I'm using an online calculator (I'm not sure of the rules posting towards the relevant site.) to try out different build for the final twenty.
According to the calculator, my Hydra should be doing around 15k before phasing out. (They don't seem to be dealing that much damage before going poof as multiple runs at Diablo show.) I'm not really sure about the damage calculations or the apparently much lower damage. On hearing the Hydra change, I thought playing this build would be great fun. I like the fire it and forget it nature, and goodness knows I like doing tons of damage. (I'm not going to go exclusive; I don't like to run from fire immunity.) I'd very much like other Hydra players to give me an idea of their damage output from their Hydra and basics of their build if they are really hitting so hard.
I played with things a bit as I went along so my build is kind of wonky, but I still have one free respec to get to where I need to be for farming hell. My build is basically Frozen Orb, Hydra, Nova, and the various prerequisites. I also have one point in Static Field, Telekinesis, Teleport, and all three mastery for reasons.
Also, if it is allowed, could someone post a link to a calculator that is more accurate just in case I'm using a bad site? I really doubt it is the site, but I stripped naked for the runs at Diablo, and I'm just not hitting that hard.
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I'm using an online calculator (I'm not sure of the rules posting towards the relevant site.) to try out different build for the final twenty.
According to the calculator, my Hydra should be doing around 15k before phasing out. (They don't seem to be dealing that much damage before going poof as multiple runs at Diablo show.) I'm not really sure about the damage calculations or the apparently much lower damage. On hearing the Hydra change, I thought playing this build would be great fun. I like the fire it and forget it nature, and goodness knows I like doing tons of damage. (I'm not going to go exclusive; I don't like to run from fire immunity.) I'd very much like other Hydra players to give me an idea of their damage output from their Hydra and basics of their build if they are really hitting so hard.
I played with things a bit as I went along so my build is kind of wonky, but I still have one free respec to get to where I need to be for farming hell. My build is basically Frozen Orb, Hydra, Nova, and the various prerequisites. I also have one point in Static Field, Telekinesis, Teleport, and all three mastery for reasons.
Also, if it is allowed, could someone post a link to a calculator that is more accurate just in case I'm using a bad site? I really doubt it is the site, but I stripped naked for the runs at Diablo, and I'm just not hitting that hard.
According to the calculator, my Hydra should be doing around 15k before phasing out. (They don't seem to be dealing that much damage before going poof as multiple runs at Diablo show.) I'm not really sure about the damage calculations or the apparently much lower damage. On hearing the Hydra change, I thought playing this build would be great fun. I like the fire it and forget it nature, and goodness knows I like doing tons of damage. (I'm not going to go exclusive; I don't like to run from fire immunity.) I'd very much like other Hydra players to give me an idea of their damage output from their Hydra and basics of their build if they are really hitting so hard.
I played with things a bit as I went along so my build is kind of wonky, but I still have one free respec to get to where I need to be for farming hell. My build is basically Frozen Orb, Hydra, Nova, and the various prerequisites. I also have one point in Static Field, Telekinesis, Teleport, and all three mastery for reasons.
Also, if it is allowed, could someone post a link to a calculator that is more accurate just in case I'm using a bad site? I really doubt it is the site, but I stripped naked for the runs at Diablo, and I'm just not hitting that hard.
Can be used to make Runewords:
Long story short:
Hydras deal rather significant damage to say the least but with a few caveats.
1) You get no -res from your skills so you need that on gear to really drive up Hydra damage.
2) You don't want to cheap out on skills invested to max Hydra dmg (which might make it hard to get orb to a worthwhile level at the same time).
3) You really (REALLY) want a sunder because fire immunes are all over this game. Once you get one though, you can just skip the orb part entirely because your hydras easily annihilate anything and everything you come up against.
4) While you do get more than one Hydra, they do remain inherently single target attacks so don't expect javazon or Nova sorc style aoe clearing. Fireballs help a lot with groups though.
