TheDOMINATOR
01-03-2008, 05:33 AM
The Frenzied Basher Barbarian
Table Of Contents
1) Introduction
2) Stats
3) Skills
4) Equipment
5) Mercenary
6) Strategies
7) The Final Outcome
Section One: Introduction
This is a guide to a fairly unique Barbarian build based on other conventional builds, but with unconventional twists. The Frenzied Basher Barb uses Frenzy as his primary attack with Double Swing to use to attack his enemies once he is in his frenzied state. Battle Orders empowers him further, boosting his life, mana, and stamina to extraordinary numbers, and Shout plus the passive skills of Iron Skin and Natural Resists make him a powerful tank.
Not only is the Frenzied Basher Barb excellent offensively, but defensively, he is excellent as well. Note, however that this build is intended for PvM use.
Section Two: Stats
Strength: enough for gear -- the Berserker Axe has a strength requirement of 138 and the Colossus Sword has a strength requirement of 182. Chances are, you'll be using one of these two weapons, so keep those two numbers in mind.
Dexterity: enough for gear -- 59 is the dexterity requirement for the Berserker Axe, and for the Colossus Sword it's 110.
Vitality: everything else.
Energy: none.
Chances are, you'll want to use axes, but swords are a viable option.
Section Three: Skills
Offensively, the Frenzied Basher Barb utilizes Frenzy and Double Swing to eradicate his enemies, and defensively, Battle Orders and Shout he relies on while Iron Skin, Increased Stamina and Speed, and Natural Resists passively make him stronger.
MAX these skills, in this order:
Double Swing
Frenzy
Battle Orders
Axe Mastery
Bash
Other skills to invest one or more points in:
Shout -- this increases the barbarian's defensive by a LOT, which can be very helpful in PvM play. Higher defensive means that every time you're surrounded by a huge mob of relentless monsters, they'll hit you fewer times. Only around 5 points is recommended to put in Shout, and especially if you're playing Single Player where are not in a party, leaving this skill at one point would be ideal. Let your + to skill items do the rest.
Natural Resists -- if you're low on resistances, this is the skill to invest a few points in. However, if you find that you really don't need them, or if all of your resists are at least 60 or over, leave this skill at one point. Your + to skill items will raise it to an appropriate level.
Iron Skin -- like Shout, this skill gives the barbarian a huge increase in defense. However, leaving Iron Skin at one point is recommended; put one point here, let your + to skills items do the rest, and invest in Shout for your defensive needs.
Increased Speed -- it's nice to get around in Diablo 2 faster, isn't it? Just one point here is plenty. Same with it's pre-requisite: Increased Stamina.
Double Swing will be set as your left-mouse button and Frenzy will be set as your right-mouse button, with both Battle Orders and Shout hot-keyed for quick access when need-be.
This build can be finished (skill point placement-wise) at around level 90.
Section Four: Equipment
Getting the right kind of equipment as just as important with the Frenzied Basher Barb as correctly placing his skill points. With this build, though, you do not need godly gear. If you're not rich, that's okay--no Enigmas or Breath of the Dyings required here. This build can do just fine with the second-grade stuff, so if you're legit, this build is perfect for you because of just that--the gear and its flexibility.
Weapon: Hand 1
Best/End Game Option
Grief (Berserker Axe or Colossus Sword) Rune Word. This is your best weapon choice, in my opinion, if you play legitly and cannot obtain Beasts or Breath of the Dyings. The huge amount of extra damage this rune word gives, plus the IAS, Ignore Target's Defense, and poison damage that it does makes it the best possible option.
Eth + Tir + Lo + Mal + Ral
35% Chance To Cast Level 15 Venom On Striking
+30-40% Increased Attack Speed (varies)
Damage +340-400 (varies)
Ignore Target's Defense
-25% Target Defense
+(1.875 per character level) 1.875-185.625% Damage To Demons (Based/Char Level)
Adds 5-30 Fire Damage
-20-25% To Enemy Poison Resistance (varies)
20% Deadly Strike
Prevent Monster Heal
+2 To Mana After Each Kill
+10-15 Life After Each Kill (varies)
Weapon: Hand 2
Best/End Game Option
Fury (Berserker Axe or Colossus Sword) Rune Word. This rune word may be very difficult to obtain legitly, but I can't help but mention it--it's perfect for this build. It does an unbeatable +5 to Frenzy -- your primary attack -- along with nice enhanced damage, IAS, and life leech. You should definitely strive for that Jah rune to make this rune word.
Jah + Gul + Eth
+209% Enhanced Damage
40% Increased Attack Speed
Prevent Monster Heal
66% Chance Of Open Wounds
33% Deadly Strike
Ignore Target's Defense
-25% Target Defense
20% Bonus To Attack Rating
6% Life Stolen Per Hit
+5 To Frenzy (Barbarian Only)
Other Options
Rune Master Ettin Axe. It has nice damage, cannot be frozen, and its infamous 5 sockets. Put some Amns in it for the life leech and Shaels in it for the IAS and you've got yourself a viable weapon.
