Elemental Barbarian

The elemental barbarian

Guide updated for version 2.6
Notable changes

Primordial strike can now be used without having to hit a target.
Hunter's mark, Primordial Hunt can be used for more damage when Bear Stance/Ancient blood not required.
New Runewords for a strength centric build option

Introduction

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

Cons

Stats, Skills & Breakpoints

stats

*** You can pour stat points into Vitality once you achieve Max block ***

Skills
Nomad

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)%

Elementalist

Reward

Mastery

Breakpoints

(attack speed with Crystal sword)

How to play/Gameplay
Buff with stance, conflux, innate skill. Summon wolf, hit stuff.

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. Note that if you're "casting" Primordial strike without hitting any enemy, you will not benefit from "Life/mana on melee attack".

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

Early game

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

Iceflayer

Iceflayer
Crystal Sword (4)
Required Level: 11
Required Dexterity: 73
Item Level: 19
Innate Cold Damage: (10.0% of Dexterity)
+1 to Paladin Skill Levels
+1 to Druid Skill Levels
15% Attack Speed
Adds 5-6 Cold Damage
-(3 to 5)% to Enemy Cold Resistance
(3 to 5)% to Dexterity
Physical Damage Reduced by (5 to 10)
Socketed (2)
Required Level: 30
Required Dexterity: 110
Item Level: 36
Innate Cold Damage: (15.0% of Dexterity)
+2 to Paladin Skill Levels
+2 to Druid Skill Levels
30% Attack Speed
Adds 14-20 Cold Damage
-(6 to 10)% to Enemy Cold Resistance
(9 to 11)% to Dexterity
Physical Damage Reduced by (15 to 25)
Socketed (4)
Required Level: 48
Required Dexterity: 216
Item Level: 59
Innate Cold Damage: (20.0% of Dexterity)
+3 to Paladin Skill Levels
+3 to Druid Skill Levels
45% Attack Speed
Adds 40-60 Cold Damage
-(11 to 15)% to Enemy Cold Resistance
(15 to 17)% to Dexterity
Physical Damage Reduced by (31 to 40)
Socketed (5)
Required Level: 57
Required Dexterity: 427
Item Level: 85
Innate Cold Damage: (25.0% of Dexterity)
+4 to Paladin Skill Levels
+4 to Druid Skill Levels
60% Attack Speed
Adds 120-160 Cold Damage
-(16 to 20)% to Enemy Cold Resistance
(18 to 20)% to Dexterity
Physical Damage Reduced by (41 to 50)
Socketed (6)

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)

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

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

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)

Topspin

Topspin
Skull Cap (4)
Defense: (76 - 83) to (115 - 125)
Required Level: 3
Required Strength: 28
Item Level: 1
5% Attack Speed
+(31 to 50)% Enhanced Defense
+(31 to 50) Defense
(3 to 5)% to Dexterity
(3 to 5)% to Energy
Maximum Elemental Resists +1%
10% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (1)
Defense: (277 - 301) to (365 - 397)
Required Level: 20
Required Strength: 55
Item Level: 31
15% Attack Speed
+(61 to 80)% Enhanced Defense
+(71 to 100) Defense
(6 to 8)% to Dexterity
(6 to 8)% to Energy
Maximum Elemental Resists +1%
20% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (3)
Defense: (704 - 760) to (876 - 943)
Required Level: 37
Required Strength: 192
Item Level: 51
25% Attack Speed
+(91 to 110)% Enhanced Defense
+(151 to 200) Defense
(9 to 11)% to Dexterity
(9 to 11)% to Energy
Maximum Elemental Resists +2%
30% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (4)
Defense: (1182 - 1258) to (1471 - 1564)
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 384
Item Level: 77
30% Attack Speed
+(121 to 140)% Enhanced Defense
+(301 to 400) Defense
(12 to 14)% to Dexterity
(12 to 14)% to Energy
Maximum Elemental Resists +2%
40% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (4)

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)

Werecat

Werecat
Breast Plate (4)
Defense: (203 - 224) to (379 - 422)
Required Level: 5
Required Strength: 30
Item Level: 10
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: 36
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: 51
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: 85
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)

