FWI
Member!
*: This is a rough draft. Comments are both needed and welcome.
*NOTE*: Do not post this guide anywhere, on any website, or on any other forum without the proper props to the real author. If you visit other diablo forums, or plan to put guides on a website of any sort and plan to use this guide, make it extremely easy to notice that (both) FWI and (aka/originally) WvX_Leader wrote this guide, and all chapters. Please insert author title and pre-warning that it is not your material both at the very beginning and very end of the guide. You have my permission to use this guide anywhere as long as you follow the previous instructions. Thanks.
Fire Druid [PvP] Guide v1.0
Contents:
I. Introduction
II. Formulas and Breakpoints
III. Skill Choices
IV. Stat Choices
V. Equipment Choices
VI. Leveling
VII. Strategies
VIII. FAQ
IX. Magical Fissure!
X. Conclusion and Closing Notes
Abbreviations Dictionary:
AR = attack Rating
Avenger = a paladin whose main attack is vengeance
bm = bad mannered
CB = crushing blow
Crusader = a paladin whose main attack is charge
def = defense
dex = dexterity
dmg = damage
dr = damage reduction
ds = deadly strike
ed = enhanced damage
ene = energy
fbr = faster block rate
fhr = faster hit recovery
fcr = faster cast rate
FOH = fists of the heavens
fps = frames per second
frw = faster run/walk
ias = increased attack speed
icb = increased chance of blocking
itd = ignores target defense
liberator = a paladin whose attacks are blessed hammers, FoH, and charge
ll = life leech
ml = mana leech
ow = open wounds
PvM = player vs. monster
PvP = player vs. player
ranger = a paladin who uses a bow
str = strength
v/t = Vindicator/Templar [smite/foh]
vita = vitality
Zealot = a paladin whose main attack is Zeal
Templar = FOH paladin
clvl = character level
I. Introduction
I've been dueling with a fire druid in both private and public dueling on USWest SC NL for almost a year now in 1.10. This build is demanding when it comes to budget, mainly because unless you have great items, you are going to have some problems killing much anything with how low blizzard made a druid's fire damage. For the most part, this build is a build for people who are sick and tired of being one of 5 other trappers, or another commonly seen character. This character is a hell load of fun to make, play, and most importantly duel with. And I know you are wondering... "Can a fire druid kill ANYTHING?" If you haven't been proven this already, let me tell you that it is definitely possible. It just isn't easy to get there. If you are on my realm, maybe you have seen my fire druid, lvl 92 "FWI" floating around on dueling games. Don't be fooled by people who have attempted to copy me [I've seen a FVVI fire druid]. Well bear with me and read ahead if this character sounds right for you. I guarantee you won't regret spending the time to make one.
II. Formulas and Breakpoints
Max Block formula:
%to block=(%block on shield+bonus from skill)*(dex-15)/(clvl*2)
Faster Cast Rate:
18 Frames-0% 1.39 Casts/sec
17 Frames-4% 1.47 Casts/sec
16 Frames-10% 1.67 Casts/sec
15 Frames-19% 1.79 Casts/sec
14 Frames-30% 1.92 Casts/sec
13 Frames-46% 2.08 Casts/sec
12 Frames-68% 2.27 Casts/sec
11 Frames-99% 2.50 Casts/sec
10 Frames-163% 2.78 Casts/sec
Human Faster Hit Recovery vs. 2-Handed Weapons
13 Frames-0%
12 Frames-5%
11 Frames-10%
10 Frames-16%
09 Frames-26%
08 Frames-39%
07 Frames-56%
06 Frames-86%
05 Frames-152%
04 Frames-377%
Human Faster Hit Recovery vs. 1-Handed Weapons
13 Frames-3%
12 Frames-7%
11 Frames-13%
10 Frames-19%
09 Frames-29%
08 Frames-42%
07 Frames-63%
06 Frames-99%
05 Frames-174%
04 Frames-456%
Human Faster Block Rate
11 Frames-0%
10 Frames-6%
09 Frames-13%
08 Frames-20%
07 Frames-32%
06 Frames-52%
05 Frames-86%
04 Frames-174%
03 Frames-600%
III. Skill Choices
-Armageddon: One of three main attacks. Maxing this is a must
-Fissure: Another of three main attacks. Maxing this is also a must
-Volcano: Last of three main attacks. Maxing this is a must.
