★EuroPolita's BvA Guide★



Version 2.0

i may have overlooked some stuff, plz let me know if there's an Error somewhere that's need to be corrected/fix

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What This Guide Covers
1. Introduction
2. Breakpoints
3. Gear
4.Stash
5. Skills
6. Stats
7. Goals
8. Setup
9. Whirling Tactics
10. Strategy
11. Conclusion
12. Special Thanks
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1. Introduction

Once again i decided to make an Update to BvA Guide
Since i think there was some Flaws & Issue.
This time there will be some other alternative on how to skill the barb and other stuff.
Made some Update' and small changes, can now be 'Full Str Bugged' By Swaping Armor with merc (MP to AP) saving up room in Stash.

obviously this game is to old, and doesn't really need more Guide's or Attention,
some might dislike this Guide/Build, some other will like it.
However Barb is one of the most Expensive character to build in D2, there's no cheap option here for This Guide.
BvA = Barb vs All, is a balanced build between BvB and BvC

Will have both GM and BM setup's

The Color █ indicate option/ alternative / optimal build


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2. Breakpoints


FHR---Frames (Faster Hit Recovery)
0%---9
7%---8
15%---7
27%---6 (Our Goal)
48%---5
86%---4
200%---3

Some people claim 48 FHR% is a most. but it's overrated , 27% is enough for our BvA Build vs most Character. only real problem 'will' be Assasin (depending on opponent gameplay style)

Note: if Having a hard time getting out of stunlock by assasin use the WSG glitch, Keep pressing W and move around to get out of it,



FCR---Frames (Faster Cast Rate)

0%---13
9%---12
20%---11
37%---10 (Our Goal)
63%---9 (Optimal Goal)
105%---8
200%---7

Since We building a BvA 37% is Enough for our barbs, 63% is Optimal. If you happend to have "Visio" with 20 FCR % and spare room for 1 x ring you are able to reach 63%. (Amulet 20 FCR save up more room)

Note: This guide will take 98-99% space on Inventory / Stash / Cube. So cant guarantee you will be able to get room for 63 setup. unless you skip the "Doom" Runeword

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3. Gear

You going to need ALL of these items (most of them will be in STASH. Will be used for certain Duel's )

Barb vs Melee
Barb vs Caster
Barb vs Barb
Team vs Team
etc, etc,

Remember !!
The Color █ indicate Optimal build
The Color █ indicate Caution


Helm
-Coa 30/15 2x socket [Ber Ber] OR [Ber Jewel] 30/60/9/-15% ....... Thats is ED / AR / DEX / Requirements
-Visio Diadem 2 Barb skills, High Str & Dex (atleast 30-40 Dex) 2x socket. Jewel [7/30/60/9... OR... 30/60/9/9]
-Kira 70 @


Armor
-Enigma MP (15 ed % 775 Def)
-Enigma AP (15 ed % 775 Def) Mercenaries Armor Because you wont have room in stash

Note: Your Main Armor will be 'MP', BUT you will have 'AP' on MERC to SWAP with to get STR bug in some certain duels ^^, like Barb vs Smite | Barb vs Barb.
Warning: if you use AP with some other setup 'Widowmaker' you wont be able to pick up body, and may lose some items. Make sure to swap back to MP with Merc when using 'Widowmaker' Setup


Belt
-Verdungo's Hearty Cord 40/15
-ThunderGod Belt
-Arach belt
-Bugbelt (EU only)


Boots
-Gore Rider
-Hotspur


Gloves
-Dracula (High def + 15 Str + OW)
-Trang oul
-Cleglaw's (This will be used vs Smiter that Flash you with 'Holy Freeze' These gloves give you 25% Slowdown & KnockBack. Perfect for counter attaking his aura)


Amulet
-Angelic Amulet
-Highlord
-Rising sun
-20% FCR Amulet lots of Mana


Ring
2x Angelic ring
2x Raven's 20 Dex 250 AR
2x Wisp 20%
1x FCR Ring with lots of Mana


Weapon Slot 1
-Grief BA 40/400 /15 | GoD (Hybrid Runeword)


Weapon Slot 2
-Beast BA 285 ed% 40 str | BoD (Hybrid Runeword )
-Doom BA (Skip this weapon if You want room for otherstuff)


Shield
-Stormshield 1xsocket, ( For BvB Duels , Bowazon, Zeal, etc etc.)

Note: Socket the shield with either ELD rune or 30/60/9/9


Switch
-CTA Flail 3/3/3
-Warcry Club Bo +3 +40 Str [1-2x socket]
-Widowmaker (200 ed % 5 Guided Arrow 1x socket)....... [ 40/15 Jool ] OR [ UM for OpenWonds ]

Note: To wear Widowmaker it require that you put away your Boo items in Stash !


