Diablo 2 Resurrected: Barbarian - best builds Diablo 2 Resurrected guide, tips

On this page of the guide to Diablo 2 Resurrected we've described the popular builds for the Barbarian class. The class is primarily a tank focused on soaking damage, but it also needs to be able to handle enemies on its own. Regardless of your playstyle, below we've listed some builds you should find appealing.

• Whirlwind Barbarian
• Frenzy Barbarian
• Concentrator
• Dragoon

Whirlwind Barbarian

Example Whirlwind Barb build for Level 50

The Whirlwind Barbarian is one of the easiest builds - both in terms of mechanics and gameplay - you can easily complete the game with it. It works relatively well against moderate groups of enemies and bosses. Unfortunately, it needs a lot of mana, which isn't ideal for the Barbarian. One of its advantages is that you don't need to focus on your weapon choice or any synergies, so you can customize the character to fit your playstyle more in the later stages of the game.

1. Skills: Whirlwind - the core skill, the entire build is created around it. Of course you should also upgrade your Mastery for the weapon type you want to be using - the best choice will be polearms / spears due to their range. Additionally you'll need Shout and Battle Orders for increasing your stats. You can also get Battle Command (activate it before you use any other shouts), Iron skin and Natural Resistance. Leap / Leap Attack could be used to escape when you're surrounded.
2. Attributes: Strength and Dexterity - depending on your equipment. If you're not using a shield, you can reduce your Dexterity further. Other than that, you should focus on Vitality. Usually the Barbarian doesn't need points in Energy, but this build could be an exception (you can also get some strong gear with mana recovery / drain effects).
3. Mercenaries: Desert Mercenary with Aura: Might (Rune word: Last wish)- increases attack power or Holy Freeze (Rune words Doom/Ice) - slows and slightly wounds nearby enemies.

Frenzy Barbarian

Example Frenzy Barb build for Level 50

As the name suggests, this build once again focuses on a single skill - Frenzy. This build works only on characters who dual-wield two weapons. This build is balanced between attack and defense, compared to the Whirlwind Barbarian - Frenzy has a lower attack speed but more power, mainly due to the lack of Might penalties.

1. Skills: Frenzy - this ability is easier to get than Whirlwind, which means you'll have more points at your disposal. You should also upgrade the Mastery for swords, axes or maces. Taunt - makes combat easier by drawing and weakening enemy attacks, but also synergizes with Frenzy, making it stronger. Battle Command (activate before you use any other shouts), Battle Orders, Iron skin and Natural Resistance as additions - you shouldn't need any more than a single point in each.
2. Attributes: Strength and Dexterity - depending on the equipment, not too much Dexterity - only to meet weapon requirements. Energy - none. Vitality - all remaining points.
3. Mercenaries: You have plenty of freedom here: when using Shouts for crowd control you may be often forced to scare enemies away - it could be a good idea to enlist the Rogue.

Concentrator

Example Conc Barb build on Level 50

Concentrator, also known as Conc Barb, is a defensive build - compared to the two builds described above. It's great for people who would rather not die on the battlefield and works amazingly in multiplayer as a tank. Keep in mind, however, that it makes single player playthrough a bit more difficult due to lower damage - it has nearly no offensive skills other than Bash. Its ideal gear is a one-handed weapon and a shield, bonuses to attack once the character is hit are also useful.

1. Skills: Concentrate and Battle Orders are crucial in this build - they synergize and affect the Barbarian's Life / Defense. At the same time upgrade your preferred weapon's Mastery. Bash also synergizes with Concentrate and acts as your primary attack skill. Additionally put a single point each in Iron skin, Natural Resistance and Battle Command. You can optionally invest into Shout, especially if you're playing multiplayer, to increase your allies' defense.
2. Attributes: Strength - for equipment. Dexterity - shield recommended, put enough points here to make your blocking chance around 75% (it also depends on the shield). Energy - none. Vitality - all remaining points.

Dragoon

Example Dragoon build for level 50.

One of the more interesting builds, which doesn't look that special at first glance, is the Dragoon (also known as the Leaper, Leap Attack Barb). It's playstyle resolves around leaping attacks which deal AoE damage. This makes the barbarian extremely mobile, both on offense and while retreating. It's pretty easy to start the game while thinking of this build. You can choose any weapon you want but we recommend two-handed weapons (polearms / spears) - they have more range and attack power.

1. Skills: Leap Attack is your primary skill, supported by Leap it synergizes with (the stun on Leap can also be useful sometimes). Their synergy is 10%, so add points to the skills carefully. It could also be a good idea to get the Berserk skill (more damage but no defense) due to the build's mobility and offensive nature. Some basic resistances are also worth investing into (1 point each into Iron skin / Natural Resistance, and several points into Battle Command).
2. Attributes: Strength and Dexterity, as usual - to meet gear requirements.
3. Mercenaries: Your character will be moving around a lot, therefore you need self-sufficient mercenaries who can handle themselves well. You may want to consider recruiting a Barbarian or Iron Wolves, who can hold their own without your help for a while - on highest difficulties the most common choice are the Desert Mercnaries with good auras obtained from runic words.