April 12, 2021
-Build created

December 31, 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 - Same as Strength - you only need enough Dexterity to meet gear requirements. 
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. 

TRAPS

This skill tree is the main focus of this build. The abilities we take are extremely powerful and have some incredible properties (for example, they deal high AoE damage and "aim" themselves at approaching enemies) but they are not without weaknesses (the most glaring one is that we focus on a single elemental damage type - fire - which creates some problems against immune enemies). 

Skills:

1. Fire Blast [20/20] - An AoE ability that deals fire damage. It allows you to throw explosives at enemies; the number of bombs increases with level, which is nice. The most important property of Fire Blast, however, is its synergy with Wake of Fire - it increases Wake's damage by 10% per level. 
2. Wake of Fire [20/20] - This build's main offensive ability. It is a trap that generates fire waves when it's triggered. The waves travel to the closest enemy which makes them miss very rarely. Wake of Fire deals ridiculous amounts of AoE damage and allows Assassin to clear content with incredible speed. 
3. Wake of Inferno [20/20] - Another fire trap. This one works like a flamethrower turret; it sprays fire at passing enemies. Its prerequisites are Fire Blast and Wake of Fire. Each point in Wake of Inferno increases damage dealt by Wake of Fire by 10% - this is why we max it out. 
4. Death Sentry [1/20] - Optional. Unlike our main traps, this one deals physical damage (corpse explosions) which may come in handy for dealing with fire-immune enemies. It is completely optional, however, and you might be better off spending points elsewhere (also, if you want to focus on the cow level, Death Sentry is simply unnecessary). Prerequisites for Death Sentry are (other than the ones we already take) Shock Web, Charged Bolt Sentry, and Lightning Sentry. Death Sentry was buffed in Season 4 (after the nerf in Season 3), which means that it's definitely worth your investment. 

SHADOW DISCIPLINES

Shadow Disciplines allow us to improve our mobility and survivability in combat. 

Skills:

1. Claw and Dagger Mastery [1/20] - Prerequisite. 
2. Burst of Speed [20/20] - This is our main utility skill. It gives a high boost to movement and attack speed for a period of time. The Burst of Speed provides an extremely solid mobility boost - you should have it active at all times. 
3. Weapon Block [X/20]  - A passive skill that gives you an increased chance to block when you're dual-wielding claws. This increases our defenses substantially; you should put all your remaining points here. 
4. Fade [1/20]  - Optional. This increases all your elemental resistances for a period of time. Only take it if you struggle to get enough elemental resistances from gear. 

The only skill from the martial arts tree we're interested in is the Dragon Flight. We recommend you get it via gear; otherwise, you might have to invest some points into the tree to get it. 

Skills:

1. Dragon Talon [1/20] - Prerequisite. 
2. Dragon Claw [1/20] - Prerequisite. 
3. Dragon Tail [1/20] - Prerequisite. 
4. Dragon Flight [1/20] - Allows you to teleport to enemies and kick them. The teleport part is what we're interested in - it increases our mobility and allows us to simply teleport out of trouble. 

As per usual with PD2 Builds, you want to get as many Skill levels (Assassin/Traps 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 not necessary and should be avoided if possible. Defensive stats, like faster hit recovery, are a nice addition but you should not choose gear for them specifically. 

HELMETS

Harlequin Crest (Shako) - One of the strongest Helmets in the game. 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 

Delirium (Runeword) - Solid boost to Magic Find and +2 to Skill Levels. A good alternative if you don't like the Harlequin Crest. 

• Defense: Depends on base Helmet
• Required Level: 51
• Required Strength: Depends on base Helmet
• Durability: Depends on base Helmet
• Lem + Ist + Io 
  • +261 Defense 
  • +10 Vitality 
  • +2 to All Skills
  • Level 17 Attract (60 Charges) 
  • 11% Chance to Cast Level 18 Confuse on Striking 
  • 6% Chance to Cast Level 14 Mind Blast When Struck 
  • 14% Chance to Cast Level 13 Terror When Struck 
  • +50% Extra Gold from Monsters
  • 25% Better Chance of Finding Magic Items 

Andariel's Visage (Demonhead) - A rather interesting choice for the build. It provides +2 to all Skills, a substantial boost to Strength, and +20 Increased Attack Speed which helps with laying down traps quicker. 

• Defense: 310-387 
• Required Level: 83
• Required Strength: 102
• Durability: 20
  • 15% Chance to Cast Level 15 Poison Nova when Struck 
  • +2 to All Skills 
  • +20% Increased Attack Speed 
  • [8-10]% Life Stolen per Hit (varies)
  • +[100-150]% Enhanced Defense (varies) 
  • +[25-30] to Strength (varies) 
  • +10% to Maximum Poison Resist 
  • Fire Resist -30% 
  • Poison Resist +70% 
  • Level 3 Venom (20 charges) 

WEAPONS

{BiS] Firelizard's Talons (Feral Claws) - Very powerful Claws that give 1-2 Martial Arts levels which can come in handy on multiple occasions. Moreover, these Talons decrease enemy resistances, give 2-3 fire Skills and increase Fire Damage which makes them incredible for Damage. You can Dual-Wield these or choose another off-hand weapon. 

