Poison Necromancer has access to not one but two amazing AoE DPS Spells; Poison Nova and Corpse Explosion. When combined withthe Lower Resist Curse, these two skills can obliterate monsters in any level 85 area, even on increased /Players difficulty.As a result, Poison Necro can Magic Find in end-game high-density locations, like The Pit, with unmatched efficiency.Immunities are of no concern to Him, as with the Poison Nova + Corpse Explosion combo, He deals Physical, Poison, and Fire Damage (and the recommended items provide a lot of Poison Damage Penetration).
The featured version of the Magic Finding PoisonNecromancer Build is fully capable of solo clearing The Pit at insane speeds on Hell + Players 7 difficulty. It offers unbelievably high AoE Damage output, a fun playstyle, and solid mobility (with Enigma). Quite a few points were invested into Summons which, combined with the build's high survivability, ensurethat it is very hard to crack and can escape from even the direst of situations.
With this build, you should focus your gear around +Skills which are going to help with clear speeds, extra Magic Find that is going to make farming much more efficient, andachieving (at least) the 75% Faster Cast Rate Breakpoint. Other than that, you should look to increase your Poison Damage, Poison Damage Penetration (for example via Poison Rainbow Facets), Faster Hit Recovery, Maximum Life, and Resistances.
HELMETS
Harlequin Crest(Shako) - This helmet is going to give you two of the things you're mainly looking for in gear - + all Skills and extra Magic Find. Other than that, it will also provide a very healthy bonus to your Life and Mana as well as a nice damage reduction modifier.
- Defense: 98 to 141
- Required Level: 62
- Required Strength: 50
- Durability: 20
- +2 to All Skills
- +1-148 to Life (+1.5 per Character Level)
- +1-148 to Mana (+1.5 per Character Level)
- Damage Reduced By 10%
- 50% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
- +2 to All Attributes
Rare Circlet- A high-rolled Circlet can easily be the Best in Slot helmet for a Poison Necromancer. If you decide to gamble for one yourself or simply buy it, look for +2 to Necromancer Skills, Faster Cast Rate, and Sockets. The latter are especially important as they will allow you to add Poison Rainbow Facets.
- Required Level:varies.
- InRare Diadems,look for:
- +1/2 to Necromancer Skills
- 20% Faster Cast Rate
- Life
- Mana on Kill
- Magic Find
- Resistances
- Attributes
- Sockets
WEAPONS
Death's Web(Unearthed Wand) -This amazing weapon looks like it was designed specifically with the Poison necro in mind. Itgrants up to +4 Poison and Bone Spells in total and reduces Enemy Poison Resistance by up to 50%. Moreover, it also grants Mana after each kill which ensures that you never starve for resources. It is so powerful that it carries the build from an average farmer to one of the best farming builds in the game.
- One-Hand Damage: 22 To 28
- Required Level: 66
- Required Strength: 25
- Durability: 18
- Staff Class - Fast Attack Speed
- +50% Damage to Undead
- -40-50% To Enemy Poison Resistance
- +7-12 To Mana After Each Kill
- +7-12 Life After Each Kill
- +2 To All Skills
- +1-2 To Poison and Bone Spells (Necromancer Only)
Heart of the Oak(Runeword) -HotO is regarded as one of the most powerful Runewords in the game, and for a good reason - it gives +3 to all Skills, high mana leech, a lot of FCR, and takes care of your Resistances. You can't go wrong with this classic, especially if you need some extra Resists, Skills, and Faster Cast Rate (and you do).
- Damage: Depends on base Weapon
- Required Level: 55
- Required Dexterity:Depends on base Weapon
- Required Strength:Depends on base Weapon
- Durability:Depends on base Weapon
- Ko + Vex + Pul + Thul
- +3 To All Skills
- +40% Faster Cast Rate
- +75% Damage To Demons
- +100 To Attack Rating Against Demons
- Adds 3-14 Cold Damage, 3 sec. Duration (Normal)
- 7% Mana Stolen Per Hit
- +10 To Dexterity
- Replenish Life +20
- Increase Maximum Mana 15%
- All Resistances +30-40 (varies)
- Level 4 Oak Sage (25 Charges)
- Level 14 Raven (60 Charges)
White(Runeword) -This relatively cheap Runeword is a great budget alternative to the two above-mentioned weapons. While it's not nearly as powerful as HotO or Death's Webit will get the job done just fine, especially if you choose aWand with +2/3 to Poison Nova as its base.
