

Vaetia's Wall
Tower Shield (Sacred)
Defense: (4603 - 5157) to (5543 - 6210)
Chance to Block: -1% + Class%
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 460
Required Dexterity: 471
Item Level: 105
-1% Base Block Chance
-(11 to 15)% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+(4 to 8) to Vengeful Power (Sorceress Only)
+(4 to 8) to Warp Armor (Sorceress Only)
+(4 to 8) to Snow Queen (Sorceress Only)
+(4 to 8) to Living Flame (Sorceress Only)
+(141 to 170)% Enhanced Defense
Maximum Mana +(11 to 25)%
Maximum Elemental Resists +(0 to 1)%
Requirements -20%
Socketed (4)

if you can find it.

Item level 1 Eerie Shrine Crafted Boots(sacred)*
+(5 to 60) Spell Focus from Eerie Shrine and +(5 to 60) Spell Focus from Eerie Shrine again via blessing. So around +100 Spell Focus total.
+40% movement speed if you can. Although Energy Factor is more important.

To create a level 1 item, put Rare Boots(sacred) into the Horadric Cube along with Any Rare ring and Any Rare Amulet. Transmute the three together and the ring & amulet will be consumed to turn the Boots into an item level 1 item. This retains the Boots' ability to be used in conjunction with shrines, but significantly reduces its level requirement which frees up more space for Mystic Orbs.

Alternative Gear Set -

Elemental Children

Elemental Children
(Sorceress Lightning Set)

Elemental Clash
Elemental Fury
Elemental Spirit
Elemental Storm

Set Bonus with 2 or more set items:
-20% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+50 to all Attributes

Set Bonus with 3 or more set items:
75% Cast Speed
+25% to Lightning Spell Damage

Set Bonus with complete set:
+5 to Sorceress Skill Levels
+150 Spell Focus
Blink Cooldown Reduced by 2 seconds
+50% to Lightning Spell Damage
+16 to Blink
+100 to all Attributes
Physical Resist 15%

The Lightning Set has been upgraded in patch 1.6 so now it gives a lot more relevant stats compared to its previous iterations. While

Elemental Clash

Elemental Clash
Circlet (Sacred)
Defense: 1515 to 1713
Required Level: 90
Required Dexterity: 262
Item Level: 1
+(1 to 2) to Sorceress Skill Levels
+20 Spell Focus
20% Cast Speed
+20% to Lightning Spell Damage
-10% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+200% Enhanced Defense
+(51 to 75) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(31 to 50)%
Socketed (4)

Elemental Children
(Sorceress Lightning Set)

and

Elemental Spirit

Elemental Spirit
Leather Gloves (Sacred)
Defense: 1410 to 1431
Required Level: 90
Required Strength: 250
Item Level: 1
+(31 to 40) Spell Focus
+(10 to 20)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+200% Enhanced Defense
+(31 to 40) to Strength
+(31 to 40) to Vitality
Maximum Mana +(15 to 25)%
Requirements -50%
Socketed (4)

Elemental Children
(Sorceress Lightning Set)

are good enough to be used by themselves,

Elemental Storm

Elemental Storm
Gnarled Staff (Sacred)
Two-Hand Damage: 59 to 62
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 90
Required Dexterity: 109
Item Level: 1
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+(8 to 10) to All Skills
+(101 to 150) Spell Focus
40% Cast Speed
40% Hit Recovery
+(41 to 50) to all Attributes
Maximum Mana +(15 to 20)%
Requirements -50%
Socketed (4)

Elemental Children
(Sorceress Lightning Set)

and

Elemental Fury

Elemental Fury
Kazarghand (Sacred)
Defense: 8316 to 9534
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 90
Required Dexterity: 467
Item Level: 1
+(4 to 5) to Sorceress Skill Levels
+(16 to 25)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-10% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+200% Enhanced Defense
(21 to 30)% to Energy
Elemental Resists +(21 to 30)%
10% Chance to Avoid Damage
Requirements -15%
Socketed (6)

Elemental Children
(Sorceress Lightning Set)

are inferior to their unique item competition. Hence you should only equip the Staff and Body armor after you have secured all the other pieces of the set and can access the complete set bonus.

Elemental Storm

Elemental Storm
Gnarled Staff (Sacred)
Two-Hand Damage: 59 to 62
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 90
Required Dexterity: 109
Item Level: 1
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+(8 to 10) to All Skills
+(101 to 150) Spell Focus
40% Cast Speed
40% Hit Recovery
+(41 to 50) to all Attributes
Maximum Mana +(15 to 20)%
Requirements -50%
Socketed (4)

Elemental Children
(Sorceress Lightning Set)

- The staff by itself is inferior to

Ghostmoon

Ghostmoon
Sacred Globe (Sacred)
One-Hand Damage: 36 to 37
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 100
Required Dexterity: 177
Item Level: 105
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.11 per Dexterity)%
+8 to Maximum Forked Lightning Projectiles
+(4 to 6) to Sorceress Skill Levels
+20% to Spell Damage
-20% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
Regenerate Mana +(15 to 40)%
Maximum Elemental Resists +(0 to 1)%
(15 to 25)% Gold Find
(15 to 25)% Magic Find
Socketed (2)

+ Shield combo. Used purely to obtain the full set bonus

Elemental Fury

Elemental Fury
Kazarghand (Sacred)
Defense: 8316 to 9534
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 90
Required Dexterity: 467
Item Level: 1
+(4 to 5) to Sorceress Skill Levels
+(16 to 25)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-10% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+200% Enhanced Defense
(21 to 30)% to Energy
Elemental Resists +(21 to 30)%
10% Chance to Avoid Damage
Requirements -15%
Socketed (6)

Elemental Children
(Sorceress Lightning Set)

- Inferior to

Ennead's Bane

Ennead's Bane
Kazarghand (4)
Defense: (173 - 204) to (354 - 417)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 6
Required Dexterity: 46 to 48
Item Level: 10
+1 to Sorceress Skill Levels
5% Cast Speed
+(3 to 4)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(6 to 8)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(24 to 46)% Enhanced Defense
+(11 to 15) to Dexterity
+(11 to 15) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(11 to 15)%
Requirements -(11 to 15)%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (625 - 710) to (1152 - 1309)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 24
Required Dexterity: 60 to 63
Item Level: 36
+2 to Sorceress Skill Levels
15% Cast Speed
+(5 to 8)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(11 to 13)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(69 to 92)% Enhanced Defense
+(21 to 25) to Dexterity
+(21 to 25) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(21 to 25)%
Requirements -(21 to 25)%
Socketed (4)
Defense: (1618 - 1784) to (2915 - 3213)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 41
Required Dexterity: 110 to 117
Item Level: 51
+3 to Sorceress Skill Levels
25% Cast Speed
+(9 to 12)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(16 to 18)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(115 to 137)% Enhanced Defense
+(31 to 35) to Dexterity
+(31 to 35) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(31 to 35)%
Requirements -(31 to 35)%
Socketed (5)
Defense: (2444 - 2670) to (4372 - 4776)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 51
Required Dexterity: 211 to 225
Item Level: 85
+4 to Sorceress Skill Levels
30% Cast Speed
+(13 to 15)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(18 to 20)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(138 to 160)% Enhanced Defense
+(36 to 40) to Dexterity
+(36 to 40) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(36 to 40)%
Requirements -(36 to 40)%
Socketed (6)

because it doesn't give enough Lightning Pierce. Equip only after you have secured the full set bonus

Elemental Clash

Elemental Clash
Circlet (Sacred)
Defense: 1515 to 1713
Required Level: 90
Required Dexterity: 262
Item Level: 1
+(1 to 2) to Sorceress Skill Levels
+20 Spell Focus
20% Cast Speed
+20% to Lightning Spell Damage
-10% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+200% Enhanced Defense
+(51 to 75) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(31 to 50)%
Socketed (4)

Elemental Children
(Sorceress Lightning Set)

Elemental Spirit

Elemental Spirit
Leather Gloves (Sacred)
Defense: 1410 to 1431
Required Level: 90
Required Strength: 250
Item Level: 1
+(31 to 40) Spell Focus
+(10 to 20)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+200% Enhanced Defense
+(31 to 40) to Strength
+(31 to 40) to Vitality
Maximum Mana +(15 to 25)%
Requirements -50%
Socketed (4)

Elemental Children
(Sorceress Lightning Set)

The rest of the items will be built around the set, with the goal of securing as much Lightning Pierce as possible since that is the one attribute lacking from the set.

Ornate Shrine Crafted Sash(Sacred) with a selection of the following stats
+(8 to 15)% to Lightning Spell Damage in addition to the guaranteed +(2 to 8)% to Lightning spell damage from Ornate Shrine
-(6 to 10)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance, in addition to the guaranteed -(3 to 5)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance from Ornate Shrine. - This is by far the most important stat you are looking for since the Set doesn't give you a lot of pierce.

Ornate Shrine Crafted level 1 Boots(Sacred)
-5% to Enemy Lightning Resistance. There can be no compromise here. You want the Maximum amount of pierce from the Shrine. Bless it with Ornate Shrine again for extra pierce.

Sockets are to be filled with either Yul Runes or Ort Runes depending on Mystic Orb needs. You might also need 1 Ix Rune in your Staff to reach the final stage of your casting breakpoint.

The value of magic find

► Show Spoiler

The conventional wisdom for magic find is that it should never impact your monster clear rate. If given the choice between +100 magic find and +100 monster slain, you should always pick increase in monsters slain. The reason for this is that while magic find increases the chance of you finding better items, it does so by improving the quality of items that have already dropped. Say you are looking for

Ghostmoon

Ghostmoon
Sacred Globe (Sacred)
One-Hand Damage: 36 to 37
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 100
Required Dexterity: 177
Item Level: 105
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.11 per Dexterity)%
+8 to Maximum Forked Lightning Projectiles
+(4 to 6) to Sorceress Skill Levels
+20% to Spell Damage
-20% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
Regenerate Mana +(15 to 40)%
Maximum Elemental Resists +(0 to 1)%
(15 to 25)% Gold Find
(15 to 25)% Magic Find
Socketed (2)

, having a lot of magic find makes it more likely for the Sacred Globes that are dropped to be unique. It does not however, increase the total number of Sacred Globes that are dropped. To increase the total number of Sacred Globes dropped, you can only do so by increasing the number of monsters you kill. In general, having 100 to 200 magic find is enough and additional magic find should only be acquired if it does not impact your clear time by more than 30s per map.

You can read more about magic find here

Signets of Learning

► Show Spoiler

Each character can consume up to 400 Signets of Learning. These are like mini Lam Esen's Tome with each Signet granting +1 additional stat point, Large Signet granting +5 and Greater Signet granting +25. You will most likely come by these in the Torajan Jungles. Nilathak also has a guaranteed drop of 2* Signets of Learning. Signets can also be created by transmuting spare Set items or Sacred Unique Items with Catalyst of Learning.

Farming Routine
Due to the variety of gear we require, we would have to scour through different zones, slay numerous monsters in order to get the gear we are looking for. This is a process that takes many hours to achieve even 50% completion. It is highly recommended you have a podcast playing at the background while you perform the boring task of holding Tempest and watch for items to pop up on the top left of the screen. I personally like by the numbers. And I heard the Joe Rogan Experience is great as well. Once you have cleared the farm areas, go back to Nihlathak for 2* Signet of learning per game. Now with your podcast loaded, head on to

Kurast 3000 BA, Hell Version

► Show Spoiler

Reward

Hammer of the Taan Judges

Hammer of the Taan Judges
Required Level: 115
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
+1 to All Skills
+1 to Necromancer Skill Levels
+(21 to 25) Spell Focus
Weapon Physical Damage +0.1875% (Based on Character Level)

- 25 Energy Factor ideal

Toraja Jungle Waypoint > North East of the Map

Just like how it was in Nightmare, except monsters now have more health and you might have to switch to Frigid Sphere to clear Lightning Absorb monsters. This area is fantastic for farming because of the high monster density and them being relatively harmless compared to other areas. This area also has a bias toward dropping Jewels, Set Items, Jewelry and Shrines. It is very likely you will find

Elemental Children

Elemental Children
(Sorceress Lightning Set)

Elemental Clash
Elemental Fury
Elemental Spirit
Elemental Storm

Set Bonus with 2 or more set items:
-20% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+50 to all Attributes

Set Bonus with 3 or more set items:
75% Cast Speed
+25% to Lightning Spell Damage

Set Bonus with complete set:
+5 to Sorceress Skill Levels
+150 Spell Focus
Blink Cooldown Reduced by 2 seconds
+50% to Lightning Spell Damage
+16 to Blink
+100 to all Attributes
Physical Resist 15%

,

Black Dwarf

Black Dwarf
Amulet
Required Level: 110
Item Level: 105
+2 to All Skills
20% Cast Speed
20% Hit Recovery
+(15 to 25)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(5 to 20)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(15 to 25)% to Cold Spell Damage
-(5 to 20)% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+(21 to 29) to Supernova
(30 to 40)% Bonus to Defense
-5 to Light Radius

and the appropriate Rare rings here.

