Before the Flood - an Elementalist Barb Guide

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PeterHatEater
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Antediluvian

adjective: of or belonging to the time before the biblical Flood.


Disclaimer
1. This build can clear all the content in the game, however, it relies on some very high end gear. Easier to access alternatives will be included towards the end.

2. This build cannot be played in its true glory until level 120 because it relies on the very underappreciated weapon
Antediluvian

Antediluvian
Barbarian One-Handed Axes
Except Barbarian Two-Handed Axes

'XithXod'
Runeword Level: 120
+2.5% Innate Elemental Damage per Wolf Stance Base Level
+1 to All Skills
20% Base Block Chance
Adds 1200-1550 Fire Damage
-50% to Enemy Fire Resistance
100% to Strength
Maximum Block Chance -20%
Physical Resist (15 to 20)%


3. For levelling efficiently, some alternatives to Elementalist will be far more favourable. I will link the relevant guides below.

4. This build uses Innate Elemental Damage or IED which is inbuilt into some weapons.


Introduction
The Elementalist Barb deals enormous amounts of elemental damage (fire, lightning or cold) plus magic damage in melee combat. The build has some defensive tools, but can die easily if not played correctly.
Our main skill, Primordial Strike, is unidirectional. This means that it travels in one direction and that is always towards the right of the screen at about a 15 degree declination. This may put some players off. It is certainly clunky at times, but can used effectively to kill distant enemies, fight bosses from safe distances and hit around corners. Any zone that you move from right to left can be challenging though.


What is this Build capable of?

Over 10k Strength, Capped Elemental and Physical Resists
► Show Spoiler


Killing Samael, Deimoss and T10 Phoboss
► Show Spoiler

► Show Spoiler

► Show Spoiler

Killing Inarius in a single Blood Pool
► Show Spoiler

1.5 minute Sescheron and Riftwalker before lockout timer ends
► Show Spoiler


Skills
Keep in mind this is a late game build. You will already have quite a number of available skill points by the time you respec into this build.

Nomad Tree

Wolf Companion: 1
Hunter's Mark: 1
Wolven Guide: 1
Primordial Hunt: 1
Ancient Blood: Max. We need the AR and life
Mountain King: Max. The stat boost is huge for str, dex and vit
Wolf Stance: Max (because of
Antediluvian

Antediluvian
Barbarian One-Handed Axes
Except Barbarian Two-Handed Axes

'XithXod'
Runeword Level: 120
+2.5% Innate Elemental Damage per Wolf Stance Base Level
+1 to All Skills
20% Base Block Chance
Adds 1200-1550 Fire Damage
-50% to Enemy Fire Resistance
100% to Strength
Maximum Block Chance -20%
Physical Resist (15 to 20)%
orange text)

Elementalist Tree

Conflux: 1 or more, depending on how much pierce you need. Its listed as an attack, but its actually a buff.
Elemental Overload: 1
Thunderstorm: 1. Its okay for clearing large numbers of weak mobs
Purifying Flame: 1. Use most of the time for the hp regen, especially in labs
Deep Freeze: Max. Gives massive IED. Don't be tempted to use this too frequently. It is excellent against Phoboss, Deimoss and Sam for the 10% cold absorb, although I still use Purifying Flame against Sam because it takes some pressure off dodging everything.
Primordial Strike: Max. This is our primary attack skill

Mastery Tree

Melee Devotion: 1
Specialization: Max to increase our Wolf Stance and Primordial Strike levels
Endurance: Max (or Tenacity if you need PR)

Reward Tree

Immortal: Max. We need this defensive layer.
Nephalem Spirit: 1 or more, depending whether you have leftover points for more damage (if you need PR, Runemaster if you need MR)

Stats
Strength: All, this is our main source of damage
Dex: Zero but we need some dex from gear for attack rating
Vit: Zero or as much as you need to survive. Also good on gear
Energy: Zero. This does nothing for us

Levelling

As mentioned before, this is a late game build. We will need to level some other way. You may level as Elementalist, but I suggest Physical Whirlwind Barb for a couple of reasons.
1. It is fast at levelling
2. It is simple to gear
3. We can start gearing towards Elementalist, even as we play as Physical Whirlwind

This guide is exceptional for Physical Whirlwind


The great thing about Physical Whirlwind is that it can use the weapon
Yaggai's Sagaris
Yaggai's Sagaris
Labrys (Sacred)