Charms
22x - 3/20/20 [Max AR Life]
15x - 20/11 [Light]
1x Torch Barb 20-18 (atleast)
1x Anni 20-18-x (atleast)


If you prefer using 15x 20/5@ go for it, i personally use 20/11 Light resist to protect my self against V/T char help's alot
Or you can use what ever you think u may Need/Lack

Note: You may thinking that ur Dmg is going to be to low, but dont worry. You still do alot of Dmg with just 22x 3/20/20 even in BvB !!

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4. Stash

Since you have Setup and Gear for duelling all kind's of different characters.
Your Stash inventory is Going to be Full with This guide, including your Cube.
The list Above is every item that's going to be on your Stash, Inventory, Merc !

u going to have 3 free space left, you can swap Club with Demon limb to ench, or put away both and replace flail with Widowmaker Bow,
(The 3 free space is to Put away Club bo, swap ur Widowmaker with ur Flail after that)

Note: You Will be requierd to put away your Bo Flail + Club Bo items To switch to Widowmaker

(SWITCH Slot / Bo)

Widowmaker: This bow is precious when facing defensive Hammerdins or ES Sorcs.
You can do a bit of ranged damage thanks to Guided Arrow and apply OW, on top of it to force them to play offensively/closer to you.
Open Wounds Bypass ES% and DR% very effectiv against soso
There are many choices of what to socket this with.

Nef if you want knockback for a chance to tele/WW,
Um for more chance on OpenWounds,
Jewel 40/15 (ED / IAS )

Keep in mind while using Widowmaker that your IAS is LOW...you are no bowazon. but will be enough speed with Jool IAS% + Highlord.
Other than that...when switching to Widow be prepared to switch back the moment they come near you



-Prebuffing.

Demonlimb: Use this for Enchant to take your AR even higher. This is considered BM in BvB, so be sure to ask before using.

Note: This is the Only Pre buff item u will have as BvA, No Room For Pre Bo

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5. Skills


20 Axe Mastery
20 Shout
20 Battle Orders
20 Whirlwind
1 in all pre-reqs not listed here
1 Berserk (Optional)
1 Battle Command
1 Increased Stamina
1 Increased Speed
3 Natural resist

12+ Iron Skin (Everything else here, for BvB balance)
12+ Leap (Everything else here, for BvC balance)

Note: I leave the decision up to you, what duel's you wanna focus on, you have the option to reskill anytime with token anyway.

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6. Stats

Strength Base: 30
Add: 0 (Zero , Nothing !! no need to waste point here, We making BvA)

Dexterity Base: 20
Add: Until u reach Max block (READ BELOW)

***Make sure you Wear this items before spending Point's in DEX
*-Visio Diadem helm with 30-40 Dex atleast
*-Stormshield (Eld rune or Jool 30/60/9/9)
*-Angelic Set (this is to get High AR with Shield setup. Dont use Raven!! when skilling/Stats for MB)
*-Bug Belt (EU only)

Vitality Base: 25
Add: Rest of your points
Our Goal is to Reach atleast 7k HP with Shield setup

Energy Base: 10
Add: 0 (Zero , Nothing.....)

NEVER put any points into energy, the bonus from your BO should be enough to survive.
If not, use mana potions.

Will have atleast have 500 mana with FCR Setup.
Your mana will depend on whether you have chosen to build Optimal.
With Amulet / Ring you will probably have 650-750 Mana.

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7. Goals

These are some random stats to aim for when using this barbarian. Keep in mind they may vary from person to person based on gear, stat preference and skills.
All of these I'm giving are non-prebuff.
I wouldn't consider this barbarian done until about level 95-99

Level: 95-99 (Higher level means higher chance to hit your enemy with less of a chance of them hitting you, improves your OW damage and gives you more stat and skill points.)

