Diablo 2 Resurrected: Barbarian - skills Diablo 2 Resurrected guide, tips
On this page of the Diablo 2 Resurrected guide, you'll get information about the abilities of the Barbarian class and the builds you can successfully compose with them.
Last update: 01 October 2021
On this page of the guide to Diablo 2 Resurrected, you will find information about the skills available for the Barbarian character class.
Barbarian can use almost any weapon available in the game, but it is best to choose a particular type. The skill categories are divided into passive, which improve weapon handling, war cries that affect the enemy's actions, and classic combat skills - these strengthen the attacks in an active way. He is the slowest character in terms of movement, but also the most durable (life/defense). Key skills:
- Battle Orders,
- Find Item,
- Battle Cry,
- Natural Resistance,
- Frenzy,
- Whirlwind.
It is worth familiarizing yourself with the above skills before analyzing builds and making a character.
Combat skills
Level 2 - Bash
It's a very simple skill - it knocks the enemy back upon attack, which is slightly more powerful compared to an attack without the skill. Useful when fighting with long-range weapons, does not work against opponents who fight at a distance. Mana cost: 2.
Level 1 | Level 20 | Difference per level | |
Additional damage | 1 | 20 | 1 |
Basic damage bonus | 50% | 145% | 5% |
Accuracy bonus | 20% | 115% | 5% |
A starter skill, very affordable to use. It will work better when you use slow weapons while the enemy uses a quick attack.
Level 6 - Leap
Jump to the target or jump over obstacles / enemies. Knocks back the monsters a bit, does not cause additional damage upon jumping to them. Finally, the skill only serves to jump to / away from enemies and makes moving around different locations easier.
Level 1 | Level 20 | Difference per level | |
Jump distance (yards) | 4.6 | 16.6 | 2.6 and decreasing |
Level 6 - Double Swing
Double Swing works well when wielding two weapons in combat - the attack is then faster and more accurate than basic attack. Allows you to eliminate weak enemies more quickly. Low cost: 2 Mana, can be used as a basic attack.
Level 1 | Level 20 | Difference per level | |
Mana consumption | 2 | 0 | -0.25; 0 at Level 9 |
Accuracy bonus | 15% | 110% | 5% |
It's worth using Shift and attacking from one spot when you are surrounded by enemies, because the attack tracks the enemies on its own, and when one is hit, another will receive damage from the second hit.
Level 12 - Stun
The attack temporarily stuns the enemy. Not very useful, unless you will switch between skills. Mana cost: 2.
Level 1 | Level 20 | Difference per level | |
Stun time (seconds) | 1.2 | 4.5 | 0.2 |
Accuracy bonus | 15% | 110% | 5% |
Level 12 - Double Throw
This skill allows you to wield two axes or throwing knives. It helps you upgrade them, which increases the accuracy. In the long run, though, this attack becomes too weak. Mana cost: 2.
Level 1 | Level 20 | Difference per level | |
Accuracy bonus | 20% | 210% | 10% |
Level 18 - Concentrate
The Concentrate skill is a very good choice: you get 3 bonuses during attack: for strength, accuracy and defense. Mana cost: 2.
Level 1 | Level 20 | Difference per level | |
Bonus to defense | 100% | 290% | 10% |
Bonus to damage | 70% | 165% | 5% |
Accuracy bonus | 60% | 250% | 10% |
In standard, single-weapon builds, Concentrate is often used for defensive builds, while Berserk for offensive ones.
Level 18 - Leap attack
Leap attack is a very good skill. Allows you to chase fast / teleporting opponents, avoid long-range attacks or jump into action to perform an area attack. If you prefer to fight against single opponents, you will also find a use for this skill. The leap distance is much greater than in case of the normal Leap. Mana cost: 9.
Level 1 | Level 20 | Difference per level | |
Bonus to damage | 100% | 670% | 30% |
Accuracy bonus | 50% | 335% | 15% |
The power of the attack is calculated based on what weapon you have in your left hand - two-handed weapons will be more powerful than two separate weapons.
Level 24 - Frenzy
For the Barbarian build which uses dual wielding, this is the target skill, right next to Whirlwind. The key to the weapon's effectiveness is Dexterity (attack accuracy), because each successful hit increases the character speed (Increased attack speed accumulates). Mana cost: 3. Duration: 6 seconds.
Level 1 | Level 20 | Difference per level | |
Increased attack speed | 7% | 7-42% | 6% to max |
Bonus to speed | 47% | 47%-171% | 21% up to max and decreasing |
Bonus to damage | 90% | 185% | 5% |
Accuracy bonus | 100% | 233% | 7% |
Level 30 - Berserk
Swap 100% physical damage for magic damage - especially useful at high difficulty levels. The high attack power makes it a very powerful skill. There are some drawbacks: the user can't use the bonuses of stealing health / mana and is fully exposed to attacks. All armor classes and resistances are removed from the user. However, they can still block hits if wielding a shield. Mana cost: 4 points.