Two-Hand Damage: (441 - 471) to (496 - 527)
(Barbarian Only)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 796
Item Level: 105
Strength Damage Bonus: (0.16 per Strength)%
Thunderfury
50% Chance to cast level 16 Stormblast on Melee Attack
50% Attack Speed
Adds 150-200 Damage
-35% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(172 to 200)% Enhanced Damage
+100 to Strength
+100 to Vitality
Elemental Resists +(10 to 20)%
+250 Life on Melee Attack
Socketed (6)
for the awesome proc. This proc deals lightning damage based on your Weapon Physical Damage. So if you build Physical, all you need to do is get some lightning pierce for huge damage on very frequent procs. If you use this weapon, you can start to amass some key gear such as
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
-(11 to 15)% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+(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)%
and
Dementia
Dementia
Belt (Sacred)

Defense: (3111 - 3348) to (3272 - 3524)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength:
690
Item Level: 120
-(15 to 20)% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+(15 to 25) to Fowl Fight
Slow Target 5%
+(120 to 140)% Enhanced Defense
+500 Defense
Maximum Life +2%
Maximum Elemental Resists +1%
Physical Resist 5%
Requirements +20%
Socketed (2)
. Additionally, you can make your
Corrupted Wormhole
Corrupted Wormhole
Required Level: 100
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
with strength and you can focus on high rolls for strength on your charms. You do not have to change your build entirely to transition from Physical Whirlwind to Elementalist.

Otherwise, I recommend levelling as a Summon Barb. Its a very good midgame boss killer. Here is a good place to start.


Gear (for fire)

Weapon
Antediluvian

Antediluvian
Barbarian One-Handed Axes
Except Barbarian Two-Handed Axes

'XithXod'
Runeword Level: 120
+2.5% Innate Elemental Damage per Wolf Stance Base Level
+1 to All Skills
20% Base Block Chance
Adds 1200-1550 Fire Damage
-50% to Enemy Fire Resistance
100% to Strength
Maximum Block Chance -20%
Physical Resist (15 to 20)%
this weapon is cool as hell. Might be hard to come across a Xod rune though. You want to stack it with
Ten Pin Striker
Ten Pin Striker
Mystic Orb

Right-Click to Apply
100% Bonus to Attack Rating
5% to Strength
Target Takes Additional Damage of 100
+10 Required Level
or shop attack rating MOs.
Elemental Dominion
Elemental Dominion
Occult Effigy

Cube Reagent
Cube with a Elemental Melee Weapon to Add Bonus
4% Chance to cast level 5 Life Spark on Melee Attack
+5 Required Level
(Max 2 Uses per Item)
is tempting, but attack rating is incredibly difficult to get enough of on this build.

Shield
Wheel of Fortune
Wheel of Fortune
Large Shield (4)

Defense: 85 to 162
Chance to Block: Class%
Required Level: 4
Required Strength: 27
Required Dexterity: 45
Item Level: 10
+(21 to 30) to Vitality
Maximum Elemental Resists +1%
Elemental Resists +(6 to 10)%
Fire Absorb 1%
Lightning Absorb 1%
Cold Absorb 1%
(4 to 7)% Gold Find
(5 to 10)% Magic Find
Socketed (1)
Defense: 240 to 405
Chance to Block: Class%
Required Level: 21
Required Strength: 53
Required Dexterity: 67
Item Level: 31
+(31 to 40) to Vitality
Maximum Elemental Resists +1%
Elemental Resists +(11 to 20)%
Fire Absorb 2%
Lightning Absorb 2%
Cold Absorb 2%
(9 to 12)% Gold Find
(11 to 20)% Magic Find
Socketed (3)
Defense: 501 to 817
Chance to Block: Class%
Required Level: 39
Required Strength: 184
Required Dexterity: 139
Item Level: 51
+(41 to 50) to Vitality
Maximum Elemental Resists +2%
Elemental Resists +(21 to 30)%
Fire Absorb 2%
Lightning Absorb 2%
Cold Absorb 2%
(14 to 17)% Gold Find
(21 to 30)% Magic Find
Socketed (4)
Defense: 684 to 1113
Chance to Block: Class%
Required Level: 48
Required Strength: 368
Required Dexterity: 288
Item Level: 77
+(51 to 60) to Vitality
Maximum Elemental Resists +2%
Elemental Resists +(31 to 40)%
Fire Absorb 3%
Lightning Absorb 3%
Cold Absorb 3%
(17 to 19)% Gold Find
(31 to 40)% Magic Find
Socketed (4)
if you need elemental resists and MO space (my personal favourite)
Titan's Blockade

Titan's Blockade
Barbarian Shields

'UmZolLew'
Runeword Level: 110
At least 1 Base Level in Runemaster: Maximum Poison Resist +4%
With 15 Base Levels in Runemaster: 10% Deadly Strike
40% Hit Recovery
Adds 15-25 Damage
Slows Attacker by 10%
+(130 to 150)% Enhanced Defense
+(1000 to 2000) Defense
(20 to 30)% to Strength
20% to Vitality
Maximum Mana +5%
Elemental Resists +35%
if you're running Runemaster
Tonatiuh
Tonatiuh
Barbarian Shields

