The Frozen Orb/Enery Shield Sorceress

[®@þþ3¬]

The Frozen Orb/Energy Shield Sorceress
By ®@þþ3¬, ver 1.5 (repost)

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Abbreviations
3. Tables
4. PvP
4a. Stats
4b. Skills
4c. Items
4d. FAQ
5. Magic Find
5a. Stats
5b. Skills
5c. Items
5d. Leveling guide
5e. Merc
5f. Magic Find Tips
5g. FAQ
6. Useful links
7. The Aftermath

1. Introduction

Ive seen many questions around the forum lately regarding a Frozen Orb sorceress. Looked around and couldnt find a guide to an FO sorc in the stickies so thought I would write one. This build is very viable both PvP and PvM. Ive been a fan of FO for many years. As long as I can remeber actually. It is one of the most powerfull skills in the game. Even though the character screen shows that the dmg is very low you must remember that the dmg listed is for each shard FO emits. The FO carries 16 shards and releases an additional 26 shards when traveling. You can get as high as 1,8k per shard so thats 75600 dmg from each FO cast. If only you could hit a target with all shards at once...

2. Abbreviations

BO - Battle Orders
Botd - Breath of the Dying (Runeword)
Bp - Breakpoint
CBF - Cannot Be Frozen
CM - Cold Mastery
Dex - Dexterity
Dmg - Damage
ES - Energy Shield
FCR - Faster Cast Rate
FHR - Faster Hit Recovery
FO - Frozen Orb
Frosties - Frostburn (Unique Gauenlets)
Icob - Increased Chance of Blocking
Inv - Inventory
Lvl - Level
Mb - Max Block
NL - Non-ladder
Nrgy - Energy
PvM - Player vs. Monster
PvP - Player vs. Player
Req - Requirements
Soj - Stone of Jordan
Str - Strength
Tk - Telekinesis
TS - Thunderstorm
Viper - Skin of the Vipermagi (Unique Serpentskin Armor)
Vit - Vitality

3. Tables

This is a FO build and FO has a casting delay of 1 sec. Yet i recommend to aim for the 105% fcr bp. This will enable your to travel around faster and might give you the edge in certain situations.

FCR - Frames
0% - 13
9% - 12
20% - 11
37% - 10
63% - 9
105% - 8
200% - 7

I brought the FHR table into the guide since this guide covers PvP and if you are going the PvP route you would want to aim for the 86% FHR bp. FHR isnt as crucial PvM, but could turn out to be useful in some situations.

FHR - Frames
0% - 15
5% - 14
9% - 13
14% - 12
20% - 11
30% - 10
42% - 9
60% - 8
86% - 7
142% - 6

4. PvP

A FO/ES build is a very viable option in PvP. Unless your opponent uses dual Ravens, Snowclash and a 4*PSapphire Shield you have a chance against everyone.

4a. Stats

Strength - You want to keep this as low as possible. You should wait to add points into str untill you know how much str you get from items. The higest str req from gear is the upg Viper (84).

Dexterity - This guide focusses on max block so you would want to add points into dex untill you get mb. You can use this link to see how many points you need to add into dex to achieve mb at a certain lvl.

Vitality - Since this is a guide that focusses on ES you dont need to add points into vit. This depends on gear and on how high you are able to get your ES though. If you arent able to get your ES beoynd 70% i recommend that you put point in vit untill you have ~800 life.

Energy - Since ES absorbs dmg taken and adds the dmg to your manapool this is crucial to this build. You would want to add as many points as you possibly can into nrgy.

4b. Skills

Cold Tree:

20 Frozen Orb - This is your main attack. Actually it is probably your only attack spell. When you launch FO it emits Ice Shards (looks like Ice Bolt) thats does the listed dmg at your character screen. When FO reaches a certain distance it "explodes" and 16 shards will emit from the centre point.

20 Cold Mastery - CM lowers the resistance of you opponent. The higher lvl the better.

1-20 Ice Bolt - Works as a synergy to FO. You should max this as the last skill as survivability is more important than dmg. What good is a high dmg if you are dead?

Lightning Tree:

20 - Telekinesis - Tk has a hidden bonus which allows your ES to take less dmg to mana when you are hit. I recommend a lvl 20 Tk as this will take dmg to mana in a ratio of 0,75:1. Some people say it is enough with a lvl 16 Tk as this will take 1 mana from your manapool for every dmg taken. This is a matter of preference.