- Damage:Depends on baseWeapon
- Required Level: 35
- Required Dexterity:Depends on baseWeapon
- Required Strength:Depends on baseWeapon
- Durability:Depends on baseWeapon
- Dol + Io
- Hit Causes Monster To Flee 25%
- +10 To Vitality
- +3 To Poison and Bone Spells (Necromancer Only)
- +3 To Bone Armor (Necromancer Only)
- +2 To Bone Spear (Necromancer Only)
- +4 To Skeleton Mastery (Necromancer Only)
- Magic Damage Reduced By 4
- 20% Faster Cast Rate
- +13 To Mana
Spirit Shield (Runeword) - A solid choice if you're lacking Resistances, Faster Cast Rate, and Survivability. Also, it's also very cheap to make and gives you +2 to all skills. You should inscribe it into a 4 open socket Monarch for the highest defensive value.
- Defense:Depends on base Shield
- Required Level: 25
- Required Strength:Depends on base Shield
- Durability:Depends on base Shield
- Tal + Thul + Ort + Amn
- +2 To All Skills
- +25-35% Faster Cast Rate
- +55% Faster Hit Recovery
- +250 Defense vs. Missiles
- +22 To Vitality
- +89-112 To Mana (varies)
- Cold Resist +35%
- Lightning Resist +35%
- Poison Resist +35%
- +3-8 Magic Absorb
- Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Homunculus(Hierophant Trophy) -An extremelypowerful Class item that increases Necromancer's Skills by 2 and Curses by 2, provides some much-needed bonuses to mana, and offers extremely powerful defensive stats (Faster Block Rate and Increased Chance of Blocking). If you have problems with mana and/or want extra defenses, you can't go wrong with hom*onculus.
- Defense: 177-213
- Defense: 58-70
- Required Level: 42
- Required Strength: 58
- Durability: 20
- Chance to Block: 72%
- (Necromancer Only)
- +150-200% Enhanced Defense
- +5 To Mana After Each Kill
- 40% Increased Chance of Blocking
- 30% Faster Block Rate
- +2 To Necromancer Skill Levels
- +20 To Energy
- Regenerate Mana 33%
- All Resistances +40
- +2 To Curses Skills (Necromancer Only)
Trang'Oul's Wings(Cantor Trophy) - Consider using this one if you'd like to wear 3Trang'Oul's set pieces for the Poison Resistance Penetration. This off-hand is a very strong shield for this build with a bunch of defensive stats and attributes, however, it does not give any FCR.
- Defense: 175-189 (varies)(Base Defense: 50-64)
- Required Level: 54
- Required Strength: 50
- Durability: 20
- Chance to Block: 60%
- (Necromancer Only)
- +125 Defense
- +30% Increased Chance Of Blocking
- Poison Resist +40%
- Fire Resist +38-45% (varies)
- +15 To Dexterity
- +25 To Strength
- +2 To Poison And Bone Skills (Necromancer Only)
- -25% To Enemy Poison Resistance(3 Items)
- Replenish Life +15(4 Items)
Splendor(Rune Word) - A nice and inexpensiveMagic Finding Shield Runeword. It lacks defense but makes up for it with its +1 to all Skills, FCR, Mana Regen, and Magic Find.
- Defense:Depends on base Shield
- Required Level: 37
- Required Strength:Depends on base Shield
- Durability:Depends on base Shield
- Eth + Lum
- +1 To All Skills
- +10% Faster Cast Rate
- +20% Faster Block Rate
- +60-100% Enhanced Defense (varies)
- +10 To Energy
- Regenerate Mana 15%
- 50% Extra Gold From Monsters
- 20% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
- +3 To Light Radius
Call to Arms(Runeword) -This powerful Runeword will allow you to pre-buff yourself up with Warcries (buffs persist through weapon swap). You should combine this with a Shield that gives +2 to All Skills for the best effect.
- Defense:Depends on base Weapon
- Required Level: 57
- Required Strength:Depends on base Weapon
- Durability:Depends on base Weapon
- Amn • Ral • Mal • Ist
- +1 to All Skills
- +40% Increased Attack Speed
- +250-290% Enhanced Damage
- Adds 5-30 Fire Damage
- 7% Life Stolen Per Hit
- +2-6 To Battle Command
- +1-6 To Battle Orders
- +1-4 To Battle Cry
- Prevent Monster Heal
- Replenish Life +12
- 30% Better Chance Of Getting Magic Items
AMULETS
A Magic/Rare Amulet with + Magic Find Affixes - If you can afford one of these, go for it; Magic Amulets can have up to 50% MF (these are more expensive), and Rares can roll up to 35%, which makes them a bit cheaper.
