Diablo 2 Build Guide – Tornado Druid Build

 

Introduction


While Sorceress may be one of the best classes for Elemental Spells, Druid class also has a Skill tree that composes all of the elemental. With this skill tree, Druid is also a strong option for a caster-type build, which is a change of pace if you are already familiar with Druid shapeshifting build. The Tornado provide a solid dps source for Midgame and is pretty easy to pick up for new players to Diablo II: Resurrected

Stat


Level 40

Stats Points Notes
Strength

60

Just need enough points to wear your Gear.
Dexterity

50

Same as Strength. If you want Max Block chance, some more points in this will be needed

 

Vitality

90

All your remaining points should go here to increase your Life

 

Energy

0

Unless you use Energy Shield, there are not much use to put point in Energy

Level 99

Stats Points Notes
Strength

~130

Enough to wear your gears. Keep the same approach as level 40

Dexterity

~110

Enough to wear your gears. Keep the same approach as level 40. You will need 130-150 if you want to maximize your block chance. This is depend on your gears as well

Vitality

~240

You will need around 230 in Vitality for an optimal end-game experience

Energy

0

By this stage, your gear already provide enough recovery and Mana increase, so Energy is no longer needed

Skills Distribution


Arctic Blast 1 point – This is to unlock Cyclone Armor and progress through he Elemental Skills tree. In early game, you can put some more points here to help with leveling, but make sure when you respec around level 40, keep it 1 point only as other skills along the tree will provide a damage bonus to this skill
Cyclone Armor 20 points Your main defense layer for this build, it also provides great synergy with other builds
Hurricane 20 points. This skill is good for managing a huge pack of monsters and providing synergy to your main skill Tornado
Twister 20 points. Synergy with Tornado and is good for clearing out mobs
Tornado 20 points. The main skill for this build. At level 20 Tornado provides a huge amount of damage (Combined with synergy) to enemies

Summoning Skills


Oak Sage 20 points. Another QoL summon that increase your Life and your summon.
Raven 1 point. This is to unlock the bear
Summon Spirit Wolf 1 point for the bear
Summon Dire Wolf 1 point for the bear
Summon Grizzly 1 – 5 point. This should be your body guard as the bear provide some nice shield while you cast your Tornado

 

Name Receive Synergy From Provide Synergy To Effect Skill Level Stat
druid Arctic Blast image
Arctic Blast
Hurricane : +15% Cold Damage Per Level
Cyclone Armor : +15% Cold Damage Per Level
No synergies
  • Blast a continuous jet of ice to burn your enemies with frost
  • Cast Delay: None
Lvl: 1
Mana Cost: 4
Cold Damage Per Second: 8-15
Cold Length: 4 sec.
Range: 5.3 yards

 


Lvl: 20
Mana Cost: 19
Cold Damage Per Second: 139-151
Cold Length: 15.4 sec.
Range: 12 yards
Name Receive Synergy From Provide Synergy To Effect Skill Level Stat
druid Cyclone Armor image
Cyclone Armor
Twister : + 7 % Damage per level
Tornado : + 7 % Damage per level
Hurricane : + 7 % Damage per level
Arctic Blast : +15% Cold damage per level
Tornado : + 9 % Damage per level
Hurricane : + 2 Seconds per level
  • Shield Yourself from damage caused by Fire , Cold , and Lightning
  • Cast Delay: None
Lvl: 1
Mana Cost: 5
Damage Absorbed: 40

 


Lvl: 20
Mana Cost: 24
Damage Absorbed: 268
Name Receive Synergy From Provide Synergy To Effect Skill Level Stat
druid Hurricane image
Hurricane
Cyclone Armor : + 2 Second per level
Twister : +9% Cold Damage per level
Tornado : +9% Cold Damage per level
Arctic Blast : +15% Cold Damage per level
Cyclone Armor : + 7 % Damage per level
Twister : + 10 % Damage per level
Tornado : + 9 % Damage per level
  • Create a massive storm of wind and debris to pound your enemies to bits.
  • Cast Delay: 6 Seconds
Lvl: 1
Cold Damage: 25-50