Life: 6.400 - 7.100 HP (Depends on setup)
-Widowmaker 6.400 HP
-FCR Setup 6.800 HP
-Shield setup 7.000 HP (+)
-Melee Setup 7.100 HP (+)


Defense: 10.000 - 16.000
-Non Shield 10.000 - 16.000 Defense ............ (Swap Armor with Merc for AP) lower defense if skilled 'Leap'

Defense: 13.000 - 18.000 Shield
-With Shield you will reach about 13.000-18.000 Defense ............ (Swap Armor with Merc for AP) lower defense if skilled 'Leap'

Block: 75% (Max when needed)
-u will have Zero % block when u dont need shield, like Barb vs Smite or even V/T or other's
-and u will have max block when using shield, vs Bowa ,Barbs, Zeal

Attack Rating - Dual Wep Angelic's
AR With Angelic's: 19-21k (Depending on how you spent on dexterity. and ur LVL)
AR With Ench: 27-29k (Depending on how you spent on dexterity. and ur LVL)


Attack Rating - Dual Wep Angelic's (Visio)
AR With Angelic's: 25-27k (Depending on how you spent on dexterity. and ur LVL)
AR With Ench: 33-36k (Depending on how you spent on dexterity. and ur LVL)


Attack Rating - Dual Wep Raven's
AR With Highlord's/Raven's: 10-12k (Again, depending on your dexterity.and ur LVL)
AR With Ench: 14-17k (Again, depending on your dexterity & LvL)


Attack Rating - Shield Setup Angelic's BvB Setup (Visio + Shield)

AR With Shield : 22-24k (Depending on how you spent on dexterity. and ur LVL)
AR With Ench: 32-34k (Depending on how you spent on dexterity. and ur LVL)




Weapon/Shield Damage:
-Grief Damage: 653- 1.571 (No ench, No Venom Via Grief ctc)

Dual Weapon Damage:
-Grief Damage: 730 -1.924 (No ench, No Venom Via Grief ctc)
-Beast's Damage: 880 - 3.200 (No ench, No Venom Via Grief ctc)

Note:Ctc = Chance to cast
(otherwise you dmg on screen would look like 1.1k-2.3k something with grief)


OW: 35% chance (With Dracs and Gores) 55% if u use Hyb weapons
DS: 35% chance
CS: 31% chance
Note: OW = Open Wounds , DS= Deadly Strike CS = Critical Strike


FCR: 37% Breakpoint is Enough for BvA
Note: Possible 63% if u can afford Visio FCR || OR just go with 20% FCR Amulet with 1x Ring 10% FCR


FHR: 27% Breakpoint Is Enough For BvA
Note: if Having a hard time getting out of stunlock by assasin use the WSG glitch Keep rising W and move around to get out of it,


Stacked Resistances: High Light resist, V/T Character dont have an big effect on u
(V/T with 5 k dmg with CONV only do about 150 dmg on u if u use 15x 20/11)


Resist: with Coa around (if u used the 15x 20/11 instead of 15x 20/5@)
55% Fire
55% Cold
75% Light THX too 20/11 scs and High Stack resist
55% Psn

-Max if using Bugbelt 20@resist (EU Only)
-Maxed resist with Kira,


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8. SETUP

If you happend to build Optimal █ use the item for 63% FCR.
Otherwise just go with the 37% FCR.

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General Gear Pub Setup
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This setup gives you the most balance, protecting you from physical and elemental damages and keeps your damage ok.
Of course there may be times you'd change it, but this is the general setup.
This grants you 37% FCR, decent FHR, DR in the 30's, Cannot Be Frozen, decent mana, good damage and the ability to teleport.

Helm
-Coa

Armor
-Enigma MP

Belt
-Arach's

Gloves
-Trang's

Weapons
-Grief
-Beast

Amulet
-Highlord's

Ring
-2xRaven's

Boots
-GoreRider

Switch
- CTA Flail & Club Warcry


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General Caster Setup
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If there are no physical damage characters in here then you should use this setup as it gives you the most to take on regular casters.
This is the same as the build above only it takes away the unneeded DR and adds skills and other mods in the form of an Arreat's.
Keep in mind that even though a wind druid is a caster, their attacks are physical, so you will have to refer to the build above in place of this one. Dracula will give Higher chans to get OW + Lifetap

Helm
-CoA (vs Druid / Nec / Assa)
-Kira (vs Soso)
-Visio FCR

Armor
-Enigma MP

Belt
-Arach [FCR]
-TG [Absorb]

Gloves
-Trang [FCR]
-Dracula [OW for Widowmaker]

Weapons
-Grief
-Beast

Shield (OPTIMAL vs Bow Amazon & Hybrid Assasin)
-Stormshield [ Will be used vs Bowa, 35 DR% and 75% Block just put away your Beast / BoD]

Note: Yeah i know, they do not count as Caster, but Decided to put it in here anyway cuz this is the setup you will use vs them FCR% Setup^^

Amulet
-Highlord [1+ skill20% ias for widowmaker]

Ring
-2x Raven's [Mana + Dex + Absorb]

Boots
-GoreRider
-Hotspur [if u need fire resist]

