Melee Sorceress

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Bulooka
Lava Lord
91 | 11
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Ele melee sorc looks fun. It seems like a meme but it could be strong. Depending on Lachdanan, it may need defensive gear to round it out

Why I'm even typing this, as mentioned in a few prior posts:
Starhawk
Starhawk
Warp Blade (Sacred)

One-Hand Damage: 49 to 86
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 100
Required Dexterity: 400
Item Level: 105
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.13 per Dexterity)%
Innate Tri-Elemental Damage:
(45.0% of Dexterity)
Area Effect Attack
25% Chance to cast level 50 Magic Missiles on Melee Attack
+(3 to 5) to Sorceress Skill Levels
50% Attack Speed
Adds 400-500 Magic Damage
-(25 to 35)% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
10% Chance to Avoid Damage
Socketed (6)
&
Lachdanan's Visage
Lachdanan's Visage
Banded Plate (Sacred)

Defense: (8973 - 10165) to (14769 - 16229)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 100
Required Dexterity: 627
Item Level: 120
Mana Shield: 65% less Mana Drained when Hit
You may Only use Melee, Summon and Support Skills
Adds 200-300 Magic Damage
Adds 150-200 Fire Damage
Adds 150-200 Lightning Damage
Adds 150-200 Cold Damage
-30% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+(161 to 200)% Enhanced Defense
+(1000 to 5000) Defense
Socketed (6)

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)
,
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 150-200 Fire Damage
Adds 150-200 Lightning Damage
-(5 to 20)% to Enemy Fire Resistance
-(5 to 20)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(130 to 150)% Enhanced Defense
Maximum Elemental Resists +(0 to 1)%
2% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (4)
,
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)
(for the dex and overall good stats), and
Endless Pride
Endless Pride
Cap (Sacred)

Defense: 1187 to 1201
Required Level: 120
Required Strength: 500
Item Level: 130
Restitution
(Based on Restore Percentage)
+2 to All Skills
+50% Bonus to Defense
Maximum Elemental Resists +3%
Cube with Trophy Fragment: Restore +20%
+4 to Life (Based on Character Level)
+2 to Mana (Based on Character Level)
Elemental Resists +10%
(1 to 50)% Magic Find
Socketed (4)
for late game stats
Shield -
Vaetia's Wall
Vaetia's Wall
Tower Shield (Sacred)

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

Defense: (1640 - 2123) to (1902 - 2461)
Chance to Block: Class%
Required Level: 100
Required Dexterity: 527
Item Level: 105
+1 to All Skills
Adds 25-50 Fire Damage
Adds 25-50 Lightning Damage
Adds 25-50 Cold Damage
-10% to Enemy Elemental Resistances
+(8 to 20) to Storm Crows
+(70 to 120)% Enhanced Defense
+(50 to 75) to Dexterity
+1 Life on Striking
Socketed (6)
looks fun, or even
The Flying Saucer
The Flying Saucer
Small Shield (Sacred)

Defense: (3627 - 3957) to (3907 - 4262)
Chance to Block: 1% + Class%
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 500
Required Dexterity: 499
Item Level: 120
1% Chance to cast level 60 Cryo Beam on Striking
1% Base Block Chance
30% Movement Speed
-25% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
-25% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+(120 to 140)% Enhanced Defense
Physical Resist 5%
Socketed (4)

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)
seems so juicy here esp with lacuni pierce, or
Rogue Foresight
Rogue Foresight
Heavy Gloves (Sacred)

Defense: 492 to 522
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 525
Item Level: 120
+1 to All Skills
5% Deadly Strike
-10% to Strength
20% to Dexterity
Physical Resist 5%
Socketed (4)
for the dex, but Trinity crafts with sorc spells & attack speed if you need to fix speeds until you get the prev. listed gloves
Belt -
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)
for the 2pc with the gloves (2pc bonus ain't nothin' to scoff at),
The Endless Loop
The Endless Loop
Light Belt (Sacred)

Defense: 1101 to 1143
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 550
Item Level: 105
40% Combat Speeds
+(10 to 19) to Charged Strike
Slow Target 10%
+50 to all Attributes
+75 Life Regenerated per Second
+(0 to 1) Mana on Striking
Socketed (2)
always solid for speeds fix
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)
seems like a bait but they could be good,
Riptide
also very good choice, 3 piece henchman is great here, but the poison doesn't seem to synergize with us but the 3pc could be worth
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
prob a must
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
&
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%
for farming,
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 we need the slight defensive edge, but %aa on dex is also a good choice

tl;dr: Like Ruubel said, IED seems like a bait, max dex, achieve max pierce if you can, meet breakpoints, 2pc henchman is really good, LAEK or life spark is probably a must to survive, high PR and life are our friend
orionwt
Skeleton
3 | 0
mark i will give it a try
Siosilvar
Cow Ninja
1219 | 263
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Observations from clearing Normal in 2.0:

