PvM
PvM
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Two-Handers
FEATURES
These guys are all about damage. Thats one thing you dont need to worry about when you take this route. Range is also an advantage with most two-handers.
ADVANTAGES
a. HIGHER DAMAGE:
Two handed weapons pack more firepower. This is also the best option if you decide to take the high strength route. Expect rich dividends in performance. They also happen to be high on fun & adrenelin. You’ll have to build him well & use warcries in some areas.With higher damage, you can also leech more life per hit. So survivability wont be a huge problem without a shield.
b. RANGE:
This has been explained above in Basics section. Apart from faster pack cleanups, you can use range to your advantage against specific enemy types. If used right, you can net high efficiency & safety.More on that in whirl-plan.
c. AFFORDABILITY:
This is a strong reason as well. When you choose this route, you have two less things to worry about. Unlike dualwielders, you don’t have to worry about another weapon or a shield like weapon shield users. Another advantage is that, there are a lot more options with two handers which are also cheap. All in all you get more bang for your buck in terms of damage for what you pay.
d. LOOKS:
These look a lot better on Mr.farty pants. He is a big man. Two handers do justice to his reputation & size, tiny weapons dont. They look a lot cooler on him, you get to see a larger weapon & you have to look cool when you are pvm. Looks matter here. So try & find one thats looks badass. Infact most if not all high ends satisfy that criteria as well.
DISADVANTAGES
a. PVP LIMITATIONS:
Don’t expect much success if you take him to dueling. You need to use a shield or an alternate weapon depending on the character.Shield is essential for BVB, for casters you can use an alternate weapon or a resists shield.An extra weapon or shield also provides mods that support you like stats,aura,resists,damage reduction etc. So sticking to pvm is generally advisable with two handers. Anyway, since this is pvm section, we shouldn’t discuss pvp much here.These guys are built for ground targets (monsters bashing).
b. LACK OF ADAPTABILITY:
Once you specialise him as a polearmer or lancer, you cant switch to a weapon shield setup in some of the ‘pain zones’ except for swords due to their unique versatility. Your ar will suffer if you use other one-handed weapon class. Mainly, these are areas where you have to switch to berzerk, like chaos sanctuary or against physical immunes. When attacking with berserk, your defense goes down to zero, so only a shield stands between attacks & life.
However, there are ways around with offensive warcries. You can take them on one by one with a combo of howl/taunt or you can stun them with warcry. With high life & some damage reduction & your high damage, you can swiftly negate the danger. Thats the strength of this build, you are left defenseless for a short period of time in some areas, but your higher damage ensures that the duration remains short to say the least. Pure offense is the order of the day.
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TRAINING
CHECK LIST
- A high damage & lwbp weapon
- Atleast 7k final attack rating for non itd or defense cut weapons for which ~5k.
- High defense,at least 10k plus
- Life depending on build* 2.5k mimimum for titans 7 upto 4k for others.
- Damage reduction 10-15% atleast & close to max resists in hell.
- Life leech-15% atleast & 5% mana leech.
- 25% damage to mana conversion rate. 35% recommended.
- Medium/heavy armor & base runwalk -required for some whirltechs.
- Might mercenary with equipment decent enough for survival.
SKILL POINTS ( I luv this part!!!)
a. CORE
Max Whirlwind
Max Weapon Mastery
Max Battle Orders
Max Shout
Rest into iron skin.
b. ADD-ONS:
Berserk -1
Natural resists -1
Battle commands -1
Howl,Taunt,Battle cry & Warcry -1
b. PRE-REQS:
Leap attack-1
Leap-1
Bash-1
Stun-1
Concentrate-1
BUILDS/STAT ALLOTMENT
Befor going further, I’d make it clear that for 2handed barbs, ther are just two stats you need to focus on.Stregth & vitality. Dexterity must be kept at base or enough to use the weapon, their requirement is somewhat high for spears, so place a few in that case,but upping dexterity beyond what is required for the weapon is not a good practice. You simply net 4 ar per point, which is easily got from other sources like weapons,gear charms etc.
a. VITA BARB
This is a high life oriented build. You simply place as many points into strength as required for your intended endgame equipment & the rest go into vitality to hit upto 4k life or more. This should be the favourite choice when playing untwinked or lacking crucial mods like damage reduction or resists. Take this route if you have a poor connection as well. Generally,it is the best choice for a defensive & survival oriented play style. Many players prefer this route over others for higher survivability. But I strongly recommend you take the tuner or Titan builds for some high end weapons below, you are missing out on damage otherwise.
b. TITAN
This is a damage oriented build. You place as many into strength as possible with enough vitality for upto 2.5k life with + to life items & BO. A high damage reduction is necessary, straight damage reduction items are useful as well, that reduce damage by straight amounts. You might want to make good use of battlecry for pre-attack damage reduction. High life leech perecentage & a high ed weapon are crucial to success. High strength gives more bang for the buck with high end weapons & you will leech more life with more damage. If you are looking for ultimate fun & adrenalin, look no further,this is the choice for you. Please note that only certain high-spec weapons are titan viable, this build isnt universal.
c. TUNER
A cross-breed of sorts. It combines the best of the both worlds. Life is kept at the ‘comfort level’ which depends on the weapon,leech & damage reduction of the setup. The remaining points are placed into strength which can hover around 350 with the build. Its much more balanced than the both. It requires a different approach. In VITA & TITAN builds, you distribute stats after taking into account your equpment requirements, but this approach requires a slightly complex assesment. You need to rate your survivability. You have to accurately place an estimate of how much life you require, to get by with the your weapon/gear setup. After attaining that level of life, which you feel is comfortable for survival with your gear, you start upping your air intake with strength i.e all remaining points go there. Dont worry too much about that, you can figure it out by adjusting yourself,. I have provided rough sketches to get you started.