Personally, I found the sweet-spot to be roughly around 50 -res on your gear and an Infinity on your merc adding to that. Then just max your +skill for massive final dmg. For reference, my hydras take out dclone through his regen with ample time to spare before you'd ever have to think about actually re-casting them. Since his P1 life is somewhere around 650k and you get 6 hydras, that's at a bare minimum around 108k dmg per Hydra cast against the worst target possible (since he starts with the top-end of 95% fire res). Realistically, it is far more than the 108k because that ignores both, his regen and the fact that there's multiple seconds of Hydra uptime to spare after his Death.
Realistically, factoring in his regen and uptime to spare, it is probably closer to 200k per Hydra (rough estimate).
Hydras deal rather significant damage to say the least but with a few caveats.
1) You get no -res from your skills so you need that on gear to really drive up Hydra damage.
2) You don't want to cheap out on skills invested to max Hydra dmg (which might make it hard to get orb to a worthwhile level at the same time).
3) You really (REALLY) want a sunder because fire immunes are all over this game. Once you get one though, you can just skip the orb part entirely because your hydras easily annihilate anything and everything you come up against.
4) While you do get more than one Hydra, they do remain inherently single target attacks so don't expect javazon or Nova sorc style aoe clearing. Fireballs help a lot with groups though.
Personally, I found the sweet-spot to be roughly around 50 -res on your gear and an Infinity on your merc adding to that. Then just max your +skill for massive final dmg. For reference, my hydras take out dclone through his regen with ample time to spare before you'd ever have to think about actually re-casting them. Since his P1 life is somewhere around 650k and you get 6 hydras, that's at a bare minimum around 108k dmg per Hydra cast against the worst target possible (since he starts with the top-end of 95% fire res). Realistically, it is far more than the 108k because that ignores both, his regen and the fact that there's multiple seconds of Hydra uptime to spare after his Death.
Realistically, factoring in his regen and uptime to spare, it is probably closer to 200k per Hydra (rough estimate).
Wow. Thank you so very much. That was an extremely helpful post.
I didn't even think about non-immunity enemy resistance choking the Hydra. I'll have to start researching that.
I don't necessarily want to cheap out on damage. I just didn't want to spend 80 points just on Hydra.
You make a good point about sundering charms. Once this ladder is over, they will probably be reasonably priced. By that point, I'll hopefully be where I can farm hell efficiently enough for a reasonable fourth respec.
I simple didn't know that about Hydra. I thought that they were more sophisticated than that. That will need some thought as well.
Also, I think your damage output is easily 15-20 times mine which made me laugh.
I didn't even think about non-immunity enemy resistance choking the Hydra. I'll have to start researching that.
I don't necessarily want to cheap out on damage. I just didn't want to spend 80 points just on Hydra.
You make a good point about sundering charms. Once this ladder is over, they will probably be reasonably priced. By that point, I'll hopefully be where I can farm hell efficiently enough for a reasonable fourth respec.
I simple didn't know that about Hydra. I thought that they were more sophisticated than that. That will need some thought as well.
Also, I think your damage output is easily 15-20 times mine which made me laugh.
I run a Hydra orb sorc offline, so I don’t have access to sunder charms, but I don’t recommend going the triple threat route. Hydras and orbs are good for 95% of everything out there, for those rare cold and fire immunes I static and spam Telekinesis to Stun while my merc does the physical damage.
My sorc has maxed orb and the rest goes into Hydra, so it’s not perfect but the combo is enough for players 7 in most situations. I don’t worry much about the damage numbers per say, as the static, orb, Hydra combo is a strong one
My sorc has maxed orb and the rest goes into Hydra, so it’s not perfect but the combo is enough for players 7 in most situations. I don’t worry much about the damage numbers per say, as the static, orb, Hydra combo is a strong one
I will not be going triple threat for the final build. I was just trying out different things during NM which left me with a weird build. I think I have something like 150 strength (Curse you "spend all" button!) when I only need like 80 for the gear I'll eventually want.