1. Monsters in late act 2 & act 3 are significantly tougher now, it's a good idea to farm enough crystals to make a T1
The Warped Blade
The Warped Blade
Warp Blade (4)

One-Hand Damage: (8 - 10) to (25 - 39)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 12
Required Dexterity:
39 to 41
Item Level: 10
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.13 per Dexterity)%
Area Effect Attack
5% Chance to cast level 12 Energy Beam on Melee Attack
15% Attack Speed
+(13 to 25) to Maximum Damage
+(24 to 46)% Enhanced Damage
+(16 to 25) to Dexterity
2% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Requirements -(11 to 15)%
Socketed (2)
One-Hand Damage: (25 - 28) to (78 - 96)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 33
Required Dexterity:
53 to 56
Item Level: 31
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.13 per Dexterity)%
Area Effect Attack
10% Chance to cast level 20 Energy Beam on Melee Attack
25% Attack Speed
+(38 to 50) to Maximum Damage
+(69 to 92)% Enhanced Damage
+(36 to 45) to Dexterity
4% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Requirements -(21 to 25)%
Socketed (4)
One-Hand Damage: (49 - 54) to (157 - 179)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 52
Required Dexterity:
91 to 96
Item Level: 51
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.13 per Dexterity)%
Area Effect Attack
15% Chance to cast level 28 Energy Beam on Melee Attack
35% Attack Speed
+(63 to 75) to Maximum Damage
+(115 to 137)% Enhanced Damage
+(56 to 65) to Dexterity
6% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Requirements -(31 to 35)%
Socketed (5)
One-Hand Damage: (69 - 75) to (202 - 225)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 62
Required Dexterity:
166 to 177
Item Level: 77
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.13 per Dexterity)%
Area Effect Attack
20% Chance to cast level 36 Energy Beam on Melee Attack
40% Attack Speed
+(76 to 88) to Maximum Damage
+(138 to 160)% Enhanced Damage
+(66 to 75) to Dexterity
8% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Requirements -(36 to 40)%
Socketed (6)
off of Andariel and then upgrade it at the end of act 2.
2. All of the cold skills except Frigid Nova can be used even with Moonstrike, Baneblade, and Melee Devotion up, but they require an orb or scepter and scale with energy/cold spell damage.
3. Hive now has WDM. I can't figure out the scaling - goes up with skill level, down with character level?
4. Arcane Sustenance mana on attack works always, not just when Fusillade + Mana Shield are up. whenever you have Fusillade up, even without Mana Shield.



Current build, starting Nightmare at level 58 after farming Nihlathak:
► Show Spoiler
Edited by Siosilvar 2 years.
Waffle1209
Sasquatch
62 | 2
Siosilvar wrote:Observations from clearing Normal in 2.0:

1. Monsters in late act 2 & act 3 are significantly tougher now, it's a good idea to farm enough crystals to make a T1
The Warped Blade
The Warped Blade
Warp Blade (4)

One-Hand Damage: (8 - 10) to (25 - 39)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 12
Required Dexterity:
39 to 41
Item Level: 10
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.13 per Dexterity)%
Area Effect Attack
5% Chance to cast level 12 Energy Beam on Melee Attack
15% Attack Speed
+(13 to 25) to Maximum Damage
+(24 to 46)% Enhanced Damage
+(16 to 25) to Dexterity
2% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Requirements -(11 to 15)%
Socketed (2)
One-Hand Damage: (25 - 28) to (78 - 96)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 33
Required Dexterity:
53 to 56
Item Level: 31
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.13 per Dexterity)%
Area Effect Attack
10% Chance to cast level 20 Energy Beam on Melee Attack
25% Attack Speed
+(38 to 50) to Maximum Damage
+(69 to 92)% Enhanced Damage
+(36 to 45) to Dexterity
4% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Requirements -(21 to 25)%
Socketed (4)
One-Hand Damage: (49 - 54) to (157 - 179)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 52
Required Dexterity:
91 to 96
Item Level: 51
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.13 per Dexterity)%
Area Effect Attack
15% Chance to cast level 28 Energy Beam on Melee Attack
35% Attack Speed
+(63 to 75) to Maximum Damage
+(115 to 137)% Enhanced Damage
+(56 to 65) to Dexterity
6% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Requirements -(31 to 35)%
Socketed (5)
One-Hand Damage: (69 - 75) to (202 - 225)
(Sorceress Only)
Required Level: 62
Required Dexterity:
166 to 177
Item Level: 77
Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.13 per Dexterity)%
Area Effect Attack
20% Chance to cast level 36 Energy Beam on Melee Attack
40% Attack Speed
+(76 to 88) to Maximum Damage
+(138 to 160)% Enhanced Damage
+(66 to 75) to Dexterity
8% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Requirements -(36 to 40)%
Socketed (6)
off of Andariel and then upgrade it at the end of act 2.
2. All of the cold skills except Frigid Nova can be used even with Moonstrike, Baneblade, and Melee Devotion up, but they require an orb or scepter and scale with energy/cold spell damage.
3. Hive now has WDM. I can't figure out the scaling - goes up with skill level, down with character level?
4. Arcane Sustenance mana on attack works always, not just when Fusillade + Mana Shield are up.



