Javazon Help

[Scionotic]

Hi! I just reinstalled Diablo 2 a few days ago and had a few questions reguarding D2 mods and my Javazon build/setup. Im not sure if this is the right place to ask for begginer questions, but if not feel free to delete this thread

First of all, is it recommended to use RWM? I know its accepted by the SP community, but is it really popular or do people usually roll without it?

My other question is concerning the Merc I should use. I made some research and found out that A2 mercs are probably the best for my build, but I cannot decided which aura I prefer (Im playing LF/CS Javazon. I was considering to start leveling plague javelin to deal with immunes, but Im not sure yet). I noticed that many people like to run the A2 Normal Combat merc with the prayer aura, but could not understand why it is a good choice since the aura seems weak. Anyways, I would just like to hear what merc you guys would choose and most importantly! Why would you choose it over the others.

Thanks!

 

[mir]

RWM is very popular and if you want to trade/mp in the future then I recommend it. I'm not using it but I'm playing self-found (or mp with another vanilla player).

Merc:
People who use prayer merc usually use insight runeword which synergise the prayer aura, making it better. Regarding merc type, I advise holyfreeze (defence, NM). LF/CS amazon use elemental damage mostly and range attack so might and defiance are less helpful, but any type can work if you give him good equipment.

 

[Cyrax]

Personally i'd go with a might merc. That's because i prefer jab (1 pt is enough) as a back up for LF/CS. This also means i didn't spend points into the poison javelins.

 

[jdkerr]

Another reasonable backup solution is to use "Melody" in a +3 skills bow on switch and put some points in the cold bow skills. If you decide to go that route, "Insight" will be even more helpful on the mercenary.

 

[Espr]

Wizendraw is a great alternative for the FA back up too, if you don't have the runes/bases built up yet to consider runeword options. A decent -resistance roll makes wizendraw very competitive with Melody.

The downside to the freezing arrow backup is that you can't rely on your shield for resistances as much (if at all, in some cases; ie lightning), the upside however is it is a build that finishes on skill points quite early, and a wizendraw is a very easy/cheap weapon that remains pretty strong throughout, and give you plenty of time to collect a melody base if you want to go that route. You will also generally not worry about AR at all with FA, which makes gearing easier, but also makes leech much less useful. I also feel FA is very strong defensively, if that is a concern of yours.

Staying in the javelin tree on the other hand, will allow you to focus your +skill-trees on a single tree, and opens the option to build AR and take greater advantage of leech (and perhaps might) (particularly as the lesser need for resist charms opens up space for AR/damage charms).

I personally went with a holy freeze merc wielding an insight as a LF/FA zon, but if you are more adverse to drinking potions a prayer merc is a good option to keep those orbs topped up.

 

[Scionotic]

Thanks for all the repplies! I think Ill be using the holy freeze merc, especially cause Im playing HC...

I like the freezing arrow idea. Might try it out since Ive been told that plague javelin is not that great. Im also considering a more phys damage approach with fend, but I dunno if its a really effective ability :S (In that case id probably use the might merc)

 

[Scionotic]

Oh and I just realised the merc leveling is not like it used to be haha. Didnt know you could hire any merc with just one level below you with the newer patches. Im a bit less worried about my choice regarding this now

 

[japanzaman]

Aside from Insight, I'm not really sure there's much advantage in RWM. I've made some untwinked guardians before that were able to clear about 99% of the game using only the javelin skill tree, and you can get by with pretty modest gear. I like going with Holy Freeze, too, as the passive skills from the Amazon are usually good enough to make up for a lack of defense.

 

[Zenigma]

While not necessary, RWM is definitely quite the boon. I did my first Patriarch on a Bone Necro without it, but let me tell you, you would have been undeniably easier with it. Spirit swords and Insight polearms give you a huge bonus on casters, being able to construct them so easily and to equip them so early. I use it now, but I haven't made anything all too great with it yet (no Griefs, no Forts, not anything like that yet)... maybe one day when I find time to play again...

 

[japanzaman]

Spirit really is a broken Runeword. No excuse for those kind of runes delivering that kind of payoff- needs to be at least a Gul or Vex in there to even things out.