April 16, 2021
-Build created

December 30, 2021
-Build updated for Season 4

1. Strength - All you want, in terms of Strength, is enough of it to equip everything you will want to use on your character. 
2. Dexterity - Get enough Dex to get a 75% chance to Block. 
3. Vitality - You should put all your remaining points here - main stat. 
4. Energy - Adding points to Energy is an extreme waste - don't do it. 

JAVELIN AND SPEAR SKILLS

This skill tree is the main focus of this build. The two main skills we take are Charged strike - our main single-target ability that makes us very strong against high health monsters, and Lightning Fury - a very potent AoE-like skill that helps us to deal with groups of enemies. Power Strike is our main synergy skill and we take it for its damage boost. 

Skills:

1. Jab [1/20] - Prerequisite. 
2. Poison Javelin [1/20] - Prerequisite. 
3. Power Strike [20/20] - A simple skill that adds lightning damage to attacks with javelins and spears. It synergizes with our two main damage dealers (Charged Strike and Lightning Fury) so we max it out without hesitation. 
4. Lightning Bolt [20/20] - Magically converts your javelin into a bolt of lightning. This synergizes with Lightning Fury and thus you should max it out. 
5. Plague Javelin [1/20] - Prerequisite. 
6. Charged Strike [20/20] - This skill adds a very high lightning damage bonus to your javelin and spear attacks. Thanks to this, it is extremely powerful when fighting against high health enemies - use it as your main single-target ability. 
7. Lightning Fury [20/20] - Adds an AoE Damage component to thrown Javelins, making them very powerful. This skill was severely nerfed early on in PD2 but was since substantially buffed which makes it extremely powerful for clearing high-density maps. This is now your main AoE clearing skill. 

PASSIVE AND MAGIC SKILLS

This skill tree provides us with some much-needed utility and solid defenses. Some of the skills are optional, but we'd say that you should still take them as they can be extremely useful in the right circumstances (and by "right circumstances" we mean "when things get too heated up for your liking"). 

Skills:

1. Inner Sight [1/20] - Prerequisite. 
2. Evade [X/20] - Increases your movement speed and gives you a chance to dodge missiles and melee attacks when running or walking. This is extremely useful to have and you should put all your remaining points into it. 
3. Slow Movement [1/20] - Prerequisite. 
4. Decoy [1/20] - Optional. Nice to have in some situations as it allows you to distract weaker monsters for long enough to take out primary targets. 
5. Dodge [X/20] - A very strong passive skill that greatly increases your survivability by allowing you to dodge melee and ranged attacks when standing still or attacking. You should put enough points here to get to your desired Faster Hit Recovery breakpoint. 
6. Valkyrie [1/20] - Optional. This might as well be called "summon a meat shield". Valkyrie is very useful when you need some more breathing space as it's very good at distracting monsters. 

This build focuses on Javelins, so we skip this entire skill tree. 

Skills:

1. none 

As per usual with PD2 Builds, you want to get as many Skill levels (Amazon/Javelin and Spear Skills 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. Increased Attack Speed is also extremely important as it will allow you to... well, attack faster (just remember to check your breakpoints or you might over/underinvest in it). Defensive stats, like faster hit recovery and life leech/life on each kill, are a nice addition but they should come naturally - don't choose gear because it has these on it. 

HELMETS

Harlequin Crest (Shako) - A true classic that fits into pretty much any build. It gives you everything you might want - +2 to all skills, damage reduction, magic find, and some attributes. 

• Defense: 98 to 141 
• Required Level: 62
• Required Strength: 50
• Durability: 20
  • +2 to All Skills 
  • +1-99 to Life(1 per character level) 
  • +1-99 to Mana(1 per character level) 
  • Damage Reduced By 3-5% (varies) 
  • 50% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items 
  • +2 to All Attributes 

Griffon's Eye (Diadem) - A very good offensive choice that increases our Lightning Damage AND decreases enemy lightning resistance. It also gives +1 to all Skills which is nice. Its main downside is a complete lack of defensive stats (except for raw defense). If you're on a budget, you can also use Kira's Guardian. 

• Defense: 150 - 260
• Required Level: 76
• Durability: 20  
  • +100-200 Defense (varies) 
  • +1 to All Skills 
  • 25% Faster Cast Rate 
  • -(15-20)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance (varies) 
  • +(10-15)% to Lightning Skill Damage (varies) 

WEAPONS

Thunderstroke (Matriarchal Javelin) - This incredibly powerful Javelin can give us up to +4 to Javelin and Spear Skills on top of -15% enemy lightning resistance, +15% to our Attack Speed, and a high bonus to our Lightning Damage. 

• Thrown Damage: (105-122) To (198-231) (151.5-176.5 Avg)(Base Damage: 35-66) 
• One-Handed Damage: (90-105) To (162-189) (126-147 Avg)(Base Damage: 30-54) 
• Required Level: 69 
• Required Strength: 107
• Required Dexterity: 151  
  • +200-250% Enhanced Damage (varies) 
  • Adds 1-511 Lightning Damage  
  • +15% Increased Attack Speed 
  • -15% To Enemy Lightning Resistance 
  • 20% Chance to Cast Level 28 Lightning On Striking 
  • +2-4 to Javelin and Spear Skills (Amazon Only) (varies) 
  • +3 to Lightning Bolt (Amazon Only) 

Titan's Revenge (Ceremonial Javelin) - This is a solid choice that gives +4 to Javelin and Spear Skills in total (+2 All Skills and +2 Javelin ad Spear Skills specifically). 