Tran Athulua, Hell Version

► Show Spoiler

Reward Island of Skartara Waypoint,

Sunstone of the Gods

Sunstone of the Gods
Required Level: 115
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
(3 to 5)% Innate Elemental Damage
Maximum Life +(3 to 5)%
Maximum Mana +(11 to 15)%

- You are looking for 15% maximum health as well as the Trophy that can be dropped by the boss at 4% per kill. And Askari Call(1/6 per kill)

Halls of the Dead level 2 > Halls of the Dead level 3 > Kill the Amazons in the old Horadric cube chamber for a portal to Tran Athulua.

This is nothing like the one in Normal. Amazons this time come with much higher attack as well as a chance to trigger Arrowside on death that will launch numerous arrows at you.



Very slowly work your way through the Area. Only clear the priestess and the areas leading to them. The chance of dying and run back is too high to clear the entire area. This area has a bias towards dropping Unique items and Sacred weapons. So its the best place to look for

Ghostmoon

Ghostmoon
Sacred Globe (Sacred)
One-Hand Damage: 36 to 37
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 100
Required Dexterity: 177
Item Level: 105
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.11 per Dexterity)%
+8 to Maximum Forked Lightning Projectiles
+(4 to 6) to Sorceress Skill Levels
+20% to Spell Damage
-20% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
Regenerate Mana +(15 to 40)%
Maximum Elemental Resists +(0 to 1)%
(15 to 25)% Gold Find
(15 to 25)% Magic Find
Socketed (2)

if you don't mind having to constantly dodge arrows. Up North is the exit for the area. Take some time to clear your way out of the area, then proceed to the East along the shoreline to find the waypoint. There is a second waypoint to the West inside Tran Athulua, but why bother when it is the furthest point away from the bosses.

Moving Forward - 120 and onward
Back to top
The Silver City - Part II

► Show Spoiler

Reward

Crystalline Flame Medallion

Crystalline Flame Medallion
Required Level: 120
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
+1 to Summon Edyrem
Fire Absorb 5%
Lightning Absorb 5%
Cold Absorb 5%
Cube after Killing Imperius and Malthael
(Max: 1 minute from each other)

, with a 4% chance for trophy
Red Portal next to Halbu > Silver Spire Level 1 > Silver Spire Level 2 > The Crystal Arch > Halls of Valor & Pools of Wisdom
You want to start with Halls of Valor, since it is the one that takes more time. The gimmick of this encounter is that you each boss you kill give you an aura that lasts for 60 seconds, to gain the full bonus of the charm you will need to kill both bosses before the buff expires, so within 60 seconds.

Halls of Valor
Imperius lies at the end of the middle platform. The two side platforms house one health pool each if you are ever in need for health refill during combat. Charge towards the ceneter where you will be greeted by untargetable Edyrem. They are the gimmick of this fight. The most annoying thing about this fight is Imperius'(and to a smaller extent Malthael) emergency evade teleport. Emergency evade allows Imperius to have a chance to teleport away from his current position whenever he takes damage. This means there is a chance he will teleport either onto you or toward the catwalk where the battlefield is limited. If this happens, chase him with your own teleport rather than running at him or trying to long range Thunderstone him. Blink past the Edyrem to be in position and take aim with your Thunderstone. Your ice elementals will once again distract enemies for you to take down Imperius. Once Imperius is banished, you will be granted a swirling blue aura


Pools of Wisdom
Much less formidable than Imperius(because his Edyrems are weaker), Malthael is mostly easy picking. Watch your feet and dodge his homing magic bolts. Let your elementals do the work and you'll have your second swirly in no time. Pick up

Crystalline Flame Medallion

Crystalline Flame Medallion
Required Level: 120
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
+1 to Summon Edyrem
Fire Absorb 5%
Lightning Absorb 5%
Cold Absorb 5%
Cube after Killing Imperius and Malthael
(Max: 1 minute from each other)

when Malthael is banished, retreat out of the area, and transmute the Medallion by itself and you'll lock its full potential

Island of Skartara - Part II

► Show Spoiler

Reward

Weather Control

Weather Control
Required Level: 120
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Jitan's Gate Cooldown Reduced by 1 seconds
(2 to 5)% Innate Elemental Damage
+10 to all Attributes

Island of Skartara Waypoint > North East > Faux Canyon of the Magi > Right click Askari Call at the center of the fake waypoint.


Once again you will be carried by Ice elementals. Leave a TP at a secluded area. Upon clicking Askari Call, move away from the altar(?) while the entire screen shakes and lightning shoots out everywhere. Hide behind your thunder buddies and let them be the first to get targeted by Athulua. You want to have Ice elementals within melee range of Athulua at all times. Force Blast and Thunderstone Athlua and she'll eventually go down after #1000 automatic emergency teleport.

Gear Upgrade

► Show Spoiler

Starting from Duncraig you will be able to find most of the end game unique items. Hence, the gear plan from here on assumes you have access to all items that can be practically farmed for.

Stat Goal
Strength & Dexterity - Ideally none, your charms should take care of gear requirement
Vitality - none
Energy - Everything Else

Cast Speed 6 FPA
Hit Recovery 4 FPA

As close to 170% pierce as possible, with the option to increase it up to 199% for final bosses.

Ghostmoon

Ghostmoon
Sacred Globe (Sacred)
One-Hand Damage: 36 to 37
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 100
Required Dexterity: 177
Item Level: 105
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.11 per Dexterity)%
+8 to Maximum Forked Lightning Projectiles
+(4 to 6) to Sorceress Skill Levels
+20% to Spell Damage
-20% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
Regenerate Mana +(15 to 40)%
Maximum Elemental Resists +(0 to 1)%
(15 to 25)% Gold Find
(15 to 25)% Magic Find
Socketed (2)

for mainhand weapon / Extremely well crafted Jared's Stone with a majority of the following stats
+(81 to 100) Spell Focus
+5 to Sorceress Skill Levels
+(41 to 50)% Lightning Spell Damage in addition to Ornate Shrine Bonus
-(21 to 25)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance in addition to Ornate Shrine Bonus
+(1 to 3) to Blood Fury Increases spell damage at the expanse of life drain
Upgrade with Oil of Conjuration found in the Act V elite zones

Keep

Circe

Circe
Sorceress Orbs
'RhalArc'
Runeword Level: 100
+3 to All Skills when using an Apple
+3% Bonus to Spell Focus
+44% to Lightning Spell Damage
+44% to Poison Spell Damage
+24 to Bloodlust
(61 to 75)% to Energy
Fire Resist +40%

and

Kodo

in your inventory to buff with Bloodlust before any major boss fight

Mistress of Pain

Mistress of Pain
Sacred Globe (Sacred)
One-Hand Damage: 36 to 37
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 100
Required Dexterity: 177
Item Level: 120
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.11 per Dexterity)%
If You Have any Points in Vengeful Power, Living Flame or Snow Queen
20 Second Cooldown to All Lightning Tree Spells
+(9 to 10) to Sorceress Skill Levels
25% Cast Speed
25% Movement Speed
+(40 to 60)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(30 to 40)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(4000 to 5000) Defense
(10 to 15)% Chance to Avoid Damage
Socketed (2)

is a weird option where it stops you from speccing into any other elemental trees(so no ice elementals). I originally thought you were supposed to combine it with something like

Atanna Khan's Dress

Atanna Khan's Dress
Ceremonial Armor (Sacred)
Defense: 10306 to 14529
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 100
Required Dexterity: 722
Item Level: 120
+8 to Maximum Raven Familiar Base Level
5% Chance to cast level 60 Magic Missiles on Death Blow
30% Movement Speed
+(20 to 40)% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
+(8 to 13) to Arcane Swarm
+200% Enhanced Defense
+(1000 to 3000) Defense
Physical Resist (5 to 10)%
10% Chance to Avoid Damage
Socketed (6)

, although I don't believe it has enough relevant stats to compete with something like

Armor of the Old Religion

Armor of the Old Religion
Ceremonial Armor (Sacred)
Defense: (8437 - 9306) to (10452 - 11529)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 100
Required Dexterity: 722
Item Level: 105
+(4 to 5) to Sorceress Skill Levels
+200 Spell Focus
50% Hit Recovery
+(35 to 50)% to Fire Spell Damage
+(35 to 50)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(35 to 50)% to Cold Spell Damage
+(9 to 12) to Sacrifices
+(172 to 200)% Enhanced Defense
Elemental Resists +25%
10% Chance to Avoid Damage
+(101 to 150) Life after each Kill
Socketed (6)

. For now I assume it is meant for some kind of specialized boss hunting build for when you cannot use Ice elementals or when the elementals die so quickly there's no point in summoning them. To date there might be three bosses total where ice elemental would be pointless. So keep it if you find it, but don't go out of your way to get it.

Vaetia's Wall

Vaetia's Wall
Tower Shield (Sacred)
Defense: (4603 - 5157) to (5543 - 6210)
Chance to Block: -1% + Class%
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 460
Required Dexterity: 471
Item Level: 105
-1% Base Block Chance
-(11 to 15)% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+(4 to 8) to Vengeful Power (Sorceress Only)
+(4 to 8) to Warp Armor (Sorceress Only)
+(4 to 8) to Snow Queen (Sorceress Only)
+(4 to 8) to Living Flame (Sorceress Only)
+(141 to 170)% Enhanced Defense
Maximum Mana +(11 to 25)%
Maximum Elemental Resists +(0 to 1)%
Requirements -20%
Socketed (4)

, to be replaced by

Celestial Barrier

Celestial Barrier
Spiked Shield (Sacred)
Defense: (2525 - 2828) to (3012 - 3374)
Chance to Block: 1% + Class%
Required Level: 100
Required Dexterity: 550
Item Level: 120
+(4 to 5) to All Skills
1% Base Block Chance
-50% Attack Speed
30% Cast Speed
-(20 to 25)% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+(150 to 180)% Enhanced Defense
50% Bonus to Defense
1% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (6)

Ornate Shrine Crafted Circlet, to be replaced by

Griffon's Eye

Griffon's Eye
Diadem (Sacred)
Defense: 870 to 983
Required Level: 100
Required Dexterity: 524
Item Level: 120
20% of Lightning Resistance Added as Lightning Spell Damage
+(2 to 3) to All Skills
40% Cast Speed
-(20 to 30)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
Lightning Absorb 10%
Socketed (4)

/ Extremely well crafted Diadem with a majority of the following stats
+3 to All Skills
+(41 to 50) Spell Focus
+(8 to 15)% to Lightning Spell damage in addition to Ornate Shrine bonus
-(6 to 10)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance in addition to Ornate Shrine Bonus

Griffon's Eye

Griffon's Eye
Diadem (Sacred)
Defense: 870 to 983
Required Level: 100
Required Dexterity: 524
Item Level: 120
20% of Lightning Resistance Added as Lightning Spell Damage
+(2 to 3) to All Skills
40% Cast Speed
-(20 to 30)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
Lightning Absorb 10%
Socketed (4)

will beat Crafted Diadem unless you get a perfect roll on all the affixes.

Hide of the Basilisk

Hide of the Basilisk
Chain Mail (Sacred)
Defense: (5807 - 6817) to (6568 - 7711)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 600
Item Level: 120
+(1 to 2) to All Skills
30% Cast Speed
+(25 to 38)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-35% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(13 to 16) to Thunderstone
+(130 to 170)% Enhanced Defense
+250 to Mana
Maximum Lightning Resist +4%
Physical Resist 15%
1% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (6)

. The only armor that can replace

Ennead's Bane

Ennead's Bane
Kazarghand (4)
Defense: (173 - 204) to (354 - 417)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 6
Required Dexterity: 46 to 48
Item Level: 10
+1 to Sorceress Skill Levels
5% Cast Speed
+(3 to 4)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(6 to 8)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(24 to 46)% Enhanced Defense
+(11 to 15) to Dexterity
+(11 to 15) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(11 to 15)%
Requirements -(11 to 15)%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (625 - 710) to (1152 - 1309)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 24
Required Dexterity: 60 to 63
Item Level: 36
+2 to Sorceress Skill Levels
15% Cast Speed
+(5 to 8)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(11 to 13)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(69 to 92)% Enhanced Defense
+(21 to 25) to Dexterity
+(21 to 25) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(21 to 25)%
Requirements -(21 to 25)%
Socketed (4)
Defense: (1618 - 1784) to (2915 - 3213)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 41
Required Dexterity: 110 to 117
Item Level: 51
+3 to Sorceress Skill Levels
25% Cast Speed
+(9 to 12)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(16 to 18)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(115 to 137)% Enhanced Defense
+(31 to 35) to Dexterity
+(31 to 35) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(31 to 35)%
Requirements -(31 to 35)%
Socketed (5)
Defense: (2444 - 2670) to (4372 - 4776)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 51
Required Dexterity: 211 to 225
Item Level: 85
+4 to Sorceress Skill Levels
30% Cast Speed
+(13 to 15)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(18 to 20)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(138 to 160)% Enhanced Defense
+(36 to 40) to Dexterity
+(36 to 40) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(36 to 40)%
Requirements -(36 to 40)%
Socketed (6)

.

