Werewolf Barbarian Guide

The Werewolf Barbarian (Wolf Barb) is an extremely unique shapeshifting build that uses the Beast runeword or other shapeshifting items to transform into werewolf form while maintaining barbarian abilities. Werewolf transformation provides enhanced damage, attack speed, and life while Frenzy or other attack skills deliver devastating claw attacks. This distinctive build excels at melee combat with increased mobility and attack speed, offering a "lycanthrope warrior" playstyle that combines barbarian skills with shapeshifting power.

First thing to do is allocate 1 point in the following Skills: Bash, Sword Mastery, Axe Mastery, Mace Mastery, Polearm Mastery, Throwing Mastery, Spear Mastery, Howl, Taunt, Shout, Battle Cry, Battle Orders, Grim Ward, War Cry, Battle Command, Find Potion, Find Item, Leap, Leap Attack, Concentrate, Berserk, Whirlwind, Iron Skin, Natural Resistance, Increased Stamina, and Double Swing. After this max out the following Skills: Frenzy, Weapon Mastery (matching your weapon type), Battle Orders, Shout, Natural Resistance. With your extra points, max out Iron Skin for additional life and defense, then Increased Stamina for sustained werewolf combat.

When it comes to your Attributes, start with acquiring a Hellfire Torch and an Annihilus Charm. Put those in your inventory and then add Strength, enough to wear your gear and meet the Beast runeword requirements. Dexterity should be moderate for attack rating in werewolf form. Energy is not necessary with Battle Orders, the rest of your points should go into Vitality for maximum life, which is amplified by werewolf transformation bonuses.

Best Weapon choice is the Beast runeword (Ber + Tir + Um + Mal + Lum) in a Berserker Axe or Thunder Maul base for the Level 9 Werebear transformation and high damage bonuses. Alternative werewolf-granting items may include specific unique weapons or other runewords with shapeshifting properties. Since werewolf form typically uses claw attacks, the weapon serves as the transformation source rather than direct combat. When it comes to your Armor, Fortitude runeword in a Sacred Armor base is Best in Slot for the 300% Enhanced Damage that applies to werewolf claw attacks. Duress runeword is excellent for Enhanced Damage, Crushing Blow, and Open Wounds. Treachery runeword provides 45% Attack Speed and Fade proc for survivability. Helmet, Jalal's Mane is ideal for +2 Druid Skills and shapeshifting bonuses if it affects werewolf form, or Arreat's Face for +2 Barbarian Skills and Life Leech. Cerberus' Bite provides shapeshifting bonuses if applicable. For Gloves, Laying of Hands provides 20% Attack Speed and 350% Damage to Demons for claw attacks, or Dracul's Grasp for Life Tap proc and Life Leech. Bloodfist gloves offer life and faster hit recovery. For the Belt, String of Ears is excellent for Damage Reduction and Life Leech, or Verdungo's Hearty Cord for Vitality and Damage Reduction. When it comes to Boots, Gore Rider for Crushing Blow and Deadly Strike on claw attacks, or Sandstorm Trek for Faster Hit Recovery and poison resist. Rings, Raven Frost is essential for Cannot be Frozen and Attack Rating, pair with Bul-Kathos' Wedding Band for +1 Skills and Life Leech or Carrion Wind for life leech and poison damage. Amulet you can opt for Highlord's Wrath for Deadly Strike and Attack Speed on claw attacks, Mara's Kaleidoscope for +2 Skills and resistances, or a rare amulet with +2 Barbarian Skills, Life, Attack Speed, and resistances.

For your inventory, focus on Barbarian Skill Charms with +Combat Skills and life bonuses. Small Charms with Max Damage/Attack Rating/Life combinations benefit werewolf claw attacks. Attack Rating Small Charms ensure consistent hits in werewolf form. Life Small Charms stack with werewolf life bonuses. Attack Speed Small Charms if available improve claw attack speed. Gheeds Fortune for Magic Find and reduced vendor prices.

Mercenary wise, an Act 2 Nightmare Offensive mercenary with Might Aura amplifies your werewolf claw damage significantly. For Weapon, Pride runeword in a Great Poleaxe base provides Concentration Aura for massive damage bonus to claw attacks, or Infinity runeword for Conviction Aura and immunity breaking. Helmet options include Vampire Gaze for Damage Reduction and Life Leech, or Andariel's Visage for Attack Speed and Strength. Armor you want Fortitude runeword in an Ethereal Sacred Armor base for maximum damage support to complement your shapeshifted combat, or Treachery runeword for Attack Speed and Fade proc defensive support.