-Oak Sage: Base. Put one skill here, no more.
-Molten Boulder: Synergy – max this skill
-Firestorm: Last skill to max. You should be done with maxing this skill at clvl 95
-Prereqs: Notice the most annoying thing about Armageddon – the use of the entire tree to get there. You are going to need one point in all wind related skills to get to Armageddon.
The skills laid out for people who have problems reading:
20 Armageddon
20 Fissure
20 Volcano
20 Molten Boulder
x-20 Firestorm [maxed last, at clvl 95]
1 Oak Sage
1 Arctic Blast
1 Cyclone Armor
1 Twister
1 Tornado
1 Hurricane
If you’re an over-achiever when it comes to leveling, and for some odd reason you feel compelled to go above clvl 95 […more power to you], you can dump the rest into oak sage.
IV. Stat Choices
Strength: Just enough to use the item with most strength required. Make sure to factor all the +str you get from the items before it – to achieve maximum vitality. [Ex: Plan around a low str enigma]
Dexterity: It is your choice whether or not you should max blocking or not. You can use the formula given to get the 75% blocking rate, or you can keep this low and go for all life. For the record, I chose to go all life with the surprising number of casters over melee nowadays.
Vitality: Everything else. Everything
Energy: Absolutely Nothing.
V. Equipment Choices:
Helms:
Ravenlore Sky Spirit [103-155 defense]
+120-150% Enhanced Defense
+15-25 All Resist
+3 Elemental Skills
+20-30 Energy
-(10-20) Enemy Fire Resist
+7 Ravens
This is by far the ultimate helm for a fire druid. With +3 elemental skills, resist, and up to -20% enemy fire resists [the equivalent of 4 perfect facets (negative resist at least)] – this is a great helm.
Jalal’s Mane [184-297 defense]
+2 To Druid Skills
+2 To Shape-Shifting Skills
+150-200% Enhanced Defense
30% Faster Hit Recovery
+20% Bonus to Attack Rating
+20 to Strength
+20 to Energy
+5 Mana After Each Kill
+30% Resistance To All
Great secondary to a ravenlore. With the +2 skills you get, the fhr, the str, and the resist – this is also a good helm.
Harlequin Crest Shako [98-144 defense]
+2 to All Skills
+1.5 Life per clvl
+1.5 Mana per clvl
+50% Better chance of getting magical item
Physical Damage Taken Reduced by 10%
+2 to Strength
+2 to Dexterity
+2 to Vitality
+2 to Energy
No originality – but this is still a great helm. With the huge life/mana boosts, the attributes, and the +2 all skills – this is another great secondary.
Peasant Crown War Hat [92-108 defense]
+20 to Energy
+20 to Vitality
+1 to All Skills
15% Faster Run/Walk
+6-12 Replenish Life
+100% Enhanced Defense
This would be your cheap alternative. With 1 all skills, some frw, and some vita/ene – this is a nice and very cheap helm.
Armor:
Enigma RUNEWORD [jah+ith+ber]
+2 all skills
+45% frw
+1 Teleport [this is not a charge - it acts as a skill for all classes]
+757 defense
+0.75 strength per clvl
+Increased maximum life by 5%
+Damage reduced by 8%
+14 life after each kill
+15% damage taken goes to mana [ does not effect life ]
+1% magic find per clvl
Definitely a huge #1 for the fire druid. With the amazingly long skill timers on your main attacks you will need to be very agile. A fast teleport is exactly what this character needs. With +2 skills, frw, TELE, defense, str, +max% life, and dr – this is an amazing armor.