Zann Prodigy

Zann Prodigy
Banded Plate (Sacred)
Defense: (6721 - 7943) to (8234 - 9731)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 100
Required Dexterity: 627
Item Level: 105
Tempest: +3 Projectiles
+(2 to 5) to Sorceress Skill Levels
+(15 to 25)% Bonus to Spell Focus
-15% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(15 to 20)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(120 to 160)% Enhanced Defense
Maximum Lightning Resist +2%
Physical Resist 5%
+10 Mana after each Kill
Socketed (6)

is a weird choice where it reduces our lightning spell damage for +3 lightning bolts to Tempest only. Good for farming, not so much for bossing. A further upgrade would be Ornate Shrine Crafted Kazarghand with the following affixes
+4 to Sorceress Skill Levels
+(21 to 30)% Lightning spell damage in addition to Ornate Shrine Bonus, as close to +45% to Lightning Spell damage total
-(21 to 25)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance in addition to Ornate Shrine Bonus, as close to -35% to Enemy Lightning Resistance total.
Bless again with Ornate Shrine for more spell damage and pierce.

Ornate Shrine Crafted Chain Gloves, to be replaced by either

Lorekeeper

Lorekeeper
Light Gauntlets (Sacred)
Defense: (1018 - 1179) to (1159 - 1342)
Required Level: 80
Required Strength: 300
Item Level: 120
+3 to All Skills
20% Combat Speeds
+(5 to 10) to Firedance
+(90 to 120)% Enhanced Defense
Regenerate Mana +(40 to 60)%
Requirements -50%
Socketed (4)

or

Lamha Na Draoithe

Lamha Na Draoithe
Gauntlets (Sacred)
Defense: (1339 - 1506) to (1567 - 1763)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 625
Item Level: 120
+2 to All Skills
+150 Spell Focus
30% Cast Speed
+(16 to 20)% to Spell Damage
+(140 to 170)% Enhanced Defense
+75 to Strength
-100 to Life
Elemental Resists +15%
Socketed (4)

. Even at +3 Firedance,

Lorekeeper

Lorekeeper
Light Gauntlets (Sacred)
Defense: (1018 - 1179) to (1159 - 1342)
Required Level: 80
Required Strength: 300
Item Level: 120
+3 to All Skills
20% Combat Speeds
+(5 to 10) to Firedance
+(90 to 120)% Enhanced Defense
Regenerate Mana +(40 to 60)%
Requirements -50%
Socketed (4)

offers a massive increase to spell damage. You will have to make up for the lost pierce somewhere if you find those uniques. A Well Crafted Chain Gloves can be considered best in slot assuming you can also get Firedance via respec. You are looking for the following affixes
+2 to Sorceress Skill Levels
+(21 to 30) Spell Focus
+(11 to 20)% to Lightning Spell Damage in addition to Ornate Shrine Bonus
-(11 to 15)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance in addition to Ornate Shrine Bonus
Bless with Ornate Shrine again for more damage & pierce

Ornate Shrine Crafted Belt, to be replaced by either

Dementia

Dementia
Belt (Sacred)
Defense: (3111 - 3348) to (3272 - 3524)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 690
Item Level: 120
-(15 to 20)% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+(15 to 25) to Fowl Fight
Slow Target 5%
+(120 to 140)% Enhanced Defense
+500 Defense
Maximum Life +2%
Maximum Elemental Resists +1%
Physical Resist 5%
Requirements +20%
Socketed (2)

or

Lunar Eclipse

Lunar Eclipse
Light Belt (Sacred)
Defense: (2091 - 2422) to (2171 - 2514)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 550
Item Level: 120
+2 to All Skills
+(51 to 60) Spell Focus
25% Cast Speed
30% Hit Recovery
+(10 to 15)% to Spell Damage
+(90 to 120)% Enhanced Defense
+(40 to 50) to Energy
+100 to Life
Elemental Resists +15%
+5 to Light Radius
Socketed (2)

depending on what you wear in the other slots.

Eerie Shrine Crafted level 1 Boots, to be replaced by

Spirit Walker

Spirit Walker
Heavy Boots (Sacred)
Defense: 696 to 737
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 550
Item Level: 120
+1% Physical Resist per 18% Mana Regeneration
+2 to All Skills
+(50 to 100) Spell Focus
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
Jitan's Gate Cooldown Reduced by 1 seconds
+35% to Physical/Magic Spell Damage
-15% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
Socketed (4)

Black Dwarf

Black Dwarf
Amulet
Required Level: 110
Item Level: 105
+2 to All Skills
20% Cast Speed
20% Hit Recovery
+(15 to 25)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(5 to 20)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(15 to 25)% to Cold Spell Damage
-(5 to 20)% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+(21 to 29) to Supernova
(30 to 40)% Bonus to Defense
-5 to Light Radius

/

The Tesseract

The Tesseract
Amulet
Required Level: 100
Item Level: 105
+2 to All Skills
25% Cast Speed
+(1 to 30)% to Fire Spell Damage
-(1 to 20)% to Enemy Fire Resistance
+(1 to 30)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(1 to 20)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(1 to 30)% to Cold Spell Damage
-(1 to 20)% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+(1 to 30)% to Poison Spell Damage
-(1 to 20)% to Enemy Poison Resistance

with good lightning roll

Witchcraft

Witchcraft
Ring
Required Level: 100
Item Level: 120
+2 to All Skills
20% Cast Speed
-5% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
Maximum Mana (-5 to 5)%
20% Bonus to Defense

, to be replaced by Rare ring with appropriate stats such as
+(21 to 30) Spell Focus
+1 to All Skills
-(6 to 10)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(8 to 15%) to Lightning Spell Damage again, you want perfect roll

Sockets are to be filled with either Yul Runes(if you need lightning pierce for bosses), or Crafted Jewels whenever you have reached a sufficient amount of Lightning Pierce

Cornerstones of the World

► Show Spoiler

Patch 1.6 revamped the old Cornerstone of the World concept and turned them from Jewels into a new type of item called Relics. These function mostly like jewels but cannot be used for Runewords. That, combined with the level 120 requirement minimum means you will most likely be putting them into your unique items. Below are Relics that will be useful

Relic (Firedance)

Relic
Required Level: 75
+1 to Sorceress Skill Levels
+(4 to 7) to Firedance
10% Magic Find

, having access to this means you can forgo

Lorekeeper

Lorekeeper
Light Gauntlets (Sacred)
Defense: (1018 - 1179) to (1159 - 1342)
Required Level: 80
Required Strength: 300
Item Level: 120
+3 to All Skills
20% Combat Speeds
+(5 to 10) to Firedance
+(90 to 120)% Enhanced Defense
Regenerate Mana +(40 to 60)%
Requirements -50%
Socketed (4)

and go for Ornate Shrine Crafted Chain Gloves for your gloves.

Relic (Shock Flower)

/

Relic (Supernova)

Relic
Required Level: 75
+(6 to 10)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(2 to 5)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(13 to 22) to Supernova

/ - +10% Lightning Spell damage

Relic (Skeletal Flayer)

Relic
Required Level: 75
+15% Elemental Spell Damage to Demon Blood Aura
+(11 to 23) to Skeletal Flayer
Maximum Life +(2 to 3)%

- Increased Spell damage from Skeletal Flayer's aura. Although the Flayer might be too fragile for any meaningful combat.

Relic (Tempest)

Relic
Required Level: 75
+3 Maximum Tempest Projectiles
+(4 to 8)% to Lightning Spell Damage
+(9 to 17) to Tempest

- +2 Projectiles to Tempest.

Relic (Thunderstone)

Relic
Required Level: 75
20% Movement Speed
+(8 to 15) to Thunderstone
+20 Life after each Kill

- +3 to Thunderstone

Duncraig - Primary Farming Area

► Show Spoiler

Reward

Demonsbane

Demonsbane
By Robert Marks

Required Level: 120
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
+(0 to 2) to Sorceress Skill Levels
+(0 to 2) to Paladin Skill Levels
+(0 to 2) to Necromancer Skill Levels
+(0 to 2) to Druid Skill Levels
+(0 to 2) to Barbarian Skill Levels
+(0 to 2) to Assassin Skill Levels
+(0 to 2) to Amazon Skill Levels
+15 Life Regenerated per Second

- You want +2 Sorceress skill levels

Rogue Encampment > Caravan next to Warrive > North Eastern Tunnel within the Church > Run through the tunnel to reach Duncraig

This is like an upgraded version of Kurast 3000 BA. High monster density, expansive map, on top of having a waypoint at the entrance of the area. Stick to the South West as you exit the tunnel to look for the waypoint. Proceed East into another church complex once you have done so. Take it slow and make sure you always have Ice elementals around you so you don't get swarmed. If you see a barrel landing around you, vacate the area immediately or you'll get blown to bits when the barrel explodes. Do the same when you see a fuse running from the ground towards you. Keep an eye out for Ring of the Five from monsters. Clear the entire map for the 5 sigils from the supposed minibosses. Transmute the 5 sigils and the ring for Assur's Bane.


This ring allows you to use Purify, which is a gimmick reserved for certain bosses starting with Assur. It applies a sort of bleeding effect that slowly chips away at a boss' health that would otherwise be immune to all damage. Assur himself is a fire themed boss. His most dangerous attack is his offensive teleport + Cataclysm (Fire ball Nova) combo. He also has Flamefront(Frontal Fire Ball wave) and Flamestrike. Nothing you're not familiar with by now.

You can find the map over at the wiki

Once you have the charm, continue spending some time here to get the appropriate uniques to upgrade your gear. You can dip your toes at the other areas whenever you feel like it. If you're dying too much in the other areas, come back again for more gear. Go to The Cow level for more shrines if you are specifically looking for those. In general you will have a lot of hours logged in Duncraig.

Everything listed below DO NOT have to be done in order. Dip your toes in them whenever you feel your character is strong enough.

Tenganze - Part I

► Show Spoiler

Reward

Umbaru Treasure

Umbaru Treasure
Required Level: 120
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Cube with Essence/Runestone to Roll Stat
+10% to Spell Damage
Essence Slots: 20

- You are looking for +10% Spell damage, Elemental Runes & Kabraxis' Stone

Torajan Jungles Waypoint > South East from the waypoint > Torajan Cementary > East from the Entrance > Tenganze

You know the Khazra clan and the various goal monsters you killed for those juicy signets? They used to be people of the Umbaru tribe that were abducted and turned to monsters by mages. Here you will find the last remnants of their society, kill all of their shamans for a chance to obtain elemental essence and primal runestones. Runestones and essences can either be combined to make elemental runes or they can be transmuted with

Umbaru Treasure

Umbaru Treasure
Required Level: 120
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Cube with Essence/Runestone to Roll Stat
+10% to Spell Damage
Essence Slots: 20

to give it extra +(-3 to 5) all attributes each. Be aware of the Witch Doctors' massive army size, Force Blast the area, Tempest whatever isn't resistant to lightning. Kill the Lightning Absorb ones with either Frigid Sphere or Thunderstone. Make sure you leave 1 guy alive for D3. At the heart of the map is a portal leading to Part II, we'll come back for that, much later. The demon Zagraal guards the portal. He has the ability to turn himself into a bat, which makes him invincible. Some kind of offshoot of an Assassin's Noctule that somehow has range. And an emergency evade that teleports him away whenever he takes too much damage too quickly. Keep him debuffed with force blast, make sure he is targetting your Ice elementals and not you. Having your fingers on healing items at all times just in case he targets you with Noctule.

The Black Road - Part II

► Show Spoiler

Reward

Soul of Kabraxis

Soul of Kabraxis
Required Level: 120
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
+1 to All Skills
Maximum Fire Resist +(2 to 3)%
Maximum Lightning Resist +(2 to 3)%
Maximum Cold Resist +(2 to 3)%
Maximum Poison Resist +(2 to 3)%

- you want +3 max resist for at least Fire, Cold & Lightning

Kill Buyard Cholik > Path to Enlightenment

Clear the skeletons that are in your way. Leave a TP either at the top of the primary structure or at the entrance. Destroying the pillar of skull will release Kabraxis. Retreat to an open area once the pillar is destroy, this is where you will be fighting Kabraxis.


