Hey,

I want to make a PvM barb but I need to know about stat placement.. I have read many guides and NONE of them cover this from what I have read. Here's my question.

For a *strictly* PVM Whirlwind Barbarian, What is better: Max Block (Weapon+Shield) or No Dex/All Vita (Two Weapons.. ebotdz/grief/beast etc)

Also, WW is the best type of PvM Barb right? I've read some on conc barbs but they do not really sound that appealing and sounds like they kill slow. Advice please?:)

Thanks in advance, I appreciate any help that can be given.

It all depends on what you do, solo play, or mainly Baalruns. If you're thinking about doing solo Chaos Sanctuary, or something, put at least 1 point in Berserk and use Storm. For Baalruns, Grief BA and eBOTD BA are a better choice because of the mana leech on BOTD. You don't really need max block on a PvM barb, sometimes just use a shield. Also, Frenzy is a valid option, but definately underpowered, I'd say. If Frenzy, go for Grief BA and Death BA. You could also use eTM BOTD for Baalruns, since all the auras from Hammerdins are Smiters boost that damage A LOT, I think you can reach 30k+ physical with it.

For stats, same for all builds:
STR: enough for gear (base with right choice of gear)
DEX: max block is unnecessary for PvM barbs
VIT: all
ENE: none

Skill distribution varies from build to build.

Gear looks something like this:
Helm: Arreat's
Armor: Enigma
Belt: Verdungo
Gloves: Dracul's
Boots: Gores
Amu + rings: Angelics

If you want to tele during Baalruns, switch Verdungo for Arach and have 2xHOTO on switch, which makes you reach the 86%FCR breakpoint. One of the best Baal teleporters, due to mass life and high resis.

Thank you Frater, I very much appreciate your detailed reply. I am mainly going to be using this barbarian for Keyrunning & Bosskilling (Chaos included).

I've got a Hdin that can do it all fine but I have been extremely bored playing paladins for a while now. Anyways back to the barbarian, I got a little lost in your post when you got to the Frenzy part. Would you reccommend Frenzy over Whirlwind for PvM?

Thanks again!

Hey,

if you're going for bossrunning, I'd say that Berserk > all. Whirlwind is not good for that, since you generally want to target only 1 enemy (i.e. Nihlathak). It's a better option than Frenzy or Concentration, because those will get you killed with Iron Maiden. Use Grief BA and go for Berserk. However, I'd say that Berserk builds get tedious very, very quickly.

Hey Frater,

Thanks again for your input :). I think that's all I need for now. Gonna go get him rushed now.

Thank you.