This page requires the browser to support (enable) javascript

Welcome, fellow adventurers, to an unconventional journey through Diablo 2 Resurrected! Today, we're diving into a unique and off-meta build that promises both fun and an intriguing challenge: the Punch Barbarian. While it might not be the most efficient or powerful build in the game, it's a delightful way to experience Sanctuary from a different perspective. Forget your mighty D2R items weapons; it's time to let your fists do the talking.

 

Build Overview

 

The Punch Barbarian is a build centered around using your bare fists to pummel your enemies. It's a quirky and fun playstyle, perfect for players who have grown tired of the traditional meta builds like the Hammerdin or the Mosaic Assassin. Although this build won't dethrone the top-tier builds, it provides a refreshing and entertaining alternative.

Stats Allocation

 

Strength: Allocate just enough points to wear your gear. With additional strength from your equipment, you won't need to invest heavily here.

 

Dexterity: No points are invested directly into Dexterity. Your attack rating will primarily be boosted through skills and equipment.

 

Vitality: Dump all remaining points into Vitality. This will ensure your Barbarian is as tanky as possible, allowing you to withstand heavy damage during your fist fights.

 

Energy: No points are allocated to Energy. You won't need much mana since your primary skills aren't mana-intensive.

 

Skill Distribution

 

The core of the Punch Barbarian's power lies in the skill tree, particularly focusing on combat skills and war cries.

 

Combat Skills:

 

    • Berserk: This will be your primary attack. It converts 95% of your physical damage to magic damage, allowing you to bypass physical resistances. Berserk also boasts a high attack rate.

    • Concentrate: Used mainly against bosses like Diablo Clone (Dclone). It offers more consistent damage and helps maintain your survivability through life leech.

 

Combat Masteries:

 

    • Iron Skin: Maximize this to increase your defense and overall tankiness.

    • Natural Resistance: Place enough points to cap your resistances with your gear.

 

War Cries:

 

    • Battle Orders: Max this skill for a significant boost to life, mana, and stamina, essential for survival.

    • Howl: Max this to synergize with Berserk and to control mobs effectively.

 

Gear Selection

 

Here's a detailed breakdown of the equipment that will turn your Punch Barbarian into a formidable fighter.

 

Weapon: Nothing! As the name suggests, you'll be fighting with your bare fists.

 

Shield:

 

    • Lance Guard: Provides 20% Deadly Strike, faster hit recovery, and life.

    • Alternative: A shield with high open wounds chance or better blocking capabilities.

 

Amulet:

 

    • Highlord's Wrath: Grants a substantial boost to Deadly Strike and increased attack speed.

 

Armor:

 

    • Enigma: Offers teleportation, which is crucial for mobility, a high boost to strength, and magic find. Alternatively, Fortitude for increased damage and resistances can be used.

 

Gloves:

 

    • Laying of Hands: Grants faster attack speed and significant damage to demons, perfect for boss fights.

 

Rings:

 

    • Raven Frost: Provides cannot be frozen, a crucial stat for maintaining your attack speed.

    • Bul-Kathos' Wedding Band: Adds to your skills and life.

 

Belt:

 

    • Nosferatu's Coil: Increases attack speed and life leech, enhancing your overall damage output and survivability.

 

Boots:

 

    • Gore Rider: Essential for its crushing blow, deadly strike, and open wounds.

 

Charms:

 

    • Grand Charms: Aim for charms with +skills, life, and attack rating.

    • Small Charms: Fill remaining slots with life and resistances.

 

Mercenary:

 

A Might Mercenary is a great companion, increasing your damage output. Equip him with:

 

    • Weapon: Infinity for its Conviction aura, which reduces enemy defense.

    • Armor: Fortitude for increased survivability and damage.

    • Helmet: Andariel's Visage for life leech and attack speed.

 

Gameplay and Strategy

 

Basic Strategy:

 

    • Engagement: Use Berserk as your primary attack. Its high magic damage conversion makes it highly effective against various enemy types.

    • Crowd Control: Use Howl to scatter weaker enemies, making it easier to focus on stronger targets.

    • Boss Fights: Switch to Concentrate against bosses. Apply Life Tap from a wand to leech health while attacking.

 

Magic Finding:

 

The Punch Barbarian can also be used for farming. With Enigma equipped, you have the mobility to teleport around, making it easier to reach and farm high-value targets like Andariel, Mephisto, and the Travincal Council.

 

Example Runs:

 

    • Andariel: Teleport to her lair, use Howl to scatter her minions, and then punch Andariel into submission with Berserk. You might not be the fastest, but it's highly satisfying.

    • Travincal Council: Teleport in, use Howl to scatter the minions, and take down the council members with Berserk or Concentrate. Utilize Battle Orders to keep your health and mana topped up.

    • Diablo Clone: Pre-buff with Battle Orders, Enchant from a Demon Limb, and Life Tap from a wand. Engage using Concentrate, maintaining your health with life leech.

 

Conclusion

 

The Punch Barbarian is not just a build; it's an experience. While it won't set any speed records, it offers a unique and highly enjoyable way to play Diablo 2 Resurrected. It's a build for those who enjoy a challenge and want to see Sanctuary from a different perspective. Whether you're farming for items, taking down Uber bosses, or just having fun, the Punch Barbarian will keep you entertained.

 

If you liked this guide, be sure to hit the Like button and subscribe to P2Pah for more offbeat and interesting builds.