• Thrown Damage:  (80-102) To (220-288) (150-195 Avg)(Base Damage: 22-68) 
• One-Handed Damage: (83-106) To (160-204) (121.5-155 Avg)(Base Damage: 23-44) 
• Required Level: 42
• Required Dexterity: 109 
• Required Strength: 25   
  • +150-250% Enhanced Damage (varies) 
  • Adds 25-50 Damage 
  • +1-2 to Amazon Skill Levels (varies) 
  • 5-9% Life Stolen Per Hit (varies) 
  • +30% Faster Run/Walk 
  • +20 to Strength
  • +20 to Dexterity 
  • Replenish Life +20 
  • +2 to Javelin and Spear Skills (Amazon Only)

Stormshield (Monarch) - a defensive option that will allow you to come very close to (or achieve) Max Block. 

• 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 

Spirit Shield (Runeword) - 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 

Call to Arms (Runeword) - This powerful Runeword will allow you to pre-buff yourself up with Warcries (buffs persist through weapon swap). You should combine this with a Shield that gives +2 to All Skills for the best effect (A 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

Highlord's Wrath - This amazing amulet will give you +20% Increased Attack Speed which is extremely important for the build. Moreover, it will provide you with +1 to All Skills and some much-needed Lightning Resistance. 

• Required Level: 65
  • +1 to All Skills
  • 20% Increased Attack Speed 
  • + 0-24% Deadly Strike (+0.25 per Character Level) 
  • Lightning Resist +25-35% (varies) 
  • Adds 1-300 Lightning Damage 
  • Attacker Takes Lightning Damage of 100-150 (varies) 

[Alternative] Rare/Magic Amulets with + Amazon/Javelin and Spear 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 Spear and Javelin Skills  
• In Rare Amulets, look for:
  • +2 Amazon Skills 
  • Magic Find 
  • Resistances 
  • Attributes 

ARMORS

Chains of Honor (Rune Word) - A great option for this build. This powerful Runeword offers tons of damage and Resistances. It should be socketed in a chest with the highest defense rating you can afford. 

• Defense: Depends on base Armor 
• Required Level: 65 
• Required Strength: Depends on base Armor 
• Durability: Depends on base Armor 
• Dol + Um + Ber + ist 
  • +2 To All Skills 
  • +200% Damage to Demons 
  • +100% Damage to Undead 
  • 8% Life stolen per hit 
  • +70% Enhanced Defense 
  • +20 Strength 
  • Replenish Life +10 
  • All Resistances +50-60 (varies) 
  • Physical Damage reduced by 4% 
  • 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items 

Enigma (Runeword) - A solid 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)

Ormus' Robes (Dusk Shroud) - An interesting Armor choice that can boost your Lightning Damage by up to 15% and eliminate your mana-related problems, but not much else. 

• Defense: 361-467 
• Required Strength: 77
• Required Level: 75
  • +20% Faster Cast Rate 
  • +[10-15]% to Fire Skill Damage (varies) 
  • +[10-15]% to Lightning Skill Damage (varies) 
  • +[10-15]% to Cold Skill Damage (varies) 
  • +3 to [Random Sorceress Skill*] (Sorceress Only) 
  • +[10-20] Defense (varies) 
  • Regenerate Mana [10-15]% (varies) 

RINGS

Raven Frost - This ring provides Freeze immunity which is extremely important to have. If you have freeze immunity from another item, you can choose a different ring. 

• Required Level: 76
  • +150-250 Attack Rating (varies) 
  • 15-45 Cold Damage 
  • +15-20 Dexterity (varies) 
  • +40 Mana 
  • Cold Absorb 5-10% (varies) 
  • Cannot be Frozen 

Bul-Kathos Wedding Band - Another great ring that adds +1 to Skills. It also increases stamina and gives some nice life steal. 

• Required Level: 58
  • +1 To All Skills 
  • + (0.5 Per Character Level) 0-49 To Life) 
  • 3-5% Life Stolen Per Hit (varies) 
  • +50 Maximum Stamina 

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

Dracul's Grasp (Vampirebone Gloves) - A good all-around choice that increases your attack speed and gives you some extra survivability. These also give a high strength bonus which is very convenient for choosing equipment for other gear slots. 

• Defense: 125 - 145
• Required Level: 76
• Required Strength: - 50
• Durability: 14
  • +90-120% Enhanced Defense (varies) 
  • +10-15 to Strength (varies) 
  • +5-10 Life After Each Kill (varies) 
  • 25% Chance of Open Wounds 
  • 7-10% Life Stolen Per Hit (varies) 
  • 20% Increased Attack Speed 

[Alternative] Magic Gloves With +3 to Javelins and +20% to Attack Speed. These can be farmed by resetting Anya's inventory in Act 5 which means that they are extremely cheap, but also tedious to farm (and extremely strong, actually). 