Current build, starting Nightmare at level 58 after farming Nihlathak:
► Show Spoiler


Thanks for this. I started a cold sorc but not really enjoying it. I may just farm some andariel to get t1 warped blade and 1 or 2 other uniques and respec to melee.
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Solfege
Harpylisk
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@Siosilvar
Quality post. Have a cookie.

@anyone else who cares
As of now, I'm hoping to start posting updates to the main guide during the week of 9/13/2021 (depending on if I ever find the fking Set so I can start doing the 125 quests). In the meantime, I'm using this post for progress updates (linked at the very beginning of the guide).

CURRENT LOCATION
Pushing through the 125 quests with TUs+RWs b/c I got bored farming for the stupid Set.

BUILD

This is the skillplan I'm working toward. There are things I want to test when I hit End Game, so the final version may be slightly different.
  • MELEE
    • Moonstrike = 30
    • Bladestorm = 15
    • Fusillade = 15
    • Arcane Sustanence = 1
    • Premonition = 5*
  • COVEN
    • Vengeful Power = 10
    • Warp Armor = 25
    • Nova Charge = 1 (for the Mana boost)
    • Hive = 1 (for supplemental damage)
  • ARCANE
    • Immersion = 1 (prereq)
    • Arcane Torrent = 1 (prereq)
    • Raven Familiar = 1 (for the Mana boost), more if you want more +Skills.
  • REWARD
    • Baneblade = 15
    • Symbol of Esu = 5 (for the 5% Absorb)
    • Force Blast = 1
  • MASTERY
    • Melee Devotion = 1
    • Meditation = 3
    • Specialization = 10

Notes on SKILL POINTS
This plan assumes a clvl 135 character with the Specialization mastery. You can achieve this plan at clvl 128. After that, points can go wherever you want. Atm, I'm thinking I'm probably just gonna dump the extras into Raven Familiar for the +Skills (it also works out to a nice, even number at clvl 135 with no points left over). But you can also play around with some Cold Tree skills such as Crystalline Barrier.

*Even though Premonition is a clvl 90 skill, don't bother putting any points into it until after you've killed Hell Baal, unlocked Specialization, and SMaxed your other melee skills. You have to already be at 50% CtB before Premonition kicks in. And even then, you won't get the listed bonus CtB if your DEX isn't high enough. So it's completely useless until End Game.

Notes on MASTERIES
Melee Devotion is a no-brainer. And Specialization works nicely with a Poison/Lightning build because of all the leftover points you'll have. Tenacity seems like the obvious 3rd mastery, but with so many defensive boosts already available to you, I question whether an extra 5% Phys Res will make that much difference in the end. Personally, I'm leaning toward Meditation for the additional Mana boost+regen rate. Things are easier when you only have to manage 1 resource pool. And with Meditation, you can SMax all your melee skills without having to worry so much about Mana cost. You also won't have to waste MO space on your gear for MoA or Mana regen orbs.

