Outlaw's "Multiple Rocket Launcher" Demon Hunter | Category: Diablo BlogJune-5-2014 10:00 AM PDT (10 years ago) |
Since each Theorycraft Thursday rotation runs for about four weeks between votes, it means that two classes could not be featured in our first round articles. I'm prepared to remedy the situation, so for this week's Theorycraft Thursday we're sharing an explosive Demon Hunter build for all types of skill and gear levels. Are you locked and loaded for Outlaw#1468's "Multiple Rocket Launcher" build? About the Build:The Multiple Rocket Launcher, or MRL, build focuses on supplying a constant barrage of damage via Strafe (Rocket Storm). Featuring a high amount of mobility and an endless supply of rockets (where do they come from?), it shifts the focus of skillful play from aiming your abilities to successfully kiting and chasing your enemies.
"Strafe grants continuous mobility and damage, making it optimal for chasing or kiting enemies. This makes it the ultimate skill in providing offense and defense in equal measurement," writes Outlaw. With the auto-targeting power of the rockets spawned by Strafe and other supplemental abilities, enemies with high mobility and a tendency to flee will no longer be a nuisance! The Skills:Outlaw was kind enough to provide us two separate load outs—one designed with less of a gear focus and the other designed for after you've acquired more of the ideal items listed below. For this particular blog, we'll detail the initial build first and then offer additional skill suggestions in a separate section. Active Skills:
Passive Skills:
Alternative Skills:
The Items:The following items are by no means necessary—the initial build presented above is usable with any level of gear. Of course, as you progress and climb higher in difficulty, you should keep an eye out for some of the following complementary items.
Complementary Items:
Recommended Stats: When starting out, you should focus on finding or rerolling gear for Critical Hit Chance and Resource Cost Reduction, as this will help you with early resource regeneration and reduce your downtime in Strafe. After you acquire a few items and resources become less of a concern, you can shift your focus to +% Damage to Fire Skills and Critical Hit Damage to raise your overall DPS. While other DPS components are useful, these will help you strive towards early success, even if you’re lacking some of the more ideal Legendaries. Recommended Difficulty and Game Mode:Due to the flexibility and growth Outlaw provided in his Theorycraft Thursday submission, the MRL build can be used at any game difficulty and any game mode, though it truly thrives in single-target encounters. The Hellfire Ring events and Nephalem Rift bosses are prime prey for this rocket-laden maiden, but the supplemental damage provided by Marked for Death (Contagion) is a boon to any party in group play. This is a great build for budding young Demon Hunters starting their journey through Torment I and beyond, growing with each supplemental legendary acquired. For more tips and tricks, you should definitely check out Outlaw's full guide on the Demon Hunter forums. He's detailed some of the finer points of handling troublesome enemies and also TLDR'd the details for those who can’t wait to jump into the action! Why We Like This Build:While I have a 70 of each class, I struggle with some classes more than others and the Demon Hunter is one that both intrigues and intimidates me. It takes serious skill to be proficient with this squirrely, mobile class, and I'll shamefully admit that understanding the science behind balancing your Hatred and Discipline confused me thoroughly at first.
Outlaw's build is straightforward and fun. While I shudder to think of the dizziness my poor Demon Hunter endures with each play session, I can’t wait to jump back in—I'm currently drowning Kadala in Blood Shards for that elusive K'mar Tenclip. The MRL is easy to learn and difficult to master, requiring early resource management skills while training you to master kiting techniques. Tell Us What You Think!The MRL build Outlaw sent over is a blast (pun entirely intended) to play and offers a very clear sense of progression as items are acquired. Are there any items or skills we missed? What would you do differently with a Strafe oriented build? Can I link Strafe more times before this blog ends? Let us know in the comments, and don't forget to send me your builds at TheorycraftThursday@blizzard.com! |