various factors such as damage output, survivability, and versatility when evaluating the effectiveness of each class in Diablo 2: Resurrected.
With the release of Diablo 4, players are once again diving back into Diablo 2: Resurrected. It comes as no surprise that many gamers are revisiting the game, as its combat and art style closely resemble Diablo 2 rather than Diablo 3. During this time, players are naturally drawn to explore the rich history of the current game. In light of this, we have revamped this article, transforming it from a "guide" format into a comprehensive list that ranks all the characters in a traditional manner. Additionally, we have condensed the article to provide gamers with a clear understanding of why each character is ranked where they are, without delving into every possible build and skill tree. By streamlining the content, we aim to make it easier for readers to find the ranking of any class they are interested in, accompanied by a brief explanation.
7 Barbarian
In Diablo 2, the Warrior from the previous game transforms into the Barbarian. This powerful class excels in close combat, dominating physical battles. As the protectors of Mount Arreat, Barbarians answer the call for aid whenever they perceive the looming danger posed by the Lord of Terror.
If this list were to rank the best support builds, the Barbarian would rise from the bottom to the top. His shouts are essential in party play, making him a valuable asset. While the Whirlwind build allows him to hold his own, his solo capabilities do not match those of other classes. The Barbarian's mobility is enhanced by Leap, but given that traditional tanking in Diablo 2: Resurrected is not advisable, he often finds himself evading rather than directly engaging in combat.
6 Assassin
The Assassins made their debut in Diablo 2 with the release of the Lord of Destruction expansion. These stealthy warriors originate from a clandestine order dedicated to eliminating mages. Rather than harnessing magic themselves, Assassins rely on enchanted gear and cunningly laid traps. Their expertise lies in up-close combat, employing a range of specialized techniques and unique abilities.
Unless playing on the easiest settings, utilizing a light-armored melee character can lead to unfavorable outcomes. In fact, most heavily-armed builds tend to avoid prolonged engagement in close combat unless they have substantial group enhancements. However, the Trapper Assassin "Trapsin" build proves to be remarkably effective for gamers who are open to transforming the Assassin into a spellcaster. On the other hand, the more traditional attack-focused builds often result in calamity, as the Assassin is constantly at risk of being defeated with just a single blow.
5 Druid
In the world of Lord of Destruction, Druids serve as the perfect companions to the Assassins, with their expertise lying in the manipulation of nature and wildlife. Despite their kinship with the Barbarians, Druids possess an awe-inspiring ability to control the forces of nature. They have the unique capability to harness the power of the wind and the plants that surround them, even transforming into various animal forms.
The druid's main limitation is that they excel at many different aspects but are not truly exceptional in any one area. While they may not possess the summoning abilities of a Necromancer, the physical damage capabilities of an Amazon, or the magical prowess of a Sorceress, they do have the ability to unleash physical damage through ranged spells with the Wind build. This unique feature makes the Wind build one of the most powerful options for druids and an impressive build choice for any class.
4 Amazon
The Amazon class in Diablo II, known as the Rogue, makes a triumphant return. Hailing from tropical islands, these nomadic warriors excel in the art of ranged combat and are dedicated to protecting their forests and homes with unparalleled weapon mastery. Much like skilled rangers, Amazons exhibit their combat prowess through the use of bows and arrows, crossbows, javelins, and even spears.
The Amazon class is positioned in the middle of this list for a compelling reason. Whether it is the "Bowazon" bow or the "Javazon" javelin build, both options can be exceptional when specialized correctly. This class offers a balanced combination of magical and physical damage, which does not disrupt the game's balance. As a result, it is a suitable choice for new players to ensure a safe and enjoyable gameplay experience.
3 Necromancer
Necromancers are experts in the "Great Cycle of Being," meticulously developing their abilities to manipulate the delicate balance between life and death. Their extensive training enables them to approach challenges with a strategic and practical mindset, utilizing a wide array of tools such as curses, hexes, and even harnessing the power of the deceased.
With a character build as powerful as the summoner or the poison build, the Necromancer proves to be unbeatable on a literal level. The Necromancer possesses three out of the four available methods to break enemy immunities, including the ability to break both physical and magic immunities. Throughout the game, the Necromancer smoothly transitions from relying on summoned units to utilizing the devastating Corpse Explosion, which becomes even more destructive on higher difficulty levels.
2 Sorceress
The Sorceress is the perfect foil to Diablo's Sorcerer class. Hailing from one of Sanctuary's esteemed mage clans, she possesses unparalleled mastery over the elemental forces. With her ability to harness the might of fire, lightning, and ice, she effortlessly asserts her dominance on the battlefield.
The Sorceress can be considered the top class in the game, especially due to her lightning build which is unrivaled in terms of clearing speed, even on the most challenging difficulties. However, there is a downside to it. If she encounters monsters with magic resistance or immunities, it can pose a significant threat to her. Nevertheless, the majority of dedicated Diablo 2: Resurrected players opt to have a Sorceress character solely for the purpose of farming gear.
1 Paladin
In the battle against evil, the Paladin embodies both the strength of a knight and the devotion of a priest. However, internal strife within the order has driven this valiant character to venture towards the West, determined to confront and defeat the Prime Evils once and for all. Equipped with powerful weapons to smite their enemies and imbued with auras that grant them dominance in combat, Paladins remain steadfast in their mission to defend the land from the forces of darkness.
Diablo 2: Resurrected offers a variety of character builds, but one stands out as the ultimate choice among the community: the "Hammerdin" Paladin. While acquiring the necessary Runewords may take some time, once players have obtained them, the Paladin becomes a force to be reckoned with, excelling in all difficulties and defeating every boss.
Players can enjoy Diablo 2: Resurrected on multiple platforms, including Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.