So i've actually decided finally now .... i'm landing on jab, impale and fendzon, but only 1 skill point in each ... running some kind of tankzon too, using shield n 1 hand javs regularly, and switcharoo to 2h spear on tough monsters. I have actually never tried fend with 1h n shield before, it will be most interesting to see. I estimate it will work quite well, unless the shield stops it, but if you think about it, i will run a thankzon, high defense, may not get hit so many times .... really looking forward to this. Just two more weeks. I am eating healthy now, so no more big one pizza n chocolates. But i may probably be more alert and awake for longer instead. Eating unhealthy like that .. it spikees the bloodsugar and make you actually more tired quick, having to spend more energy focusing. Not good. It's better to eat healthy, and smaller portions, you will drop weight like a crazy person. I gone down 30 pounds in 2 months now.

But yes, can't wait to start the season. One small extra point though is that, i have also decided that if i find a unique weapon, i will make a strong decision to use that, though unless it puts me at a severe damage disadvantage, i may reconsider. I will not pain myself through the game. But if it's a fun weapon, and doesn't hinder my progress to much, it's fun to use something of original value.

Will also not focus on poison. It could be good, but it's like, then you have to shove points into it. And i can't afford that. This will be a melee zon ... mostly. I will throw javs when warranted. But melee zon means you must invest in the passive tree. So... invest i will. In the passive tree.

Most people go lightning .. i feel that is cheap. Very effective, yes .. but oh so standard. One got to try something new at times.

Your DAE passive skills... what % are you going to go for for each... say 50% in each?

Dodge: Slvl 12 = 50%
... Passive Effect: Grants a chance to move out of the way of a melee attack while standing still, and works attacking.
Avoid: Slvl 07 = 50%
... Passive Effect: Grants a chance to move out of the way of a missile attack while standing still, and works attacking.
Evade: Slvl 12 = 50%
...Passive Effect: Grants a chance to escape any attack while moving, also helps evade Area Effect Spells

Not sure of any changes to these in D2:R. But this could save you points for Valk and 1 base point Decoy when using a Rogue as your Merc. I found in LoD that the Rogue uses inner sight a lot and not attacking, also AI sucked, kept on running ahead and in cramp places got trapped a lot. Again, not sure if they improved the Rogue AI for D2:R.

The D/A/E will also help the Valk.

Are you going Max Block with Dexterity as well when holding Weapon & Shield? Is Storm shield still a viable option, or does D2:R have more options? Just asking because of Strength and Dexterity requirements will reduce your HIt Points... Noted that Dex for throwing wpn dmg and strength for 2h spears of course. :D.

Anyway, when I start off from level 1-30... save Stat & Skill points each level.
... Get 75 Vitality first (note, normally sp / p8 self found)
... pre req skills to a desired skill.

Jab 5 points at start, then CS (this is just what I would do since rogue is mainly killing before Act Boss).

Actually up to you, also gear. Are you going to respec accordingly with +Skill Items you obtain and skill points allocated? I am not sure what I would do to be honest.

Good luck and have fun.

It's good stuff here, i will say thank you and may give an enlongered super detailed answer later on, very busy today, doing all the busy stuff before reset, so i am ready then. Very nice tips.