1-20 - Energy Shield - You should aim to get this as high as possible. You shouldnt go beyond lvl 40 as futher points after lvl 40 wont do anything. The max possible dmg ES can absorb is 95% which is attainable at lvl 40.

1 - Teleport - This is how you get around. This skill is what makes the sorc so outstanding. If you find yourself with skillpoints you dont know where to place I suggest you put them here. At lvl 24 it will cost 1 mana to cast Teleport. No need to go beoynd lvl 24.

1 - Static Field - This is optional. The skill wont do squat for you in PvP, but in PvM you will be a party favorite since you are able to drain bosses for life quickly. A one-pont-wonder!

Fire Tree:

1 - Warmth - You would want to put one point into this skill and let +skills take care for the rest. No sorc should go without.

4c. Items

Max block route:

Helm - Rare circlet with 2 sorc/20 fcr. Other mods to look for are str, dex, mana, life, fhr and 2 sockets. If you are able to get a hold of a fhr/nrgy/dex/mana jewel you should socket it in this. If you arent so lucky a Perfect Sapphire should do the trick.

Armor - Skin of the Vipermagi - This armor adds 30% fcr and +1 skill. You might want to upgrade this. If you are able to get a hold of a fhr/nergy/dex/mana jewel you should socket it in this. If you arent so lucky a Perfect Sapphire should do the trick (Note that upgrading an item is ladder only).

Wepaon #1 - Death Fathom - This orb adds a massive amount of dmg to you FO. You would want to stick a cold facet in this baby for a bit more dmg and -res.

Shield #1 - Whistan's Guard - This shield lets you get mb fairly easy. You should stick an Eld rune into it for an additional 7% icob. OR - Visceratuant (upgraded) - You get +1 skills for only a few extra points in dex!

Read up on it on the very interesting matchup between the two shields here:
http://pvpwest.com/pvpwest.php?ID=Visceratuant

Gloves - Frostburn - These gloves add an additional 40% to your manapool and even stacks with other x% to mana items. Since mana is your life these gloves are the way to go.

Belt - Arachnid Mesh - 1 skills and 20 fcr. Not much more you could want from a caster belt.

Boots - Sandstorm Trek - These boots comes with a high psn res which is the only element you should be afraid of since it "overrides" ES meaning that it will drain your lifepool which isnt great since you spent all you additional statpoints in nrgy.

Amulet - Crafted Amulet with 2 sorc/15+ fcr. You want an amulet with atleast 15 fcr since this will give you the 105 fcr bp. Other things to look for are str, mana, life and dex.

Ring #1 - Stone of Jordan - Adds +1 skill and 25% to your manapool

Ring #2 - Stone of Jordan - With two Sojs and a pair of frosties you will get an additional 90% (40+25+25) to your manapool!

Inventory*

Annihilus - Statpoints are more imortant than all res since res wont do you any good.
Hellfire Torch - Same as above
Skillers - 9* +1 cold skills
Small charms - Look for same that adds to mana. If you are wealthy you should get some that adds life aswell.

* - Your items only add 20% fhr (boots) not counting any jewels so you would want to get an additional 66% fhr from your inv. Since life isnt that important you could find skillers that has 12% fhr aswell.

Weapon #2 - Call to Arms - Adds to booth your life and manapool and gives your an additional +1 skills.

Shield #2 - Since you havnt got enough str to equip a Spirit shield you need to use a shield that gives +1 skills. There are three options; Lidless Wall, Sigon's and Splendor (runeword).

Stash - You should keep a Memory staff made in a staff that already have +3 ES. This helps you achieve a lvl 40 ES. It would be even better if you can get a hold of a staff which has +skills to a Cold Armor aswell. Some say that you can prebuff TS, but even though the TS graphic is at your feet it wont tricker as long as you dont hold the item that grants TS in your hand.

Max damage route:

Helm - Nightwing's Veil - +2 skills and 8-15% cold dmg. Slap a cold facet in this baby for added dmg.

Armor - Enigma - Maybe this seems like a weird choice for an armor for a sorc, but we dont want this for the ability to teleprt, but for the +2 skills and the massive added str! You should get one that lets you get away with base, or close to base, str.

Wepaon #1 - Death Fathom - This orb adds a massive amount of dmg to you FO. You would want to stick a cold facet in this baby for a bit more dmg and -res.