Saying you could do %95 of P7 by yourself was informative.
Thanks.
Saying you could do %95 of P7 by yourself was informative.
Thanks.
Sorry also forgot the hell ancients will be the hardest thing ever… it took me like 3 hours to get them to spawn with acceptable immunities. Just be prepared for a hard fight when you get to them
Just make a ladder char and snag a free one to transfer over to non-ladder once S2 ends. There's enough folks giving them away if you don't insist on a perfect roll. If they remain ladder-exclusive though, there's a good chance that they won't be all too cheap on NL.phantomotap wrote: 1 year ago You make a good point about sundering charms. Once this ladder is over, they will probably be reasonably priced.
If I find another one (i.e. if I bother still actually playing ladder again ^^) you can have that. Gave away all of my spares recently though.
Though my ladder sorc does still sit on a perfect fire one which would be left over after the season so I guess if you remind me at that point, you can have it for a bit less than whatever the NL pricing ends up being. Or just for free. Either way, that's months off.
That's a really good idea. Thanks.
Just responding to this bit: We don't have any rules about linking to other sites - so no worries. If it's Diablo 2 related and relevant to your post context then it's good.phantomotap wrote: 1 year ago I'm using an online calculator (I'm not sure of the rules posting towards the relevant site.)
As nate mentioned, and have experienced myself, a Hydra Orb Sorc might have difficulties with Hell Ancients. The easiest way dealing with that would be a decently kitted merc and playing the fight more supportively. A desert merc with Might, Obedience in an elite base and Fortitude should do fine.Nate wrote: 1 year ago Sorry also forgot the hell ancients will be the hardest thing ever… it took me like 3 hours to get them to spawn with acceptable immunities. Just be prepared for a hard fight when you get to them
I've not been ignoring you folks. I just got a little busy.
Believe it or not, I'm already shopping around for an Obedience. I just can't find anyone willing yet to part with a crafted one in my price range, and I've had bad luck finding good parts by myself.
I see. I figured I'd stick with caution, but I'll keep that in mind for the future. Thanks.Teebling wrote: 1 year agoJust responding to this bit: We don't have any rules about linking to other sites - so no worries. If it's Diablo 2 related and relevant to your post context then it's good.phantomotap wrote: 1 year ago I'm using an online calculator (I'm not sure of the rules posting towards the relevant site.)
Yeah. I was level 42, as I recall, on Nightmare and they kicked my butt several times before I got to where I could kite all three of them.Ravoc wrote: 1 year agoAs nate mentioned, and have experienced myself, a Hydra Orb Sorc might have difficulties with Hell Ancients. The easiest way dealing with that would be a decently kitted merc and playing the fight more supportively. A desert merc with Might, Obedience in an elite base and Fortitude should do fine.Nate wrote: 1 year ago Sorry also forgot the hell ancients will be the hardest thing ever… it took me like 3 hours to geta them to spawn with acceptable immunities. Just be prepared for a hard fight when you get to them
Believe it or not, I'm already shopping around for an Obedience. I just can't find anyone willing yet to part with a crafted one in my price range, and I've had bad luck finding good parts by myself.
I believe i have a spare unused Obedience somewhere on my mule. I’ll try to look for it today… if you still cant get one by the , pm me, and we can sync up and i’ll give it to ya for freephantomotap wrote: 1 year ago I've not been ignoring you folks. I just got a little busy.
I see. I figured I'd stick with caution, but I'll keep that in mind for the future. Thanks.Teebling wrote: 1 year agoJust responding to this bit: We don't have any rules about linking to other sites - so no worries. If it's Diablo 2 related and relevant to your post context then it's good.phantomotap wrote: 1 year ago I'm using an online calculator (I'm not sure of the rules posting towards the relevant site.)
