Leap Attack Barbarian

Barbarian Build Guide in Diablo II: Resurrected

The Leap Attack Barbarian is a dynamic and engaging build that excels at mobility and damage output. The ability to leap into battle allows the Barbarian to quickly engage enemy packs and deal significant damage with the Leap Attack skill. This guide will cover skills, stat allocation, gear recommendations, and strategies to maximize your effectiveness as a Leap Attack Barbarian.

1. Skill Allocation

The Leap Attack Barbarian primarily relies on skills from the Combat Skills and War Cry trees, focusing on the Leap Attack skill and enhancing damage output.

Primary Skills

  • Leap Attack (Max):
    • Your main skill, allowing you to jump into battle with powerful melee attacks, dealing damage on landing and stunning enemies.
  • Bash (1 Point):
    • Provides a quick single-target damage option and a stun effect, excellent for finishing off tough foes.
  • Frenzy (1 Point):
    • Can be useful for dealing with single targets quickly after using Leap Attack.
  • Battle Orders (Max):
    • Increases your maximum life and mana for both you and your party, critical for survivability.
  • Shout (Max):
    • Provides a defensive boost to you and your allies, enhancing overall survivability in combat.

Additional Skills (Optional)

  • Howl (1 Point):
    • Useful for crowd control, causing enemies to flee when overwhelmed.
  • Leap (1 Point):
    • The base leap skill, enhancing mobility further.

2. Stat Allocation

  1. Strength: Enough to equip your gear; typically around 150-200 points for maximum damage output.
  2. Dexterity: Invest enough for blocking (if using a shield) or to improve attack rating; generally around 50-100 points.
  3. Vitality: Most points should be allocated here to maximize your health pool for survivability.
  4. Energy: Generally not necessary; you should rely on potions for managing mana.

3. Itemization

Choosing the right gear is crucial for enhancing your damage output and survivability as a Leap Attack Barbarian. Below are recommendations for items:

Weapons

  • Death Cleaver:
    • A unique axe that provides high damage and increased chance of dealing critical hits, ideal for shredding enemies.
  • Grief (Runeword):
    • In a sword, offers massive damage and increased attack speed, suitable for delivering substantial hits.

Armor

  • Fortitude (Runeword):
    • Provides high damage and a boost to defense, increasing your overall effectiveness in battle.
  • Treachery:
    • Grants increased attack speed and +2 to Assassin Skills, beneficial for early-game survivability.

Helmets

  • Harlequin Crest (Shako):
    • Provides +2 to All Skills and a significant boost to life and mana.
  • Vampire Gaze:
    • Offers damage reduction and life leech, helping with sustainability in fights.

Accessories

  • Amulet:
    • Look for an amulet that grants +skills and improves survivability or melee damage.
  • Rings:
    • Raven Frost: Essential for providing the Cannot Be Frozen effect and boosting Dexterity.
    • Bul-Kathos' Wedding Band: Increases life leech and offers an additional skill boost.

Belts

  • String of Ears:
    • Provides damage reduction and life leech.
  • Verdungo's Hearty Cord:
    • Excellent for damage reduction and adding vitality.

Boots

  • Goblin Toe:
    • Increases your chance of dealing Crushing Blow, excellent for boss fights.
  • War Traveler:
    • Useful for increased run/walk speed and additional gold find.

Charms

  • Combat Skill Charms: Aim for charms that provide +Barbarian and melee skills to enhance your Leap Attack damage.
  • Small Charms: Seek out charms that offer resistances or increased life/mana regeneration.

4. Gameplay Tips

  • Mobility is Key: Use Leap Attack to quickly close gaps, engage tough enemies, and escape when necessary.
  • Target Prioritization: Focus on high-value targets first, using Leap Attack to reach them quickly.
  • Crowd Control: Use Howl strategically to prevent mobs from overwhelming you when engaging large groups.
  • Manage your Resources: Keep potions handy, especially for health, to sustain yourself during battles.

5. Mercenary Recommendations

  • Act 2 Mercenary (Might):
    • This mercenary can easily boost your overall damage output, helping you take down tougher enemies more effectively.