April 9, 2021
-Build created

December 31, 2021
-Build updated for Season 4

1. Strength - Strength should not be your focus; all you want from this stat is enough of it to equip all your desired gear. 
2. Dexterity - If you have a good shield, you should aim for Max Block, if not - just add enough points to be able to equip everything you want. 
3. Vitality - You should put all your remaining points here. 
4. Energy - Adding points to Energy is an extreme waste - don't do it. 

SUMMONING SKILLS

As you might expect, the majority of your skill points should be allocated to this tree. You should prioritize maxing Ravens first and get level 1 Grizzly as soon as it becomes available. The next thing you should do is max out Grizzly, followed by Spirit Wolf and Dire Wolf. 

Skills:

1. Raven [20/20] - Ravens will blind enemies they attack which makes them very handy to have. This will be your main active ability; you will use it to support your summons. Core. 
2. Oak Sage [1/20] - Handy to have is your minions (and/or you) feel too squishy. Prerequisite. 
3. Spirit Wolf [20/20] - A pack of wolves and a lot of things for enemies to target instead of you... Core. 
4. Heart of Wolverine [20/20] - Increases clear speeds by quite a bit. This was buffed in Season 4 quite substantially and is now a must-have on the build. 
5. Dire Wolf [20/20]  - Better Wolves, yay. Core. 
6. Grizzly [20/20] - Powerful minion with AoE attack. From level 20, this will summon two Bears instead of one. Core. 

ELEMENTAL SKILLS

You can invest some points here to get Gust which is a Druid's Teleport. This part is completely optional. 

Skills:

1. Arctic Blast [1/20] - Prerequisite. 
2. Cyclone Armor [1/20] - Prerequisite. Also, improves survivability by a bit. 
3. Gust [X/20]  - Teleports you to a location, chilling enemies around you in the process. Optional - pick this one for mobility/utility if you don't plan on using Enigma. 

We don't recommend you put any points here, but Warbear can actually work... it's just not nearly as efficient as Heart of Wolverine or as handy to have as Gust. 

Skills:

1. Werebear [X/20] - This allows you to turn into a savage bear, increasing your Damage and Defense. This skill also synergizes with your Grizzly (+6% Damage Per Level). Keep in mind that you can't use Enigma's Teleport while in Werebear form. Optional. 

As per usual with PD2 Builds, you want to get as many Skill levels (Druid/Summoning in this case) as possible to increase the build's overall power level. Resistances are also important, but they should never come before the offensive power. A faster cast rate is always welcome, but going for the highest breakpoint is not worth it (aim for 46/68% if you want to min-max - otherwise, just don't bother about Breakpoints; they don't matter that much). 

HELMETS

[BIS] Aldur's Stony Gaze (Hunter's Guise) - This can have up to +4 to Druid Summoning Skills Levels; if it does, it's the best option. 

• Defense: 157-171
• Required Level: 36
• Required Strength: 56
• 20
• Druid Only
  • +90 Enhanced Defense
  • 25% Faster Hit Recovery
  • 17% Mana Regeneration 
  • +40-50% Cold Resistance 
  • +5 to Light Radius 
  • +1-2 to Druid Skill Levels 
  • +1-2 to Druid Summoning Skills 

[Alternative] Spirit Keeper (Earth Spirit) - This is an interesting alternative to Aldur's Stony Gaze. It's quite random in nature because of the "Random Druid Skill" roll, but it can potentially be extremely powerful for the build. 

• Defense: 107-152
• Required Level: 67
• Required Strength: 104
• Durability: 20 
  • +[1-2] to Druid Skill Levels (varies) 
  • +20% Faster Hit Recovery 
  • +[170-190]% Enhanced Defense (varies) 
  • 20% Bonus to Attack Rating 
  • +10% to Maximum Poison Resist 
  • Fire Resist +[30-40]% (varies) 
  • +[9-14] Lightning Absorb (varies) 
  • Cold Absorb [5-8]% (varies) 
  • +2 to [Random Druid Skill] (Druid Only) 
  • You May Now Summon 1 Additional Spirit 

WEAPONS

[BiS] Beast (Runeword) - This gives 8-10 levels of Fanaticism Aura when equipped which greatly increases the damage output of your summons. The downside is its extortionate price. It can be inscribed into Axes, Scepters, and Hammers that have 5 sockets. 

