Lion's Onslaught [Physical Overkill Barb]

[Pdiggy]

Introduction

To begin, I have been playing Median on and off for the past few years. I recently came back this season after playing last during 2.0's release, and I consistently have always played Throw Barb in all of my spurts of Median. Since coming back in 2.2, I was shocked to see the downfall and disappearance of one of my favorite playstyles! I am making this guide for one reason, and one reason only, and that is to bring glory back to the Throw Barbarian and make everyone aware of the potential of this build and just how much fun it is. The one thing that has always drawn me back is how much intricacy there is hidden behind the simplicity of the playstyle. My goal by the end of this guide is to educate new and even existing players of the potential the physical throw barbarian has, and provide everyone the opportunity to dive in to this build and enjoy it just as much as I do. Alas, let us all bask in the glory of the Lion's Onslaught together!

Pros

Works amazingly untwinked (Currently my only character and played throw from level 1)
Very high damage & defense ceiling
Safe and efficient farmer even in TU's
Can get up close and personal or fight from the trenches
All content up to 130 can be done with this build (Haven't reached 130 yet, will update guide with results when I reach that point)
Stick and move playstyle in certain situations will help improve your strafing across the board
Does not need max signets to shine (Currently at 126 with only 130 sigs eaten)
No skill-switching necessary
Awesome gear options

Cons

While the build is simplistic as far as abilities, it does require good movement and quick thinking adjustments for certain ubers
Life-steal is a very important part of our survival & will lead to a rough going without it
Overkill does have aiming sweet spots for multi-hits (more damage) which means you cannot always stand and spam moving targets
Have to learn how to properly aim overkill (this will come over the course of a playthrough)

How to play

Buff up with Titan's Fortitude (always keep this ability on, it provides GREAT survivability for us and lasts 120 seconds so you don't have to recast it very often), 2 wolf companions (I use two because I found it to be a sweet spot for having Spirit Guide applied to us more consistently), Lion Stance and Thundergod. Thundergod is a great skill and will save you in situations you get overwhelmed by too many enemies or just need a quick way to reset and collect yourself. When you are using overkill, you will see when you throw it that there is a huge distance in travel time from up close and far away, and it is important to realize which situations you want to take advantage of either one. In almost every case, if possible, we want to throw our overkill's in front of the enemy to receive the most multi-hits and damage we can. It will take some practice to get the optimal aiming down right, but when it happens the beauty of overkill truly shines & enemies will get melted in your wake. When farming, the best way I've found to utilize our high defenses and damage is to bring large groups of enemies together, keep moving, and make it rain! (Side note: to truly get this build mastered, work on your stick and move tactics as often as possible until it's second nature)

Leveling

Early Game (1-50)

I played throw entirely from level 1, and you can do the same! I used stampede all the way until about level 70, and around that time is when I switched to overkill. The reason for waiting is because at the time overkill was an enormous mana drain along with not having a high axe count without more points in the ability which made clearing undesirable. (As of patch 2.2.2, overkill's mana consumption was nerfed and can be taken earlier, but I still recommend stampede until you've progressed a bit past early game into mid-game). As soon as you start your journey, use your gold signet and gamble a throwing axe from Gheed. You will want to keep looking for throwing axe upgrades as often as possible until you reach

Rockshatter

Rockshatter
Balanced Axe (4)
Throw Damage: (14 - 16) to (27 - 39)
One-Hand Damage: (3 - 4) to (19 - 29)
Required Level: 6
Required Strength: 77
Item Level: 19
Strength Damage Bonus: (0.11 per Strength)%
1% Chance to cast level 7 Blast Wave on Kill
+(11 to 20) to Maximum Damage
3% Life stolen per Hit
+(18 to 40)% Enhanced Damage
(2 to 3)% Chance of Crushing Blow
Weapon Physical Damage +(19 to 30)%
+(16 to 25) to Strength
Socketed (2)
Throw Damage: (34 - 39) to (66 - 82)
One-Hand Damage: (11 - 13) to (47 - 59)
Required Level: 24
Required Strength: 115
Item Level: 36
Strength Damage Bonus: (0.11 per Strength)%
2% Chance to cast level 19 Blast Wave on Kill
+(21 to 30) to Maximum Damage
6% Life stolen per Hit
+(64 to 86)% Enhanced Damage
(4 to 6)% Chance of Crushing Blow
Weapon Physical Damage +(43 to 54)%
+(36 to 45) to Strength
Socketed (4)
Throw Damage: (100 - 111) to (156 - 179)
One-Hand Damage: (29 - 32) to (97 - 114)
Required Level: 43
Required Strength: 225
Item Level: 59
Strength Damage Bonus: (0.11 per Strength)%
2% Chance to cast level 31 Blast Wave on Kill
+(31 to 40) to Maximum Damage
9% Life stolen per Hit
+(109 to 132)% Enhanced Damage
(7 to 9)% Chance of Crushing Blow
Weapon Physical Damage +(67 to 78)%
+(56 to 65) to Strength
Socketed (5)
Throw Damage: (150 - 165) to (208 - 232)
One-Hand Damage: (37 - 40) to (126 - 143)
Required Level: 53
Required Strength: 445
Item Level: 85
Strength Damage Bonus: (0.11 per Strength)%
3% Chance to cast level 37 Blast Wave on Kill
+(41 to 50) to Maximum Damage
12% Life stolen per Hit
+(132 to 154)% Enhanced Damage
(10 to 12)% Chance of Crushing Blow
Weapon Physical Damage +(79 to 90)%
+(66 to 75) to Strength
Socketed (6)

to make sure your damage stays up to par.

Checklist -
Collect all runes, gems and jewels you can find
Complete all quests to obtain stats/skills/resists/etc.
Obtain your

Rockshatter

Rockshatter
Balanced Axe (4)
Throw Damage: (14 - 16) to (27 - 39)
One-Hand Damage: (3 - 4) to (19 - 29)
Required Level: 6
Required Strength: 77
Item Level: 19
Strength Damage Bonus: (0.11 per Strength)%
1% Chance to cast level 7 Blast Wave on Kill
+(11 to 20) to Maximum Damage
3% Life stolen per Hit
+(18 to 40)% Enhanced Damage
(2 to 3)% Chance of Crushing Blow
Weapon Physical Damage +(19 to 30)%
+(16 to 25) to Strength
Socketed (2)
Throw Damage: (34 - 39) to (66 - 82)
One-Hand Damage: (11 - 13) to (47 - 59)
Required Level: 24
Required Strength: 115
Item Level: 36
Strength Damage Bonus: (0.11 per Strength)%
2% Chance to cast level 19 Blast Wave on Kill
+(21 to 30) to Maximum Damage
6% Life stolen per Hit
+(64 to 86)% Enhanced Damage
(4 to 6)% Chance of Crushing Blow
Weapon Physical Damage +(43 to 54)%
+(36 to 45) to Strength
Socketed (4)
Throw Damage: (100 - 111) to (156 - 179)
One-Hand Damage: (29 - 32) to (97 - 114)
Required Level: 43
Required Strength: 225
Item Level: 59
Strength Damage Bonus: (0.11 per Strength)%
2% Chance to cast level 31 Blast Wave on Kill
+(31 to 40) to Maximum Damage
9% Life stolen per Hit
+(109 to 132)% Enhanced Damage
(7 to 9)% Chance of Crushing Blow
Weapon Physical Damage +(67 to 78)%
+(56 to 65) to Strength
Socketed (5)
Throw Damage: (150 - 165) to (208 - 232)
One-Hand Damage: (37 - 40) to (126 - 143)
Required Level: 53
Required Strength: 445
Item Level: 85
Strength Damage Bonus: (0.11 per Strength)%
3% Chance to cast level 37 Blast Wave on Kill
+(41 to 50) to Maximum Damage
12% Life stolen per Hit
+(132 to 154)% Enhanced Damage
(10 to 12)% Chance of Crushing Blow
Weapon Physical Damage +(79 to 90)%
+(66 to 75) to Strength
Socketed (6)