Guardian Angel Templar Coat [707-825 defense]
+1 Paladin skills
+4 Light radius
+180%-200% enhanced defense
+30% Faster Blocking
+15% Maximum resists to all
+5 attack rating against demons per clvl
+20% chance to block
The GA [most common abbreviation for the guardian angel] is mostly used for the +15% max resists - giving you a possibility of 90 resists to all. With its good + max resists, this is a great choice against elemental casters.
Chains of Honor RUNEWORD [dol+um+ber+ist]
+2 all skills
+200% damage to demons
+100% damage to undead
+8% life stolen per hit
+70% enhanced defense
+20 strength
Replenish life +7
+65 all resists
Damage reduced by 8%
25% magic find
With two skills this is a nice armor. This is an alternative from the enigma armor, if you really need that 65 resists. Very good mods, and same worth as enigma on most realms. I still recommend enigma. This is what I would use if you are in a dueling league that does not allow enigma/tele.
Orumus' Robes Dusk Shroud [361-467 defense]
+10-20 defense
+20% faster cast rate
+(10-15)% to Fire skill damage
+(10-15)% to Cold skill damage
+(10-15)% to Lightning skill damage
+3 Random sorc skill
This armour is another alternative since the possibility of +15% more fire damage is available. Some people prefer it - I don’t.
Cheaper alternatives:
ANYTHING with plus skills will do if you have a very small budget. Ill give a list of some armors that add skills that are cheap.
-Vipermagi [+1]
-Spirit shroud [+1 - very easy to find in mf]
-Skullders [has good mf too]
-Que-Heagans [not a bad armour +1]
-Silks of the Victor [+1]
Weapons:
Heart of the Oak RUNEWORD [ko+vex+pul+thul]
+3 all skills
+40% faster cast rate
+75% Damage to demons
+100 attack rating against demons
+3-14 cold damage
+7% mana stolen per hit
+1 blizzard [sorc only]
+10 dexterity
+replenish life +20
+Increased maximum mana +15%
+all resists +30-40% [varies]
Level 4 Oak Sage [25 charges]
Level 14 raven [60 charges]
+50% damage to undead
This is the best choice for a fire druid. With +3 skills, 40% fcr, dex, and resist – this is my personal favorite for the fire druid.
Wizard Spike Bone Knife
+2 mana per clvl
+15% mana regeneration
+15% max mana
+75% all resists
Indestructable
+50% faster cast rate
Wiz spike is a great way to get max resist, but doesn’t give you the versatility that HOTO gives you.
NOTE: A wizard spike is Very easy to get so its either that or HOTO - no more options explained.
Shield:
Head Hunter’s Glory
+(320-420) Defense
+(300-350) Defense vs. Missiles
Poison Resist +(30-40)%
Socketed ((1-3))
Fire Resist +(20-30)%
+(5-7) Life After Each Kill
This my favorite item on my character. I got myself one of these with three sockets, and put three um runes in there. If you don’t have the funds for um runes, Perfect Diamonds are only sacrificing +3 (x3) = 9 resist. I love this shield for fire druids, because it’s very hard to get great resist out of a character. Mine has resist 66,66,96,106.
Lidless Wall [271-347 defense]
+80-130% Enhanced Defense (varies)
+1 To All Skills
Increase Maximum Mana 10%
20% Faster Cast Rate
+3-5 To Mana After Each Kill (varies)
+10 To Energy
+1 To Light Radius
This makes a nice secondary for the HHG. One huge problem you will get using this will be resist, but it has nice +1 skills and fcr.
Storm Shield [94-144 defense]
+3.75 defense per clvl
Physical damage reduced by 35%
+30 strength
+35% faster blocking
+25% lightning resist
+25% chance to block
+60% cold resist
Attacker takes 10 lightning damage
Always was, and still is a great shield. Although it has a high str req, this shield gives you nice resist as well as the loved 35% dr.