STANDARD ISSUE (best item of that type for pvm-2h for all setups)
This is the highly-recommended gear for this build & it will also be used as the gear assumption when rating weapons. In short, if you have the means, you should seek to use this gear over other alternatives. Note: all gear will be reviewed once in the guide, if it appears elsewehre it will simply be stated minus the thourrough mod roundup. You should refer to the place where it first appears for details.
| Arreats Face Unique | Defense:(302-362) Durability:55 Required Strength:118 Required Level:42 (150-200)% Enhanced Defense +20 to Strength +20 to Dexterity All Resistances +30 (3-6)% Life Stolen per Hit +2 to Barbarian Skill Levels 30% Faster Hit Recovery 20% Bonus to Attack Rating +2 To Combat Skills |
NOTHING comes even within miles of this thing. Its simply provides an array of all useful mods. Lets just analyze them one by one.
+ 20 to Strength & Dexterity: Well this can help you meet your other equipment requirements easily, more so with dexterity, it frees up 40 points which can be placed into vitality. Think of it as 40 points into vitality which means 160 life pre-battle orders. A maxed out bo with a few + to skill can easily net you more than 320 life.
All resistance +30: Since you arent using a shield, all your resists have to come from your other gear. It is difficult to max out resists in hell without shield. Arreats helps you get closer. 30 all resists is simply sweet.
3-6% Life leech: Mid-whirl refueling. Its always welcome in pvm. Since you will be wielding high damage weapons, the life you steal per hit will be higher.Thats in the bag as well.
+ To Skills: It grants +2 to combats skills & +2 to all skills, so combat skills are increased by 4 levels. Here is what you net:
Whirlwind: +32% ed & + 20% ar
Berserk: +60% ed & +60% ar
Mastery: +10% ed & +16% ar
Ironskin: +20% defense
Shout: +20% defense
Battle orders: +6% Life/mana/stamina
In addition it provides the 20% ar boost. All in all its a freakin awesome package.Look no further than arreats unless you are broke.
Recommended socket: ITH rune,reasons stated in the basics section.This is pvm,you have to think differently here, you have to rate your performance based on damage over time & versatility.Unleechables are now placed as guest monsters even in late acts, you will sufer downtimes when going against them.Dtm just smooths out your fight against them.You will need it to attain the all important 35% DTM for hell mode or 25% for endgame act V along with angelics or carrion.
| String of ears Unique | 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% Life Stolen Per Hit (varies) Damage Reduced By 10-15% Magic Damage Reduced 10-15 (varies) |
Look no further than this for pvm.15% damage reduction & magic damage reduce,which reduces the damage you take from elemental attacks by straight number,elemental attacks dont do too high damage per bolt but it adds up in frequency,so thats a pretty mod actually.The 7% life stolen per hit can net you around 120 life per hit in hell(@2.3%) depending on the weapon. The life you net from verdungoes isnt doubled by BO ,it simply stands at ~140 life. It simply as easy as comparing a buffer of 140 vs a replenishing rate of ~120 per hit or 120*6=720 per second.Both give dr & string is an exceptional therefore cheaper.
Other good options are thundergods/ikbelt or verdungoes if you dont like strings for some reason.
JEWELRY: Highlords/raven/carrion or dual leech ring for all itd/defense cut weapons,angelics/bk or dual leech for others. Plus if you you manage around 200ar from charms go with highlords setup regardless.
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ARSENAL (In alphabetical order)
a. AXES
2handed axe have some neat advantages. Decent-high average damage due to the high minimum damage,Low dexterity requirements & looks. Take your pick,though there isn’t much to pick.
BOTD Runeword Champion Axe | 50% Chance To Cast Level 20 Poison Nova When You Kill An Enemy Indestructible +60% Increased Attack Speed +350-400% Enhanced Damage (varies) +200% Damage To Undead -25% Target Defense +50 To Attack Rating +50 To Attack Rating Against Undead 7% Mana Stolen Per Hit 12-15% Life Stolen Per Hit (varies) Prevent Monster Heal +30 To All Attributes +1 To Light Radius Requirements -20%Vex + Hel + El + Eld + Zod + Eth | Weapon Damage Specs @ 350% ed: 396 – 635 @ 375% ed: 418 – 670 @ 400% ed: 440 – 705 @ 415% ed: 453 – 726 Weapon Standard damage: @ 375% ed: 418 – 670 Avg: 544 | Total Damage Specs @350% ed: 4158 – 6930 @ 375% ed: 4389 – 7298 @ 400% ed: 4620 – 7665 @ 415% ed: 4757- 7886Inputs;600 ed,350 strength,25 max. | Weapon Grading: Range:3Damage: 8 Mods: 10 Ease: 10 Afforability: 4 Looks: 32h Rank: 6 |
Comments: The runeword costlier than the game itself. yes.. on ladder. On to the weapon…The only 2 handed axe thats lwbp. The minimum damage is its real strength but the maximum is slightly low for a high end 2 hander. Unfortunately… it just looses its breath against other botds in poles,spears & the collosus blade. They dish out more damage & have a longer range(not cb). . Its not a bad choice by any means, just that other bigger botd options offer more damage & range at the same price.
Jewelry setup recommended & used in Gross damage calculation:Highlords,carrion,raven. BOTD comes with 25% defense cut so ar can be managed at lower than 7k with raven,charms dex from weapon etc.The 32% deadly from wrath ups your damage over time. Carrion wind comes with 8% LL & 10% damage to mana,with an ith rune in arreats its enough for endgame for non-stop whirling.
Boots:Goblin toes./gore riders.