Level 1 | Level 20 | Difference per level | |
Duration | 2.7 | 1.3 | -0.3 and decreasing |
Bonus to damage | 100% | 385% | 15% |
Bonus to magic damage | 150% | 435% | 15% |
Level 30 - Whirlwind
The strongest Barbarian skill and liked by players. The Barbarian spins while moving, dealing damage to the enemies around. When activated, the skill blocks other interactions (including the use of potions). You can attack by choosing either enemies or a specified location as a target. The character can take damage, but can not be stopped. There is a difference in weapon speed and range, for long weapons (pole weapons, spears) - however, the speed is not affected by external objects that increase the speed of attack.
Level 1 | Level 20 | Difference per level | |
Mana consumption | 12.5 | 22 | 0.5 |
Bonus to damage | -50% | 102% | 8% |
Accuracy bonus | 0% | 95% | 5% |
Due to the high mana cost, especially compared to other Barbarian skills, not everyone can afford it if they haven't thought the build through. It is worth using weapons and accessories that allow you to steal mana.
War Cries
Level 2 - Howl
Howl is used to scare off nearby smaller monsters. Not a useful skill, unless you invest one point and use it in emergency situations: when you are surrounded by enemies, fall into a trap, or want to scare them off when they gain the upper hand. Mana cost: 4.
Level 1 | Level 20 | Difference per level | |
Duration time | 3 | 22 | 1 |
Range (yards) | 16 | 79.3 | 3.3 |
Level 2 - Find Potion
A simple skill: search the enemy's body for a chance to find a random potion - health (60%), mana (30%), strength(10%). The size of the mixture depends on the Act and the difficulty level. This can save you some gold, but it's not that important anyway - it's often more useful to find a potion than to go back to the camp. Mana cost: 2.
Level 1 | Level 20 | Difference per level | |
Chance of finding | 15% | 84% | 12% and decreasing |
Regardless, it's not really an interesting skill, and it won't fix your budget.
Level 6 - Taunt
Forces enemies to attack (in melee combat). Useful in fight against enemies that are running away and who fight from a distance; also makes area attacks more effective. In addition, it reduces enemy attacks and accuracy. Mana cost: 3.
Level 1 | Level 20 | Difference per level | |
Damage reduction | 5% | 43% | 2% |
Accuracy reduction | 5% | 43% | 2% |
Level 6 - Shout
Shout strengthens defense for a given amount of time. Importantly, if allies or mercenaries are in range, they also receive a bonus. Mana cost: 6.
Level 1 | Level 20 | Difference per level | |
Duration (seconds) | 20 | 210 | 10 |
Bonus to defense | 100% | 290% | 10% |
Level 12 - Find Item
This skill allows you to search the monsters' dead bodies to find an item. The type of item depends on the type of monster (similar to the second drop from the monsters - the better/more unique the opponent, the higher the chance of finding valuable items). This skill is quite useful for searching for unique equipment. One body can only be searched once; afterwards, it has no other use. If the body is "damaged" once the enemy is defeated (e.g. the enemy was frozen upon death), you won't be able to search the body. Mana cost: 7.
Level 1 | Level 20 | Difference per level | |
Chance of finding | 13% | 51% | 6% and decreasing |
Level 18 - Battle Cry
The Battle Cry skill is a powerful enemy debuff; it affects the power of both their attack and defense. No one is immune to it, and it affects everyone in the range (which is not very wide, unfortunately). The skill, however, also has its downsides: it nullifies the effect of other debuffs (e.g. Curses), and doesn't improve very much with subsequent upgrades. Mana cost: 5.
Level 1 | Level 20 | Difference per level | |
Duration (seconds) | 12 | 57.6 | 2.4 |
Damage reduction | -25% | -44% | -1% |
Defense reduction | -50% | -88% | -2% |
Level 24 - Battle Orders
Increases the maximum health, mana and stamina - but does not restore it to the maximum level. It works on allies, so it also comes in handy in multiplayer. Mana cost: 7.
Level 1 | Level 20 | Difference per level | |
Bonus to health | 35% | 92% | 3% |
Bonus to mana | 35% | 92% | 3% |
Bonus to stamina | 35% | 92% | 3% |
Duration (seconds) | 30 | 220 | 10 |
Level 24 - Grim Ward
Create a totem from the remains of a defeated monster that will scare off other opponents. Similar restrictions to Howl, upgrading increases range.Ward duration: 40 seconds (the real working time is shorter). Mana cost: 4.