 


Lvl: 20
Cold Damage: 224-253
Name Receive Synergy From Provide Synergy To Effect Skill Level Stat
druid Twister image
Twister
Tornado : + 10 % Damage per level
Hurricane : + 10 % Damage Per Level
Cyclone Armor : + 7 % Damage per level
Tornado : + 9 % Damage per level
Hurricane : + 9 % Damage Per Level
  • Release several small whirlwinds that cut a path through your enemies
  • Cast Delay: Physical
Lvl: 1
Damage: 6-8

 


Lvl: 20
Damage: 66-68
Name Receive Synergy From Provide Synergy To Effect Skill Level Stat
druid Tornado image
Tornado
Cyclone Armor : + 9 % Damage per level
Twister : + 9 % Damage per level
Hurricane : + 9 % Damage per level
Cyclone Armor : + 7 % Damage per level
Twister : + 10 % Damage per level
Hurricane : + 9 % Damage per level
  • Create a tunnel of wind and debris to blast your enemies
  • Cast Delay: None
Level: 1
Damage: 25-35

 


Level: 20
Damage: 298-323
Name Receive Synergy From Provide Synergy To Effect Skill Level Stat
druid Oak Sage image
Oak Sage
No synergies No synergies
  • Summon a spirit pet that increases life for you and your party.
  • Cast Delay: None
Lvl: 1
Mana Cost: 15
Spirit’s Life: 60
Bonus Life: 30%
Radius: 20 Yards

 


Lvl: 20
Mana Cost: 34
Spirit’s Life: 402
Bonus Life: 125%
Radius: 45.3 Yards
Name Receive Synergy From Provide Synergy To Effect Skill Level Stat
druid Raven image
Raven
No synergies No synergies
  • Summon Ravens to peck out the eyes of your enemies.
  • Cast Delay: None
Lvl: 1
Ravens: 1
Hits: 12
Damage: 2-4

 


Lvl: 20
Ravens: 5
Hits: 31
Damage: 21-23
Name Receive Synergy From Provide Synergy To Effect Skill Level Stat
druid Summon Spirit Wolf image
Summon Spirit Wolf
Summon Dire Wolf
Summon Grizzly
Summon Dire Wolf
Summon Grizzly
  • Summon a Wolf with teleporting ability to fight by your side.
  • Cast Delay: None
Lvl: 1
Wolves: 1
Damage: 2-6
Bonus Attack (Passive): 50%
Defense Bonus (Passive): 50%

 


Lvl: 20
Wolves: 5
Damage: 49-52
Bonus Attack (Passive): 550%
Defense Bonus (Passive): 240%
Name Receive Synergy From Provide Synergy To Effect Skill Level Stat
druid Summon Dire Wolf image
Summon Dire Wolf
Summon Spirit Wolf Summon Grizzly Summon Spirit Wolf Summon Grizzly
  • Summon a wolf that becomes enraged, eating corpses to increase damage it does to enemies.
  • Cast Delay: None
Lvl: 1
Wolves: 1
Bonus Life (passive): 50
Damage: 7-12

 


Lvl: 20
Wolves: 3
Bonus Life (passive): 525
Damage: 69-74
Name Receive Synergy From Provide Synergy To Effect Skill Level Stat
druid Summon Grizzly image
Summon Grizzly
Summon Spirit Wolf
Summon Dire Wolf
Summon Spirit Wolf
Summon Dire Wolf
  • Summon a ferocious Grizzly Bear.
  • Cast Delay: None
Lvl: 1
Damage: 37-75
Bonus Damage (passive): 25%

 


Lvl: 20
Damage: 945-1039
Bonus Damage (passive): 215%

Recommended Runewords

Heart of the Oak +3 to All Skills, 40% Faster Cast Rate
Spirit An all rounder runeword, you can put this on both your Sword and Shield for a +4 to All Skills.
Call to Arms Just for a Magic Find bonus, quite hard to get (Require 5 Socket weapons)
Enigma Your end-game objective