Gloves: Steelrends (cb,damage & strength)
Armor: Chains of honor/Fortitude*.
Stats Summary:
Damage reduction: 10-23%
Max resists possible with charms
4-6k attack rating
9-12 k defense
Total Leech
Botd: 13.5%,strings:7%,carrion wind:7.5%,arreats:4.5%
Total: 33%, in hell:11%. (1/3rd)
Actual life stolen per hit in hell on standard gross damage: 8560*11% = 945 per hit
Vita barb total standard damage at 205 strength @375% ed: 3783-6290 – average: 5036 – gross: 7404.: leech: 814
Tuner barb total standard damage at 350 strength @375% ed: 4389 – 7298 – average: 5843 – gross: 8560*: leech: 945
Life ‘Comfort level’ for tuner build: 3000. (place remaining into strength after hitting 3000 hp for upping damage output)
Titan barb not recommended.
5843*1.47=8560* Note:Taking into account 22% critical strike & 32% deadly. Net chance of double damage-47%
b. MACES
Since all 2handed maces/staves are high cb weapons,they have been classified under the cb weapons build,so check them out there.
b. POLEARMS
These things pack a punch. Characterised by a high average damage & moderate dexterity requirements compared to spears, they blow the competition out of the water quite comfortably. They have some variety & looks are also a major plus.
| BonehewUnique Ogre Axe Range:3Base speed: 0 Wias:30 30% more ias required in sockets to hit lwbp | Two-Hand Damage: (103-117) To (536-609) (319.5-363 Avg) Required Level: 64 Required Strength: 195 Required Dexterity: 75 Durability: 50 Base Weapon Speed: [00] +270-320% Enhanced Damage Level 14 Corpse Explosion (30 charges) Prevent Monster Heal 30% Increased Attack Speed 50% Chance To Cast Level 16 Bone Spear On Striking Socketed (2) (Only Spawns In Patch 1.10 or later) | Weapon Damage Specs @ 270% ed: 104 – 537 @ 295% ed: 111 – 573 @ 320% ed: 118 – 609 @ 400% ed: 140 – 725Standard Weapon damage: @ 295% ed: 111 – 573Avg: 342 | Total Damage Specs @ 270% ed: 993- 5367 @ 295% ed: 1060 – 5711 @ 320% ed: 1127 – 6055 @ 400% ed: 1337 – 7163 555% ed,300 strength, 25 max. | Weapon ranking Range:3 Damage: 4 2h Rank: 10 |
Comments: ‘The ‘Honda accord” of ww weapons, this beast delivers high performance at value. A very easy to acquire weapon that can easily take you through the game with 0 problems. An excellent ladder weapon. As a bonus it provides the bone spear kick when switching to berzerk, makes you look a lot cooler. PMH makes long battles easier, overall its a nice endgame weapon thats easy to get your hands on.
Jewelry setup recommended:Angelics/BK,no defense cut or stat bonus on this weapon,you’d strive to net a decent chance to hit in later acts without it,unless you have nice ar charms from inventory.Use angelics & forget about it & use life,dmg,resist charms to compensate. Also gives 20% dtm which lets you hit 35% with ith arreats,75 life & 10 dexterity. BK gives 6% ll life & +1 to skill so a pretty solid setup.
Boots: Goblintoes/Goreriders.
Gloves: Soul drainers-dual leech ,LL is always welcome,moreover, not using this will force you to use a manald or crecent moon for ml inplace of bk or angelics,don’t complicate things. If you have a dual leech ring,then use steels.
Armor: Chains of honor/Fortitude*.
Stats Summary:
Damage reduction: 10-23%
Max resists possible with charms
8-13k attack rating
9-12 k defense
Total Leech
Soul drainers :5.5%,Strings: 7% Bul Kathos: 4%, Arreats:4.5%,
Total: 21%, in hell:7%. (1/3rd)
Average life stolen per hit in hell on standard gross damage:4130*7% = 289 per hit.
Vita barb total standard damage at 195 strength @295% ed: 944-5083 – average: 3013 – gross: 3676.: leech: 257
Tuner barb total standard damage at 300 strength @295% ed: 1060-5711 – average: 3385 – gross: 4130.: leech: 289
Life ‘Comfort level’ for tuner build: 3200. (place remaining into strength after hitting 3200 life for upping damage output)
Titan barb not recommended.
Note:Taking into account 22% critical strike
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| Tomb ReaverUnique Cryptic Axe Range:4 Base speed: 10 Wias:60 10% more required in sockets to hit lwbp | Two-Hand Damage: (99-125) To (450-570) (274.5-347.5 Avg) Required Level: 84 Required Strength: 165 Required Dexterity: 103 Durability: 65 Base Weapon Speed: [10] +200-280% Enhanced Damage +150-230% Damage To Undead +60% Increased Attack Speed +250-350 To Attack Rating Against Undead All Resistances +30-50 10% Reanimate As: Returned* +10-14 Life After Each Kill +50-80% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items +4 To Light Radius Socketed (1-3) (Ladder Only) (Only Spawns In Patch 1.10 or later) | Weapon Damage Specs Normal: @ 240% ed: 112 – 510 @ 280% ed: 125 – 570 @ 320% ed: 139 – 630 @ 400% ed: 165 – 750Ethereal: @ 240% ed: 167 – 765 @ 280% ed: 186 – 855 @ 320% ed: 206 – 945 @ 360% ed: 225 – 1035Normal Weapon Standard damage: @ 280% ed: 125 – 570 Avg: 348Ethreal Weapon Standard damage: @ 280% ed: 186 – 855 Avg: 521 | Total Damage Specs Normal: @ 240% ed: 1070 – 5109 @ 280% ed: 1194 – 5682 @ 320% ed: 1327- 6255 @ 400% ed: 1576 – 7401Ethereal: @ 240% ed: 1678 – 7940 @ 280% ed: 1869 – 8844 @ 320% ed: 2070 – 9749 @ 360% ed: 2261 – 10653555% ed,300 strength (350-eth), 25 max. | Weapon ranking Range:4 Damage: 5 2h Rank: 7 Eth Weapon ranking Range:4 Damage: 8 2h Rank: 5 |
Comments: A wild horse. The variance in ed is huge,it just needs 10% more ias to hit lwbp,so 1 socket will require ias. If it spawns with more sockets, you can tune its damage further with ed jewels. An ethreal zodded version of this can deal some insane damage. The array of mods are a great advantage as well. Maxing out resists is a lot easier with this thing allowing you to wear dr armors like levi or shaft. This is an excellent if not the best weapon/gear setup for a high powered titan/tuner setup, the high mf also makes this the best pitwhirler weapon. The big drawback however is its level requirement:84, which is just too high, otherwise its a pretty neat weapon. Price is a problem & its ladder only.