Level 1 | Level 20 | Difference per level | |
Range (yards) | 2 | 14.6 | 0.6 |
Level 30 - War Cry
Stuns and hurts enemies (works within a small radius around the Barbarian). A weak and expensive war cry, works like an area action. Weak at higher levels, stun is not effective on stronger opponents and bosses.
Level 1 | Level 20 | Difference per level | |
Stun time (seconds) | 1 | 4.8 | 0.2 |
Bonus to damage | 20-30 | 150-160 | ~ 6 to min and max |
Mana cost | 10 | 29 | 1 |
Level 30 - Battle Command
Another skill next to Battle Orders which raises the character's parameters, as well as the allies' nearby. This time, all skills are increased by 1 point. At higher levels, the skill almost simulates the character being on a higher level - very useful, if you remember to activate it. Mana cost: 11.
Level 1 | Level 20 | Difference per level | |
Duration (seconds) | 5 | 195 | 10 |
Combat masteries
Note - when using throwing axes, you should invest both in Axe Mastery and Throwing Mastery.
Level 2 - Sword Mastery
Improve your sword skills (one and two-handed). It's a good idea to use two-handed swords (in one hand - the Barbarian's talent) and a shield.
Level 1 | Level 20 | Difference per level | |
Accuracy bonus | 28% | 172% | 8% |
Bonus to damage | 28% | 118% | 5% |
Chance of critical damage | 5% | 29% | 4% and decreasing |
Level 2 - Axe Mastery
Improves the ability to wield one- and two-handed axes (or two axes). In the case of throwing axes, it does not affect the throw.
Level 1 | Level 20 | Difference per level | |
Accuracy bonus | 28% | 172% | 8% |
Bonus to damage | 28% | 118% | 5% |
Chance of critical damage | 5% | 29% | 4% and decreasing |
Level 2 - Mace Mastery
The mace wielding skill improves the parameters of attacking with all blunt weapons: clubs, maces, hammers or even wands, staffs and scepters. These weapons don't require much dexterity.
Level 1 | Level 20 | Difference per level | |
Accuracy bonus | 28% | 172% | 8% |
Bonus to damage | 28% | 118% | 5% |
Chance of critical damage | 5% | 29% | 4% and decreasing |
Level 6 - Polearm Mastery
Polearm accuracy is higher by 2% compared to other talents. This class supports few eapons - neither staffs, nor spears are included. It covers e.g. bardiches, scythes, big axes or halberds. Long weapons have a wider range.
Level 1 | Level 20 | Difference per level | |
Accuracy bonus | 30% | 174% | 8% |
Bonus to damage | 28% | 118% | 5% |
Chance of critical damage | 5% | 29% | 4% and decreasing |
Level 6 - Spear Mastery
This skill strengthens the spear class. Javelins will also be strengthened, but only in melee attack, not in throwing. Long weapons have a wider range.
Level 1 | Level 20 | Difference per level | |
Accuracy bonus | 30% | 174% | 8% |
Bonus to damage | 28% | 118% | 5% |
Chance of critical damage | 5% | 29% | 4% and decreasing |
Level 6 - Throwing Mastery
Throwing mastery improves the parameters of throwing weapons: throwing knives and axes, javelins and potions. It's rarely chosen. Does not support the listed weapons when you use a melee attack.
Level 1 | Level 20 | Difference per level | |
Accuracy bonus | 30% | 174% | 8% |
Bonus to damage | 28% | 118% | 5% |
Chance of critical damage | 5% | 29% | 4% and decreasing |
Level 12 - Increased Stamina
Stamina is used only for moving / running. It wears out faster with the bigger load caused by heavy armor - however, it also increases along with the character's level. This parameter does not affect combat, though, so it's usually skipped.
Level 1 | Level 20 | Difference per level | |
Bonus to stamina | 30% | 220% | 10% |
Level 18 - Iron Skin
This skill improves armor value. Worth investing in if you don't use blessings or skills (like Berserk or Shout), which nullify this bonus.
Level 1 | Level 20 | Difference per level | |
Bonus to stamina | 30% | 315% | 15% |
Level 24 - Increased Speed
Be careful, because this skill only affects the character's movement speed, not their attacks. Not very useful.
Level 1 | Level 20 | Difference per level | |
Bonus to speed | 13% | 43% | 5% and decreasing |
Level 30 - Natural Resistance
Natural Resistance increases the Barbarian's immunity (to the elements, not to physical / magical attacks). Important at higher difficulty levels. Until you have items that increase immunity, improving the basic parameters does not give much.
Level 1 | Level 20 | Difference per level | |
Bonus to resistance | 12% | 67% | 9% and decreasing |