Shield #1 - Spirit - Unfortunatly the lowest str req you can make this in is a Monarch which needs to have 156 str. Spirit adds +2 skills, mana and some needed fcr. If you want to have 105 fcr you need to have 35 fcr, but if you aim for the 63 fcr bp it doesnt matter how much fcr it adds.

Gloves - Frostburn or Magefist - If you want the 105 fcr bp you need to use Magefists. If you settle for the 63 fcr bp go with Frostburns.

Belt - Arachnid Mesh - 1 skills and 20 fcr. Not much more you could want from a caster belt.

Boots - Sandstorm Trek - These boots comes with a high psn res which is the only element you should be afraid of since it "overrides" ES meaning that it will drain your lifepool which isnt great since you spent all you additional statpoints in nrgy.

Amulet - 3 cold skills amulet - Not much to say here really.

Ring #1 - Stone of Jordan or 10 fcr/mana ring - SoJ +1 skill and 25% to your manapool. If you want 105 fcr you need to sacrifice some dmg to reach the 105 fcr bp.

Ring #2 - Stone of Jordan - With two Sojs and a pair of frosties you will get an additional 90% (40+25+25) to your manapool!

Inventory*

Annihilus - Statpoints are more imortant than all res since res wont do you any good.
Hellfire Torch - Same as above
Skillers - 9* +1 cold skills
Small charms - Look for same that adds to mana. If you are wealthy you should get some that adds life aswell.

* - Your items only add 75% fhr (boots and shield) so you would want to get an additional 11% fhr from your inv. That means you could get away with only getting one 12% fhr skiller.

Weapon #2 - Call to Arms - Adds to booth your life and manapool and gives your an additional +1 skills.

Shield #2 - Spirit - Any will do since its only for the +2 skills to boost BC and BO.

Stash - You should keep a Memory staff made in a staff that already have +3 ES. This helps you achieve a lvl 40 ES. It would be even better if you can get a hold of a staff which has +skills to a Cold Armor aswell. Some say that you can prebuff TS, but even though the TS graphic is at your feet it wont tricker as long as you dont hold the item that grants TS in your hand.

Poor mans route:

Helm - Peasant Crown - +1 skills and 20 Energy and 20 Vitality. Its not Shako, but it is the next best thing. If you can afford it get a Harlequin's Crest. If you want to go defensive slap in a Perfect Sapphire. If you want to go offensive insert a non-perf cold facet.

Armor - Skin of the Vipermagi - This armor adds 30% fcr and +1 skill. You might want to upgrade this. Again, defensive = Perfect Sapphire, offensive = cold facet (Note that upgrading an item is ladder only).

Wepaon #1 - The Oculus - An all time favorite among sorcs. adds +3 skills, 30 fcr, 20 energy and 20 vitality. A very good weapon for a low cost. The 25% chance to cast teleport can be annoying, but you lean to live with it. A cold facet in this gives a bit more dmg.

Shield #1 - Lidless Wall - Adds +1 skills, 10 energy, 10% max mana and 20 fcr.

Gloves - Frostburn or Magefist - If you want the 105 fcr bp you need to use Magefists. If you settle for the 63 fcr bp go with Frostburns.

Belt - Gloom's Trap - 15% max mana, 15% regenerate mana and 15 vita. The next step in evolution is Arachnid Mesh so this is a great choice.

Boots - Sandstorm Trek or Silkweave - These boots comes with a high psn res which is the only element you should be afraid of since it "overrides" ES meaning that it will drain your lifepool which isnt great since you spent all you additional statpoints in nrgy. If you cant afford these go with Silkweave, but then you will be voulnerable to psn!

Amulet - 3 cold skills amulet - Not much to say here really.

Ring #1 - 10 fcr/mana - You need to cover fcr so you at least reach the 63 fcr bp. Other things to look for are mana, str and vita.

Ring #2 - 10 fcr/mana - Same thing as above.

Inventory

Get as much help as you can from you inv. For example you could see if you can cover a fhr bp. Charms that adds mana, life and what not olse helps!

Make a Memory in whatever staff you can afford. This adds at least +6 to ES so this is a good precast.

4d. FAQ

Statement - MWUAHAHA!!1 jOO DONT EVEN USE NIGHTWINGS!!11
Answer - Even though Nightwing's Veil will grant more dmg you would also need to change around on some of the gear to get 105 fcr.