Yeah. I was level 42, as I recall, on Nightmare and they kicked my butt several times before I got to where I could kite all three of them.Ravoc wrote: 1 year agoAs nate mentioned, and have experienced myself, a Hydra Orb Sorc might have difficulties with Hell Ancients. The easiest way dealing with that would be a decently kitted merc and playing the fight more supportively. A desert merc with Might, Obedience in an elite base and Fortitude should do fine.Nate wrote: 1 year ago Sorry also forgot the hell ancients will be the hardest thing ever… it took me like 3 hours to geta them to spawn with acceptable immunities. Just be prepared for a hard fight when you get to them
Believe it or not, I'm already shopping around for an Obedience. I just can't find anyone willing yet to part with a crafted one in my price range, and I've had bad luck finding good parts by myself.
Can trade on PC or SWITCH
Bumping this... for great justice!
Actually, I have a follow up question relating to my Hydra/ Frozen Orb Sorceress.
TL;DR: I need swap recommendations, or at least let me know if Heart of the Oak and Spirit Monarch is a good way to go even though I'd need to dump 35 points more into Strength.
I have most of her equipable gear ready to go, but I don't know what to put on swap. I use The Occulus and a nice Rhyme on mains--partly just for the magic find. The swap though... I don't really have a clue. I only know some bits that I've read.
I have a Heart of the Oak that I can put on swap. I've heard that is a really solid way to go, and I've seen countless Sorceress players with what I assume to be one on mains, and the Flail looks pretty boss which is nice.
I've read that Spirit is a great companion to Heart of the Oak and a Monarch is the lowest four barrel, but I hate the way the Monarch looks, and the unique shields which also look nice just aren't as capable. Worse, I'd have to make a pretty significant investment just to wield the thing.
To add a little insult to injury, I put my Chains of Honor in a great Dusk Shroud instead of the decent Archon Plate--still had higher defense--I had because I didn't want to need that much extra Strength. I could say the same thing with Grim Shield versus Troll Nest for the Rhyme--which is admittedly just a name thing for me.
I don't have a lot of Wealth, and I can't afford to rebuild the Chains of Honor or Rhyme just now, but I can afford a Spirit Monarch to complete the equipable part of the build.
Thanks for your time, and have a good new year.
Actually, I have a follow up question relating to my Hydra/ Frozen Orb Sorceress.
TL;DR: I need swap recommendations, or at least let me know if Heart of the Oak and Spirit Monarch is a good way to go even though I'd need to dump 35 points more into Strength.
I have most of her equipable gear ready to go, but I don't know what to put on swap. I use The Occulus and a nice Rhyme on mains--partly just for the magic find. The swap though... I don't really have a clue. I only know some bits that I've read.
I have a Heart of the Oak that I can put on swap. I've heard that is a really solid way to go, and I've seen countless Sorceress players with what I assume to be one on mains, and the Flail looks pretty boss which is nice.
I've read that Spirit is a great companion to Heart of the Oak and a Monarch is the lowest four barrel, but I hate the way the Monarch looks, and the unique shields which also look nice just aren't as capable. Worse, I'd have to make a pretty significant investment just to wield the thing.
To add a little insult to injury, I put my Chains of Honor in a great Dusk Shroud instead of the decent Archon Plate--still had higher defense--I had because I didn't want to need that much extra Strength. I could say the same thing with Grim Shield versus Troll Nest for the Rhyme--which is admittedly just a name thing for me.
I don't have a lot of Wealth, and I can't afford to rebuild the Chains of Honor or Rhyme just now, but I can afford a Spirit Monarch to complete the equipable part of the build.
Thanks for your time, and have a good new year.
Yea buddy, sorry, Monarch Spirit is your best bet, all other available 4os shields have even higher strength requirements. Ageis is like 200+ and a Ward is like 185
Your only other option is a Lidless Wall, but it’s almost pathetic in comparison.
