SSF Elemental Barbarian

[Kerchaak]

The elemental barbarian

Introduction

Before we begin, let us explore what led to the conception of this guide. I will be the first to admit that I did not expect the build to perform as well as it did. At this date, we are far into the season and well acquainted with the builds that dominate the ladder as well as the end-game content. As I pushed through the content with different barbarian builds, I ended up sticking with the elemental barbarian. However, I was curious to see how well the build would perform from start to finish and so decided to start a barbarian from scratch using only what I would find whilst keeping a diary of my findings. The following will be a representation of these findings and will attempt to guide you through the game.

The elemental barbarian is a melee build that utilizes an amalgam of skills to buff our character before unleashing a unidirectional wave of destruction, which at worst may force the player into having to rely on its awkwardness and turn it into what makes the build shine : a ridiculous amount of damage output. It is a rather engaging build with and incredible amount of self sustainability which makes him very durable, capable of overcoming most, if not all, of what the mod throws at us.


Pros & Cons
Pros

Engaging gameplay
Excellent survivability
Excellent single target damage
Can do all content
Solo Self Found
Minimal skill switching
Will perform great with easily obtainable gear

Cons

Melee build
Clear speeds can be slow to average, depending on technique
Demands respecs at different milestones

Stats, Skills & Breakpoints

stats
Early to mid game

Strength : Everything
Dexterity : None
Vitality : None
Energy : None

Mid to late game

Strength : Enough to wear gear until charms cover burden of hard points
Dexterity : Everything or Enough for Max block (60%)
Vitality : None or Rest of points when Max block is reached
Energy : None

Skills
Nomad

Wolf companion : 1
Hunter's Mark : 0-1
Spirit guide : 0-1
Ancient blood : Max
Mountain King : Max
Bear stance : 1-Max (Depending on Physical Resistance cap)
Eagle stance : 0-Max (Required for a few Uber levels)

Elementalist

Conflux : Max (25-30)
Iron spiral : 1-Max (Max to remove cooldown, respec to 1 at level 40)
Overload : 1
Thunderstorm/Deep Freeze/Purifying Flame : 1 (Deep freeze Max provided sustain is respectable)
Primordial Strike : Max (5-10)

Warmonger

Citadel : 0-Max (Upon acquiring proper shield)

Reward

Immortal : 1
Nephalem Spirit : 0-Max (If survivability respectable)
Runemaster: 0-Max (See Nephalem spirit)

Mastery

Melee devotion : 1
Endurance : 10
Specialization : 0-Max

Breakpoints

(attack speed with Crystal sword)


How to play/Gameplay
Buff with stance, innate skill, Mark of the wild (when you have it), summon wolf. Keep Primordial Strike on left click and swap between Deep Freeze, Purifying flame when sustainability is required and Conflux on right click. Find an enemy and hit it with Conflux, make sure to hit enemies with Conflux every so often (it lasts 10 minutes), Overload yourself by using either Deep Freeze for damage or Purifying flame for healing (lasts 20 seconds but can be casted without any targets) and slap enemies with Primordial strike.

Primordial strike is a skill that releases a unidirectional AoE wave that extends around the character and flows towards the right side hitting everything in its path multiple times. This may seem like an awkward skill to use (it can be in certain situations), but how you position yourself can really turn this awkwardness into your advantage and will speed up clearing exponentially. How do we do this? By herding enemies into a ball (as long as you can survive doing this, otherwise there's no point) and concentrating your attacks on the the leftmost side of the ball in order to have all enemies to your right get hit by the AoE.

If possible, travel through rift areas following a pattern that will allow mobs to come for you from the right side in areas where herding monsters will get you killed.


Mercenaries
Refer to the beautifully written "The Hireling Handbook - A guide to Mercenaries"
https://forum.median-xl.com/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=58753


Gear
This is 95% SSF
You will notice that there is no mention of the

Gathering of the Tribes

Gathering of the Tribes
(Barbarian Elementalist Set)

Bear's Warding
Snake's Battle Chant
The Coming Storm
Wolf's Fang

Set Bonus with 2 or more set items:
+50 to Strength
+100 to Vitality

Set Bonus with 3 or more set items:
250% Bonus to Attack Rating
Adds 1-500 Lightning Damage

Set Bonus with complete set:
30% Chance to cast level 20 Shockwave on Melee Attack
10% Innate Elemental Damage
+4000 Defense
+250 to Strength
Elemental Resists +75%
Physical Resist 10%
25% Chance to Avoid Damage

Set. Well, that's because I haven't found a single piece during this barbarian build's play-through. Although I am certain it is incredible, I am unaware as to which point it would be appropriate to switch off the set and progress towards a dexterity centric build, since the set is centered around strength, there may be issues in-regards to Attack rating values. In short, if you find the full set, please don't let me stop you from using it. Proceed as the guide suggests if you find yourself struggling.

Early game Lv1-90 (Normal & Nightmare)

Weapons:
Smoldering Edge

Smoldering Edge
Barbarian One-Handed Axes
'Tir'
Runeword Level: 10
15% Attack Speed
+10 Fire Damage
Elemental Resists +(4 to 6)%
+(2 to 3) Life on Melee Attack
(5 to 10)% Magic Find

in Tier 1 Ono -> Tier 2-4
Skullhammer

Skullhammer
Battle Axe (4)
Required Level: 5
Required Strength: 60
Item Level: 8
Innate Fire Damage: (13.0% of Strength)
10% Chance to cast level 10 Lava Pit on Melee Attack
15% Attack Speed
Adds (12 to 14)-(17 to 18) Fire Damage
-(11 to 13)% to Enemy Fire Resistance
(5 to 7)% Chance of Crushing Blow
Maximum Mana -(3 to 5)%
+20 Life on Melee Attack
Socketed (2)
Required Level: 24
Required Strength: 93
Item Level: 26
Innate Fire Damage: (13.0% of Strength)
12% Chance to cast level 20 Lava Pit on Melee Attack
25% Attack Speed
Adds (41 to 43)-(56 to 58) Fire Damage
-(16 to 18)% to Enemy Fire Resistance
(8 to 10)% Chance of Crushing Blow
Maximum Mana -(9 to 11)%
+50 Life on Melee Attack
Socketed (4)
Required Level: 42
Required Strength: 186
Item Level: 47
Innate Fire Damage: (13.0% of Strength)
14% Chance to cast level 30 Lava Pit on Melee Attack
35% Attack Speed
Adds (131 to 140)-(176 to 190) Fire Damage
-(21 to 23)% to Enemy Fire Resistance
(11 to 13)% Chance of Crushing Blow
Maximum Mana -(15 to 17)%
+75 Life on Melee Attack
Socketed (5)
Required Level: 51
Required Strength: 369
Item Level: 81
Innate Fire Damage: (13.0% of Strength)
16% Chance to cast level 40 Lava Pit on Melee Attack
40% Attack Speed
Adds (451 to 460)-(626 to 640) Fire Damage
-(23 to 25)% to Enemy Fire Resistance
(14 to 16)% Chance of Crushing Blow
Maximum Mana -(18 to 20)%
+100 Life on Melee Attack
Socketed (6)


On switch :
Pax Mystica


Pax Mystica
Staves
'ElTir'
Runeword Level: 10
+1 to All Skills
+7% to Spell Damage
+(2 to 5) to Blink
+3 to all Attributes
Elemental Resists +(11 to 15)%
(11 to 13)% Magic Find


Helm :
Honor

Honor
Helms
'Tal'
Runeword Level: 20
7% Movement Speed
+7% to Spell Damage
Elemental Resists +7%
Poison Length Reduced by (10 to 15)%
-7% to All Vendor Prices

-> Tier 2-4
Topspin

Topspin
Skull Cap (4)
Defense: (76 - 83) to (115 - 125)
Required Level: 3
Required Strength: 28
Item Level: 4
5% Attack Speed
+(31 to 50)% Enhanced Defense
+(31 to 50) Defense
(3 to 5)% to Dexterity
(3 to 5)% to Energy
Maximum Elemental Resists +1%
10% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (1)
Defense: (277 - 301) to (365 - 397)
Required Level: 20
Required Strength: 55
Item Level: 23
15% Attack Speed
+(61 to 80)% Enhanced Defense
+(71 to 100) Defense
(6 to 8)% to Dexterity
(6 to 8)% to Energy
Maximum Elemental Resists +1%
20% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (3)
Defense: (704 - 760) to (876 - 943)
Required Level: 37
Required Strength: 192
Item Level: 43
25% Attack Speed
+(91 to 110)% Enhanced Defense
+(151 to 200) Defense
(9 to 11)% to Dexterity
(9 to 11)% to Energy
Maximum Elemental Resists +2%
30% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (4)
Defense: (1182 - 1258) to (1471 - 1564)
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 384
Item Level: 78
30% Attack Speed
+(121 to 140)% Enhanced Defense
+(301 to 400) Defense
(12 to 14)% to Dexterity
(12 to 14)% to Energy
Maximum Elemental Resists +2%
40% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (4)


Body :
Akara's Robe (1)

Akara's Robe
Quilted Armor (1)
Defense: 74 to 100
Required Level: 10
Required Strength: 10
Item Level: 255
+50 Defense
+(6 to 10) to all Attributes
+50 to Life
Elemental Resists +(11 to 15)%
Cannot be Upgraded
Socketed (2)

-> Tier 2-4
Werecat

Werecat
Breast Plate (4)
Defense: (203 - 224) to (379 - 422)
Required Level: 5
Required Strength: 30
Item Level: 8
5% Chance to cast level 1 Claw Tornado on Melee Attack
15% Attack Speed
4% Life stolen per Hit
+(24 to 40)% Enhanced Defense
+(41 to 50) Defense
+(11 to 20) to all Attributes
Physical Resist 3%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (622 - 681) to (1100 - 1207)
Required Level: 23
Required Strength: 60
Item Level: 27
6% Chance to cast level 7 Claw Tornado on Melee Attack
30% Attack Speed
6% Life stolen per Hit
+(58 to 75)% Enhanced Defense
+(81 to 100) Defense
+(21 to 30) to all Attributes
Physical Resist 4%
Socketed (4)
Defense: (1471 - 1589) to (2563 - 2777)
Required Level: 40
Required Strength: 210
Item Level: 47
7% Chance to cast level 13 Claw Tornado on Melee Attack
45% Attack Speed
8% Life stolen per Hit
+(92 to 109)% Enhanced Defense
+(131 to 150) Defense
+(31 to 40) to all Attributes
Physical Resist 5%
Socketed (5)
Defense: (2168 - 2330) to (3757 - 4046)
Required Level: 50
Required Strength: 420
Item Level: 83
8% Chance to cast level 16 Claw Tornado on Melee Attack
60% Attack Speed
10% Life stolen per Hit
+(109 to 126)% Enhanced Defense
+(181 to 200) Defense
+(41 to 50) to all Attributes
Physical Resist 6%
Socketed (6)


Gloves :
Enlightenment

Enlightenment
Gloves
'El'
Runeword Level: 6
10% Combat Speeds
2% Life stolen per Hit
2% Mana stolen per Hit
+5 to all Attributes
+(2 to 3) Life Regenerated per Second
Lightning Resist +15%
+(4 to 6) to Light Radius

-> Tier 2-4
Featherclaw

Featherclaw
Chain Gloves (4)
Defense: (28 - 30) to (49 - 54)
Required Level: 5
Required Strength: 28
Item Level: 8
5% Attack Speed
(21 to 50)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(18 to 29)% Enhanced Defense
+(6 to 10) to Dexterity
Socketed (1)
Defense: (149 - 161) to (203 - 218)
Required Level: 22
Required Strength: 57
Item Level: 26
15% Attack Speed
(81 to 110)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(41 to 52)% Enhanced Defense
+(16 to 20) to Dexterity
Socketed (2)
Defense: (393 - 420) to (519 - 554)
Required Level: 40
Required Strength: 201
Item Level: 46
25% Attack Speed
(141 to 170)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(64 to 75)% Enhanced Defense
+(26 to 30) to Dexterity
Socketed (3)
Defense: (581 - 617) to (759 - 807)
Required Level: 48
Required Strength: 402
Item Level: 80
30% Attack Speed
(171 to 200)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(75 to 86)% Enhanced Defense
+(31 to 35) to Dexterity
Socketed (4)


