I'm going to copy paste my hardcore bowa, it has the essence of a softcore build, but you can switch some safety items for more offensive items if you want to. It is just my build, others may have other interpretations, mine is also built on somewhat of a budget setup. Spending money on 3 x 40/15 jewels and such is very expensive and few can afford that.
Take from it what you want, but i guarantee you it is a very solid build and you will do the three areas you mention with ease.
Quote (zi464 @ 14 Nov 2021 19:35)
How you max skill and what gears you use ?
I could kill Diablo but slow , since my merc is not strong enough die very fast.
I could upgrade my zon but just don’t want to spend too much.
I play hardcore, so it might be a little bit different than sc, a bit more defensive style. But do very well in hell mode.
The optimal gear (can't always afford but aim for this)
Faith grand matron
Fortitude archon plate
Razortail
Laying of hands
War travelers
Kira's guardian
Wisp projector (use heart of wolverine)
Dual leech rare ring
Atma's scarab
10-14 max damage charms, sharp grand charms, resist, frw, life, mana sc's.
Keep demon limb in stash, cast lvl 23 enchant charge every game for a ~10 minute ~280% attack rating boost, on yourself and your merc. Even though faith has ignore target's defense, it doesn't apply to champions, boss monsters and bosses, so good ar is always a good benefit.
Merc: Pride
Fortitude
Kira's guardian
Merc is always a supportive role, kite him away from bosses when he takes big damage and shift + potion to heal him.
Max valkyrie
Max critical strike, or 10-15 points
Max strafe
Some points in pierce to reach 100% with 33% from razortail
Prereqs
Some points in avoid
Rest in guided arrow
Use guided arrow for bosses. Although i don't have a problem using strafe against bosses, i find that guided arrow is faster to kill them with because of the guarantee hit. When amp triggers, you will notice how much damage you deal.
Try to keep the enemis in line or bunched together. Don't attack spread-out enemies, run forward, let them bunch around you, let valkyrie and merc engage and cast decoy, step back 3-5 paces, use strafe. When they are bunched, the 5% ctc amp triggers almost immediately, since all arrows pierce and hit, and then they die very very fast. This makes it viable to play in multiplayer games too. I have not tried 8 player games though.
If playing hardcore, it is essential to cast decoy and valkyrie at the edge of the screen or around corners to bait monsters and identify nasty boss monster packs.