WhirlWind Assassin

Here's a detailed guide for a Whirlwind build for the Assassin class in Diablo 2: Resurrected. This build focuses on utilizing the Whirlwind skill effectively, leveraging both melee attacks and the Assassin's unique skills to maximize damage output and survivability.

Whirlwind Assassin Build Guide

Build Overview

The Whirlwind Assassin combines melee combat with the agility and utility of the Assassin, using the Whirlwind skill to deal damage while maintaining mobility. This build is effective in both PvE and PvP settings, allowing for high burst damage and quick movement.

Skill Allocation

  1. Primary Skills
    • Whirlwind (20 points): The primary attack skill that deals physical damage while allowing you to move through enemies.
    • Dragon Talon (20 points): A great follow-up attack that provides strong single-target damage when executing after Whirlwind for finishing off enemies.
    • Tiger Strike (20 points): A charge skill that increases your damage for subsequent attacks; great for building up charges before Whirlwind.
    • Phoenix Strike (1-20 points): Optional for elemental damage and additional utility through elemental effects, especially useful for specific monster immunities.
  2. Support Skills
    • Cloak of Shadows (1 point): Useful for crowd control by blinding enemies, allowing for strategic execution of Whirlwind.
    • Fade (1 point): Provides damage reduction and increased resistances, improving your tankiness during battles.
    • Shadow Warrior (1 point): Summons a clone to assist in battle, can deal extra damage and serve as a distraction.
  3. Passive Skills
    • Weapon Block (1 point): If using claws, it offers additional defense by blocking incoming attacks.
    • Fire and Lightning Mastery (optional): Consider these if you want to incorporate some elemental damage.

Stat Allocation

  1. Strength: Allocate enough points to equip your desired gear, usually around 100-150.
  2. Dexterity: Important for both damage and your chance to hit; around 150-200 is typical.
  3. Vitality: Focus here significantly to maximize your life pool and survivability; aim for as much as you can get.
  4. Energy: Generally, avoid placing points in Energy; the Assassin's skills typically manage mana consumption well with gear and potions.

Gear Recommendations

  • Weapons:
    • Prioritize dual-wielding claws. Look for claws providing:
      • Increased attack speed.
      • +Skills.
      • Life steal or mana steal.
      • Examples: Bartuc's Cut-Throat or Shadow Killer are excellent choices.
  • Armor:
    • Look for items that enhance your survivability and deal bonus damage.
      • Treachery is great for its low requirements and +Skills boost.
      • Fortitude for increased damage and defense.
  • Helm:
    • Andariel’s Visage: Provides +Skills, life leech, and resistances.
    • Nightwing's Veil: For added damage and cold damage synergistics.
  • Rings/Amulet:
    • Aim for rings that provide +Skills, resistances, and life; Stone of Jordan or Bul-Kathos' Wedding Band are excellent.
    • An amulet with +Skills or +Damage modifiers will enhance your overall effectiveness.
  • Belt:
    • Arachnid Mesh for +Skills and faster cast rate, or Nightsmoke for resistances and +Stats.
  • Boots:
    • Try for boots offering faster run/walk and resistances; War Traveler is excellent for experience gain as well.

Gameplay Tips

  • Charge Management: Use Tiger Strike to build charges before initiating Whirlwind for maximum damage on your next attack.
  • Aggressive Playstyle: Whirlwind enables you to engage multiple enemies simultaneously. Focus on maneuvering through foes while dealing damage.
  • Use Cloak of Shadows: This skill is essential for controlling the battlefield and allows you to place traps or re-position easily.
  • Positioning: Be mindful of your positioning, as Whirlwind can lead you into dangerous situations. Use its mobility to escape when necessary.

Mercenary Recommendations

  • Act 2 Mercenary (Might): Provides a significant boost to your damage output.
  • Equip your mercenary with items focused on survivability (like Treachery) to help keep them alive during fights.