Belt :
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

-> Tier 2-4
Dragon Tail

Dragon Tail
Plated Belt (4)
Defense: (206 - 232) to (277 - 312)
Required Level: 10
Required Strength: 34
Item Level: 16
5% Chance to cast level 6 Seal of Fire on Melee Attack
15% Attack Speed
Adds (3 to 5)-(6 to 8) Fire Damage
Stun Attack
+(51 to 70)% Enhanced Defense
Fire Resist +(16 to 25)%
Socketed (1)
Defense: (640 - 708) to (828 - 916)
Required Level: 27
Required Strength: 68
Item Level: 32
6% Chance to cast level 14 Seal of Fire on Melee Attack
25% Attack Speed
Adds (8 to 13)-(13 to 20) Fire Damage
Stun Attack
+(81 to 100)% Enhanced Defense
Fire Resist +(36 to 45)%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (1519 - 1656) to (1928 - 2102)
Required Level: 44
Required Strength: 236
Item Level: 52
7% Chance to cast level 20 Seal of Fire on Melee Attack
35% Attack Speed
Adds (25 to 35)-(40 to 55) Fire Damage
Stun Attack
+(111 to 130)% Enhanced Defense
Fire Resist +(56 to 65)%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (2366 - 2553) to (2993 - 3229)
Required Level: 52
Required Strength: 472
Item Level: 87
8% Chance to cast level 24 Seal of Fire on Melee Attack
40% Attack Speed
Adds (81 to 100)-(121 to 160) Fire Damage
Stun Attack
+(141 to 160)% Enhanced Defense
Fire Resist +(66 to 75)%
Socketed (2)


Boots :
Epicenter

Epicenter
Boots
'Ith'
Runeword Level: 18
0.0625% Chance of Crushing Blow (Based on Character Level)
+(4 to 15)% Enhanced Defense
+(40 to 60) to Life
Elemental Resists +(3 to 5)%

-> Tier 2-4
Zealot Rush

Zealot Rush
Light Plated Boots (4)
Defense: (67 - 78) to (102 - 119)
Required Level: 6
Required Strength: 31
Item Level: 10
5% Attack Speed
(0 to 40)% Movement Speed
(11 to 25)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(21 to 40)% Enhanced Defense
(3 to 5)% to Dexterity
1% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (1)
Defense: (248 - 281) to (338 - 384)
Required Level: 24
Required Strength: 62
Item Level: 27
10% Attack Speed
(0 to 40)% Movement Speed
(41 to 55)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(41 to 60)% Enhanced Defense
(9 to 11)% to Dexterity
2% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (2)
Defense: (613 - 685) to (817 - 914)
Required Level: 41
Required Strength: 218
Item Level: 48
20% Attack Speed
(0 to 40)% Movement Speed
(71 to 85)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(61 to 80)% Enhanced Defense
(15 to 17)% to Dexterity
3% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (3)
Defense: (944 - 1044) to (1247 - 1378)
Required Level: 50
Required Strength: 436
Item Level: 83
30% Attack Speed
(0 to 40)% Movement Speed
(86 to 100)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(81 to 100)% Enhanced Defense
(18 to 20)% to Dexterity
4% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (4)


Jewelry : -x% to enemy Fire resistance rings/amulet or
Ring of Regha

Ring of Regha
Ring
Item Level: 1
Adds 3-5 Damage
+5% to Spell Damage
+(5 to 15) to Strength
+(5 to 15) to Dexterity
Elemental Resists +10%

Mystic Orbs & Sockets : Resistance gems to cap & Perfect Diamonds into armor, Perfect Rainbow into Weapon. MO weapon with at least 1 x Mana on melee attack.

Early game Lv90-110 (Hell & early ubers)

Weapons: Tier 4
Skullhammer

Skullhammer
Battle Axe (4)
Required Level: 5
Required Strength: 60
Item Level: 8
Innate Fire Damage: (13.0% of Strength)
10% Chance to cast level 10 Lava Pit on Melee Attack
15% Attack Speed
Adds (12 to 14)-(17 to 18) Fire Damage
-(11 to 13)% to Enemy Fire Resistance
(5 to 7)% Chance of Crushing Blow
Maximum Mana -(3 to 5)%
+20 Life on Melee Attack
Socketed (2)
Required Level: 24
Required Strength: 93
Item Level: 26
Innate Fire Damage: (13.0% of Strength)
12% Chance to cast level 20 Lava Pit on Melee Attack
25% Attack Speed
Adds (41 to 43)-(56 to 58) Fire Damage
-(16 to 18)% to Enemy Fire Resistance
(8 to 10)% Chance of Crushing Blow
Maximum Mana -(9 to 11)%
+50 Life on Melee Attack
Socketed (4)
Required Level: 42
Required Strength: 186
Item Level: 47
Innate Fire Damage: (13.0% of Strength)
14% Chance to cast level 30 Lava Pit on Melee Attack
35% Attack Speed
Adds (131 to 140)-(176 to 190) Fire Damage
-(21 to 23)% to Enemy Fire Resistance
(11 to 13)% Chance of Crushing Blow
Maximum Mana -(15 to 17)%
+75 Life on Melee Attack
Socketed (5)
Required Level: 51
Required Strength: 369
Item Level: 81
Innate Fire Damage: (13.0% of Strength)
16% Chance to cast level 40 Lava Pit on Melee Attack
40% Attack Speed
Adds (451 to 460)-(626 to 640) Fire Damage
-(23 to 25)% to Enemy Fire Resistance
(14 to 16)% Chance of Crushing Blow
Maximum Mana -(18 to 20)%
+100 Life on Melee Attack
Socketed (6)

-> Honorific Tier 4 or Sacred Crystal Sword or Crafted Sacred Crystal Sword (Abandoned/Trinity)
Shield : Tier 4
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: 6
+(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: 25
+(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: 46
+(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: 80
+(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)


On switch :
Pax Mystica


Pax Mystica
Staves
'ElTir'
Runeword Level: 10
+1 to All Skills
+7% to Spell Damage
+(2 to 5) to Blink
+3 to all Attributes
Elemental Resists +(11 to 15)%
(11 to 13)% Magic Find

-> Crafted Sacred Throwing Axe with +6 All Skills (to pre-buff Bear stance & Conflux)
Helm : Tier 4
Topspin

Topspin
Skull Cap (4)
Defense: (76 - 83) to (115 - 125)
Required Level: 3
Required Strength: 28
Item Level: 4
5% Attack Speed
+(31 to 50)% Enhanced Defense
+(31 to 50) Defense
(3 to 5)% to Dexterity
(3 to 5)% to Energy
Maximum Elemental Resists +1%
10% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (1)
Defense: (277 - 301) to (365 - 397)
Required Level: 20
Required Strength: 55
Item Level: 23
15% Attack Speed
+(61 to 80)% Enhanced Defense
+(71 to 100) Defense
(6 to 8)% to Dexterity
(6 to 8)% to Energy
Maximum Elemental Resists +1%
20% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (3)
Defense: (704 - 760) to (876 - 943)
Required Level: 37
Required Strength: 192
Item Level: 43
25% Attack Speed
+(91 to 110)% Enhanced Defense
+(151 to 200) Defense
(9 to 11)% to Dexterity
(9 to 11)% to Energy
Maximum Elemental Resists +2%
30% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (4)
Defense: (1182 - 1258) to (1471 - 1564)
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 384
Item Level: 78
30% Attack Speed
+(121 to 140)% Enhanced Defense
+(301 to 400) Defense
(12 to 14)% to Dexterity
(12 to 14)% to Energy
Maximum Elemental Resists +2%
40% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (4)


Body : Tier 4
Werecat

Werecat
Breast Plate (4)
Defense: (203 - 224) to (379 - 422)
Required Level: 5
Required Strength: 30
Item Level: 8
5% Chance to cast level 1 Claw Tornado on Melee Attack
15% Attack Speed
4% Life stolen per Hit
+(24 to 40)% Enhanced Defense
+(41 to 50) Defense
+(11 to 20) to all Attributes
Physical Resist 3%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (622 - 681) to (1100 - 1207)
Required Level: 23
Required Strength: 60
Item Level: 27
6% Chance to cast level 7 Claw Tornado on Melee Attack
30% Attack Speed
6% Life stolen per Hit
+(58 to 75)% Enhanced Defense
+(81 to 100) Defense
+(21 to 30) to all Attributes
Physical Resist 4%
Socketed (4)
Defense: (1471 - 1589) to (2563 - 2777)
Required Level: 40
Required Strength: 210
Item Level: 47
7% Chance to cast level 13 Claw Tornado on Melee Attack
45% Attack Speed
8% Life stolen per Hit
+(92 to 109)% Enhanced Defense
+(131 to 150) Defense
+(31 to 40) to all Attributes
Physical Resist 5%
Socketed (5)
Defense: (2168 - 2330) to (3757 - 4046)
Required Level: 50
Required Strength: 420
Item Level: 83
8% Chance to cast level 16 Claw Tornado on Melee Attack
60% Attack Speed
10% Life stolen per Hit
+(109 to 126)% Enhanced Defense
+(181 to 200) Defense
+(41 to 50) to all Attributes
Physical Resist 6%
Socketed (6)


Gloves : Tier 4
Featherclaw

Featherclaw
Chain Gloves (4)
Defense: (28 - 30) to (49 - 54)
Required Level: 5
Required Strength: 28
Item Level: 8
5% Attack Speed
(21 to 50)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(18 to 29)% Enhanced Defense
+(6 to 10) to Dexterity
Socketed (1)
Defense: (149 - 161) to (203 - 218)
Required Level: 22
Required Strength: 57
Item Level: 26
15% Attack Speed
(81 to 110)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(41 to 52)% Enhanced Defense
+(16 to 20) to Dexterity
Socketed (2)
Defense: (393 - 420) to (519 - 554)
Required Level: 40
Required Strength: 201
Item Level: 46
25% Attack Speed
(141 to 170)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(64 to 75)% Enhanced Defense
+(26 to 30) to Dexterity
Socketed (3)
Defense: (581 - 617) to (759 - 807)
Required Level: 48
Required Strength: 402
Item Level: 80
30% Attack Speed
(171 to 200)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(75 to 86)% Enhanced Defense
+(31 to 35) to Dexterity
Socketed (4)

-> Sacred Honorific/Crafted Gauntlets with Abandoned Shrine Blessing
Belt : Tier 4
Dragon Tail

Dragon Tail
Plated Belt (4)
Defense: (206 - 232) to (277 - 312)
Required Level: 10
Required Strength: 34
Item Level: 16
5% Chance to cast level 6 Seal of Fire on Melee Attack
15% Attack Speed
Adds (3 to 5)-(6 to 8) Fire Damage
Stun Attack
+(51 to 70)% Enhanced Defense
Fire Resist +(16 to 25)%
Socketed (1)
Defense: (640 - 708) to (828 - 916)
Required Level: 27
Required Strength: 68
Item Level: 32
6% Chance to cast level 14 Seal of Fire on Melee Attack
25% Attack Speed
Adds (8 to 13)-(13 to 20) Fire Damage
Stun Attack
+(81 to 100)% Enhanced Defense
Fire Resist +(36 to 45)%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (1519 - 1656) to (1928 - 2102)
Required Level: 44
Required Strength: 236
Item Level: 52
7% Chance to cast level 20 Seal of Fire on Melee Attack
35% Attack Speed
Adds (25 to 35)-(40 to 55) Fire Damage
Stun Attack
+(111 to 130)% Enhanced Defense
Fire Resist +(56 to 65)%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (2366 - 2553) to (2993 - 3229)
Required Level: 52
Required Strength: 472
Item Level: 87
8% Chance to cast level 24 Seal of Fire on Melee Attack
40% Attack Speed
Adds (81 to 100)-(121 to 160) Fire Damage
Stun Attack
+(141 to 160)% Enhanced Defense
Fire Resist +(66 to 75)%
Socketed (2)