One-Hand Damage: (105-122) To (211-244) (158-183 Avg)
Required Level: 72
Required Strength: 145
Required Dexterity: 45
Durability: 24
Weapon Speed: [10]
+220-270% Enhanced Damage (varies)
+5% To Maximum Cold Resist
Cannot Be Frozen
Socketed (3-5) (varies)
(Ladder Only)
(Only Spawns In Patch 1.10 or later)
Butcher's Pupil Cleaver. It has nice damage and IAS, plus open wounds and deadly strike. Especially if you up it, this weapon is certainly viable.
One-Hand Damage: (55-60) To (132-149) (93.5-104.5 Avg)
Required Level: 39
Required Strength: 68
Range: 2
Base Weapon Speed: [10]
+150-200% Enhanced Damage (varies)
Adds 30-50 Damage
35% Deadly Strike
25% Chance of Open Wounds
30% Increased Attack Speed
Indestructible
(Only Spawns In Patch 1.09 or later)
Honor Rune Word. This is what you should probably have until you obtain any of the other listed options. It's a fairly easy rune word to make -- Amn being the highest rune required -- and the bonuses it gives are very good. Honor should carry you through most of Nightmare, but by the time you hit level 60-70, you'll probably need to find something more.
Amn + El + Ith + Tir + Sol
+160% Enhanced Damage
+9 To Minimum Damage
+9 To Maximum Damage
25% Deadly Strike
+250 To Attack Rating
+1 to All Skills
7% Life Stolen Per Hit
Replenish Life +10
+10 To Strength
+1 To Light Radius
+2 To Mana After Each Kill
Body Armor
Best/End Game Option
Fortitude (Archon Plate or Sacred Armor) Rune Word. This is hands-down the best body armor option for this build and actually possible for (us) legit players to make. It has awesome enhanced defense, resists, AND enhanced damage, along with so many other extremely useful mods. If you have 232, go with Sacred Armor for Fortitude, but if you don't, an Archon Plate will work just as well, with only slightly lower defense.
El + Sol + Dol + Lo
20% Chance To Cast Level 15 Chilling Armor when Struck
+25% Faster Cast Rate
+300% Enhanced Damage
+200% Enhanced Defense
+15 Defense
+X To Life (Based on Character Level)
Replenish Life +7
+5% To Maximum Lightning Resist
All Resistances +25-30 (varies)
Damage Reduced By 7
12% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
+1 To Light Radius
Other Options
Stone Rune Word. With FHR, very nice enhanced defense and resists -- along with its other mods -- Stone makes a great second option to Fortitude if you don't quite have that Lo.
Shael + Um + Pul + Lum
+60% Faster Hit Recovery
+250-290% Enhanced Defense (varies)
+300 Defense Vs. Missile
+16 To Strength
+16 To Vitality
+10 To Energy
All Resistances +15
Level 16 Molten Boulder (80 Charges)
Level 16 Clay Golem (16 Charges)
Duress Rune Word. This rune word has nice enhanced defense, some pretty decent resists, FHR, enhanced damage, and crushing blow along with open wounds, and the highest rune needed to make it is an Um. All that makes Duress a perfect option for mid to late Nightmare mode and into early Hell. It even makes a viable end-game option.
Shael + Um + Thul
+40% Faster Hit Recovery
+10-20% Enhanced Damage (varies)
Adds 37-133 Cold Damage 2 sec. Duration (Normal)
15% Chance of Crushing Blow
33% Chance of Open Wounds
+150-200% Enhanced Defense (varies)
-20% Slower Stamina Drain
Cold Resist +45%
Lightning Resist +15%
Fire Resist +15%
Poison Resist +15%
Helmet
Best/End Game Option
Arreat's Face Slayer Guard. This is probably the best helmet for any and every offensive barbarian build. With +4 to Combat skills, +2 to both other skill trees, nice FHR and resists, and life leech, Arreat's is unbeatable.
Defense: 302-363 (varies)(Base Defense: 121)
Required Level: 42
Required Strength: 118
Durability: 55
(Barbarian Only)
+150-200% Enhanced Defense (varies)
30% Faster Hit Recovery
20% Bonus To Attack Rating
+2 To Barbarian Skill Levels
3-6% Life Stolen Per Hit (varies)
All Resistances +30
+20 To Strength
+20 To Dexterity
+2 To Combat Skills (Barbarian Only)
(Only Spawns In Patch 1.09 or later)
Other Options
Crown of Ages Corona. Nice defense, +1 to all skills, and other very good mods make this helmet a more than viable second option for the Frenzied Basher Barb. Put in a couple of Shaels for the FHR, perfect rubies for the extra Life, or +% enhanced damage jewels for the damage (of course) in its 1-2 sockets, and you've got yourself one hell of a piece of gear.