Pivot around the area if you need to retreat, but never back yourself into a corner or a pillar. Keep the boss debuffed with Force Blast. Let your elementals do the work(again), watch your feet for any green markings so you don't get destroyed by his green flamestrike that somehow does poison damage? Run out of any green fire or whirlpool he uses. Don't be too intimidated by the sheer clutter on the screen. It's just that, clutter. Be constantly ready to use healing items and use healing potions whenever you are poisoned. Manually target him with Thunderstone(NOT name lock). And the boss will eventually go down after god knows how many ice elemental re-summons and emergency evades

After you take down Kabraxis, spend some time clearing the outer structures to upgrade your

The Black Road

The Black Road
Required Level: 115
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Unlocks your Black Road Skill
+150 to Life
+75 to Mana

. Each structure houses an elemental of Fire, Ice, Lightning, Physical and Magic. The elementals are sealed just like Kabraxis by a totem. Destroying the totems will summon the Elemental in addition to their underlings. The primary Elemental is immune to all damage until all the lesser ones are dead. Once you have upgraded your book, you will be able to create a portal to another realm at level 125

The Triune

► Show Spoiler

Reward

Corrupted Wormhole

Corrupted Wormhole
Required Level: 100
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus

, cycles used to upgrade the wormhole, extremely rare chance for Golden Cycle that is a separate charm

Caldeum > Rathma Square > Kill Primus to gain access

Farming area for cycles. Although you can also find level 120 uniques here. You are looking for +energy and + combat speed cycles here. Ideally you want to use as many large cycles as possible. Although with the rarity of large cycles, you are better off just taking whatever you can get. The map is pretty big, although monsters here are a bit more sparse than other farm areas. There is also a short cut you can use to blink through the outer part of the sanctum.



The blink to the inner sanctum might take a couple tries. Make sure your cursor is as close to the top of the screen as possible without it going too far to the left. Take out Durram, put his book into your cube. Clear your way to the harem of the cult, leave a TP at the spot marked on the map. The trick to the main fight is having as much + movement speed as possible. Unsummon all your Ice Elementals once the area is reasonably clear. Pull out Durram's book and keybind the Mind Control Oskill. Lure Lucion away from his sanctum. As he sloooowly move away from the harem he'll curse you with a green / teal magic that makes turns every attack into an instant death. Once Lucion is at the main courtyard, use mind control on him and watch him and Malic duke it out. From here on your only job is to maintain Mind Control on Lucion. Dodge the bullsh!t teleport field Malic uses to waste everyone's time. And don't get hit by Malic missiles that drains your life to 1. Mind control wears off everytime you see a green / teal light flash on Lucion's head.


Somehow I couldn't get the timing down on the flash. What is shown in the picture is the light fading away. It will be much more noticeable in game.

Movement speed is useful here whenever Lucion gets teleported away and you have to shepard him back to Malic while trying to dodge the missiles sent your way.

Kingdom of Shadow - Part I

► Show Spoiler

Reward

Silver Seal of Ureh

Silver Seal of Ureh
Required Level: 120
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
+1 to All Skills
+(21 to 30) Spell Focus
+(11 to 13)% to Summoned Minion Damage
+(11 to 15)% to Summoned Minion Resistances
+(11 to 20) to Strength
+(11 to 20) to Dexterity
+(11 to 20) to Vitality
+(11 to 20) to Energy

,

Eternal Bone Pile

Eternal Bone Pile
Required Level: 120
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
+(1 to 2) to Sorceress Skill Levels
+(1 to 2) to Paladin Skill Levels
+(1 to 2) to Necromancer Skill Levels
+(1 to 2) to Druid Skill Levels
+(1 to 2) to Barbarian Skill Levels
+(1 to 2) to Assassin Skill Levels
+(1 to 2) to Amazon Skill Levels
10% Movement Speed

Caldeum waypoint > North East of the map > Kill Kentril Dumon, survivor of Kingdom of Shadow for a portal to

Quo Tsin
This fight is best treated as a gear check. The boss uses Trinity Beam, the hottest Oskill in town. Trinity Beam works basically like Arrow Side from Tran Athulua, except it doesn't have any delay between target detection and firing. Instead of arrows it sends out a stream of fire balls, glacial spikes and lightning bolts at the target, and Quov Tsin just spams the thing. Have at least 82% maximum resist. Having more makes the fight easier, 82% is the minimum for this fight to not be annoying. This can be done by swapping out your shield for

Wheel of Fortune

Wheel of Fortune
Large Shield (4)
Defense: 85 to 162
Chance to Block: Class%
Required Level: 4
Required Strength: 27
Required Dexterity: 45
Item Level: 10
+(21 to 30) to Vitality
Maximum Elemental Resists +1%
Elemental Resists +(6 to 10)%
Fire Absorb 1%
Lightning Absorb 1%
Cold Absorb 1%
(4 to 7)% Gold Find
(5 to 10)% Magic Find
Socketed (1)
Defense: 240 to 405
Chance to Block: Class%
Required Level: 21
Required Strength: 53
Required Dexterity: 67
Item Level: 31
+(31 to 40) to Vitality
Maximum Elemental Resists +1%
Elemental Resists +(11 to 20)%
Fire Absorb 2%
Lightning Absorb 2%
Cold Absorb 2%
(9 to 12)% Gold Find
(11 to 20)% Magic Find
Socketed (3)
Defense: 501 to 817
Chance to Block: Class%
Required Level: 39
Required Strength: 184
Required Dexterity: 139
Item Level: 51
+(41 to 50) to Vitality
Maximum Elemental Resists +2%
Elemental Resists +(21 to 30)%
Fire Absorb 2%
Lightning Absorb 2%
Cold Absorb 2%
(14 to 17)% Gold Find
(21 to 30)% Magic Find
Socketed (4)
Defense: 684 to 1113
Chance to Block: Class%
Required Level: 48
Required Strength: 368
Required Dexterity: 288
Item Level: 77
+(51 to 60) to Vitality
Maximum Elemental Resists +2%
Elemental Resists +(31 to 40)%
Fire Absorb 3%
Lightning Absorb 3%
Cold Absorb 3%
(17 to 19)% Gold Find
(31 to 40)% Magic Find
Socketed (4)

, socketed with 1 each of perfect Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald and Topaz. Swap out your circlet for

Witchhunter's Hood

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 +1%
Elemental Resists +(31 to 40)%
Physical Resist 5%
(16 to 20)% Bonus to Defense
Requirements -50%
Socketed (4)

Witchhunter's Attire
(Assassin Claw Set)

, socketed with 1 each of Perfect Bloodstone, Onyx, Amber and Turquoise. Having those two items should make it so you don't downright die to the Trinity Beam. The patch notes say Quo Tsin isn't supposed to have a major physical component in Trinity Beam anymore, although I do find having physcial damage reduced on my rings & amulet make me more durable somehow? Either way, once you have enough maximum resist you will be able to chase him through all the emergency evades and get him down to take his

Silver Seal of Ureh

Silver Seal of Ureh
Required Level: 120
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
+1 to All Skills
+(21 to 30) Spell Focus
+(11 to 13)% to Summoned Minion Damage
+(11 to 15)% to Summoned Minion Resistances
+(11 to 20) to Strength
+(11 to 20) to Dexterity
+(11 to 20) to Vitality
+(11 to 20) to Energy

for yourself. Alternatively you can call upon your trusty Ice elementals once again and use them to take the brunt of the beam while you launch Thunderstones at the boss. You will not be able to keep him in place due to his emergency evade. So simply summon Ice elementals ahead of you as you chase him down while casting Thunderstones whenever you can. Proceed to the end of the Temple to find a way into

Ruins of Ureh
As you enter the ruins there will be fire pointing you towards the direction you want to be going


Stay as close to the direction of the sign as possible. Any small deviation from it will leave you stranded and have to start again. Waaay up North is the way for part II. Ignore that. We will come back later(or not if you don't care about 100% completion). If you followed the direction correctly you'll come across another hut that will lead you to

The Kingdom of Shadow
This place is supposedly stranded in time and thus filled with magic. Although why it is not turned to a farming area for profit is unknown, perhaps in the future this place can be excavated for caster items.


I swear there used to be an annotated map on the forums.

Don't be fooled by the map. The real area in game is much larger than it looks on the map. I have marked a well you can use as a landmark in green. Once you found that, stick to the path until you reach the boss. The most dangerous part here is the untargetable zombies. The zombies are by deadly enough with just their melee attacks. If they don't outright kill you with it, a successful hit will also poison you and summon a bloodstar that will shoot fire bolts at you as you scamper away. It is very unlikely you will finish this first try especially with the level lock. It is perfectly normal to die when you reach the tunnel at the end and get body blocked by zombies while your teleport is on cooldown. Swapping out your

Pax Mystica

Pax Mystica
Staves
'Tir'
Runeword Level: 10
+1 to All Skills
+7% to Spell Damage
+(2 to 5) to Blink
Elemental Resists +(11 to 15)%
(11 to 13)% Magic Find

here for

Kabbalah

Kabbalah
Sorceress Orbs
'Cham'
Runeword Level: 83
+3 to Sorceress Skill Levels
-1% Base Block Chance
60% Hit Recovery
+(6 to 16) to Divine Apparition
20% to Energy
Maximum Life and Mana +5%
+(100 to 200) Life when Struck by an Enemy

makes that less likely to happen. Even though it still can. The same can be said for having high movement speed. Simply keep trying until you can get the charm with +2 sorceress skill and +10 movement speed.

How come there's no book this time?

Baal, Hell version

► Show Spoiler

Reward

Spirit of Creation

Spirit of Creation
Required Level: 125
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Unlocks Mastery Skill: Specialization
+25 to Strength
Maximum Mana +(1 to 5)%
Regenerate Mana +10%
Elemental Resists +(1 to 10)%

- +10 elemental resist recommended

DO NOT have Ice elementals.

The name of the charm refers to Baal's facade during the Sin War, Bala, Spirit of Creation . He is finally at his full power in this difficulty and as such, this fight plays out nothing like how it did in Normal or Nightmare.



Follow the marked path, pepper Thunderstones throughout the map(marked in yellow) in the picture. Always stay in front of him, maintain distance so you don't get hit by any of his attacks. He has a chance to call reinforcements everytime his attacks connect, and all of his attacks hits multiple times. So if you get hit by one attack(most likely his blue ice wave), his chance of calling reinforcements is actually rolled multiple times. That also means if your Ice Elementals are being stupid and bunch up together to get hit by an ice wave, you can have an army of reinforcements spawning out of nowhere to fight for Baal. Baal can also use a slight offshoot of Singularity used by Assassins, as well as a Mana Drain used in the original game. He has two types of reinforcements he can summon, those being

Minion of Destruction
These are super buffed monsters that will constantly pounce on you in addition to empowering everything around it(including other reinforcements). You want to use their tendency to pounce to separate them from Baal. Teleport to the central bridge once it is summoned. It will follow you with a pounce while Baal stays on the side. Occasionally Baal will follow you with his own teleport. If that happens and you don't die, teleport back to the side while Baal's is on cooldown. Avoid moving without teleport when the Minions are around so you don't trigger the hit recovery frames.

Act boss clones
Like the name says, these minions maintain most of their stats except health and damage. They also maintain the damage reduction mod assigned to most bosses that reduces your leech. They can still use all the attacks the original versions used in addition to making Baal invincible whenever he is around. These ones you actually want to use Baal's crazy speed to lure him away from the clones. Park Baal on one side of the map, teleport to the central bridge, teleport again to the side the clone is actually on to take it out. Go back to Baal once the clone is dead.

If his emergency evade takes him away, run just forward enough for him to detect you. Don't get anymore closer than you have to or you'll get hit by an ice wave / mana drain as soon as you are in range. The key to this fight is making sure you maintain the proper distance while laying down as many Thunderstones as you can when Baal chases you.

Back to top

By this point you should have a majority of your unique items found, completed all the aforementioned bosses. You might not have your

Umbaru Treasure

Umbaru Treasure
Required Level: 120
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Cube with Essence/Runestone to Roll Stat
+10% to Spell Damage
Essence Slots: 20

and

Corrupted Wormhole

Corrupted Wormhole
Required Level: 100
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus

completely upgraded, that's perfectly okay. You can go back for upgrades while trying to see if you can get through the areas ahead with your current gear.

Fauztinville

► Show Spoiler

Reward Fauztinville Great Runes, chance to make

Avatar

Avatar
Shields
'IgnFulGla'
Runeword Level: 100
+1 to All Skills
45% Cast Speed
45% Hit Recovery
-(27 to 30)% to Enemy Fire Resistance
-(27 to 30)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
-(27 to 30)% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+(172 to 200)% Enhanced Defense
(16 to 25)% Magic Find
Requirements +25%

, access to Bremmtown, level 130 uniques

Upgraded

The Black Road

The Black Road
Required Level: 115
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Unlocks your Black Road Skill
+150 to Life
+75 to Mana

transmuted with any spare rune > Right click the scroll for portal

Spend some time tweaking your gear before diving in here. Do not rush in to here as a fresh 125 without proper gear. If you have decent gear you should be able to clear this place just fine. Just like Duncraig, avoid getting swarmed. Another danger here is the Necrobots and Harpylisks' ranged attacks that can go through your elementals. Although with enough damage you'll take them out with Tempest before they can do significant damage. If you're missing key items, have your finger on healing items at all times and don't be afraid to take it slow. If the area takes too long to clear, come back after you have upgraded your gear. Concealed Smiters(didn't they used to be called Neon Fiends?) absorb lightning damage, so they are the most liekly candidates to make it past your elementals and swarm you. At the far East side is a portal leading to Bremmtown that contains the next upgrade.

