Coming back after forever away with a few questions.

[WildCatzPhreak]

At least it seems like forever. .08 or .09 was the last time I played. Before the introduction of synergies, that's for sure.

A few questions:
1) My first character after coming back is a barb. I've heard WW is no longer the premier skill, but rather berserk. Is this true? And if so, could someone point me in the direction of a good general guide to help me out? Keep in mind I -just- came back so I have no wealth whatsoever to trade for nice items.

2) Eventually I'll want to create a MF sorc again. What are some good builds for these, and what are the absolute best possible MF items available today? (I may consider actually buying some items from a website just to get started.)

Somebody also told me that it's no longer common practice to use energy shield and not to max out energy as much as possible, which used to be one of the only ways to build a decent sorc. (My last one was a TS/Orb MF sorc who used energy shield and had a few other items that diverted damage dealt to mana) Is that true, and if so, why?

Gracias.

[WildCatzPhreak]

Also..

I don't really know anyone that plays anymore. I'm on ladder USEast and would love to find some people to game with(gaming with random people or by yourself sucks!) so if anyone is interested in gaming or knows of any decent D2 clans who would welcome a 1.11 virgin..(are D2 clans even still around? lol..)

[Evrae Altana]

Welcome to the forums. :wave:

*steals pants and wallet*

1) Not true. Whirlwind is still arguably the best melee barbarian skill out there. However, Berserk is an excellent support skill, since it allows you to dish out magical damage, saving you from Iron Maiden deaths and allowing you to dispatch physical immunes. As for guides, take a peek in the Barbarian forum. :wink3:
I'd ignore the equipment part of those guides, since you say you have no items yet. Instead, focus on the skills/stats/strategies part in order to start your character.

2) Summon necros, Meteorb sorceresses, hammerdins, etc. are very good MFers. In general, any caster character can be good MFers since they can maintain decent kill rates even with MF gear on.
Somebody also told me that it's no longer common practice to use energy shield and not to max out energy as much as possible, which used to be one of the only ways to build a decent sorc. (My last one was a TS/Orb MF sorc who used energy shield and had a few other items that diverted damage dealt to mana) Is that true, and if so, why?With the advent of synergies, many skills require heavy investment of skill points in order to maximize their potential, so not many points are left over to invest in Energy Shield. However, some powerful spells that don't require heavy investment (i.e. Frozen Orb) go along quite well with Energy Shield. ES can be used by any sorceress however; it just requires you to sacrifice a bit of damage in exchange for safety.

[Flaming Banana]

im pretty sure there are still d2 clans out there, ive seen like...one lol.

honestly id probably go for a sorceress as a first character, since she has teleport. teleport makes magic finding a whole lot easier and quicker.

i started diablo when it was 1.11...so i dont know what differences there were besides the runewords.

[stfrn]

2) Eventually I'll want to create a MF sorc again. What are some good builds for these, and what are the absolute best possible MF items available today? (I may consider actually buying some items from a website just to get started.)


Don't buy items for real life money. Not only is it against the rules, but also it defeats the purpose of playing the game. Just have fun, it doesn't matter if you are still in nightmare for a while longer.

[Sozzles]

Don't buy items for real life money. Not only is it against the rules, but also it defeats the purpose of playing the game. Just have fun, it doesn't matter if you are still in nightmare for a while longer.


He's right hun, instead try and make friends with some nice people who you can help out and they can help you in return.

The game's definately more fun when you work for what you've got.

You might be lucky enough to find a nice FCR ring with resists that you can sell for better gear or even try your hand at some crafting by keeping all the gems and jewels you find. Crafting is how I made myself a bit richer when I came back to D2. People go nuts for nice blood gloves with KB/IAS and anything with FCR on it :jig:

:thumbsup:

[Rice_Farmer3]

IMO WW is still one of the most used barb skills both in pvp and pvm. It's the best a barb has for crowd control. I think berserk is used by those who want to deal with the physical immune monsters in Hell, and also to deal with Iron Maiden.

What kind of sorc you make should prolly depend on what you plan to do. If you want utility, do-it-all sorc, probably make a dual-element like the meteorb. If you want maximum speed with a generous target like meph, you could get by with a single element sorc like blizz sorc. Or if you can afford an Enigma, you can make a hammerdin that can kill pretty much everything with lightning speed. Each character classes has its own forum here with a sticky that has links to all the build guides.

My favorite mf gear for sorcresses:
Shako (with ptopaz)
tals armor (same)
Occy (with ist, but that's too expensive)
tals ammy
tals belt
war travs
chancies
2x nagelrings
but really, this is your call. Whatever playing style you like you decide your gear.