Switch
-Widowmaker


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General Melee Setup
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This is the setup to maximize on DR% and AR, if you need more AR to take on the characters with huge chunks of defense
You could use Demon limb to Enchant. (either prebuff or use on ur WC switch)
Be sure to ask before doing this, anyway, in a GM duel.
This setup is mainly VS Pure Smite, Tele Smite, V/T

Helm
-Coa

Armor
-Enigma AP (Swap Armor with MERC)

Belt
-Verdungo's'
-Bugbelt (EU Only)

Gloves
-Dracula [Open Wounds]
-Trang [For FCR% if they Run away to much and FoH]
-Cleglaw's [For 25%Slowdown + KnockBack]

Weapons
-Grief (or Hyb)
-Beast (or Hyb)
-Doom [For BM duels if a retard player joins the game]

Amulet
-Angelic

Ring
-2x Angelic

Boots
-GoreRider

Switch
- CTA Flail & Club Warcry

Note: If you having hard time beating the guy, or a retard smiter player joins the game Only to BM,
Just put on Clegs + Doom + Bugbelt (EU Only) + Ench (This is BM setup)


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Stacking Setup
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This setup is for the times when you need to get more resistances to counter other characters -resist and ensure you take minimum damage.
This setup is mainly VS Soso,

Helm
-Kira's

Armor
-Enigma

Belt
-Arach' [FCR]

Gloves
-Trang's [FCR]

Weapons
-Grief
-Beast

Amulet
-Highlord [ 1+ skill 20ias% 35@ Light]
-Rising sun [Absorb]

Ring
-2x Raven's [Mana + Dex + Absorb]

Boots
-GoreRider
-Hotspur

Switch
- Either CTA + Club or WidowMaker!! depents on situation


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Barb Vs Barb Setup
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This setup is mainly VS Barb obviously Shield 75% Block.
Can also be used VS Ghost, Zeal, Wolf, Bear, Etc etc

Helm
-Visio

Armor
-Enigma

Belt
-Verdungo's'
-Bugbelt (EU only)

Gloves
-Dracula

Weapons
-Grief

Shield
-Stormshield

Amulet
-Angelic

Ring
-2x Angelic

Boots
-GoreRider

Switch
-CTA Flail & Club Warcry


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Barb Vs Amazon Setup
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This Setup is vs Hybrid, Bowa , Java.
Max block Setup Ofc 75%

Helm
-Visio

Armor
-Enigma AP

Belt
-Arach

Gloves
-Trang's

Weapons
-Grief

Shield
-Stormshield

Amulet
- Highlord

Ring
-2x Raven's

Boots
-GoreRider

Switch
-CTA Flail & Club Warcry

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9. Whirling Tactics

Long Whirl: Mostly used to traverse the area from an attack or to make slight desynchs if you have enough FRW. If done right for some characters you can go a distance and appear right on top of them.

Short Whirl: A pretty self-explanatory tactic. Keep the cursor close to your character before whirling. It helps getting the two "free" hit checks with WW. Also this tactic is part of a VERY famous whirling tactic.

Tri-Whirl (Dance of Death): The most famous whirl tactic is the DoD. This involves making a tight geometrical formation around an enemy, usually a triangle thus it's name. The reason for this is that it keeps the enemy in hit recovery, allowing more chance for damage.
It is best used, not as seperate clicks, but holding the WW mouse button and moving the cursor to the next point (Hold down ALT button aswell), then moving it again before the barbarian gets to that destination. This is why short whirls are important.
However, you must be careful HOW close your whirls are, otherwise you'd be losing more hit checks.

Clipping: Clipping is basically whirling JUST within your range in order to get hits on your enemy, without him getting any hits on you. The best way to do this is a long whirl past your enemy. You do NOT want to stop within their range,
so make sure to aim your cursor WELL past them to make sure you're beyond them hitting you. This tactic us used mostly on smiters or any other stationary non-caster enemy. ( I usually WW on the edge of there aura around them, Fana / Bo)

Faking Out/Counter Clipping: This tactic is where you whirl one way, knowing your enemy will try to intercept the clip and stopping midway where they think you'd be and clip the OPPOSITE direction, again getting some hits off without them knowing how to react.
The main part is to know WHERE to aim your WW ending so you can change directions before they intercept.

Tele/Whirl: Another somewhat basic concept. There are many ways to pull this off, from a simple namelock to an unsummon/throw/zerk lock for an even bigger surprise.
This will allow you to land right on your opponent and allows you to make some decent tri-whirls if you can pull them off in time.