GEAR

This is the setup I used/am using:
  • Weapon =
    Shark
    Shark
    Weapons
    Except Necromancer Daggers, Assassin Claws

    'Eld'
    Runeword Level: 8
    5% Chance to cast level 9 Bloodlust on Kill
    +(7 to 9)% Bonus Damage to Bloodlust
    20% Attack Speed
    +5 to Maximum Damage
    +0.125 to Maximum Damage (Based on Character Level)
    1.5% Bonus to Attack Rating (Based on Character Level)
    +(24 to 35)% Enhanced Damage
    -1 to Mana
    The Warped Blade
    The Warped Blade
    Warp Blade (4)

    One-Hand Damage: (8 - 10) to (25 - 39)
    (Sorceress Only)
    Required Level: 12
    Required Dexterity:
    39 to 41
    Item Level: 10
    Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.13 per Dexterity)%
    Area Effect Attack
    5% Chance to cast level 12 Energy Beam on Melee Attack
    15% Attack Speed
    +(13 to 25) to Maximum Damage
    +(24 to 46)% Enhanced Damage
    +(16 to 25) to Dexterity
    2% Reanimate as: Random Monster
    Requirements -(11 to 15)%
    Socketed (2)
    One-Hand Damage: (25 - 28) to (78 - 96)
    (Sorceress Only)
    Required Level: 33
    Required Dexterity:
    53 to 56
    Item Level: 31
    Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.13 per Dexterity)%
    Area Effect Attack
    10% Chance to cast level 20 Energy Beam on Melee Attack
    25% Attack Speed
    +(38 to 50) to Maximum Damage
    +(69 to 92)% Enhanced Damage
    +(36 to 45) to Dexterity
    4% Reanimate as: Random Monster
    Requirements -(21 to 25)%
    Socketed (4)
    One-Hand Damage: (49 - 54) to (157 - 179)
    (Sorceress Only)
    Required Level: 52
    Required Dexterity:
    91 to 96
    Item Level: 51
    Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.13 per Dexterity)%
    Area Effect Attack
    15% Chance to cast level 28 Energy Beam on Melee Attack
    35% Attack Speed
    +(63 to 75) to Maximum Damage
    +(115 to 137)% Enhanced Damage
    +(56 to 65) to Dexterity
    6% Reanimate as: Random Monster
    Requirements -(31 to 35)%
    Socketed (5)
    One-Hand Damage: (69 - 75) to (202 - 225)
    (Sorceress Only)
    Required Level: 62
    Required Dexterity:
    166 to 177
    Item Level: 77
    Dexterity Damage Bonus: (0.13 per Dexterity)%
    Area Effect Attack
    20% Chance to cast level 36 Energy Beam on Melee Attack
    40% Attack Speed
    +(76 to 88) to Maximum Damage
    +(138 to 160)% Enhanced Damage
    +(66 to 75) to Dexterity
    8% Reanimate as: Random Monster
    Requirements -(36 to 40)%
    Socketed (6)
    Shaula


    Shaula
    Sorceress Crystal Swords

    'BerMalLum'
    Runeword Level: 78
    +(1 to 2) to Sorceress Skill Levels
    40% Attack Speed
    Adds (30 to 40)-(60 to 70) Damage
    +(141 to 171)% Enhanced Damage
    Slow Target (5 to 10)%
    3% to All Attributes
    +(3 to 5)% to Experience Gained
    in a Sacred Warp Blade (3x Lum-crafted jewels with +15% AS)
  • Armor =
    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)
    Wedding Dress of the Zann
    Wedding Dress of the Zann
    Ceremonial Armor (4)

    Defense: (352 - 409) to (706 - 821)
    (Sorceress Only)
    Required Level: 12
    Required Dexterity: 97
    Item Level: 29
    15% Attack Speed
    +(2 to 3) to Spiral Dance
    4% Deadly Strike
    +(35 to 57)% Enhanced Defense
    +(16 to 25) to Strength
    +(16 to 25) to Dexterity
    Socketed (2)
    Defense: (1131 - 1268) to (2161 - 2423)
    (Sorceress Only)
    Required Level: 31
    Required Dexterity: 143
    Item Level: 40
    30% Attack Speed
    +(4 to 5) to Spiral Dance
    6% Deadly Strike
    +(81 to 103)% Enhanced Defense
    +(36 to 45) to Strength
    +(36 to 45) to Dexterity
    Socketed (4)
    Defense: (2818 - 3105) to (5286 - 5824)
    (Sorceress Only)
    Required Level: 48
    Required Dexterity: 300
    Item Level: 67
    45% Attack Speed
    +(6 to 7) to Spiral Dance
    8% Deadly Strike
    +(126 to 149)% Enhanced Defense
    +(56 to 65) to Strength
    +(56 to 65) to Dexterity
    Socketed (5)
    Defense: (4203 - 4574) to (7888 - 8585)
    (Sorceress Only)
    Required Level: 55
    Required Dexterity: 622
    Item Level: 85
    60% Attack Speed
    +(7 to 8) to Spiral Dance
    10% Deadly Strike
    +(149 to 171)% Enhanced Defense
    +(66 to 75) to Strength
    +(66 to 75) to Dexterity
    Socketed (6)
    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
    in Sacred Ceremonial Armor (3x Lum-crafted jewels with +15% HR)
  • Shield =
    Stone
    Stone
    Shields

