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#1
Jun 21 2024 01:07am


Ferdia's D2R MLD Necro Guide


Table of Contents

1. Introduction to MLD

2. Introduction to Necromancers

3. Breakpoints

4. Items

5. Charms

6. Stash Items

7. Stats

8. Skills

9. GM Rules and Limitations

10. 1v1 PvP Strategy & Videos

11. Team Duels PvP Strategy & Videos


This post was edited by ferdia on Jun 23 2024 03:06am
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#2
Jun 21 2024 01:28am


1. Introduction to MLD


Mid-Level Dueling (MLD) is the level 49 dueling bracket, with Wind Druids allowed to level up to 65 to use Enigma. This bracket emphasizes Faster Run Walk (FRW) and skill/damage limitations similar to those in Euro PvP (EP) in Diablo II: Lord of Destruction (D2LOD) and the Polish League (DCL) in Diablo II: Resurrected (D2R). In MLD, only Sorceresses and Wind Druids are permitted to teleport. The ruleset, specifically relating to FRW, was designed around the Match-up Necro vs Barb and has been expanded to ensure that every class has at least one competitive build capable of winning a 1v1 tournament (noting Both Necro and Barb effectively only have 1 Build at this Dueling Bracket). Tournaments and duels typically take place on the Europe Realm.


2. Introduction to Bone Necro's

Necro's can be considered to be the 2nd worst class, after Paladins for MLD 1v1. While they hard counter paladins there is no other class that they are naturally favored against. However, all classes have their strengths and weaknesses, and Necro's and Paladins shine in some of the TvT formats (2v2 and 3v3) via support skills such as Amplify Damage and Concentration / Vigor. In D2LOD Necro's did not heavily feature at MLD however with Patch 2.4 they gained a synergy bonus which gave them a much needed damage boost. In addition to this change the Rune Word Hustle, in armor, as well as an improved Bone Armor, has made necro's much more tankier vs everything.

3. Breakpoints

FRW: 135FRW (you attain this via Boots, Armor, Circlet and some charm investment (x2 1trap 7frw and x2 3frw/17mana typically)
FCR: 48, 75, 125. We use the 75% FCR breakpoint here. You sacrifice too much to get to 125% FCR.
FHR: We do not invest in FHR. If we have it from gear, great, but no investment required.


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#3
Jun 21 2024 01:48am


4. Items

Spirit or White?

When it comes to MLD, all casters have to focus on resource management. In this regard Spirit weapon is regarded as superior to the Rune Word White.

What Armor to use?

When it comes to Armors, you would be forgiven for thinking Vipermagi is the best armor. There is however only 1 armor worth mentioning: HUSTLE. It Grants: 65frw, 40ias, 10all res, 20FHR, +6 Evade, 50% slower stamina drain and 10 Dexterity. As MLD is FRW based, this is to MLD what Enigma is to HLD. The +Evade is utterly mental for most builds at MLD and its introduction in D2R has brought so much balance to MLD its crazy. In some specific matches (such as vs Barb) Shaftstop may also be considered.

Helmet

1. (rare) 2PNB 30FRW 20FCR 80-90mana
The standard Necro Circlet. Thankfully not so uncommon anymore. If you can find one of these with Resistances, great.

Armor

1. Hustle
2. Shaftstop (not common)

Weapon

1. Spirit Crystal/Broad or Longsword.
35FCR 112mana 8abs, great
2. White
If you can make this work for your build, great
3. Magic with White mods. i.e. 3PNB/20FCR/3BoneSpirit/3BoneSpear 2soc
Still had to look beyond Spirit to be honest.

Shield

1. Homunculus
The standard (starter) shield
2. Rare or Magic Demonhead or Unraveller Head with either 2Nec or 3PNB, 30/20 block 3Bone Spirit and a bonus if it has Bone Spear and 2Soc. Gravy on top would be +Fire Golem

Swap

1. Insight 17Medi

Amulet

1. 3pnb/10fcr
Starter Amulet. not too shabby.
2. 2pnb 10fcr 40-60life, 70-90mana. Long term you are looking for Rep Life / Stats and Resistances on top.

Gloves

1. Frostburns
The one and only. You will always use these.

Ring 1

Raven 20 Dex - You are almost always wearing a Raven.

Ring 2

Stone of Jordan
+skills and a mana boost, yes please

Ring 3
10FCR 15str 15dex 90mana with mana and resistances on top would be pretty great here.