'IgnQor'
Runeword Level: 100
20% Chance to cast level 36 Flamefront on Melee Attack
+2 to Barbarian Skill Levels
Adds 63-438 Fire Damage
-(25 to 35)% to Enemy Fire Resistance
2% Deadly Strike
Weapon Physical Damage +(30 to 50)%
+(115 to 143)% Enhanced Defense
5% Chance to Avoid Damage
if you need more pierce
Shield of Hakan II
Shield of Hakan II
Gothic Shield (Sacred)

Defense: (6995 - 7994) to (9190 - 10428)
Chance to Block: 1% + Class%
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 600
Required Dexterity: 619
Item Level: 105
1% Base Block Chance
-25% Cast Speed
-50% to Spell Damage
Slows Attacker by 25%
+(150 to 200)% Enhanced Defense
+(2000 to 3000) Defense
Maximum Life +(3 to 5)%
Maximum Elemental Resists +(0 to 2)%
Physical Resist 5%
Socketed (4)
if you need PR and MR
Wall of Fire
Wall of Fire
Shields

'ZodLo'
Runeword Level: 85
+1 to All Skills
40% Block Speed
+(144 to 171)% Enhanced Defense
40% to Strength
40% to Vitality
+15 Life after each Kill
(11 to 20)% Bonus to Defense
Attacker Takes Fire Damage of 500
highly underrated shield. Huge strength and vit

Armor
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
-(11 to 15)% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+(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)%
the proc is one of our main sources of survivability. It has many incredible stats for us

Helm
Blackskull's Horns
Blackskull's Horns
Crown (Sacred)

Defense: 4437 to 4914
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 675
Item Level: 120
Adds 100-150 Fire Damage
+25% to Fire Spell Damage
-15% to Enemy Fire Resistance
+200% Enhanced Defense
+50 to Strength
15% to Strength
Maximum Fire Resist +2%
+5 Fire Absorb
Socketed (4)

Henchmen Trophies
(Legendary Set)
big strength and fire pierce
Lacuni Cowl
Lacuni Cowl
Skull Cap (Sacred)

Defense: (2865 - 3115) to (2964 - 3222)
Required Level: 90
Required Strength: 550
Item Level: 105
Orb Effects Applied to this Item are Doubled
Adds 200-300 Fire Damage
Adds 200-300 Lightning Damage
-(15 to 25)% to Enemy Fire Resistance
-(15 to 25)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(130 to 150)% Enhanced Defense
Maximum Elemental Resists +1%
2% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (4)
excellent if you don't have 2 piece
Henchmen Trophies
Henchmen Trophies
(Legendary Set)

Bilefroth Skin
Blackskull's Horns
Doomcloud Spine
Stareye's Claws
Fangskin Scales

Set Bonus with 2 or more set items:
+2 to All Skills
15% to All Attributes

Set Bonus with 3 or more set items:
-25% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
Elemental Resists +25%

Set Bonus with 4 or more set items:
5% Deadly Strike
Physical Resist 10%

Set Bonus with complete set:
1% Base Block Chance
50% Movement Speed
+35% to Spell Damage
+1500 Defense
Elemental Resists +30%
+150 Life after each Kill


Warmonger
Warmonger
Fanged Helm (Sacred)

Defense: (4347 - 4785) to (5010 - 5474)
(Barbarian Only)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 500
Item Level: 120
Area Effect Attack
Adds 100-200 Fire Damage
Adds 100-200 Lightning Damage
Adds 100-200 Cold Damage
+(160 to 200)% Enhanced Defense
+(1500 to 2000) Defense
Elemental/Magic Damage Reduced by 40
10% Chance to Avoid Damage
Socketed (4)
another cool item. Good for the avoid and flat damage

Gloves
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 use
Blackskull's Horns
Blackskull's Horns
Crown (Sacred)

Defense: 4437 to 4914
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 675
Item Level: 120
Adds 100-150 Fire Damage
+25% to Fire Spell Damage
-15% to Enemy Fire Resistance
+200% Enhanced Defense
+50 to Strength
15% to Strength
Maximum Fire Resist +2%
+5 Fire Absorb
Socketed (4)

Henchmen Trophies
(Legendary Set)
. The dex is good for our attack rating.
Craft some mixture of Creepy, Fascinating and Trinity, depending whether you need strength, pierce or IED/AA. Aim for 30+ AA and 130+ flat life.
Breath of Thaumaturgy
Breath of Thaumaturgy
Occult Effigy

Cube Reagent
Cube with a Blessed Crafted/Rare Weapon/Armor to Add Bonus
Item can be blessed Again
+25 Required Level
is an option.

