Build notes: |
February 03, 2022 -Build created |
Build Overview
In the past, Nova and Thunder Storm were never really worth using over the other available Sorc Lightning Spells. They just didn't perform well enough and thus weren't worth the effort. Now, however, these two get a new life as the v2.4 patch brings quite substantial changes to them. Both Thunder Storm and Nova now have a brand-new Synergy Skill - the Static Field. Moreover, Thunder Storm now lasts for much, much longer which makes it more convenient to use. After some tests, we can say that a new type of Lightning Sorceress, based on Thunder Storm and Nova, is going to be viable in Diablo 2 Resurrected.
The following Nova Sorceress Build was thoroughly tested on the v2.4 PTR and performed exceptionally well, especially against large packs of enemies. While its single-target damage output was visibly lower than its sister's (Lightning Sorc), it more than made up for it with a second-to-none AoE DPS provided by the buffed Nova, large radius Static Field, and Thunder Storm. Also, it was a lot of fun to play with it as Nova's nature had forced us to play more aggressively than a standard Lightning Sorceress would.
You can also check our other Diablo 2 Resurrected Builds
Pros | Cons |
Great AoE Damage output | Rather expensive to gear up |
Efficiently breaks Lightning immunities when fully geared | Below average Single-Target DPS |
Insane mobility and clear speeds | A new build that still requires testing and fine-tuning |
Fun to play, aggressive playstyle |
Skills
ATTRIBUTES |
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LIGHTNING SPELLS |
Patch v2.4 brings quite substantial buffs to two Lightning Spells - Nova and Thunder Storm. Firstly, both of them have received Static Field as a new synergy. Secondly, Thunder Storm's duration was massively increased. Because of these changes, a new type of Lightning Sorc is now viable - one based on large radius Static Field combined with high AoE damage provided by the newly buffed spells. Skills:
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COLD SPELLS |
As far as Cold Spells go, we just need a single Skill that will boost our defense a bit. Skills:
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FIRE SPELLS |
From here, we'll get some extra mana regen, which is nice. Skills:
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Items
With this build, you should focus your gear around +Skills and Lightning Damage/-Enemy Lightning Resistance, which are going to help you with clear speeds. Reaching 117% FCR Breakpoint is also recommended (Lightning Spells actually have different breakpoints than other Sorc spells, so 105% FCR is not enough to reach 12 FCR frames with them). As for defenses, capping Resistances is recommended. Moreover, faster Run/Walk and extra Stamina/Stamina Regen are very useful to have as they will boost your overall mobility. |
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HELMETS |
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Griffon's Eye (Diadem) - This helmet is very difficult to pass up on any Lightning Damage Dealer and Nova Sorc is no different in that regard. If you need more Skills, FCR, Lightning Damage, and Lightning Pen (and you very much do), you need this Diadem. |
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Harlequin Crest (Shako) - If you want to increase your Magic Find stat on this build, Shako is a solid choice. Just keep in mind that it won't give you anywhere near as much umpf as the Griffon's Eye would. |
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WEAPONS |
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Tal Rasha's Lidless Eye (Swirling Crystal) - This Weapon will give you a bunch of much-needed stats, including FCR, Skills, Life, and Mana. Moreover, it will provide you with a nice Lightning Res Pierce when used as a part of the set. Use this one only if you plan on wearing 4 pieces of the Tal set.
Note: Using 4 pieces of the Tal Set is a viable option for the build, but we discourage wearing a full set as you'll be much better off using the Griffon's Eye instead of the Tal Set Helmet (Tal Rasha's Horadric Crest). |
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Eschuta's Temper (Eldritch Orb) - A very powerful and very expensive Sorceress weapon that works extremely well in multiple builds because of the Skills, Faster Cast Rate, and Damage Bonuses it provides. If you can afford a high-rolled Echuta's, you should definitely consider it for this build as well.