Jewelry setup recommended:Angelics/BK. Reasons stated in bonehew setup.
Boots: Goblin toes/Gores.
Gloves: Soul drainers-dual leech.(Steels if you have a dl ring)
Armor: Leviathan. The weapon gives resists so you can by all means take the high DR route for even better survivability. Levi is the preferred choice for the added strength, but some nooblemen in the forum hate the steroidish look. 
.Fortitude is a solid offensive choice as well..
Stats Summary:
Damage reduction:25-45%
Max resists possible with charms
8-13k attack rating
10-12 k defense
Total Leech
Soul drainers :5.5%,Strings: 7% Bul Kathos: 4%, Arreats:4.5%,
Total: 21%, in hell:7%. (1/3rd)
Vita barb total standard damage at 219 strength @280% ed: 1093-5200 – average: 3146 – gross: 3839.: leech: 269
Tuner barb total standard damage at 300 strength @280% ed: 1194-5682 – average: 3438 – gross: 4194.: leech: 294
Life ‘Comfort level’ for tuner build: 3000. (place remaining into strength after hitting 3000 life for upping damage output)
Non eth titan barb not recommended.
Eth Vita barb total standard damage at 219 strength @280% ed: 1627-7691 – average: 4658 – gross: 5683.: leech: 398
Tuner barb total standard damage at 300 strength @280% ed: 1869-8844 – average: 5356 – gross: 6535.: leech: 457
Eth Titan barb total standard damage with 500 strength @280% ed: 2148-10164 – average: 6156 – gross: 7510. leech: 526
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| StormspireUnique Giant thresher Range:5 Base speed: -10 Wias:30 20% more ias required in sockets to hit lwbp | Two-Hand Damage: (100-140) To (285-399) (192.5-269.5 Avg) Required Level: 70 Required Strength: 188 Required Dexterity: 140 Base Weapon Speed: [-10] 150-250% Enhanced Damage Adds 1-237 Lightning Damage 2% Chance To Cast Level 20 Charged Bolt When Struck 5% Chance To Cast Level 5 Chain Lightning When Struck 30% Increased Attack Speed Lightning Resist +50% +10 To Strength Attacker Takes Lightning Damage of 27 Indestructible (Only Spawns In Patch 1.10 or later) | Weapon Damage Specs @ 150% ed: 100 – 285 @ 200% ed: 120 – 342 @ 250% ed: 140 – 399 Standard Weapon damage: @ 200% ed: 120 – 342Avg: 231 | Total Damage Specs @ 150% ed: 955 – 2961 Standard Total damage: Gross Damage: 2837* *2256 8 1.22 = 2763 | Unseeded >.< |
Comments: It fails miserably in the most important criteria-damage. Un like hew & reaver,it doesnt come with sockets,you will have to add one and pop a shael to take it to lwbp. So there isnt any scope for more damage. Its other mods are a joke & offers nothing special in offense department. Being range 5 wont help it. Hew & reaver blow it out of the water in all criterias. Its here for the sake of completeness & since its an elite unique that is lwbp. Just ignore it, since sadly even the charge bolt & chain lightining doesnt trigger with ww.
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BOTD Runeword Giant Thresher | 50% Chance To Cast Level 20 Poison Nova When You Kill An Enemy Indestructible +60% Increased Attack Speed +350-400% Enhanced Damage (varies) +200% Damage To Undead -25% Target Defense +50 To Attack Rating +50 To Attack Rating Against Undead 7% Mana Stolen Per Hit 12-15% Life Stolen Per Hit (varies) Prevent Monster Heal +30 To All Attributes +1 To Light Radius Requirements -20%Vex + Hel + El + Eld + Zod + Eth | Weapon Damage Specs @ 350% ed: 270 – 770 @ 375% ed: 285 – 812 @ 400% ed: 300 – 855 @ 415% ed: 309 – 881Standard damage: @ 375% ed: 285 – 812 Avg: 549 | Total Damage Specs @350% ed: 2835 – 8348 @ 375% ed: 2993 – 8789 @ 400% ed: 3150 – 9240 @ 415% ed: 3245 – 9513Inputs;600 ed,350 strength,25 max. | Weapon ranking Range:5 Damage: 9 2h Rank: 2 |
Comments: The first of the bad boys. This thing packs quite a punch. Range 5 & high average it delivers what you expect from it. A decent botd choice. Though its bigger brother bruises it in damage rating, it throws some punches back at it in looks department. The thresher graphic is a sight to behold, the hook is stained with blood..bad ass…sure I cant forget the bashing I received from some forumers (kbob,jordy,ash) when I expressed gpa superiority in the looks criteria.