    'Thul'
    Runeword Level: 28
    +1 to All Skills
    25% Hit Recovery
    +(3 to 5) to Maximum Damage
    5% to All Attributes
    +(30 to 40) to Life
    Cold Resist +25%
    Cannot Be Frozen
    (intended to use this, but didn't get a Thul Rune early enough) →
    Cloudladder
    Cloudladder
    Spiked Shield (4)

    Defense: (102 - 116) to (203 - 230)
    Chance to Block: Class%
    Required Level: 7
    Required Dexterity: 55
    Item Level: 10
    +1 to All Skills
    +1 to Druid Skill Levels
    +1 to Sorceress Skill Levels
    +(41 to 60)% Enhanced Defense
    +20 to all Attributes
    +10 Life Regenerated per Second
    Socketed (1)
    Defense: (372 - 414) to (629 - 699)
    Chance to Block: Class%
    Required Level: 24
    Required Dexterity: 81
    Item Level: 36
    +(1 to 2) to All Skills
    +(1 to 2) to Druid Skill Levels
    +(1 to 2) to Sorceress Skill Levels
    +(71 to 90)% Enhanced Defense
    +30 to all Attributes
    +20 Life Regenerated per Second
    Socketed (4)
    Defense: (920 - 1007) to (1503 - 1645)
    Chance to Block: Class%
    Required Level: 42
    Required Dexterity: 170
    Item Level: 51
    +2 to All Skills
    +2 to Druid Skill Levels
    +2 to Sorceress Skill Levels
    +(101 to 120)% Enhanced Defense
    +40 to all Attributes
    +30 Life Regenerated per Second
    Socketed (5)
    Defense: (1443 - 1687) to (2346 - 2743)
    Chance to Block: Class%
    Required Level: 51
    Required Dexterity: 353
    Item Level: 85
    +2 to All Skills
    +2 to Druid Skill Levels
    +2 to Sorceress Skill Levels
    +(131 to 170)% Enhanced Defense
    +50 to all Attributes
    +40 Life Regenerated per Second
    Socketed (6)
  • Helm = random Rares (didn't see any good early RWs) →
    Haareis
    Haareis
    Diadem (4)

    Defense: 36 to 80
    Required Level: 10
    Required Dexterity: 28
    Item Level: 1
    1% Chance to cast level 1 Shackles of Ice on Melee Attack
    Adds 5-7 Cold Damage
    (2 to 4)% Life stolen per Hit
    (4 to 6)% to Strength
    (4 to 6)% to Dexterity
    (4 to 6)% to Vitality
    Cold Resist +(16 to 25)%
    Socketed (2)
    Defense: 103 to 194
    Required Level: 28
    Required Dexterity: 57
    Item Level: 31
    2% Chance to cast level 5 Shackles of Ice on Melee Attack
    Adds 18-20 Cold Damage
    (8 to 10)% Life stolen per Hit
    (7 to 9)% to Strength
    (7 to 9)% to Dexterity
    (7 to 9)% to Vitality
    Cold Resist +(36 to 45)%
    Socketed (2)
    Defense: 215 to 386
    Required Level: 46
    Required Dexterity: 137
    Item Level: 51
    3% Chance to cast level 9 Shackles of Ice on Melee Attack
    Adds 55-65 Cold Damage
    (14 to 16)% Life stolen per Hit
    (10 to 12)% to Strength
    (10 to 12)% to Dexterity
    (10 to 12)% to Vitality
    Cold Resist +(56 to 65)%
    Socketed (3)
    Defense: 296 to 523
    Required Level: 54
    Required Dexterity: 294
    Item Level: 77
    4% Chance to cast level 11 Shackles of Ice on Melee Attack
    Adds 175-190 Cold Damage
    (17 to 19)% Life stolen per Hit
    (13 to 15)% to Strength
    (13 to 15)% to Dexterity
    (13 to 15)% to Vitality
    Cold Resist +(66 to 75)%
    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)
    .
  • 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
    Wormtongue
    Wormtongue
    Light Belt (4)