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)

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

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)%

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
(10 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: 36
10% Attack Speed
(10 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: 51
20% Attack Speed
(10 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: 85
30% Attack Speed
(10 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)

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%

Mid game

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%

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)

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)

Topspin

Topspin
Skull Cap (4)
Defense: (76 - 83) to (115 - 125)
Required Level: 3
Required Strength: 28
Item Level: 1
5% Attack Speed
+(31 to 50)% Enhanced Defense
+(31 to 50) Defense
(3 to 5)% to Dexterity
(3 to 5)% to Energy
Maximum Elemental Resists +1%
10% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (1)
Defense: (277 - 301) to (365 - 397)
Required Level: 20
Required Strength: 55
Item Level: 31
15% Attack Speed
+(61 to 80)% Enhanced Defense
+(71 to 100) Defense
(6 to 8)% to Dexterity
(6 to 8)% to Energy
Maximum Elemental Resists +1%
20% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (3)
Defense: (704 - 760) to (876 - 943)
Required Level: 37
Required Strength: 192
Item Level: 51
25% Attack Speed
+(91 to 110)% Enhanced Defense
+(151 to 200) Defense
(9 to 11)% to Dexterity
(9 to 11)% to Energy
Maximum Elemental Resists +2%
30% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (4)
Defense: (1182 - 1258) to (1471 - 1564)
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 384
Item Level: 77
30% Attack Speed
+(121 to 140)% Enhanced Defense
+(301 to 400) Defense
(12 to 14)% to Dexterity
(12 to 14)% to Energy
Maximum Elemental Resists +2%
40% Bonus to Defense
Socketed (4)

Werecat

Werecat
Breast Plate (4)
Defense: (203 - 224) to (379 - 422)
Required Level: 5
Required Strength: 30
Item Level: 10
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: 36
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: 51
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: 85
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)

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
(10 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: 36
10% Attack Speed
(10 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: 51
20% Attack Speed
(10 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: 85
30% Attack Speed
(10 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)

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

Example of weapons :

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

is a good set. If you plan on using, respec your stats from dexterity to strength. Set will last you quite a while. Use diamonds instead of amethysts.

Late game Lv110-125

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

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)

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%

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)

Rebel

Rebel
Body Armors
'ZolSilSilLo'
Runeword Level: 100
15% Combat Speeds
Adds 6-10 Damage
Weapon Physical 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%
+200% Enhanced Defense
+(21 to 25) to Dexterity
Cold Absorb (3 to 5)%

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

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
(10 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: 36
10% Attack Speed
(10 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: 51
20% Attack Speed
(10 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: 85
30% Attack Speed
(10 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)

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

End game Lv125-150 (Dex variant)

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)

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

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%

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

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)%

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)

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)

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)%

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)

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

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

End game Lv125-150 (Str variant)

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)%

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)

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

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)

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)%

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)

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)

Nephilim

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

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

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

Mystic orbs & Sockets : Max resistance gems and Amethysts/Diamonds, Fal/Ko, Fel/Ka. Use runes if you are going the Runemaster route, gems if Nephalem spirit. Orbs early items with resistances, enhanced defense, total character defense, hit recovery, flat dexterity.

Progression & Uber quests
Some outdated
105 Ubers

► Show Spoiler

110 Ubers

► Show Spoiler

115 Ubers

► Show Spoiler

120 Ubers

► Show Spoiler

125 Ubers

► Show Spoiler

130 Ubers

► Show Spoiler

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!

wow~ good good`

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

Ruubel wrote: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!

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
+10 to Deathgaze
Weapon Physical 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
+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)%
+(215 to 265) 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: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+(3 to 6) to Sorceress Skill Levels
45% Cast Speed
45% Hit Recovery
+(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.

Seikun wrote: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
+10 to Deathgaze
Weapon Physical 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
+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)%
+(215 to 265) 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: (0.15 per Dexterity)%
+(3 to 6) to Sorceress Skill Levels
45% Cast Speed
45% Hit Recovery
+(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.