Belt

1. String 15/15
Vs Melee (and caster)
2. Crafted 10fcr 24fhr 40-60life
use this if you want to juggle your FCR between Belt, Amulet and Ring

Boots

1. Waterwalks
I tend to always use these but the Rare and Crafted boots are also viable.
2. Rare 30frw 9dex 40mana + Resistances Boots
3. Crafted Repl Life / Mana Boots

Resistance Gear

Necro's naturally suffer from a Lack of resistances. Viper would seem like the obvious choice but Hustle is simple too good not to use. While resistance issues can be somewhat negated by using the Unique Shield, Homunculus, when you swap to Insight slot you will be exposed. Any lack of Resistances should therefore be made up via charms until you have gear that gives you 75 all res. 3frw/11single res and 20life 11single res are worth using over having sub optimal resistance gear.


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#4
Jun 21 2024 02:14am


5. Charms

1. x8 1PNB / 30 Life
2. x2 1PNB / 7FRW
3. x8 20life/ 17mana
4. x2 3frw / 17mana

Thats basically a perfect inventory.

6. Stash Items

(a) 10FCR 24fhr 40-60life Belt
(b) Thundergods
(c) x3 - x6 1PNB 6str Grand Charms
(d) Ring 10fcr 15Str 90Mana
(e) Wand or Circlet with +Str
In conjunction with Str Items this should enable you to wear Thundergods which you need vs a Light Sorc
(f) x9 20life/17mana small charms (in case you have mana issues
(g) Infernostride
(h) 2nd Raven

The more GG items you have, the less you will need to rely on additional Life/Mana charms to supplement your Mana Pool. You can also live without a Thundergods setup and instead rely on allies to kill the light sorc for you in Team Duels.

7. Stats

Enough STR for Gear (Frostburns)
Enough Dex for Max Block
All the rest into Vita

8. GM Rules and Limitations

In D2LOD Necro's at MLD were just bad. While they are a bit better now due to the Damage Boost of 2.4 and a bit tankier due to the Bone Armor Boost and Hustle, they still don't have an easy life. The rules around Necro (such as Amp in 2v2 and 3v3 as well as resistance limits) are designed to support this class and make it competitive.

9. Skills

Nothing in Summon Tree
1 Point Amp Damage in Curses Tree
1 Point Teeth
1 Point Corpse Explosion
20 Bone Spear
20 Bone Spirit
1 Point Bone Armor
1 Point Bone Prison
All remaining Points in Bone Wall
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#5
Jun 23 2024 03:15am


1. Introduction to MLD


Mid-Level Dueling (MLD) is the level 49 dueling bracket. For over a decade I hosted MLD Events in the game D2LOD with the primary feature being that all classes were viable to win a 1v1 Tournament. While TvT is the most common format, the approach I adopted was to have a foundation of 1v1 balance to ensure the success of Team Duels. With the release of D2R, I once again ventured into the world of D2. Having a chance to restart, I wanted to fix some of the issues which existed in D2LOD. These were:

(a) The complete lack of Druids succeeding
(b) The dominance of Amazons
(c) How to fix certain builds, such as ESBlizz, Necro, Assa, that were just not attractive to players for a variety of reasons

As a consequence I implemented the following:

(a) Allowed Druids to Level to 65, and made Windy the "Main" Druid Build (With restrictions)
(b) Nerfed Bowa's to ensure that all other classes could succeed.
(c) Changed the overall resistance limits and changed the Blizz Build, prioritizing Mana regeneration to offset the fragility of the build.

D2R patch 2.4 fixed Necro's (and Assassins) via a massive damage boost and the removal of recast delay (Shadow Master and Dragon Flight). On this point - D2R came with a lot of changes, some bad, some good.

The Bad: The FHR changes effectively broke HLD dueling as its now much harder to repeatedly catch and eventually kill an opponent. The issue is not as severe at MLD noting the Damage to Life Ratio is much higher.
The Good: The removal of desync has made MLD FRW duels arguably better. As well as this, the damage boost and change to how certain skills operated has made it much easier to create a balanced rule-set.
New Items: The Runeword, Hustle, has revolutionized the entire bracket. It grants 65% FRW, 40% IAS and +6 Evade. The only drawback is that the the +6 Evade does not work with Passive Charge (a terrible pity).

Based on all of this, the FHR changes, Screen Size Change, Removal of Desync and the introduction of Hustle all look to have made FRW dueling (MLD) better.