ASAP
Gather the Sunstone of the Twin Seas at level 50 (If possible, acquire

Invictus

Invictus
Gilded Shield (4)
Defense: (293 - 346) to (598 - 705)
Chance to Block: 1%
(Barbarian Only)
Required Level: 14
Required Strength: 35
Item Level: 10
1% Chance to cast level 3 Gift of the Wild on Kill
Weapon Physical Damage +(15 to 30)%
+(24 to 46)% Enhanced Defense
+15 to all Attributes
Physical Resist 2%
Socketed (1)
Defense: (1029 - 1169) to (1897 - 2156)
Chance to Block: 1%
(Barbarian Only)
Required Level: 31
Required Strength: 70
Item Level: 31
2% Chance to cast level 7 Gift of the Wild on Kill
Weapon Physical Damage +(60 to 80)%
+(69 to 92)% Enhanced Defense
+20 to all Attributes
Physical Resist 3%
Socketed (3)
Defense: (2644 - 2915) to (4760 - 5247)
Chance to Block: 1%
(Barbarian Only)
Required Level: 49
Required Strength: 245
Item Level: 51
2% Chance to cast level 11 Gift of the Wild on Kill
Weapon Physical Damage +(90 to 110)%
+(115 to 137)% Enhanced Defense
+25 to all Attributes
Physical Resist 4%
Socketed (4)
Defense: (3984 - 4352) to (7140 - 7800)
Chance to Block: 1%
(Barbarian Only)
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 490
Item Level: 77
3% Chance to cast level 15 Gift of the Wild on Kill
Weapon Physical Damage +(120 to 140)%
+(138 to 160)% Enhanced Defense
+30 to all Attributes
Physical Resist 5%
Socketed (4)

to make this area a joke)
Once you reach Act 2-3 NM, I recommend pausing progression to farm Nihlathak and Mephisto in normal for Arcane Crystals (Gamble the highest tier items you can for your early game items, create the unique versions and do your final tier upgrades to reach Tier 4 as level and stat requirements permit)
Aim for max resists by end of A5 normal and carry that into nightmare as it will make it much easier

Gear

Weapon -
Rockshatter

Rockshatter
Balanced Axe (4)
Throw Damage: (14 - 16) to (27 - 39)
One-Hand Damage: (3 - 4) to (19 - 29)
Required Level: 6
Required Strength: 77
Item Level: 19
Strength Damage Bonus: (0.11 per Strength)%
1% Chance to cast level 7 Blast Wave on Kill
+(11 to 20) to Maximum Damage
3% Life stolen per Hit
+(18 to 40)% Enhanced Damage
(2 to 3)% Chance of Crushing Blow
Weapon Physical Damage +(19 to 30)%
+(16 to 25) to Strength
Socketed (2)
Throw Damage: (34 - 39) to (66 - 82)
One-Hand Damage: (11 - 13) to (47 - 59)
Required Level: 24
Required Strength: 115
Item Level: 36
Strength Damage Bonus: (0.11 per Strength)%
2% Chance to cast level 19 Blast Wave on Kill
+(21 to 30) to Maximum Damage
6% Life stolen per Hit
+(64 to 86)% Enhanced Damage
(4 to 6)% Chance of Crushing Blow
Weapon Physical Damage +(43 to 54)%
+(36 to 45) to Strength
Socketed (4)
Throw Damage: (100 - 111) to (156 - 179)
One-Hand Damage: (29 - 32) to (97 - 114)
Required Level: 43
Required Strength: 225
Item Level: 59
Strength Damage Bonus: (0.11 per Strength)%
2% Chance to cast level 31 Blast Wave on Kill
+(31 to 40) to Maximum Damage
9% Life stolen per Hit
+(109 to 132)% Enhanced Damage
(7 to 9)% Chance of Crushing Blow
Weapon Physical Damage +(67 to 78)%
+(56 to 65) to Strength
Socketed (5)
Throw Damage: (150 - 165) to (208 - 232)
One-Hand Damage: (37 - 40) to (126 - 143)
Required Level: 53
Required Strength: 445
Item Level: 85
Strength Damage Bonus: (0.11 per Strength)%
3% Chance to cast level 37 Blast Wave on Kill
+(41 to 50) to Maximum Damage
12% Life stolen per Hit
+(132 to 154)% Enhanced Damage
(10 to 12)% Chance of Crushing Blow
Weapon Physical Damage +(79 to 90)%
+(66 to 75) to Strength
Socketed (6)


Shield -
Invictus

Invictus
Gilded Shield (4)
Defense: (293 - 346) to (598 - 705)
Chance to Block: 1%
(Barbarian Only)
Required Level: 14
Required Strength: 35
Item Level: 10
1% Chance to cast level 3 Gift of the Wild on Kill
Weapon Physical Damage +(15 to 30)%
+(24 to 46)% Enhanced Defense
+15 to all Attributes
Physical Resist 2%
Socketed (1)
Defense: (1029 - 1169) to (1897 - 2156)
Chance to Block: 1%
(Barbarian Only)
Required Level: 31
Required Strength: 70
Item Level: 31
2% Chance to cast level 7 Gift of the Wild on Kill
Weapon Physical Damage +(60 to 80)%
+(69 to 92)% Enhanced Defense
+20 to all Attributes
Physical Resist 3%
Socketed (3)
Defense: (2644 - 2915) to (4760 - 5247)
Chance to Block: 1%
(Barbarian Only)
Required Level: 49
Required Strength: 245
Item Level: 51
2% Chance to cast level 11 Gift of the Wild on Kill
Weapon Physical Damage +(90 to 110)%
+(115 to 137)% Enhanced Defense
+25 to all Attributes
Physical Resist 4%
Socketed (4)
Defense: (3984 - 4352) to (7140 - 7800)
Chance to Block: 1%
(Barbarian Only)
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 490
Item Level: 77
3% Chance to cast level 15 Gift of the Wild on Kill
Weapon Physical Damage +(120 to 140)%
+(138 to 160)% Enhanced Defense
+30 to all Attributes
Physical Resist 5%
Socketed (4)