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Crescent Moon (Runeword) - Pretty much the only worthwhile stat this Runeword gives is the Lightning Resistance Penetration, but it gives -35% of it, which is A LOT. With Crescent Moon, lightning-resistant enemies won't bother you anymore and you will be able to choose the rest of your gear more flexibly. |
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Heart of the Oak (Runeword) - While HotO is not the best choice for the build, it will definitely get the job done. Especially if you're on a budget and some extra FCR, Resistances, and sustain. Also, let's not forget the +3 Skills it gives. |
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SHIELDS | |
Spirit Shield (Runeword) - Unless you're completely new to Diablo 2, you know that Spirit is a staple Shield Runeword for most Caster Builds. You can't Go wrong with it on this Nova Sorc either. |
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Splendor (Rune Word) - A nice and inexpensive, more MF-focused, alternative to Spirit Shield. It lacks resistances, but makes up for it with Mana Regen, MF, FCR, Faster Block Rate, and Skills. |
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WEAPON SWAP | |
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 (so, 2 Skill Spirit, basically). |
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AMULETS |
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Tal Rasha's Adjudication - One of the better parts of the Tal Rasha's Wrappings. This Amulet is very powerful, even if you don't combine it with the rest of the set. |
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Mara's Kaleidoscope - This is a solid all-around amulet that will improve your damage and survivability by a significant amount. If you want to cap out your resistances, Mara's will definitely help you out. |
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ARMORS |
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Tal Rasha's Guardianship (Russet Armor) - A solid defensively-oriented Armor that's also going to boost your Magic Finding capabilities. Only use it in combination with three other Tal Rasha's set pieces (otherwise, there are other, stronger options for the slot). |
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Chains of Honor (Runeword) - As far as Armors go, CoH is a great all-rounder. It greatly improves your defenses by granting you physical damage reduction and +65 to all Resistances. It improves your DPS by giving you +2 to All Skills. It makes it easier to equip heavy gear by providing +20 Strength. It greatly improves your DPS against Undead and Demons. And it also makes you a bit better at Magic Finding. |
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Enigma (Runeword) - While you already have access to Teleport and might want to discard Enigma because of that, you should seriously consider using it anyway, for the following reasons. Firstly, it will free up two of your Skill points (you don't have to unlock the Teleport with points if you wear it). And secondly, the bonuses it provides work very well with the build (especially if you want this to be a Magic Finding build). |
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RINGS |
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The Stone of Jordan - You can't go wrong with double SoJ in this build. A pair of these will give you 50% extra mana and a nice boost to DPS. |
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Raven Frost - Mainly for the Freeze immunity, as the game gets much harder if you get slowed down by cold hits. The 20% Cold Absorb is also an amazing defensive bonus here |
Required Level: 45
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A "10-20" Rare Ring - A well-rolled Rare Ring with 10% FCR, 20%+ Magic Find are a great and relatively cheap alternative if you're on a tight budget. |
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GLOVES |
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Magefist (Light Gauntlets) - Equipping Magefists will take care of your mana-related problems and provide you with a nice Faster Cast Rate bonus. If you're in need of extra Cold Resist and don't need regen, you can also use Trang-Oul's Claws. |
Defense: 24 - 25 Required Strength: 45 Durability: 18 Required Level: 23
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Chance Guards (Chain Gloves) - These Gloves offer up to 40% MF and a nice bonus to gold drop, and are generally the best Magic Finding choice for this slot. |
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BOOTS |
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Sandstorm Trek (Scarabshell Boots) - You can't go wrong with these defense-oriented classics. They are as powerful as Unique D2R Boots can be - from them, you'll get a lot of Faster Hit Recovery, Attributes, and Poison Resistance. |
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War Traveler (Battle Boots) - These boots are the only Magic Finding option you have for the Boots slot (not counting random Rare drops, that is). From them, you'll get up to 50% MF and a high reduction of stamina drain when running, which is going to allow you to run infinitely. |
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BELTS |
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Tal Rasha's Fine-Spun Cloth (Mesh Belt) - While this belt is nowhere near as powerful as Arachnid Mesh, you'll need it to get the 4-pieces set bonus from the Tal Rasha's Wrappings. |
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Arachnid Mesh (Spiderweb Sash) - The best caster belt in the game. It offers a bonus to all Skills, high FCR, and slows your target. The increase to the mana pool is also quite valuable for a caster. |
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SET BONUSES | |
Wearing the Tal Rasha's Wrappings Set will also give you: |
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CHARMS |
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MERCENARY |
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We recommend picking up Act 2 Might Mercenary for extra damage bonuses. He should be equipped with:
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END NOTE This is the initial version of our Diablo 2 Resurrected Nova Sorceress 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. |
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