• Damage:  (66-81) To (159-196) 
• Required Level: 67 
• Required Dexterity: 113
• Required Strength: 113 
• Durability: 52 
  • +200-270% Enhanced Damage 
  • Adds 236-480 Fire Damage 
  • +15% Increased Attack Speed 
  • +1-2 To Martial Arts (Assassin Only)  (varies)
  • Fire Resist +30-60% (varies) 
  • +2-3 to Fire Skills (varies)  
  • -5-10% to Enemy Fire Resistance (varies) 

Plague (Runeword) - This is a good alternative to dual-wielding Firelizard's Talons. It provides a solid offensive boost (including skill increases) and some utility. If you put it in good Claws, the results will be astonishing (we recommend Greater Talons). 

• Damage:  Depends on base Weapon
• Required Level: 67
• Required Dexterity: Depends on base Weapon
• Required Strength: Depends on base Weapon
• Durability: Depends on base Weapon 
• Cham + Fal + um  
  • 25% Chance To Cast Level 15 Poison Nova On Striking 
  • 20% Chance To Cast Level 12 Lower Resist When Struck 
  • Level [13-17] Cleansing Aura when Equipped (varies)
  • +1-2 All Skills 
  • +20% Faster Cast Rate
  • +260-380% Damage To Demons (varies)
  • -20% To Enemy Poison Resistance 
  • [0-37]% Deadly Strike (0.375% per Character Level)
  • 25% Chance Of Open Wounds 
  • Freezes Target +3 
  • +10 To Strength 

[Alternative/Budget] Magic Claws with +3 to Traps. These can be purchased in Act V from Anya. Claws like this are enough for the early ladder and provide a nice early power boost. 

• Damage:  Depends on the Weapon
• Required Level: Varies
• Required Dexterity: Depends on the Weapon
• Required Strength: Depends on the Weapon
• Durability: Depends on the Weapon 
  • +3 To Traps (Assassin Only) 

AMULETS

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 

The Rising Sun - A very solid choice for any fire-based build. It not only gives a boost to fire skills but also lowers enemy fire resistance. 

• Required Level: 65
  • +1-2 to Fire Skills (varies) 
  • 4% Chance to Cast Level 23 Meteor When Struck 
  • +5-10 Fire Absorb 
  • Adds (80-124) to (200-248) Fire Damage (varies) 
  • Replenish Life +10 
  • +4 to Light Radius 
  • -(6-12)% to Enemy Fire Resistance 

[Alternative] Rare/Magic Amulets with + Assassin/Traps 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 Traps 
• In Rare Amulets, look for:
  • +2 Assassin Skills 
  • Magic Find 
  • Resistances 
  • Attributes 

ARMORS

[BiS] 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)

Chains of Honor (Runeword) - Very strong runeword that mixes solid defenses (resistances, leech, and enhanced def) with a nice +2 bonus to all Skills. 

• 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 

[Alternative] Ormus' Robes (Dusk Shroud) - An interesting Armor choice that can boost your Fire 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

[BIS] 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 

[BIS] Wisp Projector - Even though it's a Druid Ring, it is very solid for every Class. 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 

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

[BIS] Magefist (Light Gauntlets) - The best choice if you're after Damage. They grant a bonus to Skills and Firee Damage which makes them irreplaceable in this Item slot. 

• 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) 

Frostburn (Gauntlets) - These amazing gloves will help you break enemy fire resistance which makes them extremely powerful for the build. 

• Defense: 39-59
• Required Level: 29
• Required Strength: 60
• Durability: 24
  • Adds 14-28 Fire Damage 
  • Adds 6-22 Cold Damage 
  • +[20-40]% Enhanced Defense (varies) 
  • +[20-40] Defense (varies) 
  • Increase Maximum Mana [15-25]% (varies) 
  • -[5-10]% to Enemy Fire Resistance (varies) 
  • -[5-10]% to Enemy Cold Resistance (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 increase 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 

Waterwalk (Sharkskin Boots) - If you want some extra defenses paired with amazing mobility, you can't go wrong with Waterwalks. They not only increase your running speed by 40% but also grant a +20% faster block rate and a high bonus to life and dexterity. 

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

BELTS

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) 

Goldwrap (Heavy Belt) - A top-level MF option that also provides a lot of Increased Attack Speed. Good if you want to make more money with the build. 

• Defense: 34-36 
• Potion Slots: 16 
• Required Level: 27
• Required Strength: 45
• Durability: 18
  • +20% Increased Attack Speed 
  • +[40-60]% Enhanced Defense (varies) 
  • +25 Defense 
  • [50-80]% Extra Gold from Monsters (varies) 
  • [20-40]% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items (varies) 
  • +2 to Light Radius 

Verdungo's Hearty Cord (Mithril Coil) - This amazing defensively-oriented belt offers up to 15% damage absorption which can be life-saving. On top of that, it also regenerates your life and greatly boosts your vitality. If you want extra survivability for end-game bosses like Diablo Clone, this is the way to go. 

• Defense: 125-158 
• Potion Slots: 16 
• Required Level: 63
• Required Strength: 106
• Durability: 16
  • +10% Faster Hit Recovery 
  • +[90-140]% Enhanced Defense (varies)  
  • +[30-40] to Vitality (varies) 
  • Replenish Life +[10-13] (varies) 
  • +[100-120] Maximum Stamina (varies) 
  • Physical Damage Taken Reduced by [10-15]% (varies) 

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. 
4. Grand Charms - These should have +Traps. 
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.