Leap/Tele/Whirl: A tactic made famous by BvCs. Utilizing small leaps to keep your opponent in hit recovery, it gives you time to quickly get a namelock and tele/whirl them.
Using leap is a great way to interrupt your opponent's attacks and get the offensive all at the same time. (Only added this if u decide to put skill point's in Leap instead of Iron Skin)

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10. Strategy


I'm not going to give you specific strategies. I find it best that people find ways to duel in their own style that suits them. I will, however, give you tips on what to use against certain enemies, as your choices are pretty vast.

1 on 1 & TvT Rules (Europe)



Amazons
Difficulty: Easy - Medium
Bowazons: You want to tele around them in huge circles to avoid their GA's. Just circle them and once you can get a namelock, tele/whirl them. Tri-whirl them and they should be done relatively quickly.
For Strafe and Multishot, tele sideways for Strafe...and tele behind the arrow line for Multishot. As long as you can avoid getting hit with the GA's you're safe. Keep in mind that these Bowazon desync like hell.
Use the Caster setup + Shield to block arrows and be able to tele.


Difficulty: Easy - Hard
Hybrid: They are basically the same as Bowazon, the difference is that they have ETH Javelins together with "Faith" Runeword, Cube BO...... Play the same way as you would vs an Bowazon Caster Setup + Shield Try-whirl them to death,
there is no need to use abs / wisp vs these ama. Try to Namelock and keep Tele/whirl on them since they Desync alot. Keep in mind that there Javalins can be even more deadly then "Javazons" since there dmg is not totally based on "Light dmg".


Difficulty: Easy
Javazons: Tri-whirl when you're on top of them, hopefully their evasion skills keep them stun / fhr lock there .There is NO need for Tgod or wisp, Since we are allready stacked in light resist to counter their -res
If they use Jab, however, you might want to be careful...as there dmg can still do alot of dmg...
with TGod's, you pretty much be immun, thats why there no need to use Wisp or TGod . . Caster Setup should do fine. Already have Stacked resist ^^



Assassins
Difficulty: Medium - Very Hard
Trappers: It really depends how they fight. If they stay behind their traps and expect you to come near, toss in some shots from Widow to persuade them to move. If they're aggressive they'll place traps toward you generally, sort of like stepping stones.
Learn to recognize this and how to deal. If you get Mindblasted, WW out. Tele/whirl them whenever you can, as you want to get to them and get some damage in before they can get you with Mindblast. Lightning has a lot longer range than fire, but fire can stun better.
If they start to get you into a stunlock, WW out as soon as you can. Tri-whirl as soon as you're on top of them with tele. Use your Caster Setup . TGod's if their damage gives you trouble.
(Keep in mind that most trapper are Maxblock)


Difficulty: Medium - Hard
Hybrid: If they use Clawblock, You will have 'some' advantage getting in hits, but if they use shield Maxblock it will be harder , it will almost be like duelling a pure Trapper, Except with lower light dmg. The biggest issue with them is that they use traps.
but against a WW barb you can pretty much expect them to play trapper, since going in for WW is suicide. There's no need to worry about there WW dmg, Use Caster Setup


Difficulty: Easy
Ghost Sin: Pure WW assassins...they are laughable. You outdo them in damage, health, defense, AR and Block !. Their main source of damage is the poison, and you should be able to kill them long before that becomes an issue.
Use your BvB setup. IF You want to duel them 2-handed. Keep in mind that a well equipped ghost can surprise you as to how well they do. The reason for this is that they can dual wield and still block. And since they can use Fort,



Barbarians
Difficulty: Easy - Medium
Conc Barbs: These are among the backbone of melee builds. If made well, they will hit your defense and higher. You can WW through them and still miss, while their higher AR takes care of you. These duels are usually pretty straightforward.
Use either the Melee setup or the BvB Setup so you can deal with their high defense. Their main downfall is they have to be right near you to attack...and they can't attack while on the move.
For some free hits you could also whirl away as they get near, but if it's melee only...WW is usually not viewed well.


