Build example | Demon Hunter Diablo III Guide
Last update: 01 February 2017
I've associated the Demon Hunter with speed from the very first minutes I've spent playing as this character class. I wasn't a big fan of the Amazon in Diablo II, however in this case I've almost immediately decided to rely on the hunter's bow & crossbow talents. The combination of those two elements - agility and attacking from afar - convinced me to focus mostly on the skills which increase the amount of damage inflicted by ranged attacks. I've also wanted to stay out of the range of enemy units for as long as possible and therefore I was extensively using skills and runes helpful in slowing them down.
Below, I have presented the build that I have been using almost throughout the entire game, along with various variations. Torment requires a bit different approach and frequent altering of tactics, and skills, but before you reach there, you will become no stranger to the most arcane aspects of fighting as the Demon Hunter and you will be able to arrive at your own build. I encourage you to share your combinations of skills, in the comment section below!Next to the individual skill, I provided the name of the applied rune and, in the parentheses, I supplied the level at which you can unlock it. Remember that, to be able to use the below combination of skills, you need to have activated the "selection mode" in the "Game" tab, in the game options.
Active skills
 | Entangling Shot + Heavy Burden (34) I've been using the Hungering Arrow since the moment I've started playing the game, however I've made the change as soon as the Entangling Shot skill became available. This skill works great with the previously described tactic of slowing down enemy units and inflicting major damage from a distance. You can also use the time you've been given to retreat to a safe place. I would like to add that in closed spaces, likes dungeons, crypts or caves, you may consider choosing the Grenades skill instead, because it's very effective, creating deadly fields of explosions in front of the main character. |
 | Rapid Fire + Web Shot (19) I have to admit that this skill is my weak spot. Seeing the Demon Hunter use his bow almost as a machine gun is a joy for the eyes. The skill itself is also very effective and versatile, because it allows to control both the single enemies as well as groups of opponents. The Web Shot rune is a great addition, because the arrows can slow down enemy units even by 80 percent. I strongly recommend using this active skill in combination with the Vengeance passive skill, because it increases the number of available Hatred points. Otherwise you may run out of energy very quickly. |
 | Caltrops + Hooked Spines (12) This tactical ability allows the main character to safely retreat from the battlefield or, by placing three caltrops in a line, to gain additional seconds needed to kill an enemy. The Hooked Spines rune is the best choice if you want to use this skill to slow down enemy units and Jagged Spikes rune (28) is the best choice if you want to use it to inflict more damage. At the beginning of the game, I had a preference for the former rune mentioned here. |
 | Vault + Tumble (33) This is another "tactical" skill that allows to instantly gain a ranged advantage over an opponent or to secure the Demon Hunter's quick escape. It's also a fundamental skill when it comes to fighting bosses and all other stronger opponents, because it helps in evading their best attacks that take a lot of time to charge. The same thing applies to situations when a large group of enemies appears on the horizon rather unexpectedly. Once I've advanced in the game I've finally decided to switch this skill with Evasive Fire + Displace (42) combination. I was still able to make a similar jump for a lower Discipline cost and the recommended combination inflicted serious damage to enemy units (it's not however as useful as moving on the battlefield very fast). |
 | Elemental Arrow + Frost Arrow (29) This skill works great with the tactic of slowing down enemy units whenever possible and it offers a similar effect to Hungering Arrow + Shatter Shot (26) combination. I usually start each fight by using this skill and then add the Rapid Fire skill to finish off enemy units. I also like to load the Hatred bar by activating the Entangling Shot. Once you've advanced to level 59 you may also consider using the Nether Tentacles rune, because it's one of the few ways to guarantee yourself health regeneration. |
 | Multishot + Fire at Will (26) A perfect skill in acts III and IV, where you often need to deal with swarms of the pesky small opponents. The rune decreases its cost considerably, which at the same time makes it available to be used with the other skills that use hatred. |
Passive skills
 | Vengeance (10) Vengeance is a key passive skill for me, especially since I use three active skills based on Hatred. Thanks to the regeneration of Demon Hunter's two energy sources (by collecting health orbs) this passive skill is absolutely crucial while playing on higher difficulty levels. It also encourages the hunter to move a lot around on the battlefield. |
 | Cull the Weak (20) This is an indispensable skill considering my tactic of combining quick attacks with being able to effectively slow down enemy forces. You may also consider using Steady Aim (16) from time to time. |
 | Archery (30) If you've decided on fighting with bows and crossbows, then you absolutely must choose this passive skill. It mixes very well with the previous passive skill described above, increasing the effectiveness of ranged attacks. Once you've advanced to higher difficulty levels you may want to start using Sharpshooter skill (50) instead, especially if you have a high DPS value. |