Helmet -
Bonechewer

Bonechewer
Fanged Helm (4)
Defense: (55 - 63) to (83 - 95)
(Barbarian Only)
Required Level: 4
Required Strength: 25
Item Level: 10
20% Attack Speed
(10 to 25)% Bonus to Attack Rating
2% Life stolen per Hit
+(18 to 35)% Enhanced Defense
+(21 to 30) to Strength
Physical Resist 2%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (231 - 256) to (300 - 334)
(Barbarian Only)
Required Level: 22
Required Strength: 50
Item Level: 31
25% Attack Speed
(35 to 50)% Bonus to Attack Rating
4% Life stolen per Hit
+(52 to 69)% Enhanced Defense
+(31 to 40) to Strength
Physical Resist 3%
Socketed (2)
Defense: (607 - 659) to (783 - 850)
(Barbarian Only)
Required Level: 39
Required Strength: 175
Item Level: 51
30% Attack Speed
(60 to 75)% Bonus to Attack Rating
6% Life stolen per Hit
+(87 to 103)% Enhanced Defense
+(41 to 50) to Strength
Physical Resist 4%
Socketed (3)
Defense: (913 - 985) to (1166 - 1258)
(Barbarian Only)
Required Level: 48
Required Strength: 350
Item Level: 77
40% Attack Speed
(85 to 100)% Bonus to Attack Rating
8% Life stolen per Hit
+(104 to 120)% Enhanced Defense
+(51 to 60) to Strength
Physical Resist 5%
Socketed (4)


Chest -
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)

/
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)

/
Shroud Royal

Shroud Royal
Full Plate Mail (4)
Defense: (336 - 390) to (676 - 786)
Required Level: 11
Required Strength: 35
Item Level: 29
Additional Strength Damage Bonus: 0.01171875%
+(1 to 2) to Vanquish
+(35 to 57)% Enhanced Defense
(3 to 5)% to All Attributes
Physical Damage Reduced by (7 to 10)
(6 to 8)% Gold Find
(6 to 8)% Magic Find
Socketed (2)
Defense: (1082 - 1213) to (2067 - 2318)
Required Level: 28
Required Strength: 70
Item Level: 40
Additional Strength Damage Bonus: 0.015625%
+(5 to 6) to Vanquish
+(81 to 103)% Enhanced Defense
(9 to 11)% to All Attributes
Physical Damage Reduced by (15 to 18)
(10 to 12)% Gold Find
(10 to 12)% Magic Find
Socketed (4)
Defense: (2707 - 2983) to (5055 - 5570)
Required Level: 46
Required Strength: 245
Item Level: 67
Additional Strength Damage Bonus: 0.01953125%
+(9 to 10) to Vanquish
+(126 to 149)% Enhanced Defense
(15 to 17)% to All Attributes
Physical Damage Reduced by (23 to 26)
(14 to 16)% Gold Find
(14 to 16)% Magic Find
Socketed (5)
Defense: (4043 - 4401) to (7534 - 8200)
Required Level: 54
Required Strength: 490
Item Level: 85
Additional Strength Damage Bonus: 0.0234375%
+(11 to 12) to Vanquish
+(149 to 171)% Enhanced Defense
(18 to 20)% to All Attributes
Physical Damage Reduced by (27 to 30)
(18 to 20)% Gold Find
(18 to 20)% Magic Find
Socketed (6)


Gloves -
Featherclaw

Belt -
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)


Boots -
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)

/
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)

->
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)


Amulet -
Angel Heart

Angel Heart
Amulet
Required Level: 40
Item Level: 40
+(1 to 2) to All Skills
(5 to 10)% to Strength
(5 to 10)% to Dexterity
(15 to 25)% Bonus to Defense
+(3 to 5) to Light Radius

->
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


Rings -
Ring of Truth

Ring of Truth
Ring
Required Level: 20
Item Level: 20
25% Block Speed
15% Hit Recovery
(31 to 50)% Bonus to Attack Rating
Slows Attacker by (3 to 5)%
(11 to 15)% Bonus to Defense
+2 to Light Radius

/
Empyrean Band

Empyrean Band
Ring
Required Level: 40
Item Level: 40
1% Chance to cast level 18 Singularity on Kill
(3 to 5)% to All Attributes
Maximum Life +3%
Maximum Mana +10%
(5 to 15)% Gold Find

Sockets/MOs:
Weapon: Skulls for ED% or Amethysts for AR% | MO priority - Enhanced Damage/AR (95% chance to hit)/Life Leech
Armor: Tal/Thul/Ort/Amn runes or respective gems for max resists, Ko runes for 5% STR | MO priority - Enhanced Defense/Resistances (if needed, try to get from runes or gems)/Magic Find/Flat Strength
Jewelry: MO priority - Resistances/Magic Find/Flat Damage Reduction/Mana Regen

Stats

Strength - Everything else
Dexterity - Enough for max chance to hit
Vitality - I put no points in vitality because of high life leech, use as needed
Energy - None

Skills

Nomad:
Wolf Companion - 1
Ancient Blood - Rest
Mountain King - Max
Lion Stance : Max

Warmonger:
Snake Bite - 1
Stampede - Max
Violence - Max (Do this ASAP before putting more points into stampede/etc.)

Mastery:
Meditation - 1 if you need some extra mana

Mid-Game (50-100)

Checklist -
Continue to collect all runes, gems and jewels you can find
Complete all quests to obtain stats/skills/resists/etc.
Ensure all gear is upgraded to T4 equivalents/MO'ed and socketed to your liking
Make sure you head into the K3K portal and collect your class charm when you reach that point (should be a breeze)

Gear
Continue using your early game equipment, the TU's will carry you far as long as you keep up with uptiers to T4, sockets, MO's, and luck upgrades

Stats
Follow the early game stat distributions

Skills

Nomad:
Wolf Companion - 4
Spirit Guide - Max
Ancient Blood - Max
Mountain King - 1 ~ rest
Lion Stance : Max

Warmonger:
Snake Bite - 1
Rebound - 1
Screaming Eagle - 1
Overkill - Max (Your main attack skill, use judgment on your mana consumption and sustain when upgrading this ability while trying to put as money points as possible for more axes [mana leech source helps IMMENSELY])

Mastery:
Meditation - 1 if you need some extra mana

Reward:
Runemaster - Max

End Game (100 - 1xx)

Checklist -
Any past but still relevant checkmarks from previous stages apply here
Focus on slowly getting your ubercharms while progressing through Hell
When you hit a wall, take some time to farm for wealth & better equipment/signets/levels
Continue to prioritize life leech even more in Hell along with physical resistance

Gear

Weapon -
Kodiak



Kodiak
One-Handed Axes
'ElGulSur'
Runeword Level: 75
70% Attack Speed
Idol of Scosglen Cooldown Reduced by 2 seconds
+(21 to 50) to Minimum Damage
(11 to 25)% Life stolen per Hit
+(141 to 170)% Enhanced Damage
(11 to 25)% Chance of Crushing Blow
+3 to all Attributes
Weapon Physical Damage +0.625% (Based on Character Level)
Regenerate Mana +15%

->
Dragon Seed



Dragon Seed
Throwing Axes
'SilSilQor'
Runeword Level: 100
1% Chance to cast level 23 Screaming Eagle on Striking
+(1 to 2) to All Skills
Adds 68-123 Damage
+200% Enhanced Damage
(7 to 10)% Deadly Strike
Physical Resist 15%
+1 Life on Striking