Belt
Dementia
Dementia
Belt (Sacred)

Defense: (3111 - 3348) to (3272 - 3524)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength:
690
Item Level: 120
-(15 to 20)% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+(15 to 25) to Fowl Fight
Slow Target 5%
+(120 to 140)% Enhanced Defense
+500 Defense
Maximum Life +2%
Maximum Elemental Resists +1%
Physical Resist 5%
Requirements +20%
Socketed (2)
this belt is phenomenal
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 need 2 or 3 piece
Henchmen Trophies
Henchmen Trophies
(Legendary Set)

Bilefroth Skin
Blackskull's Horns
Doomcloud Spine
Stareye's Claws
Fangskin Scales

Set Bonus with 2 or more set items:
+2 to All Skills
15% to All Attributes

Set Bonus with 3 or more set items:
-25% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
Elemental Resists +25%

Set Bonus with 4 or more set items:
5% Deadly Strike
Physical Resist 10%

Set Bonus with complete set:
1% Base Block Chance
50% Movement Speed
+35% to Spell Damage
+1500 Defense
Elemental Resists +30%
+150 Life after each Kill


Ahriman
Ahriman
Belts

'VezGhal'
Runeword Level: 115
+1 to All Skills
+15 Spell Focus
Adds 100-300 Fire Damage
Adds 100-300 Lightning Damage
Adds 100-300 Cold Damage
+(31 to 50) to all Attributes
Maximum Elemental Resists +1%
Elemental Resists +(31 to 40)%
Requirements +10%
if you have enough pierce

Amulet
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
don't think there is anything comparable to this

Rings
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
I personally use two of these because you can put 2
Farnham's Lost Marble
Farnham's Lost Marble
Mystic Orb

Right-Click to Apply
1% Movement Speed
+30 Life on Melee Attack
+30 Mana on Melee Attack
+10 Required Level
and 2
The Endless Light
The Endless Light
Mystic Orb

Right-Click to Apply
-2% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+100 Defense
3% Bonus to Defense
+10 Required Level
on both of them and they still have heaps of room for more UMOs/MOs depending on what you need
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
an obvious choice if you need pierce
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
this could technically outperform
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
if you can roll 20%+ on strength, dex and vit

Boots
Titan's Steps
Titan's Steps
Heavy Boots (Sacred)

Defense: (1322 - 1531) to (1400 - 1621)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 550
Item Level: 105
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
Adds 40-50 Magic Damage
Adds 40-50 Fire Damage
Adds 40-50 Lightning Damage
Adds 40-50 Cold Damage
-(7 to 10)% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+(90 to 120)% Enhanced Defense
+200 to Life
Elemental Resists +10%
+(40 to 50) Life after each Kill
5% Weapon Damage Taken Restores Mana
Socketed (4)
I used these for most of the season. Surprisingly underrated and you'll probably come across a few of them, meaning you can hopefully get a good corruption on them.
Craft some mixture of Creepy, Fascinating and Trinity, depending whether you need strength, pierce or IED/AA. A good craft will beat
Titan's Steps
Titan's Steps
Heavy Boots (Sacred)

Defense: (1322 - 1531) to (1400 - 1621)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 550
Item Level: 105
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
Adds 40-50 Magic Damage
Adds 40-50 Fire Damage
Adds 40-50 Lightning Damage
Adds 40-50 Cold Damage
-(7 to 10)% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+(90 to 120)% Enhanced Defense
+200 to Life
Elemental Resists +10%
+(40 to 50) Life after each Kill
5% Weapon Damage Taken Restores Mana
Socketed (4)
. Aim for 30+ AA and 130+ flat life.
Breath of Thaumaturgy
Breath of Thaumaturgy
Occult Effigy

Cube Reagent
Cube with a Blessed Crafted/Rare Weapon/Armor to Add Bonus
Item can be blessed Again
+25 Required Level
is an option.

Weapon Switch and Offhand
Cold Blood
Cold Blood
Crystal Sword (Sacred)

Required Level: 100
Required Dexterity:
1020
Item Level: 120
Innate Cold Damage:
(45.0% of Dexterity)
Regens 15% Life Over 5 Seconds Upon Taking Weapon Damage
100% Chance to cast level 50 Shatter the Flesh on Kill
1% Chance to cast level 63 Blizzard on Striking
25% Attack Speed
Adds (460 to 660)-(750 to 950) Cold Damage
+150% to Cold Spell Damage
-(20 to 30)% to Enemy Cold Resistance
Maximum Mana -50%
Requirements +100%
Socketed (6)
for the extra damage from Banish
Craft Barbarian Shield with Ecstatic Frenzy. Ecstatic Frenzy reduces defence to zero but adds flat magic damage to attacks. Use wisely.

