Sword Barb Questions

[Akukami]

I've been collecting a few Exes, and I've been wanting to make a new Sword Barb for a long time now. I need to know what's a good Str, Dex, and Vit distribution. I know about the 170/110 distribution, but is it really the best? O yeah, this is a BvB Barb.

- Akukami

[LukeJames]

I'm pretty sure just scraping in enough stat points to use the sword would be good enough.

110 Dexterity - 20 (Base Dexterity) = +90 Dexterity needed
170 Strength - 30 (Base Strength) = +140 Strength needed

140+90 = 230
230 / 5 = 46 levels

That is a crap load of stats to get. Especially for a dueler, think about the little battlehammer dudes who get around 4k life then think about you. There are simply not enough stats left over to get more strength, after you hit the requirements you need to boost life.

[Akukami]

I'm pretty sure just scraping in enough stat points to use the sword would be good enough.

110 Dexterity - 20 (Base Dexterity) = +90 Dexterity needed
170 Strength - 30 (Base Strength) = +140 Strength needed

140+90 = 230
230 / 5 = 46 levels

That is a crap load of stats to get. Especially for a dueler, think about the little battlehammer dudes who get around 4k life then think about you. There are simply not enough stats left over to get more strength, after you hit the requirements you need to boost life.

Ah, you hit the nail right on the head about the life part. I've collected items that give me extra life, and add to Dex and Str. Also, did you take into consideration the stats quest? All of them would give me +15 more stats.

- Akukami

[LukeJames]

Let's assume you use a Thee Perfect Amatheyst crown.
You do all the stat quests.
You have a 10 Strength belt.

30+15+10 = 55
230 - 55 = 175
175/5 = 35 levels.

[Zodijackyl]

For a good BvB, you would have far more than 40 strength from items. And of course, you wouldn't use anything with three sockets.

Coming from experience with a godly NL sword barb, you can do them with about 100 base strength, none added to dex. 110 dex gives you quite a bit of AR, and proper gear can be done to get enough AR on a barb without angelics.
If you consider for a moment how BvB used to work (pre 1.1), then you'll realize that basically every duped bvb ring has str/dex/ar/life leech. Now consider that you don't need life leech anymore, and you can get legits with a much more useful +min damage or +life. I love def babas, and they work quite well if you put a lot of effort into them.
An ideal postpatch ornate would be 100ed 15str 9dex 60life. In reality, if you had one of those, I would make you rich enough to build a godly BvB just to get an orn with those perfect stats. An ornate is much better than twitch with swordback if you have any skill in making and using a BvB. Trust me, I've never lost :)
The main things that would hurt you for going base dex, and make it basically impossible, would be that I'm sure you lack a prepatch helm and belt, which are two big sources of dexterity. Since you probably don't have prepatch items, you'll need to add some dex, but you can still keep it low.
Since a decent BvB would utilize a lot of defence, and a lot of levels (don't even try it if you won't get 85, and you should be at least 88).
Here's some possible stat numbers for you.

Rings: 25str 25dex combined from both. 13/13 and 12/12 maybe, and these NEED at least 100AR. a bit less AR would only be acceptable if they had nice min or life. mana is also an overlooked bonus on BvB rings.
Amu: Try to get a dual stat +2, but if this is too hard, you can easily get a dual stat +1. no pris needed, which will make it much easier to trade for (I paid a single SOJ for a +2 15str 14dex 22life amulet on ladder season 2 to someone who thought anything without mass CR was worthless :)). Off a +1 amulet, I'll say realistic numbers are 17/17 off this, because when the two main mods you'll want are str/dex and only looking for a +1, you'll likely find people who think they're useless. Life or min is a huge plus here.
Belt: 90+ed 18+str war belt can be shopped, as fred has proven. Hopefully you'll have found a nicer one. Assume 18str from belt.
Gloves: Gloves are a tough thing to do well, and may prove to be the hardest thing to get here. Try to find high %ed war gaunts, with dual stats. A while ago I found some 100dex 10str 10dex 5rep 29CR. I liked the 100/10/10, and I also thought they were kickass gloves, so I put them on my axe BvB.
Ornate: I'll give you 9dex off this, because even if its less, or no dex, this will represent some of the possible strength to add. With a godly 170/110 def barb, you might not even need massive strength to be good.
Boots must be goblin toes, so no dex off them.