Name Required Level Runes Orders Allowed Items Stats/Mods
Heart of the Oak 55 Ko image
Ko
Vex image
Vex
Pul image
Pul
Thul image
Thul
4 Socket Staves / 4 Socket Maces
  • +3 To AllSkills
  • +40%Faster Cast Rate
  • +75% Damage To Demons
  • +100 ToAttack RatingAgainst Demons
  • Adds 3-14 Cold Damage, 3 sec. Duration
  • 7% Mana Stolen Per Hit
  • +10 To Dexterity
  • ReplenishLife+20
  • Increase MaximumMana15%
  • All Resistances +30-40
  • Level 4 Oak Sage(25 Charges)
  • Level 14 Raven(60 Charges)
Name Required Level Runes Orders Allowed Items Stats/Mods
Spirit 25 Tal image
Tal
Thul image
Thul
Ort image
Ort
Amn image
Amn
4 Socket Swords 4 Socket Shields Weapons

 

  • +2 ToAll Skills
  • +25-35%Faster Cast Rate
  • +55%Faster Hit Recovery
  • Adds 1-50 Lightning Damage
  • Adds 3-14 Cold Damage3 Second Duration
  • +7 Poison DamageOver 5 Seconds
  • 7%LifeStolen Per Hit
  • +250 Defense Vs. Missile
  • +22 To Vitality
  • +89-112 To Mana
  • +3-8 Magic Absorb

Shields

  • +2 To AllSkills
  • +25-35% Faster Cast Rate
  • +55% Faster Hit Recovery
  • +250 Defense Vs. Missile
  • +22 To Vitality
  • +89-112 To Mana
  • Cold Resistance+35%
  • Lightning Resistance+35%
  • Poison Resistance+35%
  • +3-8 Magic Absorb
  • Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Name Required Level Runes Orders Allowed Items Stats/Mods
Call to Arms 57 Amn image
Amn
Ral image
Ral
Mal image
Mal
Ist image
Ist
Ohm image
Ohm
5 Socket Weapons
  • +1 To AllSkills
  • +40% Increased Attack Speed
  • +250-290% Enhanced Damage
  • Adds 5-30 Fire Damage
  • 7% Life Stolen Per Hit
  • +2-6 To Battle Command
  • Battle Orders
  • Battle Cry
  • Prevent Monster Heal
  • Replenish Life +12
  • 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Name Required Level Runes Orders Allowed Items Stats/Mods
Enigma 65 Jah image
Jah
Ith image
Ith
Ber image
Ber
3 Socket Chest Armor
  • +2 To AllSkills
  • +45% Faster Run Walk
  • +1 To Teleport
  • +750-775 Defense
  • + (0.75 Per Character Level) +0-74 To Strength(Based On Character Level)
  • Increase MaximumLife5%
  • Damage Reduced By 8%
  • +14LifeAfter Each Kill
  • 15% Damage Taken Goes T Mana
  • + (1 Per Character Level) +1-99% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items (Based On Character Level)

Recommended Equipment


 

Helms

Jalal’s Mane Nice unique Druid helm that provide good amount of defnese and all skills
Rockstopper Cheap budget helm with good amount of resistances
Tarnhelm Cool for leveling