• Damage: Depends on base Weapon
• Required Level: 63 
• Required Dexterity: Depends on base Weapon
• Required Strength: Depends on base Weapon
• Durability: Depends on base Weapon
• Ber + Tir + Um + Mal + Lum 
  • +8-10 Fanaticism Aura When Equipped 
  • +3 to Hunger
  • +3 to Maul 
  • +3 to Werebear 
  • +40% Increased Attack Speed 
  • +260-290% Enhanced Damage 
  • 20% Chance of Crushing Blow
  • 25% Chance of Open Wounds 
  • Prevents Monster Heal 
  • +10 to Energy 
  • +2 to Mana After Each Kill 
  • Level 13 Summon Grizzly (35 Charges) 

[Alternative] Ondal's Wisdom (Elder Staff) - This Staff provides a 105% Faster Cast Rate, which is actually more than you really need, and thus makes all other gear choices more flexible. It also provides +4 to All Skills which is extremely strong. 

• Two-Hand Damage: 80-93 
• Required Level: 66 
• Required Dexterity: 37 
• Required Strength: 44
• Durability: 50
• Normal Attack Speed 
  • +2-4 to All Skills
  • +105% Faster Cast Rate
  • +750-950 Defense 
  • +40-50 Energy 
  • Magic Damage Reduced by 10-16 
  • +50% Damage to Undead 

[BIS] Spirit Shield (Rune Word) - A solid balance between offense and defense and the best overall option. Also, it provides some solid resistances. 

• Defense: Depends on base Shield 
• Required Level: 25
• Required Strength: Depends on base Shield ​​​​​
• Durability: Depends on base Shield 
  • +1 to All Skills 
  • +25% Faster Hit Recovery 
  • +250 Defense versus Missile 
  • +11-22 Vitality 
  • +59-82 Mana 
  • +35% Cold Resistance
  • +35% Poison Resistance
  • +35 Lightning Resistance 
  • +3-8 Magic Absorb 
  • Attacker Takes Damage of 14 
  • -25% Requirements 

[Alternative]  Stormshield (Monarch) - a BiS defensive option that will allow you to achieve Max Block. Pick it if you prefer a defensive playstyle. 

• Defense: 136-519 (Depends on your level)
• Required Level: 73
• Required Strength: 156
• Durability: Indestructible
  • +3-371 Defense (+3.75/level) 
  • 25% Increased Chance of Blocking 
  • 35% Faster Block Rate
  • 20-30% Physical Damage Taken Reduction 
  • +40-50% Cold Resist 
  • +25% Lightning Resist 
  • +20-30 Strength 
  • Indestructible 
  • Attacker Takes Lightning Damage of [150-250] (varies)

Call to Arms (Rune Word) - This powerful Runeword will allow you to pre-buff yourself up with Warcries (buffs persist through weapon swap). You should supplement it with a shield that gives +2 to All Skills for the best effect (Lidless Wall, for example).  

• Defense: Depends on base Weapon 
• Required Level: 57
• Required Strength: Depends on base Weapon ​​​​​
• Durability: Depends on base Weapon 
• Amn • Ral • Mal • Ist
  • +1 to All Skills 
  • +40% Increased Attack Speed 
  • +250-290% Enhanced Damage 
  • Adds 5-30 Fire Damage 
  • 7% Life Stolen Per Hit 
  • +2-6 To Battle Command 
  • +1-6 To Battle Orders 
  • +1-4 To Battle Cry 
  • Prevent Monster Heal 
  • Replenish Life +12 
  • 30% Better Chance Of Getting Magic Items 

AMULETS

[BiS] Mara's Kaleidoscope - A great combination of offensive (+2 to all skills) and defensive (+20-30 to all resistances) properties. This is one of the best Amulets in PD2 overall and it fits most of the builds, which makes it a good investment. 

• Required Level: 67
  • +2 To All Skills 
  • All Resistances +20-30 (varies) 
  • +5 To All Attributes 

[Alternative] Rare/Magic Amulets with + Druid/Summoning Skills are great budget choices and solid fillers before you are able to get Mara's Kaleidoscope. 