Defense: 349-399 (Base Defense: 111-165)
Required Level: 82
Required Strength: 174
+50% Enhanced Defense
+100-150 Defense (varies)
+1 To All Skills
Damage Reduced By 10-15% (varies)
All Resistances +20-30 (varies)
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
Socketed (1-2) (varies)
Indestructible
(Only Spawns In Patch 1.10 or later)
Halaberd's Reign Conqueror Crown. This helm has some very nice mods, including +2 to all skills, nice FHR, and life replenish. Its defense outmatches Arreat's by almost 100 (which is a pretty decent amount), which -- considering its mods -- makes this helmet a viable second or third option.
Defense: 384-432 (varies)(Base Defense: 114-159)
Required Level: 77
Required Strength: 174
Durability: 50
(Barbarian Only)
+140-170% Enhanced Defense (varies)
Replenish Life +15-23 (varies)
+20% Faster Hit Recovery
+2 To Barbarian Skill Levels
+1 To Masteries (Barbarian Only)
+1-2 To Battle Command (Barbarian Only) (varies)
+1-2 To Battle Orders (Barbarian Only) (varies)
(Only Spawns In Patch 1.10 or later)
Gloves
Best/End Game Option
Steelrend Ogre Gauntlets. These gloves will boost your damage by as much as 60%, and with their very high defense and crushing blow, they are the best gloves for this build, in my opinion.
Defense: 232-281 (Base Defense: 62-71)
Required Level: 70
Required Strength: 185
Durability: 24
+170-210 Defense (varies)
+30-60% Enhanced Damage (varies)
10% Chance of Crushing Blow
+15-20 To Strength (varies)
(Only Spawns In Patch 1.10 or later)
Other Options
Dracul's Grasp Vampirebone Gloves. These have life AND mana leech along with open wounds and a chance to cast Life Tap. They're arguably as good as Steelrends, but, especially for PvM play, Steelrends may be the better choice. More damage and higher defense is always better, but Dracul's is definitely a viable second option.
Defense: 125-145 (Base Defense: 56-65)
Required Level: 76
Required Strength: 50
Durability: 14
+90-120% Enhanced Defense (varies)
+10-15 To Strength (varies)
+5-10 Life After Each Kill (varies)
25% Chance of Open Wounds
7-10% Life Stolen Per Hit (varies)
5% Chance To Cast Level 10 Life Tap On Striking
(Only Spawns In Patch 1.10 or later)
Lava Gout Battle Gauntlets. These gloves are interesting, to say the least. Wearing them, you'll being Enchanted most of the time, which greatly improves your AR along with granting you extra fire damage. That along with their IAS and fire resist warrants them to be mentioned. If they are upped, Lava Gouts are viable.
Defense: 120-144 (varies)(Base Defense: 39-47)
Required Level: 42
Required Strength: 88
Durability: 38
+150-200% Enhanced Defense (varies)
2% Chance To Cast Level 10 Enchant On Striking
Half Freeze Duration
Adds 13-46 Fire Damage
+20% Increased Attack Speed
Fire Resist +24%
(Only Spawns In Patch 1.09 or later)
Boots
Best/End Game Option
Gore Rider War Boots. These have open wounds, crushing blow, and deadly strike -- all perfect things for a melee character to have, especially in PvM when you're being attacked by hordes of oncoming monsters. Add in the FRW and decent defense, and you've got yourself the best possible boots for this build, especially if they are upped.
Defense: 140-162 (varies)(Base Defense: 43-53)
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 94
Durability: 34
Assassin Kick Damage: 39-80
+160-200% Enhanced Defense (varies)
30% Faster Run/Walk
10% Chance Of Open Wounds
15% Chance Of Crushing Blow
15% Deadly Strike
Requirements -25%
+20 Maximum Stamina
(Only Spawns In Patch 1.09 or later)
Other Options
Sandstorm Trek Scarabshell Boots. Nice enhancements in FHR and FRW, along with decent defense and nice boosts in strength and vitality make these a very nice option.
Defense: 158-178 (varies)(Base Defense 56-65)
Required Level: 64
Required Strength: 91
Durability: 14
Assassin Kick Damage: 60-110
+140-170% Enhanced Defense (varies)
+20% Faster Hit Recovery
+20% Faster Run/Walk
+ (1 Per Character Level) +1-99 Maximum Stamina (Based On Character Level)
+10-15 To Strength (varies)
+10-15 To Vitality (varies)
50% Slower Stamina Drain
Poison Resist +40-70% (varies)
Repairs 1 Durability In 20 Seconds
(Only Spawns In Patch 1.10 or later)
War Traveler Battle Boots. These boots have some pretty nice mods, and if you can't obtain the other two mentioned options, these will certainly suffice. If you're into MF'ing, they actually make the best option due to a possible +50% to MF. Otherwise, they're decent but not the absolute best. Up them for higher defense.
