Pros and cons, skills, stat point distribution for the Diablo 2 Fireclaws Werewolf/Werebear build
Fireclaws Druid is a build that relies on the Fireclaws skill along with the Werebear or Werewolf form. Â However, the Fireclaws/Werebear combination seems to be more popular, due to its higher damage per second output. This build is based on the idea that Fireclaws deal high amounts of damage just with one synergy, so you only need to focus on attack speed and attack rating. This type of Druid is mostly used for fighting versus other players.
Also, a common Fireclaws build is very item dependent. Its main weakness is that there are numerous fire immune monsters in Hell difficulty. Thus, the build is almost unplayable in higher difficulties of the game. Note that it’s a tricky character for PvP fights as some classes can use fire absorb or full resists to reduce your damage.
The primary skills that a Fireclaws Werebear invests 20 points are the following:
Further, the build spends a point to each of the skill below as they are prerequisites for the main skills:
You can spend any spare points to the skills that synergize with Fireclaws.
This route sacrifices the Werebear’s life and defense boost for increased attack speed. It invests only 5 points in the Werewolf skill though. The reason is that it has diminishing returns after the 5th level. Thus, it’s much better to spend the points on the synergies of Fireclaws rather than Werewolf. This variation of the build maxes out the following skills:
Also, the Fireclaws Werewolf spends the rest of the points on the Fireclaws’ synergies. All of them provide 22% fire damage per level to the FIreclaws skill. These are:
Strength: Depending on your items, invest enough points to equip your best gear.
Dexterity: Spend as many points as your endgame items require.
Vitality: Don’t hesitate to place the majority of your points in your life pool.
Energy: It’s recommended to keep this attribute to the base value. The other three stats are much more important and you can cover your mana issues using mana boosting items.