Statement - jOO R TRULY A NAP!!!1 FO R TIMERED SO NO NEED 4 105 FCR!!11
Answer - Teleport is actually the only reason why you want 105 fcr but speed is of the essens in PvP.

Statement - LOLZ CRAP DMG!! MY GRANNY WILL PWN jOO!!11
Answer - Well, this build does around 1,2k dmg which is more than enough.

5. Magic Find

This build is a good magicfinder. You kill fairly fast and it is easy to stack up on mf items.

5a. Stats

Strength - Your highest str req is 156 so you should aim for 156 after +str items.

Dexterity - You dont want to put any points into dex. It will take too many points to achieve mb thus absolutely killing your manapool.

Vitality - Since this is a guide that focusses on ES you dont need to add points into vit. This depends on gear though and on how high you are able to get your ES. If you arent able to get your ES beoynd 70% i recommend that you put points in vit untill you have ~600 life.

Energy - Since ES absorbs dmg taken and adds the dmg to your manapool this is crucial to this build. You would want to add as many points as you possibly can into nrgy.

5b. Skills

Cold Tree:

20 Frozen Orb - This is your main attack. Actually it is probably your only attack spell. When you launch FO it emits Ice Shards (looks like Ice Bolt) thats does the listed dmg at your character screen. When FO reaches a certain distance it "explodes" and 16 shards will emit from the centre point.

20 Cold Mastery - There is no need to raise CM to a lvl that grants you more than -200% enemy cold res (including -cold res from other gear) since you cant lower enemy cold res beyond -100%.

1-20 Ice Bolt - Works as a synergy to FO. You should max this as the last skill as survivability is more important than dmg. What good is a high dmg if you are dead?

Lightning Tree:

20 - Telekinesis - Tk has a hidden bonus which allows your ES to take less dmg to mana when you are hit. I recommend a lvl 20 Tk as this will take dmg to mana in a ratio of 0,75:1. Some people say it is enough with a lvl 16 Tk as this will take 1 mana from your manapool for every dmg taken. This is a matter of preference.

1-20 - Energy Shield - You should aim to get this as high as possible. You shouldnt go beyond lvl 40 as futher points after lvl 40 wont do anything. The max possible dmg ES can absorb is 95% which is attainable at lvl 40.

1 - Teleport - This is how you get around. Since the suggested gear doesnt have any CBF you want to be able to move around quickly using this skill since fcr isnt affected by cold.

1 - Static Field - This skill will help you with you killing speed againt bosses and will be a great help against cold immunes.

Fire Tree:

1 - Warmth - You would want to put one point into this skill and let +skills take care for the rest. No sorc should go without.

5c. Items

My personal favorite:

Helm - Harlequin's Crest - This is the best magic find helmet in the game. You should socket it with a Perfect Topax for an additional 24% mf.

Armor - Tal Rasha's - This is a favorite among mf'ers along with the amulet and the belt. Those three thing will grant you an additional 20% fcr and 65% mf. The armor has 88 mf and you should put a Perfect Topaz in it for an additional 24% mf.

Wepaon #1 - The Oculus - A great weapon for a sorc. This can be socketed. I suggest putting an Ist rune into it.

Shield #1 - Spirit (note that this is ladder only) - Lets you achieve the 105% fcr bp (if it has 35% fcr).

Gloves - Magefist - Gives your sorc an additional 20% fcr

Belt - Tal Rasha's - See explanation in the armor section.

Boots - Wartraveler - Best mf boots in the entire game.

Amulet - Tal Rasha's - See explanation in the armor section.

Ring #1 - Nagelring/Magic mf ring - Adds mf, duh!

Ring #2 - Nagelring/Magic mf ring - I said duh!

Inventory

Annihilus - Statpoints are more imortant than all res since res wont do you any good.
Hellfire Torch - Same as above.
Gheed's Fortune - A must on every mf char.
Charms - Since this is a magic find char stack up on mf charms.

Weapon #2 - Call To Arms (runeword) - Boosts your skill, life and mana

Shield #2 - Spirit (runeword) - Helps improve you BC and BO

Full Tal Rashas set:

Helm - Tal Rasha's - Adds some mana and life. Put a Perfect Topaz in this for some added mf.

Armor - Tal Rasha's - This is a favorite among mf'ers along with the amulet and the belt. Those three thing will grant you an additional 20% fcr and 65% mf. The armor has 88 mf and you should put a Perfect Topaz in it for an additional 24% mf.

