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#11
Jun 27 2024 10:08am


1. Introduction to MLD

Mid-Level Dueling (MLD) is the level 49 dueling bracket in the game Diablo II: Resurrected (D2R). The bracket features Time, Faster Run Walk (FRW), and Skill / Item limitations, ensuring that each class can compete and succeed in 1v1 and Team Duels. Sorceresses and Druids may teleport while Paladins charge around the map and everything else runs. This format is similar to Euro PvP (Early 2000's) and DCL (Polish HLD League in 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 across the board.
(d) Armor Runeword "Hustle" Revolutionized the bracket by granting 65% FRW, 40% IAS, and +6 Evade in a single item.

Time Limits

The Damage to Life ratio at MLD is such that it takes less hits to kill an opponent. i.e. 400% 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.


2. Introduction to Barb's

There are several builds at 49 that are naturally stronger then most other builds. Barbarians are one of these stronger builds. All builds have their strengths and weaknesses, these are adjusted via a balanced ruleset. In D2LOD desync helped barbs. In D2R Hustle has revolutionized virtually every class making it much easier to create a balanced ruleset. Barbarians have gained a massive boost from Both Hustle and WW Base Damage.



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#12
Jun 28 2024 06:44am
10. 1v1 PvP Strategy & Videos


Barb Vs Necro

In this match-up Barbs are like sharks hunting down their prey. This duel will see you chasing the Necro all over the blood more. While on top of the Necro your looking to WW just after he has cast a spell (Bone Spirit / Spear or Bone Prison). Small WW's only, and stay on the Necro until one of you is dead.



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#13
Jun 28 2024 08:56am
10. 1v1 PvP Strategy & Videos


Windy Vs Barb

For Windy vs Barb you want to load up on damage, so take your circlet off and replace with a pelt and switch from Suicide/Wiz Spike to Spirit Weapon. The duel can be played with or without Bear ( I prefer not to use it as the Barb will just leech life off it ). Try to catch the Barb while he is standing, or teleport ahead of him and Nado.




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#14
Jun 29 2024 07:46am
10. 1v1 PvP Strategy & Videos


Windy Vs Barb

For Windy vs Barb you want to load up on damage, so take your circlet off and replace with a pelt and switch from Suicide/Wiz Spike to Spirit Weapon. The duel can be played with or without Bear ( I prefer not to use it as the Barb will just leech life off it ). Try to catch the Barb while he is standing, or teleport ahead of him and Nado.




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#15
Jun 30 2024 09:40am


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#16
Jun 30 2024 09:49am


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#17
Jul 8 2024 01:26am

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#18
Jul 11 2024 05:31am


4. Items


Swords, Axes or Javs?

When it comes to Weapons, you have multiple choices. i.e. Swords, Axes, Maces and Javs. I recommend Javs (either Stygian Pilums or Hyperion Javs) due to their Low Str Requirements and ability to Throw (a different form of attack is always good). I do not recommend Axes or Maces as the range is too low, and swords have very high requirements. Note that While Rep Quantity is desired on Javs, with changes to Barb skills, Rep Quantity is not a hard requirement anymore (with skills they can rep).

What Armor to use?

When it comes to Armors, there is 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.

Helmet

1. Arreats - The starter helmet for MLD Barbs. Use Arreats when starting out. Easy, cheap, no brainer.
2. Magic 2Barb (or 3Warcries) 3BO 90-100 life 2soc. Get one of these when you can. It will save you a a lot of life when using Javs instead of swords (Low Requirements of everything). x2 30ed 9str 9dex jewels here.

Armor

1. Hustle in Dusk Armour There is no substitute.

Weapon

1. Oath Swords or Axes - Eth Oath Highland Blade // Eth Oath Small Crescent - The starter Weapons
2. Rare erep Highland Blade or Legend Sword - You are looking for 370-450% ED here
3. Javs - Stygians or Hyperions 350-450%ed erep. You can live without IAS on the Stygians (but you will have to socket a Ias jewel in your helmet). Ideally 10IAS on the Stygians, no IAS required on the Hyperions.

Shield

1. Artisans Dragon Shield of Deflecting
You want x3 30ed/9str/9dex jewels here
2. ERep Grim shield 30/20 2soc with 150-200% edef
This is useful for those AR driven duels (not many of these, Shields or Melee Duels)

Amulet

1. Rare 1barb 50-60life, 80-90mana + adds (Str/Dex/Res/Repl)
2. 3warcries/100 Life Amulet - 3warcries/100 Amulets are cheap and highly effective. Not to be sneezed at. We dont use 3masteries/100 life amulets anymore (we did in D2LOD) as it takes you over the GM FRW Cap.

Gloves

1. IK Gloves + Belt Combo - Starter items
2. 20ias/9Str/15Dex Gloves + adds (Resistances) - As a bonus you can look for Exceptional / Elite base and Edef, but thats just Gravy. 20ias/9str/15dex and some resistances is pretty much "IT".

Ring 1

Raven 20 Dex, 250AR - You are always wearing a Raven.

Ring 2

Rare 100-120AR Dual stat 13-15str 13-15dex 80-90 mana ring + adds (Repl Life, Resistances)

Belt

1. String 15/15 - The best belt without a shadow of a doubt
2. Crafted 24fhr 70-80life +OW - For when you dont want to use String
3. Rare 24fhr 60 life 15str + Resistances - As Above, Dual Res can be useful on both Craft and Rare Belts

Boots

1. War Trav's - With the FRW limits, again, We have put Gores out of reach (its a Barb Nerf, as Barbs are terrifyingly good at MLD)
2. Gores - These are so good that long term I will prob

Resistance Gear

Any lack of Resistances should 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. Barbs typically dont have resistance issues though.


What a Starter Barb should look like




What an upgraded Barb should look like



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#19
Jul 19 2024 12:07pm
10. 1v1 PvP Strategy & Videos


Barb vs ESFB

For Barb vs ESFB, this can be considered Barb favored as must MLD (and HLD) ESFB players simply dont know how to kill the barb. They are either too far away (won't hit) or are too (will get rekt). Run around, WW either when they are close, or if you believe they will tele close.




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#20
Jul 19 2024 01:08pm
10. 1v1 PvP Strategy & Videos


Barb vs Pala V/T

For Barb vs V/T, the trick is to not WW through the V/T as he will wreck you with Smite if you do that. Instead, the idea is to clip the paladin, or catch him while he is on Medi or FoH slot



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