    Defense: (53 - 58) to (71 - 78)
    Required Level: 3
    Required Strength: 26
    Item Level: 1
    (31 to 50)% Bonus to Attack Rating
    Adds 5-13 Poison Damage over 2 seconds
    (2 to 4)% Life stolen per Hit
    +(18 to 29)% Enhanced Defense
    +(11 to 15) to Dexterity
    Socketed (1)
    Defense: (214 - 231) to (259 - 279)
    Required Level: 21
    Required Strength: 55
    Item Level: 31
    (71 to 90)% Bonus to Attack Rating
    Adds 19-50 Poison Damage over 2 seconds
    (8 to 10)% Life stolen per Hit
    +(41 to 52)% Enhanced Defense
    +(21 to 25) to Dexterity
    Socketed (2)
    Defense: (544 - 581) to (649 - 693)
    Required Level: 38
    Required Strength: 192
    Item Level: 51
    (111 to 130)% Bonus to Attack Rating
    Adds 75-150 Poison Damage over 2 seconds
    (14 to 16)% Life stolen per Hit
    +(64 to 75)% Enhanced Defense
    +(31 to 35) to Dexterity
    Socketed (2)
    Defense: (801 - 851) to (946 - 1006)
    Required Level: 46
    Required Strength: 384
    Item Level: 77
    (131 to 150)% Bonus to Attack Rating
    Adds 100-250 Poison Damage over 2 seconds
    (17 to 19)% Life stolen per Hit
    +(75 to 86)% Enhanced Defense
    +(36 to 40) to Dexterity
    Socketed (2)
  • 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
    +(3 to 5) Life Regenerated per Second
    Lightning Resist +15%
    +(4 to 6) to Light Radius
    Toorc's Gift
    Toorc's Gift
    Chain Gloves (4)

    Defense: (26 - 30) to (47 - 54)
    Required Level: 5
    Required Strength: 28
    Item Level: 10
    2% Chance to cast level 1 Glacial Nova on Melee Attack
    5% Attack Speed
    Stun Attack
    +(12 to 29)% Enhanced Defense
    Cold Resist +(11 to 15)%
    Socketed (1)
    Defense: (155 - 172) to (211 - 234)
    Required Level: 22
    Required Strength: 57
    Item Level: 31
    3% Chance to cast level 2 Glacial Nova on Melee Attack
    15% Attack Speed
    Adds (11 to 15)-(16 to 25) Cold Damage
    Stun Attack
    +(47 to 63)% Enhanced Defense
    Cold Resist +(21 to 25)%
    Socketed (2)
    Defense: (434 - 472) to (573 - 624)
    Required Level: 40
    Required Strength: 201
    Item Level: 51
    4% Chance to cast level 3 Glacial Nova on Melee Attack
    25% Attack Speed
    Adds (36 to 45)-(46 to 63) Cold Damage
    Stun Attack
    +(81 to 97)% Enhanced Defense
    Cold Resist +(31 to 35)%
    Socketed (3)
    Defense: (657 - 710) to (859 - 928)
    Required Level: 48
    Required Strength: 402
    Item Level: 77
    5% Chance to cast level 3 Glacial Nova on Melee Attack
    30% Attack Speed
    Adds (81 to 100)-(101 to 125) Cold Damage
    Stun Attack
    +(98 to 114)% Enhanced Defense
    Cold Resist +(36 to 40)%
    Socketed (4)
  • Boots = random Rares (
    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)%
    is an option, but didn't seem worth making, tbh) →
    Death Spur
    Death Spur
    Heavy Boots (4)

    Defense: 27 to 39
    Required Level: 3
    Required Strength: 27
    Item Level: 1
    1% Chance to cast level 6 Spike Nova on Kill
    (10 to 40)% Movement Speed
    +0.09375 to Maximum Damage (Based on Character Level)
    +(11 to 15) to Strength
    +(11 to 15) to Dexterity
    Socketed (1)
    Defense: 109 to 141
    Required Level: 20
    Required Strength: 55
    Item Level: 31
    1% Chance to cast level 10 Spike Nova on Kill
    (10 to 40)% Movement Speed
    +0.15625 to Maximum Damage (Based on Character Level)
    +(21 to 25) to Strength
    +(21 to 25) to Dexterity
    Socketed (2)
    Defense: 248 to 310
    Required Level: 38
    Required Strength: 193
    Item Level: 51
    1% Chance to cast level 14 Spike Nova on Kill
    (10 to 40)% Movement Speed
    +0.21875 to Maximum Damage (Based on Character Level)
    +(31 to 35) to Strength
    +(31 to 35) to Dexterity
    Socketed (3)
    Defense: 346 to 427
    Required Level: 46
    Required Strength: 386
    Item Level: 77
    1% Chance to cast level 16 Spike Nova on Kill
    (10 to 40)% Movement Speed
    +0.25 to Maximum Damage (Based on Character Level)
    +(36 to 40) to Strength
    +(36 to 40) to Dexterity
    Socketed (4)
    (the reason for using this over other options becomes clear once you have access to Baneblade)
  • Rings = random Rares -> 2x
    Ripstar
    Ripstar
    Ring

