The Whirlwind Build is probably one of the most famous builds in Diablo 2 from the beginning to now. This classic uses the ability to ignore unit collision with the Whirlwind attack animation, making your Barbarian a spinning top of death. There is a glitch (still!) that can cause some of your WW Barb’s attacks to not hit. In no way does this diminish a WW Barb’s ability to farm. It simply takes away the ability to solo farm every level at every difficulty.
This build is strong in a party or solo, from PvM to PvP. Take the iconic Barbarian build out for a spin and see for yourself!
Whirlwind Barbarian Gameplay
While spinning to win through a mob of bad guys it’s easy to see why a WW Barb is so popular. Firstly, he has a multitude of sub-builds because he only has to max Weapon Mastery and WW for damage. The Weapon Mastery skill is the only skill that amps the damage on WW, and since you’re a Barbarian, it can be any weapon you want.
Secondly, a WW Barb can solo Normal/Nightmare with little supervision and has a lot of options for the late game. This, combined with his easy customization, starts to make sense out of the crazy number of Barbs in Ladder games.
On the other hand, a WW Barb is mana intensive. Spending points in Energy is mostly a waste on WW Barbs. This forces most players to just stock up on potions and Mana Leech items to spam WW. The WW skill has only one damage synergy in Weapon Mastery. Unfortunately this means the WW Barb has trouble finding more DPS later on.
Monsters with the dreaded PI identifier, Physical Immunity, make a tough tree to saw down. WW deals little damage to them so you’ll need to try another skill to knock them down.
Luckily one point in Berserk is more than enough to take out small groups of these pesky PI monsters.
Keep in mind, any on-hit effects like Life Tap from items (Dracul’s Grasp or Last Wish) will not trigger in any instance of the WW animation.
Whirlwind Barbarian Skills
If you guessed max Whirlwind first, you were right! After that it only makes sense to max the only other skill that contributes to your Barb’s DPS which is Weapon Mastery.
You should choose the weapon that best fits your build and max points in its mastery.
Customizability in Secondary Skills
For PvP, skills like Berserk straight counter Necro skills like Iron Maiden. Berserk is also the go-to for any PI monster/Boss you can’t spin over quickly. Some players look to skills like Battle Orders and Shout to keep their party well defended and happy. Additionally, Iron Skin and Natural Resistance are great choices for extra tankiness!
Though helpful, more than 1 point in other skills is wasted. Other popular skills to use as secondary skills include Battle Command for Barbs in a party, or Increased Speed for farming.
Most WW players notice steadily increased survivability if the points are spent in Iron Skin and Natural Resistances instead.
Whirlwind Barbarian Stats
WW Barbs like any Barb, max Strength until they’ve met their desired loot’s requirements. Unlike other Barbs, a WW Barb can put the points in Dexterity until they get Max Block. This is only the case if the WW player intends on having a one-handed weapon and shield for their set up!
If not, put enough points in Dexterity until your Barbarian can use the weapon you want them to use.
Like any other Barb, or tank, the rest of your points go into Vitality. The survivability will keep you alive when the dreaded glitch strikes. These either manifest themselves as missing the tic of damage while spinning or driving you into enemies you don’t want to spin into.
Remember that just because a WW Barb spams the skill, points in Energy are wasted. Items, Battle Orders, and potions keep your Barb spinning and not points in Energy!
Whirlwind Barbarian Equipment
Weapon
“WW Barbs have plenty of weapon types to choose from. Don’t feel locked into our choices.”