Bremmtown

► Show Spoiler

Reward

Dragon Claw

Dragon Claw
Required Level: 125
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Unlocks Mastery Skill: Chemistry
+(50 to 150) to Life
+(25 to 75) to Mana
Cube to upgrade, granting bonuses based on your class

- You're only looking for the +maximum skill & energy factor from the class specific bonus

Fauztinville > Far East portal > Bremmtown

Thunderstone yourself immediately as you enter. Once you can confirm the area is clear, summon ice elemental way ahead of you and watch it get pounced by all the monsters nearby. Clear the monsters with Tempest, and repeat the process as you inch your way forward.



Avoid teleporting into new areas if you can so you don't teleport into a ground of monsters and get rekt. Proceed with caution and make your way to the boss. The dragon itself is a pushover. If you don't kill it with any stray tempest your Thunderstone will quickly take it down. Pick up the Claw, go back to town and cube the claw by itself for the reward.

Toraja

► Show Spoiler

Reward

Lylia's Curse

Lylia's Curse
Required Level: 120
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
+(11 to 25)% Bonus to Summoned Edyrem Life
+20 Life Regenerated per Second
Maximum Lightning Resist +1%
Elemental Resists +10%

Torajan Jungles waypoint > Torajan Cemetery > Summon Edyrem on top of the Rogue to make it vulnerable to damage > Kill the rogue for a portal to Toraja



Proceed slooooowly. Very slowly. March your way to the boss with your band of brothers. If you can't tell, this area is actually made for summoners, so we are way out of our depths here. Hide behind your summons, constantly summon Edyrems on top of the archers to scatter them and for the miracle chance that the Edyrem can get one attack off before dying to remove the archers' immunity. Kill anything that loses immunity with Tempest / Thunderstone, and resume holding down Summon Edyrem until you have thinned the horde enough to advance. Stick to the wall so you attract as little attention as possible. Ideally Lilith will be lured away from the main forces once she detects you. Although it is mostly up to chance whether she will bring the main force with her or not. Try your best to do this in one go, but if the game isn't cooperating it's better to save and exit to reroll the map than to bang your head against the wall.

Vizjun

► Show Spoiler

Reward

Cold Fusion Schematics

Cold Fusion Schematics
Required Level: 125
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
1% Chance to cast level 10 Time Strike on Striking
+(16 to 30) to Strength
+(16 to 30) to Dexterity
+(16 to 30) to Vitality
+(16 to 30) to Energy

Flayer Jungle waypoint > Swampy Pit level 3 > Vizjun



Proceed cautiously but never stay in one place for too long. There is not much point to trying to clear the entire area when monsters continue to respawn. The most dangerous element here are the sentinel mines that can spawn under your feet. I have no idea whether it is triggered by a timer or if an enemy has to target you with it. Either way, this can be circumvented by moving out of your current area once the path ahead is clear. Have your fingers on healing items just in case you do step into one and close 80% of your health. Work your way along the marked path while continuously updating your TP so you don't get locked out if you die. Have your Assur's Bane ready. The boss requires 1 purify blast to destroy. Up North is a portal to a boss that we will come back after level 130(level 135 is more realistic since the prep takes quite some time)

Island of Skartara - Part III

► Show Spoiler

Reward

Xazax's Illusion

Xazax's Illusion
Required Level: 125
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
+(0 to 2) to Necromancer Skill Levels
+(0 to 2) to Paladin Skill Levels
+(0 to 2) to Sorceress Skill Levels
+(0 to 2) to Barbarian Skill Levels
+(0 to 2) to Druid Skill Levels
+(0 to 2) to Amazon Skill Levels
+(0 to 2) to Assassin Skill Levels
+(10 to 25) Life Regenerated per Second
Poison Resist +(26 to 50)%

Island of Skartara Waypoint > Maggot Passage > Maggot Depths > Wretched Sands

Aka The Legacy of Blood Part II. We are here to chase down one of the culprits behind Legacy of Blood. Plop down a TP once you enter Wretched Sands. Moving up North and you'll be greeted by a deranged Xazax, who doesn't really look like the mantis demon he's supposed to be. Xazax spawns with an invincible Penitent that will one shot you if his attack connects. Run away as soon as the boss teleports onto you so the Penitent fights your elementals instead. Stay in close to mid-range, get behind Xazax if possible, Thunderstone him until he uses the dreaded emergency evade. Drink a healing potion if you get poisoned by his poison wave. Only use teleport to escape Meteor Shower. Never use it to chase Xazax or you'll bring the Pentinents with you in addition to bringing the Death Blossoms meant for your ice elementals onto you. Leave your elementals to chase him down. Get back to mid-range and resume casting Thunderstone. Move in small steps when you're chasing him to avoid running into Glacial Spikes that are instant death. Reposition when he casts Meteor Shower. Eventually he will summon additional Penitents. Bring the second Penitent to the first, leave the two of them with your elementals in one corner so you can isolate Xazax from his reinforcements. Rinse and repeat and you'll have him down after around #5 Pentinent summoned.

Yshari Sanctum

► Show Spoiler

Reward

The Ancient Repositories

The Ancient Repositories
Required Level: 125
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
+(0 to 1) to All Skills
(101 to 150)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(11 to 15)% to Spell Damage
(6 to 10)% Chance of Crushing Blow
Fire Resist +(10 to 20)%
Lightning Resist +(10 to 20)%
Cold Resist +(10 to 20)%

You want to have at least 2 hours if this is your first time

Part I

Caldeum > North West of the map > Specter of Hatred

This part is about collecting the two sets required to fight the main boss. A map already exists so just follow the marked path and you'll find your way to the bosses. Do be noted that the South Arena has been separated from the rest of the maze into its own stage. Each boss also drops the set items consistently. Always refresh your TP, follow the path and you'll have your set in no time. Open a TP once you have your Brother of the Horadrim and Brother Hood of the Vizjerei, and prepare for

Part II

Caldeum > North of the map > Yshari Sanctum

Equip your two sets. Keybind Arcane Blast and Holy Bolt, these are the only two skills, in addition to teleport (and maybe force blast if you feel like it), that you'll be using for the entirety of the fight. Arcane Blast is used for Valthek's minions, while Holy Bolt is used for Valthek himself. Leave a TP once you enter the main arena(NOT the fire path). Do not have any ice elementals. Go to the center, melee the statue in the middle to summon Valthek. Stay close to the statue, but not directly on top. After the epilepsy inducing screen shakes and lightning, Valthek will enter the arena. Valthek's AI is a bit weird compared to other bosses'. He seems to have his targeting reset every couple seconds and is constantly in some kind of seek target state where he'll wander around every time he finishes casting a spell to look for his target. Even though you can be just steps away. During his seek target state he'll plop down a magic turret and fires magic / fire bolt at you when you get too close. If he has his crosshairs locked onto you he'll either teleport onto you & trigger a lightning bolt nova that will one shot you. Summon reinforcement that will enable you to use the spells of your sets. Or summon these black shadow knights on top of you that will take out a majority of your health if it lands a direct hit. You goal in this fight is to clear a majority of his Goodsman Guards, keep a couple of them alive so you can use your spells. Being around Goodsman Guards is the only way to enable the spells from your sets. Being around Valthek does not enable the sets. Once you have thinned out the guards' numbers, you are looking to be in mid range without triggering his turrets, and line yourself up with Valthek before casting Holy Bolt at him to maximize the chance of connection. If you fire the bolt without lining up yourself properly with Valthek it is very likely he will just wander away from the projectile or a Goodman Guard will body block the bolt.

[Engersion]

The Remaining Bosses
Back to top

Warning: Only do these last bosses if you are looking for 100% completion. Many of these bosses are either badly suited for the build or require gear so specific that it will take a lot of time to put together. Unless stated otherwise, assume you want to walk in with a completed gear plan from the last gear upgrade section.

The Lord of Lies

► Show Spoiler

Reward

The Book of Lies

The Book of Lies
Required Level: 125
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
+(100 to 500) to Life
+(50 to 250) to Mana

River of Flame waypoint > Chaos Sanctuary > Kill Maghda > Right click Key of Lies

Aka the Lord of Camoflage. Stock up on healing items before you enter the portal. You will not be able to return to town for a restock due to the level lock. The way to the boss is straight forward. The boss himself is straight forward with his attacks. The gimmick of this fight is that the boss can spawn clones of himself. All his clones retain his attacks, although the real one's attacks do much more damage. The real boss will turn into a rat whenever he takes damage. The problem is that the sprite of his rat form is so tiny it will be obscured by all the magic going on in your screen. You can circumvent this by force blasting the area and look for the force blast debuff over the boss' head rather than looking for his sprite. The most dangerous attack he can use is the magic shotgun that inflicts heavy damage to anything close by. This, combined with how slow Thunderstone is, and how fast the boss moves around, and his emergency evades, makes this fight incredibly unappealing. The boss also has a fire/magic version of Phalanx that forces you to reposition. In addition, he also uses a cold version of meteor that will again forces you to move. Clear out some of the clones to reduce the screen clutter. Then turn your attention at the main boss. Summon your ice elementals on the other side of the boss to turn him away from you. Thunderstone > re-summon ice elemental > Thunderstone since his shotgun will most likely take out your elementals instantly. Having as much damage as possible makes the fight less maddening to do.

Moon of the Spider - Part II

► Show Spoiler

Reward

Astrogha's Venom Stinger

Astrogha's Venom Stinger
Required Level: 125
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
+1 to All Skills
Jitan's Gate Cooldown Reduced by 1 seconds
+(200 to 500) to Life
Poison Length Reduced by 50%

Kurast Docks > Torjana Jungle portal > North of the map guarded by Aldric Jitan

This fight is best done with either Arcane or Poison

Clear the entire cave of all the Moon Arachnids. You really don't need anything adding to the chaos of the fight. It is highly recommended that you respec for this fight. If you really want to do this fight in Lightning, you should have a booking with either a psychologist or a pair of hookers scheduled. And make sure you have a durable desk.



The main theme of this fight is control. Make sure you do not have nova charge, and desummon your ice elementals everytime you have isolated Astrogha for combat. Astrogha's main mode of attack is to throw stupid statues at his primary target(just like how we Thunderstone our target) that will summon his little spider children as reinforcements. These little spiders' primary tactic is to swarm their opponent and hope one of them will kill you with their chance to cast Death Strike on death proc. Always watch your feet when you are clearing the little spiders for a white sand pile and run away when you see one. The statue themselves will crumble seconds after they spawn. Although if destroyed by actual damage, they will curse their killer with a green curse that slows them down(in addition to Astrogha's own slow target aura), heal a percentage of Astrogha's health if he is in range, and make any attacks that hit you kill you instantly. This is usually combined with Astrogha War Spirit buff that releases Spike Novas. So if you destroy a statue with your stray charged bolts from Thunderstone and Astrogha's Spike Nova scratches you, you are dead. And of course Astrogha also has emergency evade because why not.

The fight will start at the center of the map, which in isolation is a very good arena for this fight. When you get inside the main arena you'll notice your movement speed is reduced, this comes from Astrogha's aura, designed to make control harder to maintain in this fight. Attack him with one Thunderstone at a time, keep him debuffed with Force Blast, and run after every Thunderstone launch so you don't get swarmed by his Darklings that are about to spawn. Peel off the fight when there are too many Darklings around to clear them. When you run back to resume combat, Astrogha will be throwing statues at you as you approach him, ignore them and get in range for Thunderstone. Repeat the Thunderstone and run strategy, dont be afraid to peel off quicker than you did the last time. The extra damage you can gain from one or two more Thunderstone is not worth losing control over the fight. The biggest problem is that Astrogha's emergency evade can teleport him into weird spots where he will barricade himself with statues that makes it virtually impossible to flush him out without also destroying the statues. The areas marked in blue are Areas you definitely don't want him to go to. If his emergency evades take him to any one of these spots, DO NOT chase him through the walls with teleport. Go the long way so he will throw the statues at you, away from himself. Flush him out with Twilight Havoc or Thunderstone once you are in range even if it means destroying the statue. The fight cannot continue if he remains barricaded in those choke points. Push him back to the main arena so you can actually make progress in the fight.

Nephalem's Sacrifice

► Show Spoiler

Reward

Neutrality Pact

Neutrality Pact
Required Level: 130
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
+(1 to 2) to All Skills
+(61 to 100)% Bonus to Summoned Edyrem Life
+(2 to 5) to Purify

Silver City Waypoint > Portal next to Halbu > Crystal Arch > Edyrem's Path

Most of the stages are pretty straight forward. There are Dark Edyrem peppered throughout the stages. Keep these guys debuffed, and be prepared to dodge Death Strike whenever you kill one. Notable stages are

The Summoner - Don't be afraid to peel off the fight. Kite the Edyrem to the sides if you need to clear them. There is an invisible wall blocking line of sight from the central platform to the two side platforms. Teleport out of the Death Strikes.