    Required Level: 60
    Item Level: 60
    +0.5625 to Maximum Damage (Based on Character Level)
    +20 Life on Melee Attack
    . Unfortunately, Unique jewelry seems really rare now, unless you want to farm ACs in Normal and try to roll them.
  • Amulet = random Rares ->
    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
    . Good mods, but more importantly, the "Cannot Be Frozen" mod will be really helpful.
  • Switch =
    Pax Mystica
    Pax Mystica
    Staves

    'Tir'
    Runeword Level: 10
    +1 to All Skills
    +7% to Spell Damage
    +(2 to 5) to Blink
    Elemental Resists +(11 to 15)%
    (11 to 13)% Magic Find
    for that sweet Blink oskill →
    Kabbalah
    Kabbalah
    Sorceress Orbs

    'Cham'
    Runeword Level: 83
    +3 to Sorceress Skill Levels
    -1% Base Block Chance
    60% Hit Recovery
    +(6 to 16) to Divine Apparition
    20% to Energy
    Maximum Life and Mana +5%
    +(100 to 200) Life when Struck by an Enemy
    in a T4 or Sacred Jared's Stone with 2x CS jewels. Pair with T4
    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)
    .

Notes on MOs
With Meditation mastery, you can skip MoA orbs on TU weapon. MO progression will be: ED to cap -> Max Damage -> DS -> LoA.

Notes on transitional gear

Early Game to Mid Game Transition:
Shaula


Shaula
Sorceress Crystal Swords

'BerMalLum'
Runeword Level: 78
+(1 to 2) to Sorceress Skill Levels
40% Attack Speed
Adds (30 to 40)-(60 to 70) Damage
+(141 to 171)% Enhanced Damage
Slow Target (5 to 10)%
3% to All Attributes
+(3 to 5)% to Experience Gained
for weapon upgrade and
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
for body armor upgrade. Shaula offers a pretty significant damage boost. And the extra leech from crafted jewels is gonna be helpful. Erawan is pretty standard fare, and has been a staple armor for a lot of melee builds for a long time. May as well stick with it. Use Lum Runes to craft jewels for RWs now. Keep TUs for the rest of your gear.

Mid Game to End Game Transition:
I've done some preliminary testing with Sacred Honorific Gloves+Boots vs. TU Gloves+Boots. Atm, fully orbed Sacred Honorifics offer nothing over fully orbed TUs, except higher STR reqs. Plus, you're losing some helpful procs by swapping out TUs. Crafts aren't really feasible since you won't have enough Abandoned Shrines at this stage to make anything better than TUs. Will test more if I ever complete the Set. But for now, just stick with TU Gloves/Belt/Boots.

LEVELING TIPS/PROGRESS REPORT

Early Game
  • As you're leveling, how you allocate your Skill Points is just as important as what skills you pick. You'll have a much easier time in later acts if you distribute points evenly across your skills as you level, rather than "soft maxing" them 1 at a time. For example, don't simply focus on maxing Moonstrike, then getting Vengeful Power to blvl 10, then maxing Warp Armor. You'll have a much smoother progression if you level -> put a point into Vengeful Power -> level -> put a point into Warp Armor -> level -> put a point into Moonstrike -> repeat.
  • Act 1 is pretty easy with just RWs+Rares.
  • Rogue Priestess merc's Vindicate is ridiculously helpful for keeping you alive while leveling.
  • Acts 2+3 can be a bit of a struggle. But by the time you hit clvl 32, and have access to Fusillade+Nova Charge+Hive, progress is much more comfortable. And once you've farmed Mephisto to get enough ACs to make your TU weapon, body armor, and shield, things become super comfy going forward.
  • Mana will be an issue from time to time. And some of that is because of Mana Shield. Raven Familiar+Nova Charge will help, but Mana management will be easier if you don't use Mana Shield from clvls 5-40. Once you have Raven Familiar, Nova Charge, and Arcane Sustenance, the Mana drain from Mana Shield becomes more manageable.
  • Leave Fusillade at 1 point until around clvl 35-40 (after Vengeful Power and Warp Armor are at blvl 10). And even then, don't put more than 5 points into the skill yet. Otherwise, the Mana cost will be too much to use it regularly.
  • Around the middle of Act 2 Nightmare, all your main skills should be maxed (or "soft maxed" in Vengeful Power's case). At that point, max the Meditation mastery. Then, you can start maxing Fusillade. Meditation's Mana+regen boost doesn't seem like much, but it makes a noticeable difference.
  • All of Nightmare has been comfy. No problems with boss fights.
  • The item drop rework makes AC farming to uptier TUs before Hell a huge pain. Just farming ACs back in Normal.