Runeword Breath of the Dying
6 Socket Weapons
Vex + Hel + El + Eld + Zod + Eth
Level Requirement: 69
50% Chance to Cast Level 20 Poison Nova When You Kill An Enemy
Indestructible
+60% Increased Attack Speed
+350-400% Enhanced Damage (varies)
+200% Damage to Undead
-25% Target Defense
+50 to Attack Rating
+50 to Attack Rating Against Undead
7% Mana Stolen Per Hit
12-15% Life Stolen Per hit (varies)
Prevent Monster Heal
+30 to All Attributes
+1 to Light Radius
Requirements -20%
Runeword Death
5 Socket Swords/Axes
Hel + El + Vex + Ort + Gul
100% Chance To Cast Level 44 Chain Lightning When You Die
25% Chance To Cast Level 18 Glacial Spike On Attack
Indestructible
+300-385% Enhanced Damage (varies)
20% Bonus To Attack Rating
+50 To Attack Rating
Adds 1-50 Lightning Damage
7% Mana Stolen Per Hit
50% Chance of Crushing Blow
+(0.5 per Character Level) 0.5-49.5% Deadly Strike (Based on Character Level)
+1 To Light Radius
Level 22 Blood Golem (15 Charges)
Requirements -20%
Runeword Oath
4 Socket Swords/Axes/Maces
Shael + Pul + Mal + Lum
30% Chance To Cast Level 20 Bone Spirit On Striking
Indestructible
+50% Increased Attack Speed
+210-340% Enhanced Damage (varies)
+75% Damage To Demons
+100 To Attack Rating Against Demons
Prevent Monster Heal
+10 To Energy
+10-15 Magic Absorb (varies)
Level 16 Heart Of Wolverine (20 Charges)
Level 17 Iron Golem (14 Charges)
“If you place dual wield 1H weapons you can open up another Runeword to use. Experiment to polish your build, an extra Oath/Death/BotD is brutal!”
Runeword Beast
5 Socket Axes/Scepters/Hammers
Ber + Tir + Um + Mal + Lum
Level 9 Fanaticism Aura When Equipped
+40% Increased Attack Speed
+240-270% Enhanced Damage (varies)
20% Chance of Crushing Blow
25% Chance of Open Wounds
+3 To Werebear
+3 To Lycanthropy
Prevent Monster Heal
+25-40 To Strength (varies)
+10 To Energy
+2 To Mana After Each Kill
Level 13 Summon Grizzly (5 Charges)
Runeword Doom
5 Socket Axes/Polearms/Hammers
Hel + Ohm + Um + Lo + Cham
5% Chance To Cast Level 18 Volcano On Striking
Level 12 Holy Freeze Aura When Equipped
+2 To All Skills
+45% Increased Attack Speed
+330-370% Enhanced Damage (varies)
-(40-60)% To Enemy Cold Resistance (varies)
20% Deadly Strike
25% Chance of Open Wounds
Prevent Monster Heal
Freezes Target +3
Requirements -20%
Runeword Obedience
5 Socket Polearms
Hel + Ko + Thul + Eth + Fal
30% Chance To Cast Level 21 Enchant When You Kill An Enemy
40% Faster Hit Recovery
+370% Enhanced Damage
-25% Target Defense
Adds 3-14 Cold Damage 3 Second Duration (Normal)
-25% To Enemy Fire Resistance
40% Chance of Crushing Blow
+200-300 Defense (varies)
+10 To Strength
+10 To Dexterity
All Resistances +20-30 (varies)
Requirements -20%
Armor
Runeword Fortitude
4 Socket Weapons/Body Armor
El + Sol + Dol + Lo
Body Armor
20% Chance To Cast Level 15 Chilling Armor when Struck
+25% Faster Cast Rate
+300% Enhanced Damage
+200% Enhanced Defense
+15 Defense
+X To Life (Based on Character Level)*
Replenish Life +7
+5% To Maximum Lightning Resist
All Resistances +25-30 (varies)
Damage Reduced By 7
12% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
+1 To Light Radius
Runeword Chains of Honor “Great for Undead Smiting”
4 Socket Body Armor
Dol + Um + Ber + Ist
+2 To All Skills
+200% Damage To Demons
+100% Damage To Undead
8% Life Stolen Per Hit
+70% Enhanced Defense
+20 To Strength
Replenish Life +7
All Resistances +65
Damage Reduced By 8%
25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Runeword Stone
4 Socket Body Armor
Shael + Um + Pul + Lum
+60% Faster Hit Recovery
+250-290% Enhanced Defense (varies)
+300 Defense Vs. Missile
+16 To Strength
+16 To Vitality
+10 To Energy
All Resistances +15
Level 16 Molten Boulder (80 Charges)
Level 16 Clay Golem (16 Charges)
Runeword Duress “Great on-hit synergy!”
