This game is hard.

**scollin** · 16-05-2012, 15:53

Havent had too much time to play, but my witch doctor is maybe half way through act 2 normal. Much much much harder than D2 normal and I love it. I've only died once from the butcher and one other time but that was due to lag.

I don't have much knowledge of the other classes, but the cooldown times on witch doctor spells adds a whole new element of strategy. Can't waste a snare if the more dangerous enemies are right behind. Same with the summoning of the dogs.

I think for a completely new player it might seem a little too challenging, but personally I love it. Wouldnt dare try HC at this point though without knowing what enemies have in store.

**Bizono** · 16-05-2012, 17:49

Definitely harder than D2, but harder than D1? Nope. But it's more fun, except that it lacks that whole sense of panic/fear I got the first time through D1 when packs of mobs popped up from outside of my light radius and made a quick snack out of my Warrior... Ah, memories.

Almost through Act 2 normal with a level 26 DH, and just one death, which was due to the lag monster. I'm full clearing all zones and taking my time, which is probably helping my survivalbility. Also, DH hatred tuning feels out of whack for some skill/rune combos, like Twin Chakrams and Ball Lightning; the hatred cost might be too low for normal difficulty.

**Lord_Vega** · 16-05-2012, 17:53

Level 41 at the end of act 2 nm, and I am getting DESTROYED. And by that, I mean one shotted like a mother*****!
Now, what I think the real difference is, is the fact that the monster are so much quicker than us now, and we can't simply kite them and regroup to avoid damage like in D2.

Ok, back to those damn Copperfang Lurkers...

**Jaago** · 16-05-2012, 18:00

Originally Posted by beingmused

The first big spike in difficulty for me came in early act3 champion packs. The next, and much bigger spike, is with champions in act1 NM - combos like arcane/frozen force a re-evaluation of your playstyle.

Quoted for truth. Frozen/something can get annoying, particularly. Pretty much what I have experienced so far with my WD. Overall, I found that normal difficulty was pretty flat in difficulty; I had no trouble except for a couple of champions in act 3, and a couple of boss fights, and I'd say it was mostly because I was trying different skills and not readying myself for special fights.

Originally Posted by Lord_Vega

Level 41 at the end of act 2 nm, and I am getting DESTROYED. And by that, I mean one shotted like a mother*****!

This is where I'm at now, as well, but I don't find it that difficult anymore once I started getting used to tougher bosses and managed to upgrade my weapon. Maybe FRW boots are helping with the kiting.. Also, I'm stacking almost all the Vitality I can.

**Kblavkalash** · 16-05-2012, 18:34

Before release i though i could get away with all offensive skills/passives, but now even on act2 NM i need to much defensive abilities to survive

**Mcstrife** · 16-05-2012, 18:34

Originally Posted by Lord_Vega

Level 41 at the end of act 2 nm, and I am getting DESTROYED. And by that, I mean one shotted like a mother*****!
Now, what I think the real difference is, is the fact that the monster are so much quicker than us now, and we can't simply kite them and regroup to avoid damage like in D2.

Ok, back to those damn Copperfang Lurkers...

I am hitting that wall as well atm, doing fine, but deaths are plentiful...

**Varquynne** · 16-05-2012, 20:36

The challenge level for the game is good, in my opinion. Normal is fun and took a few deaths to get through some parts. Currently in Act 1 nightmare (Wizard, 34) and several champion packs and elite have been pretty tough. Definitely having to make contant use of defensive abilities.

**Zarniwoop** · 16-05-2012, 20:41

Hard?

Wow, I guess its all perspective.

I have played D2 forever, and this game feels like a major yawn-fest thus far in normal mode.

That said, I've heard it scales up nicely, so looking forward to that.

**Lord_Vega** · 16-05-2012, 20:51

Well, after having been owned by NM Belial 12 times in a row, I am officially giving up for the night, and am open to suggestions!
The first form is easy, the other one.. I haven't quite managed figuring out the patter yet... pricey!

**Kblavkalash** · 16-05-2012, 20:55

Dunno, soloing this game is definitely hard. I just came to act2 NM and i took all 3 defensive passives, and most of my skills are defensive and with life steal and still i am dying so fast. I even got 6k life, but still when i encounter champion or elite pack i pretty much always die unless got lucky with revenge.. xD