-> Sacred Honorific/Crafted Plated Belt with Abandoned Shrine Blessing
Boots : Tier 4
Zealot Rush

Zealot Rush
Light Plated Boots (4)
Defense: (67 - 78) to (102 - 119)
Required Level: 6
Required Strength: 31
Item Level: 10
5% Attack Speed
(0 to 40)% Movement Speed
(11 to 25)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(21 to 40)% Enhanced Defense
(3 to 5)% to Dexterity
1% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (1)
Defense: (248 - 281) to (338 - 384)
Required Level: 24
Required Strength: 62
Item Level: 27
10% Attack Speed
(0 to 40)% Movement Speed
(41 to 55)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(41 to 60)% Enhanced Defense
(9 to 11)% to Dexterity
2% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (2)
Defense: (613 - 685) to (817 - 914)
Required Level: 41
Required Strength: 218
Item Level: 48
20% Attack Speed
(0 to 40)% Movement Speed
(71 to 85)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(61 to 80)% Enhanced Defense
(15 to 17)% to Dexterity
3% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (3)
Defense: (944 - 1044) to (1247 - 1378)
Required Level: 50
Required Strength: 436
Item Level: 83
30% Attack Speed
(0 to 40)% Movement Speed
(86 to 100)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(81 to 100)% Enhanced Defense
(18 to 20)% to Dexterity
4% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (4)


Jewelry : -x% to enemy cold resistance rings &
Athulua's Oracle

Athulua's Oracle
Amulet
Required Level: 60
Item Level: 60
+(1 to 2) to All Skills
40% Attack Speed
(150 to 250)% Bonus to Attack Rating
Cannot Be Frozen

Mystic Orbs & Sockets : Make sure you max your resistance with Perfect Gems. Mystic Orb Honorific with Life on Melee Attack, Innate Elemental Damage, Attack Rating % and 1 x Mana on melee attack. Attack speed if necessary. Perfect Amethyst when your resistances are maxed. Mystic Orb your armor with dexterity, enhanced defense, resistances, % total defense and faster hit recovery. Bear in mind that you will be replacing all Amethyst with Fal runes so use Mystic Orbs with caution.
Example of weapons :


Mid game Lv110-125

Weapons:
Gehenna



Gehenna
Weapons
'ChamOhmLo'
Runeword Level: 83
20% Chance to cast level 32 Frozen Crown on Melee Attack
15% Block Speed
15% Hit Recovery
Adds 94-125 Cold Damage
Adds 150-200 Poison Damage over 1 seconds
+(144 to 171)% Enhanced Damage
+25% to Cold Spell Damage
-25% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+25% to Poison Spell Damage
-25% to Enemy Poison Resistance
Maximum Life +5%
Maximum Mana +(23 to 28)%
Requirements -33%

in a Sacred Crystal Sword ->
Dawn

Dawn
Weapons
'Zol'
Runeword Level: 100
10% Chance to cast level 32 Celerity on Kill
45% Hit Recovery
(301 to 500)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(172 to 200)% Enhanced Damage
75% to Strength
75% to Dexterity
35% to Vitality
75% to Energy
+80 to Mana
60% Gold Find
+(2 to 4) to Light Radius

in a Sacred Crystal Sword
Shield : Tier 4
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: 6
+(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: 25
+(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: 46
+(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: 80
+(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)

or
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%

in a Sacred Shield with no block chance
On switch : Crafted Sacred Throwing Axe with +6 All Skills
Helm : Tier 4
Topspin

Topspin
Skull Cap (4)
Defense: (76 - 83) to (115 - 125)
Required Level: 3
Required Strength: 28
Item Level: 4
5% Attack Speed
+(31 to 50)% Enhanced Defense
+(31 to 50) Defense
(3 to 5)% to Dexterity
(3 to 5)% to Energy
Maximum Elemental Resists +1%
10% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (1)
Defense: (277 - 301) to (365 - 397)
Required Level: 20
Required Strength: 55
Item Level: 23
15% Attack Speed
+(61 to 80)% Enhanced Defense
+(71 to 100) Defense
(6 to 8)% to Dexterity
(6 to 8)% to Energy
Maximum Elemental Resists +1%
20% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (3)
Defense: (704 - 760) to (876 - 943)
Required Level: 37
Required Strength: 192
Item Level: 43
25% Attack Speed
+(91 to 110)% Enhanced Defense
+(151 to 200) Defense
(9 to 11)% to Dexterity
(9 to 11)% to Energy
Maximum Elemental Resists +2%
30% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (4)
Defense: (1182 - 1258) to (1471 - 1564)
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 384
Item Level: 78
30% Attack Speed
+(121 to 140)% Enhanced Defense
+(301 to 400) Defense
(12 to 14)% to Dexterity
(12 to 14)% to Energy
Maximum Elemental Resists +2%
40% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (4)

->
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 +2%
Elemental Resists +(31 to 40)%
Physical Resist 5%
(16 to 20)% Bonus to Defense
Requirements -50%
Socketed (4)


Witchhunter's Attire
(Assassin Claw Set)

or
Royal Circlet

Royal Circlet
Tiara (Sacred)
Defense: (1740 - 1957) to (1968 - 2214)
Required Level: 100
Required Dexterity: 392
Item Level: 105
+2 to All Skills
+50% Damage to Demons
+50% Damage to Undead
+(140 to 170)% Enhanced Defense
(21 to 25)% to All Attributes
Elemental Resists +(25 to 30)%
Physical Resist 5%
(21 to 25)% Magic Find
Socketed (4)


Body : Tier 4
Werecat

Werecat
Breast Plate (4)
Defense: (203 - 224) to (379 - 422)
Required Level: 5
Required Strength: 30
Item Level: 8
5% Chance to cast level 1 Claw Tornado on Melee Attack
15% Attack Speed
4% Life stolen per Hit
+(24 to 40)% Enhanced Defense
+(41 to 50) Defense
+(11 to 20) to all Attributes
Physical Resist 3%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (622 - 681) to (1100 - 1207)
Required Level: 23
Required Strength: 60
Item Level: 27
6% Chance to cast level 7 Claw Tornado on Melee Attack
30% Attack Speed
6% Life stolen per Hit
+(58 to 75)% Enhanced Defense
+(81 to 100) Defense
+(21 to 30) to all Attributes
Physical Resist 4%
Socketed (4)
Defense: (1471 - 1589) to (2563 - 2777)
Required Level: 40
Required Strength: 210
Item Level: 47
7% Chance to cast level 13 Claw Tornado on Melee Attack
45% Attack Speed
8% Life stolen per Hit
+(92 to 109)% Enhanced Defense
+(131 to 150) Defense
+(31 to 40) to all Attributes
Physical Resist 5%
Socketed (5)
Defense: (2168 - 2330) to (3757 - 4046)
Required Level: 50
Required Strength: 420
Item Level: 83
8% Chance to cast level 16 Claw Tornado on Melee Attack
60% Attack Speed
10% Life stolen per Hit
+(109 to 126)% Enhanced Defense
+(181 to 200) Defense
+(41 to 50) to all Attributes
Physical Resist 6%
Socketed (6)

->
Rebel


Rebel
Body Armors
'ZolSilSilLo'
Runeword Level: 100
15% Combat Speeds
Adds 6-10 Damage
Enhanced Weapon Damage +(80 to 100)%
+(172 to 200)% Enhanced Defense
+(151 to 200) to Strength
+(151 to 200) to Dexterity
-75 to Vitality
-75 to Energy
+60 to Mana
Maximum Elemental Resists +1%
Elemental Resists +(40 to 50)%

in a Sacred Light Plate (Highest defense & lowest movement penalty)
Gloves : Sacred Honorific/Crafted Gauntlets with Abandoned Shrine Blessing ->
Snowsquall

Snowsquall
Gloves
'GlaIu'
Runeword Level: 105
+1% Maximum Cold Resist per 80% Cold Resist
+1 to All Skills
20% Hit Recovery
Adds 100-200 Cold Damage
(3 to 5)% Innate Elemental Damage
-(7 to 10)% to Enemy Cold Resistance
Slow Target 20%
+70% to Summoned Minion Attack Rating
+200% Enhanced Defense
+(21 to 25) to Dexterity
Cold Absorb (3 to 5)%


Belt : Sacred Honorific/Crafted Plated Belt with Abandoned Shrine Blessing ->
Lysra

Lysra
Belts
'MalCham'
Runeword Level: 83
15% Combat Speeds
-(8 to 10)% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+(141 to 171)% Enhanced Defense
5% to All Attributes
+1.5 to Life (Based on Character Level)
Maximum Mana +2%
+(10 to 20) Life after each Kill
+(10 to 20) Mana after each Kill


Boots : Tier 4
Zealot Rush

Zealot Rush
Light Plated Boots (4)
Defense: (67 - 78) to (102 - 119)
Required Level: 6
Required Strength: 31
Item Level: 10
5% Attack Speed
(0 to 40)% Movement Speed
(11 to 25)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(21 to 40)% Enhanced Defense
(3 to 5)% to Dexterity
1% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (1)
Defense: (248 - 281) to (338 - 384)
Required Level: 24
Required Strength: 62
Item Level: 27
10% Attack Speed
(0 to 40)% Movement Speed
(41 to 55)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(41 to 60)% Enhanced Defense
(9 to 11)% to Dexterity
2% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (2)
Defense: (613 - 685) to (817 - 914)
Required Level: 41
Required Strength: 218
Item Level: 48
20% Attack Speed
(0 to 40)% Movement Speed
(71 to 85)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(61 to 80)% Enhanced Defense
(15 to 17)% to Dexterity
3% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (3)
Defense: (944 - 1044) to (1247 - 1378)
Required Level: 50
Required Strength: 436
Item Level: 83
30% Attack Speed
(0 to 40)% Movement Speed
(86 to 100)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(81 to 100)% Enhanced Defense
(18 to 20)% to Dexterity
4% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (4)


Jewelry : -x% to enemy cold resistance rings or Assur's Bane rings &
Athulua's Oracle

Athulua's Oracle
Amulet
Required Level: 60
Item Level: 60
+(1 to 2) to All Skills
40% Attack Speed
(150 to 250)% Bonus to Attack Rating
Cannot Be Frozen

Mystic Orbs & Sockets : Fal runes in Helm/Shield/Boots if resistances are capped. Amn jewelcrafts for runewords: prioritize flat dexterity, % dexterity, % to attack rating and one indestructible jewel. If you have mana problems, consider added 1 "Mana after each attack" Mystic orb in weapon.

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%

in a no block chance shield to avoid gaining block chance as it is completely useless to have at this stage. The build is tanky enough without block and blocking would only hurt our damage output from the frame loss.