-> Eth
Griefbringer

Griefbringer
Balanced Axe (Sacred)
Throw Damage: (227 - 250) to (306 - 332)
One-Hand Damage: (128 - 139) to (212 - 226)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 600
Item Level: 105
Strength Damage Bonus: (0.14 per Strength)%
+5 Axes to Overkill
1% Chance to cast level 6 Rebound on Striking
Adds 40-100 Damage
(101 to 150)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+120% Damage to Undead
+(140 to 170)% Enhanced Damage
(5 to 10)% Chance of Crushing Blow
Weapon Physical Damage +60%
-25 to Energy
Socketed (6)

/
Ophiophagus

Ophiophagus
Balanced Axe (Sacred)
Throw Damage: (224 - 279) to (287 - 348)
One-Hand Damage: (130 - 156) to (198 - 231)
(Barbarian Only)
Required Level: 120
Item Level: 120
Strength Damage Bonus: (0.14 per Strength)%
-1% to Enemy Poison Resist per 1% Block Chance
15% of Dexterity added as Weapon Physical Damage
+5 to Barbarian Skill Levels
Adds 45-90 Damage
+(130 to 200)% Enhanced Damage
Maximum Life +5%
Maximum Poison Resist +2%
Maximum Block Chance +10%
Requirements -100%
Socketed (6)

| Griefbringer is my pick here, it checks many boxes for us and is very cheap/easier to find. Dragon Seed is also a great choice as it offers a ton of survivability with +15% physical resist/life on striking and still offers good damage as well. If you're keen on going for a max block build, Ophiophagus is a great supplement for that route and has great stats overall.
Shield -
Invictus

Invictus
Gilded Shield (4)
Defense: (293 - 346) to (598 - 705)
Chance to Block: 1%
(Barbarian Only)
Required Level: 14
Required Strength: 35
Item Level: 10
1% Chance to cast level 3 Gift of the Wild on Kill
Weapon Physical Damage +(15 to 30)%
+(24 to 46)% Enhanced Defense
+15 to all Attributes
Physical Resist 2%
Socketed (1)
Defense: (1029 - 1169) to (1897 - 2156)
Chance to Block: 1%
(Barbarian Only)
Required Level: 31
Required Strength: 70
Item Level: 31
2% Chance to cast level 7 Gift of the Wild on Kill
Weapon Physical Damage +(60 to 80)%
+(69 to 92)% Enhanced Defense
+20 to all Attributes
Physical Resist 3%
Socketed (3)
Defense: (2644 - 2915) to (4760 - 5247)
Chance to Block: 1%
(Barbarian Only)
Required Level: 49
Required Strength: 245
Item Level: 51
2% Chance to cast level 11 Gift of the Wild on Kill
Weapon Physical Damage +(90 to 110)%
+(115 to 137)% Enhanced Defense
+25 to all Attributes
Physical Resist 4%
Socketed (4)
Defense: (3984 - 4352) to (7140 - 7800)
Chance to Block: 1%
(Barbarian Only)
Required Level: 57
Required Strength: 490
Item Level: 77
3% Chance to cast level 15 Gift of the Wild on Kill
Weapon Physical Damage +(120 to 140)%
+(138 to 160)% Enhanced Defense
+30 to all Attributes
Physical Resist 5%
Socketed (4)

->
Pawnstorm

Pawnstorm
Bull Shield (Sacred)
Defense: 7708 to 7993
Chance to Block: 3%
(Barbarian Only)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 500
Required Dexterity: 374
Item Level: 120
2% Base Block Chance
25% Block Speed
25% Hit Recovery
10% Deadly Strike
+200% Enhanced Defense
+4000 Defense
(10 to 25)% to Strength
(10 to 25)% to Dexterity
Socketed (4)

/
Shield of Hakan II

Shield of Hakan II
Gothic Shield (Sacred)
Defense: (6995 - 7994) to (9190 - 10428)
Chance to Block: 1% + Class%
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 600
Required Dexterity: 619
Item Level: 105
1% Base Block Chance
-25% Cast Speed
-50% to Spell Damage
Slows Attacker by 25%
+(150 to 200)% Enhanced Defense
+(2000 to 3000) Defense
Maximum Life +(3 to 5)%
Maximum Elemental Resists +(0 to 2)%
Physical Resist 5%
Socketed (4)

/
Madawc Val Narian

Madawc Val Narian
Gothic Shield (Sacred)
Defense: (5434 - 5994) to (6734 - 7428)
Chance to Block: 1% + Class%
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 600
Required Dexterity: 619
Item Level: 120
4% Chance to cast level 20 Rebound on Kill
+2 to All Skills
1% Base Block Chance
40% Block Speed
(75 to 200)% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(15 to 30) to Overkill
+(172 to 200)% Enhanced Defense
Fire Resist -30%
Poison Length Reduced by 50%
5% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Socketed (4)

->
The Ancients' Legacy

The Ancients' Legacy
Gilded Shield (Sacred)
Defense: (15050 - 16085) to (17457 - 18740)
Chance to Block: 3%
(Barbarian Only)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 2450
Item Level: 120
+4 to Barbarian Skill Levels
2% Base Block Chance
40% Block Speed
Weapon Physical Damage +90%
+(172 to 200)% Enhanced Defense
+5000 Defense
30% Bonus to Defense
Requirements +250%
Socketed (4)

| Without a doubt, The Ancients' Legacy is a hell of a shield. It just gives so much benefits for our build and playstyle and you could never go wrong using it, and if you're going for max block, this is THE shield you want to have. Invictus will continue to stay a good option until you find something better ~ Shield of Hakan is an excellent defensive option for us as well.
Swap - Mark of the Wild Crafted axes/
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)

- Highly recommend at least one of these options for some extra physical damage to make our overkills even stronger.
Helmet -
Idol of Rygnar

Idol of Rygnar
Mask (Sacred)
Defense: (2068 - 2350) to (2208 - 2510)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 600
Item Level: 120
+2 to Necromancer Skill Levels
25% Life stolen per Hit
Weapon Physical Damage +(60 to 90)%
Hit Causes Monster to Flee +1%
+(120 to 150)% Enhanced Defense
+(40 to 50) to Strength
+(40 to 50) to Dexterity
Target Takes Additional Damage of 500
25% Gold Find
+5 to Light Radius
Socketed (4)

/
Bear Grin

Bear Grin
Horned Helm (Sacred)
Defense: (2175 - 2633) to (2346 - 2840)
(Barbarian Only)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 500
Item Level: 105
Lion Stance Does not Reduce Your Physical Resistance
+60 Attack Rating per Character Level Above 105
1% Chance to cast level 10 Snake Bite on Striking
+(90 to 130)% Enhanced Defense
(1 to 15)% to Strength
Elemental Resists -15%
(1 to 20)% Magic Find
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)

->
Lilith's Legion

Lilith's Legion
Avenger Guard (Sacred)
Defense: (3691 - 4041) to (4067 - 4455)
(Barbarian Only)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 625
Item Level: 120
+2 to Barbarian Skill Levels
150% Bonus to Attack Rating
+(172 to 200)% Enhanced Defense
+300 Defense
20% to Strength
10% to Vitality
Physical Resist 10%
2% Reanimate as: Random Monster
(30 to 60)% Gold Find
50% Magic Find
Socketed (4)

| We have quite a few excellent helmet options here, with Lilith's Legion taking the top spot. Skills, high MF, stats, high AR% and insane physical resistance is hard to beat. Royal circlet gets the runner-up and, since Lion Stance is only a 10% physical resistance reduction now, Bear Grin while being a good helmet can be left behind if we recover that physical resistance elsewhere.
Chest -
Scales of the Serpent

