Bow Question Ive never used a bow in D2 before. I dont want to play as an Amazon tho. So which builds can be built around a bow. Necro? Any ideas are appreciated.
Druid and Paladin are the more prominent. Druid is supported by summons, while Pally has Auras the increase dmg and AR. Necro's decent too... played the same way as the Druid, has a harder time hitting though. Sorc can be powerful but requires HEAVY elemental gear investment. Barb is the least skilled with the bow and doesn't have the greatest skills to assist it either.
Part II Are certain bows better for the Druid, Paladin and Necro or should I just find the best bow i can?
On the Paladin side, I've run a lot of numbers in this regard. I've taken into account DS, CB, merc aura, dex, WSm, IAS gear, etc. The four best bows in the game are: 1. Windforce (Unique Hydra Bow), 50% DS 2. Eaglehorn (Unique Crusader Bow) 50% DS 3. Widowmaker (Unique Ward Bow) 85% DS 4. Upgraded Witchwild - not socketed (Unique Diamond Bow) 100% DS With two 40% ED jewels, number 4 and 3 switch places. Windforce has almost 900 more average damage than Eaglehorn (Using Fanat slvl 20, 200 Dex, 0 CB, slvl 20 Might aura 230%ED).
The interesting thing you will have to consider is that the Widowmaker Unique Ward Bow grants the guided arrow skill to any class that wields the bow. This skill is usually an amazon only skill. You won't have to worry about attack rating, and your arrows will always hit the enemy target. However compared to windforce and eaglehorn, the max damage is a lot less. By the way it wasn't mentioned, but assassins can also wield bows. Their shadow master summon is a good companion and great tank, and their burst of speed skill adds more attack speed than a paladin's fanaticism skill (just as an example).
indeed, a bow assasin is a very good unique build that can be exceptioanlly fun it'll be helpful to invest poitns into burst of speed and venom. you may also want to invest points into fade and some defensive measures such as a point into blade shield, if you like. Shadow master is a relatively good tank along with your regular merc. you can learn more about this build in the assn forum, i think.