Late game Lv125-150

Weapons:
Dawn

Dawn
Weapons
'Zol'
Runeword Level: 100
10% Chance to cast level 32 Celerity on Kill
45% Hit Recovery
(301 to 500)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(172 to 200)% Enhanced Damage
75% to Strength
75% to Dexterity
35% to Vitality
75% to Energy
+80 to Mana
60% Gold Find
+(2 to 4) to Light Radius

in a Sacred Crystal Sword ->
Elemental Dominion

Elemental Dominion
Occult Effigy

Cube Reagent
Cube with a Zero Socket Weapon to Add Bonus
Adds 75-125 Fire Damage
Adds 75-125 Lightning Damage
Adds 75-125 Cold Damage
+10 Required Level

x 4
Dawn

Dawn
Weapons
'Zol'
Runeword Level: 100
10% Chance to cast level 32 Celerity on Kill
45% Hit Recovery
(301 to 500)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(172 to 200)% Enhanced Damage
75% to Strength
75% to Dexterity
35% to Vitality
75% to Energy
+80 to Mana
60% Gold Find
+(2 to 4) to Light Radius


Shield : Tier 4
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: 6
+(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: 25
+(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: 46
+(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: 80
+(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)

or
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%

in a Sacred Sacred Shield with no block chance ->
Svalinn


Svalinn
Shields
'RhalLoOhn'
Runeword Level: 115
-1% to Enemy Elemental Resistances per 150 Dexterity
8% Chance to cast level 7 Life Spark when Blocking
1% Base Block Chance
15% Block Speed
20% Hit Recovery
+(151 to 200)% Enhanced Defense
+(30 to 40) to all Attributes
(15 to 20)% to Dexterity
+200 to Life
Fire Resist +(50 to 55)%
Lightning Resist +(20 to 25)%
Cold Resist +(20 to 25)%
Poison Resist +(20 to 25)%
Fire Absorb (3 to 5)%
Physical Resist 5%

in Sacred Gilded Shield
On switch : Crafted Sacred Throwing Axe with +6 All Skills
Helm :
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 +2%
Elemental Resists +(31 to 40)%
Physical Resist 5%
(16 to 20)% Bonus to Defense
Requirements -50%
Socketed (4)


Witchhunter's Attire
(Assassin Claw Set)

->
Nasrudin

Nasrudin
Barbarian Helms
'ZodTaha'
Runeword Level: 100
Indestructible
80% Combat Speeds
+(9 to 15) to Cautious Strike
+200% Enhanced Defense
+(251 to 300) to Dexterity
(26 to 32)% Gold Find

in a Sacred Avenger Guard (Keep Witchhunter's Hood for resistances)
Body :
Rebel


Rebel
Body Armors
'ZolSilSilLo'
Runeword Level: 100
15% Combat Speeds
Adds 6-10 Damage
Enhanced Weapon Damage +(80 to 100)%
+(172 to 200)% Enhanced Defense
+(151 to 200) to Strength
+(151 to 200) to Dexterity
-75 to Vitality
-75 to Energy
+60 to Mana
Maximum Elemental Resists +1%
Elemental Resists +(40 to 50)%

->
Hellfire Plate


Hellfire Plate
Body Armors
'IgnJahGurRhal'
Runeword Level: 115
+1% Innate Elemental Damage per 250 Strength and Dexterity
15% Chance to cast level 9 Life Spark on Melee Attack
20% Attack Speed
+250 Fire Damage
-(14 to 18)% to Enemy Fire Resistance
-(11 to 15)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
-(11 to 15)% to Enemy Cold Resistance
-(11 to 15)% to Enemy Poison Resistance
+(171 to 200)% Enhanced Defense
Maximum Life +(3 to 5)%
Maximum Elemental Resists +(1 to 2)%
Fire Resist +(10 to 20)%
Lightning Resist +(10 to 20)%
Cold Resist +(10 to 20)%
Poison Resist +(10 to 20)%
Physical Resist (7 to 10)%


Gloves :
Snowsquall

Snowsquall
Gloves
'GlaIu'
Runeword Level: 105
+1% Maximum Cold Resist per 80% Cold Resist
+1 to All Skills
20% Hit Recovery
Adds 100-200 Cold Damage
(3 to 5)% Innate Elemental Damage
-(7 to 10)% to Enemy Cold Resistance
Slow Target 20%
+70% to Summoned Minion Attack Rating
+200% Enhanced Defense
+(21 to 25) to Dexterity
Cold Absorb (3 to 5)%

->
Stareye's Claws

Stareye's Claws
Gauntlets (Sacred)
Defense: 1674 to 1959
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 625
Item Level: 120
Adds 100-150 Cold Damage
+25% to Cold Spell Damage
-15% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+200% Enhanced Defense
+50 to Dexterity
15% to Dexterity
Maximum Cold Resist +2%
+5 Cold Absorb
Socketed (4)


Henchmen Trophies
(Legendary Set)

(If you can find them)
Belt :
Lysra

Lysra
Belts
'MalCham'
Runeword Level: 83
15% Combat Speeds
-(8 to 10)% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+(141 to 171)% Enhanced Defense
5% to All Attributes
+1.5 to Life (Based on Character Level)
Maximum Mana +2%
+(10 to 20) Life after each Kill
+(10 to 20) Mana after each Kill

->
Doomcloud Spine

Doomcloud Spine
Plated Belt (Sacred)
Defense: 4089 to 4479
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 675
Item Level: 120
Adds 100-150 Lightning Damage
+25% to Lightning Spell Damage
-15% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+200% Enhanced Defense
+50 to Vitality
15% to Vitality
Maximum Lightning Resist +2%
+5 Lightning Absorb
Socketed (2)


Henchmen Trophies
(Legendary Set)

(If you can find them)
Boots : Tier 4
Zealot Rush

Zealot Rush
Light Plated Boots (4)
Defense: (67 - 78) to (102 - 119)
Required Level: 6
Required Strength: 31
Item Level: 10
5% Attack Speed
(0 to 40)% Movement Speed
(11 to 25)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(21 to 40)% Enhanced Defense
(3 to 5)% to Dexterity
1% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (1)
Defense: (248 - 281) to (338 - 384)
Required Level: 24
Required Strength: 62
Item Level: 27
10% Attack Speed
(0 to 40)% Movement Speed
(41 to 55)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(41 to 60)% Enhanced Defense
(9 to 11)% to Dexterity
2% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (2)
Defense: (613 - 685) to (817 - 914)
Required Level: 41
Required Strength: 218
Item Level: 48
20% Attack Speed
(0 to 40)% Movement Speed
(71 to 85)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(61 to 80)% Enhanced Defense
(15 to 17)% to Dexterity
3% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (3)
Defense: (944 - 1044) to (1247 - 1378)
Required Level: 50
Required Strength: 436
Item Level: 83
30% Attack Speed
(0 to 40)% Movement Speed
(86 to 100)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(81 to 100)% Enhanced Defense
(18 to 20)% to Dexterity
4% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (4)

->
Lifecrusher


Lifecrusher
Boots
'MhalChamUm'
Runeword Level: 110
30% Hit Recovery
0.125% Chance of Crushing Blow (Based on Character Level)
+(171 to 200)% Enhanced Defense
(5 to 10)% to All Attributes
Maximum Life +(7 to 10)%
Maximum Elemental Resists +1%
Elemental Resists +(15 to 25)%

or
Fangskin Scales

Fangskin Scales
Greaves (Sacred)
Defense: 2481 to 2799
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 650
Item Level: 120
(0 to 40)% Movement Speed
Adds 6-8 Poison Damage over 1 seconds
+25% to Poison Spell Damage
-15% to Enemy Poison Resistance
+200% Enhanced Defense
+50 to Energy
15% to Energy
Maximum Poison Resist +2%
Socketed (4)


Henchmen Trophies
(Legendary Set)

(If you can find them)
Jewelry :
Athulua's Oracle

Athulua's Oracle
Amulet
Required Level: 60
Item Level: 60
+(1 to 2) to All Skills
40% Attack Speed
(150 to 250)% Bonus to Attack Rating
Cannot Be Frozen

when Cannot be Frozen is needed, Assur's Bane -> Ring of Virtue,
Bad Mood

Bad Mood
Ring
Required Level: 100
Item Level: 120
-20% Cast Speed
Adds 50-100 Fire Damage
Adds 50-100 Lightning Damage
Adds 50-100 Cold Damage
-(5 to 20)% to Enemy Fire Resistance
-(5 to 20)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
-(5 to 20)% to Enemy Cold Resistance

,
Quov Tsin's Talisman

Quov Tsin's Talisman
Amulet
Required Level: 110
Item Level: 110
15% Innate Elemental Damage
-(20 to 30)% to Enemy Elemental Resistances

,
Adrenaline Rush

Adrenaline Rush
Ring
Required Level: 100
Item Level: 120
+1 to All Skills
40% Combat Speeds
40% Movement Speed
Maximum Elemental Resists +1%

,
Ouroboros

Ouroboros
Ring
Required Level: 110
Item Level: 120
+1 to All Skills
(-15 to 25)% to Strength
(-15 to 25)% to Dexterity
(-15 to 25)% to Vitality
(-15 to 25)% to Energy

,
Empyrean Glory

Empyrean Glory
Ring
Required Level: 50
Item Level: 120
1% Chance to cast level 40 Singularity on Kill
(6 to 10)% to All Attributes
Maximum Life +5%
Maximum Mana +15%
15% Gold Find

are all solid options, if you can find them of course

Mystic Orbs and Sockets : Max resistances with Perfect gems in order to cap maxed resistances at 87 (Overload will cover the remaining 3), keep in mind that if you intend to climb the Dimensional Labs, you will require 260 total resistances. Use Fal or Fel runes on what you can. Mystic Orb with dexterity or

Idol of Stars

Idol of Stars
Mystic Orb

Right-Click to Apply
+14 to Strength
+14 to Dexterity
+10 to Energy
+10 Required Level

if you are lucky enough to find them (or trading).

Note that upon acquiring

Svalinn

Svalinn
Shields
'RhalLoOhn'
Runeword Level: 115
-1% to Enemy Elemental Resistances per 150 Dexterity
8% Chance to cast level 7 Life Spark when Blocking
1% Base Block Chance
15% Block Speed
20% Hit Recovery
+(151 to 200)% Enhanced Defense
+(30 to 40) to all Attributes
(15 to 20)% to Dexterity
+200 to Life
Fire Resist +(50 to 55)%
Lightning Resist +(20 to 25)%
Cold Resist +(20 to 25)%
Poison Resist +(20 to 25)%
Fire Absorb (3 to 5)%
Physical Resist 5%

, you may find it useful to respec enough dexterity, alongside putting points into Citadel and its prerequisites, to reach 60% block. If you do not possess enough dexterity, consider putting 1 point into Gladiator's Dominance.

Progression & Uber quests
This is all that I've done in the order I've done it in
General tips extending across all stages

Collect all Gems, Runes, Uniques, Sets, Charms (the ones that have a trophy)
Make sure that resistances are always capped
Pick up rare rings and amulets. Amulets with Charged Strike oskill for Astrogha
No complacency: pick up all gems and runes and upgrade them

Normal

Act 1 : Gamble Ono and progress equipment by making the early runewords, countess runs if necessary (2x El, 2x Tir, 1x Eth, 1x Tal, 1x Ith) and rescue cain. Max out Iron Spiral to remove cooldown (make sure to respec at level 40)
Act 2 : Nothing worthy of mention
Act 3 : Make Tier 2
Skullhammer

Skullhammer
Battle Axe (4)
Required Level: 5
Required Strength: 60
Item Level: 8
Innate Fire Damage: (13.0% of Strength)
10% Chance to cast level 10 Lava Pit on Melee Attack
15% Attack Speed
Adds (12 to 14)-(17 to 18) Fire Damage
-(11 to 13)% to Enemy Fire Resistance
(5 to 7)% Chance of Crushing Blow
Maximum Mana -(3 to 5)%
+20 Life on Melee Attack
Socketed (2)
Required Level: 24
Required Strength: 93
Item Level: 26
Innate Fire Damage: (13.0% of Strength)
12% Chance to cast level 20 Lava Pit on Melee Attack
25% Attack Speed
Adds (41 to 43)-(56 to 58) Fire Damage
-(16 to 18)% to Enemy Fire Resistance
(8 to 10)% Chance of Crushing Blow
Maximum Mana -(9 to 11)%
+50 Life on Melee Attack
Socketed (4)
Required Level: 42
Required Strength: 186
Item Level: 47
Innate Fire Damage: (13.0% of Strength)
14% Chance to cast level 30 Lava Pit on Melee Attack
35% Attack Speed
Adds (131 to 140)-(176 to 190) Fire Damage
-(21 to 23)% to Enemy Fire Resistance
(11 to 13)% Chance of Crushing Blow
Maximum Mana -(15 to 17)%
+75 Life on Melee Attack
Socketed (5)
Required Level: 51
Required Strength: 369
Item Level: 81
Innate Fire Damage: (13.0% of Strength)
16% Chance to cast level 40 Lava Pit on Melee Attack
40% Attack Speed
Adds (451 to 460)-(626 to 640) Fire Damage
-(23 to 25)% to Enemy Fire Resistance
(14 to 16)% Chance of Crushing Blow
Maximum Mana -(18 to 20)%
+100 Life on Melee Attack
Socketed (6)

with the free Arcane Crystal's received. Re-run Mephisto for full Tier 2 Unique set listed in Gear section
Act 4 : Nothing worthy of mention except make sure your resistances are capped if you find yourself dying alot.
Act 5 : Level challenge (avoid making huge packs of amazons if you're low on defense) & Re-run Nihlathak until all gear is Tier 4

Nightmare

Acts 1-5 : Keep an eye out for resistance runes, fal runes, lem runes, continue to collect resistance gems, amethysts, rubies and rainbow gems. Gamble or find a Tier 4 Large 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: 6
+(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: 25
+(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: 46
+(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: 80
+(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)

& Tier 4 Crystal sword and Mystic Orb as described in Gear section. Replace gems for respective resistance runes for Runemaster bonus. When you are ready to use Sword & Shield, respec stats from strength into dexterity.