Name Base Stats Modifiers
Jalal's Mane
Jalal’s Mane
Unique Totemic Mask
  • Defense: 247-297(Base Defense: 73-98)
  • Required Level: 42
  • Required Strength: 65
  • Durability: 20
  • ( DruidOnly)
  • +150-200% Enhanced Defense
  • 30% Faster Hit Recovery
  • 20% Bonus To Attack Rating
  • +2 To Druid SkillLevels
  • All Resistances +30
  • +5 To ManaAfter Each Kill
  • +20 To Strength
  • +20 To Energy
  • +2 To Shape Shifting Skills( DruidOnly)
Name Base Stats Modifiers
Rockstopper
Rockstopper
Unique Sallet
  • Defense: 163-201 (Base Defense: 52-62)
  • Required Level: 31
  • Required Strength: 43
  • Durability: 18
  • +160-220% Enhanced Defense
  • Damage Reduced By 10%
  • 30% Faster Hit Recovery
  • Cold Resistance+20-40%
  • Fire Resistance+20-50%
  • Lightning Resistance+20-40%
  • +15 To Vitality
Name Base Stats Modifiers
Tarnhelm
Tarnhelm
Unique Skull Cap
  • Defense: 8-11
  • Required Level: 15
  • Required Strength: 15
  • Durability: 18
  • +1 To All SkillLevels
  • 25-50% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
  • 75% Extra Gold From Monsters

Body Armor

Enigma Best runeword for Diablo II: Resurrected endgame
Skin of the Vipermagi Great for caster, provide increment to Faster Cast Rate and all skills
Que-Hegan’s Wisdom Good defense, moderate Faster Cast Rate

Name Base Stats Modifiers
Jah image
Jah
Ith image
Ith
Ber image
Ber
Enigma
  • Depends on base model
  • +2 To All Skills
  • +45% Faster Run Walk
  • +1 To Teleport
  • +750-775 Defense
  • + (0.75 Per Character Level) +0-74 To Strength(Based On Character Level)
  • Increase Maximum Life5%
  • Damage Reduced By 8%
  • +14 LifeAfter Each Kill
  • 15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
  • + (1 Per Character Level) +1-99% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items (Based On Character Level)
Name Base Stats Modifiers
Skin of the Vipermagi
Skin of the Vipermagi
Unique Serpentskin Armor
  • Defense: 279 (Base Defense: 111-126)
  • Required Level: 29
  • Required Strength: 43
  • Durability: 24
  • +120% Enhanced Defense
  • +1 To All Skills
  • 30% Faster Cast Rate
  • Magic Damage Reduced By 9-13 (varies)
  • All Resistances +20-35
Name Base Stats Modifiers
Que-Hegan's Wisdom
Que-Hegan’s Wisdom
Unique Mage Plate
  • Defense: 628-681(varies)(Base Defense: 225-261)
  • Required Level: 51
  • Required Strength: 55
  • Durability: 60
  • +140-160% Enhanced Defense
  • +1 To All SkillLevels
  • +3 To ManaAfter Each Kill
  • 20% Faster Cast Rate
  • 20% Faster Hit Recovery
  • Magic DamageReduced By 6-10
  • +15 To Energy

Belts

String of Ears Good early belt
Goldwrap Magic find belt
Nightsmoke Good for mana recovery
Arachnid Mesh Best belts for caster

Name Base Stats Modifiers
String of Ears
String of Ears
Unique Demonhide Sash
  • Defense: 102-113(varies)(Base Defense: 29-34)
  • Required Level: 29
  • Required Strength: 20
  • Durability: 22
  • 16 Boxes
  • +150-180% Enhanced Defense
  • +15 Defense
  • 6-8% LifeStolen Per Hit
  • Damage Reduced By 10-15%
  • Magic DamageReduced 10-15
Name Base Stats Modifiers
Goldwrap
Goldwrap
Unique Heavy Belt
  • Defense: 34-36(varies)(Base Defense: 6)
  • Required Level: 27
  • Required Strength: 45
  • Durability: 18
  • 12 Boxes
  • +40-60% Enhanced Defense
  • +25 Defense
  • 10% Increased Attack Speed
  • 30% Better Chance Of Getting Magic Items
  • 50-80% Extra Gold From Monsters
  • +2 To Light Radius
Name Base Stats Modifiers
Nightsmoke
Nightsmoke
Unique Belt
  • Defense: 22-24(varies)(Base Defense: 5)
  • Required Level: 20
  • Required Strength: 25
  • Durability: 16
  • 12 Boxes
  • +30-50% Enhanced Defense
  • +15 Defense
  • 50% Damage Taken Goes to Mana
  • Damage Reduced By 2
  • All Resistances +10
  • +20 To Mana
Name Base Stats Modifiers
Arachnid Mesh
Arachnid Mesh
Unique Spiderweb Sash
  • Defense: 119-138 (varies)(Base Defense: 55-62)
  • Required Level: 80
  • Required Strength: 50
  • Durability: 12
  • 16 Boxes
  • +90-120% Enhanced Defense
  • Slows Target By 10%
  • +1 To All Skills
  • +20% Faster Cast Rate
  • Increases Maximum Mana5%
  • Level 3 Venom(11 Charges)

