We have been theory-crafting some leveling and full-end game builds for Diablo 4, and I'll be sharing those guides with you soon. But before I release the specific build guides, I want to talk about how I approach creating a leveling and end-game build. In this article, I'll focus on the Barbarian class, which is the class I'm currently working on for my stream. However, I'll also be covering all the other classes in separate guides.
Leveling vs. End Game:
The first thing to understand is that there's a significant difference between leveling and the end game. While leveling, you don't have access to legendary powers and you're limited in terms of skills, glyphs, and other character progression elements. You need to consider the lack of resources and synergies while leveling. It's important to prioritize resource generation, mobility, and the ability to defeat bosses efficiently rather than focusing on AoE damage for clearing trash mobs.
Considerations for Leveling:
When leveling, you're at the mercy of what drops and have limited skill points. Bosses can be challenging, so it's crucial to build a character that can handle various situations. Many players make the mistake of choosing full-damage builds that excel at clearing large groups of enemies. However, the key is to focus on resource generation, mobility, and boss-killing potential. You want a build that can efficiently progress through the campaign, unlock important dungeons, and earn unique and sacred items.
Importance of Damage Reduction:
Damage reduction is often underestimated by players, both during leveling and in the end game. Choosing between a 10% damage reduction and 2% extra damage might seem tempting, but the former can significantly improve survivability. Don't overlook the importance of survivability stats in your build.
Transitioning to End Game:
When transitioning from leveling to the end game, you need to consider how your build will evolve. For example, with the Barbarian class, there's a passive called Unbridled Rage that increases core skill damage by 135% but doubles the fury cost. Before taking this passive, ensure that you have a reliable way to generate fury. Starting with a different passive, like Unconstrained, can provide more damage and sustain if your resource generation isn't sufficient yet. Make sure you have the necessary items, powers, and resources in place before making such transitions.
Understanding Build Specialization:
In Diablo 4, builds specialize in specific aspects of gameplay. You can't have a build that excels at everything, so it's essential to identify what your build will focus on. Specialize in a few key areas, and optimize your build by selecting the right legendary powers, glyphs, and paragon points that enhance your chosen playstyle.
Eliminating Generators:
Try to eliminate the need for a generator skill in your end-game build. While some legendary powers may encourage the use of generators, they generally don't provide as much value compared to other skills. If your build can become autonomous and function effectively without a generator, that's often the better option. Solve resource generation issues through other means and prioritize powerful active skills.
Considering Conditions:
Diablo 4 heavily relies on conditions. Consider factors like your character's health, the enemy's proximity, stun or crowd control effects, and more. Your build should be designed to excel under specific conditions. Trying to cover all possible scenarios with your build is not feasible or efficient. Specialize in a few key areas and build around those strengths.
The Paragon Boards:
When it comes to optimizing your Paragon Boards in Diablo 4, it can be helpful to approach them as a mathematical equation. By doing so, you can maximize the efficiency of your build and make informed decisions about which nodes and glyphs to prioritize. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you with this process:
Turning Paragon Boards into a Math Equation:
Start by considering each board individually and determine the minimum travel required to reach the glyph and the edge of the board.
Take into account the three radius bonuses and four radius bonuses for each stat.
Analyze every power available within three and four radii for magic and rare items.
Input all this information into a spreadsheet or document to create a math equation for the Paragon Boards.
Evaluating Glyphs:
Collect all the glyphs and assign them ratings based on their effectiveness for your build.
Write an analysis of each glyph, discussing their strengths and weaknesses.
Examining Legendary Nodes:
Review each legendary node on the Paragon Board and assess their value for your build.
Consider their proximity to entering/exiting points and glyph locations.
Determine which legendary nodes are worth pursuing and which ones can be skipped.
Determining Glyph Order:
Identify the top glyphs that work well with your build.
Choose the order in which you want to obtain these glyphs, prioritizing functionality and build synergy rather than pure damage output.
Plotting an Optimal Path:
Draw a path on the Paragon Board that aligns with your build's requirements.
Take into account which powers you need early on and which legendary nodes are essential.
Consider the travel time between nodes and make decisions based on their power and convenience.
Fine-tuning the Build:
Allocate your Paragon points according to your planned path.
Evaluate the rare nodes within the glyph radius and identify any highly beneficial ones.
Make adjustments to your build, sacrificing a few nodes if necessary, to incorporate these valuable rare nodes.
Adapting for Different Builds:
Keep in mind that the Paragon Board setup mentioned here is specific to a particular build (e.g., Barbarian).
Different builds, such as Rend or Whirlwind, will require their own unique Paragon Board configurations.
Modify the build accordingly, considering the different focus and playstyle of each build.
Continuous Improvement:
Understand that building the perfect Paragon Board is an ongoing process.
New legendary powers may be introduced in the future, altering the optimal setup.
Experimentation and community collaboration will play a vital role in discovering the most effective builds.
Remember, this guide provides a structured approach to optimizing your Paragon Boards, but it's essential to adapt it based on your playstyle and preferences. Use it as a starting point and continue to fine-tune your build as you progress through the game. Enjoy the theory crafting process and have fun exploring the possibilities in Diablo 4!
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