Restartind D2 as a Meteorb - Please advise.

[Deced]

Restartind D2 as a Meteorb - Please advise.

I'm a long time sorc player from way back during the first few months D2 was released. I stuck around through the Blizzard/Static builds, the Orb/Static builds then the Orb/Static/TStorm. I left at that point, and came back during the 1.09 era of Nova Sorcs, though I still only played D2C and have never once touched the Expansion.

Now, I'm getting bored often, and I have an unopened expac game a buddy gave me a long time ago, so I figure I'll jump back in. I've been lurking around these forums for a couple days, trying to get an idea of the way the game works now (keep in mind I never played the expac, nevermind the new synergies and whatnot). I figure I have a decent grip of things (as much as you can having never played it, anyway), but a few things are a bit confusing for me. If someone could answer them, it'd be appreciated :lol:

1. Mercenary. It seems the obvious ones are the Defiance or Holy Freeze ones. Of those two, it seems Holy Freeze is more popular, correct? Some of the build guides suggest Defiance + Doom weapon, but looking at the runes required, I suppose I won't be able to go that route for a long time, right? Also, if I for whatever reason decide to go Defiance merc, is there any real difference building up a normal one versus a hell one?

2. Shield. I keep hearing that 75% block is what most prefer. On the same vein, I continuously hear that Stormshield is the best for a Sorc. Yet it seems Stormshield doesn't provide 75% block, and even if I stuck an Eld in it, it'd only be 74% block. Am I missing something here? Do Sorc primarily use other shields and not Stormshield?

3. If Stormshield is not the item I should be using, what shield is. Also, Stormshield is the item with 156 str requirement; if I don't use that, what is the most likely strength I should aim for (that is, what is the next highest str item that Sorcs tend to use very often)?

4. From what I gather, the best ways to find Runes are Hellforge and Countess runs. Of the two, I only ever hear details of Countess runs (which I assume is pointless for me since a Meteorb Sorc can't really do those that well). I hear of Hellforge runs, but never any details. Since I hear of the runs, I'm guessing it is repeatable, but I'm not sure (I don't remember being able to repeat them in older patches, but even if you could, no one would care since the best thing you could get them were Skulls). If you can repeat them, can a Meteorb Sorc do that?

5. How well does a Meteorb truly work in leveling parties? Back when I played originally, most people solo'ed River runs in 8 Player games. When I started the game up the second time, it was 8 player partied cow runs, followed by 8 player partied Chaos Sanctuary runs when you got high enough level. Now, I'm guessing people exp off the five Baal bosses? Someone told me that, though he was saying that in regards to normal mode from 22-45 or so, so I'm not quite sure how people primarily level in Hell. The reason I ask how viable Meteorb is, is because back during 1.09 I remember dropping hordes of monsters by the time another Sorc could even get the first Meteor to fall all the way down.

6. When I left the second time, it was right before the 1.10 patch. I remember hearing a lot of stuff about some "World Event" on forums like these, that were somehow connected to SOJs (trading them in or something, I dunno). I was doing some browsing at AS, and I'm thinking it is connected to the Annihilus and to Uber Diablo, whatever that is. Of course, despite my curiosity, they apparently refuse to give details on it. I wonder if anyone here can quench my curiosity? :scratch:

7. What is the current economy based on? Last time I played, SOJs basically worked as currency. With the new Ladder seasons, and the apparently low chances of finding an SOJ, I'm guessing they are no longer currency and that some runes have taken over that spot? Or is duping still rampant enough that SOJs are still the main currency being thrown around?

Errr, I'm sure I have a ton more questions, but I can't think of them right now. But if any one can answer these, thanks in advance.

 

[MithrandirX]

1. Defiance, Might or Holy Freeze are the most popular sorc mercs. I tend to lean towards Defiance or Might. Just a personal preference.

2, 3. Yes. 75% block is definitely the way to go. In my opinion the best shield is the SS, with a Pdiamond socket. It is the added points in dexterity that will determine your blocking. The listed % on the shield is just a starting point. For example, you will need around 200 dex at level 85 to get max block with SS.

4. Forget about finding runes. Just forget it. The best places, in my opinion are the forge and the hell high council, but the drop rates are so astronomically low that you can really never expect to find the high runes. Ever. If you do find a few, treat it as a nice bonus. I started keeping a written log of my rune finds when the patch hit. I have not found a Zod rune since then, and I mf several hundred runs a week. (pits, andy, tunnels, meph, pindle)


5. Meteorb is a good "all-around" character. She works well with MF, can play solo in hell most of the time, and works great in parties. As for leveling, most chars do normal baal runs until level 45 or so, and nightmare Baal runs until level 70 or thereabouts. Hell is quite difficult now, due to massive monster life and resists. I like to play through hell in an 8 player party. The experience is excellent, and it is the only pat of the game that is really challenging. Afterwards, you can do hell Baal runs, though you level much pretty slowly, especially after level 85.

6. The world event is triggered by selling sojs to the merchants. After a random number have been sold on a server, a Diablo-like creature is spawned, and he will usually drop an Annihilus charm. (+1skill, states resists etc)

7. The nonladder economy is based on sojs and ist runes now. The elite runewords are also a kind of currency. On ladder, pgems and lower runes are commonly traded for good items.

Good luck. If you play USWEST, pm me and I can maybe start you off with some gear.

 

[Frisco]

1. Mercs purchased and levelled from Norm have better stats (life, res, etc.)

2. Actual block is based on the % and the amount of dexterity your character has.
Total Blocking = [(Blocking * (Dexterity - 15)) / (Character Level * 2)]
Blocking = A total of the Blocking on all of your items. (E.g: Shield, Guardian Angel, Twitchthroe, Holy Shield)
[] = Round Down

3. 97 STR will allow you to wear Skullders and WarTravs, which are the next highest strength items I see MF Sorcs wearing.

4. A Meteorb will work fine for Countess. She may be immune to your attacks, but your merc can tear her apart.

Meteorb also works just fine for Hellforge rushing, but it requires 2+ copies of DII. What you do is create new characters and rush them to the Hell Hellforge, levelling them is not required.

6. DClone always drops one Annihilus.

 

[Deced]

Thank you both. That was very helpful.

One last question if I may:

What is the general spread of users on ladder and non-ladder on any given realm? Do most people play both, do most people stick to non-ladder, or do most people generally play ladder?

 

[Black_Rose]

I believe there is a balance between ladder & nonladder..

If you are however making a choice, I advise you to play ladder. It is fresh, it is empty of bad hexed, duped and cheated charms, items, jewels... True, there are duped runes, but only high ones for which you don't have to trade not being sure of their origin.

 

[Miladys-Knight]

Facts and formula info can be found here:

http://strategy.diabloii.net/news.php?id=551

If you decide to play USWest ladder softcore, I can hook you up with a few low level sorc items (mage fists, Chromatic Ire, Heavenly Garb etc.) and would even be able to game with you if you want. My D2 account is the same as my forum name.