Wepaon #1 - Tal Rasha's - Adds 20 fcr and some mana. An Ist in this will add mf. If you want dmg go with a facet.

Shield #1 - Spirit (note that this is ladder only) - Lets you achieve the 105% fcr bp (if it has 35% fcr).

Gloves - Magefist - Gives your sorc an additional 20% fcr

Belt - Tal Rasha's - See explanation in the armor section.

Boots - Wartraveler - Best mf boots in the entire game.

Amulet - Tal Rasha's - See explanation in the armor section.

Ring #1 - Nagelring/Magic mf ring - Adds mf, duh!

Ring #2 - Nagelring/Magic mf ring - I said duh!

Inventory

Annihilus - Statpoints are more imortant than all res since res wont do you any good.
Hellfire Torch - Same as above.
Gheed's Fortune - A must on every mf char.
Charms - Since this is a magic find char stack up on mf charms.

Weapon #2 - Call To Arms (runeword) - Boosts your skill, life and mana

Shield #2 - Spirit (runeword) - Helps improve you BC and BO

You can see what bonuses you get from using full Tals here.

Poor Mans route:

Helm - Tarnhelm - +1 skills and 25-50% mf. A Perfect Topaz in this helm adds an additional 24% mf.

Armor - Skullder's Ire - +1 skills and an additional % to mf depending on your lvl. Again, put a Perfect Topaz in this.

Wepaon #1 - The Oculus - A great weapon for a sorc with +3 skills and more. This can be socketed. A crappy cold facet in this will do just fine.

Shield #1 - Lidless Wall - +1 skills, 20 fcr and 10% max mana. NOt much more you could want. Anything that helps you build will do to socket this.

Gloves - Magefist - Gives your sorc an additional 20% fcr letting you pass the 63 fcr bp.

Belt - Goldwrap - Adds some nice mf.

Boots - Wartraveler or Silkweave - If you cant afford a pair of crappy WTs put on a pair of Silkweaves to increase your manapool.

Amulet - MF amulet - We are aiming for mf so lets go all in!

Ring #1 - Nagelring/Magic mf ring - Adds mf, duh!

Ring #2 - Nagelring/Magic mf ring - I said duh!

Inventory

You have 10x 4 spaces to do with. Get anything you can to help you. MF, mana, life and so on. You might want to look for some charms that adds psn res since this is the only res that needs to be covered.

Switch - Memory - You are low on +skills so this runeword helps you get a higher ES.

5d. Leveling guide

Okay, I find myself quite bored so I thought I would revisit this thread and update it with a lvling guide. We want to max the following skills, with some perquisites and get a few one-point-wonders

20 Frozen Orb
20 Ice Bolt
20 Cold Mastery
20 Energy Shield
20 Telekinesis
1 Teleport
1 Static Field
1 Warmth
1 Frozen Armor (optional)

Perquisites:

1 Charged Bolt
1 Lightning
1 Chain Lightning

1 Ice Blast
1 Glacial Spike
1 Frost Nova
1 Blizzard

So, how do one go about lvling this char which is quite dependant on gear aswell as skills. This is absolutely not the easiest char to lvl up and you might have a very hard time doing so. Especial bosses will be a tough and hard fought battle. A merc is essential to this build!

A few pointers regarding items is to look for items that add life (rubys are very good to socket things with) and stat points like str. Another thing is those fcr rings. two rings and an amu with 10 fcr will get you the 30 fcr bp which is quite nice and quite easy to get. A belt which can hold a lot of potions is nice aswell as you probably will drink alot of health potions.

