Build Guide
I made a more traditional LeapSlam Barb build using BotT like almost every build utilizes, but the short range of BotT and Threatening Shout was making me feel like I was doing less damage than I should. A long range build takes those elements out of the equation, and the other big draw to a ranged build for me is that the ranged attackers that are usually the ones who do the unexpected damage on you now get a taste of their own nasty medicine. So I have gone all out Long Range here, dropped BotT for Zei's, and included the No Escape passive that boosts Slams over 15 yards by 30%. The game distance of 15 yards is actually pretty short, so getting more than 15 yards away from mobs is pretty easy, ESPECIALLY with Leap. That last leap looks to get you about 30 yards away, which puts No Escape in play and increases Zei's to a very nice amount.
I really enjoyed the Seismic Slam aspect of the standard Leapquake build but when I got a Primal set of Istvan's Blades, I had to try to build something around them. I dropped the Blade of the Tribes, which made Earthquake less of a priority. The blades give a huge attack speed boost and AS doesn't affect Earthquake anyway, so it made sense. I drop Earthquake off of my skills bar since the MotE set autocasts it when you leap and its damage is already fire anyway. That spot is much more useful to take WotB.
I use WotB in the first fight and every time it is ready. Even though saving it for the bigger fights can be very helpful, utilizing it for as much time as possible seems to be yielding better times. I leap three times, looking to land my second leap in the highest density, then leaping AWAY from the group for the third. That leap takes me between 30 and 40 yards away from that group, and anyone who comes in from further is in even better range for Zei's. Ranged attackers will stay at range by design, making killing them even easier, and they are usually the ones to give the most problems to a melee build. Unless the Oculus ring (Follower) is right in the middle of the mobs I am attacking, I find it, if not I just turn and Slam until I am out of fury. If I don't like my position or the position of the mobs, I will leap again after 3 slams since that fully resets the Leap cooldown. Mob grouping and the location of the third leap makes a huge difference, and the up to 85% damage boost of the ring is also huge. It is very important that the Threatening Shout cast is done as the third leap is made and not after, that way the mobs that are at that location are affected by the Shout. I like a build that requires more strategy than just spamming an ability from any position, and this build gives that feeling of really earning it. The speed of the Blades helps Leap reset even faster for increased mobility. I just started with this long range build and the increase in damage compared to a close range BotT build is pretty impressive. This does require more effort than the BotT build because you have to do your damage from range, but the Leap ability makes that possible if you do it right. This build is wicked fun, makes use of a Legendary Gem that most people don't ever use, and lets you really feel like playing better rewards you.
Rift Guardian Note: These fights seem to go even easier with this build, much less danger at range, and the easy way to ensure you get range but don't lose a Slam is to do two short targeted leaps onto the RG, then a long press in whatever direction gives you the clearest, furthest attack, but make sure to hold the target button down so even when you are leaping away, when you do your first Slam, it automatically goes in his direction.
I think this build will surprise you, especially if you enjoy a little strategy.
-
View User Profile
-
Send Message
Posted Jan 5, 2018Nice build. I appreciate theorycrafting and hate using meta. I'll have to try this out today. Keep it up and keep pushing your limits.
-
View User Profile
-
Send Message
Posted Jan 6, 2018Thanks! I feel the same way, I don't necessarily mind using meta as a starting point, but I like feeling like I can come up with something viable. I play for the enjoyment, then I push myself as high as I can go. But if a build isn't fun, then I don't care how high I can clear. In the end, no matter where you plateau, if it isn't fun then who cares what the number is? I am continuing to try new things here, about to work some interesting suggestions in tonight. But I can tell you that I already tried one, switching the Battle Cry rune to Bloodshed. I never thought I would have enough recovery since I have zero Life per Fury spent, but somehow I haven't been dying and the mobs that refuse to stay at range and get close are much easier to kill with Bloodshed. So when you try this, definitely switch over to Bloodshed, it will make the trash much easier to handle. More to come.