Gloves

Magefist
Frostburn
Trang-Oul’s Claws

Name Base Stats Modifiers
Magefist
Magefist
Unique Light Gauntlets
  • Defense: 24-25(varies)(Base Defense: 9-11)
  • Required Level: 23
  • Required Strength: 45
  • Durability: 18
  • +20-30% Enhanced Defense
  • +10 Defense
  • +1 To Fire Skills
  • +20% Faster Cast Rate
  • Regenerate Mana25%
  • Adds 1-6 Fire Damage
Name Base Stats Modifiers
Frostburn
Frostburn
Unique Gauntlets
  • Defense: 47-49(varies)(Base Defense: 12-15)
  • Required Level: 29
  • Required Strength: 60
  • Durability: 24
  • +10-20% Enhanced Defense
  • +30 Defense
  • +5% Enhanced Damage
  • Increase Maximum Mana40%*
  • Adds 1-6 Cold Damage, Cold Duration: 2 Seconds
Name Base Stats Modifiers
Trang-Oul's Claws
Trang-Oul’s Claws
Set Heavy Bracers
  • Defense: 67-74(varies)(Base Defense: 37-44)
  • Required Level: 45
  • Required Strength: 58
  • Durability: 16
  • +20% Faster Cast Rate
  • Cold Resistance+30%
  • +30 Defense
  • +25% Poison Skill Damage
  • +2 To Curses( NecromancerOnly)

Boots

Waterwalk
Infernostride
Aldur’s Advance
Hsarus’ Iron Heel

Name Base Stats Modifiers
Waterwalk
Waterwalk
Unique Sharkskin Boots
  • Defense: 112-124(varies)(Base Defense: 33-39)
  • Required Level: 32
  • Required Strength: 47
  • Durability: 14
  • Assassin Kick Damage: 28-50
  • +180-210% Enhanced Defense
  • 20% Faster Run Walk
  • +100 Defense Vs. Missile
  • +15 To Dexterity
  • +5% Maximum Fire Resistance
  • Heal StaminaPlus 50%
  • +40 Max Stamina
  • +45-65 To Life
Name Base Stats Modifiers
Infernostride
Infernostride
Unique Demonhide Boots
  • Defense: 94-105(varies)(Base Defense: 28-35)
  • Required Level: 29
  • Required Strength: 20
  • Durability: 12
  • Assassin Kick Damage: 26-46
  • 5% Chance To Cast Level 8 BlazeWhen Struck
  • 20% Faster Run Walk
  • Adds 12-33 Fire Damage
  • +120-150% Enhanced Defense
  • +15 Defense
  • 10% To Maximum Fire Resistance
  • Fire Resistance+30%
  • 40-70% Extra Gold From Monsters
  • +2 To Light Radius
Name Base Stats Modifiers
Aldur's Advance
Aldur’s Advance
Set Battle Boots
  • Defense: 39-47 (varies)
  • Required Level: 45
  • Required Strength: 95
  • Assassin Kick Damage: 37-64
  • Indestructible
  • 40% Faster Run Walk
  • +180 Maximum Stamina
  • 10% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
  • Heal StaminaPlus +32%
  • +50 To Life
  • Fire Resistance+40-50%
  • +15 To Dexterity
  • +15 To Dexterity
  • +15 To Dexterity
Name Base Stats Modifiers
Hsarus' Iron Heel
Hsarus’ Iron Heel
Set Chain Boots
  • Defense: 8-9 (varies)
  • Required Level: 3
  • Required Strength: 30
  • Durability: 16
  • Assassin Kick Damage: 6-12
  • + (10 Per Character Level) 10-990 Attack Rating(Based On Character Level)

