Mld Necro Guide - Topic

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Jul 25 2024 07:56am

1. Introduction to MLD and the Ruleset

2. Introduction to Necro's and your build

3. Breakpoints

4. Maxroll

5. Items

6. Charms

7. Stash Items

8. Stats

9. Skills

10. PvP Strategy & Videos

ferdia

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Jul 25 2024 07:57am

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.

ferdia

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Jul 25 2024 08:05am

2. Introduction to Necro's and your build

In D2LOD MLD Necro's (Level 49) were not great. They were too slow, their damage was not scary and were simply not popular. With the wider screen size of D2R it felt like Necro's were doomed.
And then, Patch 2.4 came along to boost MLD Necro damage, and then Hustle came along to grant a gigantic life boost. So yea, Necro's are not bad now!

In terms of the build you can either go 75%FCR or 125%FCR. As Necro's always suffer from mana management it is recommended to go 75% for the majority of duels, and only 125% vs Barbarians. The faster frame helps to cast faster, and start moving before the Barb obliterates you.
Overall Necro's are good in 1v1 but really shine in team duels where we allow amp in 2v2 and 3v3 (Necro + Druid is a great combo).

ferdia

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Jul 25 2024 08:13am

3. Breakpoints

Faster Cast Rate (FCR):

75%, 125%. We use the 75% FCR breakpoint here. You sacrifice too much to get to 125% FCR and as mentioned it should only be considered vs a Barbarian

Faster Run Walk

145FRW (you attain this via Boots, Armor, Circlet and some charm investment)

Faster Hit Recovery

We are using Spirit Shield at all times - We do not invest in FHR.

Mana Pool

While Mana is not a breakpoint, with Mana Pots not allowed and when using Skillers, it can be tricky to manage your Mana.
Therefore Items, such as Circlet and Amulet require a high amount of Mana for the character to freely function. 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.

ferdia

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Jul 25 2024 08:21am

4. Maxroll

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

Here is the MAXROLL Link to a MLD Necro : https://maxroll.gg/d2/d2planner/pp1kl0sy

This post was edited by ferdia on Jul 25 2024 08:29am

ferdia

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Jul 25 2024 08:29am

5. 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.
Hustle 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.
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 - You should basically always use this.
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. Possibly an option for team duels when you are BO'd.
3. Magic with White mods. i.e. 3PNB/20FCR/3BoneSpirit/3BoneSpear 2soc - Still hard 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 - The only switch worth having

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

1. Raven 20 Dex - You are almost always wearing a Raven in TvT.
2. Stone of Jordan - +skills and a mana boost, yes please
3. 10FCR 15str 15dex 90mana with mana and resistances on top would be pretty great here. You can juggle a stat with a life mod (may help when trying to get to a Thundergods setup which is needed at times).

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. Resistance on Circlet / Jewel and Amulet is really sought here.

ferdia

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Jul 25 2024 08:33am

6. Charms
1. x7 1PNB / 30 Life
2. x3 1PNB / 7FRW
3. x7 20life/ 17mana
4. x3 3frw / 17mana

Thats basically a perfect inventory.

7. 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.

8. Stats

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

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

ferdia

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Jul 25 2024 08:35am

10. PvP Strategy & Videos

Nec vs Light Sorc

In Necro vs. Light Sorc, the question really is, are you or are you not wearing Thundergods. If not wearing it, it is Light favored, and if wearing it, its Necro favored.
The idea is to not face tank the sorc, side step when you can, and use a combination of Spirit and Spears

ferdia

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Jul 25 2024 08:36am

10. PvP Strategy & Videos

Nec vs Trapper

In Necro vs. Trapper, the question applies, are you or are you not wearing Thundergods. If not wearing it, it is Trapper favored, and if wearing it, its Necro favored.
The idea is to ever move away from the trapper, try to get them off your minimap, as this is the condition for invis Bone Spirits to proc.

ferdia

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Joined: Jan 19 2007

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#10

Jul 25 2024 08:37am

10. PvP Strategy & Videos

Nec vs FB

In Necro vs. FB, you are the underdog. The FB is going to attack you from different angles and the worst case scenario is when she stomps you while your moving away. You want to stand your ground as much as possible, sidestep fireballs and just unload as many spirits and spears as your mana allows. in 1v1 Infernostrides are a must but with team duels and BO you can live with Waterwalks. Haviing Fire Golem on your wand or shield (especially in 1v1) is optimal but not mandatory. The Sorc has 3 minutes to kill you (otherwise its your win). Without teleport its not as if you can chase her.

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