Looking for Werebear Fireclaws info.

[Kedali]

Hey, I'm thinking of making a werebear and have heard that fireclaws is the most damaging attack. I'm wondering if anyone has some guides available or could give me a quick rundown. I know there are some guides in the stickied thread, but one didn't work and Coldarmy13's guide is aimed at bnet pvp druids while I would be planning a singleplayer pvm/pvp one. Also, the broken color tags were really driving me crazy, made it hard to read the guide. If anyone can give me some info on this build, things to keep in mind are single player, so limited gear availability and no high end runewords, and that it will be mostly for pvm.

Thanks for any information.

[stoutewolf]

Hey, I'm thinking of making a werebear and have heard that fireclaws is the most damaging attack. I'm wondering if anyone has some guides available or could give me a quick rundown. I know there are some guides in the stickied thread, but one didn't work and Coldarmy13's guide is aimed at bnet pvp druids while I would be planning a singleplayer pvm/pvp one. Also, the broken color tags were really driving me crazy, made it hard to read the guide. If anyone can give me some info on this build, things to keep in mind are single player, so limited gear availability and no high end runewords, and that it will be mostly for pvm.

Thanks for any information.
contact valvulox is all i can say, he knows damn much about bears and is a wellknown one here on the forums :laugh:

[Baranor]

max fc
max lyc
1 pt wb
rest into synergies, and if you want you can max oak or how for life
get a 6 socket phase blade, socket shael shael shael shael ias/2nd mod ias/2nd mod

gearwise: get a load of crushing blow on the equip, use whitstans guard as a shield, the rest is pretty normal (ravenfrost for ar/cb). focus on cb.

[Kedali]

Did a little more research and this is what I've come up with:

Helm: Jalal's
Armor: Duress
Shield: Stormshield with rare -req and other mods jewel
Weapon: 4 Shael Griz Caddy
Belt: Dungos
Gloves: Dracs
Boots: Gores
Amulet: Cat's Eye
Ring: Ravenfrost
Ring: Dual leech and resists

Skills:

1 point - Werewolf, Lycanthropy, Werebear, Feral Rage, Maul, Shockwave, Oak Sage, Ravens, Spirit Wolves, Dire Wolves, Grizzly

20 points - Fireclaw, Firestorm, Molten Boulder and Fissure

Build is finished at level 80 and remaining points go into volcano

How does this look? I'd probably switch the Cat's eye for a highlord's if I ever find one. I'm not sure of the breakpoints, I was just guessing at what I needed based on the normally recommended 110% ias phase blade.

[Baranor]

a tad low on the life department, but im a HC player, so for me its max Lycantrophy or no druid at all ;)

[Kedali]

Started on my druid and got him to level 27. He's one or two shottig everything in a3 on /p8 which is cool, but I'm having a whole lot of trouble with block lock. I'll run into a big pack and wont be able to get any swings off. Does this get any better later on? Or are there some gear switches I should make to help with it?

Also, would it be better to add more points to lycanthropy instead of working on the final synergy? Is the damage good enough for hell? And one last thing, do fireclaw druids just run from fire immunes?

[Valvolux]

Coldarmy's guide is great, will answer most of your questions. A version without the colour tags can be found here http://strategy.diabloii.net/news.php?id=548

If you're getting block/fhr locked try getting a shield with a faster block rate on it (hard at low levels) try Pelta Lunata, and increase your hit recovery.

Don't forget to use shockwave as crowd control, its fantastic.

The debate between lycan and fc synergies is tough, do you want more damage or more life, up to you.

And there are a number of ways to deal with fire immunes; merc, maul+CB, Infinity (for rich ppl), switch to a high physical damage weapon etc.

Sorry if any of this doesn't make sense, I'm almost falling asleep at the keyboard after a long day at work.

Best of luck. :grin:

[SirGalahad]

Started on my druid and got him to level 27. He's one or two shottig everything in a3 on /p8 which is cool, but I'm having a whole lot of trouble with block lock. I'll run into a big pack and wont be able to get any swings off. Does this get any better later on? Or are there some gear switches I should make to help with it?