• Defense: Varies. 
• Required Level: Varies. 
• Required Strength: - Varies. 
• Durability: Varies. 
  • +3 to Javelin and Spear Skills 
  • +20% Increased Attack Speed 

Magefist (Light Gauntlets) - Magefists now grant bonuses to Lightning Skills which makes them a solid choice for the build. 

• Defense: 24 - 25 
• Required Level: 23
• Required Strength: - 45
• Durability: 18
  • +1 to [Fire, Lightning, Cold, or Poison] Skills 
  • +20% Faster Cast Rate 
  • Adds 6-36 Fire Damage or Adds 1-45 Lightning Damage or Adds 10-18 Cold Damage or +60 Poison Damage over 3 Seconds
  • +[20-30]% Enhanced Defense (varies) 
  • +10 Defense 
  • Regenerate Mana [10-25]% (varies) 

BOOTS

Waterwalk (Sharkskin Boots) - These boots are a top pick if you're after Faster Block Rate, especially. They also provide a solid boost to Run/Walk Speed and Stamina. 

• Defense: 112-124
• Required Level: 32
• Required Strength: 47
• Kick Damage: 28-50
• Durability: 14  
  • +180-210% Enhanced Defense (varies) 
  • 40% Faster Run/Walk 
  • 20% Faster Block Rate 
  • +15 to Dexterity 
  • +5% to Maximum Fire Resist 
  • Heal Stamina Plus 50% 
  • +40 to Maximum Stamina 
  • +45-65 to Life (varies) 

Aldur's Advance (Battle Boots) - This pair of Boots offers a very high bonus to Movement Speed and Life. Also, they have a very high bonus to Fire Resistance, 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) - Another good option. This pair is notable for providing a  high Magic Find bonus in addition to other useful bonuses. 

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

BELTS

Thundergod's Vigor (War Belt) - The only real choice - It not only gives +1 to all Skills but also increases Lightning Fury and Lightning Strike by +2! Also, it provides a lot of resistance against Lightning, which is very important in the end-game. 

• Defense: 137-159
• Potion Slots: 16 
• Required Level: 47
• Required Strength: 110
• Durability: 24
  • +160-200% Enhanced Defense 
  • 1-(150-250) Lightning Damage 
  • 5% Chance to Cast Level 17 Fist of the Heavens When Struck 
  • +5-10 Lightning Absorb 
  • 5% to Maximum Lightning Resist 
  • +10-15 to Strength 
  • +10-15 to Vitality 
  • +2 to Lightning Fury (Amazon Only) 
  • +2 to Lightning Strike (Amazon Only) 
  • +1 to Lightning Skills 

Nosferatu's Coil (Vampirefang Belt) - If not for Thundergod's Vigor, this belt would be considered a top choice for this build. It gives some nice offensive bonuses, including a 20% increased attack speed. 

• Defense: 56 - 63 
• Potion Slots: 16 
• Required Level: 51
• Required Strength: 50 
• Durability: 14
  • Slows Target By 10% 
  • +2 To Mana After Each Kill 
  • 3-6% Life Stolen Per Hit (varies) 
  • +10-15 Strength (varies) 
  • 20% Increased Attack Speed 
  • 10% Deadly Strike 

Goldwrap (Heavy Belt) - This MF-focused belt works extremely well with this build. This is because it provides +20% Increased Attack Speed which will allow you to achieve IAS breakpoints easier. 

• Defense: 34-36 
• Potion Slots: 12 
• Required Level: 27
• Required Strength: 45
• Durability: 18
  • +40-60% Enhanced Defense (varies) 
  • +25 Defense 
  • 10% Increased Attack Speed
  • [20-40]% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items (varies)
  • 50-80% Extra Gold From Monsters (varies) 
  • +2 To Light Radius  

CHARMS

1. Annihilus - This fabled Charm boosts your 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 - The secret to Gheed's wealth and prosperity. Pretty much a must-have if you're 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. You should, of course, go for one that gives +1 to Amazon Skills. 
4. Grand Charms - These should have +Javelin and Spear Skills (mandatory) and +Life/+Faster Run/Walk Speed. 
5. Small Charms - With these, you should get your desired Resistances, bonuses to Life, or bonuses to Magic Find - whatever suits your needs, basically. 

MERCENARY

We recommend picking up Act 2 Defiance Mercenary for extra damage mitigation bonuses. He should be equipped with: 

1. Infinity Rune Word in Ethereal Spear - This provides Conviction Aura, which reduces the defenses and resistances of nearby enemies and offers very high bonus damage. A top (and expensive) choice for any Act2 merc build. 
2. Fortitude Rune Word in Armor - This will ensure that your merc doesn't die (it will make him almost immortal). 
3. Steelrend Gloves - For massive damage bonus and Crushing Blow. 
4. Vampire's Gaze - For high Life Leech and damage reduction. 
5. String of Ears - Very high damage reduction and excellent survivability boost. 
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.