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)

Diaco wrote: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
10% Movement Speed
+100 to Attack Rating
Adds (6 to 7)-(9 to 10) Lightning Damage
-(6 to 8)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+100 Defense
Socketed (1)
Required Level: 17
Required Strength: 36
Item Level: 31
Innate Lightning Damage: (20.0% of Strength)
+1 to Barbarian Skill Levels
15% Movement Speed
+250 to Attack Rating
Adds (20 to 21)-(30 to 31) Lightning Damage
-(11 to 13)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+250 Defense
Socketed (2)
Required Level: 36
Required Strength: 81
Item Level: 51
Innate Lightning Damage: (26.0% of Strength)
+2 to Barbarian Skill Levels
20% Movement Speed
+500 to Attack Rating
Adds (58 to 60)-(90 to 93) Lightning Damage
-(16 to 18)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+500 Defense
Socketed (2)
Required Level: 45
Required Strength: 167
Item Level: 77
Innate Lightning Damage: (33.0% of Strength)
+3 to Barbarian Skill Levels
25% Movement Speed
+1000 to Attack Rating
Adds (174 to 180)-(250 to 260) Lightning Damage
-(18 to 20)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+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: 10
Innate Fire Damage: (20.0% of Strength)
10% Chance to cast level 10 Lava Pit on Melee Attack
15% Attack Speed
Adds (9 to 11)-(13 to 14) 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: 36
Innate Fire Damage: (32.0% of Strength)
12% Chance to cast level 20 Lava Pit on Melee Attack
25% Attack Speed
Adds (31 to 33)-(41 to 43) 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: 51
Innate Fire Damage: (41.0% of Strength)
14% Chance to cast level 30 Lava Pit on Melee Attack
35% Attack Speed
Adds (101 to 110)-(136 to 150) 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: 85
Innate Fire Damage: (52.0% of Strength)
16% Chance to cast level 40 Lava Pit on Melee Attack
40% Attack Speed
Adds (241 to 250)-(336 to 350) 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.

Kerchaak wrote:
Diaco wrote: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
10% Movement Speed
+100 to Attack Rating
Adds (6 to 7)-(9 to 10) Lightning Damage
-(6 to 8)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+100 Defense
Socketed (1)
Required Level: 17
Required Strength: 36
Item Level: 31
Innate Lightning Damage: (20.0% of Strength)
+1 to Barbarian Skill Levels
15% Movement Speed
+250 to Attack Rating
Adds (20 to 21)-(30 to 31) Lightning Damage
-(11 to 13)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+250 Defense
Socketed (2)
Required Level: 36
Required Strength: 81
Item Level: 51
Innate Lightning Damage: (26.0% of Strength)
+2 to Barbarian Skill Levels
20% Movement Speed
+500 to Attack Rating
Adds (58 to 60)-(90 to 93) Lightning Damage
-(16 to 18)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+500 Defense
Socketed (2)
Required Level: 45
Required Strength: 167
Item Level: 77
Innate Lightning Damage: (33.0% of Strength)
+3 to Barbarian Skill Levels
25% Movement Speed
+1000 to Attack Rating
Adds (174 to 180)-(250 to 260) Lightning Damage
-(18 to 20)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+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: 10
Innate Fire Damage: (20.0% of Strength)
10% Chance to cast level 10 Lava Pit on Melee Attack
15% Attack Speed
Adds (9 to 11)-(13 to 14) 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: 36
Innate Fire Damage: (32.0% of Strength)
12% Chance to cast level 20 Lava Pit on Melee Attack
25% Attack Speed
Adds (31 to 33)-(41 to 43) 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: 51
Innate Fire Damage: (41.0% of Strength)
14% Chance to cast level 30 Lava Pit on Melee Attack
35% Attack Speed
Adds (101 to 110)-(136 to 150) 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: 85
Innate Fire Damage: (52.0% of Strength)
16% Chance to cast level 40 Lava Pit on Melee Attack
40% Attack Speed
Adds (241 to 250)-(336 to 350) 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: 1
+1 to Barbarian Skill Levels
Weapon Physical 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: 31
+2 to Barbarian Skill Levels
Weapon Physical 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: 51
+3 to Barbarian Skill Levels
Weapon Physical 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: 77
+4 to Barbarian Skill Levels
Weapon Physical 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
+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