UMOs and MOs
Idol of Stars
Idol of Stars
Mystic Orb

Right-Click to Apply
+14 to Strength
+14 to Dexterity
+10 to Energy
+10 Required Level
on armor and
Marksman's Eye
Marksman's Eye
Mystic Orb

Right-Click to Apply
5% Attack Speed
+3 to Minimum Damage
10% Bonus to Attack Rating
2% to Dexterity
+10 Required Level
on jewellery/armor if you need AR.
Shop strength, vit and dex on armor
Shop flat life on jewellery

Relics
Anything with fire pierce is good such as
Relic (Trinity Nova)
Relic
Required Level: 75
1% Chance to cast level 40 Trinity Nova on Death Blow
-5% to Enemy Fire Resistance
-5% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
-5% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+(11 to 25) to Trinity Nova
and
Relic (Ancients' Hand)
Relic
Required Level: 75
Adds 50-150 Fire Damage
-(3 to 5)% to Enemy Fire Resistance
+(10 to 20) to Ancients' Hand

Defensive relics are good too, such as
Relic (Ice Bolt Nova)
Relic
Required Level: 75
+(8 to 15) to Ice Bolt Nova
Maximum Cold Resist +1%
Cold Resist +30%
Cannot Be Frozen

I would love to get my hands on
Blood of Creation
Blood of Creation
Relic
(Amazon Only)
Required Level: 50
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
+1 to Crystalline Arsenal
While holding a Javelin:
Launches a massive frozen spike that splits into smaller bursts, which split again into small spikes
Main spike deals 200% weapon damage, each split halves damage
While holding a Spear:
Strike the ground in front of you, releasing an pulsing nova of cold
Deals up to 2800% Weapon damage at the center
While holding a Bow:
Fire an ice mine that slows to a halt a short distance in front of you
before exploding into a rapid barrage of homing ice arrows
Enemies can trigger the mine prematurely upon contact
Deals 50% Weapon Damage
Blessing of Karcheus
for Barbarian, as it gives 60% IED, but alas, I have not had the chance to use one

Charms and Trophies
The Sleep
The Sleep
Required Level: 125
Cube After Completing a Trophy Challenge to Awaken
Disenchant to open a portal to the World Nexus
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
Maximum Fire Resist +(0 to 1)%
Maximum Lightning Resist +(0 to 1)%
Maximum Cold Resist +(0 to 1)%
Maximum Poison Resist +(0 to 1)%
with
Nephalem's Sacrifice Trophy
Nephalem's Sacrifice Trophy
Cube with the Neutrality Pact to Add Bonus
8% Innate Elemental Damage
4% Deadly Strike
- Legacy of the Ancients -
and
Tran Athulua Trophy
Tran Athulua Trophy
Cube with the Sunstone of the Gods to Add Bonus
Physical Resist 5%
- Askari Valor -
. Some alternatives may also work
Corrupted Wormhole
Corrupted Wormhole
Required Level: 100
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
stacked with small strength cycles
Astrogha Trophy
Astrogha Trophy
Cube with Astrogha's Venom Stinger to Add Bonus
-5% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
- Web of Deception -
and
Nephalem's Sacrifice Trophy
Nephalem's Sacrifice Trophy
Cube with the Neutrality Pact to Add Bonus
8% Innate Elemental Damage
4% Deadly Strike
- Legacy of the Ancients -
are very important on their respective charms.
Most other trophies are good in some way. The ones we don't get any benefit from should be obvious.
My unbelievable
Fool's Gold
Fool's Gold
Moo moo moo Moooo! Moo!

Required Level: 115
Keep in Inventory to Gain Bonus
+(0 to 38) to Strength
+(0 to 38) to Dexterity
+(0 to 38) to Vitality
+(0 to 38) to Energy
(11 to 15)% Bonus to Defense
-10% Gold Find
(16 to 20)% Magic Find
. Aim for 30+ str, dex and vit
► Show Spoiler


Sockets
Jewels and/or Ka runes
It is incredibly difficult to roll excellent jewels. These are the stats we should prioritise:
- Life on melee attack
- Flat life
- Attack rating (% or flat)
- Resists
- % Strength
- All stats
- Flat strength
- Block Speed

Here are some examples of some decent rolls
► Show Spoiler


Alternative Gear (for cold)