Hell
You may notice a pattern of grinding for levels and re-visits here. I will grind a certain area until a new milestone is reached to go back and test the build with sub-optimal gear often. The process is as follows.

Act 1 : Progress through act as normal.

Horror under Tristram Hit with Primordial Strike until dead.
Infernal Machine Clear our ranged enemies if needed or hit it directly with Primordial strike. Aim for 15% resistance charm
Act 2 : Progress through act as normal.

Island of the sunless sea Re-run until Lv110. Aim for 5% Innate Elemental damage and -5% enemy resistances as well as gold for Mystic Orbs.
Invasion With the resistances we have, we should be able to out-heal anything thrown at us. Hit with Primordial Strike while avoiding lightning circles.
The Binding of Baal Use Primordial strike, the Baal transformation hurts our speeds but its still very simple. Re-run for 20% attributes.
The secret cow level Return to Act 1 and re-run until Lv115. Collect Shrines in the process.
Bull Prince Rodeo Use Primordial strike. If cows can be avoided, avoid them.
Tran AthuluaAvoid hubris and huge packs, start using herding technique intelligently. Re-run for 5% to both Life and Innate damage. Collect scrolls as well as charms for trophy.
Act 3 : Progress through act as normal.

Torajan Jungles Re-run for Cham, Ohm and Lo runes as well as Signets.
Akarat Use Primordial Strike. Re-run for a 24-25 attribute.
Lord Aldric Jitan Avoid to fight them all in that enclosed space and funnel them in a line so you can hit a few of them with Primordial Strike.
Kurast 3000 BA If you are truly invested in collecting
Gathering of the Tribes
Gathering of the Tribes
(Barbarian Elementalist Set)

Bear's Warding
Snake's Battle Chant
The Coming Storm
Wolf's Fang

Set Bonus with 2 or more set items:
+50 to Strength
+100 to Vitality

Set Bonus with 3 or more set items:
250% Bonus to Attack Rating
Adds 1-500 Lightning Damage

Set Bonus with complete set:
30% Chance to cast level 20 Shockwave on Melee Attack
10% Innate Elemental Damage
+4000 Defense
+250 to Strength
Elemental Resists +75%
Physical Resist 10%
25% Chance to Avoid Damage


, feel free to remain as long as you wish. I stopped after I had collected the runes necessary for
Gehenna



Gehenna
Weapons
'ChamOhmLo'
Runeword Level: 83
20% Chance to cast level 32 Frozen Crown on Melee Attack
15% Block Speed
15% Hit Recovery
Adds 94-125 Cold Damage
Adds 150-200 Poison Damage over 1 seconds
+(144 to 171)% Enhanced Damage
+25% to Cold Spell Damage
-25% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+25% to Poison Spell Damage
-25% to Enemy Poison Resistance
Maximum Life +5%
Maximum Mana +(23 to 28)%
Requirements -33%

. Continue running until Lv120.
Legacy of Blood With our high defenses and resistances, there's no danger here. Re-run for the trophy.
Death Projector Avoid getting caught in between the mechs.
Horazon's Sanctum Re-run for 25 attribute.
Rathma Square Clear your way from entrance to boss. Aim for 140% or more for Attack rating %. Keep the charms to lottery your rings.
Twin seas Stick to her like butter by running. Re-run for a higher chance Tran Athulua trophy piece drop and +5% Innate Damage.
Act 4 : Progress through act as normal. No skipping the forge this time!

High Heavens This is where we also farm for good jewelry and rare Sacred Throwing Axes for crafting.
The Veiled Prophet Although invulnerable, attack the nuns to sustain yourself with your Life after melee attack. Once the Spire stops firing, teleport onto it and hit it with Primordial strike. Continue doing so to Inarius.
Judgement Day Malthael is more difficult than Imperius, so I suggest you kill him first to succeed in the challenge. Avoid getting caught between Edyrems and kite some away if needed. Kill Imperius within one minute of killing Malthael for the bonus. Re-run this uber and collect all charms for the trophy.
Heart of Sin As long as you have good fire resistances here, you'll live through anything as long as you keep hitting Azmodan. Re-run for trophy and good charm.
Invasion II Same as Invasion I, except he has a new ability which summons a circle of frost we are meant to stand in to avoid taking continuous fire damage. As long as you can hit the Riftwalker, you can ignore that mechanic completely. Avoid lightning circles to get bonus.
The Black Road Fight in the circle of flames. As long as you continuously attack, you will out-heal any damage.
Banisher of Light Our first rough boss. The idea here is to keep on the move whilst avoiding the punishers and most of all, the flamestrike. Predicting his teleports will net you more damage than using his skeleton's to hit him with the Primordial Strike wave. This is a long fight. Kill once and re-run with better gear later for a better charm if unlucky with first. Remember to run the elementals. Magic is rough as well. Avoid the projectiles as well as getting surrounded.
Quov Tsin Same concept as Twin seas boss. With our current gear setup, we have enough resists to out-heal his damage as long as you are within aura range and attacking. If he teleports out of sight, find and attack again. Trophy not required.
Kingdom of shadow To find this uber level, you have to follow the arrow in the straightest way you can. Stamina and Poison shrines make this easier. With our defenses though, no problem. Teleport on top of Juris Khan so you can pick up the charm without obstructions from the Citizen. Trophy not necessary, but re-run for +2.
Act 5 : Progress through act as normal. You can re-run Nilahthak for Signets until 400.

Assault on Mount Arreat If only this Transformation was permanent. Aim for a 30% total defense.
Eve of Destruction Re-run for +10% resistances. You may want to separate him from his summons if you find yourself overrun, but standing your ground and attacking works as well. You will out-heal it all.

The grind & post game ubers

This section marks the beginning of the "true" grinding phase of the build, where certain Ubers must be farmed to obtain specific loot, reach further milestones and increase our build's potential.

► Show Spoiler

Teganze We will be aiming to make the Umbaru treasure with high values in both dexterity and vitality. Make sure you make at least two Earth runes, two Ice runes, one Fire rune and one Lightning rune to make

Rebel

Rebel
Body Armors
'ZolSilSilLo'
Runeword Level: 100
15% Combat Speeds
Adds 6-10 Damage
Enhanced Weapon Damage +(80 to 100)%
+(172 to 200)% Enhanced Defense
+(151 to 200) to Strength
+(151 to 200) to Dexterity
-75 to Vitality
-75 to Energy
+60 to Mana
Maximum Elemental Resists +1%
Elemental Resists +(40 to 50)%

,

Snowsquall

Snowsquall
Gloves
'GlaIu'
Runeword Level: 105
+1% Maximum Cold Resist per 80% Cold Resist
+1 to All Skills
20% Hit Recovery
Adds 100-200 Cold Damage
(3 to 5)% Innate Elemental Damage
-(7 to 10)% to Enemy Cold Resistance
Slow Target 20%
+70% to Summoned Minion Attack Rating
+200% Enhanced Defense
+(21 to 25) to Dexterity
Cold Absorb (3 to 5)%

and

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%

.

The Triune The main mobs are not too rough, but this area will mostly test your patience. Ideally you will want to spend as much time as it takes you to complete two full Triune trophies (one for The Sleep and one for your Magic Find wormhole). As you grind your way to madness, our aim is to create single wormholes for dexterity, vitality and magic find respectively. The quality of each cycle will be your decision.

Duncraig Use this uber to further familiarize yourself with grouping enemies before using Primordial Strike. Farm at your leisure. This is the area I've used to farm the enchanted runes necessary for

Dawn

Dawn
Weapons
'Zol'
Runeword Level: 100
10% Chance to cast level 32 Celerity on Kill
45% Hit Recovery
(301 to 500)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(172 to 200)% Enhanced Damage
75% to Strength
75% to Dexterity
35% to Vitality
75% to Energy
+80 to Mana
60% Gold Find
+(2 to 4) to Light Radius

&

Rebel

Rebel
Body Armors
'ZolSilSilLo'
Runeword Level: 100
15% Combat Speeds
Adds 6-10 Damage
Enhanced Weapon Damage +(80 to 100)%
+(172 to 200)% Enhanced Defense
+(151 to 200) to Strength
+(151 to 200) to Dexterity
-75 to Vitality
-75 to Energy
+60 to Mana
Maximum Elemental Resists +1%
Elemental Resists +(40 to 50)%

. Aim for a +2 charm.

It may be relevant to note that I did not progress pass these three rifts until I had completed an optimal mid game gear set

Fauztinville & Vizjun Upon testing, this could be done with TU gear and Honorifics. Although not efficient and very difficult, it was still possible. Much more efficient with Mid game gear. If your defenses allow it, you can respec off of Runemaster in favor of Nephalem spirit for faster clear speeds.

Toraja You may want to opt for the slow and steady approach towards Lilith, but with enough defense, you can rush her and summon Edyrems on top of her to remove her immunities.

Lord of Lies Max out fire resistance, once you find the true Belial, continuous attacks will out-heal his damage. Re-run for a decent life charm.

Ghosts of old Bremmtown The only thing that'll kill you here is hubris and de-sync. General rule of thumb here is slow and steady wins the race. A minute is plenty.

Xazax Max out fire and cold resistances. Avoid swarms of Penitents and meteor shower. This is a fairly simple fight.

Spirit World Random experiences. I've done this twice, the first time being the worst of my attempts. The ideal fight requires you to clear out the second middle platform from the left (the one where it usually will teleport to to attack you) of spirits. You will want to bind Purify to your left click alongside Primordial strike, so you can Purify the "things" as they spawn. If you find yourself getting swarmed, kite the boss closer to the entrance and use the platform to drag the orbs south towards the first platform from the left, where you will circle back towards where you left the boss. Rince and repeat until it dies. Aim for 70+ to Dexterity after applying Ghost Trance. Repeat runs may be necessary if unlucky.

Astrogha Pain. I personally chose chaos as its more efficient than going slower and accidently hitting a totem, which will happen, often in both approach. Run to it, attack with Primordial and hope it doesn't cast a totem on itself or in the wave. Charged Strike oskill is very useful here, which you can get from rare amulets or from

Aidan's Lament

Aidan's Lament
Crown (Sacred)
Defense: (3753 - 4493) to (5603 - 6422)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 337
Item Level: 105
Indestructible
+(60 to 120)% Damage to Demons
+(60 to 120)% Damage to Undead
+(10 to 19) to Charged Strike
+(120 to 170)% Enhanced Defense
+(500 to 2000) Defense
Maximum Lightning Resist +2%
5% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Requirements -50%
Socketed (4)

&

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
+50 Life Regenerated per Second
+(0 to 1) Mana on Striking
Socketed (2)

. You can also roll a chance to cast on attack with Sacred Crystal Sword Shrine crafts. The trophy's nice, but do not bother until your damage is sure to out-heal it.

The void Worth collecting two of the rings. Envy can be rough, but the rest are quite easy. If you find yourself not being able to hit Greed from lack of mana, put a portal next to him and slap upon re-entering. Make sure Lilith is not standing in Primordial Strike waves. She can be North, South or West of you, never East.

Invasion III A repeat of Invasion II alongside a new mechanic. An icy swirl will appear above its head and it will become immune to all damage. This is your cue to teleport directly on top of him to avoid it's retaliate. Re-run for Depleted Riftstones or if you fail challenge.

Nephalem's Sacrifice With optimal mid game gear, this challenge was not difficult, but it can be long. Avoid Deathstrike star by paying attention to the screen shakes. As long as you continuously attack Uldyssian or his Edyrems, you will out-heal most of the damage. Once your damage is high, re-run this for trophy.