Jewelry setup recommended & used in Gross damage calculation:Highlords,carrion,raven.
Boots: Goblin toes/Gores.
Gloves: Steelrends.
Armor: Chains of honor/Fort..
Stats Summary:
Damage reduction: 10-23%
Max resists possible with charms
4-6k attack rating
9-12 k defense
Total Leech
Botd: 13.5%,strings:7%,carrion wind:7.5%,arreats:4.5%
Total: 33%(rounding down), in hell:11%. (1/3rd penalty)
Vita barb total standard damage at 205 strength @375% ed: 2579-7575 – average: 5077 – gross: 7463.: leech: 821
Tuner barb total standard damage at 350 strength @375% ed: 2993-8789 – average: 5891 – gross: 8660.: leech: 953
Life ‘Comfort level’ for tuner build: 2900. (place remaining into strength after hitting 2900 life for upping damage output)
Titan barb total damage with 500 strength @375% ed: 3420-10044 – average: 6732 – gross: 9896 – leech: 1088
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BOTD Runeword Great Poleaxe | 50% Chance To Cast Level 20 Poison Nova When You Kill An Enemy Indestructible +60% Increased Attack Speed +350-400% Enhanced Damage (varies) +200% Damage To Undead -25% Target Defense +50 To Attack Rating +50 To Attack Rating Against Undead 7% Mana Stolen Per Hit 12-15% Life Stolen Per Hit (varies) Prevent Monster Heal +30 To All Attributes +1 To Light Radius Requirements -20%Vex + Hel + El + Eld + Zod + Eth | Weapon Damage Specs @ 350% ed: 311 – 855 @ 375% ed: 328 – 903 @ 400% ed: 345 – 950 @ 415% ed: 355 – 979Standard damage: @ 375% ed: 328 – 903 Avg: 615 | Total Damage Specs @350% ed: 3266 – 9240 @ 375% ed: 3444 – 9744 @ 400% ed: 3623 – 10238 @ 415% ed: 3728- 10542 | Weapon ranking Range:5 Damage: 10 2h Rank: 1 |
Comments: Meet the grand daddy, the undisputed B52 of ww weapons. It mercilessly leaves the competition in smoke. Highest damage of all lwbp weapons,Highest damage to dex requirements ratio, range 5, nothing comes close. Its just pure perfection in all aspects. The recommended choice for highly tuned killing machines, the chosen weapon of damage freaks.
Jewelry setup recommended & used in Gross damage calculation:Highlords,carrion,raven.
Boots: Goblin toes/Gore riders.
Gloves: Steelrends
Armor: Chains of honor/Fortitude.
Stats Summary:
Damage reduction: 10-23%
Max resists possible with charms
4-6k attack rating
9-12 k defense
Total Leech
Botd: 13.5%,strings:7%,carrion wind:7.5%,arreats:4.5%
Total: 33%(rounding down), in hell:11%. (1/3rd penalty)
Vita barb total standard damage at 205 strength @375% ed: 2698-8398 – average: 5683 – gross: 8354.: leech: 919
Tuner barb total standard damage at 350 strength @375% ed: 3444-9744 – average: 6594 – gross: 9693.: leech: 1066
Life ‘Comfort level’ for tuner build: 2800. (place remaining into strength after hitting 2800 life for upping damage output)
Titan barb total damage with 500 strength @375% ed: 3936-11136 – average: 7536- gross: 11078 – leech: 1219
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SPEARS
The old favourites have made a comeback in 1.10. They have some variety to offer in runewords & uniques. Damage is sufficient as well, the only drawback being the obscene dexterity requirement. The hold their own in looks criteria.
| Arriocs NeedleUnique Hyperion Spear Range:4 Base speed: -10 Wias:30 20% more ias required in socket to hit lwbp | Two-Hand Damage: (98-115) To (333-392) (215.5-253.5 Avg) Required Level: 81 Required Strength: 155 Required Dexterity: 120 Base Weapon Speed: [-10] +180-230% Enhanced Damage (varies) 50% Deadly Strike +394 Poison Damage Over 10 Seconds +30% Increased Attack Speed +2-4 To All Skills (varies) Ignore Target’s Defense (Only Spawns In Patch 1.10 or later) | Weapon Damage Specs @ 180% ed: 98 – 333 @ 205% ed: 107 – 363 @ 230% ed: 116 – 399 Standard Weapon damage: @ 205% ed: 107 – 363Avg: 235 | Total Damage Specs @ 180% ed:980 – 3580 (1374-3974) poison Inputs;600 ed,300 strength,25 max. | Weapon ranking Range:4 Damage: 6 2h Rank: 8 |
Comments: Easily, the most overlooked weapon in the game. It offers some neat attack mods. The damage is hidden, since it packs 50% deadly, see the gross damage for an accurate picture. 2-4 to skill means more life,defense,damage,ar,resists..nice bundle. Ignore target defense means you can use highlords for more deadly, ITD doesnt work on champs,uniques & bosses, thats when battle cry comes in.The delicious 50% deadly on weapon plus the itd allowing highlords renders this weapon a dark horse.
Jewelry setup recommended & used in Gross damage calculation:Highlords, carrion, raven. It comes with ITD, so ar is a no factor most of the time,add in highlords for even higher double damage chance.
Boots: Goblin toes/Gore riders.
Gloves: Soul drainers.(Steels if possessing a nice dl ring)
Armor: Chains of honor/Fortitude.