Belts:
Verdungo's Hearty Cord [108-153 defense]
+(90-140)% enhanced defense
+(30-40) vitality
+(100-120) maximum stamina
10% faster hit recovery
Damage reduced by (10-15)%
Replenish life +(10-13)
This, after much testing, ended up being my belt I use 99% of the time. With the huge life boost, the fhr and the dr – this helps even out your character who will likely have terrible blocking.
Arachnid Mesh [106-138 defense]
+(90-120)% enhanced defense
+20% faster cast rate
Level 13 venom (11 charges)
+1 all skills
Slows target by 10%
+5% maximum mana
This is a great other alternative. This was the other belt that I tested. Although I found the life/dr/fhr more effective from the verdungos, this belt gives you the unmistakable +1 skills and 20 fcr.
Thundergod's Vigor [109-159 defense]
5% chance of casting a lvl 7 FOH on struck
+1-50 lightning damage [melee only]
+10% maximum lightning resist
Absorbs +20 lightning damage
+160-200% enhanced defense
+20 vitality
+20 strength
+3 Lightning strike [amazon only]
+3 Lightning fury [amazon only]
This is a cheaper alternative and gives you the likable vita/str, +10% max light, and the light absorb.
Gloves:
Magefists [24-25 defense]
+20% Faster Cast Rate
Regenerate Mana 25%
+1 to All Fire Skills (All Chars)
Adds 1-6 Fire Damage
+10 Defense
+20-30% Enhanced Defense
This is a very cheap set of gloves that are perfect for the fire druid. With +1 fire skills and fcr, this is perfect for you. Yes… the +1 fire skills will help your fire skills [geddon/fissure/volc]. No… it wont help synergies.
Boots:
Waterwalk [94-123 defense]
+100 defense to missles
+20% faster run/walk
+15 dexterity
+180-210% enhanced defense
+45-65 life
+40 stamina
+5% maximum fire resist
+50% stamina regeneration
These are my favorite boots for the fire druid. If you want to go for rares or duped rares, more power to you.
Silkweave [94-115 defense]
+150-190% enhanced defense
+5 mana after each kill
+200 defense vs. missles
+10% maximum mana
+30% faster run/walk
Descent boots if you need the mana… for some odd reason. They’re a cheap alternative.
Rings:
Bul Kathos Wedding Band
+0.5 life per clvl
+1 all skills
+3-5% life stolen per hit
+50 stamina
I use one of these on my fire druid. With the +1 skills and the life you get, this is much better than an soj – because you wont need the mana. For the record, the other ring I use is a legit rare I found with great resist. If you want to use rares with fcr/resist, more power to you.
The Stone of Jordan
+20 mana
+25% maximum mana
+1-12 lightning damage
+1 all skills
Pointless option here because if you can afford an soj, you can afford a bk. The life you get from bk is better than the mana you get here.
Cheaper alternatives: The best thing I can think of here is just any rings with fcr or resist.
Amulets:
Mara's Kaleidoscope
+2 all skills
+20-30% resists all
+5 all attributes
This is definitely the best option here… nowadays they are very expensive but if you can get one – its definitely worth it.
Cheaper alternatives: Any amulet with +druid skills on it is fine. Also look for fcr and resist.
Charms:
To be effective in PvP, you’re going to have to find a way to get elemental skill gcs. It makes a HUGE difference in your damage. Don’t get me wrong, it isn’t a reason to not make a fire druid if you cant get them, but you will notice a huge difference if you get them. Obviously, the best you could get would be elemental gcs with either fhr or life as a second mod. You’re also going to want to get an annihilus. For the other 9 slots, get life/resist scs. If you can’t afford two mods on one charm, get max resists then get some life scs [max solo resist mod on a sc is 11 and max life on a sc is 20].