Lvl 2: 1 skill point in Ice Bolt, 5 stat points in Energy
Lvl 3: 1 skill point in Warmth, 5 stat points in Energy
Den of Evil: 1 skill point in Frozen Armor (optional)/save
Lvl 4: 1 skill point in Charged Bolt, 5 stat points in Energy
Lvl 5: Save, 5 stat points in Energy
Lvl 6: 1 skill point in Frost Nova, 1 skill point in Ice Blast, 1 skill point in Static Field, 1 skill point in Telekinesis (if saved), 5 stat points in Energy
Lvl 7: Save, 5 stat points in Energy
Lvl 8: Save, 5 stat points in Energy
Lvl 9: Save, 5 stat points in Energy
Lvl 10: Save, 5 stat points in Energy
Lvl 11: Save, 5 stat points in Energy
Lvl 12: 1 skill point in Lightning, 5 stat points in Energy
Lvl 13: Save, 5 stat points in Energy
Lvl 14: Save, 5 stat points in Energy
Lvl 15: Save, 5 stat points in Energy
Radament: Save
Lvl 16: Save, 5 stat points in Energy
Lvl 17: Save, 5 stat points in Energy
Lvl 18: 1 skill point in Glacial Spike, 1 skill point in Chain Lightning and 1 skill point in Teleport, 5 stat points in Energy
Lvl 19: Save, 5 stat points in Energy
Lvl 20: Save, 5 stat points in Energy
Lam Sesen's Tome: 5 stat points in Energy
Lvl 21: Save, 5 stat points in Energy
Lvl 22: Save, 5 stat points in Energy
Lvl 23: Save, 5 stat points in Energy
Izual: Save
Lvl 24: (where it gets fun): 1 skill point in Energy Shield and 1 skill point in Blizzard, 5 stat points in Energy
Lvl 25: 1 skill point in Energy Shield, 5 stat points in Energy
Lvl 26: 1 skill point in Energy Shield, 5 stat points in Energy
Lvl 27: 1 skill point in Energy Shield, 5 stat points in Energy
Lvl 28: 1 skill point in Energy Shield, 5 stat points in Energy
Lvl 29: 1 skill point in Energy Shield, 5 stat points in Energy
Lvl 30 (finally!): 1 point in Energy Shield, 1 point in Frozen Orb, 1 point in Cold Mastery, 5 stat points in Energy

***NOTE***: If you find you need to put some points in str to equip a certain item, do so but dont use items that require to much str. 80 or so should be the max you need in str! It shouldnt be a problem at normal difficulty anyway. So, if you need str do so, but put all other points into Energy. Vitality shouldnt be an issue yet. Diablo will be a hard battle, but with some reju potions ready stand next to him Static till he has almost no life left and tele away. Fnish him off with Blizzard (or Frozen Orb if you are lvl 30 when you face him).

Phew, we reached your goal. Now we got to start maxing those skills. You probably still have a hard time killing things and have had a quite slow and boring time to get here. Well, at lvl 30 and up is where it gets fun. If you have followed my leveling guide you should have around 160 points in Energy and a lvl 7 Energy Shield which will absorb half the damage taken. Your man bulb should have atleast 400 mana at this point acccording to the guide.

After lvl 30 you are more "on your own" so to speak. It is very individual how you go, but if you followed my guide you should have 12 (or 11 if you choose to have a Frozen Armor) skill points left. We need to max out, as mentioned earlier, Frozen Orb, Energy Shield, Cold Mastery, Telekinesis and Ice Bolt.

Frozen Orb: You only attack. You would want to max this out as soon as possible.
Energy Shield: Since you are low on life this skill is your life. Max out as soon as you can.
Telekinesis: Ive choosen this as the third spell to max. You can combine it with Cold Mastery
Cold Mastery: Monster resistances wont be an issue untill late nightmare/hell (iirc). Put 10 or so points in it, max out Telekinesis and max out Cold Mastery.
Ice Bolt: Makes you Frozen Orb a bit stronger, but not much. This is definately the last to max.

I would do it so:

Lvl 31: 1 skill point in Frozen Orb, 1 skill point in Energy Shield, 5 stat points in Energy (11/10 skill points left)
Lvl 32: 1 skill point in Frozen Orb, 1 skill point in Energy Shield, 5 stat points in Energy (10/9 skill points left)
Lvl 33: 1 skill point in Frozen Orb, 1 skill point in Energy Shield, 5 stat points in Energy (9/8 skill points left)
Lvl 34: 1 skill point in Frozen Orb, 1 skill point in Energy Shield, 5 stat points in Energy (8/7 skill points left)
Lvl 35: 1 skill point in Frozen Orb, 1 skill point in Energy Shield, 5 stat points in Energy (7/6 skill points left)
Lvl 36: 1 skill point in Frozen Orb, 1 skill point in Energy Shield, 5 stat points in Energy (6/5 skill points left)
Lvl 37: 1 skill point in Frozen Orb, 1 skill point in Energy Shield, 5 stat points in Energy (5/4 skill points left)
Lvl 38: 1 skill point in Frozen Orb, 1 skill point in Energy Shield, 5 stat points in Energy (4/3 skill points left)
Lvl 39: 1 skill point in Frozen Orb, 1 skill point in Energy Shield, 5 stat points in Energy (3/2 skill points left)
Lvl 40: 1 skill point in Frozen Orb, 1 skill point in Energy Shield, 5 stat points in Energy (2/1 skill points left)
Lvl 41: 1 skill point in Frozen Orb, 1 skill point in Energy Shield, 5 stat points in Energy (1/0 skill points left)
Lvl 42: 1 skill point in Frozen Orb, 1 skill point in Energy Shield, 5 stat points in Energy (no skill points left)
Lvl 43: 1 skill point in Frozen Orb, 5 stat points in Energy
Lvl 44: 1 skill point in Frozen Orb, 5 stat points in Energy
Lvl 45: 1 skill point in Frozen Orb, 5 stat points in Energy
Lvl 46: 1 skill point in Frozen Orb, 5 stat points in Energy
Lvl 47: 1 skill point in Frozen Orb, 5 stat points in Energy
Lvl 48: 1 skill point in Frozen Orb, 5 stat points in Energy
Lvl 49: 1 skill point in Frozen Orb, 5 stat points in Energy

So, our Frozen Orb is lvl 20 (max) and Energy Shield is lvl 19. At lvl 50 you should put the last point in Energy Shield.

When you get far enough into Nightmare and if you are stuggeling with life put points into Vitality when you lvl up.

That was it. A small guide. I hope you found it useful. Think im gonna go make this on SP now

5e. Merc

If you use all other weapons than Insight I suggest that you use an ActII Defensive merc hire at NM for the Foly Freeze aura. If you on the other hand choose to use Insight I suggest that you get an ActII Combat merc hired at norm for the Prayer aura. The Prayer Aura will act as a synergy to the Meditation aura from Insight, meaning your life/mana regeneration will be "twice" (almost) as fast. Your life bulb will always be full and you shouldnt die even though you have been manaburned since the life/mana reg happens so fast. Remember to check if your ES needs to be recast everytime you encounter a manaburn monster though.

Helm - Andys Face (note that this is ladder only), Gaze or Tals Helm - Ive suggested three options from best to "worst".

Armor - Fortitude (note that this is ladder only), Eth Shaft or Stone - There are other choices for armor. Ive used all three so I know they are viable options.

Weapon - Infinity or Insight (note that these are ladder only). If you play NL a BOTD or a Kelpie Snare should do the trick - To break immunities or not, hmm?

5f. Magic Find Tips


Andariel: This is pretty straight forward since there are no cold immunes in Catacombs lvl 4. Take the waypoint to Catacombs lvl 2 and teleport to lvl 4. Clear out the first section WITHOUT Andariels sees you. When you have cleared to lower part of her room go up and let her attack you. Cast Static Field untill her lifebar is half full. If your merc can tank her just let him do so. If not run around casting Frozen Orb and avoid her ranged attacks.

Top 3 drops: Herald of Zakarum, Stone of Jordan and runes up to Lo

Mephisto: This is nearly the same is Andariel. Take the waypoint to Durance lvl 2 and teleport to lvl 3. If you want to you can take out Bremm Sparkfist and his minions (the first group of High Council members). His minions are never cold immune and he is only cold immune IF he spawns with a mod that grants him cold resistance. The same goes for the Wyand Voidfinger and Maffer Dragonhand. Beware when wandering around in Durance lvl 3 though. The place is often filled with Blood Lords witch are Cold Immune.

The three Council Members can drop up to Cham rune and stuff like Verdungo and Bul-Kathos ring.

Anyway, that was a sidenote. Lets get back to Mephisto. When you have killed the Council Members or chooses to teleport past them cast Staic Field untill he has ½ his life left. Have your merc tank him if he can or run around in circles casting Frozen Orb while avoiding his ranged attacks. Be sure to open the chest behind him. Can drop very good stuff! Beware of the Blood Lords though.

Top 3 drops: Arachnid Mesh, Shako and runes up to Cham

Other areas: The areas I mention now has NO cold immunes (unless a Unique monster spawns with a modifier that adds cold resistance) What these areas have in common is that they can drop EVERYTHING in the game!

ActI:
Crypt: Area lvl 83. Found at the Burial Ground in the Stoney Fields.
Mausoleum: Area lvl 85. Found at the Burial Ground in the Stoney Fields.