Defense: 120-139 (varies)(Base Defense: 39-47)
Required Level: 42
Required Strength: 95
Durability: 48
Assassin Kick Damage: 37-64
+150-190% Enhanced Defense (varies)
25% Faster Run/Walk
+10 To Vitality
+10 To Strength
Adds 15-25 Damage
40% Slower Stamina Drain
Attacker Takes Damage Of 5-10 (varies)
30-50% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items (varies)
(Only Spawns In Patch 1.09 or later)
Belt
Best/End Game Option
Nosferatu's Coil Vampirefang Belt. This is debatable, but in my opinion, Nosferatu's is the best belt option for my build, considering the build is designed more for PvM play. The belt has IAS, life leech, and has the slows target mod, which can be very useful.
Defense: 56-63 (varies)
Required Level: 51
Required Strength: 50
Durability: 14
16 Boxes
Slows Target By 10%
+2 To Mana After Each Kill
5-7% Life Stolen Per Hit (varies)
+15 To Strength
10% Increased Attack Speed
-3 To Light Radius
(Only Spawns In Patch 1.10 or later)
Other Options
Verdungo's Hearty Cord Mithril Coil. A close second to Nosferatu's, this belt has DR, FHR, life replenish, nice defense, and a huge increase in vitality, which means a huge increase in life. Easily one of the best belts in the game for a melee character.
Defense: 125-158 (Defense: 58-65)
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 106
Durability: 16
16 Boxes
+90-140% Enhanced Defense (varies)
10% Faster Hit Recovery
+30-40 To Vitality (varies)
Replenish Life +10-13 (varies)
+100-120 Maximum Stamina (varies)
Damage Reduced By 10-15% (varies)
(Only Spawns In Patch 1.10 or later)
String of Ears Demonhide Sash. This can be viable, but it's meant more for PvP than PvM. However, it still has some pretty decent mods. Up it for maximum performance.
Defense: 102-113 (varies)(Base Defense: 29-34)
Required Level: 29
Required Strength: 20
Durability: 22
16 Boxes
+150-180% Enhanced Defense (varies)
+15 Defense
6-8% Life Stolen Per Hit (varies)
Damage Reduced By 10-15% (varies)
Magic Damage Reduced 10-15 (varies)
(Only Spawns In Patch 1.09 or later)
Amulet
Highlord's Wrath
Amulet
Required Level: 65
+1 To All Skills
+20% Increased Attack Speed
+ (0.375 Per Character Level) 0-37 % Deadly Strike (Based On Character Level)
Lightning Resist +35%
Adds 1-30 Lightning Damage
Attacker Takes Lightning Damage Of 15
(Only Spawns In Patch 1.09 or later)
Ring 1
Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
+150-250 To Attack Rating (varies)
Adds 15-45 Cold Damage, 4 sec. Duration (Normal)
Cannot Be Frozen
+15-20 To Dexterity (varies)
+40 To Mana
Cold Absorb 20%
(Only Spawns In Patch 1.09 or later)
Ring 2
Bul-Kathos' Wedding Band
Ring
Required Level: 58
+1 To All Skills
+ (0.5 Per Character Level) 0-49 To Life (Based On Character Level)
3-5% Life Stolen Per Hit (varies)
+50 Maximum Stamina
(Only Spawns In Patch 1.09 or later)
Section Five: Mercenary
The Holy Freeze mercenary from Nightmare Act 2 is by far the best merc for this build. He will slow the enemies down while you speed yourself up with Frenzy and hack away while the monsters are chilled, and while you are attacking with greatly increased attack speed. This makes for ultra-fast killing and leveling up.
The best gear to equip your mercenary with in brief is the following:
Weapon: The Reaper's Toll or Tomb Reaver.
Body Armor: Fortitude, Stone, or Smoke.
Helmet: Vampire Gaze or Andariel's Visage.
Section Six: The Final Outcome
By around level 85-90, what you'll have is a decently powerful PvM barbarian that can hold its own in Hell with a well-equipped mercenary at his side that, together, can deal with huge mobs of oncoming enemies as well as take out single tough bosses. This may not be the most powerful barbarian build out there, but one thing is for sure: this build is very untraditional and you'll be sure to have fun, using and leveling up the Frenzied Basher Barb.
All comments, suggestions, and questions are welcome. I hope you like my build and enjoyed reading my guide. Thank you.
*I would like to thank Bryant and Tom for helping me in certain sections of the guide.