*NOTE*: Do not post this guide anywhere, on any website, or on any other forum without the proper props to the real author. If you visit other diablo forums, or plan to put guides on a website of any sort and plan to use this guide, make it extremely easy to notice that (both) FWI and (aka/originally) WvX_Leader wrote this guide, and all chapters. Please insert author title and pre-warning that it is not your material both at the very beginning and very end of the guide. You have my permission to use this guide anywhere as long as you follow the previous instructions. Thanks.
Fire Druid [PvP] Guide v1.0
Contents:
I. Introduction
II. Formulas and Breakpoints
III. Skill Choices
IV. Stat Choices
V. Equipment Choices
VI. Leveling
VII. Strategies
VIII. FAQ
IX. Magical Fissure!
X. Conclusion and Closing Notes
Abbreviations Dictionary:
AR = attack Rating
Avenger = a paladin whose main attack is vengeance
bm = bad mannered
CB = crushing blow
Crusader = a paladin whose main attack is charge
def = defense
dex = dexterity
dmg = damage
dr = damage reduction
ds = deadly strike
ed = enhanced damage
ene = energy
fbr = faster block rate
fhr = faster hit recovery
fcr = faster cast rate
FOH = fists of the heavens
fps = frames per second
frw = faster run/walk
ias = increased attack speed
icb = increased chance of blocking
itd = ignores target defense
liberator = a paladin whose attacks are blessed hammers, FoH, and charge
ll = life leech
ml = mana leech
ow = open wounds
PvM = player vs. monster
PvP = player vs. player
ranger = a paladin who uses a bow
str = strength
v/t = Vindicator/Templar [smite/foh]
vita = vitality
Zealot = a paladin whose main attack is Zeal
Templar = FOH paladin
clvl = character level
I. Introduction
I've been dueling with a fire druid in both private and public dueling on USWest SC NL for almost a year now in 1.10. This build is demanding when it comes to budget, mainly because unless you have great items, you are going to have some problems killing much anything with how low blizzard made a druid's fire damage. For the most part, this build is a build for people who are sick and tired of being one of 5 other trappers, or another commonly seen character. This character is a hell load of fun to make, play, and most importantly duel with. And I know you are wondering... "Can a fire druid kill ANYTHING?" If you haven't been proven this already, let me tell you that it is definitely possible. It just isn't easy to get there. If you are on my realm, maybe you have seen my fire druid, lvl 92 "FWI" floating around on dueling games. Don't be fooled by people who have attempted to copy me [I've seen a FVVI fire druid]. Well bear with me and read ahead if this character sounds right for you. I guarantee you won't regret spending the time to make one.
II. Formulas and Breakpoints
Max Block formula:
%to block=(%block on shield+bonus from skill)*(dex-15)/(clvl*2)
Faster Cast Rate:
18 Frames-0% 1.39 Casts/sec
17 Frames-4% 1.47 Casts/sec
16 Frames-10% 1.67 Casts/sec
15 Frames-19% 1.79 Casts/sec
14 Frames-30% 1.92 Casts/sec
13 Frames-46% 2.08 Casts/sec
12 Frames-68% 2.27 Casts/sec
11 Frames-99% 2.50 Casts/sec
10 Frames-163% 2.78 Casts/sec
Human Faster Hit Recovery vs. 2-Handed Weapons
13 Frames-0%
12 Frames-5%
11 Frames-10%
10 Frames-16%
09 Frames-26%
08 Frames-39%
07 Frames-56%
06 Frames-86%
05 Frames-152%
04 Frames-377%
Human Faster Hit Recovery vs. 1-Handed Weapons
13 Frames-3%
12 Frames-7%
11 Frames-13%
10 Frames-19%
09 Frames-29%
08 Frames-42%
07 Frames-63%
06 Frames-99%
05 Frames-174%
04 Frames-456%
Human Faster Block Rate
11 Frames-0%
10 Frames-6%
09 Frames-13%
08 Frames-20%
07 Frames-32%
06 Frames-52%
05 Frames-86%
04 Frames-174%
03 Frames-600%
III. Skill Choices
-Armageddon: One of three main attacks. Maxing this is a must
-Fissure: Another of three main attacks. Maxing this is also a must
-Volcano: Last of three main attacks. Maxing this is a must.
