Good SP PVM Build (No acronyms please)

[Gilgamesh]

Oh the irony...

Anyways, I'm looking for a good single player barb build. I got my hopes up pretty high after reading the frenzied basher barb thread, but after reading the replies it got I decided it wasn't worth it (sorry Dominator). So what do you suggest I go with? (Currently lvl 5 with no points used.)

[theOG22093]

Honestly, most barbs just wont do well.

[Gilgamesh]

Well I'll be playing with a Pally over lan, so I won't be completely alone. Still not worth it?

[HiTS]

If you want some fun with a barb you can go down the throwbarb route, max throw mastery, double swing (synergy for double throw), battle orders, put a point or two in double throw (extra points just gives AR), then spread the reminder where ever you like. Battle cry reduces AC by 95+% at high levels and that's good or War Cry for stunning or Frenzy for a back up. There are options everywhere.

Edit: If you can find a pair of Gimmershreds you're laughing, if you can afford the repairs that is.

[Gilgamesh]

Just curious if it'd be ok to add you via an instant messenger(msn preferably)? I'd really like to talk this through as I'm only coming back to D2 after about a 2-3 year hiatus. Really just looking for simple yet effective fun out of the game until D3 is released. So what do you say?

[HiTS]

I'm an old fart who's never learned any of these newfangled things. If you google throwbarb you should be able to get all the info you need. Or just ask, I'm usually around somewhere.

[Gilgamesh]

Alright, well where should my stat and skill points go first? I'll do a little searching on google to get a second opinion until I get to your response. Thanks for helping out.

[HiTS]

Start by pumping up Double Swing, you need it maxed as a synergy anyway, and early in the game it is a killer. Remember you won't have a shield so you need to make up your resists elsewhere.

[Gilgamesh]

Sounds good, and what about actual stats such as str, dex, etc? Should I be using every point I get as soon as I get them?

[theOG22093]

Sounds good, and what about actual stats such as str, dex, etc? Should I be using every point I get as soon as I get them?

In single player, you can't really afford to "save" stat points. Early on put some into strength/dex to leave some gear options open, and pump a lot into life. You need to find out which axes you plan on using, and what the str/dex requirement on those are. Then you need to ask around (we have a SP forum here) to see if anyone has your axes for trade, and try to make a deal with them.

[Gilgamesh]

Accord to this (http://www.battleforums.com/forums/diablo-strategies/78123-throwbarb-guide.html) I should just leave vitality base? That cant be right, can it?

[cmlogu01]

You don't really have to have a build in mind for the entire normal mode. Seriously, I have a story with that but I dont wanna type it. for now, pump points into a mastery of your choice. As long as you didnt choose throwing weapons you could choose to make a concentrator, basher, or WW barbarian.

Accord to this (http://www.battleforums.com/forums/diablo-strategies/78123-throwbarb-guide.html) I should just leave vitality base? That cant be right, can it?
I doubt it. take advantage of barbarian vitality. they get 4 health per vitality point

[HiTS]

Putting no points in vitality is a recipe for death. The usual procedure is to put enough strength and dexterity to equip your gear and the rest in vitality. You don't have a shield and you can get your AR elsewhere, blessed aim merc or charms or Enchant, so dexterity can be kept to a minimum. Strength isn't going to help much with damage, so ditto. Energy, well enough said. Pump up your vitality and have heaps of hp, then double it with a high level Battle Orders. Remember you can melee attack with throwing weapons but the Throwing Mastery doesn't come into play, so if you are going down the Gimmershred route a point in Axe Mastery is a worthwhile investment, or Spear Mastery if you are using javelins.

Edit:

Before someone blows a gasket and states the obvious, I know Barbs don't have Enchant but this does:

Demon Limb
Tyrant Club
One-Hand Damage: (89-105) To (162-191) (125.5-148 Avg)
Required Level: 63
Required Strength: 133
Durability: 65
Base Weapon Speed: [0]
+180-230% Enhanced Damage (varies)
+50% Damage To Undead
+123% Damage To Demons
Adds 222-333 Fire Damage
7-13% Life Stolen Per Hit (varies)
Fire Resist +15-20% (varies)
Level 23 Enchant (20 Charges)
Repairs 1 Durability in 20 Seconds
(Only Spawns In Patch 1.10 or later)