There are other ways to bump up strength, but your giving up belts, Boots, gloves, etc
My Hydra orb sorc has a little over 156 just in case I swap out a charm, or change my Belt/ Boots/gloves for more focused mfing or pure damage.
Your only other option is a Lidless Wall, but it’s almost pathetic in comparison.
There are other ways to bump up strength, but your giving up belts, Boots, gloves, etc
My Hydra orb sorc has a little over 156 just in case I swap out a charm, or change my Belt/ Boots/gloves for more focused mfing or pure damage.
Don't forget about Splendor either. It's in the same ballpark as Lidless Wall, but does come with Magic Find.
>_<
I wish I could offer you a dislike for that.
I actually even kind of like the look of the Aegis as well, but that 219 point requirement is just ridiculous.
Yeah. I hear you. I'll probably go 140 as I'm always going to at least try to keep an Annihilus and Hellfire Torch in my inventory.
I guess I'm going Spirit Monarch, but I definitely think Splendor is better than Lidless Wall so thanks for the information.Ravoc wrote: 1 year ago Don't forget about Splendor either. It's in the same ballpark as Lidless Wall, but does come with Magic Find.
For swap, the best option is probably Call To Arms as weapon to add skills / life / mana (in a normal Flail or cristal sword). If you have the strength, Spirit is the best, if you don't, Splendor or lidless.
For your main though, most sorcs will indeed typically use Spirit on left hand with Hoto, Tal's Eye, Eschuta, Oculus or Death's Fathom on right hand. Or Obsession if on ladder (but takes both hand) or self wield Infinity (if lightning sorc). In addition to +2 skills, Spirit provides life, mana, lots of FHR and FCR: all you need.
To reach 156 strength, i'd advise you to get 36+ from Annis and Torch and charms. Perhaps more str from Amulet and rings but if you use Tal Ammy and SoJs you just have to invest many points in Str - still worth it. Boots is probably the most open option, even though the good old Aldur's (fire res to make it for Spirit's hole, max frw, life) is cheap and hard to beat.
Also try to get a Sunder for your main élément. Good luck !
For your main though, most sorcs will indeed typically use Spirit on left hand with Hoto, Tal's Eye, Eschuta, Oculus or Death's Fathom on right hand. Or Obsession if on ladder (but takes both hand) or self wield Infinity (if lightning sorc). In addition to +2 skills, Spirit provides life, mana, lots of FHR and FCR: all you need.
To reach 156 strength, i'd advise you to get 36+ from Annis and Torch and charms. Perhaps more str from Amulet and rings but if you use Tal Ammy and SoJs you just have to invest many points in Str - still worth it. Boots is probably the most open option, even though the good old Aldur's (fire res to make it for Spirit's hole, max frw, life) is cheap and hard to beat.
Also try to get a Sunder for your main élément. Good luck !
Main: Necromancer / Second: Assassin / Third: Amazon / Check my stash, my crafts and my many cheap Annihilus
@phantomotap
Btw, I don't know what helmet you are using, but if you want a Flickering Flame (ladder-only), I could provide one for free after ladder ends
It's still a few months away though...
Btw, I don't know what helmet you are using, but if you want a Flickering Flame (ladder-only), I could provide one for free after ladder ends
It's still a few months away though...
I'm in CET (Central European Time), so that's UTC+1 normally and UTC+2 during DST.
My profile says Ladder, but I play both Ladder and Non-Ladder.
My profile says Ladder, but I play both Ladder and Non-Ladder.
Or, if you wanna ditch the orb part by then, I can hook you up with nearly a complete, decked glass cannon Hydra sorc for free after season's end. 
(promised a couple of the pieces to others already, hence "nearly complete")
To the more current discussion:
Why would you have a HotO on switch?! Don't get me wrong, HotO is a baller weapon for many a build but switching between Oculus and HotO just seems weird, seeing how both are not specific to either orb or Hydra and your focus between them is merely "slightly more stats" vs. "mf", which shouldn't really be subject to switching. Either one would be the sole active weapon of choice, typically combined with a Spirit Monarch in either case (yup..the str really is needed, sry ^^) and your switch would be saved for a Call To Arms with also a Spirit Monarch to go with it. Potentially a Call To Arms staff on switch instead, if you wanna cheap out on a couple skill points and still get ES and the like, at the cost of lower BO.