STR:
25 Rings
17 Amulet
18 Belt
10 Gloves
70 Total
100 Base (since you'll have a good amount of dex, you should keep total w/ gear to under 250, I'll give you some better numbers in game :))

DEX:
25 Rings
17 Amu
10 Gloves
9 Ornate
61 Total
49 Base :)

Now, since you're using a legit exec, you'll gain an edge on all the SSers because you'll have extra life from the stats off your rings/amu, and since they need angelics to get their AR with a 130 base AR exec. Now I love +2 execs (I'm currently using a +2 227 yellow on my gold baba), but this one duped one annoys me because any idiot with an SOJ or paypal could, and usually does, get one. Although skills are nice and boost your def thru Iron Skin, you could get 400 AR off your exec. Now coupled with over 100 from each ring, this is pretty nice. Now socket your ornate and helm with perfect diamonds. You have a very effective amount of attack rating, able to hit basically any BvB (mostly sback/twitch), but also those barbs who wear ornates and manage to pull off a good amount of defence. The dilemma here is, they use angelics, and get massive attack rating, but they most likely only have 10/10 stats from their twitch, or less from an ornate, and whatever they have from gloves/belt/helm. You have another 84 stats into vitality from your rings and amulet, and on barb...

84 vitality = 376 life without BO = 800+ with nice BO

800 life on them will give you a sick advantage. Even when a barb wearing an ornate does challenge you, consider that they most likely are using that POS popular 192def BvB helm (192 def helm on BvB is stupid, most people think and +2min helm is good for BvB, but they don't know, uh, "shizzle"). Unskilled BvB's will also rarely have a 325+def grim shield, and the best you can expect from them is that mediocre Skull Wing, or a pdia grim shield with lower def that they think is sufficient. Bottom line is they won't have enough def to stop you, and although they'll be able to hit past your def fairly well on a level 88+ with angelics (under level 80, angelics probably won't give enough AR to hit you, so just laugh at them after you crush them), you still have the same odds to hit, if not better, with your rares and def vs. their angelics and lesser def. Your 800 life comes in here, and since 1.10 BvB is usually down to about 1/4 life on both after 1-2 whirlwinds, you'll be able to save your last bit of life and triumph over them.
In the rare case that you do encounter a godly def BvB, then you'll need to rely on skill, and in this case, you'll probably lose to a perfectly built and geared sword or naga barb. For a BH barb, if you've worked on skirting around them enough, you should be able to win with pure skill. If you make a nice sword def BvB well, you will never, ever, lose to a twitch/sback barb. I'll teach you some tricks to beating them in game :)

So there's a fairly easy to achieve 100/49 base barb. Keep in mind sick legits like these are dirt cheap on NL because kids think dupes > all. If you try this build on ladder, you'll find the items are much harder to get, because there aren't dupes to drive down the price. But you also don't have to compete with them. I still have something on a NL exec that beats every single duped one. 240+ damage, 400+ AR, AND fire damage, which I find critical to my style.

EDIT: To comment on a previous post, this is adding 99 stats. It has an edge over nagas with the natural AR from dexterity, and an exec is a far superior weapon to a battle hammer in the right hands. Sadly, hardly anybody who knows how to use them is left, which is one reason why I'm making a BH BvB on ladder.

[Akukami]

So wait, you're saying I should go for 170/110 after all gear has been equipped?

- Akukami

[Zodijackyl]

So wait, you're saying I should go for 170/110 after all gear has been equipped?

Yes.
The way sword BvB's are built, you should have 170/110, but more strength might hurt you depending on your gear and build. Of course, it could also be necessary.

edit: 420th post, hi Fred.

[magnet]

edit: 420th post.

:thumbsup:

[LukeJames]

Since when can you get +25 Strength rings?

[fredsta54]

Since when can you get +25 Strength rings?

he means 25 strength and dex from both rings combined

@steve: 420th post eh? Looks like you have some business to attend to! ;)

Sword barbs are a lot of fun, and they can be great.

Exe is generally the best, but if you can get a good gothic sword those also work... so much more styling also

Although, when all is said and done, if you are using an exe on a bvb i consider it to be a less damaging naga with dex req's

If you can get an exe with -30 reqs, then your good to go :)









Fred

[LukeJames]

Right now, -20 Requirement 210+ Damage Executioner swords are the most expensive item on West.

[Kiwi Legend]

Right now, -20 Requirement 110+ Damage Executioner swords are the most expensive item on West.

you mean 210+ or one handed dam?

[LukeJames]

Edited, 210+**
I keep making mistakes with first digits, I say like 160 damage martel instead of 260.

[Akukami]

he means 25 strength and dex from both rings combined

@steve: 420th post eh? Looks like you have some business to attend to! ;)

Sword barbs are a lot of fun, and they can be great.

Exe is generally the best, but if you can get a good gothic sword those also work... so much more styling also

Although, when all is said and done, if you are using an exe on a bvb i consider it to be a less damaging naga with dex req's

If you can get an exe with -30 reqs, then your good to go :)

Fred

I did get a -30 Req Exe, 212 2H Max Damage, but the rest of the mods suck, and no leech at all. :sad2: The worst part is, I have a dual leech Exe with poison, but the damage on it is terrible (176 2H), and there's no -req on it. :sad2: If only there was a way to fuse both of them....