Difficulty: Easy
Singers: These guys focus on War Cry to do their damage. Their biggest downfall is they need insane FCR to keep someone in lock, the damage doesn't do much, big mana spending and, worst of all, it can be BLOCKED. Use Caster Setup + Shield.
It shouldn't be too hard. Make sure you have at least 27 FHR (CoA), to keep from being stun locked.. Tele/whirl / and do Tri-whirl to keep them stunned / block animation


Difficulty: Easy
Werewolf Barbs: Shouldn't really be a problem ..... Use BvB Setup and either WW clip or just do normal ww around them, I See them more as FPK character then PvP. In general they are pretty bad (as Wolf Barb)


Difficulty: Easy - Hard
WW Barbs: The most famous of all barbarians. You should know what these guys are capable of...as you ARE one. Anyway...they are usually divided into BvC, BvB and BvA.
BvCs are usually dual wielders so their defense, and AR will be generally lower than yours + they have NO Block. BvA will be an even ground for you as it's your same type. BvB will be your greatest challenge as they are MADE to take your entire class out.
There are different type of BvB,First we have AoW, then FFA How ever, it still 'possible' for BvA to kill BvB ^^ but the BvB will of course have big advantage .
You could use Widowmaker to get a few shots and bleed them to death, (Not recommended since they have 75% block + High def). Use your BvB Setup


Difficulty: Easy
Zerkers: The plus side for these guys is they have huge, unresistable damage. The bad side is that they lose all their defense when they swing. Having no defense really kills these builds...
Use the BvB setup and you should be fine to at least block their attacks, considering your AR>>>their defense...it's no contest. I see Berserk best used as a backup attack anyway. >_>



Druids
Difficulty: Easy
Fire: I hardly ever see these Druids. There main attaks are Armageddon and Fissure. Treat them like a lower FCR fire sorc that only uses Meteor, since both Armageddon and Fissure have cooldowns. Tele/whirl and tri-whirl if you can.
Try to avoid staying in either attack for too long. While you can tank them to a degree...you don't want to give your enemy free damage. Also, Dont walk/run across Fissure... Stacking Setup should be fine.


Difficulty: Medium - Hard
Werewolves: You'll mostly have to worry about Rabies. Fury you won't have to worry too much. It's an autoaiming skill, but they can't move while using it, so if they come near you, WW away or clip them. Rabies can be annoying as f*ck.
If you can handle them and catch up while they keep away to bleed you to death, then don't worry about it. If the damage proves too much for you, put on Iratha's Collar Amulet or The Jade Tan Do to cut down on the hurt.
(if u have 'Space' for these) If they're using Doom with Rabies you're going to have a tough time , Keep tele/whirl them. Use your BvB Setup.


Difficulty: Medium- Very Hard
Wind: They can recast their summons to keep up a minion stack, which will also hurt your WW effectiveness. Use the General Pub Setup for DR, as you'll need it for tornadoes. If you find they're running low on summons keep on them for when they have to recast,
this is a huge opening. Tele/whirl them and tri-whirl if you can without their summons getting in the way. If you can get it right, you can tele/zerk them for more damage...plus avoiding hits going to the summons.
Dont worry to much about the hurricane, since we using 2x Raven + Trang oul's [Resist]



Necromancers
Difficulty: Hard - Very Hard
Bone: These guy's have a big advantage over you, there attaks are 'Magic' so you can't resist the damage they make, they can also recast Bone Armor. Which means that they can tank a lot of WW hits (Especially with Max Block Necro's)
tele/whirl will still be your most dependable when it comes to catching them. If you see their golem or their Bone Armor die out, stay on them and get them as they recast, leaving a small opening for you
Watch out for IBS's (Invisible Bone Spirits) casted off of your screen. If you have problem keeping up with their cast rate, you might need to add some FCR rings/ammy/circlet or something to take you to the 63% breakpoint.
Use Caster Setup
There are some necro playing BM using Iron Maiden & Bone Wall / Prison to make you kill ur self while WW.


Difficulty: Medium
Poison: These guy's strategy is to bleed you to death. They will cast Nova a number of times, and keep distance / teleporting away from you. Tele/WW them...tri-whirl them if you can.
If you have problems with the poison damage, throw on Iratha's Collar Amulet or The Jade Tan Do. Use Stacking setup.


Difficulty: Hard - Very hard
Summoners: Barb's have the disadvantage vs these guy. They have TON's of summons for stack making tri-whirl kind of useless. Never go offensive if they use Iron Maiden curse...............Meh just wait 3 minutes, tele/whirl
.......If they expect you to patience for them, then you can expect them to patience for you xD , boring duels anyway. Use Caster Setup.


Paladins
Difficulty: Easy
Auradin: You don't have to worry TOO much on stacking, since it's mostly the Conviction aura. Use a mix between the stacked setup and the caster . Also TGod's and Rising Sun both come in really handy here,
since the auras will start healing you if you have your res high enough thanks to them. Treat them like chargers that's usually how they play. The only other way is to avoid the person they're dueling and letting their auras do the work,
you could Widow them and avoid the auras until they bleed to death. If you can, try to tele/whirl them unless they use smite for some reason.