3 Socket Body Armor
Shael + Um + Thul
+40% Faster Hit Recovery
+10-20% Enhanced Damage (varies)
Adds 37-133 Cold Damage 2 sec. Duration (Normal)
15% Chance of Crushing Blow
33% Chance of Open Wounds
+150-200% Enhanced Defense (varies)
-20% Slower Stamina Drain
Cold Resist +45%
Lightning Resist +15%
Fire Resist +15%
Poison Resist +15%
Runeword Enigma “The PvP Crowd Pleaser”
3 Socket Body Armor
Jah + Ith + Ber
+2 To All Skills
+45% Faster Run/Walk
+1 To Teleport
+750-775 Defense (varies)
+ (0.75 Per Character Level) +0-74 To Strength (Based On Character Level)
Increase Maximum Life 5%
Damage Reduced By 8%
+14 Life After Each Kill
15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
+ (1 Per Character Level) +1-99% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items (Based On Character Level)
Tyrael’s Might Sacred Armor: “It’s not like it’s the Hardest to find item in the game…”
(Socket it with a Pul Rune)
Defense: 1322 – 1502
Armor Type: Medium
Minimum Strength: –
Durability: Indestructible
Level Requirement: 84
+120-150% Enhanced Defense (varies)
+50-100% Damage to Demons (varies)
20% Faster Run/Walk
+20-30 to Strength (varies)
All Resistances +20-30 (varies)
Cannot Be Frozen
Requirements -100%
Slain Monsters Rest in Peace
Indestructible
Helms
Arreat’s Face “Your first choice.”
Slayer Guard
Defense: 302-363
Required Level: 42
Required Strength: 118
Durability: 55
(Barbarian Only)
+150-200% Enhanced Defense
30% Faster Hit Recovery
20% Bonus To Attack Rating
+2 To Barbarian Skill Levels
3-6% Life Stolen Per Hit
All Resistances +30
+20 To Strength
+20 To Dexterity
+2 To Combat Skills (Barbarian Only)
Guillaume’s Face
Defense: 217
Minimum Strength: 115
Durability: 40
Level Requirement: 34
+120% Enhanced Defense
30% Faster Hit Recovery
15% Deadly Strike
35% Chance of Crushing Blow
+15 to Strength
Shield
“If you’re having a tough time on higher difficulty it’s time to use a shield. Remember to reallocate your points in tanky skills like Iron Skin and Natural Resistance!”
Stormshield
Defense: 136 – 519
Armor Type: Light
Block: P: 77% Am/As/B: 72% D/N/S: 67%
Smite Damage: 12 – 34
Minimum Strength: 156
Durability: Indestructible
Level Requirement: 73
+3-371 Defense (+3.75 per Character Level)
25% Increased Chance of Blocking
35% Faster Block Rate
Damage Reduced by 35%
Cold Resist +60%
Lightning Resist +25%
+30 to Strength
Attacker Takes Lightning Damage of 10
Indestructible
Runeword Sanctuary
3 Socket Shields
Ko + Ko + Mal
+20% Faster Hit Recovery
+20% Faster Block Rate
20% Increased Chance of Blocking
+130-160% Enhanced Defense (varies)
+250 Defense vs. Missile
+20 To Dexterity
All Resistances +50-70 (varies)
Magic Damage Reduced By 7
Level 12 Slow Missiles (60 Charges)
Spirit Ward
Defense: 393 – 478
Armor Type: Medium
Block: P: 84% Am/As/B: 79% D/N/S: 74%
Smite Damage: 11 – 35
Minimum Strength: 185
Durability: 100
Level Requirement: 68
+130-180% Enhanced Defense (varies)
25% Faster Block Rate
20-30% Increased Chance of Blocking (varies)
All Resistances +30-40 (varies)
+6-11 Cold Absorb (varies)
5% Chance to Cast Level 8 Fade When Struck
“Runewords like Treachery synergize nicely with this shield.”