)

Deadfall

Deadfall
Heavy Belt (4)
Defense: (135 - 159) to (178 - 210)
Required Level: 7
Required Strength: 36
Item Level: 19
2% Chance to cast level 2 Shower of Rocks on Kill
1% Chance of Crushing Blow
+(24 to 46)% Enhanced Defense
+(16 to 25) to Strength
Lightning Resist +(11 to 15)%
Socketed (1)
Defense: (485 - 551) to (616 - 700)
Required Level: 24
Required Strength: 62
Item Level: 36
2% Chance to cast level 4 Shower of Rocks on Kill
2% Chance of Crushing Blow
+(69 to 92)% Enhanced Defense
+(36 to 45) to Strength
Lightning Resist +(21 to 25)%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (1270 - 1400) to (1595 - 1758)
Required Level: 41
Required Strength: 218
Item Level: 51
2% Chance to cast level 8 Shower of Rocks on Kill
3% Chance of Crushing Blow
+(115 to 137)% Enhanced Defense
+(56 to 65) to Strength
Lightning Resist +(31 to 35)%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (1918 - 2095) to (2403 - 2626)
Required Level: 50
Required Strength: 436
Item Level: 85
2% Chance to cast level 12 Shower of Rocks on Kill
4% Chance of Crushing Blow
+(138 to 160)% Enhanced Defense
+(66 to 75) to Strength
Lightning Resist +(36 to 40)%
Socketed (2)

Steel Golem

Steel Golem
Gothic Plate (4)
Defense: (313 - 364) to (629 - 731)
Required Level: 9
Required Strength: 36 to 37
Item Level: 19
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
Requirements +(7 to 10)%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (1017 - 1140) to (1931 - 2166)
Required Level: 27
Required Strength: 78 to 80
Item Level: 40
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
Requirements +(15 to 18)%
Socketed (4)
Defense: (2542 - 2801) to (4732 - 5214)
Required Level: 45
Required Strength: 291 to 298
Item Level: 67
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
Requirements +(23 to 26)%
Socketed (5)
Defense: (3804 - 4140) to (7061 - 7685)
Required Level: 52
Required Strength: 600 to 614
Item Level: 85
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
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: 10
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+(18 to 29)% Enhanced Defense
+(7 to 10) to all Attributes
+(31 to 50) to Life
+(16 to 25) to Mana
(3 to 5)% Bonus to Defense
10% Gold Find
Socketed (1)
Defense: (203 - 218) to (267 - 288)
Required Level: 22
Required Strength: 58
Item Level: 31
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+(41 to 52)% Enhanced Defense
+(15 to 18) to all Attributes
+(71 to 90) to Life
+(36 to 45) to Mana
(9 to 11)% Bonus to Defense
15% Gold Find
Socketed (2)
Defense: (519 - 554) to (667 - 712)
Required Level: 39
Required Strength: 202
Item Level: 51
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+(64 to 75)% Enhanced Defense
+(23 to 26) to all Attributes
+(111 to 130) to Life
+(56 to 65) to Mana
(15 to 17)% Bonus to Defense
20% Gold Find
Socketed (3)
Defense: (759 - 807) to (974 - 1036)
Required Level: 48
Required Strength: 403
Item Level: 77
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+(75 to 86)% Enhanced Defense
+(31 to 35) to all Attributes
+(131 to 150) to Life
+(66 to 75) to Mana
(18 to 20)% Bonus to Defense
25% Gold Find
Socketed (4)

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

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: 19
2% Chance to cast level 10 Tempest on Kill
Adds 1-(3 to 5) Lightning Damage
-4% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(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: 36
2% Chance to cast level 20 Tempest on Kill
Adds 1-(9 to 18) Lightning Damage
-8% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(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: 59
3% Chance to cast level 30 Tempest on Kill
Adds 1-(43 to 50) Lightning Damage
-12% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(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
3% Chance to cast level 40 Tempest on Kill
Adds 1-(131 to 150) Lightning Damage
-16% to Enemy Lightning Resistance
+(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.