In Diablo 4, the Druid class is highly regarded for its tanking abilities due to its ability to combine Fortify, Thorns, and Overpower to create a sturdy build with some offensive capabilities. However, those seeking to deal more damage to bosses and crowds will need to venture beyond their comfort zone. The Storm Druid, on the other hand, remains at the forefront of the action, with its most critical skills requiring the character to be as close to the center of the action as possible. When built correctly, the Storm Druid becomes a powerhouse for clearing mobs and debuffing bosses, resulting in increased damage from both teammates and the Druid class itself.
Skill Tree
Skill | Points |
Wind Shear | 5 |
Enhanced Wind Shear | 1 |
Wild Wind Shear | 1 |
Tornado | 5 |
Enhanced Tornado | 1 |
Raging Tornado | 1 |
Heart of the Wild | 1 |
Wild Impulses | 3 |
Cyclone Armor | 5 |
Enhanced Cyclone Armor | 1 |
Innate Cyclone Armor | 1 |
Ravens | 5 |
Enhanced Ravens | 1 |
Ferocious Ravens | 1 |
Call of the Wild | 3 |
Hurricane | 5 |
Enhanced Hurricane | 1 |
Natural Hurricane | 1 |
Elemental Exposure | 3 |
Charged Atmosphere | 3 |
Endless Tempest | 3 |
Bad Omen | 3 |
Cataclysm | 1 |
Prime Cataclysm | 1 |
Supreme Cataclysm | 1 |
Perfect Storm | 1 |
With the accumulation of Renown, players can acquire a total of 58 skill points to allocate at maximum level. This particular build focuses on dealing raw damage to various targets, utilizing a plethora of skills that either ensure the application of a Vulnerable debuff status or increase its probability significantly.
Paragon Boards
Consider the effectiveness of skills that not only deal area-of-effect damage but can also be placed directly on top of the Druid. This strategy can be particularly useful against melee opponents who will be forced to charge forward and ultimately meet their demise. Additionally, weaker ranged enemies can be easily eliminated after their frontline fighters have been eliminated.
Board | Paragon/Legendary Nodes | Glyph |
Start | Prime, Impel | Earth and Sky |
Thunderstruck | Sotrmcaller, Hubris, Deluge, Thunderstruck, Tempest | Fulminate |
Ancestral Guidance | Ancestral Guidance, Spiritual Power, Harmony | Keeper |
Constricting Tendrils | Devastation, Nature's Will, Constricting Tendrils | Spirit |
Heightened Malice | Heightened Malice, Toxic Bane, Overturn | Territorial |
Adjusting the paragon boards and glyphs can be a daunting task for some. However, the key is to ensure that the boards are set up in a way that allows for proper snaking. While not all players may reach the maximum of 200 paragon points, those that do will undoubtedly experience a significant boost in power.
It would be impractical to list all nodes, but by navigating between the major ones, players should have no trouble. It is important to note that all relevant stat bonus nodes within the designated glyph areas should be purchased.
Only two boards (Thunderstruck and Ancestral Guidance) prove to be beneficial for this build. However, the legendary Constricting Tendrils node significantly increases the likelihood of poisoning enemies. Although poison damage may not be the primary focus, the Heightened Malice board can amplify the damage of non-poison attacks against these poisoned foes.
Gear
Slot | Aspect/Piece |
Helm | Harlequin Crest |
Chest | Aspect of Cyclonic Force |
Gloves | Runeworker's Conduit Aspect |
Pants | Aspect of Disobedience |
Boots | Wind Striker Aspect |
Amulet | Stormchaser's Aspect |
Ring | Aspect of the Tempest |
Ring | Overcharged Aspect |
Main Hand | Rapid Aspect |
Off-Hand | Aspect of the Expectant |
Gamers now have more freedom with the new aspect system, allowing them to select gear with the best stats and add their preferred effects. While increasing potion efficiency is helpful, the game-changing aspects are a major benefit. It's worth noting that some aspects can be swapped between gear pieces, so the specific gear with each aspect is not critical.
It's important to mention that in addition to increased Storm damage, the gear also provides a significant boost in tankiness. To maximize the effectiveness of the best Storm skills, players should be close to the action, which means taking some hits. While Cyclone Armor can help mitigate some damage, having gear that makes the Storm Druid more comfortable in the middle of the action is always a plus.
Spirit Boons
Bonding with the Stag is also a good option for Druids who prefer a tankier playstyle, as it provides additional health and defense. The Scythe Talons of the Deer offer a significant boost to damage output, making it a popular choice for players who prioritize offense over defense. The Snake's ability to remain calm in the face of danger can be a valuable asset for players who struggle with crowd control, while the Wolf's connection to calamity makes it a powerful choice for those who enjoy a more unpredictable playstyle. Regardless of which Spirit Boon a player chooses, it is important to remember that they are not permanent and can be swapped out at any time, allowing for a versatile and adaptable play experience.
By utilizing the powerful combination of Calm Before the Storm and Calamity, Cataclysm's duration is extended and the cooldown is significantly reduced, resulting in a substantial increase in ultimate ability usage for the Storm Druid. This advantage proves especially effective when facing hordes of minions, making the Storm Druid a force to be reckoned with. Players can experience all that Diablo 4 has to offer on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.