Gear for summoning druid..questions.

[AceOfFlames]

I'm using the 1.11 summon guide looks like fun ! I just started playing again after about a year or more layoff.

I have some friends who have helped me some what..so I dont have the worst stuff possible but I'm lacking.. I've read through the suggested gear, I'm looking for other possible suggestions or what kind of items I need to find to trade for what I want..I'm mostly looking to be a melee\summoner.

Helm -Jalal's or a Harlequins
Armor- Not really sure...lot of suggestions not sure what's best
Belt- Arachnids or Verdungos
Gloves- dracs maybe
Boots- aldur or gores
Ammy-mara\highlords
Rings- SOJ(duh lol)..not sure what else
Shield-Stormshield
Weapon- Lot of suggestions...I'd say HOTO

*** I have spent some time on the trade forums and intend to spend more time researching values, it just takes time to get back into the swing of things

As far as what I have to trade ... not much yet.
I do have a +20 life +14 stam SC

Thanks for the help I'll hopefully get !

[Valvolux]

Well looks like you'll have to make your mind up which you want to focus more on, melee or summoning.

Combat with a Hoto isn't going to work, and you don't need life tap from Dracs if your mostly using your minions to kill. Rest of your items look okay, tho again your not going to need DS from Highlords if your swinging a Hoto.

If you got a nice 'fury' weapon then you could possible melee with your pets by your side.

[AceOfFlames]

I've maxed grizzly and both wolves so I'm definitely leaning toward the summoning side. Sorry I wasn't more specific.

If I build another druid I'd be tempted to try the more melee intensive route for fun.

[xpumafangx]

You might want to keep a blizzard cannon on switch, burianza.

You could do fury with it. Not only that but what you can use it as a ranged attack.

[emar]

My summoning setup:

Jalals (just provided more inherent bonuses to me anyway)
Enigma
HoTo
SS
Arach
Bk/SoJ
Magefist
+2/19FCR etc ammy
I don't remember the boots. Something like waterwalks actually.

Switch
Beast
SS

My merc is might with Pride weapon.

I sometimes transform into the bear with beast and melee. With all the + to damage it turns out decently.

Obviously getting back into the game takes some time. I wouldn't expect you to acquire all the items, nor are they needed. One of the biggest assets to the build are Summon GCs (with life) these are also dirt cheap.

[AceOfFlames]

Thanks for the advice ! And that's the best avatar lol.

You're right it will take me awhile. Any advice for how I can fight succesfully in hell? I'm 73 now I think..I've maxed Bear\both wolves going to max Heart of the Wolverine next I think. Not sure what I'm doing with the rest of my points.

[emar]

It has been recommended by many to slap on a Reaper's Toil for the merc (decrep) and roll with the might merc. Progress may be slow at times, but once you hit A5, you can prep for the endless Baal runs - the pass time of many on B.net it appears. You could also toss on a bow and fight while your minions play. I'm not particularly sure on the effectiveness of bows, but something like Kuko, or another Fire, Guided, or something arrow bow may work.

Once you've maxed everything you want to max you could head over to the shapeshift tree or even elemental and invest some points there. Something like cyclone armor could add an extra hit for you. Alternatively, you could transform and shockwave. Or just keep adding to the summons. Whatever interests you the most.

[AceOfFlames]

I'm doing werebear \ shockwave it's workin out pretty good. I have a Harmony bow I might put in my 2nd weapon slot and try out, I'll just have to put more points into dex.

Baal runs are what I'm going to do until mid 80s or probably later..I'll probably be doing them until I'm done leveling honestly...

What all do you think I can solo run with a summoner once I'm a higher level ?
Is there another druid type that is better at soloing?