(promised a couple of the pieces to others already, hence "nearly complete")
To the more current discussion:
Why would you have a HotO on switch?! Don't get me wrong, HotO is a baller weapon for many a build but switching between Oculus and HotO just seems weird, seeing how both are not specific to either orb or Hydra and your focus between them is merely "slightly more stats" vs. "mf", which shouldn't really be subject to switching. Either one would be the sole active weapon of choice, typically combined with a Spirit Monarch in either case (yup..the str really is needed, sry ^^) and your switch would be saved for a Call To Arms with also a Spirit Monarch to go with it. Potentially a Call To Arms staff on switch instead, if you wanna cheap out on a couple skill points and still get ES and the like, at the cost of lower BO.
TL;DR: Thanks for the opinions and recommendations; I'll be going the Call To Arms Flail and Spirit Monarch for swap.
A question about sunder charms: what is the most effective solution for lowered resistance? As of this time, I would have a whopping ten points of fire resistance which just isn't enough for me. I'm guessing small charms--and fire focused at that--since only grand charms can be skill enhancing!?
Gross... curse you people and your facts!
I have a bad--2/1/2 I think--Call To Arms I can use, and it is a sword, but the consensus seems to be to use that over Heart of the Oak for swap. I'll start looking for a new one after getting Spirit Monarch. Thanks.Necrarch wrote: 1 year ago For swap, the best option is probably Call To Arms as weapon to add skills / life / mana (in a normal Flail or cristal sword).
I have a decent Hellfire Torch (17/14) and a great Annihilus (20/19/7) so I've got the 36 covered, but I have to ask why you have specifically made the 36+ recommendation? Is it just so you can stick with a simple 120 on stats? If so, I'll probably be sticking with my Chains of Honor which gives 20 Strength also helping a lot.Necrarch wrote: 1 year ago To reach 156 strength, i'd advise you to get 36+ from Annis and Torch and charms.
Thanks for the suggestion, and I already have a really good one--71--for fire thanks to a bunch of back and forth trading, but it'll be a while before I can get to it of course.
A question about sunder charms: what is the most effective solution for lowered resistance? As of this time, I would have a whopping ten points of fire resistance which just isn't enough for me. I'm guessing small charms--and fire focused at that--since only grand charms can be skill enhancing!?
That would be cool, but now I feel stupid for not considering other ladder stuff. I took sunders into account when planning, yet I didn't look at any other ladder only stuff. I guess I may have to go back to the drawing board on a few things.ShadowHeart wrote: 1 year ago Btw, I don't know what helmet you are using, but if you want a Flickering Flame (ladder-only), I could provide one for free after ladder ends
I really appreciate the offer, but I know from my early experience in Hell that I can't quite kite effectively enough with a controller to be that squishy. I died way more than I should have been to Andariel just running around casting Hydra.
Well, this is exactly why I'm here asking; I didn't really have a clue what to put on swap.Schnorki wrote: 1 year ago Why would you have a HotO on switch?! Don't get me wrong, HotO is a baller weapon for many a build but switching between Oculus and HotO just seems weird, seeing how both are not specific to either orb or Hydra and your focus between them is merely "slightly more stats" vs. "mf", which shouldn't really be subject to switching.
>_<
Gross... curse you people and your facts!
Looking at the staff options, I'd rather have the Flail and just do some finding/trading so I can afford both the Flail and the Monarch down the road.Schnorki wrote: 1 year ago Potentially a Call To Arms staff on switch instead, if you wanna cheap out on a couple skill points and still get ES and the like, at the cost of lower BO.
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