Weapon
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 Crystal Sword

Shield
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 +(20 to 25)%
Lightning Resist +(20 to 25)%
Cold Resist +(20 to 25)%
Poison Resist +(20 to 25)%
Fire Absorb (3 to 5)%
Physical Resist 5%


Armor
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
-(11 to 15)% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+(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)%


Helm
Nasrudin
Nasrudin
Barbarian Helms

'ZodTaha'
Runeword Level: 100
80% Combat Speeds
+(9 to 15) to Cautious Strike
+200% Enhanced Defense
+(251 to 300) to Dexterity
+15 Life after each Kill
(26 to 32)% Gold Find


Gloves
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)

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%
+200% Enhanced Defense
+(21 to 25) to Dexterity
Cold Absorb (3 to 5)%


Belt
Ahriman
Ahriman
Belts

'VezGhal'
Runeword Level: 115
+1 to All Skills
+15 Spell Focus
Adds 100-300 Fire Damage
Adds 100-300 Lightning Damage
Adds 100-300 Cold Damage
+(31 to 50) to all Attributes
Maximum Elemental Resists +1%
Elemental Resists +(31 to 40)%
Requirements +10%

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)


Amulet
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


Rings
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
,
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


Boots
Fangskin Scales
Fangskin Scales
Greaves (Sacred)

Defense: 2481 to 2799
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 650
Item Level: 120
(10 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)

Titan's Steps
Titan's Steps
Heavy Boots (Sacred)

Defense: (1322 - 1531) to (1400 - 1621)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 550
Item Level: 105
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
Adds 40-50 Magic Damage
Adds 40-50 Fire Damage
Adds 40-50 Lightning Damage
Adds 40-50 Cold Damage
-(7 to 10)% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+(90 to 120)% Enhanced Defense
+200 to Life
Elemental Resists +10%
+(40 to 50) Life after each Kill
5% Weapon Damage Taken Restores Mana
Socketed (4)



Shoutouts
Todd (aussietodd) for the perfect
Dementia
Dementia
Belt (Sacred)

Defense: (3111 - 3348) to (3272 - 3524)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength:
690
Item Level: 120
-(15 to 20)% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+(15 to 25) to Fowl Fight
Slow Target 5%
+(120 to 140)% Enhanced Defense
+500 Defense
Maximum Life +2%
Maximum Elemental Resists +1%
Physical Resist 5%
Requirements +20%
Socketed (2)
, Rhys (Enigma) for labbing and gearing, Harley (Tiltedprimate) for finding our first
Azurewrath
Azurewrath
Crystal Sword (Sacred)

Required Level: 100
Required Dexterity:
1020
Item Level: 130
Innate Cold Damage:
(45.0% of Dexterity)
100% of Vitality Added as Cold Damage to Weapon
Max Life gained per point of Vitality reduced by 0.9
You Cannot Deal Fire, Lightning or Poison Damage
40% Chance to cast level 30 Azure Orb on Melee Attack
Adds 160-250 Cold Damage
-100% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+2 to Remorseless Winter
Slow Target 25%
Maximum Cold Resist +10%
Physical Resist 10%
100% Bonus to Defense
Cannot Be Frozen
Requirements +100%
Socketed (6)
together and helping me with trophies, Dave (Drasch) for running charms for us, Midknight for donating me an early Xod rune, Lee (Ceef) for the gear, Mattias (Fak) for the UMOs, Nomad, Gebs, Gijo and anyone else in the Discord who helped the group out.


Thanks for reading. Throw any questions my way. I'll do my best to answer. I'll try to keep this guide updated.

Season 2.9 update

This build is still incredibly strong. I played Lightning Elementalist this season and it was just as strong. Rhys played Cold Elementalist. Some updates:

For Lightning, you can go into the Warmonger tree for 1% lifesteal = 2% lightning pierce conversion. This means you need almost no pierce gear to hit cap and you can focus on all the other mods you need instead.

Eagle stance works best with this build. Other skills are similar to fire build (including Nephilim Spirit since phys res is hard to come by). You can also take a second skill in the Warmonger tree such as Aptitude for damage or Unyielding for phys res.