Scales of the Serpent
Gothic Plate (Sacred)
Defense: (7481 - 8308) to (9074 - 10078)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 675
Item Level: 105
15% Chance to cast level 40 Arachnomancy on Melee Attack
4% Chance to cast level 12 Time Strike on Striking
(31 to 40)% Hit Recovery
+90% Damage to Undead
Adds 200-300 Poison Damage over 2 seconds
-35% to Enemy Poison Resistance
5% Chance of Crushing Blow
Weapon Physical Damage +(25 to 30)%
+(144 to 171)% Enhanced Defense
+100 to Strength
+50 Life on Melee Attack
Socketed (6)

/
Auriel's Robe

Auriel's Robe
Light Plate (Sacred)
Defense: (7583 - 9229) to (8905 - 10882)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 650
Item Level: 120
50% Movement Speed
Weapon Physical Damage +100%
+(140 to 200)% Enhanced Defense
+1000 Defense
+3000 Defense vs. Missile
Physical Resist 10%
Socketed (6)

/
Candlewake

Candlewake
Splint Mail (Sacred)
Defense: (8032 - 9339) to (11077 - 12593)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 600
Item Level: 105
-2% Base Block Chance
Additional Strength Damage Bonus: 0.0390625%
-(11 to 15)% to Enemy Cold Resistance
+(150 to 200)% Enhanced Defense
+(1500 to 3500) Defense
(10 to 25)% to Strength
(50 to 100)% Bonus to Defense
Cannot Be Frozen (1/2 chance to appear)
Socketed (6)

->
Khazra Plate

Khazra Plate
Ancient Armor (Sacred)
Defense: (8603 - 9489) to (10651 - 11748)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 2310
Item Level: 120
Demon Blood Aura
You and Undead Minions: Maximum Life +6%
26.6 Yard Radius
+60% Damage to Demons
5% Chance of Crushing Blow
10% Deadly Strike
+(172 to 200)% Enhanced Defense
(20 to 25)% to Strength
(20 to 25)% to Vitality
Physical Resist 10%
Requirements +200%
Socketed (6)

/
Wolverine Skin

Wolverine Skin
Plate Mail (Sacred)
Defense: (6374 - 7171) to (7485 - 8421)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 312
Item Level: 120
15% Chance to cast level 20 Crucify on Melee Attack
+(1 to 2) to All Skills
50% Hit Recovery
+40 to Maximum Damage
(10 to 15)% Life stolen per Hit
+(140 to 170)% Enhanced Defense
+(50 to 100) to Strength
+(50 to 100) to Dexterity
+50 Life Regenerated per Second
50% Magic Find
Requirements -50%
Socketed (6)

->
Strength Beyond Strength

Strength Beyond Strength
Gothic Plate (Sacred)
Defense: (8339 - 9198) to (10115 - 11157)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 675
Item Level: 120
Adds 25-40 Damage
150% Bonus to Attack Rating
+50% Damage to Demons
25% Life stolen per Hit
10% Deadly Strike
+(172 to 200)% Enhanced Defense
1% Reanimate as: Random Monster
-5 to Light Radius
Socketed (6)

| A good selection of choices as well in body armors, which means we can take some different routes for other gear pieces depending on our pick. I used Scales of the Serpent I found for a while until I traded for my Khazra Plate. It will carry you quite far until you can get Strength Beyond Strength, which is expensive but the ultimate choice for our build. Wolverine Skin would be my next choice = to Khazra depending on your tastes, and Candlewake is a good budget option with a sweet CBF mod that will come in handy for some ubers.
Gloves - Abandoned Craft ->
Hammerfist

Hammerfist
Gauntlets (Sacred)
Defense: (1227 - 1450) to (1436 - 1697)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 625
Item Level: 105
Adds (1 to 15)-(20 to 30) Damage
5% Life stolen per Hit
+(15 to 25) to Spiral Dance
5% Chance of Crushing Blow
Weapon Physical Damage +(30 to 60)%
+(120 to 160)% Enhanced Defense
Elemental Resists +15%
Socketed (4)

/
Demonic Touch

Demonic Touch
Leather Gloves (Sacred)
Defense: 1136 to 1143
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 1000
Item Level: 120
1% Chance to cast level 20 Cataclysm on Striking
Adds 10-25 Damage
+666 Defense
Elemental Resists +10%
Physical Resist 5%
2% Reanimate as: Random Monster
Requirements +100%
Socketed (4)

->
Mercy

Mercy
Gloves
'LewElq'
Runeword Level: 110
10% Chance to cast level 18 Punishers on Melee Attack
10% Combat Speeds
+(59 to 69) to Maximum Damage
+26 Defense
+(151 to 200) to Strength
(15 to 20)% to Vitality

/
Savage


Savage
Gloves
'YstFelKa'
Runeword Level: 110
+1% Weapon Physical Damage per 50 Strength or Dexterity
(Whichever is Higher)
75% Attack Speed
+10 Damage
+200% Enhanced Defense
+(10 to 40) to all Attributes
10% to Strength
10% to Dexterity
Maximum Cold Resist +1%
Cold Resist +25%
10% Magic Find

| Hammerfist is a great option along with Demonic Touch, which I personally use at the moment for Damage/Phys Res/Reanimates. Savage is without a doubt one of the best glove choices out of the bunch with insane attack speed/damage/stats/MF/EWD. Mercy has huge flat strength and max damage along with some life, so you can't go wrong with these either. If you're having AR issues earlier on get a nice abandoned craft and use that until you get more charms.
Belt -
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)

/
Truce

Truce
Belts
'Jah'
Runeword Level: 80
5% Combat Speeds
Stun Attack
Slows Attacker by 5%
+(172 to 200)% Enhanced Defense
Physical Resist 10%

->
Black Void

Black Void
Heavy Belt (Sacred)
Defense: (3060 - 3442) to (3304 - 3717)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 625
Item Level: 120
20% Attack Speed
Adds 10-15 Damage
(10 to 15)% Life stolen per Hit
Slow Target 10%
+(140 to 170)% Enhanced Defense
10% to Strength
10% to Dexterity
Target Takes Additional Damage of (25 to 50)
30% Magic Find
Socketed (2)

| I haven't gotten a chance to find a Black Void yet and it is an expensive belt, but you cannot go wrong with this one. Slow/stats/damage/LIFE STEAL/MF really sets it apart from the rest, but I am still using Wormtongue as its a great option even into late game. Truce is a viable option if you need some survivability, but you lose out on a large chunk of life steal here which puts me off from this belt.
Boots -
Angel's Wrath