As commented, this bracket is based around Faster Run Walk (FRW) and skill/damage limitations, similar to those in Euro PvP (EP) in Diablo II: Lord of Destruction (D2LOD) and the Polish League (DCL) in Diablo II: Resurrected (D2R). The purpose of these limitations is to create a culture of balance and competitiveness between the 7 classes. To reiterate, the ruleset is designed to ensure that every class has at least one competitive build capable of winning a 1v1 tournament. Tournaments.


2. Introduction to Necromancers

There is only 1 Necro Build for MLD and HLD - The Bone Necro, which uses Spear and Spirit (and teeth to a lesser extent) to do damage. Necro's can be considered to be the 2nd worst class (Paladins are the worst) for MLD 1v1 (The depressing thing for paladins is that Necro's hard counter them currently). Broadly, other the vs Paladins, Necro's are not favored for any match. However, all classes have their strengths and weaknesses, and Necro's and Paladins both shine in TvT, Necro's via Amp, Conc & Vigor. In D2LOD Necro's did not heavily feature at MLD however with Patch 2.4 they gained a massive synergy bonus which gave them a much needed damage boost. In addition to this change the Rune Word Hustle, in armor, as well as an improved Bone Armor, has made Necro's much more tankier vs everything. For a Necro, the runeword Hustle effectively acts like desync - a chance to evade opponents missile attacks. In this regard the loss of desync, for Necro's, is no big deal.

What to prioritise on your Bone Necro

After ensure you have 75% all resistance, Mana. Similar to Paladins, Mana is the key component to success with a Bone Necro. Necro's do not naturally have a high mana pool, you have to invest into your Mana pool in order to make the build work. This means having a Mana pool north of 1000 Mana. Rare Circlet / Amulet, more then 10 small charms with 17mana each - these are some of the things you will need to actively explore. While you will gain a massive mana boost in team duels vs BO (allowing you to run 10 skillers, it is imperative that you have enough mana move freely in a 1v1 duel (even with 17 meditation skill from Insight on switch).

4. Breakpoints

FRW: 135FRW (you attain this via Boots, Armor, Circlet and some charm investment (x2 1trap 7frw and x2 3frw/17mana typically)
FCR: 48, 75, 125. We use the 75% FCR breakpoint here. You sacrifice too much to get to 125% FCR.
FHR: We do not invest in FHR. If we have it from gear, great, but no investment required.
Mana: Its not a breakpoint, but I strongly recommend 1000+ Mana (sacrifice damage if you have to). This is also why wands and the runeword, White, are generally not considered optimal.


This post was edited by ferdia on Jun 23 2024 03:34am
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#6
Jun 24 2024 08:05am
How and why are Rhyme shield not listed? Splendor also?

Rhyme:
3spear/3spirit/icb/fbr/25@/CNBF/massive mana repl/MF xD

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#7
Jun 24 2024 10:08am
Quote (gel87 @ Jun 24 2024 03:05pm)
How and why are Rhyme shield not listed? Splendor also?

Rhyme:
3spear/3spirit/icb/fbr/25@/CNBF/massive mana repl/MF xD


Its a good option, thx for mentioning! ill add it in.
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Joined: Sep 3 2006
Gold: 455.00
#8
Jun 24 2024 11:39am
Quote (ferdia @ Jun 24 2024 06:08pm)
Its a good option, thx for mentioning! ill add it in.


Are kickers with bf good?
Df to reach enemy

Then 5ctc amp fools 40ias add claw, best possible can be inzane at lvl 48.
Rhyme shield
Duress
2martial/20ias/10cb/adds gloves
Gores
Strings
10fcr/ar/str/dex/@/mana
Soj/raven/dwarf etc
Guillaume -15/ed/dex/repl
2 x preclaws on swap, or insight

10 x trap 30 lifers
2++ 3frw/5@ scs
Life/mana scs

Got a strong ranged attack and inzane kick dmg and all the ow u want.

Best possible claw is:
40ias/300ed/fool’s/5ctc amp/rep/2soc or 2 sin/eth gt :p
At least 1 um
3bf
3wep block
3 sm

This post was edited by gel87 on Jun 24 2024 11:40am
Member
Posts: 51,717
Joined: Jan 19 2007
Gold: 15,520.00
#9
Jun 25 2024 03:26am
Quote (gel87 @ Jun 24 2024 06:39pm)
Are kickers with bf good?
Df to reach enemy

Then 5ctc amp fools 40ias add claw, best possible can be inzane at lvl 48.
Rhyme shield
Duress
2martial/20ias/10cb/adds gloves
Gores
Strings
10fcr/ar/str/dex/@/mana
Soj/raven/dwarf etc
Guillaume -15/ed/dex/repl
2 x preclaws on swap, or insight

10 x trap 30 lifers
2++ 3frw/5@ scs
Life/mana scs

Got a strong ranged attack and inzane kick dmg and all the ow u want.

