BvA viable PvP char?

[Shaigon]

Currently lvling a barb but I wanted to try a different route other than a pure BvC.

The BvA would essentially be a BvC (relatively the same gear) but would use Stormshield/Grief zerker as main weapon combo. Only difference from a BvC is that he would have max block and max DR. This would give him a better edge vs melee chars and would still be able to take down the majority of casters. He will still be hitting the fcr/fhr breakpoints.

I would still carry a beast zerker in my stash that I could swap out the SS for if needed. The only problem I see with this build is sacrificing vit for dex (needed for max block).

Thoughts/opinions?

[Sass]

They're definitely a viable build. You didn't mention it, but they also have an easier time with bowas due to the DR and block.



For dex, you can have some in your helm slot (or at least some + life so it isn't so bad when stating dex), in the shield (similar life / dex to help).

IIR, with stating and charms, they can get anywhere from 5-6 something K life with max block. That's still enough to take on melee and casters.

[SeCKSEgai]

In short, BvA's wouldn't exist if they weren't viable.

The biggest difference I see between a bvc and bva is one is well equipped for blocking, as both can still dual-wield weapons.

The only class that comes to mind with a clear advantage is BvB, which can be offset by skill levels and chance.

[Shaigon]

Any suggestions as to what I should socket my Arreats and SS with? Ed/max jewels?

Arreats will be my main helm as I see no real use for COA with this build, it's generally only used for the DR which I will already have. I can get skills/fhr from Arreats. I may get one to keep in stash for when I'm dual wielding but meh.

[vknez]

i socket arreat with 9 dex/ed jewel and storm with eld for extra blocking and less dex required for max block

[biko]

My barbarian has max block with stormshield with base dex. You don't need to sacrifice life to have max block. Can be something to think about.

[Sass]

It also takes quite a bit of + dex on items.

[biko]

It also takes quite a bit of + dex on items.

Yes but it's not really hard to achieve, just some stashed stuff.

[NoisemakerArrow]

With BOTD? No thanks.

Arreat's gets 9 dex/15 res jewel, Stormshield gets Eld.

BvBs you will mainly beat by teleporting around and shooting them with Widowmaker.

You WILL need COA, since you will only use the Stormshield against bowazons, Fury druids, other barbs and chargers.

[biko]

With BOTD? No thanks.

Arreat's gets 9 dex/15 res jewel, Stormshield gets Eld.

BvBs you will mainly beat by teleporting around and shooting them with Widowmaker.

You WILL need COA, since you will only use the Stormshield against bowazons, Fury druids, other barbs and chargers.

I don't use botd, I use grief.