• Required Level: varies. 
• In Magic Amulets, look for:
  • +3 to Summoning Skills 
• In Rare Amulets, look for:
  • +2 Druid Skills 
  • Magic Find 
  • Resistances 
  • Attributes 

ARMORS

[BIS] Enigma (Runeword) - The best all-around choice; it provides pretty much everything you might want from an item, including 3 charges ob Blink (they recharge quite quickly which makes them extremely useful to have). Because of the Jah • Ith • Ber runes required to complete it, it is very expensive, however. 

• Defense: Depends on base Armor 
• Required Level: 65 
• Required Strength: Depends on base Armor 
• Durability: Depends on base Armor 
• Jah + Ith + Ber  
  • +2 To All Skills 
  • +25% Faster Run/Walk 
  • Level 1 Blink* (5/5 Charges)
    Replenish 1 Charge in 3 Seconds
  • +500-775 Defense (varies) 
  • +[0-74] to Strength (+[0.5-0.75] per Character Level) (varies)
  • Increase Maximum Life 5%
  • Damage Reduced By 4%
  • 15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
  • [0-74]% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items ([0.5-0.75]% per Character Level) (varies)

Rain (Runeword) - A solid alternative to Enigma. This one is more combat-focused but does not offer any mobility improvements. You can use it to pre-buff your summons and swap for enigma if you want to min-max. 

• Defense: Depends on base Armor 
• Required Level: 65 
• Required Strength: Depends on base Armor 
• Durability: Depends on base Armor 
• Ort + Mal + Ith  
  • 5% Chance to Cast Level 15 Twister on Striking 
  • 5% Chance to Cast Level 15 Cyclone Armor when Struck 
  • +1 to Summoning Skills (Druid Only) 
  • +[1-2] to Druid Skill Levels (varies) 
  • +[100-150] to Mana (varies) 
  • Lightning Resist +30% 
  • Magic Damage Taken Reduced by 7 
  • 15% Damage Taken Gained as Mana when Hit 

RINGS

[BIS] Wisp Projector - The BiS Ring for raw damage. Also, the Lightning Absorb is a great addition to your defenses. Plenty of your deaths will be caused by Lightning Damage, so this one is definitely worth picking up. 

• Required Level: 76
  • Lightning Absorb 4-6% (varies)
  • 10-15% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items 
  • +1-3 to Spirit of Barbs 
  • +1-3 to Heart of the Wolverine 
  • +1 To All Skills 

Nature's Peace - The best ring you can have if you want additional resistances. It increases all your maximum resistances which comes in handy during dungeon runs. Moreover, it gives up to +5 to Oak Sage, which is nice. 

• Required Level: 69
  • Slain Monsters Rest in Peace
  • Prevent Monster Heal
  • +3-5 to Oak Sage
  • 2-3% to Maximum Lightning Resistances 
  • 2-3% to Maximum Cold Resistances 
  • 2-3% to Maximum Fire Resistances 
  • 2-3% to Maximum Poison Resistances 

The Stone of Jordan - One of the most iconic items in Diablo 2, which increases the level of all your Skills and your max Mana. A solid offensive choice. 

• Required Level: 29
  • +1 to All Skills
  • Maximum Mana to 15-20% 
  • Adds 1-120 Lightning Damage 
  • +20-40 to Mana (varies) 

GLOVES

Bloodfist (Heavy Gloves) - A solid defensively focused choice. Alternatively, you can use gloves with magic find - we prefer to go for these ones as they give +30% faster hit recovery which is often life-saving. 

• Defense: 17-18
• Required Level: 9
• Required Strength: -
• Durability: 14
  • +10-20% Enhanced Defense 
  • +10 Defense 
  • +10% Increased Attack Speed 
  • +30% Faster Hit Recovery 
  • +40 To Life 
  • +5-10 to Maximum Damage 

Chance Guards (Chain Gloves) - If you want to stack some Magic Find, these gloves might be a good option. 

• Defense: 27-28
• Required Level: 15
• Required Strength: 25
• Durability: 16
  • +25 to Attack Rating 
  • +[20-30]% Enhanced Defense (varies) 
  • +15 Defense 
  • [25-40]% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items (varies) 
  • 200% Extra Gold from Monsters 
  • +2 to Light Radius 
  • +[1-2] to Mana after each Kill (varies) 

BOOTS

Aldur's Advance (Battle Boots) - This pair of Boots offers very high bonus Movement Speed and Life. Also, they have a very high bonus to Fire Resistances, which should help you cap it @75 without having to find additional small charms for it. 

