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#1
Jul 25 2024 07:10am


1. Introduction to MLD & the Ruleset

2. Introduction to Druids and your Build

3. Breakpoints

4. Maxroll

5. Items

6. Charms

7. Stash Items

8. Stats

9. Skills

10. PvP Strategy & Videos
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#2
Jul 25 2024 07:12am


1. Introduction to MLD & the Ruleset


Mid-Level Dueling (MLD) is the Level 49 dueling bracket in Diablo II: Resurrected (D2R). This bracket features time limits, Faster Run/Walk (FRW), and skill/item limitations to ensure balanced competition in both 1v1 and team duels.
Sorceresses and Druids may teleport, while Paladins can passive charge, and other classes run. The format is similar to Euro PvP (early 2000s) and DCL (Polish HLD League in D2R).
The ruleset is designed to avoid hard counters. Instead of focusing on what counters what, players should focus on which class they play best.
While there are difficult match-ups, with practice, skill, and the right gear, any class can win. The best class to use is the one you are most proficient with.

The Core builds (in rough order of strength) are:

1. Light Trapper
2. Bowa
3. WW Barb
4. Windy
5. ESFB
6. Blizz
7. Nec
8. VitaLight
9. V/T
10. Mage



The Bridge Map, or H Map




As with HLD PvP, MLD Duels take place on what is known as a Bridge, or H, Map. This is where there is a bridge at town, and another bridge which splits the Blood Moor in half as outlined in the image above.
As the bracket is FRW orientated, this is the best map available whereby the aggressor can hunt down the slower opponent. Cornering your opponent, especially vs Bowa and Nec, is one of the strategies employed at this bracket.


The transition from D2LOD to D2R

The release of D2R presented an opportunity to address several issues that had existed in Diablo II: Lord of Destruction (D2LOD), including:

FRW limit adjustments due to the removal of desync.
Strengthened rules for Druids, who were the weakest MLD class in D2LOD - Windies may now level to 65.
Weakened Amazons, who were the strongest MLD class in D2LOD - Banned Decoy & Valk, Reduced Max Allowed Skill Points in Guided Arrow from 20 to 15.
Redesigned flawed builds, such as ESBlizz, which were too brittle in D2LOD - Reduced global Cold Resistance limits while re-orientated Cold Sorc skill distribution to Warmth.

D2R Patch 2.4 and 2.6 New Additions

The D2R patches also introduced significant changes:

(a) Necromancers and Assassins: Received a massive damage boost.
(b) Assassins: Recast delay on Dragon Flight and Shadow Master removed.
(c) Optimal FHR Breakpoint Limits reduced across the board.
(d) Armor Runeword "Hustle" Revolutionized the bracket by granting 65% FRW, 40% IAS, and +6 Evade in a single item. (virtually every class has a build that can use this armor, its the "Enigma" of MLD.

Time Limits

The Damage to Life ratio at MLD is such that it takes less hits to kill an opponent. i.e. 450% enhanced damage weapons and enough skill points to do serious damage, while only two classes have BO ( Druids and Barbarians ). This is optimal especially when noting the FHR changes. We have also adopted fixed time limits for duels and defined "Attackers" and "Defenders" which, in tandem with a fixed time limit of 3 minutes per round in 1v1 and 5 minutes per round in team duels, results in faster matches without protracted duels as seen in other brackets.

Current State of MLD

More than 30 MLD tournaments have been hosted in D2R, including a combination of 1v1 and team tournaments, with every class winning a tournament. We continue to make minor amendments to the rules, strengthening the weaker classes while weakening the stronger classes, addressing past imbalances, and incorporating new elements to maintain a competitive and enjoyable dueling environment.
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#3
Jul 25 2024 07:13am


2. Introduction to Druids and your Build


In D2LOD MLD Druids (Level 49) were terrible. Shapers had to trade damage to do damage. Yes Desync helped, but the duels were simply not fun and often times not appealing. While we experimented with tele-staffs, no one was really prepared to champion the class. When noting the idea for MLD was for all classes to be viable, and to grow the community, we experimented with allowing wind druids to Level to 65 and, through trail and error, we finally landed on a rule-set that works. One of the added benefits here is the popularity of Windies at HLD, which has seen HLD players come down to play a Level 65 Windy in MLD.

With Access to Enigma, Call to Arms and Spirit Shield, and with investment into Mana, A MLD Windy can be regarded as one of the top builds at this bracket. It is great in 1v1 duels and is an additional class aside from Barb, that can grant BO in team duels. In this regard Windies will be a mainstay in team duels at MLD going forward.

In terms of the build you can either go 99%FCR or 163%FCR. The lower 99%FCR frame can utilize a Pelt to do way more damage, while the 163%FCR break-point would help in catching certain classes.
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#4
Jul 25 2024 07:14am


3. Breakpoints


Faster Cast Rate (FCR):

There are two FCR breakpoints - 99%FCR and 165%FCR. 99%FCR is useful for the insane damage boost a pelt grants, while 165%FCR is useful for catching elusive opponents.

Faster Hit Recovery (FHR):

We made Max Block with Spirit Shield mandatory for the build. This reduces the Druids overall life vs casters (Where it was initially obliterating casters) and supports Druids vs Barbarians who had been causing alot of problems. Spirit enables the 165%FCR frame, it grants a a chunk of resistances and mana as well as FHR. with a little investment (skillers or jewels) you can get to 99%FHR relatively easy (recommended).