Duriel's Lair - Kill the bosses one by one if possible. Keep the fight close to the entrance so you don't attract Edyrem further in the tomb.

Arreat Summit - Stay as close to the entrance as you possible can so you don't attract Edyrems that are further in the stage.

Heart of Sin - Azmodan is the one that opens the portal, Belial can be ignored.

Tristram - Diablo opens the portal. You can bait him away from the other bosses by sticking to the South of the map.

Uldyssian
You know how the real Uldyssian, the hero of the Sin Wars, who sacrificed himself to save the people? Yeah, this one is nothing like it. Instead of making the heroic sacrifice that would inspire Tyrael to champion for mankind, this Uldyssian is a coward that constantly hides behind summoned reinforcements. Keep everything debuffed with Force Blast. Bunch up the summoned Edyrems so you can clear them out with Tempest and Twilight Havoc. Thunderstone Uldyssian whenever he teleports to you and if you can make your way past his Edyrem horde. Every opportunity to Thunderstone him before the army of Edyrem gets out of hand is precious. Watch out for his Death Strike Shower that will radiate from a targeted spot around him. If you manage to dodge the Death Strikes, there is also a chance that his bear claw nova can knock you into a Death Strike. Occassionally Uldyssian will also throw 3 Bone Spirits whenever he feels he is in a secure location. These are the easiest to dodge, but inflict heavy damage if you do get hit by it.

Teganze - Part II

► Show Spoiler

Reward - Ghost Trance


Torajan Jungles waypoint > Torajan Cemetery > Teganze > Heart of Teganze > Mbiru Eikura

Do not expect to take him down in one go, you'll have to spend a couple of attempts to familiarize yourself with how the different AIs work in this stage. The reason we waited this long to come back for part II is because we want the +Purify from

Neutrality Pact

Neutrality Pact
Required Level: 130
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
+(1 to 2) to All Skills
+(61 to 100)% Bonus to Summoned Edyrem Life
+(2 to 5) to Purify

so we can free up a ring slot for more damage. As you enter the sewer, you want to clear as many Guardians around the map as possible, but avoid the center until you are ready.



Here you will be chased by Unformed Phantasms that serve as half environmental hazard and half reinforcement to the fight. Lure as many phantasms to one of the blue crosses as you can. Teleport out of the corner once the phantasms are in place. Then run away from the area so they don't continue chasing you. Keybind your Purify, keybind Unsummon, stock up on healing items and head to the Left square. As you get close enough to the center of the square, the boss will teleport onto you and summon a ring of tornadoes to create a makeshift arena. Remain calm and don't move around. Touching the Tornadoes is instant death. Fight him inside the ring, keep him debuffed with Force Blast and let your Ice elementals do the work. The boss has a charge attack that works just like a Paladin's Charge from vanilla D2. That is another instant death if the boss targets you with it. So make sure he is debuffed and he is not targetting you. He also has Charged Strike that releases Charged Bolts that do heavy damage. These bolts are easy to dodge and are designed to lure you to the ring of tornadoes if you panic. When the boss drops down a Harvester of Souls, that is your cue to get out of the area via teleport and move to a new area. The Harvesters make the boss & any leftover Guardians(there shouldn't be any) invincible in addition to summoning more Unformed Phantasm. Harvesters are only vulnerable to Purify. Do Not attempt to out Purify the number of Harvesters. Follow the marked path, inch a bit to the sides per square to squeeze out 1 extra Harvester every square. Whenever you feel like the number of Phantasms are overwhelming your elementals, teleport away, unsummon all your elementals, and wait for the Phantasms to follow you. The boss has a much smaller detection range than the Phantasm. Hence you can safely peel off the boss while still being targeted by the Phantasms. Bring the Phantasms to the furthest spot available, purify all the Harvestors on your way back and resume where you left off. This time going backwards to where you originally started. Peel off again when the number of Phantasms get out of control. Rinse and repeat until the boss is dead.

The Kingdom of Shadow - Part II

► Show Spoiler

Reward

The Sleep

The Sleep
Required Level: 125
Cube After Completing a Trophy Challenge to Awaken
Disenchant to open a portal to the World Nexus
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Maximum Fire Resist +(0 to 1)%
Maximum Lightning Resist +(0 to 1)%
Maximum Cold Resist +(0 to 1)%
Maximum Poison Resist +(0 to 1)%

- Only do this if you want 100% completion

Caldeum > Vizjerei Temple > Ruins of Ureh > Waaaay up North > Nexus Bridge level 1 & 2 > World Nexus

Requires special Gear Set
The goal is to have as much health as you can get in addition to having max FPA for Melee Attack, Casting and Hit Recovery. You want around 20000 health to give yourself a large margin of error. This is done by having the proper gear & a stat point respec to full Vitality.

Void

Void
Weapons
'Sur'
Runeword Level: 75
Adds 7-13 Damage
+(58 to 72)% Enhanced Damage
Slow Target 20%
Regenerate Mana +15%
Cold Resist +40%
Physical Damage Reduced by (11 to 15)
+(3 to 5) Mana on Striking
2% Reanimate as: Random Monster

in a 6 socket Crystal Sword. Reroll with Oil of Renewal until you get +attack rating & 6 sockets. Socket it with 5 Lem rune crafted jewels that also have attack rating and either + attack speed or +cast speed. Enchant with Mystic orbs that give +Attack Rating, +Attack speed and +Cast speed

The Endless Loop

The Endless Loop
Light Belt (Sacred)
Defense: 1101 to 1143
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 550
Item Level: 105
40% Combat Speeds
+(10 to 19) to Charged Strike
Slow Target 10%
+50 to all Attributes
+75 Life Regenerated per Second
+(0 to 1) Mana on Striking
Socketed (2)

socketed with either LEM rune crafted jewels with +Attack Speed or + Cast Speed or Ohm Runes

Wall of Fire

Wall of Fire
Shields
'ZodLo'
Runeword Level: 85
+1 to All Skills
40% Block Speed
+(144 to 171)% Enhanced Defense
40% to Strength
40% to Vitality
+15 Life after each Kill
(11 to 20)% Bonus to Defense
Attacker Takes Fire Damage of 500

in 6 socket Bone Shield. Socketed with 5 Lem Rune crafted jewels with +Cast speed / +Attack Speed / + Hit Recovery / + 2% Vitality. Enchanted with Mystic Orbs for +Hit recovery and + Vitality
Quiet Shrine Crafted Leather Gloves with
+(26 to 40) to Vitality, in addition to +(4 to 8)% to Vitality and +(4 to 20) to Vitality from the Quiet Shrine bonus. The closer to perfect rolls the better.
Socketed with Jewels if you are lacking in combat speeds. Ohm Rune / Perfect Rubies otherwise. Enchanted with +Hit Recovery or Vitality

Quiet Shrine Crafted Gambeson / Quilted Armor with
+(51 to 75) to Vitality in addition to +(6 to 28) to Vitality
+20% to Vitality in addition to +(6 to 12)% to Vitality from the Shrine
Any + Hit recovery welcome
Socketed with Jewel / Perfect Rubies / Ohm Runes. Enchanted with +Hit Recovery / Vitality

Lily

with jewels or Quiet Shrine Crafted Circlet with +(26 to 40) to Vitality in addition to Quiet Shrine Bonus. Enchanted for Hit Recovery / Vitality

Nephilim

Nephilim
Boots
'ZodThul'
Runeword Level: 85
+(144 to 171)% Enhanced Defense
+150 Defense
+50 to Strength
(21 to 25)% to Strength
+50 to Vitality
(21 to 25)% to Vitality
Cold Resist +25%
+15 Life after each Kill

in 4 socket Boots. Socketed with Jewels and Enchanted for more Vitality. Or Quiet Shrine Crafted Boots with good rolls & socketed with Ohm Runes / Perfect Rubies

Corrupted Wormhole

Corrupted Wormhole
Required Level: 100
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus

with either Vitality or Combat Speeds. Wear a majority of Crafted items if you managed to get a combat speed wormhole and you have enough Quiet Shrines.

Do not throw away the set after the boss is done.

Preparing the Arena
As you enter World Nexus, proceed to the South East where you'll see another Lost Traveler. Look around to see if there are mini witches. Save and Exit if there is even 1 mini witch inside the Arena otherwise the fight is going to be a complete mess. Mini Witches will hurl a trail of glowing magic at you that inflicts heavy damage in addition to knocking you back continuously. This makes it incredibly difficult to dodge the boss' projectiles or you'll be knocked right back into a spell after you just dodged it. Having 1 or 2 mini witch on the periphery of the Arena is doable since their magic trail is so slow. Can we have a way to shorten the run back now that we have level lock? Maybe Key of Light from Kentril Dumon + Arcane Crystal > Key of Light + Scroll to reach Nexus Bridge?

Atanna Khan
Daughter of the deranged Juris Khan you kill in part I. Atanna Khan is supposed to be a beauty that is fluent in the flute(of course she is). Although all the crazy magic used in the Kingdom of Shadow and the all the flute playing has turned her into some undead monster. Atanna Khan uses a similar AI as Valthek, where she also seems to have her main target reset every so often. Although her targeting is reset much less often than Valthek's. Do not use Ice elementals. It's both a waste of time and a risk of messing up the boss' targeting. A powerful mage, Atanna attacks with all kinds of colorful magic spells

Red Magic Nova - Teleport through the nova or wait for the nova to scatter enough to run through the gaps. Be aware not to reset the boss' targeting by running too far.

Purple Magic Wall - The least threatening. Run to the side of the wall without messing up the boss' targeting.

Green Magic shotgun - The second most dangerous spell. It will take out a majority of your health if it even scratches you. Instant death if you get caught by all 5 projectiles.

Pounce - Her deadliest attack. This usually happens when the boss' targeting is reset and she reacquires the target. The primary reason for why we want as much health as we can get. The pounce will take out around 70% of your health. Have your fingers on healing items whenever you need to move so you don't die to the shotgun blast follow up.

You want to purify the boss immediately as she shows up. Hit her with melee attack if the opportunity presents itself, but don't go out of your way to do so or you'll get hit by the shotgun. Keep her debuffed with Force Blast. Remain in mid range, just far enough so you have time to dodge the green projectiles, but also close enough so you don't mess up her targeting. Run circle around her. Stop and cast purify whenever you can get a proper line up. Just like Valthek it is better to take aim properly before you cast rather than using the spell on cooldown since the chance of the boss wandering away from the projectile is so high otherwise.

Genesis

► Show Spoiler

Reward

The Glorious Book of Median

The Glorious Book of Median
Required Level: 130
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
+1 to All Skills
Adds 10-15 Damage
+(24 to 45)% Damage to Demons
Elemental Resists +(5 to 15)%

- Only do this if you are looking for 100%

Flayer Jungle waypoint > Swampy Pit level 3 > Vizjun > North East of the map > Genesis

Requires special gear set

DO NOT throw away your gear after the fight is done

There are two ways you can gear for this fight. You can either use the same set of gear you used for Atanna Khan, and focus more on micro-managing your character. Or you can gear for Maximum Block in addition to Health so you can have a slightly larger margin of error. If you want to have maximum block, have

The Eviscerator

The Eviscerator
Short Sword (Sacred)
One-Hand Damage: 37 to 38
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 376
Item Level: 120
Strength Damage Bonus: (0.11 per Strength)%
10% Base Block Chance
Socketed (3)

, swap out

Wall of Fire

Wall of Fire
Shields
'ZodLo'
Runeword Level: 85
+1 to All Skills
40% Block Speed
+(144 to 171)% Enhanced Defense
40% to Strength
40% to Vitality
+15 Life after each Kill
(11 to 20)% Bonus to Defense
Attacker Takes Fire Damage of 500

for an Abandoned Shrine Crafted Bone Shield with + 2% base block chance and put enough points into Dexterity to reach 75% block chance. Maintain max FPA for attack, casting, but drop 1 FPA from Hit recovery to reach 5 FPA for blocking.

The gimmick of this boss is that his offensive teleport ignores line of sight. So if you teleport through a wall to try and escape, he will follow you through the wall. In addition to that, he also has a variety of attacks that includes

Reinforcement stone - Works just like our Thunderstone. Except instead of exploding into charged bolts, it explodes into a band of Groupies and Blackhand Totems. Groupies throw knives that inflict moderate damage. They are supposed to be used in conjunction with Blackhand Totems. These are just like Astrogha's statues, but they do not expire. These ones also attack with an earthquake that drains your health down to 1 instead of summoning spiders. And if you destroy them when you are too close, you will be cursed with a green spell that makes any attack capable of killing you while also healing the main boss. Just like in Astrogha.

