Famine Berserker Axe any good

[harmonixer]

I am currently using a hammerdin to collect rune, and most likely will build a zealot later once I got some good high level rune.

During my search, I encountered a Berserker Axe with 4 sockets, and exciting checking the items section to see what I can do with it. It seems like Famine is a good backup solution for countering PI, and I am surprised that no one bother with this runeword.

I am planning on using Grief Phase Blade for my primary weapon since 99% of thread recommend it, so I am just curious is investing high runes in BA to make a Famine worthwhile? or there's a cheaper solution

[sweetalmonds]

Although I never tried one the mods on it looks like a combination of Azurewrath and Barana's star and seems to be good to deal with PI if you can spare the runes for it. Don't bother making that on ladder it won't have any trade value the OHM and JAH are in very high demand already.

[harmonixer]

Now think of it, Jah and Ohm are far too valuable to make a backup weapon for PI. I think it is probably better I find other use for it. Thanks for the suggestion.

[LoboMau]

I think "Famine" is the best weapon to deal with PIs but probably the most expensive, too... :grin:

Some time ago I read a build where "Famine" was recommended as the main weapon. Maybe not a bad idea, too.

[Nullvoid]

PI monsters tend to run away in fear when you switch to a set of gimmershreds, important stats bolded:

Throw Damage: (39-46) To (171-204) (105-125 Avg)
One-Hand Damage: (44-52) To (169-201) (106.5-126.5 Avg)
Required Level: 70
Required Strength: 88
Required Dexterity: 108
Base Weapon Speed: [10]
Max Stack: (240)
+160-210% Enhanced Damage (varies)
Adds 218-483 Fire Damage
Adds 29-501 Lightning Damage
Adds 176-397 Cold Damage, 4 sec. Duration (Normal)
+30% Increased Attack Speed
Increased Stack Size [60]

Much better than using Ohms, Jahs and other filthy highrunes.

[LoboMau]

PI monsters tend to run away in fear when you switch to a set of gimmershreds, important stats bolded:

Throw Damage: (39-46) To (171-204) (105-125 Avg)
One-Hand Damage: (44-52) To (169-201) (106.5-126.5 Avg)
Required Level: 70
Required Strength: 88
Required Dexterity: 108
Base Weapon Speed: [10]
Max Stack: (240)
+160-210% Enhanced Damage (varies)
Adds 218-483 Fire Damage
Adds 29-501 Lightning Damage
Adds 176-397 Cold Damage, 4 sec. Duration (Normal)
+30% Increased Attack Speed
Increased Stack Size [60]

Much better than using Ohms, Jahs and other filthy highrunes.

Nice stats, maybe I'll think about it, too.

[Omikron8]

famine needs something like 1000 of each element/magic to justify its cost compared to gimmershred

[xtreme paladin]

I did tried Famine for my Zealot, it's too slow and takes a lot of IAS to compliment its killing power. So I tried it as a switch weapon for PI's. Again, too slow to actually kill PI's. I tried Gimmershred over and I find Gimmers to be faster in killing PI's. Then I used Azurewrath and found it to be the best and fastest for PI's.

I find Grief alone enough to kill even PI's with its Fire Damage and Poison Damage (Venom). Takes a while than Azurewrath but very viable. My Zealot now uses only Grief and it takes care even for those pesky PI's (last time uses EBOTD and Gimmers for switch). Don't bother with Famine, the runes are not worth it. If only Famine has IAS then it will be a force to be reckoned with.

[barbossa]

I was thinking about using a Famine Legendary Hammer or Berserker Axe for an Avenger build. Since Vengeance adds elemental damage based solely on weapon damage + weapon %ED, this is one of the best one-handed weapons for this. Another option would be Breath of the Dying on a Berserker Axe (even better if Ethereal), but it is also very expensive. What do you guys think?
Also, the screenshot on DiabloWiki (http://diablo2.diablowiki.net/Famine) shows it with the Indestructible mod. Is that right?

[chenw]

I don't think so, no such mod exist on the actual runeword, possibly an artifact left from one of the muling programs.

But I agree with most of the posters above, there are a LOT of other alternatives to a PI weapon switch than Famine (whose elemental damage isn't that high to begin with). I went for Azurewrath and I don't think I was ever as satisfied with a unique weapon as Azure. The sanctuary knocking back undead is a slight annoyance though, especially since PB's only have a reach of one (and most PI's I had to deal with on my zealot were Undead).

I also agree with making a Grief. Due to how Grief mod works, base weapon on grief doesn't matter an awful lot (unlike %ED based weapons like Famine, BotD etc). I personally prefer PBs, simply because of its speed (it's trivial to reach max zeal BP with Grief PBs), and I find it very useful for Ubers as well (others perfer weapons with more CBs on their weapons, but I prefer the speed PB offers, more attacks = more chances at CB).