• Defense: 39-47
• Required Level: 45
• Required Strength: 95
• Kick Damage: 37-64
• Durability: Indestructible  
  • Indestructible 
  • 40% Faster Run/Walk 
  • 10% Damage Taken Goes To Mana 
  • +180 Maximum Stamina 
  • Heal Stamina Plus +32% 
  • +50 To Life 
  • Set Bonuses: 
    • +15 To Dexterity (2 Item) 
    • +15 To Dexterity (3 Items) 
    • +15 To Dexterity (Completed Set) 

War Traveler's (Battle Boots) - The best pair if you want to increases your Loot by boosting MF stat. They also provide decent Movement Speed and extra STR/VIT. 

• Defense: 120-139 
• Required Level: 42
• Required Strength: 95
• Kick Damage: 37-64 
• Durability: 48
  • +150-190% Enhanced Defense 
  • 25% Faster Run/Walk 
  • +10 to Vitality 
  • +10 to Strength 
  • Adds 15-25 Damage 
  • +40% Slower Stamina Drain 
  • Attacker Takes Damage Of 5-10 
  • 30-50% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items 

Itherael's Path (Mirrored Boots) - These versatile boots will not only boost your attributes, defense, and hit recovery, but also increase your running speed and casting rate which makes it a solid option for the build. 

• Defense: 99-128
• Required Level: 85
• Required Strength: 163
• Kick Damage: 59-68
• Durability: 18
  • +20% Faster Run/Walk 
  • +20% Faster Cast Rate 
  • +20% Faster Hit Recovery 
  • +[40-60] Defense (varies) 
  • +[10-20] to Dexterity (varies) 
  • +[10-20] to Vitality (varies) 

BELTS

[BIS] Arachnid Mesh (Spiderweb Sash) - grants extra Skills and FCR which makes it the best DPS-wise belt for a lot of builds. It also allows you to slow down enemies, which is useful in terms of survivability. The downside is it's an extremely high price - buy it only if you can afford everything else you might need. 

• Defense: 119-138 
• Potion Slots: 16 
• Required Level: 80
• Required Strength: 50
• Durability: 12
  • +90-120% Enhanced Defense  
  • Slows Target by 20% 
  • +1 To All Skills 
  • +10-20% Faster Cast Rate 
  • Maximum Mana 5-10% 
  • Level 3 Venom (31 Charges) 

CHARMS

1. Annihilus - Extremely powerful Charm that boosts Skills, Stats, and Resistances. It's the best Unique Small Charm, and it's limited to just 1 in your equipment. 
2. Gheed's Fortune - Pretty much a must-have if you are after the best available charms. It adds 80-160% extra gold from monsters, reduces vendor prices by up to 15%, and gives up to 40% better magic find. 
3. Hellfire Torch - The BiS Unique Large Charm that increases your Vitality, Skills, and more. 
4. Grand Charms - These should have +Summoning Skills. 
5. Small Charms - With these, you should get your desired Resistances, bonuses to Life, or bonuses to Magic Find. 

MERCENARY

We recommend picking up Act 1 Vigor Mercenary for extra mobility that helps with clear speeds by a lot, and for the ability to use a Bow with a chance to cast Amplify Damage. She should be equipped with: 

1. Witchwild String - An exceptional Short Siege Bow that has a 10% chance to cast level 16 Amplify Damage on Striking. The other option is a Bow with "Wrath" Runeword in it. This greatly increases the damage of all your minions and break almost all physical immunities. 
2. Templar's Might - Provides Might Aura for some extra damage. 
3. Steelrend Gloves - For massive damage bonus and Crushing Blow. 
4. Vampire's Gaze - For high Life Leech and damage reduction. 
5. Nosferatu's Coil - For Life Leech and Deadly Strike. 
6. Gore Rider Boots - For Deadly Strike and Crushing Blow greatly boosting the merc's DPS. 

END NOTE

This is our premiere Project Diablo 2 build where we tried to include all of the important information on how to set up this character while keeping the guide as compact as possible. If we've missed something of importance, please let us know! 

If you have any Build requests, please post them in the Comments section below. We will be happy to cover your most requested builds in the future! Also, we hope that you have found this guide useful and informative. Also, we will be happy to receive constructive criticism that will help us improve our future work, so don't hesitate to give us your feedback.