Teleport + Retaliate. The reason why max block is used for this fight. Retaliate is a Paladin skill that ignores all defense, but not block. The boss' retaliate can take out at least 70% of your health by itself. That is not counting the possibility of you getting hit by the Totem's tremor or the boss' Singularity. Or if a reinforcement stone lands directly on top of you because you were standing still for too long.

The key to this fight is making sure you have enough free space to work with. You cannot go back to town because of the level lock. And TP doesn't even work in this area. So don't be afraid to peel off the boss. There is no need to rush the fight if it means you'll die after landing 5 hits. Start from the West side of the map, wait for the boss to teleport onto you. Hit him with a melee attack and hope it connects, move again so you don't have a reinforcement stone land on top of you. Purify him this time when he teleports onto you. Move once you clicked the Purify button. Don't worry if your cast gets interrupted by his retaliate. Focus on not dying. I use a really slow kiting path to make sure I don't get surprised


Teleport + hold down the run button to drop off the boss when you have covered around half the map. Make sure you leave enough room to for the chase sequence since the boss will be able to chase you with at least one teleport. Usually it takes 1 teleport and a full stamina globe to lose the boss. Once you have lost the boss, go back the other way and clear out all the groupies and Blackhand totems with either Forked Lightning / Frigid Sphere or Thunderstone. Range requirement for Tempest brings you way too close to enemies for comfort. Be very aware not to get cursed. Otherwise even other Totems' tremor can take you down.

Go back to the boss again, this time go the other way. Don't forget to re-apply slow target with melee attack. Make sure to leave enough room for the chase sequence. Rinse and repeat, take it very slowly and eventually you'll get him down after a couple tries.


There is another kiting path that uses a lot more of the main room to maximize the number of times you can purify the boss. The key to this method is to squeeze out as many totems in the main hall while just being on the edge of tremor so you don't get rekt. Fill up the entire main hall before you move to the peripheries of the map to drop off the boss. You should only use this once you have done this fight enough to have a firm grasp of what the exact range of tremor actually is.

The #$@%!^#* Void

► Show Spoiler

Reward Sigil of the Seven Deadly Sins to be used in conjunction with

Radiance

Radiance
Tiara (Sacred)
Defense: 725 to 820
Required Level: 100
Required Dexterity: 392
Item Level: 120
+2 Spell Focus per 1 Light Radius
+3% Fire Spell Damage per 1 Light Radius
-1% Cold Spell Damage per 1 Light Radius
+(2 to 3) to All Skills
-(15 to 20)% to Enemy Fire Resistance
Physical Resist 10%
Cannot Be Frozen
-5% to All Vendor Prices
Socketed (4)

if you want to respec fire


This is best done in Melee

Silver City Waypoint > Cathedral of Vanity > Black Abyss

Proceed forward from the Black Abyss. Do not forget to update your TP since Cathedral of Vanity has a level lock.

Plane of Sloth
You will find Sloth standing still at the center of its Plane. Take out Sloth and run around the room. Its corpse will be consumed by a vine that will trigger a bunch of homing crossbow bolts in the map. Wait for Sloth to respawn and kill him again until he drops his scroll. Pick up the Scroll, exit the room and turn left where a portal will lead you to

Plane of Gluttony
Continue North. Eventually you will come across Gluttony. Gluttony has massive health regeneration in addition to a ranged Shower of Rocks. Keep him distracted while you lob Thunderstones from afar. Be very aware of getting tagged by the Shower of Rocks. In general be expected to move after Thunderstone #4 since he'll one-shot your Elementals. There is also a high chance you will get swarmed by Dark Spawns while you are attacking Gluttony.

Plane of Greed
Greed is weird in that he will cast a spell that drains all your mana and lowers all your maximum resist. Greed is capable of detecting & attacking you as soon as you enter the main platform. So get ready to dodge once you enter the main arena. If you do get cursed, run circles around Greed until the curse runs out. Summon Ice Elemental to turn Greed and his curse away so you can Thunderstone him.

Plane of Lust
Clear the concubines that are in the way. The concubines' crazy libido means they will continue to rise up to get your sweet piece of ass no matter how many times you take them down. To the South is Lust, who is surrounded by more Concubines. Distract your enemies with your Snowballs so you can Thunderstone the boss. Keep an eye out for her Super Tornadoes and don't back yourself into a corner.

Plane of Wrath
Go back to town and put on your set from Genesis for maximum block before you enter the area. Reposition Wrath along the bridge if he is not taking damage. Debuff him and keep chugging healing potions until he eventually dies. The biggest threat since you swapped your gear is actually the Darkspawns since they can still swarm you. And because you just swapped out a majority of your gear, there's a chance you won't clear the Darkspawns fast enough. Go back to town and swap your gear before the area lock. At the end of the bridge is the portal to

Plane of Envy
You are cursed while you are inside the stage. This curse reduces your physical resist and movement speed. So be very aware around monsters' corpses. Envy now has a massively beefed up version of Death Shards that will one shot you if you get hit by the shrapnel. Have your fingers on healing items & teleport whenever you kill a monster. If you are really struggling you can consider adding "Slain Monsters Rest in Peace" in one of your items.

Plane of Pride
The return of Iron Maiden. This area continues to be the worst in the Black Abyss despite the rework. Go forward until you reach a dead end. Back track 1 teleport pad and take the right side portal. Leave a TP after you land and proceed up North. The main body of Pride is immune to damage and can only be damaged by reflecting damage of his minions back at him. So just have your Ice Elementals get hit by his minions while staying in range. Keep an eye out for the invisible turrets that will launch Lightning Bolts at you & your Elementals. Maintain social distance between you & your Elementals so you don't get hit by the 9 Lightning Bolts flying their way and hold down your Ice Elementals button until Pride dies. Sometimes Pride will teleport to the outer platforms. If that's the case you can try summoning Elementals across the area instead of trying to chase him down. Be very aware not to back yourself into a corner since Teleport does not work in this area. Occasionally Pride will get stuck at 0% health. If that happens, try to reposition in case you are out of range and eventually he will go down in a corner. Kite the Horde of minions away, pick up the ring and dive into the portal before the horde catches up to you.

Fat Inarius

Reward

Books of Kalan

Books of Kalan
Required Level: 130
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
+1 to All Skills
+(3 to 15) to Teleport
+25 to Life
+50 to Mana

Have as much Cold Resist as you can

If you've made it this far, you will be delighted to know the worst part is over. The rework in 1.6 has made this fight much easier to do. Destroy the totem at the center with Scream of Trag'oul from your ring. Inch a bit to the Left side, where Inarius will spawn. You want Inarius to target you instead of Lilith. Lilith will periodically mark an area on the ground with a red circle. After a while the red circle will be fully charged and stepping into it will make you & Inarius vulnerable to damage. Run through the blood pool, hold Inarius inside it with you Ice Elementals. Run further away and start lobbing Thunderstones at him. You will likely have to reposition after Thunderstone #3 since Inarius' attacks do massive damage. Unsummon your Ice Elementals whenever there are no blood pools so you maintain Inarius' attention. Occasionally Inarius will also send out a nova of Ice Orbs. These Orbs will detonate into a barrage of ice bolts. The gimmick with these is you have to run through them, take the small damage, before Lilith runs over them herself. Or god forbid, gets caught inside a blast. If Lilith dies then there is no way to make Inarius vulnerable. So keeping her from stepping into the Ice bolts is the top priority. You will have to give this a lot of goes to figure out the timing of when to summon your elementals and unsummon them quickly so Inarius doesn't flood the area with Ice Orbs.

Every +level to teleport reduces its mana cost, all the way down to 1, but does not reduce the cooldown.

Herald of the End

► Show Spoiler

Reward

Vial of Elder Blood

Vial of Elder Blood
Required Level: 135
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
-5% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
Maximum Life +3%
Maximum Mana +(6 to 10)%
+50 Life after each Kill
+(5 to 25)% to Experience Gained
Transmute with a Nephalem Dimensional Key
with unlocked Dimensional Alchemy
and a Greater Signet of Learning to open
a portal to the Heart of Darkness

, Super Cool Items that give you incredibly fun Oskills

Pulsating World Stone Shard from Baal > Transmute to learn about the history of Sanctuary > Transmute until you reach the puzzle stage > Transmute with the solution to empower the shard> Transmute the big shard with Taha Rune for a scroll > Right Click the scroll

The final boss of the 2017 patch. Lightning and Cold Themed boss. I have not completed it yet.

Solution to the puzzle below
It which bears the writings of Genesis -

The Glorious Book of Median

The Glorious Book of Median
Required Level: 130
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
+1 to All Skills
Adds 10-15 Damage
+(24 to 45)% Damage to Demons
Elemental Resists +(5 to 15)%

because you know, it came from a place called Genesis and the avatar of the creator of the mod.
It which can manifest their son and his disciple - Sigil of the seven deadly sins because Scream of Trag'oul used to manifest Rathma & Mendln in the Void instead of Inarius & Lilith
It which is of the brother, savior and sacrifice -

Neutrality Pact

Neutrality Pact
Required Level: 130
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
+(1 to 2) to All Skills
+(61 to 100)% Bonus to Summoned Edyrem Life
+(2 to 5) to Purify

because it used to be called Uldyssian's Sword, which is of the brother(to Mendeln), savior(to mankind and Sanctuary) and sacrifice(because he negated his own existence for mankind at the climax of the Sin War)
It which is of many and may cleanse the soul - Assur's Bane because it Purifies the soul and there are a whole bunch of them since Duncraig is cleared many times.
It which is the splinter of the spirit in a land unformed - Ghost Trance because it is a drop from the spirit(of Giyua) in Mbwiru Eikura(Unformed Land).

Dimensional Labryinth

► Show Spoiler

Haven't completed it yet. Maybe later

Back to top

[Scalewinged]

Why

Lumen Arcana

Lumen Arcana
Body Armors
'Ith'
Runeword Level: 18
+1 to All Skills
-(3 to 8)% to Enemy Fire Resistance
-(3 to 8)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
-(3 to 8)% to Enemy Cold Resistance
-(3 to 8)% to Enemy Poison Resistance
+(25 to 50)% Enhanced Defense
+2 to Light Radius

not mentioned as useful item for start/a1? There's also other useful items until you travel into TUs:

Prophecy

Prophecy
Scepters
'Ith'
Runeword Level: 18
+1 to All Skills
+(3 to 4) to Maximum Damage
+(10 to 26)% Enhanced Damage
+1 Life Regenerated per Second
Fire Resist +(21 to 40)%
Cold Resist +(21 to 40)%
Poison Length Reduced by (10 to 15)%
Attacker Takes Fire Damage of (21 to 25)
Attacker Takes Cold Damage of (21 to 25)

+

Pharaoh

combo. At start i prefer just having as much +skills as possible for caster.

A3. Lam Esen not giving +10 all attr. It giving +10 attr points.

As for TA - you can blink to Lycander from very entrance instead of running around, also due to zones rework you can now also blink from Skovos to Phillos - there's small passage down in the right-most part of Skovos arena. Once you find it - stand at the very bottom corner, aim at somewhere above your belt potions and it will blink you to Philios arena (prepere smth also because probably wou'll be surrounded by amazons).

At MOing TU caster weapon i advice LaeK instead of EF since EF not playing that big role until at least mid-game.

Overall one of best guides i've seen since Sigma came out. Very detailed and covers the whole game and not just gear suggestions as many of last ones. Also additional + is that it's not for obviously op char who need nothing to shine (looking at UHM pal).


PS: There's also some wrong info at ubers details.. morphs in both Tal Rasha and Koth ubers are now location-based instead of aura from boss. Butcher charges his shrines immediately with his Bloodlust on attack and it's fairly possible to catch him in spot when he will never charge any of shrines.... etc.

[mortimer_85]

First of all: Great Effort! You put quite some time into writing this stuff. It seems to me more of a mix between an entertaining walktrough and a guide.

To be honest - I have not read it all. Nevertheless I have some notes/questions.

Skills:

Tempest vs Fsphere:
you say tanky summons comes first and you also say that Tempest is the main farming skill. While I agree that you can make up a lot due to proper positioning with Tempest it also is simply strong because of the autoaim. In my experience spamming while moving yields good clear without to crazy gear but maxing this skill.

Witchblood:

cut
Gives us life after each kill and increases the potency of our spells if we are above 80% health. It is picked primarily because of the life after each kill, less so for the spell damage increase.
cut

Please don't get me wrong but from this sentence it seems that you do not really know what Witchblood exactly does or you think that being above 80% of max HP simply never is the case.
However - this Bonus stacks with the Synergy from EF/ene and scales with slvl (4% per) - therefore leads to really big Synergy multipliers in endgame. This skill is the reason why Sorc skills on a Sorc are actually f*ing strong. This skill is also the reason why in some cases all skill/Sorc skills can be better than some Spell Damage or EF/ene. Skills increase the base damage and the synergy % for a Sorc at the same time.