Also, would it be better to add more points to lycanthropy instead of working on the final synergy? Is the damage good enough for hell? And one last thing, do fireclaw druids just run from fire immunes?

I had the same problem when I started to make a FireClaws Druid. Thank Valvolux for the link without the broken color tabs. That guide is pretty verbose though, just jump to the bottom for the nitty gritty.

The most important thing is the Max IAS on the weapon, my attack is awsome.

Lycrothapy or Max damage is a preferance. I'm trying to take the middle ground.

One of the guides that I read recommended Faster Hit Recovery Charms for hit lock but I find that Valvolux's recommendation (Shock Wave) works well.

The emphasis on Crushing Blow is to help you take care of the fire immunes. I havn't used it since I run mostly in parties but I don't see any reason why it shouldn't work.

[Kedali]

I switched to Pelta Lunata and got 86 fhr, it definitely helped a lot. I've been trying to use shockwave, but since it is only level 1 and I don't have any +skills, the duration is too short to be particulary useful. That should change once I finish up in normal though, think I'll have +4-5 skills by then. I'll have to see how my druid does in hell before deciding which route to take for the spare points.

Thank you for the link to that guide. It definitely did answer a couple questions.

I have one question I haven't seen mentioned answered anywhere yet tho. Does off weapon ias affect fire claws swing speed? I can't imagine it not working, yet the ias calculator that's stickied here says I can only get to 4 frames by having a weapon that's at -140 ias, and no matter how much off weapon ias I add I can't get a Griz caddy to 4 frames.

[Valvolux]

I have one question I haven't seen mentioned answered anywhere yet tho. Does off weapon ias affect fire claws swing speed? I can't imagine it not working, yet the ias calculator that's stickied here says I can only get to 4 frames by having a weapon that's at -140 ias, and no matter how much off weapon ias I add I can't get a Griz caddy to 4 frames.

Generally with a werebear OIAS only increases your speed at the slower speeds (7+fps etc), once you reach the 5-4fps attacks OIAS won't boost your speed, as you found out by the Griswold's caddy example.

Of course there are exceptions to this; 3 shael Tombreaver = 6 frames (another 50 OIAS = 5 frames) for example.

[SSoG]

Started on my druid and got him to level 27. He's one or two shottig everything in a3 on /p8 which is cool, but I'm having a whole lot of trouble with block lock. I'll run into a big pack and wont be able to get any swings off. Does this get any better later on? Or are there some gear switches I should make to help with it?

Also, would it be better to add more points to lycanthropy instead of working on the final synergy? Is the damage good enough for hell? And one last thing, do fireclaw druids just run from fire immunes?
The reason you're getting blocklocked is because Bears have horrible blocking speeds. Here are the breakpoints (http://users.tkk.fi/%7Etgustafs/hitrecovery.html). Even with 65% FBR, it takes 6 frames to block. If you're attacking at 4 frames per, that's an attack and a half that you lose every time you block. For this reason, I usually pass on the Phase Blades and get a good two-hander. A Giant Thresher with 105% WIAS can hit a 4-frame attack with just 15% off-weapon IAS. That's a 6-socket Thresher with Shael/Shael/Shael/Fervor/Fervor/Fervor. As an added plus, it's got a much better range than the Phase Blade (range 5 to range 2), and it deals about 2.5 times as much physical damage, which means 2.5 times as much leech. More if you use ED/IAS jewels.

I always eschew blocking in favor of fat two-handers with my PvM Werebears. They're just more effective.

[SirGalahad]

A Giant Thresher with 105% WIAS can hit a 4-frame attack with just 15% off-weapon IAS. That's a 6-socket Thresher with Shael/Shael/Shael/Fervor/Fervor/Fervor.

I always eschew blocking in favor of fat two-handers with my PvM Werebears. They're just more effective.


What's "Fervor" ?

[Kedali]

"
Generally with a werebear OIAS only increases your speed at the slower speeds (7+fps etc), once you reach the 5-4fps attacks OIAS won't boost your speed, as you found out by the Griswold's caddy example.