-Oak Sage: Base. Put one skill here, no more.
-Molten Boulder: Synergy – max this skill
-Firestorm: Last skill to max. You should be done with maxing this skill at clvl 95
-Prereqs: Notice the most annoying thing about Armageddon – the use of the entire tree to get there. You are going to need one point in all wind related skills to get to Armageddon.
The skills laid out for people who have problems reading:
20 Armageddon
20 Fissure
20 Volcano
20 Molten Boulder
x-20 Firestorm [maxed last, at clvl 95]
1 Oak Sage
1 Arctic Blast
1 Cyclone Armor
1 Twister
1 Tornado
1 Hurricane
If you’re an over-achiever when it comes to leveling, and for some odd reason you feel compelled to go above clvl 95 […more power to you], you can dump the rest into oak sage.
IV. Stat Choices
Strength: Just enough to use the item with most strength required. Make sure to factor all the +str you get from the items before it – to achieve maximum vitality. [Ex: Plan around a low str enigma]
Dexterity: It is your choice whether or not you should max blocking or not. You can use the formula given to get the 75% blocking rate, or you can keep this low and go for all life. For the record, I chose to go all life with the surprising number of casters over melee nowadays.
Vitality: Everything else. Everything
Energy: Absolutely Nothing.
V. Equipment Choices:
Helms:
Ravenlore Sky Spirit [103-155 defense]
+120-150% Enhanced Defense
+15-25 All Resist
+3 Elemental Skills
+20-30 Energy
-(10-20) Enemy Fire Resist
+7 Ravens
This is by far the ultimate helm for a fire druid. With +3 elemental skills, resist, and up to -20% enemy fire resists [the equivalent of 4 perfect facets (negative resist at least)] – this is a great helm.
Jalal’s Mane [184-297 defense]
+2 To Druid Skills
+2 To Shape-Shifting Skills
+150-200% Enhanced Defense
30% Faster Hit Recovery
+20% Bonus to Attack Rating
+20 to Strength
+20 to Energy
+5 Mana After Each Kill
+30% Resistance To All
Great secondary to a ravenlore. With the +2 skills you get, the fhr, the str, and the resist – this is also a good helm.
Harlequin Crest Shako [98-144 defense]
+2 to All Skills
+1.5 Life per clvl
+1.5 Mana per clvl
+50% Better chance of getting magical item
Physical Damage Taken Reduced by 10%
+2 to Strength
+2 to Dexterity
+2 to Vitality
+2 to Energy
No originality – but this is still a great helm. With the huge life/mana boosts, the attributes, and the +2 all skills – this is another great secondary.
Peasant Crown War Hat [92-108 defense]
+20 to Energy
+20 to Vitality
+1 to All Skills
15% Faster Run/Walk
+6-12 Replenish Life
+100% Enhanced Defense
This would be your cheap alternative. With 1 all skills, some frw, and some vita/ene – this is a nice and very cheap helm.
Armor:
Enigma RUNEWORD [jah+ith+ber]
+2 all skills
+45% frw
+1 Teleport [this is not a charge - it acts as a skill for all classes]
+757 defense
+0.75 strength per clvl
+Increased maximum life by 5%
+Damage reduced by 8%
+14 life after each kill
+15% damage taken goes to mana [ does not effect life ]
+1% magic find per clvl
Definitely a huge #1 for the fire druid. With the amazingly long skill timers on your main attacks you will need to be very agile. A fast teleport is exactly what this character needs. With +2 skills, frw, TELE, defense, str, +max% life, and dr – this is an amazing armor.
