With this topic I want to cover my Barbarian build that I want to use for Hardcore.
Introduction
When I think of hardcore, I always remember my characters I had in Diablo 2. I used to play hardcore a lot and died a lot due to lag and ganks. I've seen Blizzards' " You will die" movie and figured out that my barb needed to have a solid defence, even more because he is a melee character. I still remember the lightning enhanced super speedy elites, they still make me shiver
I set myself some goals which I want to reflect in my build:
-Have atleast a single target skill;
-Have atleast a multi target (aoe) skill;
-Have one "oh-shit-button";
-Have a way to escape when I get overwhelmed;
-Have a good defence against both physical and magic damage.
End game build
Ofcourse there is a build that I want to work to, you can see it in this link:
http://us.battle.net...XTgk!XVe!Zcbbac
My explanation of the end game build:
-Frenzy + triumph: This is for single target damage, triumph rune will make sure my health regeneration will be okay as long as I can kill the mobs;
-Revenge + provocation: This is for multi target damage, I took provocation because this will up the damage a lot and will enable me to have more regeneration then any other rune. I chose provocation over vengeance is mine since I won't need fury and I've got the feeling that 15% might give me problems one day, imagine to have 25% hp and revenge just does'nt proc, to have it proc one out of 3 makes me feel a lot safer.
-Leap + toppling impact: This is my escape (or initiate) skill, I'm not really sure about the rune but I guess this is the best way to escape battle. 300% armor might prove more useful though, what are your thoughts about this?
-Earthquake + the mountain's call: The one and only oh-shit-button, in combination with this rune I'll always be able to save my own arse when I encounter elites;
-Threatening shout + intimidate: One of the better defence skills, IMO invaluable for HC. I'm not sure about the rune but I guess this will do pretty well;
-War cry + impunity: Another good defence skill, rune depends on gear. I guess at Inferno 50% resistance will be needed but that is yet to be seen.
Leveling build
I've also created a leveling build, based on the Blizzard progression guide. You can view the google-document sheet here: https://docs.google....bm9OOU85VnRub3c
Please note that I didn't include any levels where I didn't have either new skills, runes or passives. Also note that new skills, runes and passives have been marked orange.
In this leveling build I work my way to the end game build and I tried to keep my build goals in mind while leveling.
Follower
I will use the Templar follower because he seems to be the most defensive orientated and is able to taunt when my barb is below 50% hp. I will use the following "build": http://us.battle.net...r/follower#1000
I would gladly ask for any constructive feedback and please keep the trolling out of this thread, thanks in advance!
//edit: Version 1.0
Edited by koetjeka, 15 April 2012 - 09:51 AM.








