Diablo 4 offers players the ability to create a variety of unique builds across its five classes, thanks to the extensive skill trees available within each class. While some builds may prove more effective than others, players can generally find success regardless of their chosen skillset. However, those who opt to play as the Necromancer should be cautious about investing too heavily in a single, notoriously weak build type that has struggled to find a foothold in the ARPG genre.
Throughout Diablo 4's development, the Necromancer's minions have undergone a series of changes. In the initial open beta, these skeletal servants were incredibly powerful, making the class a top-tier option. However, subsequent balancing adjustments left the minions too weak and fragile to be of much use. While Blizzard has since issued a hotfix to restore some of their strength, dedicated summoner builds are still not a particularly viable option in the current version of the game.
Pure Necromancer Summoner Builds are Underpowered in Diablo 4
In Diablo 4, Necromancers possess the unique ability to summon skeletal minions to fight on their behalf. This feature has been significantly enhanced with the introduction of the Book of the Dead mechanic. While players can summon three types of minions - Skeletal Warriors, Skeletal Mages, and a Golem - the Book of the Dead allows for greater customization, including the ability to choose from three subcategories and upgrade their abilities. However, despite these improvements, Necromancer builds that rely solely on minions may prove too fragile to be effective. Fortunately, Diablo 4 offers a range of alternative build options that do not depend on minions for strength. For example, the Bone, Blood, and Shadow branches of the Necromancer's skill tree offer powerful skills like Bone Spear, Sever, and Blood Lance, which are often a better investment than upgrading mastery of the minions. Additionally, skills that buff minions are often found later in the skill tree and may be less desirable than other skills within the same branch.
Instead of solely relying on summoning minions, Necromancers should consider using them as early-game tools to weaken enemies before finishing them off with stronger skills like Bone Spear. As players progress, they can utilize the Book of the Dead to sacrifice minions and gain useful buffs such as greater physical resistance, higher max Essence, and higher HP. Despite the fact that Diablo 4's minions have been rebalanced and are not as powerful as before, the Book of the Dead offers a solution for Necromancers to compensate for their weaker aspects. While there is a possibility of future updates that may improve the power of minions, in the meantime, players are better off exploring alternative builds and sacrificing their minions when they are no longer effective.
Diablo 4 is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
