(Newbie ?): Build recommendations for diablo 2 original der=0>

[Craven]

Probably a question y'all don't see too often around here.

I'm playing diablo 2 original (I don't have LoD expansion), version 1.11. I'm toying with the idea of getting as far as I can with each character in hardcore, single-player mode.

Been looking through the forums and build recommendations, but I find that I seem to be in a unique position -- I find strategies for pre 1.11 versions, and strategies for LoD 1.11 versions.

Basically, would just like to know which builds would be best suited for me in each character class, given that I'm playing alone, finding all items by myself, and don't seem to have a lot of the things that the LoD upgrade provides that some of the builds discuss (certain items, mercs, runes, etc etc ... let me know if I'm wrong here, I don't get some of it).

Currently advanced pretty far with a meteorb sorceress (I'm in Act 2 at hell difficulty ~lvl 60), but that's about it. Looking at the fishymancer necro and the HC berserker barbarian, not sure how to succeed with the amazon or paladin at hell difficulty (don't know as much about those classes).

Cheers (and thanks)

[Barrynor]

ummm

Paladin : Hammerdin... the classical build.
Amazon : Freezer/Strafer springs to mind, as does a Magezon, who should be able to pul lit off using the bow she started with. I'd not reccomend a Jabberzon unless you have Goblin Toe and say Rattlecage. Javazon with plague javalin and lighting fury also goes, but you'll be low on the mana all the time unless you play her as a Mage-zon.
Barbarian: Whirlwind barbie is always a good choice, Berserkers are tough, pray that you get a Twitchtroe (the ultimate in Berserker wear, imo).
Necromancer: Summoner (zoomancer) is good. There are only three curses you really need for a necromancer, usually: Amplify Damage, Confuse (for larger crowd amusement) and Attract (for smaller crowd amusement).Decrep is nice for bosses, but mostly its gravy.
sorc: Static/Orb, the Classic way to go

I can give you more pointers, but not now, because I'm at work, so come back with more questions when you have em ok?

[squiggle]

There is a classic forum =]

Strafe+Ice zon? Jabber + zerker? Dont use them, Dont sound to viable imo

Two cheap and easy builds are

WW barb, Using Bonesnap = Good basic mfer, W/e

Blizz/orb sorc

and

Hammerdin

[Craven]

There is a classic forum =]

Oops. Guess if you didn't already see the "posts: 1" by my name, you know I'm new now.

Do appreciate the starting advice, let y'all know if I have other thoughts / questions. Just learned too that in classic, dexterity doesn't affect chance to block. Damn. Have been pumping that up lately...ah well, at least my sorceress won't fumble when reaching for a potion.

I'll look around for my next try ... might try a paladin for the first time ever. Good times.

[SirDooFuss]

Seriously consider the LOD upgrade.

Bigger stash, more & better items, Act 5, runes and runewords, smarter equipable mercs that follow you throughout the game...just to mention a few of the high points.

If you make a javazon in classic, know that there are no magic, rare, set or unique javs. The best you can do is a superior harpoon. :undecided:

Melee builds can have a tough time in hardcore. Between the exploding dollies in Act 3, the Iron Maiden casting Oblivion Knights in Act 4 and Fire/Cold Enchanted buggars you can come accross anywhere, one stray swat and you're staring at the "deeds" screen.

Whatever you decide, good luck!

[Corn]

Sounds like you're doing pretty well with your meteorb sorc, good job and good choice. Beserkers can be tough to lvl, but it is well worth it. Since you are right up front in the heat of battle with a Beserker, I can't stress enough the importance or cannot be frozen (death sash), ias (death gloves plus sash), and good blocking (30/20 prismatic).