- Akukami

[LukeJames]

Reroll!
I'm sorry I'm just addicted to rerolling.

[Beltyn]

THoguht couldn't re roll 4x2 items as you needed 6 p skulls in cube? :undecided:

[LukeJames]

Good point.
*Severs Beltyn's head*
*Stuffs it in a box with six human skulls*
*Shakes it up*

Bad reroll!

[Beltyn]

WAs bad re roll because got it perfect first time :thumbsup:

[Zodijackyl]

I've rerolled a few execs on NL with one pskull and one SOJ. Got a bunch of sucky ones (+2 -30), and not much good.

[Akukami]

I've rerolled a few execs on NL with one pskull and one SOJ. Got a bunch of sucky ones (+2 -30), and not much good.

How does the re-roll work? Like I mean, what do I need for a re-reoll?

- Akukami

[Zodijackyl]

How does the re-roll work? Like I mean, what do I need for a re-reoll?

- Akukami

Don't bother, rerolls aren't worth it.

If you're online now, I can show you some of my BvB stuff.

[LukeJames]

Reroll a high-quality rare found off of Hell Diablo with an 80+ character.
There is a chance it will be godly.

Six perfect skulls gets you a free rare drop basically, not a bad deal.

[Zodijackyl]

It will lower the item level signinficantly. I also believe the input from the item is based not off what it dropped from, but the highest item modifier (a reason to reroll +2pal weps)
I think the formula is item level + char level /1.5 = new roll level.

[Beltyn]

Just checked and there are two.

1 p skull, + 1 Soj, + rare.

This brings out ilvl which is 0.66*your clvl + 0.66 of the ilvl.

Not sure whether ilvl will refer to mods on the rare or just the ilvl of the item.

or there is 6 p skulls + rare.

This uses .4 clvl plus .4 ilvl.

[LukeJames]

I'm sorry but anyone who wastes an entire SOJ on a reroll is an idiot.
You could buy the weapon with mods you desire for the SOJ instead of just wingin' it.

[Zoola McCoola]

I'm sorry but anyone who wastes an entire SOJ on a reroll is an idiot.
You could buy the weapon with mods you desire for the SOJ instead of just wingin' it.


^^^ Agreed, I just sell off all the uniques I find from MF'ing to the noobies for like 3-4 Pskulls a pop, supports my habit pretty well :thumbsup:

[Akukami]

I'm sorry but anyone who wastes an entire SOJ on a reroll is an idiot.
You could buy the weapon with mods you desire for the SOJ instead of just wingin' it.

The (poor) Zodi must be an idiot. :scratch:

Anyways, if I've been reading correctly, I'm supposed to be using a Grim Shield if I'm using an Ornate, right?

- Akukami

[Kiwi Legend]

The (poor) Zodi must be an idiot. :scratch:

Anyways, if I've been reading correctly, I'm supposed to be using a Grim Shield if I'm using an Ornate, right?

- Akukami

Re-rolling stones on NL (esp when you have "1000's") is no big deal, but wasting one on ladder makes no sense, as previous msg's have said. One stone can get you the godly item you are looking to re-roll, hence why take the risk?

[Zodijackyl]

Non Ladder SOJs are cheap. I wouldn't reroll on ladder, but Non Ladder its fun to do occasionally. A friend rerolled a 253 -20 exec with an SOJ. Not bad?

I have enough gear on NL to make it worth burning an SOJ for fun, even if I don't get anything from it. I even have a fan club :)

[LukeJames]

I was strictly talking about Ladder.
Non-Ladder doesn't concern me.

[Akukami]

I was strictly talking about Ladder.
Non-Ladder doesn't concern me.

Then be specific next time. :thumbsup:

Anywho, Level 51 now, and I'm still collecting my gear, lol.

- Akukami

[fredsta54]

i also just started an exe barb, pvm though

Hes gonna use

220 yellow exe w/ fire dmg, psn dmg, ar, mana steal, min
ar stat 25+ fr 25+ lr ring
Angelic ammy + ring
Sigs helm + gloves
Gtoe
Rare + strength + life resist belt
Gskin

Unsure of stats, prolly gonna go ~175 vita, dex req for exe, rest to strength

Any1 ever try an exe in pvm? I know mart and even ancient axe are obviously better, but i just like the exe look :D











Fred

[Akukami]

i also just started an exe barb, pvm though

Hes gonna use

220 yellow exe w/ fire dmg, psn dmg, ar, mana steal, min
ar stat 25+ fr 25+ lr ring
Angelic ammy + ring
Sigs helm + gloves
Gtoe
Rare + strength + life resist belt
Gskin