Yshari Sanctum/Nymyr's Light These will require you to respec into full Vitality as well as Eagle stance for health regeneration. Use perfect rubies and the Lem runes you've collected for sockets as well as your vitality wormhole. Collecting the set for the Yshari charm is not particularly difficult. With the build, you should be able to kill the boss with relative ease. Wait for the boss to pounce on you to purify it and run away, avoiding getting caught by the swarms of enemies and killing them a handful at a time.
Atanna Khan is a different beast requiring a bit of luck as to the layout of the arena. That said, with our regeneration abilities, she should take less than 10 minutes. Heal with pots when your HP drops below half, otherwise regen with Eagle stance and Purifying flame (Apply conflux on her Wanderer form before the fight starts). Aim for +1 to Fire, Cold and Lightning resistances and cube with Triune trophy.

Archbishop Lazarus He requires the same spec as the bosses above, but is infinitely more complicated to kill. The idea is to use the large space above to deal damage whilst avoiding death and using the small corridor below to move to the other side to clear out totems. You can kite the groupies away from the totems and kill them separately. Totems cannot kill you on their own and you have enough life regen to be able to stay in the arena forever. Laz is the only beast that should kill you. Fight is rough and will require multiple attempts. Once you're familiar with the rhythm, you can start farming for the trophy.

Scosglen Farmable with optimal mid game gear, as long as you have 90 resistance for Fire, Cold and Lightning. Fighting Etherborns and Sapling Guards by themselves is paramount to survival and efficiency, kite away the Sprigans and scytheclaws. Archers are more of a nuisance than anything else. Between Scosglen, Fauztinville, Duncraig and Vizjun, you should be able to obtain the runes necessary for

Svalinn

Svalinn
Shields
'RhalLoOhn'
Runeword Level: 115
-1% to Enemy Elemental Resistances per 150 Dexterity
8% Chance to cast level 7 Life Spark when Blocking
1% Base Block Chance
15% Block Speed
20% Hit Recovery
+(151 to 200)% Enhanced Defense
+(30 to 40) to all Attributes
(15 to 20)% to Dexterity
+200 to Life
Fire Resist +(50 to 55)%
Lightning Resist +(20 to 25)%
Cold Resist +(20 to 25)%
Poison Resist +(20 to 25)%
Fire Absorb (3 to 5)%
Physical Resist 5%

and

Hellfire Plate

Hellfire Plate
Body Armors
'IgnJahGurRhal'
Runeword Level: 115
+1% Innate Elemental Damage per 250 Strength and Dexterity
15% Chance to cast level 9 Life Spark on Melee Attack
20% Attack Speed
+250 Fire Damage
-(14 to 18)% to Enemy Fire Resistance
-(11 to 15)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
-(11 to 15)% to Enemy Cold Resistance
-(11 to 15)% to Enemy Poison Resistance
+(171 to 200)% Enhanced Defense
Maximum Life +(3 to 5)%
Maximum Elemental Resists +(1 to 2)%
Fire Resist +(10 to 20)%
Lightning Resist +(10 to 20)%
Cold Resist +(10 to 20)%
Poison Resist +(10 to 20)%
Physical Resist (7 to 10)%

.

Herald to the End & Dimensional Labyrinth Unattempted with this current build, yet possible with optimal to sub-optimal late game gear. Defense does not matter for Samael. Pure damage will prevail & make sure you have 90 resistances. Dimensional Labyrinths are completely different beasts, requiring very optimized gear. You will be able to complete Tier 1 to 3 with optimal mid game gear. Obtaining

Elemental Dominion

Elemental Dominion
Occult Effigy

Cube Reagent
Cube with a Zero Socket Weapon to Add Bonus
Adds 75-125 Fire Damage
Adds 75-125 Lightning Damage
Adds 75-125 Cold Damage
+10 Required Level

effigies is essential to maximizing potential for damage. The secret to Tier progression is to prioritize defensive stats. Maxing out resistances, block speeds, hit recovery speeds is essential in the later levels. Tier 9 and 10 require 260 total resistances or death will be swift

Videos
105 Ubers

► Show Spoiler

110 Ubers

► Show Spoiler

Gear is identical to 105s

115 Ubers

► Show Spoiler

120 Ubers

► Show Spoiler

Gear is identical to 115s

125 Ubers

► Show Spoiler

Content could be cleared with the gear shown, in case you could not find the runes to advance in gear milestones. This can also be done with

Gathering of the Tribes

Gathering of the Tribes
(Barbarian Elementalist Set)

Bear's Warding
Snake's Battle Chant
The Coming Storm
Wolf's Fang

Set Bonus with 2 or more set items:
+50 to Strength
+100 to Vitality

Set Bonus with 3 or more set items:
250% Bonus to Attack Rating
Adds 1-500 Lightning Damage

Set Bonus with complete set:
30% Chance to cast level 20 Shockwave on Melee Attack
10% Innate Elemental Damage
+4000 Defense
+250 to Strength
Elemental Resists +75%
Physical Resist 10%
25% Chance to Avoid Damage

.
These are the 125 dungeons. Only the strategy was demonstrated for Spirit of Giyua. The battle is long and may present you with the choice of coming back when better gear is acquired (which I HIGHLY recommend)
Finally Yshari Sanctum and Nymyr's Light. Word of warning, my aim sucked. The upside is that if yours is better, this should take you much less time.
Astrogha is not a boss that will be shown. I recommend coming back with optimal gear later. Your damage then will outweigh her healing which will make the fight much less of a headache. The charm can wait. Check Progression section for the strategy.

130 Ubers

► Show Spoiler

These are the 130s including Ascendant Riftwalker with a demonstration of Scosglen and the first level of Labyrinth, Uldyssian and the bosses leading up to him in its entirety (buckle up because its a long one, better to do this with better gear) and finally the bosses leading up to Void's final encounter.

Conclusion & Special thanks

I appreciate those who have taken the time to read/review this guide. This was my first experience writing one, hopefully it was instructive, comprehensive and easy to read.
Thank you to the mod team for their amazing work.
All the best, I hope you enjoy playing the character!

[rodran]

wow~ good good`

[Ruubel]

I have very apt nickname for primordial strike because of it is exactly what it is: peeing in the wind.

[Kerchaak]

I have very apt nickname for primordial strike because of it is exactly what it is: peeing in the wind.

Just be sure you're doing so with the wind and not against!

[Seikun]

A guide that we truly needed. I even planned to write it myself, luckily, you did it first and saved me from embarrassment of overlooking some obvious things.

But still, I have a few things to say.

1) 1 point Earthquake > Iron Spiral. In early game, before you are blessed with divine power of Primordial Strike, both clear more or less well, but Earthquake needs less points. In fact, it's what I take after the first level-up.
2) Thunderstorm can be maxed early on for mobility.
3) Maxing Primordial Strike right away is very counterproductive, as it only adds significant damage if your barb has tons of strength and/or dexterity. Wasted skill points and problems with mana sustain. I'm more than sure you know that, but you should have mentioned that in the guide for novice players.

Now some questions about gearing:

1) No

Icetomb

Icetomb
Field Plate (Sacred)
Defense: (5937 - 7017) to (7053 - 8335)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 625
Item Level: 105
+(1 to 2) to All Skills
+50 Spell Focus
+(20 to 30)% to Cold Spell Damage
-(20 to 25)% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+(120 to 160)% Enhanced Defense
+(31 to 40) to all Attributes
(11 to 15)% to Strength
Maximum Fire Resist -1%
Cannot Be Frozen
Socketed (6)

and no

Boarfrost

Boarfrost
Assault Helmet (Sacred)
Defense: (2238 - 2561) to (2449 - 2803)
(Barbarian Only)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 600
Item Level: 120
25% Chance to cast level 40 Ice Bolt Nova on Melee Attack
20% Attack Speed
Adds 63-125 Cold Damage
+(21 to 25)% to Cold Spell Damage
-50% to Enemy Cold Resistance
5% Chance of Crushing Blow
Enhanced Weapon Damage +90%
+(87 to 114)% Enhanced Defense
(21 to 25)% to Strength
Socketed (4)

in lategame suggestions?
2) What's the point of having

Thunder King of Sescheron

Thunder King of Sescheron
Kriegsmesser (Sacred)
One-Hand Damage: 53 to 57
(Barbarian Only)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 642
Item Level: 120
Strength Damage Bonus: (0.14 per Strength)%
Stormblast: +1 Projectile
Thundergod Nova Deals 5000 Lightning Damage
Lightning Shield: +(18 to 30) Lightning Damage to Weapon per Skill Level
20% Chance to cast level 10 Life Spark on Melee Attack
Adds (200 to 300)-(450 to 600) Lightning Damage
-(30 to 40)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+10 to Stormblast
10% Chance of Crushing Blow
100% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (6)

as part of prebuff weapon set? Isn't

Instinct

Instinct
One-Handed Axes
'IgnGurTyrZod'
Runeword Level: 115
Indestructible
+6 to Druid Skill Levels
+(48 to 60)% Bonus Damage to Mark of the Wild
+(18 to 20)% Bonus Elemental Damage to Mark of the Wild
110% Attack Speed
(150 to 250)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(45 to 55)% to Fire Spell Damage
-50% to Enemy Fire Resistance
Physical Resist (10 to 15)%
+(200 to 250) Life after each Kill

preferable for boosting MotW?
3) Is

Shamanka

Shamanka
Long Staff (Sacred)
Two-Hand Damage: 56 to 58
Required Level: 100
Required Dexterity: 203
Item Level: 105
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.06 per Dexterity)%
+(3 to 6) to Sorceress Skill Levels
45% Cast Speed
45% Hit Recovery
+50% Damage to Undead
+(21 to 25)% to Fire Spell Damage
+(21 to 25)% to Cold Spell Damage
+(21 to 25)% to Poison Spell Damage
+(6 to 16) to Bloodlust
Maximum Life +(10 to 13)%
Fire Resist +(50 to 70)%
Lightning Resist +(50 to 70)%
Socketed (4)

strictly worse than MotW crafted axe?
4) Why you recommend crafting Mammen Axes over Hammerhead Axes? Latter have three extra sockets. It's not that important in Sigma 2.0 where we got no +duration socketables, but still.

[Kerchaak]

A guide that we truly needed. I even planned to write it myself, luckily, you did it first and saved me from embarrassment of overlooking some obvious things.

But still, I have a few things to say.

1) 1 point Earthquake > Iron Spiral. In early game, before you are blessed with divine power of Primordial Strike, both clear more or less well, but Earthquake needs less points. In fact, it's what I take after the first level-up.
2) Thunderstorm can be maxed early on for mobility.
3) Maxing Primordial Strike right away is very counterproductive, as it only adds significant damage if your barb has tons of strength and/or dexterity. Wasted skill points and problems with mana sustain. I'm more than sure you know that, but you should have mentioned that in the guide for novice players.