Of course there are exceptions to this; 3 shael Tombreaver = 6 frames (another 50 OIAS = 5 frames) for example."

Ah, that certainly explains why what seems to be a better weapon choice actually isn't. Shame both of the Tombreaver's I've found are only two socket, that could make a fun weapon.

"The reason you're getting blocklocked is because Bears have horrible blocking speeds. Here are the breakpoints. Even with 65% FBR, it takes 6 frames to block. If you're attacking at 4 frames per, that's an attack and a half that you lose every time you block. For this reason, I usually pass on the Phase Blades and get a good two-hander. A Giant Thresher with 105% WIAS can hit a 4-frame attack with just 15% off-weapon IAS. That's a 6-socket Thresher with Shael/Shael/Shael/Fervor/Fervor/Fervor. As an added plus, it's got a much better range than the Phase Blade (range 5 to range 2), and it deals about 2.5 times as much physical damage, which means 2.5 times as much leech. More if you use ED/IAS jewels.

I always eschew blocking in favor of fat two-handers with my PvM Werebears. They're just more effective."

This is certainly an interesting idea, but the requirements of a giant thresher are pretty staggering. Unfortunately, being single player and self found, I only have the jewels that I've found on my own, and I have yet to find a single fervor jewel with a useful second mod. Also, I am planning on maybe using this guy for a bit of pvp if he turns out to be a char I enjoy playing a lot. One idea though, what if I did a giant thresher with 5 shaels and a hel and then got 20% oias? That should get me to 4 frames unless I'm missing something, and the requirements would be low enough that I could wear it even though I'm planning my stats with a shield in mind.

Also, for fire immunes, I was thinking of using a perf upped rib cracker on switch with a shael in it. Pretty sure that'd make a good choice, extremely fast with 50% cb.

"What's "Fervor" ?"

Jewel of Fervor

[Kedali]

Sorry to double post, but edit timer is up and figured I'd get this question in.

Am level 50, just got to a2 nm, what is the best merc? I am thinking holy freeze would be my best bet. My choices are really between that and might. Might increases my physical damage, thus allowing me to better handle fire immunes and leech more. Holy freeze will slow down all monsters and thus help avoid block lock and give more survivability. So far survivability hasn't been an issue at all, but im guessing it might become one in hell diff.

[SSoG]

What's "Fervor" ?
A Jewel with the "Of Fervor" suffix, which grants it 15% increased attack speed.


"
"The reason you're getting blocklocked is because Bears have horrible blocking speeds. Here are the breakpoints. Even with 65% FBR, it takes 6 frames to block. If you're attacking at 4 frames per, that's an attack and a half that you lose every time you block. For this reason, I usually pass on the Phase Blades and get a good two-hander. A Giant Thresher with 105% WIAS can hit a 4-frame attack with just 15% off-weapon IAS. That's a 6-socket Thresher with Shael/Shael/Shael/Fervor/Fervor/Fervor. As an added plus, it's got a much better range than the Phase Blade (range 5 to range 2), and it deals about 2.5 times as much physical damage, which means 2.5 times as much leech. More if you use ED/IAS jewels.

I always eschew blocking in favor of fat two-handers with my PvM Werebears. They're just more effective."

This is certainly an interesting idea, but the requirements of a giant thresher are pretty staggering. Unfortunately, being single player and self found, I only have the jewels that I've found on my own, and I have yet to find a single fervor jewel with a useful second mod. Also, I am planning on maybe using this guy for a bit of pvp if he turns out to be a char I enjoy playing a lot. One idea though, what if I did a giant thresher with 5 shaels and a hel and then got 20% oias? That should get me to 4 frames unless I'm missing something, and the requirements would be low enough that I could wear it even though I'm planning my stats with a shield in mind.
First off, I wasn't advocating Jewels of Fervor with a good second mod. Any old JoF will do, even one without a prefix. I use Fervors because without a second mod, they're usually considered junk, and because they save me on Shaels.

If Giant Threshers are too much for you, Champion Axes swing at exactly the same speed and have lower requirements, if you'd rather. I prefer the Thresher for the extra range and the marginal extra damage, but Champion Axes are also fantastic weapons.