Shields

Spirit For Shield, you never go wrong with this runeword
Lidless Wall A nice unique shield that provide Faster Cast Rate and Defense

Name Base Stats Modifiers
Tal image
Tal
Thul image
Thul
Ort image
Ort
Amn image
Amn
Spirit
Runewords
  • Depends on base model
  • +2 To All Skills
  • +25-35% Faster Cast Rate
  • +55% Faster Hit Recovery
  • +250 Defense Vs. Missile
  • +22 To Vitality
  • +89-112 To Mana
  • Cold Resistance+35%
  • Lightning Resistance+35%
  • Poison Resistance+35%
  • +3-8 Magic Absorb
  • Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Name Base Stats Modifiers
Lidless Wall
Lidless Wall
Unique Grim Shield
  • Defense: 271-347(varies)(Base Defense: 50-150)
  • Required Level: 41
  • Required Strength: 58
  • Chance to Block: Pal: 50%, Ama/Asn/Bar: 45%, Dru/Nec/Sor: 40%
  • Durability: 70
  • Paladin Smite Damage: 14 To 20
  • +80-130% Enhanced Defense
  • +1 To All Skills
  • Increase Maximum Mana 10%
  • 20% Faster Cast Rate
  • +3-5 To ManaAfter Each Kill
  • +10 To Energy
  • +1 To Light Radius

Rings & Amulet


Nagelring Cheap budget rings

If you require some Mana for your build, 2x Stone of Jordan will solve the problem.
It is also provides +1 to All Skills, which generally preferable in almost any D2R Builds

Name Required Level Modifiers
Stone of Jordan
Stone of Jordan
29
  • +1 To All Skills
  • Increase Maximum Mana25%*
  • Adds 1-12 Lightning Damage
  • +20 To Mana

The Bul-Kathos’ Wedding Band is another powerul end game rings that is univerally needed for any D2R Builds
Aside from the usual +1 to all skills, this rings also provide a bonus to Life & Stamina

Name Required Level Modifiers
Bul-Kathos' Wedding Band
Bul-Kathos’ Wedding Band
58
  • +1 To All Skills
  • + (0.5 Per Character Level) 0-49 To Life(Based On Character Level)
  • 3-5% LifeStolen Per Hit
  • +50 Maximum Stamina

This should be your end-game target. as it provide superb stats and +2 to All Skills
Before this amulet, you can use any Rare amulet that has a good amount of resistance or + to All Skills

Name Required Level Modifiers
Mara's Kaleidoscope
Mara’s Kaleidoscope
67
  • +2 To All Skills
  • All Resistances +20-30
  • +5 To All Attributes
Name Required Level Modifiers
Nagelring
Nagelring
7
  • Magic DamageReduced By 3
  • +50-75 To Attack Rating
  • Attacker Takes Damage of 3*
  • 15-30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Jewels, Gems & Charms


Frost Nova Good increment for some of your Tornado skill

Charms

As for charms, any +1 to all Skills Charms is good for this build. If you don’t have it yet, simply put on any Life/Mana/ Res Charms for more survivalbility
In Diablo II Endgame, you will need to lookout for a well-roll Hellfire’s Torch and an Annihilus.