Now some questions about gearing:

1) No

Icetomb

Icetomb
Field Plate (Sacred)
Defense: (5937 - 7017) to (7053 - 8335)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 625
Item Level: 105
+(1 to 2) to All Skills
+50 Spell Focus
+(20 to 30)% to Cold Spell Damage
-(20 to 25)% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+(120 to 160)% Enhanced Defense
+(31 to 40) to all Attributes
(11 to 15)% to Strength
Maximum Fire Resist -1%
Cannot Be Frozen
Socketed (6)

and no

Boarfrost

Boarfrost
Assault Helmet (Sacred)
Defense: (2238 - 2561) to (2449 - 2803)
(Barbarian Only)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 600
Item Level: 120
25% Chance to cast level 40 Ice Bolt Nova on Melee Attack
20% Attack Speed
Adds 63-125 Cold Damage
+(21 to 25)% to Cold Spell Damage
-50% to Enemy Cold Resistance
5% Chance of Crushing Blow
Enhanced Weapon Damage +90%
+(87 to 114)% Enhanced Defense
(21 to 25)% to Strength
Socketed (4)

in lategame suggestions?
2) What's the point of having

Thunder King of Sescheron

Thunder King of Sescheron
Kriegsmesser (Sacred)
One-Hand Damage: 53 to 57
(Barbarian Only)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 642
Item Level: 120
Strength Damage Bonus: (0.14 per Strength)%
Stormblast: +1 Projectile
Thundergod Nova Deals 5000 Lightning Damage
Lightning Shield: +(18 to 30) Lightning Damage to Weapon per Skill Level
20% Chance to cast level 10 Life Spark on Melee Attack
Adds (200 to 300)-(450 to 600) Lightning Damage
-(30 to 40)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+10 to Stormblast
10% Chance of Crushing Blow
100% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (6)

as part of prebuff weapon set? Isn't

Instinct

Instinct
One-Handed Axes
'IgnGurTyrZod'
Runeword Level: 115
Indestructible
+6 to Druid Skill Levels
+(48 to 60)% Bonus Damage to Mark of the Wild
+(18 to 20)% Bonus Elemental Damage to Mark of the Wild
110% Attack Speed
(150 to 250)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(45 to 55)% to Fire Spell Damage
-50% to Enemy Fire Resistance
Physical Resist (10 to 15)%
+(200 to 250) Life after each Kill

preferable for boosting MotW?
3) Is

Shamanka

Shamanka
Long Staff (Sacred)
Two-Hand Damage: 56 to 58
Required Level: 100
Required Dexterity: 203
Item Level: 105
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.06 per Dexterity)%
+(3 to 6) to Sorceress Skill Levels
45% Cast Speed
45% Hit Recovery
+50% Damage to Undead
+(21 to 25)% to Fire Spell Damage
+(21 to 25)% to Cold Spell Damage
+(21 to 25)% to Poison Spell Damage
+(6 to 16) to Bloodlust
Maximum Life +(10 to 13)%
Fire Resist +(50 to 70)%
Lightning Resist +(50 to 70)%
Socketed (4)

strictly worse than MotW crafted axe?
4) Why you recommend crafting Mammen Axes over Hammerhead Axes? Latter have three extra sockets. It's not that important in Sigma 2.0 where we got no +duration socketables, but still.

1) I had thought about it, along gathering items that would make Iron spiral preferable over Earthquake, such as -% enemy lightning resistances early on but scrapped the idea due to the numerous Arcane Crystal costs for making multiple sets of uniques that would benefit sustain or damage later on. It is true that you would save 4 points to be put elsewhere, like Thunderstorm as your second suggestion.

3) In the gearing section I had suggested that at least one "Mana after each attack" MO be added to the weapon to take care of the mana cost.

As far as the gearing concerns:
1) It seemed too much to add at the time. I considered adding more options for gearing but decided to go along with ease of access as a theme up until late game which seemed more relevant to just go with "best in slot". The idea was meant to prepare the player for the bare minimum in order to access the farming zones that would yield them what they needed.

2) & 3) Thunderking would be for practical use of Life spark, long with a second sword in hand you can use Cautious strike from Nasrudin for more survivability. I'll make a point to mention this in the guide. Instinct would definitely be of a more significant boost to MotW, likely a lot more than Shamanka's bloodlust as well and is a good option for late game buffing. That said I would prefer players to use their first "Gur rune" for Hellfire plate over Instinct. MotW over Shamanka for ease of access for SSF.

4)No other reason than ignorance on my part I'm afraid. I was certain only Mammen axes could spawn with MotW.
Minor edit : Its because Hammerheads are not elemental weapons. With Mammen being able to spawn +4 Skills, you can increase the amount of Life on melee attack and -% resistance from Conflux by on swap buffing.

[Diaco]

For the early game, I think you are way better off with a throwing axe over the Ono. The throwing axe's max fpa is better than Ono, and only needs 80 IAS for max fpa. Damage is basically huge until 120 Ubers anyways, and you have a shield (which can solve resistance problems)

[Kerchaak]

For the early game, I think you are way better off with a throwing axe over the Ono. The throwing axe's max fpa is better than Ono, and only needs 80 IAS for max fpa. Damage is basically huge until 120 Ubers anyways, and you have a shield (which can solve resistance problems)

You cannot make

Smoldering Edge

Smoldering Edge
Barbarian One-Handed Axes
'Tir'
Runeword Level: 10
15% Attack Speed
+10 Fire Damage
Elemental Resists +(4 to 6)%
+(2 to 3) Life on Melee Attack
(5 to 10)% Magic Find

in a Throwing axe sadly, unless you mean

Sterrenvogel

Sterrenvogel
Throwing Axe (4)
Required Level: 1
Required Strength: 15
Item Level: 1
Innate Lightning Damage: (13.0% of Strength)
+1 to Barbarian Skill Levels
Adds (1 to 2)-(3 to 4) Fire Damage
Adds 10-13 Lightning Damage
Adds (1 to 2)-(3 to 4) Cold Damage
-(6 to 8)% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+100 Defense
Socketed (1)
Required Level: 17
Required Strength: 36
Item Level: 39
Innate Lightning Damage: (13.0% of Strength)
+1 to Barbarian Skill Levels
Adds (6 to 7)-(10 to 11) Fire Damage
Adds 30-40 Lightning Damage
Adds (6 to 7)-(10 to 11) Cold Damage
-(11 to 13)% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+250 Defense
Socketed (2)
Required Level: 36
Required Strength: 81
Item Level: 68
Innate Lightning Damage: (13.0% of Strength)
+2 to Barbarian Skill Levels
Adds (18 to 20)-(30 to 33) Fire Damage
Adds 90-120 Lightning Damage
Adds (18 to 20)-(30 to 33) Cold Damage
-(16 to 18)% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+500 Defense
Socketed (2)
Required Level: 45
Required Strength: 167
Item Level: 80
Innate Lightning Damage: (13.0% of Strength)
+3 to Barbarian Skill Levels
Adds (54 to 60)-(90 to 100) Fire Damage
Adds 360-500 Lightning Damage
Adds (54 to 60)-(90 to 100) Cold Damage
-(18 to 20)% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+1000 Defense
Socketed (2)

, which works well. The downside is having to repair it often. It was a toss between it and

Skullhammer

Skullhammer
Battle Axe (4)
Required Level: 5
Required Strength: 60
Item Level: 8
Innate Fire Damage: (13.0% of Strength)
10% Chance to cast level 10 Lava Pit on Melee Attack
15% Attack Speed
Adds (12 to 14)-(17 to 18) Fire Damage
-(11 to 13)% to Enemy Fire Resistance
(5 to 7)% Chance of Crushing Blow
Maximum Mana -(3 to 5)%
+20 Life on Melee Attack
Socketed (2)
Required Level: 24
Required Strength: 93
Item Level: 26
Innate Fire Damage: (13.0% of Strength)
12% Chance to cast level 20 Lava Pit on Melee Attack
25% Attack Speed
Adds (41 to 43)-(56 to 58) Fire Damage
-(16 to 18)% to Enemy Fire Resistance
(8 to 10)% Chance of Crushing Blow
Maximum Mana -(9 to 11)%
+50 Life on Melee Attack
Socketed (4)
Required Level: 42
Required Strength: 186
Item Level: 47
Innate Fire Damage: (13.0% of Strength)
14% Chance to cast level 30 Lava Pit on Melee Attack
35% Attack Speed
Adds (131 to 140)-(176 to 190) Fire Damage
-(21 to 23)% to Enemy Fire Resistance
(11 to 13)% Chance of Crushing Blow
Maximum Mana -(15 to 17)%
+75 Life on Melee Attack
Socketed (5)
Required Level: 51
Required Strength: 369
Item Level: 81
Innate Fire Damage: (13.0% of Strength)
16% Chance to cast level 40 Lava Pit on Melee Attack
40% Attack Speed
Adds (451 to 460)-(626 to 640) Fire Damage
-(23 to 25)% to Enemy Fire Resistance
(14 to 16)% Chance of Crushing Blow
Maximum Mana -(18 to 20)%
+100 Life on Melee Attack
Socketed (6)

which performs quite well alongside the other TUs that boost attack speed. I did not run into any resistance problems without the shield, but the shield did allow to replace resist gems for Fal runes/amethysts once a Tier 4 Crystal sword was acquired.

[Diaco]

For the early game, I think you are way better off with a throwing axe over the Ono. The throwing axe's max fpa is better than Ono, and only needs 80 IAS for max fpa. Damage is basically huge until 120 Ubers anyways, and you have a shield (which can solve resistance problems)

You cannot make

Smoldering Edge

Smoldering Edge
Barbarian One-Handed Axes
'Tir'
Runeword Level: 10
15% Attack Speed
+10 Fire Damage
Elemental Resists +(4 to 6)%
+(2 to 3) Life on Melee Attack
(5 to 10)% Magic Find

in a Throwing axe sadly, unless you mean

Sterrenvogel

Sterrenvogel
Throwing Axe (4)
Required Level: 1
Required Strength: 15
Item Level: 1
Innate Lightning Damage: (13.0% of Strength)
+1 to Barbarian Skill Levels
Adds (1 to 2)-(3 to 4) Fire Damage
Adds 10-13 Lightning Damage
Adds (1 to 2)-(3 to 4) Cold Damage
-(6 to 8)% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+100 Defense
Socketed (1)
Required Level: 17
Required Strength: 36
Item Level: 39
Innate Lightning Damage: (13.0% of Strength)
+1 to Barbarian Skill Levels
Adds (6 to 7)-(10 to 11) Fire Damage
Adds 30-40 Lightning Damage
Adds (6 to 7)-(10 to 11) Cold Damage
-(11 to 13)% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+250 Defense
Socketed (2)
Required Level: 36
Required Strength: 81
Item Level: 68
Innate Lightning Damage: (13.0% of Strength)
+2 to Barbarian Skill Levels
Adds (18 to 20)-(30 to 33) Fire Damage
Adds 90-120 Lightning Damage
Adds (18 to 20)-(30 to 33) Cold Damage
-(16 to 18)% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+500 Defense
Socketed (2)
Required Level: 45
Required Strength: 167
Item Level: 80
Innate Lightning Damage: (13.0% of Strength)
+3 to Barbarian Skill Levels
Adds (54 to 60)-(90 to 100) Fire Damage
Adds 360-500 Lightning Damage
Adds (54 to 60)-(90 to 100) Cold Damage
-(18 to 20)% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+1000 Defense
Socketed (2)

, which works well. The downside is having to repair it often. It was a toss between it and

Skullhammer

Skullhammer
Battle Axe (4)
Required Level: 5
Required Strength: 60
Item Level: 8
Innate Fire Damage: (13.0% of Strength)
10% Chance to cast level 10 Lava Pit on Melee Attack
15% Attack Speed
Adds (12 to 14)-(17 to 18) Fire Damage
-(11 to 13)% to Enemy Fire Resistance
(5 to 7)% Chance of Crushing Blow
Maximum Mana -(3 to 5)%
+20 Life on Melee Attack
Socketed (2)
Required Level: 24
Required Strength: 93
Item Level: 26
Innate Fire Damage: (13.0% of Strength)
12% Chance to cast level 20 Lava Pit on Melee Attack
25% Attack Speed
Adds (41 to 43)-(56 to 58) Fire Damage
-(16 to 18)% to Enemy Fire Resistance
(8 to 10)% Chance of Crushing Blow
Maximum Mana -(9 to 11)%
+50 Life on Melee Attack
Socketed (4)
Required Level: 42
Required Strength: 186
Item Level: 47
Innate Fire Damage: (13.0% of Strength)
14% Chance to cast level 30 Lava Pit on Melee Attack
35% Attack Speed
Adds (131 to 140)-(176 to 190) Fire Damage
-(21 to 23)% to Enemy Fire Resistance
(11 to 13)% Chance of Crushing Blow
Maximum Mana -(15 to 17)%
+75 Life on Melee Attack
Socketed (5)
Required Level: 51
Required Strength: 369
Item Level: 81
Innate Fire Damage: (13.0% of Strength)
16% Chance to cast level 40 Lava Pit on Melee Attack
40% Attack Speed
Adds (451 to 460)-(626 to 640) Fire Damage
-(23 to 25)% to Enemy Fire Resistance
(14 to 16)% Chance of Crushing Blow
Maximum Mana -(18 to 20)%
+100 Life on Melee Attack
Socketed (6)

which performs quite well alongside the other TUs that boost attack speed. I did not run into any resistance problems without the shield, but the shield did allow to replace resist gems for Fal runes/amethysts once a Tier 4 Crystal sword was acquired.

