Whirlwind Barb: A Devastating Force in Diablo II

The Whirlwind Barbarian, a formidable melee combatant in Diablo II, stands as a testament to brute force and whirlwind destruction. This guide delves into the intricacies of this iconic class, exploring its strengths, weaknesses, and the strategies that unlock its true potential.

Building the Whirlwind Barb

Attributes:

• Strength: A Barbarian's primary attribute, essential for maximizing damage and equipping heavy armor.
• Dexterity: Improves accuracy and defense, allowing for greater survivability.
• Vitality: Increases health, a crucial attribute for melee combat.
• Energy: Negligible for this build, as Whirlwind does not consume mana.

Skills:

• Whirlwind: The core skill, causing the Barbarian to spin rapidly, damaging all surrounding enemies.
• Double Swing: A supporting skill that enhances attack speed, increasing Whirlwind's effectiveness.
• Berzerk: Amplifies attack speed and damage, further boosting Whirlwind's destructive power.
• Battle Command: Grants additional combat abilities, such as increased maximum life and stamina.
• Find Potion: Provides a chance to find healing and mana potions, essential for sustained combat.

Equipment:

• Weapon: A two-handed weapon with high base damage, such as a Colossus Blade or Great Poleaxe.
• Armor: Heavy armor with high defense and strength bonuses, such as Grim's Fortress or Templar's Might.
• Helm: Skullder's Ire for enhanced damage and attack speed, or Arreat's Face for increased run speed.
• Gloves: Gravepalm for amplified Whirlwind damage, or Steelrends for improved critical strike.
• Boots: Gore Rider for increased attack speed, or Waterwalk for enhanced mobility.

Combat Strategies

The Whirlwind Barb excels in close-quarters combat. Engage enemies by activating Whirlwind and circling around them, maximizing damage while minimizing the risk of retaliation.

• Crowd Control: Whirlwind effortlessly clears hordes of lesser enemies. Use it to quickly dispatch large groups and gain experience or loot.
• Single Target Damage: Charge into stronger foes, then activate Whirlwind to focus your attacks. Combine it with Double Swing and Berzerk for maximum damage.
• Mobility: Use Battle Cry to increase movement speed and quickly reposition yourself in combat. This is especially useful for pursuing fleeing enemies or evading ranged attacks.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Devastating melee damage against large groups and single targets.
• High survivability due to heavy armor and high life points.
• Crowd control abilities through Whirlwind and Battle Cry.

Weaknesses:

• Vulnerable to ranged attacks, especially when engaged in Whirlwind.
• Can be slowed down by enemies with cold or physical damage resistance.
• Requires careful gear selection to maximize damage and defense.

Tips and Tricks

• Invest heavily in strength and vitality to enhance survivability and damage.
• Use Battle Orders to increase party members' life and damage.
• Bind Find Potion to a hotkey for quick healing.
• Take advantage of area damage effects, such as Battle Cry, to clear groups of enemies.
• Experiment with different weapons and equipment to find the optimal combination for your playstyle.

Conclusion

The Diablo II Whirlwind Barbarian is a formidable melee force, capable of unleashing devastation upon its foes. By mastering the art of Whirlwind, double swings, and berzerk, players can create a character that will dominate the battlefields of Sanctuary. With careful planning and execution, the Whirlwind Barb stands as one of the most powerful classes in the game, bringing unparalleled carnage and whirlwind destruction to the world of Diablo II.