Guardian Angel Templar Coat [707-825 defense]
+1 Paladin skills
+4 Light radius
+180%-200% enhanced defense
+30% Faster Blocking
+15% Maximum resists to all
+5 attack rating against demons per clvl
+20% chance to block
The GA [most common abbreviation for the guardian angel] is mostly used for the +15% max resists - giving you a possibility of 90 resists to all. With its good + max resists, this is a great choice against elemental casters.
Chains of Honor RUNEWORD [dol+um+ber+ist]
+2 all skills
+200% damage to demons
+100% damage to undead
+8% life stolen per hit
+70% enhanced defense
+20 strength
Replenish life +7
+65 all resists
Damage reduced by 8%
25% magic find
With two skills this is a nice armor. This is an alternative from the enigma armor, if you really need that 65 resists. Very good mods, and same worth as enigma on most realms. I still recommend enigma. This is what I would use if you are in a dueling league that does not allow enigma/tele.
Orumus' Robes Dusk Shroud [361-467 defense]
+10-20 defense
+20% faster cast rate
+(10-15)% to Fire skill damage
+(10-15)% to Cold skill damage
+(10-15)% to Lightning skill damage
+3 Random sorc skill
This armour is another alternative since the possibility of +15% more fire damage is available. Some people prefer it - I don’t.
Cheaper alternatives:
ANYTHING with plus skills will do if you have a very small budget. Ill give a list of some armors that add skills that are cheap.
-Vipermagi [+1]
-Spirit shroud [+1 - very easy to find in mf]
-Skullders [has good mf too]
-Que-Heagans [not a bad armour +1]
-Silks of the Victor [+1]
Weapons:
Heart of the Oak RUNEWORD [ko+vex+pul+thul]
+3 all skills
+40% faster cast rate
+75% Damage to demons
+100 attack rating against demons
+3-14 cold damage
+7% mana stolen per hit
+1 blizzard [sorc only]
+10 dexterity
+replenish life +20
+Increased maximum mana +15%
+all resists +30-40% [varies]
Level 4 Oak Sage [25 charges]
Level 14 raven [60 charges]
+50% damage to undead
This is the best choice for a fire druid. With +3 skills, 40% fcr, dex, and resist – this is my personal favorite for the fire druid.
Wizard Spike Bone Knife
+2 mana per clvl
+15% mana regeneration
+15% max mana
+75% all resists
Indestructable
+50% faster cast rate
Wiz spike is a great way to get max resist, but doesn’t give you the versatility that HOTO gives you.
NOTE: A wizard spike is Very easy to get so its either that or HOTO - no more options explained.
Shield:
Head Hunter’s Glory
+(320-420) Defense
+(300-350) Defense vs. Missiles
Poison Resist +(30-40)%
Socketed ((1-3))
Fire Resist +(20-30)%
+(5-7) Life After Each Kill
This my favorite item on my character. I got myself one of these with three sockets, and put three um runes in there. If you don’t have the funds for um runes, Perfect Diamonds are only sacrificing +3 (x3) = 9 resist. I love this shield for fire druids, because it’s very hard to get great resist out of a character. Mine has resist 66,66,96,106.
Lidless Wall [271-347 defense]
+80-130% Enhanced Defense (varies)
+1 To All Skills
Increase Maximum Mana 10%
20% Faster Cast Rate
+3-5 To Mana After Each Kill (varies)
+10 To Energy
+1 To Light Radius
This makes a nice secondary for the HHG. One huge problem you will get using this will be resist, but it has nice +1 skills and fcr.
Storm Shield [94-144 defense]
+3.75 defense per clvl
Physical damage reduced by 35%
+30 strength
+35% faster blocking
+25% lightning resist
+25% chance to block
+60% cold resist
Attacker takes 10 lightning damage
Always was, and still is a great shield. Although it has a high str req, this shield gives you nice resist as well as the loved 35% dr.
