My Thoughts on Leap Attack [2.4]

Since Ladder S1 began I've been testing out the changes made to Leap Attack in patch 2.4. I've mentioned this in other threads but I figured I'd make one dedicated to my findings. So, let's begin:

Changes in 2.4

Leap Attack prior to 2.4 was pretty much just a basic movement skill for the Barb. If you leveled it up, it could do significant single-target damage, but there was really no point in doing this. With 2.4, the following was changed:

Blizzard wrote:

Leap Attack
Speed of the Leap motion increased by 75%
Leap Attack now has a minimum jump height and duration
Damage baseline increased from 100% to 200%
Attack Rating baseline increased from 50% to 100%
Attack Rating per level increased from 15% to 20%
The Barbarian now deals extra physical damage to surrounding enemies within a range of 4.6 yards when landing from a Leap Attack. Damage scales per level – increased scaling compared to the PTR implementation
Leap synergy bonus applies to the AoE damage in addition to the attack
Increased mana cost of Leap Attack from 9 to 10
Leap Attack will be performed even when targeting adjacent enemies (used to perform a basic attack)

Looking at this, you may think "Oh these look like nice changes! Maybe I'll make a build around this!". I thought so too, until I did a week and a halfs worth of testing. This bit in particular intrigued me the most:

The Barbarian now deals extra physical damage to surrounding enemies within a range of 4.6 yards when landing from a Leap Attack. Damage scales per level – increased scaling compared to the PTR implementation

After some experimentation with 3 different sets of gear, here were my findings:

This build needs high FHR, CTB and FCR

While experimenting, I did both 1h/Shield and 2h setups with Blade Mastery and found that 1h/Shield with high FHR, CTB and FCR is much more viable. Because you're landing in a pack of mobs with no CC, you have to have a way to recover from any blows you take.

Even at high levels, Leap Attack's Splash Damage is still awful

I was able to get both Leap and Leap Attack anywhere from 30-35 and while it's single target damage ranged anywhere from 5K with a shield equipped to 17K 2H (using an Eth Breath of the Dying for example), it's small AoE damage caps out at just under 2K damage. Here's an example of this on my Barb I use to respec and tests builds with:

How can this be made viable?

Since Leap Attack now causes AoE, but no CC, adding some kind would benefit this greatly, as well as increasing that radius by .5% every 2 levels. For example, upon landing the Barbarian could Stun enemies next to him for 1-2 seconds. Or perhaps he could cast something like Battle Cry when landing that reduces the attack and defense of monsters. The splash damage increase per level should also be increased significantly.

Final Thoughts

I wanted so badly for this build to work. This is the only skill the Barb has besides War Cry that is considered AoE. Blizzard, if you happen to read this post (I highly doubt, but still praying regardless), please consider making these changes to Leap Attack for patch 2.5. You guys were headed in the right direction, but don't be afraid to make the Barb ... good. There are many out there that would greatly appreciate it.

SPOILER

it does sound fun to play this build. i think i might try this one next. i'm guessing you just have a strong 2 handed weapon on swap for when shield is not needed.

Udyret wrote: 4 years ago

SPOILER

it does sound fun to play this build. i think i might try this one next. i'm guessing you just have a strong 2 handed weapon on swap for when shield is not needed.

Yes, I recommend an Eth Breath of the Dying in a Colossus Blade . Swords are great and the most versatile weapon choice for this build.

I should mention that it DOES work in Hell, just … not in anything above players 4. Works great in Players 1. If enough people are interested, I’ll write a guide for it

LuckyAce wrote: 4 years ago

Udyret wrote: 4 years ago

SPOILER

it does sound fun to play this build. i think i might try this one next. i'm guessing you just have a strong 2 handed weapon on swap for when shield is not needed.

Yes, I recommend an Eth Breath of the Dying in a Colossus Blade . Swords are great and the most versatile weapon choice for this build.

I should mention that it DOES work in Hell, just … not in anything above players 4. Works great in Players 1. If enough people are interested, I’ll write a guide for it

i don't think i will get Breath of the Dying. i'm mostly about leveling. i was thinking of using Insight on swap.

and maybe Obedience or Oath when i get to hell.
i think i will use this build. max Leap Attack and Leap, max Polearm Mastery, max Find Potion, rest in 1 point wonders and Battle Orders. skill calc