Unsure of stats, prolly gonna go ~175 vita, dex req for exe, rest to strength

Any1 ever try an exe in pvm? I know mart and even ancient axe are obviously better, but i just like the exe look :D

Fred

With that kind of damage Exe, you should be hitting about 1100+ if you're planning on going past the 170 Str Req. Should kill Hell Trav quickly, so your limited life is fine. The one mod I would suggest picking up is Half Freeze Duration on your other ring. Also, I would move away from using Angelics this time, Fred. Try getting a Prizmatic +1 or 2 Barb Ammy, or even one with stacked fire and lightning rez, and a ring with 100+ AR, FR LR, leech if you can (Str and Dex are a bonus). You can get away with having only 4000 AR, so don't worry about hitting stuff.

- Akukami

[fredsta54]

With that kind of damage Exe, you should be hitting about 1100+ if you're planning on going past the 170 Str Req. Should kill Hell Trav quickly, so your limited life is fine. The one mod I would suggest picking up is Half Freeze Duration on your other ring. Also, I would move away from using Angelics this time, Fred. Try getting a Prizmatic +1 or 2 Barb Ammy, or even one with stacked fire and lightning rez, and a ring with 100+ AR, FR LR, leech if you can (Str and Dex are a bonus). You can get away with having only 4000 AR, so don't worry about hitting stuff.

- Akukami

No. I like to have at least 8k ar for pvm barbs


With this setup ill have over maxed lr//fr stacked, and i told u my ring is 28 fr 30 lr 80 ar mana steal jewb =P

If i was mf/gf i would use rares. This is just to kill fast =P

Also, if i can get 1.5k ww with a perf bsnap, i think i can get over 1.1k with a 220 exe










FRed

[Akukami]

No. I like to have at least 8k ar for pvm barbs


With this setup ill have over maxed lr//fr stacked, and i told u my ring is 28 fr 30 lr 80 ar mana steal jewb =P

If i was mf/gf i would use rares. This is just to kill fast =P

Also, if i can get 1.5k ww with a perf bsnap, i think i can get over 1.1k with a 220 exe

FRed

Well, it's up to you. I'm just saying this from very recent experience using a much lower damage Exe and 3000-4000 AR.

- Akukami

[LukeJames]

Why so much Attack Rating Freddy?
My Martel Barbarian only has 2000 AR, 56% chance to hit council with a 1600 Whirlwind and stacked LR/FR/LL.

I don't see the point in heavy attack rating for whirlwind in PvM.

[fredsta54]

Why so much Attack Rating Freddy?
My Martel Barbarian only has 2000 AR, 56% chance to hit council with a 1600 Whirlwind and stacked LR/FR/LL.

I don't see the point in heavy attack rating for whirlwind in PvM.


for a trav runner its easy to sacrifice ar for resists, mf//gf, cuz you'll be able to kill them in 1 player games quickly

For river of flame, (where you will get your xp at lvl 85+) you will want at least 8k ar

not that ill actually be making this baba, i traded his exe for a godly rune bow ^^








Fred

[Akukami]

for a trav runner its easy to sacrifice ar for resists, mf//gf, cuz you'll be able to kill them in 1 player games quickly

For river of flame, (where you will get your xp at lvl 85+) you will want at least 8k ar

not that ill actually be making this baba, i traded his exe for a godly rune bow ^^

Fred

Jeez man, you had me all excited there. O well, false alarm! :tongue:

- Akukami

[fredsta54]

Jeez man, you had me all excited there. O well, false alarm! :tongue:

- Akukami

mee too :/ i was originally looking to trade my soj for a rune bow similar to what i have now, but gave up to make an exe barb. Found the bow i needed, traded exe for :D

Oh well. Bowazons > barbs.









Fred

[LukeJames]

My hybrid > All Amazon.

[fredsta54]

My hybrid > All Amazon.

Whats your hybrid? Personally i think my bowa is gonna be the best physical dmg PVM bowa on east scccl...

When i said bowazons > barbs i ment ww barbs. Now frenzy//beserk, thats a lot of fun =D











Fred

[DougDadyUsWest]

Whats your hybrid? Personally i think my bowa is gonna be the best physical dmg PVM bowa on east scccl...

When i said bowazons > barbs i ment ww barbs. Now frenzy//beserk, thats a lot of fun =D











Fred


How do you deal with mana leech issues?

edit: You put too many c's in sccl!

[LukeJames]

It's not really a hybrid as much as it is a zealer that does the exact same damage zealing as charging. I lost to a level 78 Javazon, I am sad.

[fredsta54]

How do you deal with mana leech issues?

edit: You put too many c's in sccl!


mana leach "issues"? There are no issues. I cast multishot and my blue bulb fills up :D









Fred