Mid Game
  • Sadly, even with the Meditation mastery, Mana Shield is still generally more harmful than helpful by Mid Game.
  • The item drop rework makes jewelcrafting and trying to roll useful TU jewelry a huge fking pain. Additionally, since you can't use Oils of Enhancement to upgrade regular items to Magic anymore, you're gonna have to actually find Magic versions of the base items needed for Sacred Honorifics. :facepalm: Because of this, I'm gonna see how far into Mid-Game an average player could reasonably get with only TUs.
  • All of the Mid-Game clvl 115 quests are quite doable with Early Game TU gear (I'm saving Invasion 2 for later because I'm too lazy to farm another Key of Sin atm).
  • Upgrade to RW weapon for the clvl 115-120 grind if you have the components. Otherwise, you can wait to upgrade your Weapon+Armor until you're ready to do the clvl 120 stuff. You can also boost Bladestorm to blvl 10 at any time now. You won't have any Mana problems.
  • Dunc, Triune, and Teganze can all be done with RWs+TUs. Survivability is good as long as you're kiting and leeching, but clearspeed is slow (as expected with sub-optimal gear).
  • D-Baal, Kabraxis, Kingdom of Shadow, and J-Day Part 2 can all be done with TUs+RWs+
    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)
    and no SoL eaten. Not ideal, though.
  • Vizjun done. Seems like most of the 125s may be possible with the same setup, but you'll need at least 200 extra points into DEX from SoL. That said, I don't recommend it.

Updates to this post will continue as my playthrough continues.

Good luck out there.

Back to main guide

Edit:
Reworked post.
Edited by Solfege 2 years.
Siosilvar
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Just got to Hell at level 100. I'm inclined to agree, Cloudladder is definitely still better than Banner. Every +1 skills is about 5k defense in cold/lite spec, and you just use 2 ptopaz in the extra sockets to make up the lightning resistance. ~30% EWD (on top of 400+ from moonstrike/baneblade) isn't really worth ~114 life, 20k defense, and ~40-50 base dex to me.

Looking at the tree again, I don't think there's enough points to get Frostborn before ~135. Might respec into Specialization 10 + Warp Armor 30 + Vengeful Power 10 + Moonstrike 30 once I kill Baal, though. Which is better:
  • 150k+ defense, 5% max life [Snow Queen + Tenacity]
  • 3% avoid, 15% PR, 50% EWD [Vengeful Power + Specialization]
Could always get both masteries if I also respec out of Purity... definitely enough skills to do that.

Also, did some math on a crafted Crystal Sword with the new passives and it's only slightly worse than T4 Warp Blade without any other gear changes. With some pierce crafted gloves and belt, I think you could actually go for ele build in midgame now.

EDIT: I just realized Tenacity is only 5 points. :facepalm: Yeah, I think Specialization will be better.
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Solfege
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I'm curious why you're interested in taking Frostborn. Unless I'm missing something, spending 50 points into the Cold Tree just for 10% Phys Res seems like a heavy investment for a relatively small payoff.



Updated my previous post with a tentative skillplan
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I just want to know if I can get 500k defense and max phys res at the same time in midgame gear :P Only like 22 of those points are wasted, kind of, since you'd actually use the two actives. If I had that many points I'd probably just max familiar for the +skills though.

I don't think that Continuity will increase Fusillade duration but can't test it yet, still level 113.

Maxing Fusillade seems good, at my 2k dex takes average hit from 2200 to 2800 (using a TU Warp Blade, 200% ED/+114 max). Definitely need a little bit more mana sustain though, Arcane Sustenance is only just barely maintaining Bladestorm. Probably 1-2 Mana on Melee Attack MOs is good, but mana regen on rings/ammy would also work if there's nothing better to do with that space.
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Solfege
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lol gotcha.

Btw, what's your current duration for Fusillade. Curious what duration scaling looks like at the upper end.
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My Fusillade is 2.8 seconds at level 21. Pretty sure it's just +1 sword per soft level like it was in 1.8 - I'm getting 0.1 seconds per 2-3 levels which matches up well with +1 frame per level.