Diablo 3 builds

Building a character in Diablo 3, be it a Barbarian, Demon Hunter, Monk, or Witch Doctor, can often be a bit confusing. There are an exponential amount of options to choose from, and sometimes it is difficult to decide what is the best choice. Here are some tips for creating solid Diablo 3 builds that will make the process a little less difficult and create much more powerful characters.

Barbarian

This is a melee class, yet trying to build a barbarian as a dedicated tanking class can result in an increase of deaths and a difficult time playing in Inferno. Having good mobility and stun resistance is just as important as being able to take a good beating with this class. Begin with a Frenzy/Hammer of the Ancients combo runed for Triumph and Thunderstrike. This gives you a decent bonus with lifesteal and a 100% proc stun. Stuns are one of the most effective tanking abilities in Diablo 3.

Demon Hunter

As a Demon Hunter, staying mobile is important. Use Evasive Fire as a primary attack. This attack generates Hatred and can shoot through walls. Focus most of your Hatred into Elemental Arrow and Spike Traps, these are the two big damage dealing abilities. Smoke Screen and Vault are excellent for getting away from tough situations, and with runed Preparation you also have Discipline to keep them fueled. Passive abilities like Archery, Steady Aim, and Tactical Advantage are great for kiting enemies.

Monk

Once passed level three it is smart to change the Monk’s primary skill to Deadly Reach. This is a mid-range attack that will result in slower kiting without taking much damage. Level five should be followed with the addition of Tempest Rush, this can be used to escape most situations. At level eight, add Breath of Heaven, this is a powerful healing ability. Use it often. Level 12 will bring Wave of Light, when used with Tempest Rush, it can smash large mobs with incredible efficiency. Of the choices for passive abilities, Resolve is the best best, as it boosts defenses.

Witch Doctor

With the Witch Doctor, the diablo 3 build should focus on controlling the flow of the battle. Summoning Zombie Dogs and Gargantuan are major must haves — this gives mobs a target other than the caster. Spirit Walk helps with escaping those tricky situations quickly, but use it sparingly. Grasp of the Dead and Wall of Zombies are great last resort abilities for making a come-back in difficult fights. The passive abilities and rune choices should focus on obtaining health globes, which means you should gear to increase you pick-up radius.

Wizard

Wizards are best when they have sustained arcane damage and crowd control abilities. Arcane Torrent and Electrocute are important for ensuring you say at a safe range while still making good use of Arcane Power. The Hydra ability is great for holding enemy attention while you DPS them down and Blizzard and Diamond Skin help with frequent retreats when you get out numbered. A great way to increase survivability is to use Energy Armor, this limits deaths from one-shot kills.

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Diablo 3 builds have many different variation, all best suited for different types and levels of play. The key to a successful build is to invest in and utilize skills and abilities that work together some that your fighting potential is amplified by a well planned attack or defense. Focusing on preferred stats to increase the effectiveness of skills and abilities is also important.