- InMagic Amulets,look for:
- Magic Find
- + to Poison and Bone Spells
- Resistances
- InRare Amulets,look for:
- Magic Find
- + to Necromancer Skills
- Resistances
- Attributes
Mara's Kaleidoscope- This is one of the best Amulets in D2R overall and it fits most of the builds, which makes it a great investment. It provides a great combination of offensive (+2 to all skills) and defensive (+20-30 to all resistances) properties.
- Required Level: 67
- +2 To All Skills
- All Resistances +30
- +5 To All Attributes
ARMORS
Enigma(Runeword) - A solid all-around choice that takes care of your defensive, offensive, and Magic Finding needs.If you take Magic Finding with this build seriously, Enigma is the only choice (Bramble is going to increase your DPS, but the mobility loss is a painful trade-off).
- Defense:Depends on base Armor
- Required Level: 65
- Required Strength:Depends on base Armor
- Durability:Depends on base Armor
- Jah + Ith + Ber
- +2 To All Skills
- +45% Faster Run/Walk
- +1 To Teleport
- +750-775 Defense (varies)
- +(0.75*Clvl) To Strength (Based On Character Level)
- Increase Maximum Life 5%
- Damage Reduced By 8%
- +14 Life After Each Kill
- 15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
- (1*Clvl)% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items (Based On Character Level)
Bramble(Runeword) -This armor gives us an insane Poison Damage Boost, some good resistances, and a quite good mana regen increase. Without Bramble, your Damage output won't be anywhere near as high as it could be, however, without Enigma your mobility is going to suffer greatly. In general, Enigma is better for clearing speed and Magic Finding, but Bramble is better for raw Damage.
- Defense:Depends on base Armor
- Required Level 61
- Required Strength:Depends on base Armor
- Durability:Depends on base Armor
- Ral + Ohm + Sur + Eth
- Level 15-21 Thorns Aura When Equipped
- +50% Faster Hit Recovery
- +25-50% To Poison Skill Damage
- +300 Defense
- Increase Maximum Mana 5%
- Regenerate Mana 15%
- +5% To Maximum Cold Resist
- Fire Resist +30%
- Poison Resist +100%
- +13 Life After Each Kill
- Level 13 Spirit of Barbs (33 Charges)
RINGS
The Stone of Jordan- You can't go wrong with double SoJ in this build. A pair of these will give you 50% extra mana and a nice boost to DPS by increasing your Skills.
- Required Level: 29
- +1 to All Skills
- Increase Maximum Mana by 25%
- Adds 1-12Lightning Damage
- +20 to Mana
Bul-Kathos' Wedding Band - Even better for the build than the SoJ because of the Life Leech and the bonus to max Life.
- Required Level: 58
- +1 To All Skills
- + (0.5 Per Character Level) 0-49 To Life)
- 3-5% Life Stolen Per Hit (varies)
- +50 Maximum Stamina
Nagelring - This ring can give you up to 30% extra Magic Find and some damage taken reduction. Other than that, it's rather mediocre for a caster, thus you should use it only if you feel like you can afford to sacrifice other stats to gain some MF.
- Required Level: 7
- +[50-75] to Attack Rating (varies)
- Magic Damage Taken Reduced by 3
- Attacker Takes Damage of 3
- [15-30]% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items (varies)
FCR-Magic Find Rare Ring -Rare Rings can potentially give you a great mix of much-needed stats. Finding one that provides +10 Faster Cast Rate, some Magic Find, and Resistances is going to make a big difference.
- InRare Rings,look for:
- Magic Find
- Faster Cast Rate
- Resistances
GLOVES
Trang-Oul's Claws(Heavy Bracers) -These gloves offer an amazing faster cast rate boost (for gloves, that is). However, the best thing about them is the 25%bonus to Poison Skill Damage.Bonus to Curses is not important for this build but can come in handy if you decide to invest a few points into the tree. Also, If you decide to wear 3Trang-Oul's set pieces you will get 25% Poison Resistance Penetration as well!
- Defense: 67 - 74
- Required Level: 45
- Required Strength: -58
- Durability: 16
- +20% Faster Cast Rate
- Cold Resist +30%
- +30 Defense
- +25% to Poison Skill Damage
- +2 To Curses (Necromancer Only)
Chance Guards (Chain Gloves) -These Gloves offer up to 40% MF and a nice bonus to gold drop,and are generally the best Magic Finding choice for this slot.