Mana Pool:

Mana: Its not a breakpoint, but I strongly recommend 1200+ Mana (sacrifice skillers if you have to). 1500+ Mana if you can, remember there are no potions at this level. Resource management is a real thing.
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#5
Jul 25 2024 07:16am


4. MAXROLL


The website, Maxroll, should be used to theory craft your character to perfection.

Here is the MAXROLL Link to a MLD Windy : https://maxroll.gg/d2/d2planner/hzdu0ukh


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#6
Jul 25 2024 07:18am


5. Items


Pelt / Circlet

1. (rare) 2ele 30FRW 20FCR 80-90mana - The standard Druid Circlet. Thankfully not so uncommon anymore. If you can find one of these with life as well, great.
2. Pelt 2Druid 3Nado 2soc. Ideally with up to 40 Life - Can be used when playing 99FCR setup

Amulet

1. 3ele/10fcr - Starter Amulet
2. 2ele (or 1 Druid) 18fcr 30-60life. If you can also get Mana or Stats, great.

Body Armor

1. Enigma - No surprises here, the build is built around this item

Weapon

1. Spirit Crystal/Broad or Longsword - Can be used with 99FCR setup to do great damage, and also especially if you have Mana Issues
2. Suicide Branch - This is the go-to Weapon (We banned HOTO, noting Druid is already super strong without it)
3. Wizard Spike - An alternate to Suicide branch, a loss in damage, but a very good source of Mana. The resistances here are not needed, but would resolve any and all resistance issues for your character

Shield

1. Spirit Monarch - The Ruleset forces the use of Spirit Monarch, and Forces Max Block with Spirit Monarch (to reduce total overall life).

Swap Weapon & Shield

1. CTA - Life and Mana, yes please
2. Spirit Monarch - +skills, yes please

Gloves

1. Magefist - 20% FCR and Mana Regen, ok great.
2. TO Gloves - you will only use these gloves for Cold Resistance, and even then Magefists Mana Regen may be better.
3. Frostburns - For 99% FCR setup - never say no to more mana at MLD!

Rings

1. Rare 10%FCR 15str 15dex(or 40life) 90mana, ideally with Cold Resistance - Your looking for as close to this as possible
2. Stone of Jordan - +skills and a mana boost, yes please. Note that the Mana boost is more important then a life boost from BK.

Crafted, Set and Unique Belts

1. Crafted 10fcr 24fhr 40-60life, ideally with 10-15str or replenish life - for hitting that FCR and FHR breakpoint
2. Trang Oul Belt - for the mods it brings
3. Verdungo - %DR vs Bowa / Barb, Yes please

Boots

1. Waterwalks - Pretty much unbeatable when noting the rule is to have Max Block vs all opponents and the +max Fire Resistance

Resistance Gear

Druids get to use Spirit Shield which grants fat resistances. Combined with Anya you really do not need a lot of resistances.
Ignoring for a moment Wizards Spike, any lack of Resistances should be made up via charms until you have gear that gives you 75 all res. 20life 11single res are worth using over having sub optimal resistance gea.
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#7
Jul 25 2024 07:19am


6. Charms

1. x10 1ELE / 35 Life grand charms
2. x10 20life / 17mana small charms

That is a perfect inventory.

7. Stash Items

(a) 10FCR 24fhr 40-60life Belt / TO Belt / Verdungo / Thundergods
(b) x3 - x6 small charms 20life/17mana
(d) 2nd Ring 10FCR 15str 15dex (or 40mana) 90mana
(e) Spirit Sword / Wiz Spike
(f) Pelt or Circlet

You dont need alot of switch gear, your build is a monster.

8. Stats

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


9. Skills

1 Point Arctic Blast
20 Points Cyclone Armor (it cannot be used)
20 Points Twister
1 Point Tornado
20 Points Hurricane
Nothing in Shape Shifting Tree
1 Point Raven
1 Point Spirit Wolf
1 Point Dire Wolf
1 Point Bear (max allowed)
all remaining points into Oak sage
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#8
Jul 25 2024 07:22am
10. PvP Strategy & Videos


Windy vs Bowa


In this match, the idea is to have your Oak and Bear up at all times, and either name-lock stomp the Bowa when she is standing still, or try to jump ahead of the Bowa to cut her off.
The better you are at name-locks, the faster this duel will be. Do not stick around when your minions are down unless your feeling brave (or are tired of living).




This post was edited by ferdia on Jul 25 2024 07:26am
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#9
Jul 25 2024 07:25am
10. PvP Strategy & Videos


Windy vs Barb


In this match, the idea is to have max damage, 99FCR and Dungo's. Ditch Wiz Spike / Suicide Branch, your circlet and w/e belt you were using and swap in Spirit Sword, A Pelt, Dungo's and if possible a SOJ / BK ring. I prefer to teleport around the Barb surrounding him with Nado's which will naturally hit him, eventually. Using a bit of FRW can conserve mana. Jump the Barb when he is not expecting it (especially if standing still and throwing) can be very effective. A good teleport ahead of his WW can be quite lethal for the barb (don't do this when your 1 life though).


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#10
Jul 25 2024 07:27am
10. PvP Strategy & Videos



Windy vs Necro


In this match, the idea is to always have your Oak out (the Rule is Oak or Bear), recast Oak as soon as it dies, and to repeatedly stomp the Necro until he's dead.
You can also try to box the Necro in / anticipate his movement pattern to catch him out / cut him off. Be very direct here, always recast Oak.




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