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
is amazing in a throwing axe with
The Breaking Wheel
The Breaking Wheel
Bronze Shield (4)

Defense: 148 to 282
Chance to Block: 1%
(Barbarian Only)
Required Level: 7
Required Strength: 30
Item Level: 1
3% Innate Elemental Damage
-4% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
-4% to Enemy Poison Resistance
+40% Enhanced Defense
(7 to 10)% to Strength
Lightning Resist +(21 to 25)%
Poison Resist +(21 to 25)%
+10 Life after each Kill
Socketed (1)
Defense: 540 to 909
Chance to Block: 1%
(Barbarian Only)
Required Level: 24
Required Strength: 60
Item Level: 31
6% Innate Elemental Damage
-8% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
-8% to Enemy Poison Resistance
+80% Enhanced Defense
(15 to 18)% to Strength
Lightning Resist +(31 to 35)%
Poison Resist +(31 to 35)%
+20 Life after each Kill
Socketed (3)
Defense: 1375 to 2246
Chance to Block: 1%
(Barbarian Only)
Required Level: 42
Required Strength: 210
Item Level: 51
9% Innate Elemental Damage
-12% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
-12% to Enemy Poison Resistance
+120% Enhanced Defense
(23 to 26)% to Strength
Lightning Resist +(41 to 45)%
Poison Resist +(41 to 45)%
+30 Life after each Kill
Socketed (4)
Defense: 2220 to 3616
Chance to Block: 1%
(Barbarian Only)
Required Level: 51
Required Strength: 420
Item Level: 77
12% Innate Elemental Damage
-16% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
-16% to Enemy Poison Resistance
+160% Enhanced Defense
(27 to 30)% to Strength
Lightning Resist +(46 to 50)%
Poison Resist +(46 to 50)%
+40 Life after each Kill
Socketed (4)
as a shield. You can get nice 2h crafts with Life Spark. Or even better, a rare drop with Life Spark that you can craft the affixes and suffixes you need.

Angelic items are exceptional in the boots slot. You can bless them and use
Breath of Thaumaturgy
Breath of Thaumaturgy
Occult Effigy

Cube Reagent
Cube with a Blessed Crafted/Rare Weapon/Armor to Add Bonus
Item can be blessed Again
+25 Required Level
for multiple blessings.

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

Witchhunter's Attire
(Assassin Claw Set)
is good, especially with a good corruption, however, a crafted (or rare) helm with 'Conquest' is probably best. Conquest is a buff that gives 20% avoid and about 100% move speed for 10 seconds.

Since you don't need pierce,
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
is not good. Instead, a crafted ammy is best. Examples of all this gear are below. Unfortunately the 2h axe I rolled only has 4 sockets, instead of 6 or zero.

For rings, look for skills, IED, lifesteal (if you need pierce) and flat stats. If you can cap your resistances with
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
, then these will be best with high str, dex and vit.

► Show Spoiler


The best relics for this build are Mooncall for the IED, flat life and loma buff and Cherubim for the lifesteal (= 2x pierce), %str and the ability for clearing. Take a +2 max res relic or cannot be frozen relic as the third.

For cold, turns out
Azurewrath
Azurewrath
Crystal Sword (Sacred)

Required Level: 100
Required Dexterity:
1020
Item Level: 130
Innate Cold Damage:
(45.0% of Dexterity)
100% of Vitality Added as Cold Damage to Weapon
Max Life gained per point of Vitality reduced by 0.9
You Cannot Deal Fire, Lightning or Poison Damage
40% Chance to cast level 30 Azure Orb on Melee Attack
Adds 160-250 Cold Damage
-100% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+2 to Remorseless Winter
Slow Target 25%
Maximum Cold Resist +10%
Physical Resist 10%
100% Bonus to Defense
Cannot Be Frozen
Requirements +100%
Socketed (6)
is probably the best weapon (surprise surprise). It seems that the best damage/survivability combination is a mixture of dex and vit. Mhal runes are excellent in every socket. Pair this with
Arkaine's Valor
Arkaine's Valor
Splint Mail (Sacred)

Defense: (9532 - 10839) to (12577 - 14093)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 600
Item Level: 120
50% of Your Bonus to Defense Added as Vitality
+1 to All Skills
50% Hit Recovery
+(150 to 200)% Enhanced Defense
+(3000 to 5000) Defense
Physical Resist 10%
Socketed (6)
and
Locket of Dreams
Locket of Dreams
Amulet

Required Level: 100
Item Level: 105
+(2 to 3) to All Skills
+100 to Vitality
+(150 to 200) Life when Struck by an Enemy
25% Gold Find
+10 to Light Radius
.

Fire, Lightning and Cold are all Samael/Deimoss/Nithogur/Lab 10 viable. All three elements can do all the content in the game. This build is a really great archetype with heaps of interesting gearing and skill choices for all elements.