- Defense: 67-74
- Required Level: 45
- Required Strength: 58
- Durability: 16
- +20-30% Enhanced Defense (varies)
- +15 Defense
- +25 to Attack Rating
- 25-40% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items (varies)
- 200% Extra Gold From Monsters
- +2 to Light Radius
BOOTS
War Traveler (Battle Boots) -These are undoubtedly the Best in Slot for a MF Poison Necromancer, as other boots simply won't increase your Magic Find. They also provide a nice bonus to attributes, which helps with survivability and equipping heavier gear pieces. Also, slower stamina drain and increased Run/Walk is always welcome.
- Defense: 120-139
- Required Level: 42
- Required Strength: 95
- Kick Damage:37-64
- Durability: 48
- +150-190% Enhanced Defense
- 25% Faster Run/Walk
- +10 to Vitality
- +10 to Strength
- Adds 15-25 Damage
- +40% Slower Stamina Drain
- Attacker Takes Damage Of 5-10
- 30-50% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Sandstorm Trek(Scarabshell Boots) - These amazing boots offer a lot of defensive utility, including Faster Hit Recovery which is extremely helpful when a monster manages to hit you. Moreover, they give you a lot of attributes and a very high bonus to Poison Resistance.
- Defense: 158-178
- Required Level: 64
- Required Strength: 91
- Kick Damage:60-110
- Durability: 14
- +20% Faster Run/Walk
- +20% Faster Hit Recovery
- +[140-170]% Enhanced Defense (varies)
- +[10-15] to Strength (varies)
- +[10-15] to Vitality (varies)
- +[1-99] Maximum Stamina (+1 per Character Level)
- 50% Slower Stamina Drain
- Poison Resist +[40-70]% (varies)
- Attacker Takes Damage of 2
- Repairs 1 Durability in 20 Seconds
BELTS
Arachnid Mesh(Spiderweb Sash) - This is, by far, the best Belt you can have (even though it does not give you any Magic Find unlike, for example, Goldwrap). Arachnid Mesh will improve your Cast Rate by 20% and boost your Skills by +1 - you can't go wrong with it.
- Defense: 119-138
- Required Level: 80
- Required Strength: 50
- Durability: 12
- 16 Potion Boxes
- +90-120% Enhanced Defense
- Slows Target By 10%
- +1 To All Skills
- +20% Faster Cast Rate
- Increases Maximum Mana 5%
- Level 3 Venom (11 Charges)
Trang-Oul's Girth(Troll Belt) - This defensively-oriented belt is going to increase your life and grant you the Cannot be Frozen property. Choose itonly if you're also usingTrang-Oul's ClawsandTrang'Oul's Wings, as doing so will increase your Lightning Resistance Penetration by 25%.
- Defense: 134-166
- Required Level: 62
- Required Strength: 91
- Durability: 18
- 16 Potion Boxes
- +[75-100] Defense (varies)
- +66 to Life
- Replenish Life +5
- +[25-50] to Mana (varies)
- +30 Maximum Stamina
- Cannot Be Frozen
- Requirements -40%
Set bonus:
- Cold Resist +40% (3 Items)
CHARMS
- Gheed's Fortune- The secret to Gheed's wealth and prosperity. Pretty much a must-have if you're after the best available charms. It adds 80-160% extra gold from monsters, reduces vendor prices by up to 15%, and gives up to 40% better magic find.
- Grand Charms - Stacking + Poison and Bone Spells Grand Charms is ab great way of increasing your damage output. Ideally, these should also have +Life on them.
- Large Charms - Using Large Charms in D2R is not recommended, with the exception of Hellfire Torch.
- Small Charms- With these, you should getMagic Find and Resistances. Small Charms give up to 7 MF each, so stacking them is going to significantly boost your Magic Finding capabilities. You can min-max your Damage and Magic Find by experimenting with replacing your Skiller Grand Charms with MF Small Charms.
MERCENARY
We recommend picking up Act 2 Might Mercenary for extra damagebonuses. He should be equipped with:
- InfinityRune Word in Ethereal Elite Polearm - This is a must-have for Poison Necromancer because of the Conviction Aura it provides. The Aura reduces the monster's Elemental Resistances allowing you to break immunities and increase your overall DPS.
- FortitudeRune Word in Armor - This will ensure that your merc doesn't die (it will make him almost immortal).
- Andariel's Visage -An extremely solid and versatile headgear that will make your merc better in all respects.
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