Stats Summary:
Damage reduction: 10-23%
Max resists possible with charms
4-6k attack rating
9-12 k defense
Total Leech
Soul drainers :5.5%,Strings: 7% Carrion:7.5%, Arreats:4.5%,
Total: 24.5%, in hell:8%. (1/3rd)
Vita barb total standard damage at 174 strength @205% ed: 935-3391- average: 2163 – gross: 4023.: leech: 323
Tuner barb total standard damage at 300 strength @205% ed: 1070-3880 average: 2475- gross: 4604.: leech: 368
Life ‘Comfort level’ for tuner build: 3100 (place remaining into strength after hitting 3000 life for upping damage output)
Titan barb not recommended.
Note:Taking into account 83%(50+33) deadly strike & 22% critical. Chance to do double damage = 86%
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 ViperforkUnique Mancatcher Range:5 Base speed: -20 Wias:50 at lwbp | Two-Hand Damage: (121-142) To (266-312) (193.5-227 Avg) (varies) (varies) Required Level: 71 Required Strength: 132 Required Dexterity: 134 Base Weapon Speed: [-20] +190-240% Enhanced Damage +200-250 To Attack Rating +50% Increased Attack Speed +325 Poison Damage Over 10 Seconds Poison Resist +30-50% (varies) 15% Chance To Cast Level 9 Poison Explosion On Striking (Only Spawns In Patch 1.10 or later)  | Weapon Damage Specs @ 230% ed:139 – 304 @ 255% ed: 149- 327 @ 280% ed: 160 – 350 Standard Weapon damage: @ 205% ed: 149- 327Avg: 238 | Total Damage Specs @ 230% ed:1152 – 2727 (1477-3052) | Weapon ranking Range:5 Damage: 2 2h Rank: 13 |
Comments: An avg ww weapon,with -20 base speed & 50% wias,it is already at lwbp,you can use an ed jewel to up the damage.The high dexterity requirement is a thorn but due to the more ar you get as a result coupled with the fact that the weapon gives ~250 base are as well allows you to wear higlords for more double damage chance.Range 5, some posion damage & resists,nothing special. The damage however still seems lacking compared to other 2handers of similar rarity. A strong contender for the top prize in looks-the longest looking weapon in the game. Final Fantasy anyone?
Jewelry setup recommended & used in Gross damage calculation:Highlords,carrion,raven. Base ar~250 & high dexterity reqirement does allow you to squeeze by wihout angelics.
Boots: Goblin toes./Gores.
Gloves: Soul drainers/Steels if possessing a dl ring.
Armor: Chains of honor/Fortitude.
Stats Summary:
Damage reduction: 10-23%
Max resists possible with charms
4-6k attack rating
9-12 k defense
Total Leech
Soul drainers :5.5%,Strings: 7% Carrion:7.5%, Arreats:4.5%,
Total: 24.5%, in hell:8%. (1/3rd)
Vita barb total standard damage at 174 strength @255% ed: 1235-2918- average: 2077 – gross: 3052.: leech: 244
Titan & Tuner not recommended.
Gross damage-Taking into account 47% double damage chance.
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| Hone Sundan (Upgraded yari)Unique Ghost spear Range:5 Base speed: 0 Wias:0 60% ias required in 3 sockets:3 shaels. | Two-Hand Damage: (90-101) To (643-736) (367-419 Avg) Required Level: 69 Required Strength: 122 Required Dexterity: 163 Base Weapon Speed: [0] Durability: 28 +160-200% Enhanced Damage Adds 20-40 Damage 45% Chance of Crushing Blow Repairs 1 Durability In 10 Seconds Socketed (3)Ethreal.  | Weapon Damage Specs @ 160% ed:90 – 643 @ 180% ed: 96- 690 @ 200% ed: 101 -736 Standard Weapon damage: @ 180% ed:95- 689Avg: 392 | Total Damage Specs @ 160% ed:746 – 5538 Standard Total damage: Gross Damage: 4101* 3580 x 1.22 = 4367. Inputs;555 ed,174 strength,25 max. | Weapon ranking Range:5 Damage: 6 2h Rank: 9 |
Comments: A highly underrated weapon,it comes with a self repair mod,allowing it to be ethreal.It is an exceptional,so its quite cheap & it isn’t hard finding an eth version.45% crushing blow is unique for any long range ww weapon.The damage is therfore hidden.Just like bonehew,it offers performance at value. The only drawback,a major one at that is the dexterity requirement of 163,which is the highest of any ww weapon.
Jewelry setup recommended & used in Gross damage calculation:Angelics,bk.
Boots: Goblin toes/Gores.
Gloves: Soul drainers/Steels if posessing dl ring.
Armor: Chains of honor/Fortitude.
Stats Summary:
Damage reduction: 10-23%
Max resists possible with charms
4-6k attack rating
9-12 k defense
Total Leech
Soul drainers :5.5%,Strings: 7% Bul Kathos: 4%, Arreats:4.5%,
Total: 21%, in hell:7%. (1/3rd)
Vita barb total standard damage at 174 strength @180% ed: 796-5927- average: 3326 – gross: 4101.: leech: 287
Gross dmg: Taking into account 22% critical.
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BOTD Runeword Ghost Spear | 50% Chance To Cast Level 20 Poison Nova When You Kill An Enemy Indestructible +60% Increased Attack Speed +350-400% Enhanced Damage (varies) +200% Damage To Undead -25% Target Defense +50 To Attack Rating +50 To Attack Rating Against Undead 7% Mana Stolen Per Hit 12-15% Life Stolen Per Hit (varies) Prevent Monster Heal +30 To All Attributes +1 To Light Radius Requirements -20%Vex + Hel + El + Eld + Zod + Eth | Weapon Damage Specs @ 350% ed: 122 – 1044 @ 375% ed: 128 – 1102 @ 400% ed: 135 -1160 @ 415% ed: 355 – 979Standard damage: @ 375% ed: 128- 1102 Avg: 615 | Total Damage Specs @350% ed: 1220 – 10690 @ 375% ed: 1280 – 11270 @ 400% ed: 1350 – 11850 @ 415% ed: 1390 – 12200Standard damage: @ 375% ed: 1280 – 11270 Avg: 6275 —————————————– Gross Damage:9224**6275 x 1.47 = 9224 Inputs;600 ed,300 strength,25 max. | Weapon ranking Range:5 Damage: 10 2h Rank: 3 |
Comments: The most powerful spear there is. Highest max damage of all lwbp weapons,an extremely low max offsets that.The high dexterity requirement is definitely a drawback.