Angel's Wrath
Chain Boots (Sacred)
Defense: (1625 - 2217) to (1762 - 2403)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 575
Item Level: 120
+(0 to 2) to Paladin Skill Levels
+(0 to 2) to Sorceress Skill Levels
+(0 to 2) to Necromancer Skill Levels
+(0 to 2) to Druid Skill Levels
+(0 to 2) to Barbarian Skill Levels
+(0 to 2) to Amazon Skill Levels
+(0 to 2) to Assassin Skill Levels
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
+(120 to 200)% Enhanced Defense
Maximum Life +5%
Physical Resist 10%
Socketed (4)

/
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)

->
Knight's Grace

Knight's Grace
Greaves (Sacred)
Defense: (2232 - 2481) to (2519 - 2799)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 780
Item Level: 120
2% Chance to cast level 35 Knife Throw on Striking
+1 to All Skills
25% Attack Speed
(10 to 40)% Movement Speed
Adds 10-25 Damage
+(170 to 200)% Enhanced Defense
+(15 to 25) to all Attributes
Physical Resist 5%
Requirements +20%
Socketed (4)

->
Wind Runner


Wind Runner
Boots
'SilElqSilGul'
Runeword Level: 100
+(0 to 1) to All Skills
50% Attack Speed
10% Movement Speed
Adds 25-68 Damage
250% Bonus to Attack Rating
(12 to 15)% Life stolen per Hit
+(171 to 200)% Enhanced Defense

| Angel's Wrath is a very good defensive option if you need to make up some physical resistance, along with Titan's Steps offering some sustain with LAEK and some flat life. Knight's Grace is my second choice behind Wind Runner as it hits some good checkmarks for us and gives offensive and defensive stats in a nice package. Speaking of Wind Runner, these things are INSANE for our build: skills/HUGE attack speed/HUGE damage/HUGE AR/HUGE life steal, what else could we ask for? Well, physical resistance, but we can make that up elsewhere for this monstronsity! Stick this bad boy into a 40% movement speed base for a whopping 50% movement speed and don't look back.
Amulet -
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

->
Beads of the Snake Queen

Beads of the Snake Queen
Amulet
Required Level: 100
Item Level: 120
4% Chance to cast level 33 Scorpion Blade on Kill
Adds 5-10 Damage
Stun Attack
+(200 to 500) Defense
(20 to 25)% to Strength
(20 to 25)% to Dexterity
+100 Life after each Kill

/
Dyers Eve

Dyers Eve
Amulet
Required Level: 100
Item Level: 120
5% Chance to cast level 5 Time Strike on Striking
+2 to All Skills
Adds 15-20 Damage
5% Life stolen per Hit
Elemental Resists +10%
Physical Resist (1 to 10)%

| Athulua's Oracle remains a good pick here until you get one of the later options, with Skills/high AR%/CBF which comes in handy. Beads will give you more damage with %STR, AR with %DEX, flat damage and some sustain with LAEK to go along with those. Dyers Eve is the ultimate choice out of our amulet selection and if you can get a 10% phys res roll, you're gonna be living like a king.
Rings -
Empyrean Glory

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

->
Giant's Knuckle

Giant's Knuckle
Ring
Required Level: 100
Item Level: 120
20% Attack Speed
Adds 10-15 Damage
(5 to 10)% Life stolen per Hit
5% Deadly Strike
+25 Life Regenerated per Second
Physical Resist 5%

/
Der Nebelring

Der Nebelring
Ring
Required Level: 110
Item Level: 105
+(20 to 30)% to Summoned Minion Life
+15% to Summoned Minion Damage
+1000 Defense
+400 to Life
Physical Resist (4 to 6)%
+(40 to 50) Life after each Kill
+2 to Light Radius

Signet of the Gladiator

Signet of the Gladiator
Ring
Required Level: 100
Item Level: 120
2% Chance to cast level 50 Shadow Blade on Striking
+1 to All Skills
1% Base Block Chance
Elemental Resists -25%

- If you need to go the more budget route, Empyrean Glory is a good option along with the Duncraig ring. Moving past those, Giant's Knuckle is the best pick for the damage and life-steal it offers on top of physical resistance. If you need more life, Der Nebelrings will do and you won't lose too much since these potentially can have 1% more phys res each than Giant's Knuckle. Signet of the Gladiator I would recommend if you're trying to save some stats for max block.
[NOTE] -
Big Game Hunter
Big Game Hunter
(Barbarian Warmonger Set)

Hunter's Camouflage
Hunter's Claw Fist
Hunter's Skin
Hunter's Trackless Step

Set Bonus with 2 or more set items:
6% Life stolen per Hit
50% Bonus to Defense

Set Bonus with 3 or more set items:
Adds 25-50 Damage
6% Life stolen per Hit

Set Bonus with complete set:
4% Chance to cast level 13 Blast Wave on Kill
+4 to Barbarian Skill Levels
8% Life stolen per Hit
Maximum Life +10%
Maximum Poison Resist +5%
Poison Length Reduced by 75%
Physical Resist 10%


is a good set option for us although I personally have not used it. The full set offers a dexterity damage bonus and the shield has 1% max block chance so going for a max block option with this set is possible. It also offers some survivability and utility with max resistances & life/slow/lifesteal along with 5% avoid and 5% phys resistance.

Sockets/MOs:
Weapon: Jah/Iah runes for ED%, Bers/Burs for utility with slow% | MO priority - ED%/Life Leech/AR/Max Dmg
Armor: Um/Un runes or respective gems for resists/max resists, Ko/Ka runes for %STR, Ist/Yst runes for MF if you are good on damage/survivability, Mal/Mhal runes for %attributes| MO priority - Enhanced Defense/Resistances (if needed, try to get from runes or gems)/Magic Find/Flat Strength
Jewelry: MO priority - Resistances/Magic Find/Flat Damage Reduction/Mana Regen

Stats
I'm going to list two options here, as I am going to go with max block and try it out when I have gotten all of my sigs and finish up getting end game gear.

(Pure Strength)

Strength - Everything
Dexterity - None (got enough from charms/gear)
Vitality - None (got enough from charms/gear)
Energy - None

(Max Block)

Strength - Rest
Dexterity - Enough for max block (50%)
Vitality - None (got enough from charms/gear)
Energy - None

Skills

Nomad:
Wolf Companion - 4/7 (choose between 2 or 3 wolves depending on your spirit guide uptime, I've been using two)
Spirit Guide - Max
Ancient Blood - Rest
Mountain King - Max
Lion Stance : Max (If you prefer Wolf Stance here put those points into that instead, I have tested Wolf and liked it very much as well)

Warmonger:
Snake Bite - 1
Rebound - 1
Screaming Eagle - 1
Overkill - Max

Mastery:
Tenacity - Max
Endurance - Max

Reward:
Runemaster - Max (if you're going for max block build, just replace these points into Gladiator's Dominance instead.

(NOTE) | I have started using Wolf Stance instead in late game and highly enjoyed using it and has become a preferred stance because it makes up for movement speed, etc while also still providing great damage. I recommend having at least Glad’s Dom with max block or Wolf Stance to make up for the lack of movement speed the build has. (With ALL end game gear/stats/etc, I am recommending Wolf or Lion Stance with Gladiator’s Dominance depending on your tastes, if you prefer high defense instead of MB continue using Runemaster w/ Wolf Stance)

Dungeons/Rifts

105
Infernal Machine -

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Be wary of the adds the machine spawns, a good strategy is to lure a few at a time away to get rid of some of the existing enemies and then get close enough to rain down some overkills which will destroy it quickly.

