I’d like to share the build I’ve played last season. I think it was nice and old school, maybe you’ll be interested. Also, more builds for the wiki is always a good thing :)
TL;DR: this is a kicksin build that uses Dragon Talon exclusively (no Dragon Tail fire damage nonsense, respect yourself). It is nice, safe, and uses the full Orphan’s Call set. The gameplay is very relaxing. Dragon Flight on right click, Dragon Talon on the left, and you leech your way through enemies with your high defensive stats and summoned meatshield shadow. That is it!
Project Diablo 2 Changes
Ability Changes
Dragon Talon now has 2 synergies and caps at 3 consecutive kicks. More here.
Orphan’s Set
Orphan’s set has gained 150% ED + 100% against demons and undead and 15@ res. It is now pretty strong and the set was already good for kicksins, so, yeah, kind of late game viable now!
Viability
Can I level as this build?: Yes, but traps is faster.
Early Ladder Viable: Yes, pretty cheap gear honestly.
End Game Solo Viable: Yes.
End Game Group Viable: Not tested.
Hardcore Viable: Not tested.
Uber Trist Viable: Probably not.
Uber Diablo Clone Viable: Probably not.
Early Ladder Gear
Try and get the set asap. Without it, it might be a bit hard to do Pits, but try to go there asap for easy money. Honestly, maybe your Hell Forge will be enough to purchase the whole set and start doing Chaos runs. Mage Slayer and Stalker’s Cull are pretty cheap too and do the job just well. Boots matter a lot - I’d suggest crafting some to start with until you can afford Gore Riders.
End Game Gear
There won’t be drastic changes between early gear and late game gear, though I strongly suggest switching to Astreon’s for your weapon - it beats Stalker’s Cull all day.
Weapons
Stalker’s Cull
Astreon’s (BiS)
Armors
Duress
Templar’s Might
Shaftstop (what I ran)
Skullder’s Ire
Amulet
Saracen’s Chance
Atma’s Scarab
Seraph’s Hymn (what I ran, very underrated imo)
Rings
Bul-Kathos’ Wedding Band (BK)
Rare / crafted ones with damage and AR
Boots
Gore Riders are the best imo
I would maybe try War Traveler though
Mercenary
I ran a Lacerator A5 merc and it worked well. Even with crap gear, it stays alive quite easily. Late game, I might consider going Doom / Templar though - never tried tbh.
Corruptions and Charms
Pick good corruptions for your set: the items are cheap so you can roll stuff easily. Typically, I ended up having many slots, CBF, ED, etc.
Max/AR charms are better than Skillers, though the latter give 20% ED 25% AR to DT so, not bad.
Damage jewels are nice!
Stats and Skills
Aim for 75% block, enough strength for gear, and then vitality.
20 Dragon Talon
40 in synergies
20 Fade
Remaining in Shadow Master
I suppose BoS could be an option too, but having that sweet 50% reduction + maxed res is sweeeeeeeeet.
Breakpoints
You need 50 IAS with Astreon’s, or 18/46/71 for Bartuc’s
FHR: 27/48/86
Farming Locations
Maps without physical immunes are the best. Before that, the Pit, and Chaos Sanctuary are fine.