Table Of Contents
1) Introduction
2) Stats
3) Skills
4) Equipment
5) Mercenary
6) Strategies
7) The Final Outcome
Section One: Introduction
This is a guide to a fairly unique Barbarian build based on other conventional builds, but with unconventional twists. The Frenzied Basher Barb uses Frenzy as his primary attack with Double Swing to use to attack his enemies once he is in his frenzied state. Battle Orders empowers him further, boosting his life, mana, and stamina to extraordinary numbers, and Shout plus the passive skills of Iron Skin and Natural Resists make him a powerful tank.
Not only is the Frenzied Basher Barb excellent offensively, but defensively, he is excellent as well. Note, however that this build is intended for PvM use.
Section Two: Stats
Strength: enough for gear -- the Berserker Axe has a strength requirement of 138 and the Colossus Sword has a strength requirement of 182. Chances are, you'll be using one of these two weapons, so keep those two numbers in mind.
Dexterity: enough for gear -- 59 is the dexterity requirement for the Berserker Axe, and for the Colossus Sword it's 110.
Vitality: everything else.
Energy: none.
Chances are, you'll want to use axes, but swords are a viable option.
Section Three: Skills
Offensively, the Frenzied Basher Barb utilizes Frenzy and Double Swing to eradicate his enemies, and defensively, Battle Orders and Shout he relies on while Iron Skin, Increased Stamina and Speed, and Natural Resists passively make him stronger.
MAX these skills, in this order:
Double Swing
Frenzy
Battle Orders
Axe Mastery
Bash
Other skills to invest one or more points in:
Shout -- this increases the barbarian's defensive by a LOT, which can be very helpful in PvM play. Higher defensive means that every time you're surrounded by a huge mob of relentless monsters, they'll hit you fewer times. Only around 5 points is recommended to put in Shout, and especially if you're playing Single Player where are not in a party, leaving this skill at one point would be ideal. Let your + to skill items do the rest.
Natural Resists -- if you're low on resistances, this is the skill to invest a few points in. However, if you find that you really don't need them, or if all of your resists are at least 60 or over, leave this skill at one point. Your + to skill items will raise it to an appropriate level.
Iron Skin -- like Shout, this skill gives the barbarian a huge increase in defense. However, leaving Iron Skin at one point is recommended; put one point here, let your + to skills items do the rest, and invest in Shout for your defensive needs.
Increased Speed -- it's nice to get around in Diablo 2 faster, isn't it? Just one point here is plenty. Same with it's pre-requisite: Increased Stamina.
Double Swing will be set as your left-mouse button and Frenzy will be set as your right-mouse button, with both Battle Orders and Shout hot-keyed for quick access when need-be.
This build can be finished (skill point placement-wise) at around level 90.
Section Four: Equipment
Getting the right kind of equipment as just as important with the Frenzied Basher Barb as correctly placing his skill points. With this build, though, you do not need godly gear. If you're not rich, that's okay--no Enigmas or Breath of the Dyings required here. This build can do just fine with the second-grade stuff, so if you're legit, this build is perfect for you because of just that--the gear and its flexibility.
Weapon: Hand 1
Best/End Game Option
Grief (Berserker Axe or Colossus Sword) Rune Word. This is your best weapon choice, in my opinion, if you play legitly and cannot obtain Beasts or Breath of the Dyings. The huge amount of extra damage this rune word gives, plus the IAS, Ignore Target's Defense, and poison damage that it does makes it the best possible option.
Eth + Tir + Lo + Mal + Ral
35% Chance To Cast Level 15 Venom On Striking
+30-40% Increased Attack Speed (varies)
Damage +340-400 (varies)
Ignore Target's Defense
-25% Target Defense
+(1.875 per character level) 1.875-185.625% Damage To Demons (Based/Char Level)
Adds 5-30 Fire Damage
-20-25% To Enemy Poison Resistance (varies)
20% Deadly Strike
Prevent Monster Heal
+2 To Mana After Each Kill
+10-15 Life After Each Kill (varies)
Weapon: Hand 2
Best/End Game Option
Fury (Berserker Axe or Colossus Sword) Rune Word. This rune word may be very difficult to obtain legitly, but I can't help but mention it--it's perfect for this build. It does an unbeatable +5 to Frenzy -- your primary attack -- along with nice enhanced damage, IAS, and life leech. You should definitely strive for that Jah rune to make this rune word.
Jah + Gul + Eth
+209% Enhanced Damage
40% Increased Attack Speed
Prevent Monster Heal
66% Chance Of Open Wounds
33% Deadly Strike
Ignore Target's Defense
-25% Target Defense
20% Bonus To Attack Rating
6% Life Stolen Per Hit
+5 To Frenzy (Barbarian Only)
Other Options
Rune Master Ettin Axe. It has nice damage, cannot be frozen, and its infamous 5 sockets. Put some Amns in it for the life leech and Shaels in it for the IAS and you've got yourself a viable weapon.