Name Skill Modifiers
Rainbow Facet
Rainbow Facet
Frost Nova
Frost Nova
  • 100% Chance To Cast Level 43 Frost NovaWhen You Level-Up
  • Adds 24-38 Cold Damage, 0.12 sec Duration (Normal)
  • +3-5% To Cold Skill Damage
  • -(3-5)% To Enemy Cold Resistance

Recommended Weapons

Wizardspike
Suicide Branch
Heart of the Oak

Name Stats Modifiers
Wizardspike
Wizardspike
Unique Bone Knife
  • One-Hand Damage: 23 To 49
  • Required Level: 61
  • Required Strength: 38
  • Required Dexterity: 75
  • Base Weapon Speed: [-20]
  • + (2 Per Character Level) 2-198 To Mana(Based On Character Level)
  • 50% Faster Cast Rate
  • Regenerate Mana15%
  • Increase Maximum Mana15%
  • All Resistances +75
  • Indestructible
Name Stats Modifiers
Suicide Branch
Suicide Branch
Unique Burnt Wand
  • One-Hand Damage: 8 To 18
  • Required Level: 33
  • Required Strength: 25
  • Durability: 15
  • Base Weapon Speed: [0]
  • +50% Damage To Undead
  • +1 To All Skills
  • 50% Faster Cast Rate
  • Increase Maximum Mana10%
  • All Resistances +10
  • +40 To Life
  • Attacker Takes Damage of 25
Name Stats Modifiers
Ko image
Ko
Vex image
Vex
Pul image
Pul
Thul image
Thul
Heart of the Oak
  • Depends on base Weapons model
  • +3 To All Skills
  • +40% Faster Cast Rate
  • +75% Damage To Demons
  • +100 To Attack RatingAgainst Demons
  • Adds 3-14 Cold Damage, 3 sec. Duration (Normal)
  • 7% Mana Stolen Per Hit
  • +10 To Dexterity
  • Replenish Life +20
  • Increase Maximum Mana 15%
  • All Resistances +30-40 (varies)
  • Level 4 Oak Sage(25 Charges)
  • Level 14 Raven(60 Charges)

Mercenary Guide


 

Mercenary play a huge part in your D2R Build, this is thanks to
the fact that they can equip three pieces of equipments – Helm, Body Armor and Weapon.
Mercenary is often used as a second source of damage and a shield to attract the monsters while you
stay in safe place and cast your skill.
In some D2R Builds, players also try to equip Magic Find + Gold Find
gears on them to increase the amount and quality of gear dropped.
Universally the best Mercenary is the ones from Act II, as they use Polearms – the weapon type that has the most sockets.
With this, you can use powerful runeword to further enhance the power of your bodyguard.

Mercenary Helm

For your Mercenary The best helm is Andariel’s Visage. This is quite hard to find
If you don’t have it yet, simply use a Helm Runeword like Lore to give your Merc
some defense

Name Base Stats Modifiers
Andariel's Visage
Andariel’s Visage
Unique Demonhead
  • Defense: 310-387 (Base Defense: 101-154)
  • Required Level: 83
  • Required Strength: 102
  • Durability: 20
  • +100-150% Enhanced Defense
  • +2 To All Skills
  • 20% Increased Attack Speed
  • 8-10% Life Stolen Per Hit
  • +25-30 To Strength
  • +10% To Maximum Poison Resist
  • Fire Resistance-30%
  • Poison Resistance+70%
  • 15% Chance To Cast Level 15 Poison Nova When Struck
  • Level 3 Venom (20 charges)
  • (Ladder Only)

For your Mercenary The best helm is Andariel’s Visage. This is quite hard to find
If you don’t have it yet, simply use a Helm Runeword like Lore to give your Merc
some defense

Name Base Stats Modifiers
Ort image
Ort
Sol image
Sol
Lore
  • Depends on base model
  • +1 To All SkillLevels
  • +10 To Energy
  • +2 To ManaAfter Each Kill
  • Lightning Resistance+30%
  • Damage Reduced By 7
  • +2 To Light Radius

Mercenary Weapons

Best option is the Insight Runeword. This runeword provide a bonus to Mana Recovery and
a huge amount of damage for your Mercenary. This runeword can solve most of the problem with Mana on a build

