[S4] Whirlwind Spin-to-Win Barbarian Build for PD2 Season 4

Whirlwind Barbarian is one of the most popular Diablo 2 builds (if you've ever played Lord of Destruction, chances are you know the build very well). Despite its popularity, Whirlwind Barb had one major weakness that came directly from its main offensive skill - the Whirlwind. Mainly, Whirlwind was affected by your weapon's Attack Speed which meant that you were limited to just a few weapon options if you wanted to remain competitive. In Project Diablo 2, however, this is not the case;In PD2, you will achieve four frames with any weapon you use. This opens a sea of possibilities and makes Whirlwind Barb, well... much less boring. Moreover, in Project Diablo 2, Whirlwind's velocity increases with every point, giving you more "range" (you can travel further and faster with Whirlwind active). Thanks to this, you can use it almost constantly without hindering your overall mobility. Because of these changes, PD2 Whirlwind Barb is very dynamic (especially for a melee build) and offers a refreshing gameplay experience.

In terms of overall strength, this build is extremely powerfulwhen properly geared, and can achieve ludicrous damage numbers with Whirlwind. Moreover, thanks to high MF and the Find Item Skill, this build is perfect for farming.If you are looking for a dynamic build with great AoE damage,capable of clearing maps in record times, look no further. This build ranks in a solid A on our PD2 Tier List

Season 4 Note:Season 4 has brought the biggest change to Whirlwind so far. Mainly, the skill now works with dual-wielding. This opens multiple new itemization options as you now actually can dual-wield one-handed weapons on Whirlwind Barb and not handicap yourself in the process.

For this Build, you will want to get as much Enhanced Damage as possible (to ensure that your Whirlwind hits like a truck). Other than that, you will want to get as many Skill levels (Barbarian/Combat Skills in this case) as possible to increase the build's overall power level.Resistances are also important, but they should never come before the offensive power. Defensive stats, like faster hit recovery, bonus life, and leech, are a nice addition as well but they shouldn't be your main focus.

HELMETS

Arreat's Face(Slayer Guard) - This might Helmet can give you +2 to Combat Skills on top of +2 to All Skills (yes, +4 Skills in total!). This makesit the best all-around option for this build. Also, it offers some extra attributes, FHR, Life Leech, and Resistances.

Defense: 302-363
Required Level: 42
Required Strength: 118
Durability: 55
- +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
- +[10-20] to Strength (varies)
- +[10-20] to Dexterity (varies)
- +(1-2) To Combat Skills (Barbarian Only)

Andariel's Visage(Demonhead) - A great helmetthat offersa +2 Skills increase. It Also gives quite high Life Leech which can be extremely helpful. IAS bonus from this won't work, sadly.

Defense: 310-387
Required Level: 83
Required Strength: 102
Durability: 20
- +100-150% Enhanced Defense
- +2 To All Skills
- 20% Increased Attack Speed
- 8-10% Life Stolen Per Hit
- +25-30 To Strength
- +10% To Maximum Poison Resist
- Fire Resist -30%
- Poison Resist +70%
- 15% Chance To Cast Level 15 Poison Nova When Struck
- Level 3 Venom (20 charges)

2H WEAPONS

The Gavel of Pain (Martel de Fer) - A weapon worthy of a true Barbarian. This two-handed mace offers extremely high Damage and has a chance to cast Level 16 Amplify Damage on Striking, which bumps it ahead of all alternative weapon choices. Moreover, you can cast Level 8 Amplify Damage with it whenever you want (and it recharges!).

Note: You will have to use another skill, like the Berzerk, to proc Amplify Damage with this, as you can't proc it with Whirlwind, sadly.

Damage: (251-274) To (421-458) (336-366 Avg)(Base Damage: 76-124)
Required Level: 45
Required Dexterity: none
Required Strength: 169
Durability: 60
Range: 2
- +215-245% Enhanced Damage (varies)
- Adds 12-30 Damage
- +50% Damage To Undead
- 5% Chance To Cast Level 1 Iron Maiden When Struck
- 15% Chance To Cast Level 16 Amplify Damage On Striking
- Level 8 Amplify Damage (3 Charges, replenish 1 charge every 3s)
- Recharges 1 Charge in 6 Seconds
- Attacker Takes Damage of 260

The Cranium Basher(Thunder Maul) - This powerful Two-Handed mace offers 20% increased attack speed, a high Enhanced Damage bonus, and a whopping 75% chance for a Crushing Blow. On top of that, it gives +25 to all resistances and has a chance to cast Amplify Damage on hit, which is great (this proc was buffed substantially).

Two-Hand Damage: (132-145) To (632-704) (382-424.5 Avg)
Required Level: 87
Required Dexterity: -
Required Strength: 253
Durability: 60
- +240-280% Enhanced Damage (varies)
- Adds 20-25 Damage
- +50% Damage To Undead
- 75% Chance of Crushing Blow
- 10% Chance To Cast Level 30 Amplify Damage On Striking
- 20% Increased Attack Speed
- All Resistances +25
- +25 To Strength

Kingslayer(Runeword) - This extremely powerful Runeword is one of the strongest offensive choices for this build. It offers an amazing boost to our damage output thanks to a plethora of very strong effects. You should socket it in a Two-Handed weapon with high base offensive stats.

[S4] Whirlwind Spin-to-Win Barbarian Build for PD2 Season 4 - Odealo (2024)