One-Hand Damage: (105-122) To (211-244) (158-183 Avg)
Required Level: 72
Required Strength: 145
Required Dexterity: 45
Durability: 24
Weapon Speed: [10]
+220-270% Enhanced Damage (varies)
+5% To Maximum Cold Resist
Cannot Be Frozen
Socketed (3-5) (varies)
(Ladder Only)
(Only Spawns In Patch 1.10 or later)
Butcher's Pupil Cleaver. It has nice damage and IAS, plus open wounds and deadly strike. Especially if you up it, this weapon is certainly viable.
One-Hand Damage: (55-60) To (132-149) (93.5-104.5 Avg)
Required Level: 39
Required Strength: 68
Range: 2
Base Weapon Speed: [10]
+150-200% Enhanced Damage (varies)
Adds 30-50 Damage
35% Deadly Strike
25% Chance of Open Wounds
30% Increased Attack Speed
Indestructible
(Only Spawns In Patch 1.09 or later)
Honor Rune Word. This is what you should probably have until you obtain any of the other listed options. It's a fairly easy rune word to make -- Amn being the highest rune required -- and the bonuses it gives are very good. Honor should carry you through most of Nightmare, but by the time you hit level 60-70, you'll probably need to find something more.
Amn + El + Ith + Tir + Sol
+160% Enhanced Damage
+9 To Minimum Damage
+9 To Maximum Damage
25% Deadly Strike
+250 To Attack Rating
+1 to All Skills
7% Life Stolen Per Hit
Replenish Life +10
+10 To Strength
+1 To Light Radius
+2 To Mana After Each Kill
Body Armor
Best/End Game Option
Fortitude (Archon Plate or Sacred Armor) Rune Word. This is hands-down the best body armor option for this build and actually possible for (us) legit players to make. It has awesome enhanced defense, resists, AND enhanced damage, along with so many other extremely useful mods. If you have 232, go with Sacred Armor for Fortitude, but if you don't, an Archon Plate will work just as well, with only slightly lower defense.
El + Sol + Dol + Lo
20% Chance To Cast Level 15 Chilling Armor when Struck
+25% Faster Cast Rate
+300% Enhanced Damage
+200% Enhanced Defense
+15 Defense
+X To Life (Based on Character Level)
Replenish Life +7
+5% To Maximum Lightning Resist
All Resistances +25-30 (varies)
Damage Reduced By 7
12% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
+1 To Light Radius
Other Options
Stone Rune Word. With FHR, very nice enhanced defense and resists -- along with its other mods -- Stone makes a great second option to Fortitude if you don't quite have that Lo.
Shael + Um + Pul + Lum
+60% Faster Hit Recovery
+250-290% Enhanced Defense (varies)
+300 Defense Vs. Missile
+16 To Strength
+16 To Vitality
+10 To Energy
All Resistances +15
Level 16 Molten Boulder (80 Charges)
Level 16 Clay Golem (16 Charges)
Duress Rune Word. This rune word has nice enhanced defense, some pretty decent resists, FHR, enhanced damage, and crushing blow along with open wounds, and the highest rune needed to make it is an Um. All that makes Duress a perfect option for mid to late Nightmare mode and into early Hell. It even makes a viable end-game option.
Shael + Um + Thul
+40% Faster Hit Recovery
+10-20% Enhanced Damage (varies)
Adds 37-133 Cold Damage 2 sec. Duration (Normal)
15% Chance of Crushing Blow
33% Chance of Open Wounds
+150-200% Enhanced Defense (varies)
-20% Slower Stamina Drain
Cold Resist +45%
Lightning Resist +15%
Fire Resist +15%
Poison Resist +15%
Helmet
Best/End Game Option
Arreat's Face Slayer Guard. This is probably the best helmet for any and every offensive barbarian build. With +4 to Combat skills, +2 to both other skill trees, nice FHR and resists, and life leech, Arreat's is unbeatable.
Defense: 302-363 (varies)(Base Defense: 121)
Required Level: 42
Required Strength: 118
Durability: 55
(Barbarian Only)
+150-200% Enhanced Defense (varies)
30% Faster Hit Recovery
20% Bonus To Attack Rating
+2 To Barbarian Skill Levels
3-6% Life Stolen Per Hit (varies)
All Resistances +30
+20 To Strength
+20 To Dexterity
+2 To Combat Skills (Barbarian Only)
(Only Spawns In Patch 1.09 or later)
Other Options
Crown of Ages Corona. Nice defense, +1 to all skills, and other very good mods make this helmet a more than viable second option for the Frenzied Basher Barb. Put in a couple of Shaels for the FHR, perfect rubies for the extra Life, or +% enhanced damage jewels for the damage (of course) in its 1-2 sockets, and you've got yourself one hell of a piece of gear.
