Non-trapper HC build

[Scyron]

Non-trapper HC build

I've recently returned to Diablo after a year away, and I'm moving right back to HC. I used to have a lvl 90 trapper, but want to try something different. Of course, I'm in love with the assassin, so I was looking for what other viable builds there are.
I had a lvl 86 kicker in softcore, but she kept dying all the time, so I won't go that route. Anyone have advice on an assassin-build, that isn't as suicidal as the kicker, and preferably not a light trapper, and is viable in 8-player hell games?

 

[TheKing]

try a kicker/trapper hybrid...

 

[Speederländer]

I've recently returned to Diablo after a year away, and I'm moving right back to HC. I used to have a lvl 90 trapper, but want to try something different. Of course, I'm in love with the assassin, so I was looking for what other viable builds there are.
I had a lvl 86 kicker in softcore, but she kept dying all the time, so I won't go that route. Anyone have advice on an assassin-build, that isn't as suicidal as the kicker, and preferably not a light trapper, and is viable in 8-player hell games?

Kickers and light trappers are really your only solid route to PvM. You could TRY pheonix strike or something, but the results will be mixed at best, esp. in HC. Not sure why you say kickers are suicidal. You mean from IM?

 

[Scyron]

Not sure why you say kickers are suicidal. You mean from IM?

Maybe it's just me, but I found my kicker to be a rather weak tank. Never managed to get very high def/life and still maintain nice kick damage.

I must admit that before I start a char, I usualy make one in single-player and deck it out with the best possible gear with a trainer program. Nothing I'm proud of, but it gives a good idea of what the char has to offer. And doing this, I never managed to make the kicker a decent tank, and still do good damage. I might have missed out on something though.

Maybe I'll give the kicker another go though, it was a fun char. Not sure it's what I want to spend time on in hardcore though, I'd rather play a bit more passive char. I guess I'll reroll a trapsin. I did have alot fun with it, and it was a real surviver.

 

[Speederländer]

Maybe it's just me, but I found my kicker to be a rather weak tank. Never managed to get very high def/life and still maintain nice kick damage.

PvM kickers have to have good % crushing blow to be effective.

 

[ilkori]

I'm working on a hardcore kicker build. It's tough going (especially finding time to play), and I've already killed a few of its predecessors (doesn't help that I'm playing untwinked).

A kicker/trapper is the strongest PvM build for assassins - but you need to know how kickers work. You could be better off with a certain pair of normal boots than most elite boots if you don't do the rest of your gear right. As mentioned, you *need* crushing blow to be effective. Death Sentry is also required for effective play.

My kickers are usually 100% offense. (Ok, not quite 100%) My typical builds aim for better than 50% crushing blow, some form of monster regen prevention (OW, PMH, or long-duration poison), and Life Tap when I can get it. OKs are the only thing that really cause problems once you get max block and some decent resists. If you haven't noticed, I didn't mention defense, damage, or life. Those are very low on the priority list with all things considered.