Horror Under Tristram -

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Extremely easy, I face-tanked this boss and took him down in no time.

Invasion I -

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Make sure your resistances are capped and this should go fairly smoothly. Stay out of the lightning circles he spawns on the ground as these will most likely instant kill you or close to it.

Island of the Sunless Sea -

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Walk through the zone throwing overkills ahead of you and you'll catch a majority of the mobs before they get a chance to lay a finger on you.

Death Projector -

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If your defense is high enough, the unattackable enemies shouldn't even touch you. Be careful of getting surrounded though. and use your stick and move technique to bring this boss down.

110
The Secret Cow Level -

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Super easy farm spot, our life leech here and the massive amount of cows makes you basically unkillable. Good spot to start finding some bases/SU's/set items (I found my Scales of the Serpent here that I used for quite a while until I got my Khazra Plate).

The Binding of Baal -

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If you want to make this easier on yourself, get some +max% resistance gems in your gear to cut down some of the elemental damage in this area. I took it slow and stuck to the outsides of the map luring small groups at a time until the boss was ready to be chopped up.

Horazon's Sanctum -

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Super easy boss, if you have any trouble at all for some reason on this one just use our stick and move technique and he'll be dead in no time.

Lord Aldric Jitan -

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Biggest issue to look out for here is that Jitan and his minions can cut through our defenses if we get surrounded, so I highly recommend luring a few out at a time and taking them out to avoid fortress mania. As long as you follow that tactic, this boss will be a cake walk.

Akarat -

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Akarat ends up being our first real DPS check out of the ubers. I had to come back to him after I got some better gear, and even then it was a close call when I killed him because his sustain is unbelievable. To make this one work better, bring him into an open area where you can steadily have his templars funneling in around you to keep his shield down.

Torajan Jungles -

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I started farming this right away when I turned 110, and even in TU's you will not have a problem. This is a great area to start getting some signets and occasionally some set/unique items.

Inquisitor of the Triune -

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Walk in, get up close and personal and overkill him to death. Watch out for the falling rocks and you should be just fine.

Assault on Mount Arreat -

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This uber is an absolute joke for us. Our increased attack speed from the Diablo transformation will turn you into an auto turret and everything will get destroyed in seconds.

115
Bull Prince Rodeo -

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The key to this one is to make sure you stay behind a wall when he casts his exploding herds and continuously be blasting him with overkills. You may die a few times when he gets you out in the open, but he will go down if you follow the strategy.

Black Road -

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Buyard has a ton of adds around him and continues to spawn more throughout the fight, which is an insane benefit for us. Our life leech will keep us sustained, so all you have to do is stand in the fire circle and pelt him with axes until you collect your charm.

Tran Athulua -

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This is a great farming spot and I highly recommend getting the trophy from here as it offers 5% physical resistance which will help open up other gear choices for us in the future. The biggest thing to look out for here is the Defender's after death effect, and this arrow turret can be avoided if you keep strafing as you go.

Legacy of Blood -

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Bartuc was a pain for me my first few goes at him, until I switched up my tactics. When you go in, strafe back and forth in the open area of the room you start out in and rain down on him with overkill any chance you get until he goes down. Movement is key here, and even if he is surrounded by golems some of those axes are going to hit regardless which will lead to your charm.

Kurast 3000 BA -

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Not much to say about this one, as it is an easy area for us but I don't think is the best option for our early farming. Have max resistances of course when you come here, get your charm, and save your farming time for elsewhere.

Rathma Square -

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Our strong life leech and defense shines once again in this uber no thanks to Primus and his minions. This boss should go down without a hitch, but if you have any trouble at all gather a group of minions around him and use them to your advantage for leech - then grab the goods.

Heart of Sin -

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Keep up with adds, have good fire res, avoid his fire abilities (especially from the sky), then stick and move your way to victory.

The Veiled Prophet -

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This one was a bit difficult but it isn't a wall for us. As soon as you walk in, focus on spamming air raid overkills over to the totem until it goes down, then destroy the adds and lure the Prophet along the wall near the entrance to avoid the spellcasters in the room. Stick and move your way to victory (cannot be Frozen is very helpful here).

Invasion II -

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We're going to have a bit more mechanics to deal with here, along with a beefier boss. Stay as close to him as you can to avoid the circular lightning attack, stand in the minion's cold circle when he prepares his fire attack, and once again avoid the lightning strikes until he's brought down.

High Heavens -

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I have nothing of note to add for this zone since it's basically a cake walk for our build. No matter how surrounded you get, our sustain will always keep us topped off so go crazy here and make sure you get your ear for the bonus experience.

120
Duncraig -

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You've made it to one of this build's best farming spots! Even in TU's, you will have an easy going here especially if you've gotten down our stick and move strategy which will render those barrels meaningless. I have a great time grinding in this area & dying is a very rare experience with our defensive stats/sustain.

Legion of the Damned -

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High life leech/+% max resistances/high damage are going to be your friends here. You want to stay as mobile as possible while keeping up with the adds, so you don't get overwhelmed. This is an endurance test which will require some patience and focus to get through this uber.

Twin Seas -

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Calling this one easy would be an absolute understatement. She couldn't touch me and even though she is a very mobile boss, all you have to do is stand and spam overkills. I wouldn't even bother trying to chase her down, just make it rain until your charm drops.

The Triune -

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Staying mobile in this area is a necessity, especially if you want to avoid shower of rocks/etc. You shouldn't face too much trouble here, all you need to do is focus on dragging Lucion to Malic and get your charm.

Kingdom of Shadow -

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I was nervous when I first came to the area this season, but it turns out I had nothing to worry about! Our build is awesome for this area and really all you need to do is avoid getting caught running, strafe the zombies, and get to Juris Khan. If you want to make this a little easier on yourself, when you do get to him try to grab a large portion of the zombies and Jitan's Gate/blink away for some breathing room and head back to Juris.

Quov Tsin -

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Quov is going to be a very annoying encounter if you do not have some good +max% elemental resists and even then, this fight will require some great movement. I did this right around when I did hit 120, but my method was not the quickest. I would sprint toward him after being out of range, launch (A FEW) overkills his way from my max aiming range that would hit, and then Jitan's Gate away to reset. If you follow this method & be consistent, he will go down albeit not the fastest.

Teganze -

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We're going to take a decent amount of damage here depending on how well our hit and run tactics have reached by this point, although this will be negated with high life leech to keep us alive. Do your best to not get surrounded by huge groups, and let overkill take care of the rest.

Banisher of Light -

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My only wish when I arrived was waiting until I had more damage, because that was the only thing making this endurance fight an issue for me. Theoretically, we can get through this fight without healing at all if you can stay focused and follow this method: stick and move around the outside of the circle while throwing overkills behind you every few seconds to damage Kabraxis. It will take a little practice, but you will get your charm.

