Diablo 2: Resurrected: The Knife and Axe Amazon Builds
In the world of Diablo 2: Resurrected (D2R), players are accustomed to certain class archetypes and their optimal builds. For the Amazon, this usually involves the use of javelins or bows, leveraging their ranged attack capabilities to dominate enemies from a distance. But what if you decided to challenge this norm and take an unconventional route? Enter the world of off-meta builds—a place where creativity meets frustration, and where the standard rules are thrown out the window. In this article, we'll delve into one such off-meta build: the Amazon wielding knives and axes instead of her traditional weaponry.
The Concept: Playing the Amazon Wrong
The premise is simple yet intriguing: play the Amazon as if she were a melee character, using throwing knives and throwing axes instead of her usual javelins and bows. This unconventional approach promises a unique challenge and, hopefully, some surprising results. The goal is to navigate the entire game from Normal to Hell difficulty using only these weapons, then evaluate the build’s viability with high-end gear.
Early Gameplay: Normal Difficulty
Starting Off:
As with any unconventional build, the early game is a test of patience and adaptability. Our Amazon, affectionately named "Grow Up" to reflect the potential for failure, starts with basic javelins. However, as soon as a throwing knife or axe is found, the transition is made. This shift to throwing knives and axes is far from smooth. The initial stages are grueling, with the low damage output and limited range of these weapons making combat slow and tedious.
Gear and Strategy:
In Normal difficulty, the primary challenge is finding decent throwing weapons while maintaining survivability. The gear used during this phase is minimal and often not optimal. Basic equipment choices include low-quality throwing knives, and as the character progresses, superior throwing axes are obtained. Skills are focused on Critical Strike to increase damage, Penetrate to enhance attack rating, and Pierce to add some crowd control. The Valkyrie skill, though not particularly useful with this build, is also leveled up for additional survivability.
Despite the challenges, the Normal difficulty is eventually conquered. The character’s gear includes basic Magic Find D2R items, some resistances, and a few rare items with minor improvements. At this stage, the build is struggling but manageable, setting the stage for the more daunting challenges ahead.
Mid-Game: Nightmare Difficulty
Adapting to Difficulty:
Nightmare difficulty introduces a significant increase in challenge. By Act V, the Amazon is level 64 and has faced many hurdles. The early strategy involves running through areas and focusing on grinding key bosses like Eldritch, Shenk, and Pindleskin to gain levels and better gear. The primary strategy involves using a decoy to distract enemies while spamming throwing axes from a safe distance.
Gear and Mercenary Setup:
The gear remains subpar but functional. Key items include an axe with enhanced damage, some passive and Magic Skillers gloves, and random rings with attack rating. The resistances are still lacking, and the character relies heavily on the mercenary setup, which has been swapped to a Might mercenary to bolster damage output.
A notable moment in the Nightmare phase is the acquisition of a Shell armor, which is used to craft a Hustle rune word, improving attack speed and damage. The character's survivability is improved with better gear, but the build is still challenged by the increased difficulty of enemies.
Endgame: Hell Difficulty
Facing the Real Challenge:
Hell difficulty is where the build’s limitations become most apparent. The increase in enemy health and damage, coupled with the inherent weaknesses of using throwing weapons, makes progression extremely difficult. The character struggles with low damage output and a lack of effective gear.
Despite these challenges, the Hell difficulty is approached with renewed determination. The strategy involves grinding for high-end gear and runes to enhance the build. The Tower is terrorized, and several attempts are made to secure high-quality items that can make a difference. The difficulty is so high that the character’s progression becomes painfully slow, and after numerous struggles, the build’s viability is questioned.
Final Adjustments and Observations:
After extensive grinding and numerous adjustments, the build is finally equipped with a mix of high-end gear. This includes a Faith bow for the mercenary, a combination of dream and dragon runes, and various other items to improve damage and resistances. The Amazon now has the potential to handle high difficulties more effectively. At this point, the character is able to tackle players 8 difficulty, demonstrating that with the right gear, even the most unconventional builds can find success.
Conclusion: Is the Build Worth It?
The off-meta knife and axe Amazon is a unique and challenging build that provides a fresh perspective on the game. While it certainly tests the limits of the character and the player’s patience, it also offers a rewarding experience for those willing to invest the time and effort. The Normal and Nightmare difficulties are manageable with this build, but Hell difficulty remains a tough challenge without optimal gear.
Ultimately, while this off-meta build is not recommended for those seeking a smooth and easy experience, it provides a valuable lesson in creativity and perseverance. The journey from wielding basic throwing weapons to handling high-difficulty content with endgame gear showcases the versatility and depth of Diablo 2: Resurrected's gameplay mechanics. For those looking for a true test of their skills and a different take on the Amazon, this build offers an exciting and memorable experience.
This exploration into off-meta builds not only adds variety to the gameplay but also highlights the flexibility and depth of Diablo 2: Resurrected. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer looking for a challenge, experimenting with unconventional builds can provide a new level of enjoyment and satisfaction.
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