Defense: 349-399 (Base Defense: 111-165)
Required Level: 82
Required Strength: 174
+50% Enhanced Defense
+100-150 Defense (varies)
+1 To All Skills
Damage Reduced By 10-15% (varies)
All Resistances +20-30 (varies)
+30% Faster Hit Recovery
Socketed (1-2) (varies)
Indestructible
(Only Spawns In Patch 1.10 or later)
Halaberd's Reign Conqueror Crown. This helm has some very nice mods, including +2 to all skills, nice FHR, and life replenish. Its defense outmatches Arreat's by almost 100 (which is a pretty decent amount), which -- considering its mods -- makes this helmet a viable second or third option.
Defense: 384-432 (varies)(Base Defense: 114-159)
Required Level: 77
Required Strength: 174
Durability: 50
(Barbarian Only)
+140-170% Enhanced Defense (varies)
Replenish Life +15-23 (varies)
+20% Faster Hit Recovery
+2 To Barbarian Skill Levels
+1 To Masteries (Barbarian Only)
+1-2 To Battle Command (Barbarian Only) (varies)
+1-2 To Battle Orders (Barbarian Only) (varies)
(Only Spawns In Patch 1.10 or later)
Gloves
Best/End Game Option
Steelrend Ogre Gauntlets. These gloves will boost your damage by as much as 60%, and with their very high defense and crushing blow, they are the best gloves for this build, in my opinion.
Defense: 232-281 (Base Defense: 62-71)
Required Level: 70
Required Strength: 185
Durability: 24
+170-210 Defense (varies)
+30-60% Enhanced Damage (varies)
10% Chance of Crushing Blow
+15-20 To Strength (varies)
(Only Spawns In Patch 1.10 or later)
Other Options
Dracul's Grasp Vampirebone Gloves. These have life AND mana leech along with open wounds and a chance to cast Life Tap. They're arguably as good as Steelrends, but, especially for PvM play, Steelrends may be the better choice. More damage and higher defense is always better, but Dracul's is definitely a viable second option.
Defense: 125-145 (Base Defense: 56-65)
Required Level: 76
Required Strength: 50
Durability: 14
+90-120% Enhanced Defense (varies)
+10-15 To Strength (varies)
+5-10 Life After Each Kill (varies)
25% Chance of Open Wounds
7-10% Life Stolen Per Hit (varies)
5% Chance To Cast Level 10 Life Tap On Striking
(Only Spawns In Patch 1.10 or later)
Lava Gout Battle Gauntlets. These gloves are interesting, to say the least. Wearing them, you'll being Enchanted most of the time, which greatly improves your AR along with granting you extra fire damage. That along with their IAS and fire resist warrants them to be mentioned. If they are upped, Lava Gouts are viable.
Defense: 120-144 (varies)(Base Defense: 39-47)
Required Level: 42
Required Strength: 88
Durability: 38
+150-200% Enhanced Defense (varies)
2% Chance To Cast Level 10 Enchant On Striking
Half Freeze Duration
Adds 13-46 Fire Damage
+20% Increased Attack Speed
Fire Resist +24%
(Only Spawns In Patch 1.09 or later)
Boots
Best/End Game Option
Gore Rider War Boots. These have open wounds, crushing blow, and deadly strike -- all perfect things for a melee character to have, especially in PvM when you're being attacked by hordes of oncoming monsters. Add in the FRW and decent defense, and you've got yourself the best possible boots for this build, especially if they are upped.
Defense: 140-162 (varies)(Base Defense: 43-53)
Required Level: 47
Required Strength: 94
Durability: 34
Assassin Kick Damage: 39-80
+160-200% Enhanced Defense (varies)
30% Faster Run/Walk
10% Chance Of Open Wounds
15% Chance Of Crushing Blow
15% Deadly Strike
Requirements -25%
+20 Maximum Stamina
(Only Spawns In Patch 1.09 or later)
Other Options
Sandstorm Trek Scarabshell Boots. Nice enhancements in FHR and FRW, along with decent defense and nice boosts in strength and vitality make these a very nice option.
Defense: 158-178 (varies)(Base Defense 56-65)
Required Level: 64
Required Strength: 91
Durability: 14
Assassin Kick Damage: 60-110
+140-170% Enhanced Defense (varies)
+20% Faster Hit Recovery
+20% Faster Run/Walk
+ (1 Per Character Level) +1-99 Maximum Stamina (Based On Character Level)
+10-15 To Strength (varies)
+10-15 To Vitality (varies)
50% Slower Stamina Drain
Poison Resist +40-70% (varies)
Repairs 1 Durability In 20 Seconds
(Only Spawns In Patch 1.10 or later)
War Traveler Battle Boots. These boots have some pretty nice mods, and if you can't obtain the other two mentioned options, these will certainly suffice. If you're into MF'ing, they actually make the best option due to a possible +50% to MF. Otherwise, they're decent but not the absolute best. Up them for higher defense.