I actually went up until lvl 120 with just random rare throwing axes I found along the way, only caring about reaching 80 IAS total, and I could still breeze through everything with zero problems damage-wise. I only had to upgrade when I reached Duncraig, which I could still do, just a bit slower. Honestly, damage is not a problem in this build, no matter what weapon you use, until you hit at least 110 ubers.

The rest of the setup was:

Bul Kathos' Temper

Bul Kathos' Temper
Avenger Guard (Sacred)
Defense: (2868 - 3242) to (3185 - 3601)
(Barbarian Only)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 625
Item Level: 105
1% Chance to cast level 60 Tempest on Death Blow
+(20 to 30)% to Lightning Spell Damage
-(10 to 20)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(14 to 20) to Forked Lightning
+(10 to 20) to Lightning Shield
+(130 to 160)% Enhanced Defense
+30 Life after each Kill
Socketed (4)

Golden Fleece

Golden Fleece
Bull Shield (4)
Defense: (54 - 62) to (105 - 120)
Chance to Block: 1%
(Barbarian Only)
Required Level: 3
Required Strength: 25
Required Dexterity: 23
Item Level: 5
+1 to Barbarian Skill Levels
Enhanced Weapon Damage +(19 to 30)%
+(41 to 60)% Enhanced Defense
+(21 to 30) to Strength
Maximum Life +(1 to 2)%
Elemental Resists +(11 to 15)%
(5 to 10)% Magic Find
Socketed (1)
Defense: (217 - 241) to (343 - 381)
Chance to Block: 1%
(Barbarian Only)
Required Level: 21
Required Strength: 50
Required Dexterity: 34
Item Level: 24
+2 to Barbarian Skill Levels
Enhanced Weapon Damage +(43 to 54)%
+(71 to 90)% Enhanced Defense
+(31 to 40) to Strength
Maximum Life +(2 to 3)%
Elemental Resists +(21 to 25)%
(11 to 20)% Magic Find
Socketed (3)
Defense: (554 - 607) to (838 - 917)
Chance to Block: 1%
(Barbarian Only)
Required Level: 38
Required Strength: 175
Required Dexterity: 71
Item Level: 44
+3 to Barbarian Skill Levels
Enhanced Weapon Damage +(67 to 78)%
+(101 to 120)% Enhanced Defense
+(41 to 50) to Strength
Maximum Life +(4 to 5)%
Elemental Resists +(31 to 35)%
(21 to 30)% Magic Find
Socketed (4)
Defense: (880 - 952) to (1319 - 1427)
Chance to Block: 1%
(Barbarian Only)
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 350
Required Dexterity: 149
Item Level: 78
+4 to Barbarian Skill Levels
Enhanced Weapon Damage +(79 to 90)%
+(131 to 150)% Enhanced Defense
+(51 to 60) to Strength
Maximum Life +(6 to 7)%
Elemental Resists +(36 to 40)%
(31 to 40)% Magic Find
Socketed (4)

(later

Wall of Fire

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

)

Deadfall

Deadfall
Heavy Belt (4)
Defense: (135 - 159) to (178 - 210)
Required Level: 7
Required Strength: 36
Item Level: 11
1% Chance to cast level 2 Shower of Rocks on Kill
1% Chance of Crushing Blow
+(24 to 46)% Enhanced Defense
+(16 to 25) to Strength
Lightning Resist +(11 to 15)%
Socketed (1)
Defense: (485 - 551) to (616 - 700)
Required Level: 24
Required Strength: 62
Item Level: 28
1% Chance to cast level 4 Shower of Rocks on Kill
2% Chance of Crushing Blow
+(69 to 92)% Enhanced Defense
+(36 to 45) to Strength
Lightning Resist +(21 to 25)%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (1270 - 1400) to (1595 - 1758)
Required Level: 41
Required Strength: 218
Item Level: 48
1% Chance to cast level 8 Shower of Rocks on Kill
3% Chance of Crushing Blow
+(115 to 137)% Enhanced Defense
+(56 to 65) to Strength
Lightning Resist +(31 to 35)%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (1918 - 2095) to (2403 - 2626)
Required Level: 50
Required Strength: 436
Item Level: 84
1% Chance to cast level 12 Shower of Rocks on Kill
4% Chance of Crushing Blow
+(138 to 160)% Enhanced Defense
+(66 to 75) to Strength
Lightning Resist +(36 to 40)%
Socketed (2)

Steel Golem

Steel Golem
Gothic Plate (4)
Defense: (313 - 364) to (629 - 731)
Required Level: 9
Required Strength: 36 to 37
Item Level: 15
25% Hit Recovery
Stun Attack
5% Chance of Crushing Blow
+(35 to 57)% Enhanced Defense
(7 to 10)% to Strength
(7 to 10)% to Vitality
Durability (11 to 15)%
Requirements +(7 to 10)%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (1017 - 1140) to (1931 - 2166)
Required Level: 27
Required Strength: 78 to 80
Item Level: 31
45% Hit Recovery
Stun Attack
6% Chance of Crushing Blow
+(81 to 103)% Enhanced Defense
(15 to 18)% to Strength
(15 to 18)% to Vitality
Durability (21 to 25)%
Requirements +(15 to 18)%
Socketed (4)
Defense: (2542 - 2801) to (4732 - 5214)
Required Level: 45
Required Strength: 291 to 298
Item Level: 52
65% Hit Recovery
Stun Attack
7% Chance of Crushing Blow
+(126 to 149)% Enhanced Defense
(23 to 26)% to Strength
(23 to 26)% to Vitality
Durability (31 to 35)%
Requirements +(23 to 26)%
Socketed (5)
Defense: (3804 - 4140) to (7061 - 7685)
Required Level: 52
Required Strength: 600 to 614
Item Level: 87
75% Hit Recovery
Stun Attack
8% Chance of Crushing Blow
+(149 to 171)% Enhanced Defense
(27 to 30)% to Strength
(27 to 30)% to Vitality
Durability (36 to 40)%
Requirements +(27 to 30)%
Socketed (6)

(later

Erawan

Erawan
Body Armors
'LemKoCham'
Runeword Level: 83
15% Combat Speeds
5% Chance of Crushing Blow
+(144 to 171)% Enhanced Defense
(27 to 30)% to Strength
(27 to 30)% to Vitality
Physical Resist (13 to 15)%
(15 to 20)% Bonus to Defense

)
Honorific gloves (def, str, res)

Lionpaw

Lionpaw
Chain Boots (4)
Defense: (49 - 54) to (71 - 78)
Required Level: 4
Required Strength: 29
Item Level: 7
(0 to 40)% Movement Speed
+(18 to 29)% Enhanced Defense
+(7 to 10) to all Attributes
+(31 to 50) to Life
+(16 to 25) to Mana
(3 to 5)% Bonus to Defense
10% Gold Find
Socketed (1)
Defense: (203 - 218) to (267 - 288)
Required Level: 22
Required Strength: 58
Item Level: 25
(0 to 40)% Movement Speed
+(41 to 52)% Enhanced Defense
+(15 to 18) to all Attributes
+(71 to 90) to Life
+(36 to 45) to Mana
(9 to 11)% Bonus to Defense
15% Gold Find
Socketed (2)
Defense: (519 - 554) to (667 - 712)
Required Level: 39
Required Strength: 202
Item Level: 46
(0 to 40)% Movement Speed
+(64 to 75)% Enhanced Defense
+(23 to 26) to all Attributes
+(111 to 130) to Life
+(56 to 65) to Mana
(15 to 17)% Bonus to Defense
20% Gold Find
Socketed (3)
Defense: (759 - 807) to (974 - 1036)
Required Level: 48
Required Strength: 403
Item Level: 79
(0 to 40)% Movement Speed
+(75 to 86)% Enhanced Defense
+(31 to 35) to all Attributes
+(131 to 150) to Life
+(66 to 75) to Mana
(18 to 20)% Bonus to Defense
25% Gold Find
Socketed (4)

Unlike phys bases, which depend heavily on the weapon's affixes (ED, flat DMG, EWD), elemental bases take most of the DMG from your stats, so the affixes on your weapon become less relevant (in the early game), and you can get more DMG from the rest of your gear

[mortimer_85]

hey there always nice to see new people making guides. I can see reasoning for most gear choices except the weapon swaps.

Maybe I missed something but afaik you deal like zero physical damage because of Conflux as Ele barb and thus buffs like Bloodlust and MotW only affect the elemental damage on the direct melee hit due to slightly increased spell damage.
Unless your build is highly spell proc based or you are actually building a WW Ele barb, those buffs should do near nothing for your dps.
Maybe playing him for real proofes me wrong but I can't imagine the damage from the melee hits having a big impact compared to all the projectiles that EQ, Iron Spiral or Primordial Strike are generating.

I would probably use 2 crafted Throwing Axes with +6 to all skills on swap to push conflux' pierce and Life on melee attack (I know that pierce scaling has diminishing returns but the higher Loma can be worth it)

Thunder King of Sescheron

Thunder King of Sescheron
Kriegsmesser (Sacred)
One-Hand Damage: 53 to 57
(Barbarian Only)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 642
Item Level: 120
Strength Damage Bonus: (0.14 per Strength)%
Stormblast: +1 Projectile
Thundergod Nova Deals 5000 Lightning Damage
Lightning Shield: +(18 to 30) Lightning Damage to Weapon per Skill Level
20% Chance to cast level 10 Life Spark on Melee Attack
Adds (200 to 300)-(450 to 600) Lightning Damage
-(30 to 40)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+10 to Stormblast
10% Chance of Crushing Blow
100% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (6)

is mostly used to add a good chunk of flat lighting damage along with

Thunderdome

Thunderdome
Assault Helmet (4)
Defense: (118 - 134) to (174 - 198)
(Barbarian Only)
Required Level: 8
Required Strength: 30
Item Level: 13
5% Chance to cast level 10 Flash on Melee Attack
Adds 1-(3 to 5) Lightning Damage
-3% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+12 to Lightning Shield
+(41 to 60)% Enhanced Defense
(7 to 10)% to Strength
+3 Mana after each Kill
Socketed (2)
Defense: (391 - 435) to (542 - 602)
(Barbarian Only)
Required Level: 25
Required Strength: 60
Item Level: 29
10% Chance to cast level 20 Flash on Melee Attack
Adds 1-(9 to 18) Lightning Damage
-6% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+18 to Lightning Shield
+(71 to 90)% Enhanced Defense
(15 to 18)% to Strength
+5 Mana after each Kill
Socketed (2)
Defense: (952 - 1090) to (1294 - 1481)
(Barbarian Only)
Required Level: 43
Required Strength: 210
Item Level: 50
15% Chance to cast level 30 Flash on Melee Attack
Adds 1-(43 to 50) Lightning Damage
-9% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+24 to Lightning Shield
+(101 to 130)% Enhanced Defense
(23 to 26)% to Strength
+10 Mana after each Kill
Socketed (3)
Defense: (1631 - 1755) to (2201 - 2367)
(Barbarian Only)
Required Level: 51
Required Strength: 420
Item Level: 85
20% Chance to cast level 40 Flash on Melee Attack
Adds 1-(131 to 150) Lightning Damage
-12% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+30 to Lightning Shield
+(151 to 170)% Enhanced Defense
(27 to 30)% to Strength
+18 Mana after each Kill
Socketed (4)

and

Nor Tiraj's Wisdom

Nor Tiraj's Wisdom
Heavy Belt (Sacred)
Defense: (2805 - 3315) to (3029 - 3580)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 687 to 937
Item Level: 105
+100 Spell Focus
-(20 to 25)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(15 to 20) to Lightning Shield
+(15 to 20) to Stormclash
+(120 to 160)% Enhanced Defense
Maximum Mana +10%
(10 to 50)% Bonus to Defense
+2% to Experience Gained
Requirements +(10 to 50)%
Socketed (2)

after casting Lightning shield.