Jewelry setup recommended & used in Gross damage calculation:Highlords, carrion, raven.
Boots: Goblin toes/Gores.
Gloves: Steelrends (cb,damage & strength)
Armor: Chains of honor/Fortitude.
Stats Summary:
Damage reduction: 10-23%
Max resists possible with charms
4-6k attack rating
9-12 k defense
Total Leech
Botd: 13.5%,strings:7%,carrion wind:7.5%,arreats:4.5%
Total: 33%(rounding down), in hell:11%. (1/3rd penalty)
Vita barb total standard damage at 205 strength @375% ed: 1158-10199 – average: 5679 – gross:8347.: leech: 918
Tuner barb total standard damage at 300 strength @375% ed: 1280-11270 – average: 6275 – gross:9224.: leech: 1015
Life ‘Comfort level’ for tuner build: 2800. (place remaining into strength after hitting 2800 life for upping damage output)
Titan barb total damage with 450 strength @375% ed: 1472-12961 – average: 7217- gross: 10608 – leech: 1167
gross damage: taking into account 47% double damage chance.
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b. SWORDS
Tradition & Fantasy. Swords are what they are,they are pure ‘weapons’. Axes,threshers have other uses in chopping trees/harvesting,swords dont. They have always been labeled as the defacto weapons.Characterised by tradition,history from the legendary excalibur to hollywood- crowe,gibson & Pitt all used swords. That hardly explains however the love for swords. Why does everyone & their grandma wants to use sword in D2? Seriously the above was an attempt to answer that,but there is no definite answer.
Swords have always enjoyed the widest use in d2 till 1.10,where axes took over. The cruel collosus blade with 3 sockets was the standard issue weapon for barbs if they think pvp.They have decent damage & versatility..yes: Barbs are the only characters that can use 2h swords one handed,with a shield or dualwield them. Thats makes them look cooler/meaner. Since swords are the longest 1h weapons (for barbs) in game.
What happened in 1.10, nothing wrong with swords,just that with the coming of uber runewords,axes have taken over.The berserker axe-collosus blade’s couter part,deals more average damage than the collosus blade or balrog blade, packs 6 sockets & since its an axe it gets to come in a wide range of flavours-fury,botd, & most dishearteningly for sword fanatics-the unique runewords of doom & best which grant holy freeze & fanaticim. Damn blizzard.
as 2 handers?-well versatility,if you are building a weapon shield barb & you dont have/afford a second weapon to dualwield,you can use swords 2handed for the extra damage & switch to shield when you pvp. Another advantage you have with 2handed swords is that lwbp is -35. Thats makes some more runewords available than other 2handers like spears,polearms & axes.
KINGSLAYER Runeword Highland blade | 30% Increased Attack Speed +230-270% Enhanced Damage -25% Target Defense 20% Bonus To Attack Rating 33% Chance of Crushing Blow 50% Chance of Open Wounds +1 To Vengeance Prevent Monster Heal +10 To Strength 40% Extra Gold From MonstersMal + Um + Gul + Fal | Weapon Damage Specs @ 230% ed: 221 – 317 @ 250% ed: 235 – 336 @ 270% ed: 248 – 355Standard damage: @ 250% ed: 235- 336 Avg: 285 | Total Damage Specs @230% ed: 1859 – 2876 @ 250% ed: 1976- 3036 @ 270% ed: 2086- 3196Standard damage: @ 250% ed: 1976 -3036 Avg: 2506 —————————————– Inputs;555 ed,186 strength,25 max. | Weapon ranking Range:3 Damage: 4 2h Rank: 10 |
Comments: The brother of fury.A quality sword that is affordable & versatile,yes it can handle pvp(bvb) as well with a shield. An array of attack mods for both roles-ar boost,defense cut,crushing blow & openwounds render it an allround weapon. If you are a budget/ladder pvper & if you are just exping in pvm,using this as 2handed isnt a bad idea.Its effective,the avg damage is decent & the crushing blow rivals the traditional cb weapons-all in all a decent & easy to craft weapon-the bonehew of swords.
Jewelry setup recommended & used in Gross damage calculation:Highlords,carrion,raven. Defense cut,ar bonus-thats fine,go ahead with wrath.
Boots: Goblin toes/Gores.
Gloves: Soul drainers/Steels.
Armor: Chains of honor/Fort.
Stats Summary:
Damage reduction: 10-23%
Max resists possible with charms
4-6k attack rating
9-12 k defense
Total Leech
Soul drainers :5.5%,Strings: 7% Carrion:7.5%, Arreats:4.5%,
Total: 24.5%, in hell:8%. (1/3rd)
Vita barb total standard damage at 186 strength @250% ed: 1976-3036 – average: 2506 – gross:3684.: leech: 295
Gross damage: Taking into account 47% double damage chance.