Here are the snapshots of viable builds for all three elements.
Fire: https://median-xl.com/char/BeforeTheFlood/53f5
Lightning: https://median-xl.com/char/Jupiter/0392
Cold: https://median-xl.com/char/Spearzonsux/9443
Edited by PeterHatEater 5 months.
PeterHatEater
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For weapon switch, 2x
Feltongue
Feltongue
Great Sword (Sacred)

One-Hand Damage: 48 to 52
Two-Hand Damage: 79 to 81
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 670
Item Level: 105
Strength Damage Bonus: (0.16 per Strength)%
Adds 300% of Crushing Blow as Fire and Cold Spell Damage
4% Chance to cast level 20 Pagan Rites on Death Blow
+(5 to 7) to All Skills
20% Movement Speed
-(10 to 20)% to Enemy Fire Resistance
-(10 to 20)% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+(2000 to 4000) Defense
Maximum Fire Resist +1%
Maximum Cold Resist +1%
Socketed (6)
or crafted throwing axes with +6 all skills are also an excellent choice for pre-buffing. Conflux will give pierce based on soft levels so use this if you need more pierce.
aussietodd
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Nice guide mate, very solid build. Huge dps!
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RyougiShiki
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I'm pretty sure if you want max fire dmg you need crafted belt/gloves.

check my char here, https://median-xl.com/char/Clown

well as a general guide it's ok to say use BMR or sth others...

but you know the diff between BIS/OK setup...

ALSO A BIG NOTICE FOR WHO WANT TO MAX THIS BUILD:

although the Fool's Gold or sth is pretty insanne as it almost max roll for aa, but in practice if you have any chances to get the blood of creation , AVOID THIS KIND OF ROLL CAZ IT HURT YOUR POTENTIAL TO GET MORE VIT.

Minimize ENG even DEX as much as possible.
PeterHatEater
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RyougiShiki wrote:I'm pretty sure if you want max fire dmg you need crafted belt/gloves.

check my char here, https://median-xl.com/char/Clown

well as a general guide it's ok to say use BMR or sth others...

but you know the diff between BIS/OK setup...

ALSO A BIG NOTICE FOR WHO WANT TO MAX THIS BUILD:

although the Fool's Gold or sth is pretty insanne as it almost max roll for aa, but in practice if you have any chances to get the blood of creation , AVOID THIS KIND OF ROLL CAZ IT HURT YOUR POTENTIAL TO GET MORE VIT.

Minimize ENG even DEX as much as possible.


Thanks for sharing. This is the build I ended up with: https://median-xl.com/char/BeforeTheFlood/53f5

I never got to use the Blood of Creation relic unfortunately, so I focused on increasing dex for the AR.
mincer122
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farming with an axe is more difficult than with a sword, since I tried different types of leveling and settled on this one
https://median-xl.com/char/FullFocus
easy to farm high labs, easy to kill Phobos.
mincer122
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Well, it’s a little strange to see a guide from a person who doesn’t quite understand how to comfortably play an elemental barbarian, 3 Phobos in T10 against my 67, and I don’t write guides, since the build can still be improved.
AGsniper
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Elementalist barb is supremely easy to gear early game. Literally no reason to spec into WW at all.
PeterHatEater
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mincer122 wrote:Well, it’s a little strange to see a guide from a person who doesn’t quite understand how to comfortably play an elemental barbarian, 3 Phobos in T10 against my 67, and I don’t write guides, since the build can still be improved.


1. I never said my build was perfect and that I have all the answers. The point of a guide is to give players some direction and interest in a build. I also think that the axe is extremely cool and I wanted to play with that, even if there are alternatives.

2. Sure, I have three T10 Phoboss kills to your 67, but you have 270 hours played on your character compared to my 89. You have more than triple the amount of hours played compared to me. If I played an additional 180 hours in labs, I would have significantly more Phoboss kills than you.

3. If you actually read the whole guide, you would notice there is a section that includes your build.

4. Write your own guide then.
mincer122
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PeterHatEater wrote:
mincer122 wrote:Well, it’s a little strange to see a guide from a person who doesn’t quite understand how to comfortably play an elemental barbarian, 3 Phobos in T10 against my 67, and I don’t write guides, since the build can still be improved.


1. I never said my build was perfect and that I have all the answers. The point of a guide is to give players some direction and interest in a build. I also think that the axe is extremely cool and I wanted to play with that, even if there are alternatives.

2. Sure, I have three T10 Phoboss kills to your 67, but you have 270 hours played on your character compared to my 89. You have more than triple the amount of hours played compared to me. If I played an additional 180 hours in labs, I would have significantly more Phoboss kills than you.

3. If you actually read the whole guide, you would notice there is a section that includes your build.

4. Write your own guide then.



It's unlikely that you had more Phobos kills than I did on my barbarian, since my build is much stronger, I tried the barbarian with an axe.

And about the guide, I said that there is still room for improvement in the build.

if you haven't noticed, then I have half as many deaths as you, despite three times more game time