Endgame Gear:

rings:
You are emphasizing perfect light rolls on rares while also suggesting

Witchcraft

Witchcraft
Ring
Required Level: 100
Item Level: 120
+2 to All Skills
20% Cast Speed
-5% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
Maximum Mana (-5 to 5)%
20% Bonus to Defense

. This seems a bit odd to me. The only reason why Witchcraft might be compete with good rares in endgame is the skill Witchblood but as long as you are not capped with pierce even a mediocre 1sk 7 pierce low sd ring will beat mentioned SU in total damage output.

Body Armor:
While mentioning gg crafts on Weapon and Helmet slot you are not doing so for Sorc Body Armor what seems weird. A good craft can beat

Hide of the Basilisk

Hide of the Basilisk
Chain Mail (Sacred)
Defense: (5807 - 6817) to (6568 - 7711)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 600
Item Level: 120
+(1 to 2) to All Skills
30% Cast Speed
+(25 to 38)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-35% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(13 to 16) to Thunderstone
+(130 to 170)% Enhanced Defense
+250 to Mana
Maximum Lightning Resist +4%
Physical Resist 15%
1% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (6)

and

Ennead's Bane

Ennead's Bane
Kazarghand (4)
Defense: (173 - 204) to (354 - 417)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 6
Required Dexterity: 46 to 48
Item Level: 10
+1 to Sorceress Skill Levels
5% Cast Speed
+(3 to 4)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(6 to 8)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(24 to 46)% Enhanced Defense
+(11 to 15) to Dexterity
+(11 to 15) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(11 to 15)%
Requirements -(11 to 15)%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (625 - 710) to (1152 - 1309)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 24
Required Dexterity: 60 to 63
Item Level: 36
+2 to Sorceress Skill Levels
15% Cast Speed
+(5 to 8)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(11 to 13)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(69 to 92)% Enhanced Defense
+(21 to 25) to Dexterity
+(21 to 25) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(21 to 25)%
Requirements -(21 to 25)%
Socketed (4)
Defense: (1618 - 1784) to (2915 - 3213)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 41
Required Dexterity: 110 to 117
Item Level: 51
+3 to Sorceress Skill Levels
25% Cast Speed
+(9 to 12)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(16 to 18)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(115 to 137)% Enhanced Defense
+(31 to 35) to Dexterity
+(31 to 35) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(31 to 35)%
Requirements -(31 to 35)%
Socketed (5)
Defense: (2444 - 2670) to (4372 - 4776)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 51
Required Dexterity: 211 to 225
Item Level: 85
+4 to Sorceress Skill Levels
30% Cast Speed
+(13 to 15)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(18 to 20)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(138 to 160)% Enhanced Defense
+(36 to 40) to Dexterity
+(36 to 40) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(36 to 40)%
Requirements -(36 to 40)%
Socketed (6)

by far. The TU is in quite some cases (especially with capped pierce + Griffon + nice % ene) even better than Hide. Because of the light res, the flat ene - but most important: the 2 more skills -> looking at Witchblood and base damage again.

Gloves:
Same like Body Armor. Good crafts beat

Lamha Na Draoithe

Lamha Na Draoithe
Gauntlets (Sacred)
Defense: (1339 - 1506) to (1567 - 1763)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 625
Item Level: 120
+2 to All Skills
+150 Spell Focus
30% Cast Speed
+(16 to 20)% to Spell Damage
+(140 to 170)% Enhanced Defense
+75 to Strength
-100 to Life
Elemental Resists +15%
Socketed (4)

and

Lorekeeper

Lorekeeper
Light Gauntlets (Sacred)
Defense: (1018 - 1179) to (1159 - 1342)
Required Level: 80
Required Strength: 300
Item Level: 120
+3 to All Skills
20% Combat Speeds
+(5 to 10) to Firedance
+(90 to 120)% Enhanced Defense
Regenerate Mana +(40 to 60)%
Requirements -50%
Socketed (4)

. Only the one more skill and more MO space on Lores can make them better when having pierce elsewhere - Witchblood again. I assume that you would have been in a squishier Fire/ light Spec anyways for maximizing damage output. If you stay in cold/light then yeah the Firedance boost will beat any craft.

[Engersion]

Why

Lumen Arcana

Lumen Arcana
Body Armors
'Ith'
Runeword Level: 18
+1 to All Skills
-(3 to 8)% to Enemy Fire Resistance
-(3 to 8)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
-(3 to 8)% to Enemy Cold Resistance
-(3 to 8)% to Enemy Poison Resistance
+(25 to 50)% Enhanced Defense
+2 to Light Radius

not mentioned as useful item for start/a1?

Because I'm mentally ill and definitely have the memory of putting it in there.

There's also other useful items until you travel into TUs:

Prophecy

Prophecy
Scepters
'Ith'
Runeword Level: 18
+1 to All Skills
+(3 to 4) to Maximum Damage
+(10 to 26)% Enhanced Damage
+1 Life Regenerated per Second
Fire Resist +(21 to 40)%
Cold Resist +(21 to 40)%
Poison Length Reduced by (10 to 15)%
Attacker Takes Fire Damage of (21 to 25)
Attacker Takes Cold Damage of (21 to 25)

+

Pharaoh

combo. At start i prefer just having as much +skills as possible for caster.

Those are good options. The reason I didn't have them is because

Pax Mystica

Pax Mystica
Staves
'Tir'
Runeword Level: 10
+1 to All Skills
+7% to Spell Damage
+(2 to 5) to Blink
Elemental Resists +(11 to 15)%
(11 to 13)% Magic Find

was enough to get me to Mephisto and begin farming Arcane Crystals. Added to Act III section in case anyone needs extra help getting Mephisto down.

A3. Lam Esen not giving +10 all attr. It giving +10 attr points.

Corrected

As for TA - you can blink to Lycander from very entrance instead of running around, also due to zones rework you can now also blink from Skovos to Phillos - there's small passage down in the right-most part of Skovos arena. Once you find it - stand at the very bottom corner, aim at somewhere above your belt potions and it will blink you to Philios arena (prepere smth also because probably wou'll be surrounded by amazons).

You are right. Updated map.

At MOing TU caster weapon i advice LaeK instead of EF since EF not playing that big role until at least mid-game.

I thought about that. Ultimately I picked energy factor because we already have Witchblood and Anitmass and +50 life after each kill on weapon isn't really going to be enough if you are in imminent danger. The other reason is that I assume there will be a chance for people not being able to find

Ghostmoon

Ghostmoon
Sacred Globe (Sacred)
One-Hand Damage: 36 to 37
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 100
Required Dexterity: 177
Item Level: 105
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.11 per Dexterity)%
+8 to Maximum Forked Lightning Projectiles
+(4 to 6) to Sorceress Skill Levels
+20% to Spell Damage
-20% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
Regenerate Mana +(15 to 40)%
Maximum Elemental Resists +(0 to 1)%
(15 to 25)% Gold Find
(15 to 25)% Magic Find
Socketed (2)

until much later.

PS: There's also some wrong info at ubers details.. morphs in both Tal Rasha and Koth ubers are now location-based instead of aura from boss. Butcher charges his shrines immediately with his Bloodlust on attack and it's fairly possible to catch him in spot when he will never charge any of shrines.... etc.

Can you elaborate more on this? The morph part as in the morph is applied when you enter and stay in the map? Corrected the butcher

Please don't get me wrong but from this sentence it seems that you do not really know what Witchblood exactly does

You are correct, I don't know this part of the bonus. I know Witchblood and Bacchanalia are supposed to have some bonus that interacts with stat synergy from your spell damage article although I never quite managed to find the exact way it works. If you don't mind can you do a breakdown of the skill and I'll link to your post for the proper explanation? I'll avoid speculating too much to limit misinformation here.

Tempest vs Fsphere

I think we are operating under different assumptions here. I don't think of it as a Tempest vs Sphere(Elementals) and more of Tempest + Thunderstone vs Sphere(Elementals) + Thunderstone. My assumption is that a player will farm with whatever spec they are also using for boss hunting. The reason I frame it this way is purely to limit the number of times a character has to use respec. In terms of farming it is better to max Tempest. And Elemental is not really needed for farming once you have some basic SU.

Regarding Tempest itself, it is an ok skill. Although I find the auto target sometimes working against me especially when I'm getting swarmed by large groups of monsters early on. More often than not, it will leave your flank open to Lightning Absorb monsters and you'll have to Thunderstone yourself to get rid of them. Alternatively it will glue to nearby Lightning Absorbs while leaving your flank open to other monsters. Even at max level the primary strength still comes from the number of lightning bolts you can launch at a target rather than a singular stray lightning bolt. The cast and move method works when you have good enough gear where you can take out any non Lightning Absorb quickly so the auto aim targets the remaining monsters.

Rings

I put in

Witchcraft

Witchcraft
Ring
Required Level: 100
Item Level: 120
+2 to All Skills
20% Cast Speed
-5% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
Maximum Mana (-5 to 5)%
20% Bonus to Defense

because even good rares seem very hard to come by when it comes to jewelry. I did not mean the say

Witchcraft

Witchcraft
Ring
Required Level: 100
Item Level: 120
+2 to All Skills
20% Cast Speed
-5% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
Maximum Mana (-5 to 5)%
20% Bonus to Defense

can be considered BiS in any way. I'll go back and correct that.

Body armor & Gloves

Crafted Body armor is not mentioned because I consider

Hide of the Basilisk

Hide of the Basilisk
Chain Mail (Sacred)
Defense: (5807 - 6817) to (6568 - 7711)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 600
Item Level: 120
+(1 to 2) to All Skills
30% Cast Speed
+(25 to 38)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-35% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(13 to 16) to Thunderstone
+(130 to 170)% Enhanced Defense
+250 to Mana
Maximum Lightning Resist +4%
Physical Resist 15%
1% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (6)

a good enough option to last til at least 135. And with how many shrines you would have spent on the Circlet, Gloves and Belt. A second reason is that farming areas in later levels aren't really as generous with shrines as the earlier levels so I pivoted towards uniques instead. The same is true for Gloves. I'll go and add those back in since the last gear upgrade section now functions practically like a gear plan for BiS.

I actually stuck with Light & Cold all the way. Boss hunting is a bit of a mess without Elementals. I will go for a respec when I finally put together something that can go into the last areas.

[Istaryu]

That is a really well constructed and well thought-out guide, great job!

Ennead's Bane

Ennead's Bane
Kazarghand (4)
Defense: (173 - 204) to (354 - 417)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 6
Required Dexterity: 46 to 48
Item Level: 10
+1 to Sorceress Skill Levels
5% Cast Speed
+(3 to 4)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(6 to 8)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(24 to 46)% Enhanced Defense
+(11 to 15) to Dexterity
+(11 to 15) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(11 to 15)%
Requirements -(11 to 15)%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (625 - 710) to (1152 - 1309)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 24
Required Dexterity: 60 to 63
Item Level: 36
+2 to Sorceress Skill Levels
15% Cast Speed
+(5 to 8)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(11 to 13)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(69 to 92)% Enhanced Defense
+(21 to 25) to Dexterity
+(21 to 25) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(21 to 25)%
Requirements -(21 to 25)%
Socketed (4)
Defense: (1618 - 1784) to (2915 - 3213)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 41
Required Dexterity: 110 to 117
Item Level: 51
+3 to Sorceress Skill Levels
25% Cast Speed
+(9 to 12)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(16 to 18)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(115 to 137)% Enhanced Defense
+(31 to 35) to Dexterity
+(31 to 35) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(31 to 35)%
Requirements -(31 to 35)%
Socketed (5)
Defense: (2444 - 2670) to (4372 - 4776)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 51
Required Dexterity: 211 to 225
Item Level: 85
+4 to Sorceress Skill Levels
30% Cast Speed
+(13 to 15)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(18 to 20)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(138 to 160)% Enhanced Defense
+(36 to 40) to Dexterity
+(36 to 40) to Energy
Lightning Resist +(36 to 40)%
Requirements -(36 to 40)%
Socketed (6)

is just so damn good, that its not worth spending shrines on it before you upgrade your other item slots, as you would need a ton of shrines to beat that tu.

Just a side note, irrelevant to the guide:
I am still waiting for the day when caster sets become viable. 10% lightning pierce is just pathetic, for 4 item slots, on the lightning sorc set. Fire sorc set can have up to 39, for 4 item slots, which is still pathetic. Most, if not all other casters sets have similarly low pierce.

[suchbalance]

I think you're doing your guide a disservice with the title. References to some ancient post won't actually inform the new players, your target audience, what the guide is about and make them click on it.

[Crash]

Your Tempestsucks hyperlink to the old guide doesn't actually link to the old Tempestsucks guide.

Overall, nicely done, in my opinion. It looks like you explained things in pretty plain terms for new players to understand. Nice to see lightning sorc get some attention.

[Acry]

I think you're doing your guide a disservice with the title. References to some ancient post won't actually inform the new players, your target audience, what the guide is about and make them click on it.

I agree. There was a lot of effort put into this just to say it sucks right in the title.