Best possible claw is:
40ias/300ed/fool’s/5ctc amp/rep/2soc or 2 sin/eth gt :p
At least 1 um
3bf
3wep block
3 sm


This is a Nec Guide though XD. We are exploring BF on assassins yes.
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Posts: 51,717
Joined: Jan 19 2007
Gold: 15,520.00
#10
Jun 25 2024 03:28am


1. Introduction to MLD


Mid-Level Dueling (MLD) is the level 49 dueling bracket. For over a decade I hosted MLD Events in the game D2LOD with the primary feature being that all classes were viable to win a 1v1 Tournament. While TvT is the most common format, the approach I adopted was to have a foundation of 1v1 balance to ensure the success of Team Duels. With the release of D2R, I once again ventured into the world of D2. Having a chance to restart, I wanted to fix some of the issues which existed in D2LOD. These were:

(a) The complete lack of Druids succeeding
(b) The dominance of Amazons
(c) How to fix certain builds, such as ESBlizz, Necro, Assa, that were just not attractive to players for a variety of reasons

As a consequence I implemented the following:

(a) Allowed Druids to Level to 65, and made Windy the "Main" Druid Build (With restrictions)
(b) Nerfed Bowa's to ensure that all other classes could succeed.
(c) Changed the overall resistance limits and changed the Blizz Build, prioritizing Mana regeneration to offset the fragility of the build.

D2R patch 2.4 fixed Necro's (and Assassins) via a massive damage boost and the removal of recast delay (Shadow Master and Dragon Flight). On this point - D2R came with a lot of changes, some bad, some good.

The Bad: The FHR changes effectively broke HLD dueling as its now much harder to repeatedly catch and eventually kill an opponent. The issue is not as severe at MLD noting the Damage to Life Ratio is much higher.
The Good: The removal of desync has made MLD FRW duels arguably better. As well as this, the damage boost and change to how certain skills operated has made it much easier to create a balanced rule-set.
New Items: The Runeword, Hustle, has revolutionized the entire bracket. It grants 65% FRW, 40% IAS and +6 Evade. The only drawback is that the the +6 Evade does not work with Passive Charge (a terrible pity).

Based on all of this, the FHR changes, Screen Size Change, Removal of Desync and the introduction of Hustle all look to have made FRW dueling (MLD) better.

As commented, this bracket is based around Faster Run Walk (FRW) and skill/damage limitations, similar to those in Euro PvP (EP) in Diablo II: Lord of Destruction (D2LOD) and the Polish League (DCL) in Diablo II: Resurrected (D2R). The purpose of these limitations is to create a culture of balance and competitiveness between the 7 classes. To reiterate, the ruleset is designed to ensure that every class has at least one competitive build capable of winning a 1v1 tournament. Tournaments.


2. Introduction to Necromancers

There is only 1 Necro Build for MLD and HLD - The Bone Necro, which uses Spear and Spirit (and teeth to a lesser extent) to do damage. Necro's can be considered to be the 2nd worst class (Paladins are the worst) for MLD 1v1 (The depressing thing for paladins is that Necro's hard counter them currently). Broadly, other the vs Paladins, Necro's are not favored for any match. However, all classes have their strengths and weaknesses, and Necro's and Paladins both shine in TvT, Necro's via Amp, Conc & Vigor. In D2LOD Necro's did not heavily feature at MLD however with Patch 2.4 they gained a massive synergy bonus which gave them a much needed damage boost. In addition to this change the Rune Word Hustle, in armor, as well as an improved Bone Armor, has made Necro's much more tankier vs everything. For a Necro, the runeword Hustle effectively acts like desync - a chance to evade opponents missile attacks. In this regard the loss of desync, for Necro's, is no big deal.

What to prioritise on your Bone Necro

After ensure you have 75% all resistance, Mana. Similar to Paladins, Mana is the key component to success with a Bone Necro. Necro's do not naturally have a high mana pool, you have to invest into your Mana pool in order to make the build work. This means having a Mana pool north of 1000 Mana. Rare Circlet / Amulet, more then 10 small charms with 17mana each - these are some of the things you will need to actively explore. While you will gain a massive mana boost in team duels vs BO (allowing you to run 10 skillers, it is imperative that you have enough mana move freely in a 1v1 duel (even with 17 meditation skill from Insight on switch).



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