Also, you're missing something. Champion Axes and Giant Threshers need at least 105% weapon-based IAS *MINIMUM* to hit a 4-frame attack. If you have 100% weapon-based IAS, you will not have a 4-frame attack, no matter what, end of story. That requires all 6 sockets, no getting around it.

Your other option is a Jeweler's Feral Axe of Quickness, which would hit 4-frames with just 3 Shaels (leaving an open socket). Good luck ever finding one, though. You know... EVER.

[SirGalahad]

Sorry to double post, but edit timer is up and figured I'd get this question in.

Am level 50, just got to a2 nm, what is the best merc? I am thinking holy freeze would be my best bet. My choices are really between that and might. Might increases my physical damage, thus allowing me to better handle fire immunes and leech more. Holy freeze will slow down all monsters and thus help avoid block lock and give more survivability. So far survivability hasn't been an issue at all, but im guessing it might become one in hell diff.


Yea, I would go with the Holy Freeze merc to. Better to deal with the block lock first and then try to get more damage later.

[Kedali]

"First off, I wasn't advocating Jewels of Fervor with a good second mod. Any old JoF will do, even one without a prefix. I use Fervors because without a second mod, they're usually considered junk, and because they save me on Shaels.

If Giant Threshers are too much for you, Champion Axes swing at exactly the same speed and have lower requirements, if you'd rather. I prefer the Thresher for the extra range and the marginal extra damage, but Champion Axes are also fantastic weapons.

Also, you're missing something. Champion Axes and Giant Threshers need at least 105% weapon-based IAS *MINIMUM* to hit a 4-frame attack. If you have 100% weapon-based IAS, you will not have a 4-frame attack, no matter what, end of story. That requires all 6 sockets, no getting around it."

I may give the champion axe a try. I am really missing having a decent amount of leech, but part of that is that the gear I'm wearing just doesn't provide much leech. I only have 4% ll coming from a bul kathos, and 6% mana leech coming from an amulet I may switch out to get an extra skill point.

Which brings me to my next question, which amulet would be better to use?

Beast Clasp
Amulet
Required Level: 40
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 86
Fingerprint: 0x9d155119
+14 to Life
+4 to Maximum Damage
Fire Resist +11%
Lightning Resist +11%
Cold Resist +42%
Poison Resist +11%
6% Mana stolen per hit
+1 to Druid Skill Levels

Seraph's Hymn
Amulet
Required Level: 65
Item Version: 1.10+ Expansion
Item Level: 88
Fingerprint: 0xdb4aa7a3
+2 to Light Radius
47% Damage to Demons
26% Damage to Undead
+211 to Attack Rating against Demons
+245 to Attack Rating against Undead
+2 to All Skill Levels
+2 to Defensive Aura Skills (Paladin Only)

Resists and mana leech, or +2 skills and more ar?

Also, for my armor, will an upped perf viper magi do for end game? I'd like an arkaine's but haven't found one yet, and the +2 skill runeword armors are beyond my reach at the moment.

Holy freeze merc was definitely the right choice, especially since I lost a bit of FBR when I switched to storm.

The druid is going pretty well, lvl 74 and in a1 hell. Doing 6k fireclaws damage which worries me a bit. I need 6 more points to finish the first three fireclaw synergy, but that'll only get me to about 6.6k. Coldarmy's guide says by this point in the game you should be looking at around 10k damage/ar, which I definitely don't have. Part of the problem is that I don't have any shape shift charms. Are they really necessary to maintain high damage in hell? If so, I'll have to go skiller farming.

For fire immunes, I've been charging up maul then switching to my upped ribby and using fireclaws for the extra ar, seems to work pretty well, not sure if it'll still kill at a good speed on /p8 in hell though.

Thanks to everyone for all the help so far, definitely enjoying this char.

[SSoG]

Yea, I would go with the Holy Freeze merc to. Better to deal with the block lock first and then try to get more damage later.
Defiance Mercs are another good choice for keeping you out of Blocklock, especially since Werebears already get a defense boost, and with some solid armor can easily hit 5-figure defenses.