A guide to the Druid class in Diablo 2

When Blizzard released the Druid character class in the expansion for Diablo 2, they broke the mold on the standard class types. The creation of the Druid character gave gamers a chance to mold their character in a variety of ways. Gone was the limitation of a specific style of play strictly determined by your choice of class.

Now you had the chance to play a Druid who could use spells and pets to the damage for them or they could rely upon their own ability to dish out physical damage thanks to their shape shifting changes.

As you create your first Druid character for Diablo 2, you will see that their attribute points are spread out with Dexterity and Energy receiving 20 points each and Strength receiving 15 points. This is important to know because the way you choose to spend future attribute points will determine your playstyle.

Elemental Tree
If your Druid decides to take the Elemental Tree route, the main focus of your attacks will derive from spells that offer Fire or Wind damage. It is important to remember that your spells do not offer the same punch as those a Sorceress may use so you will need to make sure to conserve your mana and be judicious when and how you are casting them.

As a result, you will have to be more of an active playing style, keeping their eye on the mana pool and the health of their enemies. It is important to keep your options open when you are playing an Elemental Druid.

One unique thing about the Elemental tree is the level 30 skill, Armageddon. This devastating spell is the only one for all characters you will come across where you need to have a point in every single skill listed in the tree.

Shape Shifting Tree
This Shape Shifting tree is what makes the Druid class different from all other characters classes in Diablo 2. Depending on which direction you take in this tree, your Druid will have the chance to either turn into a wolf or a bear. When they shift into an animal form, the Druid will be able to use the related skills to help boost their physical attacks.

It is important to remember, when your Druid is in their animal form, they are unable to cast any Elemental spells. The one thing you are capable of is summoning a specific pet at your side; so if you are in your Wolf form then you can summon wolves to aid you.

If you focus on this talent tree, you will want to make sure you bulk up on stamina and dexterity to help with your physical style of play.

Summoning Tree
If you make the decision to direct your Druid down this talent tree, their strength will come from using the pets to aid you in the battle. Though they maybe similar to a Necromancer, the Druid does not use a corpse to summon their pet, rather they spend mana to bring forth the wild animals.
To be successful in this talent tree means you will need to learn the nature of the pets you call forth and how they can aid you in battle. Sometime you will need heavy damage dealers to help you, other time a vine can give back health to your Druid.

Some may say the one drawback of the Summoning tree for a Druid is that they are only able to summon forth one type of animal. In reality this helps you keep focus on the opponent rather than trying to mana several different pets at once.

No matter which Talent Tree you choose for your Druid in Diablo 2, you will come to find that each one can help you fulfill your quests and find success at the end of your journey.

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