Difficulty: Easy
Chargers: Two handed, they can potentially 2HKO you... That being said...it should be obvious you'll want a shield...and you will be using the BvB setup for this. Chargers don't often go straight in so easily...they're looking for an opening.
You could use Widow to work on them and check where they are from desynch, but make sure they aren't in range if you do use it. Also whirling away as they come at you will be of GREAT use to you.
I would consider the ones with a weapon and shield 'harder' becouse of Block.... Since we have Max block Anyway, you can Tele /Whirl them. OR Just keep cool and whirl away if they come near you and you should be fine.


Difficulty: Easy
FoHers: These will be one of the main reasons you have 15x 20/11 stacked resistances. With their Conviction and other possible gear, they can put on up to -230% lightning res, causing huge problems for you if you can't retaliate.
(but this is no problem for us ) ^^ Put on your Caster Setup + 1 Wisp Tele/WW them and you should do fine. Either way, Widow them if they're staying in place...and try to stay out of FoH's range.
but if you keep Widowing them and bleeding them out...they're bound to go on the offensive. In short...be aggressive with pure FoHers,


Difficulty: Medium - Very Hard
Hammerdin: With their unresistable damage and since it's a spell it's guaranteed to hit. One thing you should know is NOT to tri-whirl these guys...ever. Switch to your Widow if they stay still while hammering or you think they're desynching, as the arrows will follow them.
You could also leap in place to knock them out of it. With the desynching, be very careful about invisible hammers...DON'T whirl very long distances near where they've been. If you sense them locking you,
run until they don't show up on your minimap and go back to break their lock. If they telebomb you, just whirl diagonally left and down a distance as they appear, getting free hits and avoiding hammers. Use Caster Setup + Widow


Difficulty: Medium
Smiters: They attack you with there shield, That you can't block and it's guaranteed to hit always . That being said you need to do all you can to damage them without getting hit too much back. This is where clipping and faking out will play key roles.
Do not tri-whirl them as their attack will beat yours if you're both in range. If they telebomb you, be sure to whirl away. Also...whirl away if they walk or charge toward you.
If they're just sitting there, shift smiting you should WW Clip them to drive them out. If there Life Tap Activated / Ctc, WW away from them, to wait out the curse. Use your basic Melee setup . Remember !!
Ench vs Exile
Clegs vs HolyFreez Flash


Difficulty: Medium
V/T: This is a hybrid between Smite & FoH. Use Melee Setup +Trang-Oul's for FCR. You could also use 1 Wisp, but i personally prefer AR. When they FoH you, they are totally exposed for hits, Tele 'close' on top of them and WW.
You will basically duel them the same way as you duel Pure Smiter. Except you will be doing more teleporting on them. You dont have to worry about stack resist since we have 15x 20/11 (Most V/T have 5k dmg and will only do about 100-200 per hit).
Try to stay in close range to be able to WW Clip on them. Dont give the V/T a chance to FoH, (even if we are stacked)


Difficulty: Easy
Zealers: You can block their attack cuz it doesn't have a guaranteed hit rate like smiter does. On the downside they can hit multiple times REALLY fast. Put on your BvB setup (Max block) and you should do ok.
Whirl them as normal or WW Clip making them come to you to get free hits as you whirl away. Clipping, faking out maybe tri-whirls if you can damage race them enough will work here.



Sorceresses
Difficulty: Medium
Cold: I consider these guys the most lethal of the elemental sorceresses for barbs. Their Cold Mastery cuts your resistances IMMENSELY. For this reason you will definitely want to be in your Stacked res + Raven setup.
Basically you're going to be looking out for Blizzard, Frozen Orb or Glacial Spike. If they Blizz themselves, just Widow them (make them play aggressive). Just try your damndest to keep on the move. They Will cast and teleing away from you whenever you get close.
It's up to you to whether or not to play Offensive or Defensive. Leap/tele/WW will work wonders here as it'll Stun them JUST long enough for you to get a namelock and whirl.


Difficulty: Medium
Fire: Put on Hotspur and Kira, but that doesn't make their damage any less lethal, Use your basic Caster setup + Widowmaker. Most fireball sorcs are spray n' pray spam cannons so avoid their fire and try to get a namelock when you can for a tele/whirl.
You could always throw a few Widow shots in for more confusion. Also be careful you're not standing in any Meteor traps...as the initial blast nets some pretty decent damage. If you can avoid their shots enough while getting some in, on your own, you have a decent chance. For ES sorcs you'll want to stock up on OW from Drac's and Beast, and Widow will be a key player as well.


