Mr Viral
Druids were first introduced in Diablo II and they’ve been a dynamic class since then. With nature magic, lycanthropy, and beast companions, Druids have tons of build options to satisfy many playstyles. In this guide, I will show you how to run both a hybrid companion/Storm spell caster build and a Werebear ‘Pulverize’ build, either of which can make the pivot to the endgame.
Suggested ReadingDiablo IV – Bear Bender Build
Suggested ReadingBeginner Leveling & Starter Endgame Build – ‘Lightning Storm’ Companion Druid
Screenshot: Blizzard / Kotaku
This Druid guide is very flexible and a great way to deal small, consistent passive damage and high active damage without having to juggle too many abilities. This makes for a very chill play style (usually). It also allows you to customize the build in a bunch of different ways to suit your needs.
The main idea is to generate Essence with either Wind Shear or Storm Strike (while inflicting Vulnerable on enemies), then spend it on Lightning Storm. This deals considerable damage to groups of enemies. You will also have a few Companion animals to deal damage to enemies and poison them. Finally, you’ll grab some passive abilities that boost damage against Vulnerable and Poisoned enemies.
Late in the build, you’ll grab abilities that will add a chance for your Storm abilities (like Wind Shear, Storm Strike, and Lightning Storm) to add Immobilize, which is another debuff that you’ll get damage bonuses against. Straightforward synergy and easy-to-manage resources are the name of the game.
Note: I recommend using Aldkin as your Hired Mercenary. His Fire build ability ‘Ember’s Gift,’ lets you get unlimited Spirit while standing in his Storm Of Fire, which lets you use Lightning Storm freely.
Screenshot: Blizzard / Kotaku
Basic Skills
Wind Shear – Wild Wind ShearStorm Strike – Fierce Storm Strike (Optional: Alternative to Wind Shear)Earth Spike (Optional: If taking Resonance) Core Skills
Lightning Storm 5/5 – Primal Lightning StormHeart of the WildWild ImpulsesAbundanceDefensive Skills
(Optional: Healing / Essence Generation) Blood Howl – Innate Blood Howl(Optional: Defense / Vulnerable) Cyclone Armor – Innate Cyclone ArmorCompanion Skills
Wolves – Enhanced Wolf PackNature’s ReachPoison Creeper – Ferocious Poison CreeperHumanityClarity(Optional: Bonus Pet Damage) Call of the WildWrath Skills
Elemental ExposureElectric ShockBad OmenNeurotoxinEnvenom 3/3Ultimate Skills
(Optional) Cataclysm – Supreme Cataclysm(Optional) CatastropheDefianceNatural DisasterCircle of Life(Optional) ResonanceKey Passive
Perfect StormBeginner Leveling & Starter Endgame Build – Werebear ‘Pulverize’ Druid
Screenshot: Blizzard / Kotaku
This build focuses on shifting into Werebear form, both for the added durability and to use Pulverize, a hard-hitting Spirit-spending ability that you’ll amplify with Overpower and self-healing.
Survivability is one key issue in this build. up until you reach certain defensive passive skills further down in the tree. But you can alleviate that by putting more points into Werebear skills like Debilitating Roar, which reduces enemy damage by 40 percent. If you have no issues surviving on your chosen difficulty, you can opt to go with Blood Howl for the quick healing and spirit generation, but no added durability.
Your choice of Ultimate Skill can also come down to survivability vs damage. Take Grizzly Rage to trigger Provocation more often, or go with Cataclysm to inflict Vulnerable on nearby enemies. There are lots of choices, so you can take the build where you’d like.
Note: I recommend using Aldkin as your Hired Mercenary, using his Fire build ability ‘Ember’s Gift,’ which gives you unlimited Spirit while standing in his Storm Of Fire, letting you use Pulverize freely.
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Basic Skills
Wind Shear – Fierce Wind ShearCore Skills
Pulverize 5/5 – Raging PulverizeDefensive Skills
(Optional: Fortify, Defense, Healing) Debilitating Roar 1/5 – Preserving Debilitating Roar(Optional: Healing / Spirit Generation) Blood Howl 1/5 – Innate Blood HowlCompanion Skills
Poison Creeper 1/5 – Ferocious Poison CreeperFeral AptitudeClarityWrath Skills
Trample 1/5 – Savage TrampleMending 3/3Provocation 3/3Ultimate Skills
(Optional: Self-healing & Defense) Grizzly Rage – Supreme Grizzly Rage(Optional: Make enemies Vulnerable) Cataclysm – Supreme CataclysmQuickshift 3/3Defensive PostureNature’s ResolveCatastropheKey Passive
Ursine Strength
Now that you are equipped with knowledge of nature and its potency, turn the forces of Hatred into food for the beasts of the field and bring balance (however short lived) back to Sanctuary, Wanderer.
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