Diablo 4 has recently received a major Patch 1.0.2 that includes nerfs to the Bolt Achieved and Ring Aspect abilities, causing concern among many players regarding the current state of the Barbarian class. To address these changes, we have extensively tested different builds to identify the most viable setup for the Barbarian. In this guide, we will provide an overview of the core pieces of the build, showcase some gameplay, and delve into the details of the gear and Paragon adjustments.

• Full D4 Build Link
• Build Adjustments
• Skill Selection
• Cooldown Reduction
• Gameplay Showcase
• Gear Overview
• Paragon Adjustments
• Conclusion

 

↖ Full D4 Build Link

https://d4builds.gg/builds/659879db-bf84-4d48-86cd-e1fb165dfced/

 

↖ Build Adjustments

The Barbarian's Bolt Chieftain ability has been nerfed from 5.4 to 1.8-1.9 seconds, significantly impacting the Barbarian's damage output. Challenging Shot has also undergone a damage reduction nerf, making the class feel clunky unless the playstyle is adjusted accordingly. To adapt to these changes, we have made the following adjustments to our build:

 

↖ Skill Selection

• Rage of Hologath: This skill allows us to reset cooldowns by 1.5 seconds on a lucky hit whenever we inflict Bleed. We apply Bleed with Lunging Strike and Whirlwind, utilizing our 200 Sword Expertise as our primary weapon.
• Fortify Cliff to Disembowel: We have switched our fortify ability to Disembowel, which grants additional cooldown reduction when killing bleeding enemies. Bleeds are applied through Whirlwind and other sources.
• Marshall Glove: This item, which we were using previously, reduces cooldowns whenever we use shots.

 

↖ Cooldown Reduction

Maximizing cooldown reduction on the helm and the emblems is crucial for the build's success. Additionally, the use of the Marshall Glove further enhances our cooldown reduction capabilities.

 

↖ Gameplay Showcase

The gameplay footage shows that although the Barbarian's shots are not as potent as before, they are still viable, especially when fighting elites or numerous monsters. The Bleeds inflicted by our skills play a crucial role in reducing cooldowns, allowing us to use our shots more frequently. Speed farming is particularly effective with this build due to the high number of targets available for reset purposes.

 

↖ Gear Overview

• Helm: We aim for maximum cooldown reduction on the helm.
• Gores: Despite the nerf, this item remains strong due to the plus four rings, woven effect, and explosion for AoE damage.
• Tyrannity: This item generates our barrier and works synergistically with Raid Leader to provide life per second.
• Movement Speed Boots: Triple movement speed bonuses are obtained through these boots, including movement speed base, movement speed after killing elites, and movement speed when unstoppable with Rallying Cry.
• Dialogue Weapon: While this item received a slight nerf, it still offers significant benefits such as column reduction, damage reduction, and increased DPS.

 

↖ Paragon Adjustments

Skill Selection: We now utilize Lunge Strike as a generator, benefiting from its damage bonus on single targets. Other selected skills include Whirlwind with Bleed, Battle Cry, Challenging Shout, and more.

Paragon Points: Minimal changes have been made to the Paragon tree, focusing on maximizing damage, barrier, and other relevant aspects.

 

↖ Conclusion

While it's uncertain if this build is the best for the Barbarian in Diablo 4, it is undoubtedly a strong and viable option. The adjustments made to account for the recent nerfs to the class have proven effective in maintaining a powerful playstyle.