Gloves
Steelrend
Defense: 232 – 281
Minimum Strength: 185
Durability: 24
Level Requirement: 70
+170-210 Defense (varies)
+30-60% Enhanced Damage (varies)
10% Chance of Crushing Blow
+15-20 To Strength (varies)
Soul Drainer
Defense: 129 – 149
Minimum Strength: 50
Durability: 16
Level Requirement: 74
+90-120% Enhanced Defense (varies)
4-7% Mana Stolen Per Hit (varies)
4-7% Life Stolen Per Hit (varies)
-50 to Monster Defense per Hit
8% Chance to Cast Level 3 Weaken on Striking
Dracul’s Grasp
Defense: 125 – 145
Minimum Strength: 50
Durability: 14
Level Requirement: 76
+90-120% Enhanced Defense (varies)
+10-15 To Strength (varies)
+5-10 Life After Each Kill (varies)
25% Chance of Open Wounds
7-10% Life Stolen Per Hit (varies)
5% Chance to Cast Level 10 Life Tap on Striking
Laying of Hands
Defense: 79 – 87
Minimum Strength: 50
Durability: 12
Level Requirement: 63
+25 Defense
20% Increased Attack Speed
+350% Damage to Demons
Fire Resist +50%
10% Chance to Cast Level 3 Holy Bolt on Striking
Boots
Gore Rider “What Goblin Toe wishes it could be”
Defense: 140 – 162
Kick Damage: 39 – 80
Minimum Strength: 94
Durability: 34
Level Requirement: 47
+160-200% Enhanced Defense (varies)
30% Faster Run/Walk
10% Chance of Open Wounds
15% Chance of Crushing Blow
15% Deadly Strike
Requirements -25%
+20 to Maximum Stamina
War Travelers
Defense: 120 – 139
Kick Damage: 37 – 64
Minimum Strength: 95
Durability: 48
Level Requirement: 42
+150-190% Enhanced Defense (varies)
25% Faster Run/Walk
+10 to Vitality
+10 to Strength
Adds 15-25 Damage
40% Slower Stamina Drain
Attacker Takes Damage of 5-10 (varies)
30-50% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items (varies)
Belts
Verdungo’s Hearty Cord
“Vitality Bonus, Faster Hit Recovery, Physical Damage Reduction, oh my!”
Defense: 125 – 158
Potion Slots: 16
Minimum Strength: 106
Durability: 16
Level Requirement: 63
+90-140% Enhanced Defense (varies)
10% Faster Hit Recovery
+30-40 to Vitality (varies)
Replenish Life +10-13 (varies)
+100-120 to Maximum Stamina (varies)
Damage Reduced by 10-15% (varies)
String of Ears
Defense: 102 – 113
Potion Slots: 16
Minimum Strength: 20
Durability: 22
Level Requirement: 29
+150-180% Enhanced Defense (varies)
+15 Defense
6-8% Life Stolen per Hit (varies)
Damage Reduced by 10-15% (varies)
Magic Damage Reduced by 10-15 (varies)
Thundergod’s Vigor
Defense: 137 – 159
Potion Slots: 16
Minimum Strength: 110
Durability: 24
Level Requirement: 47
+160-200% Enhanced Defense (varies)
Adds 1-50 Lightning Damage
5% Chance to Cast Level 7 Fist of the Heavens When Struck
+20 Lightning Absorb
+10% to Maximum Lightning Resist
+20 to Strength
+20 to Vitality
+3 to Lightning Fury (Amazon Only)
+3 to Lightning Strike (Amazon Only)
Amulets
Highlord’s Wrath
Level Requirement: 65
+1 to All Skills
20% Increased Attack Speed
+0-37% Deadly Strike (+0.375 per Character Level)
Lightning Resist +35%
Adds 1-30 Lightning Damage
Attacker Takes Lightning Damage of 15
Mara’s Kaleidoscope
Level Requirement: 67
+2 to All Skills
All Resistances +20-30 (varies)
+5 to All Attributes
Crescent Moon
Level Requirement: 50
10% Damage Taken Goes to Mana
+45 to Mana
3-6% Life Stolen per Hit (varies)
11-15% Mana Stolen per Hit (varies)
Magic Damage Reduced by 10
-2 to Light Radius
Rings
“Any combination of the three.”
Raven Frost “Extra Frozen Crow Power”
Level Requirement: 45
+150-250 to Attack Rating (varies)
Adds 15-45 Cold Damage – 4 Second Duration
Cannot be Frozen
+15-20 to Dexterity (varies)
+40 to Mana
Cold Absorb 20%
Bul-Kathos’ Wedding Band
Level Requirement: 58
+1 to All Skills
+0-49 to Life (+0.5 per Character Level)
3-5% Life Stolen per Hit (varies)
+50 to Maximum Stamina
Manald Heal
Level Requirement: 15
4-7% Mana Stolen per Hit (varies)
Replenish Life +5-8 (varies)
Regenerate Mana 20%
+20 to Life