Belts:
Verdungo's Hearty Cord [108-153 defense]
+(90-140)% enhanced defense
+(30-40) vitality
+(100-120) maximum stamina
10% faster hit recovery
Damage reduced by (10-15)%
Replenish life +(10-13)
This, after much testing, ended up being my belt I use 99% of the time. With the huge life boost, the fhr and the dr – this helps even out your character who will likely have terrible blocking.
Arachnid Mesh [106-138 defense]
+(90-120)% enhanced defense
+20% faster cast rate
Level 13 venom (11 charges)
+1 all skills
Slows target by 10%
+5% maximum mana
This is a great other alternative. This was the other belt that I tested. Although I found the life/dr/fhr more effective from the verdungos, this belt gives you the unmistakable +1 skills and 20 fcr.
Thundergod's Vigor [109-159 defense]
5% chance of casting a lvl 7 FOH on struck
+1-50 lightning damage [melee only]
+10% maximum lightning resist
Absorbs +20 lightning damage
+160-200% enhanced defense
+20 vitality
+20 strength
+3 Lightning strike [amazon only]
+3 Lightning fury [amazon only]
This is a cheaper alternative and gives you the likable vita/str, +10% max light, and the light absorb.
Gloves:
Magefists [24-25 defense]
+20% Faster Cast Rate
Regenerate Mana 25%
+1 to All Fire Skills (All Chars)
Adds 1-6 Fire Damage
+10 Defense
+20-30% Enhanced Defense
This is a very cheap set of gloves that are perfect for the fire druid. With +1 fire skills and fcr, this is perfect for you. Yes… the +1 fire skills will help your fire skills [geddon/fissure/volc]. No… it wont help synergies.
Boots:
Waterwalk [94-123 defense]
+100 defense to missles
+20% faster run/walk
+15 dexterity
+180-210% enhanced defense
+45-65 life
+40 stamina
+5% maximum fire resist
+50% stamina regeneration
These are my favorite boots for the fire druid. If you want to go for rares or duped rares, more power to you.
Silkweave [94-115 defense]
+150-190% enhanced defense
+5 mana after each kill
+200 defense vs. missles
+10% maximum mana
+30% faster run/walk
Descent boots if you need the mana… for some odd reason. They’re a cheap alternative.
Rings:
Bul Kathos Wedding Band
+0.5 life per clvl
+1 all skills
+3-5% life stolen per hit
+50 stamina
I use one of these on my fire druid. With the +1 skills and the life you get, this is much better than an soj – because you wont need the mana. For the record, the other ring I use is a legit rare I found with great resist. If you want to use rares with fcr/resist, more power to you.
The Stone of Jordan
+20 mana
+25% maximum mana
+1-12 lightning damage
+1 all skills
Pointless option here because if you can afford an soj, you can afford a bk. The life you get from bk is better than the mana you get here.
Cheaper alternatives: The best thing I can think of here is just any rings with fcr or resist.
Amulets:
Mara's Kaleidoscope
+2 all skills
+20-30% resists all
+5 all attributes
This is definitely the best option here… nowadays they are very expensive but if you can get one – its definitely worth it.
Cheaper alternatives: Any amulet with +druid skills on it is fine. Also look for fcr and resist.
Charms:
To be effective in PvP, you’re going to have to find a way to get elemental skill gcs. It makes a HUGE difference in your damage. Don’t get me wrong, it isn’t a reason to not make a fire druid if you cant get them, but you will notice a huge difference if you get them. Obviously, the best you could get would be elemental gcs with either fhr or life as a second mod. You’re also going to want to get an annihilus. For the other 9 slots, get life/resist scs. If you can’t afford two mods on one charm, get max resists then get some life scs [max solo resist mod on a sc is 11 and max life on a sc is 20].