2021 will see the release of one of the most anticipated games of the year, and that is Diablo 2: Resurrected. The original Diablo 2 was arguably one of the most loved ARPGs of all time, and many games within the same genre were heavily influenced by it. Path of Exile, Last Epoch, Wolcen, Grim Dawn, Torchlight, Titan Quest, and more, they all drew inspiration from Diablo 2's success and its core mechanics. Path of Exile even has some skills that are clearly inspired by Diablo 2 ones, like Ice Nova, Cyclone, and Spark, respectively Frost Nova, Whirlwind, and Electrified.
With the newly remastered Diablo 2: Resurrected, lots of fans are discussing their starting characters to pick at launch and why. This is quite common when it comes to action RPGs, and despite Diablo 2: Resurrected not being an entirely new game with brand-new classes, the debate remains very interesting. This remastered version of Diablo 2 does not have the aim to change the original game or make it more in line with other modern titles, but rather it wants to be a faithful portrayal of a beloved classic. As such, it is safe to infer that many aspects of each of the original characters will be retained.
What Does The Druid Do In Diablo 2?
The Druid is an extremely versatile class, with branching skills in many different ways, specializing in completely different playstyles. Although not the most popular of the playable classes because of sub-par base stats and damage-dealing capabilities that are much lesser than Barbarian, the Druid does have many interesting abilities. It is a character with a very game-defining set of skills, though the class is confirmed to be returning in Diablo 4 as well.
Druids come with three skill trees, as all classes do, which are: Elemental, Shape Shifting, and Summoning. While taking advantage of the Elemental skill tree, the Druid channels the powers of nature to annihilate their enemies. Druids utilize spells that control the winds, earth, and fire, while also being able to protect themselves by creating shields that absorb damage.
Druids delving more into the Shape Shifting tree acquire the power of manipulating their own flesh, taking on the form of beasts they took an oath to protect, which are the bear and the wolf. These come in different paths, and despite physical appearance, both equipment and weapons do play a role in the damage and survivability of the Werewolf or Werebear. Lastly, Summoning Druids call to their aid animals of the wilds or vines to trap their enemies or follow them like minions. Additionally, they can also summon Spirits that cast beneficial auras to affect the Druid and his other party members as well.
Noteworthy Skills From The Elemental Tree
This tree is especially good for featuring a few key skills included among the best in the game. One of these abilities is Fissure, which particularly in the early stages of the game, will be a great pick to carry the Druid. This skill opens volcanic vents below the Druid's enemies to burn them, and it has amazing AoE capabilities. Other skills to consider include Molten Boulder and Volcano: The former being useful for pushing enemies back while dealing some AoE damage, and the latter being a useful skill for increasing single-target damage against bosses, as this skill has a duration over which it damages enemies standing above it.
Other options include Cyclone Armor, Tornado, and Hurricane. These skills can be used in tandem, and they provide great AoE coverage, good damage, and some survivability, while also empowering each other with enough investment. Cyclone Armor lets the Druid have a protective shield that absorbs incoming Fire, Cold, and Lightning damage. Tornado and Hurricane are perfect choices for when the Druid has to deal with resistant enemies, as they deal physical and cold damage respectively. Also, Hurricane is a passive AoE effect around the Druid, moving in unison with him, while Tornados are actively cast toward enemies.
Noteworthy Skills From The Shape Shifting Tree
Druids can also transform to become Werewolves or Werebears through the Lycanthropy skill. Investing points in it grants druids increased duration of their bear or wolf form transformation, while also adding more hit points to their total. Rabies is probably one of the best skills to have, as it deals high poison damage to an enemy, which will spread the infection to all monsters in its group. Rabies also has synergies with Poison Creeper from the Summoning tree, increasing the poison damage dealt per level of the skill.
Other skills worth mentioning are Feral Rage, which increases attack speed and provides the wolf form with lifesteal. Fury is useful for Druids trying to max out wolf form damage using strong two-handed weapons. These are all only usable in wolf form, though.
For Druids willing to become bears, though, an amazing skill to use is Shock Wave, which damages enemies in an area and stuns them for several seconds. This is particularly useful to have, as it is among the few decent crowd control abilities for Druids. Fire Claws is also a good choice, considering the bear form is more naturally a tank than damage dealer, and this provides it with substantial fire damage bonuses.
Noteworthy Skills From The Summoning Tree
The Druid has some very interesting skills within the Summoning tree, including Oak Sage, Heart of Wolverine, Summon Dire Wolf, Summon Grizzly, and Carrion Vine. Oak Sage and Heart of Wolverine are Spirits, each providing a unique and very strong bonus to the Druid and his minions. Oak Sage provides a 125% bonus to the Druid's life, which is huge especially with investing in life points, allowing Druids to reach even numbers above four or five thousand hit points. Heart of Wolverine provides a juicy bonus to damage and attack rating, proving to be a great choice for Druids willing to deal lots of damage by themselves, or through the aid of allied creatures.
Summon Dire Wolf and Summon Grizzly are used to having minions up and running that will kill enemies for the Druid, but these beasts cannot be summoned simultaneously. The Grizzly is a great tank, and investing points into it can make it have over four thousand life points, more than doubled when combined with Oak Sage.
Furthermore, scaling both Summon Spirit Wolf and Summon Dire Wolf additionally powers up the bear. On the other hand, the Dire Wolf is great at dealing damage to enemies, and investing in the Grizzly and Spirit Wolf helps it with damage, attack rating, and defense. Lastly, Carrion Vine is great to have for funneling life from monsters back to the Druid to help him stay alive.
Diablo 2: Resurrected is planned to release in 2021 for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.