Hey everyone! I’m a casual player who opted out of the expansion for Diablo IV and recently hit Paragon 100 in Tier 2. I’m diving into Season 8 with a Whirlwind Barbarian, but I’m struggling to keep up without the benefit of runes (especially for Earthquake). It seems like Tier 2 is as far as I can go with my current setup. Can anyone suggest some solid builds for Barbarians or other classes that don’t rely on expansion runes or powers? Are there any build guides available that specifically filter out expansion content? Appreciate any help and happy slaying!
5 Answers
Hey! I’m also running a WW Barb this season and just hit Tier 4 recently. From what I’ve noticed, most of the damage comes from Earthquake, which is tough without runes, so you’re definitely at a disadvantage. But if you’re committed to WW, maybe focus on gearing up for better survivability until you can switch things up later. Good luck!
There aren’t really any strong builds without runes right now. Most players who skipped the expansion are finding themselves using the same basic setup. Runes really boost our capabilities, so it’s a tough spot to be in. Just hang in there!
Yeah, you’re better off crafting a mythic cache since legendary rune drops are pretty scarce. Get your hands on the spark cache from the season rewards after you beat torment Lilith. The Obol merchant is really generous this season—load up on those ancestrals!
Honestly, most players just get the expansion because it adds so much to the game. If you’re set on not buying it, consider switching builds away from Earthquake since runes are essential for that. Just adapt, and you might find something that works better for you!
Welcome to the club! I’m also not getting the expansion and using a Barb. I found this build online that you might want to try: [D4 Build](https://d4builds.gg/builds/c71eaafb-3693-4147-84db-fd21d7275f10/?var=1). It’s been decent for me, and with some tweaks, you can do pretty well against bosses. Still, you might feel a bit underwhelming against hordes though. Keep practicing!
For sure! Earthquake really amplifies damage, but you can still make WW work for now until you get runes. Just keep grinding.