Judgement Day -

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Welcome to another DPS check for our build! If you cannot do this at 120, dont worry: come back to this one later as it is a very debilitating fight without good damage. When you're ready, head into Imperius' portal first as his mechanics are rougher. If at all possible, grab a source of Cannot be Frozen for Imperius to free up our movement and stick & move until he's dead. (If you get too overwhelmed with summons, head over near the entrance with them and take them into one of the side areas & Jitan's Gate away back to Imperius. Rinse and repeat). After this, head back to the portal to make your way over to Malthael. Once again, stick & move on this boss while doing your best to avoid his aerial attack until he's dead. I had no issue getting the charm upgrade, and you shouldn't either.

Eve of Destruction -

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Oof. I know this one got nerfed compared to how it was last season, but this is not going to be fun. It took me multiple attempts to get Baal down, and some good RNG on the amount of bosses he would summon. I did notice during my attempts that occasionally if you go up to a wall and he teleports to you, you can get some good damage in before he wipes the floor with you as he doesn't use his deadliest abilities as much. If you're having a great run and he summons some bosses, the best thing you can do is separate them from him by luring them away as far as possible & follow up with a blink in the opposite direction to get Baal alone. You will be frustrated, it will be a bad time, but I did take him out.

125
Xazax -

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All of your hard work into this playstyle is going to show with this boss, and he is an excellent test to see where you are at. I HIGHLY recommend having a great amount of damage for this DPS check, and even though we COULD stretch this one out and take him out eventually, the amount of minions will make it difficult to avoid making mistakes. My method for killing Xazak was sprinting away from his minions to open some space, launching some air raids from distance, then rinsing and repeating while avoiding his 360* cold attack. I highly recommend wrapping around the map as much as needed to create some separation, along with not going up close on this one.

Astrogha -

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Wow. I had my worries when I went into this, but I did not expect it to turn out as EASY as it was! Our build is more than capable of taking him down in a relatively short amount of time. My method I developed was to wait for him to get done setting his totems near himself and reach further out, followed by an overkill air raid until he teleports. Once this happens, take some time to settle back, clear some adds, and rinse and repeat these steps! Once in a while, Astrogha will stay near a wall and not stretch his totems out and that's okay: just throw one or two overkills until he moves even at the expense of destroying a totem and go back to our method. (You'll die a few times from Astrogha's curse/maggots, don't worry about this).

Viz-Jun -

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This one's tough, I'll agree, but not for this build. Stay mobile, don't get surrounded (Thundergod is a life-saver here), & life leech/defense will carry us along to MCS. Once we reach it: clear out the minions surrounding him to open up a window for purify, then let it fly. He'll go down in one shot and you'll be one charm heavier.

Spirit World -

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I haven't tried this one yet, and will update the build as soon as I get it done.

Toraja -

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Make your way back to Lilith, throw some edryems out around her until her shield is down and pelt her down with overkill. I could've done this one with my eyes closed, as our build keeps us from taking much damage here.

Yshari Sanctum -

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Haven't gotten the set required to make this uber possible, but will update after I acquire it.

Lord of Lies -

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Watch out for the minions when you're making your way to Belial as they pack a huge punch. Once you've reached him, go around his area attacking the clones until he turns into a rat and do your best to focus on where he goes. If you find yourself getting overwhelmed, take some time to clear out clones to give yourself some breathing room and you'll have your charm in no time.

Ghosts of Old Bremmtown -

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The minions nor the Dark Star Dragon will be your true enemies here: give that crown to desync. Make your way to the Dragon, grouping up large amounts of minions to save time and overkilling them down until you get there. Once you do, air raid Dark Star down and collect your charm. I had no issues getting the upgrade, but YMMV if desync holds you back. This is also a good farming/leveling spot, so stick around here if you enjoy the area.

Fauztinville -

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Our sustain makes the damage we take here negligible which in turn makes this another awesome farming spot for late game. Necrobots will take a little longer to get down compared to the rest of the minions, but you should have no issues running this area repeatedl. I highly recommend this uber if you need to farm some runes/items.

130/135
WIP

[Siosilvar]

Nice to see someone putting in the effort on a build that hasn't had much attention for awhile.

One suggestion:

Berserrker

Berserrker
Backsword (Sacred)
One-Hand Damage: (130 - 144) to (138 - 153)
(Barbarian Only)
Required Level: 100
Required Strength: 526
Item Level: 120
Strength Damage Bonus: (0.16 per Strength)%
1% Chance to cast level 2 Gift of Inner Fire on Striking
+(2 to 3) to All Skills
+(18 to 24)% Bonus Damage to Bloodlust
+(18 to 24)% Bonus Damage to Mark of the Wild
60% Attack Speed
+(171 to 200)% Enhanced Damage
+1 to Bloodlust
+1 to Gift of the Wild
Socketed (3)

on switch

[fr0gbug]

Well done on the guide, been playing with a similar build myself recently. My only ask is a selfish one but if it's possible can you edit the icon for guide post to be Barbarian instead of Diablo? We need more Barbarian icons in the guide section

EDIT: I do have a suggestion for early game though: Personally I would prioritize maxing MK over Ancient Blood, and then MO flat dex on armor as needed for AR over str, while putting all base stat points into str. AR gains from flat dex MO combined with MK far exceed the pitiful flat AR gains from AB. The max hp% is really good but without significant sources of flat life it's not that huge of a boost over the stamina% boosting added stats from charms/gear. You will gain added damage from lion stance as well as more total str from base points and MK to boost str physical dmg % on weapon. It's not totally game changing but I like MK far more than AB, which I think should be the afterthought dump skill.

[Siosilvar]

Well done on the guide, been playing with a similar build myself recently. My only ask is a selfish one but if it's possible can you edit the icon for guide post to be Barbarian instead of Diablo? We need more Barbarian icons in the guide section

Think I missed that when approving.
Done.

[Reeses]

So far this is looking like a VERY solid build!
Do you think you can link your character for us via NotArmory?

Just may have to play this next league! I thought I was doomed to play a Javazon finally.

EDIT: I did try thibuild and my own variant of it. Honestly end game it feels pretty rough. But fun!

[Bliyadolubov]

Yes, its stronk. I have been playing throver barb since median 2017 version. lion stance is for beasts

[Manu300000]

Nice guide man, well done. I did a similar guide years ago using the doom from wolf comp with overkill, was a good time nice to see that someone still plays overkill

[Okkapi197333]

Nice guide. Will try the build rn, farmed some AC for TU's. Also wanted to ask you what merc do you use and what gear for merc?

[Sfp4]

Shame the build doesnt get movement speed anywhere other than boots, or by using adrenaline rush rings. Really whats kept me from playing it.

[Pdiggy]

Shame the build doesnt get movement speed anywhere other than boots, or by using adrenaline rush rings. Really whats kept me from playing it.

This is a good point and I agree, movement speed is lackluster until you spec over into Gladiator's Dominance (includes movement speed), which I do highly recommend for late game and will be something I point out in the guide. Obviously in a best case scenario we'd like to spec into that earlier on but it does gimp the damage we do putting points in dex for our max block until we've gotten max sigs, end game gear, etc. If you have enough defense with just your current armor/spirit guide then you can spec into gladiator's dominance for the movement speed and deadly strike until you have enough to go back and redo stats for your max block, just depends on the situation/where you're at. Making Mountain King a priority as well will help curve the damage loss and dex investment, which would lead me to say take MK as priority over Ancient's Blood until you can have them both maxed in deep late game.