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HAND OF JUSTICE Runeword Highland blade | 100% Chance To Cast Level 36 Blaze When You Level-Up 100% Chance To Cast Level 48 Meteor When You Die Level 16 Holy Fire Aura When Equipped +33% Increased Attack Speed +280-330% Enhanced Damage Ignore Target’s Defense 7% Life Stolen Per Hit -20% To Enemy Fire Resistance 20% Deadly Strike Hit Blinds Target Freezes Target +3Sur + Cham + Amn + Lo | Weapon Damage Specs @ 280% ed: 255 – 365 @ 305% ed: 271 – 389 @ 330% ed: 288 – 413Standard damage: @ 305% ed: 271- 388 Avg: 330 | Total Damage Specs @280% ed: 2145 – 3280 @ 305% ed: 2279- 3482 @ 330% ed: 2422- 3684Standard damage: @ 305% ed: 2279 -3482 Avg: 2881 —————————————– Gross Damage: 4695**2881 x 1.63= 4695 Inputs;555 ed,186 strength,25 max. | Weapon ranking Range:3 Damage: 7 2h Rank: 12 |
Comments: Sur & Cham. Is it worth it? I’ll leave that to you. It comes with pretty neat mods-itd,deadly,leech & freeze target. The damage is high this time with the sword & comparable to high end 2handers.ITD means sure shot hits on normal monsters.
Jewelry setup recommended & used in Gross damage calculation:Highlords,carrion,raven. (ITD.)
Boots: Goblin toes/Gores.
Gloves: Soul drainers/Steels
Armor: Chains of honor/Fort.
Stats Summary:
Damage reduction: 10-23%
Max resists possible with charms
4-6k attack rating
9-12 k defense
Total Leech
Kigslayer:7%,Soul drainers :5.5%,Strings: 7% Carrion:7.5%, Arreats:4.5%,
Total: 31.5%, in hell:10.5%. (1/3rd)
Average life stolen per hit in hell on standard gross damage:4695*10.5% = 493 avg per hit.
Vita barb total standard damage at 186 strength @305% ed: 2279-3482 – average: 2881 – gross:4695.: leech: 493
Gross damage: Taking into account 63% double damage chance.
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Runeword Balrog Blade | +209% Enhanced Damage 40% Increased Attack Speed Prevent Monster Heal 66% Chance Of Open Wounds 33% Deadly Strike Ignore Target’s Defense -25% Target Defense 20% Bonus To Attack Rating 6% Life Stolen Per Hit +5 To Frenzy (Barbarian Only)Jah + Gul + Eth | Weapon Damage Specs @ 209% ed: 170 – 365 Standard damage: | Total Damage Specs @209% ed: 1430 – 3280Inputs;555 ed,186 strength,25 max. | Weapon ranking Range:3 Damage: 6 2h Rank:11 |
Comments: A dark survivor from 1.09 era. The legendary FBB,a potent bvb weapon,can be put to good use in pvm sans shield again the array of mods can make you dizzy,ITD,defcut & deadly included, check the gross damage figure for a truer picture,more on this in bvb. Besides you can find one easily from the 1.09 stockpile.
Jewelry setup recommended & used in Gross damage calculation:Highlords,carrion,raven. (ITD,defense cut & ar bonus)
Boots: Goblin toes/gores
Gloves: Soul drainers/Steels
Armor: Chains of honor/Fort.
Stats Summary:
Damage reduction: 10-23%
Max resists possible with charms
4-6k attack rating
9-12 k defense
Total Leech
Fury 6%, Soul drainers :5.5%,Strings: 7% Carrion:7.5%, Arreats:4.5%,
Total: 30.5%, in hell:10%. (1/3rd)
Average life stolen per hit in hell on standard gross damage:4074*10% = 407 per hit.
Vita barb total standard damage at 186 strength @209% ed: 1430-3280 – average: 2355 – gross:4074.: leech: 407
Gross damage: Taking into account 73% double damage chance.
BOTD Runeword Collossus Blade | 50% Chance To Cast Level 20 Poison Nova When You Kill An Enemy Indestructible +60% Increased Attack Speed +350-400% Enhanced Damage (varies) +200% Damage To Undead -25% Target Defense +50 To Attack Rating +50 To Attack Rating Against Undead 7% Mana Stolen Per Hit 12-15% Life Stolen Per Hit (varies) Prevent Monster Heal +30 To All Attributes +1 To Light Radius Requirements -20%Vex + Hel + El + Eld + Zod + Eth  | Weapon Damage Specs @ 350% ed: 392 – 774 @ 375% ed: 413 – 817 @ 400% ed: 435 – 860 @ 415% ed: 448 – 886Standard damage: @ 375% ed: 413 – 817 Avg: 615 | Total Damage Specs @350% ed: 3548 – 7231 @ 375% ed: 3738 – 7620 @ 400% ed: 3937 – 8009 @ 415% ed: 4054 – 8245 | Weapon ranking Range:3 Damage: 10 2h Rank: 4 |
Comments: The apple of everyone eye,the legendary collosus blade,now in botd flavour. Surprised by the fact that it alongwith greatpoleaxe & ghost spear is the highest damage lwbp weapon?. Try using this 2handed & I promise you wont regret. The sword is unique enough to warrant an extremely versatile build,one that can switch to shields when required & use it in 2handed mode when not.
Jewelry setup recommended & used in Gross damage calculation:Highlords,carrion,raven.
Boots: Goblin toes/gore riders.
Gloves: Steelrends (cb,damage & strength)
Armor: Chains of honor/Fort.
Stats Summary:
Damage reduction: 10-23%
Max resists possible with charms
4-6k attack rating
9-12 k defense
Total Leech
Botd: 13.5%,strings:7%,carrion wind:7.5%,arreats:4.5%
Total: 33%(rounding down), in hell:11%. (1/3rd penalty)
Vita barb total standard damage at 205 strength @375% ed: 3738-7620 – average: 5679 – gross:8348: leech: 918
Gross damage: Taking into account 47% double damage chance.
