Back to D2 After 4 Year Hiatus - Zon Help?

[everflow]

Hey guys,

I'm about to head to class, so I don't have much time to scope out this whole forum for all the new info/strats/stats.

I'm going to make a Bowazon, the first question I have off the bat is which Merc is the best. Is it the Act 2 Nightmare offensive? Not sure...

I'm going to have some more questions later on, but I have to get to class...thanks guys!

[Hector]

As a general rule, yes, a Might Act2 merc will probably be the better choice if you are just starting, and is the choice for nearly every Amazon using the 'Faith' bow runeword.

Top end gear players though might choose an Act1 Rogue using a 'Faith' runeword bow which gives the Fanaticism aura to a Windforce using Amazon.

Both choices work greatly.

[everflow]

Ah OK. I actually barely know about this 'Faith' runeword since it wasn't around when I stopped playing. If I get the Act2 Merc, he can't use a bow, therefore not the Runeword, so am I just using his for his skills, and ME having the "Faith" bow as opposed to the merc?

If I get with the Act1 Rogue, the goal is to get her a "Faith" bow? Is that only good if I had a bow like WF on myself?

[Hector]

Yes, you can choose to use Faith on yourself for the speed boost, and benefit from mercenary Might aura (there's also a Polearm runeword called Pride, which gives him Concentration aura); or use Windforce on yourself for the good damage while your Rogue gives you the Fanaticism aura for the speed boost.

Both combos can reach maximum shooting speeds and are the choice of most 'cookie cutter' bowazon builds around. Of course the mentioned items and runewords are hard to get and this is just to give you something to look for as long term goal. ;)

While you start out, look for cheaper runewords like 'Harmony' which will do wonders to you using a Might merc.

[crawlingdeadman]

yes be sure to check out the newer runewords, make sure you start on ladder all the good ones are ladder only. http://www.battle.net/diablo2exp/items/runewords-110.shtml

make sure to check out (though some dont pertain to zons in particular):
spirit
insight
harmony
treachery (new to 1.11 and not ladder only)
obedience
(great for their price)

faith
ice
fortitude
pride
(zon fans rejoice)

infinity (javazon's best friend)

grief (pvp bowa's biggest enemy)

be sure to visit and read some of the great guides here (http://forums.diabloii.net/showthread.php?t=325914) particularly this one about bow runewords (http://forums.diabloii.net/showthread.php?t=495941) and this one about A1 merc faith + wf (http://forums.diabloii.net/showthread.php?p=4744535).

where are you going to play btw (realm)? i have a soft spot in my heart for the "good ol' boys" look me up if you settle on east ladder.

EDIT: ohyah and torches ask about torches ran out of time or i'd go in depth.

[nnloso]

Hi. I've a question about Amazon too. Which type of 4 socket bow is the best for her, and where can it be found ?

[Hector]

Hi. I've a question about Amazon too. Which type of 4 socket bow is the best for her, and where can it be found ?

Best choices would be the amazon-only elite bows (because they can come with up to +3 Bow skills as automods):

Matriarchal Bow (faster base speed)
Grand Matron Bow (better base damage)

Both can have up to 5 sockets, so finding one with 4 sockets might not be as easy as one would expect. Try high level Hell areas, like the Pit.

[nnloso]

Best choices would be the amazon-only elite bows (because they can come with up to +3 Bow skills as automods):

Matriarchal Bow (faster base speed)
Grand Matron Bow (better base damage)

Both can have up to 5 sockets, so finding one with 4 sockets might not be as easy as one would expect. Try high level Hell areas, like the Pit.

Thanks for the fast reply. :smiley:

I will search for one later. Hope I'm lucky to find one soon.