Defense: 120-139 (varies)(Base Defense: 39-47)
Required Level: 42
Required Strength: 95
Durability: 48
Assassin Kick Damage: 37-64
+150-190% Enhanced Defense (varies)
25% Faster Run/Walk
+10 To Vitality
+10 To Strength
Adds 15-25 Damage
40% Slower Stamina Drain
Attacker Takes Damage Of 5-10 (varies)
30-50% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items (varies)
(Only Spawns In Patch 1.09 or later)
Belt
Best/End Game Option
Nosferatu's Coil Vampirefang Belt. This is debatable, but in my opinion, Nosferatu's is the best belt option for my build, considering the build is designed more for PvM play. The belt has IAS, life leech, and has the slows target mod, which can be very useful.
Defense: 56-63 (varies)
Required Level: 51
Required Strength: 50
Durability: 14
16 Boxes
Slows Target By 10%
+2 To Mana After Each Kill
5-7% Life Stolen Per Hit (varies)
+15 To Strength
10% Increased Attack Speed
-3 To Light Radius
(Only Spawns In Patch 1.10 or later)
Other Options
Verdungo's Hearty Cord Mithril Coil. A close second to Nosferatu's, this belt has DR, FHR, life replenish, nice defense, and a huge increase in vitality, which means a huge increase in life. Easily one of the best belts in the game for a melee character.
Defense: 125-158 (Defense: 58-65)
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 106
Durability: 16
16 Boxes
+90-140% Enhanced Defense (varies)
10% Faster Hit Recovery
+30-40 To Vitality (varies)
Replenish Life +10-13 (varies)
+100-120 Maximum Stamina (varies)
Damage Reduced By 10-15% (varies)
(Only Spawns In Patch 1.10 or later)
String of Ears Demonhide Sash. This can be viable, but it's meant more for PvP than PvM. However, it still has some pretty decent mods. Up it for maximum performance.
Defense: 102-113 (varies)(Base Defense: 29-34)
Required Level: 29
Required Strength: 20
Durability: 22
16 Boxes
+150-180% Enhanced Defense (varies)
+15 Defense
6-8% Life Stolen Per Hit (varies)
Damage Reduced By 10-15% (varies)
Magic Damage Reduced 10-15 (varies)
(Only Spawns In Patch 1.09 or later)
Amulet
Highlord's Wrath
Amulet
Required Level: 65
+1 To All Skills
+20% Increased Attack Speed
+ (0.375 Per Character Level) 0-37 % Deadly Strike (Based On Character Level)
Lightning Resist +35%
Adds 1-30 Lightning Damage
Attacker Takes Lightning Damage Of 15
(Only Spawns In Patch 1.09 or later)
Ring 1
Raven Frost
Ring
Required Level: 45
+150-250 To Attack Rating (varies)
Adds 15-45 Cold Damage, 4 sec. Duration (Normal)
Cannot Be Frozen
+15-20 To Dexterity (varies)
+40 To Mana
Cold Absorb 20%
(Only Spawns In Patch 1.09 or later)
Ring 2
Bul-Kathos' Wedding Band
Ring
Required Level: 58
+1 To All Skills
+ (0.5 Per Character Level) 0-49 To Life (Based On Character Level)
3-5% Life Stolen Per Hit (varies)
+50 Maximum Stamina
(Only Spawns In Patch 1.09 or later)
Section Five: Mercenary
The Holy Freeze mercenary from Nightmare Act 2 is by far the best merc for this build. He will slow the enemies down while you speed yourself up with Frenzy and hack away while the monsters are chilled, and while you are attacking with greatly increased attack speed. This makes for ultra-fast killing and leveling up.
The best gear to equip your mercenary with in brief is the following:
Weapon: The Reaper's Toll or Tomb Reaver.
Body Armor: Fortitude, Stone, or Smoke.
Helmet: Vampire Gaze or Andariel's Visage.
Section Six: The Final Outcome
By around level 85-90, what you'll have is a decently powerful PvM barbarian that can hold its own in Hell with a well-equipped mercenary at his side that, together, can deal with huge mobs of oncoming enemies as well as take out single tough bosses. This may not be the most powerful barbarian build out there, but one thing is for sure: this build is very untraditional and you'll be sure to have fun, using and leveling up the Frenzied Basher Barb.
All comments, suggestions, and questions are welcome. I hope you like my build and enjoyed reading my guide. Thank you.
*I would like to thank Bryant and Tom for helping me in certain sections of the guide.