ActII:
Maggot Lair (lvl 1,2,3): Area lvl 84 (lvl 3 is lvl 85). Found in the Far Oasis.
Ancients Tunnels: Area lvl 85. Can be found in the Lost City.

ActIII:
Sewers lvl 2: Area lvl 85. Found in Kurast. (not worth the trouble imo)
Travincal: The high Council is area lvl 85. Toorc Icefist is cold immiune though.

ActIV:
None

ActV:
Nihilatak's Temple: Area lvl 83. Pindleskin and his minions are lvl 86 though!

5g. FAQ

Statement - ZOMG!!1 PHOOKING NAP MANA BURN R GONNA TEAR U APART!!11one
Answer - It is true that manaburn is your number one enemy, but you should easily be able to avoid it with the use of simple tactics.

Statement - ROFL!1 YOU NO NEED 105 FCR!!1
Answer - Well, you dont. You could easily stack up on mf gear. The faster you get around, the more monsters you kill, thus more items are dropping which will increase your chances of getting something good in a shorther period of time. Thats why I suggest 105 fcr.

Statement - LOLZ LOW DMG!!11 MY SORC DOES 40k!11
Answer - Well, your build is a PvP Lightning sorc then. This is a mf build that does around 500 dmg.

6. Useful links

http://www.pvpwest.com/pvpwest.php?ID=orbstrat - PvP tactics and FO info - thanks to Zharous
http://strategy.diabloii.net/news.php?id=564 - Everything you would want to know about ES - Thank to soepgroente
http://www.theamazonbasin.com/d2/for...howtopic=55046 - A Blizzard sorc guide with lots of useful information - thanks to Gta-maloy]

7. The Aftermath

That was it. Hope you enjoyed this guide and found it useful.

Since the forums have been reset I would like some opinions on what could be better, errors, what could be elaborated and such. Thanks in advance.

~ ®@þþ3¬

[Omnicide]

All beginners start out relatively the same, so I don't see a need to make guides specifically for them. They're going to choose the class and skills they want regardless. To give them a specific setup just to start the game doesn't really work.

As far as item suggestions...when you start out you're pretty much going to run into low magics/rares/sets/uniques. As a caster your priority is getting items that increase your skills or resistances. That's pretty much it. There's no guide needed to get through PvM.

Basically...if you're just beginning...you shouldn't even be planning around a lot of that gear.

As far as costs go...it's too general to tell. The market changes insanely depending on the item and the person you're trading with. The way I see it is if you're both happy with the result...then it's a good trade...and shouldn't worry so much about who's ripping off who.

Arreat Summit has pretty much all the info you need on the items, as long as you know if it's a set, unique or runeword or whatnot.

[Clumzy]

thank you for the guide, i liked it!

[huBelial]

So for the MF build, my strength should be 80 or 156? I'm confused

[Brando13]

good stuff thanks

[Volvox]

Will this build be good for newbie?
I played Diablo many patches ago and im not familiar with new changes and got no friends playing (which means i will get only items which i will find on my own).
Will this build be for me (bad gear) or maybe i should choose Blizz build or Lighting?
(I plan to play only PvM and propably with MF gear)

[Taurean]

I started out with this build for a while a go, i will certify this build for a starter build. Try to get Skin of the viper magi, two FCR rings, FCR amulet, Magefist gloves and Wizardspike early (although you would need to get to lvl 61 to use Wizzie). That's my advices.

[Volvox]

I have one more question... which might be stupid
If sorc can survive in other builds without it, why to use ES at all?

[Elysian_Rsa]

Gives the Sorc an edge in some situations. I like Es main for duel since I survive long when I did play. Also give a change from the mainly used builds.
If anything you don't need top of the line items for the es sorc to work good. Thats my 2 cents : / (Not a very good answer for ye) lol

[Fatlips25]

So I've followed this build so far, pretty much to the letter. I'm diggin it so far but cold immunes are still a problem. I have a point in static but I was wondering if I should invest in another Lightening ability? or maybe just 1 point to one of them and invest a few points into lightening mastery? Any suggestions?

Oh I forgot to add that I went the MF route...not pvp.

[llOriginll]

Just wanted to say this build has been fugging sweet as a long time D2 player, first time proper build xD

I've clocked about 14 hours of play and I'm level 43, although I'll be honest I've been insanely lucky what with a SoJ dropping on my first Andariel NM kill, along with a few other sweet Uniques