The bonus is all the runes for this runeword (Ral, Tir, Tal & Sol) are pretty easy to farm in
early Nightmare difficulty. Just remember to perform a couple of runs on the Countess for this runeword

Name Stats Modifiers
Ral image
Ral
Tir image
Tir
Tal image
Tal
Sol image
Sol
Insight
  • Depends on base weapon model
  • Level 12-17 MeditationAura When Equipped
  • +35% Faster Cast Rate
  • +200-260% Enhanced Damage
  • +9 To Minimum Damage
  • 180-250% Bonus to Attack Rating
  • Adds 5-30 Fire Damage
  • +75 Poison DamageOver 5 Seconds
  • +1-6 To Critical Strike
  • +5 To All Attributes
  • +2 To ManaAfter Each Kill
  • 23% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Another solid option for Mercenary Weapon is Obedience runeword. This has a more focus on damage
and doesn’t have the aura to provide you with the mana recovery

Name Stats Modifiers
Hel image
Hel
Ko image
Ko
Thul image
Thul
Eth image
Eth
Fal image
Fal
Obedience
  • Depends on base weapon model
  • 30% Chance To Cast Level 21 EnchantWhen You Kill An Enemy
  • 40% Faster Hit Recovery
  • +370% Enhanced Damage
  • -25% Target Defense
  • Adds 3-14 Cold Damage3 Second Duration (Normal)
  • -25% To Enemy Fire Resistance
  • 40% Chance of Crushing Blow
  • +200-300 Defense
  • +10 To Strength
  • +10 To Dexterity
  • All Resistances +20-30
  • Requirements -20%

Mercenary Armor

For D2R Mercenary Armor, you should always go for Fortitude. This runeword straight up increase Defense by
a huge amount and can help your Mercenary to become a Reliable shield for you

Name Base Stats Modifiers
El image
El
Sol image
Sol
Dol image
Dol
Lo image
Lo
Fortitude
  • Depends on base model
  • 20% Chance To Cast Level 15 Chilling Armorwhen Struck
  • +25% Faster Cast Rate
  • +300% Enhanced Damage
  • +200% Enhanced Defense
  • +15 Defense
  • +X To Life(Based on Character Level)*
  • Replenish Life+7
  • +5% To Maximum Lightning Resistance
  • All Resistances +25-30
  • Damage Reduced By 7
  • 12% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
  • +1 To Light Radius

Another alternative if you don’t have enough Runes for Fortitude is the Treachery runewords. While the
+2 to Assassin skills is useless, the bonus to Attack Speed and Gold bonus can give you some nice bonus during
your farming

Name Base Stats Modifiers
Shael image
Shael
Thul image
Thul
Lem image
Lem
Treachery
Runewords
  • Depends on base model
  • 5% Chance To Cast Level 15 FadeWhen Struck
  • 25% Chance To Cast level 15 VenomOn Striking
  • +2 To Assassin Skills
  • +45% Increased Attack Speed
  • +20% Faster Hit Recovery
  • Cold Resistance+30%
  • 50% Extra Gold From Monsters

Gameplay and Tip

Gameplay Guide & Tips
This build is generally pretty easy to pick up and good for new players.

 

For Normal difficulty, you can start out with Arctic Blast for leveling. From level 12 – 15 , try farming Countess a little bit before moving on to Act II. You can get some cheap runes here for runeword such as Lore (Helm) Around level 18 you will need some points in Summon Direwolf to help you in combat.
On Nightmare difficulty, respec and follow the build for optimal damage. In Nightmare, your main target should be equipping SPirit in both your Weapon and Shield. This provides a good amount of defense, resist and damage to continue through Hell.
Remember to farm the Cow Level before moving on to Hell difficulty
In Hell, you may want to re-run the Countess farming route again for some runes drop for your Mercenary and try saving runes for end-game Runewords.

Check out other Diablo II: Resurrected Builds

Leave a Comment
Newsletter

Advertisement
Login
Loading...
Sign Up

New membership are not allowed.

Loading...