Difficulty: Medium
Lightning: The potentially highest damaging element. They find all sorts of uses for attack whether it's Charged Bolt, Lightning, Chain Lightning, Nova or Thunder Storm. This is also the most likely to be an ES sorc... throw on that OW gear.
Just use the basic Caster setup + Widowmaker and 1 Wisp ring if necessary. Most of their attacks are generally easy to stay away from as they're completely linear.
Nova sorcs will probably depend on Lightning near you since a close range attack like that on a barb is suicide for them. If you find them Nova-ing in place hoping you get in...pop them once or twice with Widow...that'll change their mind.

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11. Conclusion

I played BvA for 2 year but i love it ^^ pretty decent vs all character.
even have possibility to play as Defensive or Aggressive,
Great for TvT also, if u like those duels. Personally i prefer 1 on 1
Only down side if u never played barb before, is that u need experience on how to battle different character, which you eventually figure out.
and sometimes can by annoying to go to stash to switch out gear. depending on what Classes / Character u are fighting against, And those REPAIR Cost! Man.........
Overall, BvA is my favorite character to play

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12. Special Thanks

Most of this stuff is from 'Omnicide' BvA Guide
i just made some Update to it since it's outdated 2008
(Wanna see his Original Guide?) use WebArchive.


Screenshots:

Ench + CtC Venom Via Grief
Bugbelt & Verdungo




FCR Setup & Widowmaker Setup




My Visio and BvB setup
No Ench
No Venom CtC

Should suggest an arreats for a visionary alternative

Also since ur using 20-11 how are your total resist after anya bug

yeah

Some toughts also

You ranked summon necos very hard but its pretty easy to namelock zerk you shouldnt be wwing

Simply leap them out of summons name lock and tele zerk

Also may i suggest a bit more points in increase speed

It helps you desync better
Helping you clip ww

And i feel all remaining point should go into leap not iron skin
You wont win straight hard bvbs so ur better off getting the knock back bonus
And you can just widow against fort non tele bvbs to death


Edit: i feel the 48fhr bp isint over rated it can help you alot especially vs what seems to be a bit lack luster resist

Another examlple would be vs necros when a spirit train is about to hit you and u get bp
I feel its a must on some match ups

This post was edited by Aztec209 on Nov 7 2016 01:11pm

140+ in light stack (after "Hell" Difficult Penelty & Anya bug )
enough to tank V/T and Foh and still using 2 angelic





well it all depents how the necro play, most people in public play BM using ironmaiden / wall / prison

and namelocking a 125/86 summon necro can really be hard ,
especially those who use C/T exploits (Legit Farcast tele)

i was thinking about adding "increase speed" aswell :/ but decided to leave it out , but yeah it's awesome for Desync i agree (i have 2 barbs) 1 bva 1 bvc

it is possible for BvA to kill an decent AoW / FFA / BvB, i done it many times , but there are some hardcore using super rare ETH armors, that gives them over 30-40k defens in total

27% FHR Barb = 86% FHR Necro
i agree that 48 breakpoint can help alot, but 27 works aswell vs necro

37% fcr barb = 163% fcr Druid (just added this as a note)


but i think most of barb player agree that necro have the advantage here (or maybe just me? )

Asking about all res not just light
Prison isint bm if u have teleport
And namelocking ahouldnt be too hard with leap :0
And if he hacks just juv but for the sake of the guide keep it legit i suppose
I feel like next fhr helps vs alot of necros especially against trains

I understand beating bvb but u should just use widow imo use enigma to ur advantage


Necros kinda do its usually a skill matchup unless they are mb

"Prison" together with ironmaiden is BM

with bugbelt i have max resist, otherwise i use hotspor + kira /trang (cold res) etc etc... i have enough to stack some resist in all element except maybe posion (but can always remove / mule over some stuff to carry carrion wind rings)

depending on how the "necro" plays or any other classes , 1 C/T can destroy the namelocking (C/T = Farcast tele )

y but widowmaker seems abit lame^^ vs bvb

IM in general is bm iirc
Stacked res even vs cold?
And with bb do u have max all res after the anya bug o.o?

Yes but namelocking can be repeated and chained

Widow only way to beat a zbug fort eth arreats bvb ._.

2 raven kira + trang is enough for me

i dont need to go offensive vs blizz soso

(widowmaker = Openwounds ) drain there life , even bypass ES (energy shield) and yes max resist still after anya bug (around 85+)
kira (um)
depenting if i use hotspur 45 fire res/ trang 30 cold res etc etc

yeah im aware that u can chainlock aswell, the biggest problem for me is the timing