In this comprehensive guide, we will unveil the ultimate Diablo IV Barbarian build – the Whirlwind Barb Build. Designed for beginners and seasoned players alike, this build guarantees a seamless journey in the Open World content and Nightmare Dungeons. Forget about Bleed, Hammer of the Ancients, and other techniques. The Whirlwind build, devised by some of the top Barbarian players worldwide, including renowned YouTuber Rob2628, the first to achieve level 100 on Softcap, and Alkaizersenpai, reigns supreme.
Diablo 4 Whirlwind Barbarian Gameplay
The strategy behind this build revolves around utilizing the Lunging Strike skill to assault monsters while effectively generating extra Fury through Shouts. Once the Fury gauge is full, unleash the mighty Whirlwind upon your foes, only stopping when either the gauge is depleted or all enemies lie defeated.
The key principle of this gameplay style is that you don’t have to slay every monster with Whirlwind. Instead, focus on eliminating specific clusters, the larger the better, while continuously advancing forward.
This build capitalizes on Gohr’s Devastating Grips Gloves, which unleashes fiery blasts after every Whirlwind series. Moreover, the use of Wrath of the Berserker, the ultimate ability, grants the Barbarian the powers of both Berserker and Unstoppable.
To further enhance your prowess, alternate between the three Shouts (Rallying Cry, Challenging Shout, and War Cry) and the Ultimates. Activating all three Shouts and Ultimates simultaneously grants you maximum attacking power. This build enables you to constantly move and eradicate enemies with unparalleled efficiency.
While it may seem like a straightforward build, it requires the careful utilization of skills in the correct order. Nevertheless, the Whirlwind Barbarian build doesn’t overwhelm with complicated rotations, making it an accessible choice without compromising its effectiveness.
Unveiling the Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Clear dungeons +10 levels even on Torment difficulty.
- Excellent survivability.
Weaknesses:
- Reliant on proper gear.
- May feel repetitive.
- Lower single target damage.
This build excels in annihilating both normal and Elite monsters, including bosses, within a reasonable timeframe. It is suitable for both softcore and hardcore gameplay. Additionally, this build offers exceptional team support, enabling you to pull enemies and create advantageous situations. The ability to kill enemies while remaining mobile grants the Barbarian class a significant edge.
For hardcore gameplay, survival becomes paramount. Players are less inclined to take risks. Nonetheless, Whirlwind Barbarians can still thrive, albeit with a narrower level difference between the character and the monsters. In softcore gameplay, players can afford a broader level gap, showcasing the versatility of this build.
In Nightmare Dungeons, where monsters surpass your character’s level, survivability becomes critical. The Whirlwind build shines in this scenario, providing speed, area damage, crowd destruction capabilities, and team support all in one seamless package.
D4 Whirlwind Barbarian Skill Tree
- Lunging Strike 1/5 → Enhanced Lunging Strike → Battle Lunging Strike
- Whirlwind 5/5 → Enhanced Whirlwind → Furious Whirlwind
- Pressure Point 3/3
- Rallying Cry 1/5 → Enhanced Rallying Cry → Tactical Rallying Cry
- Imposing Presence 3/3 → Martial Vigor 3/3
- Challenging Shout 1/5
- War Cry 1/5 → Enhanced War Cry → Mighty War Cry
- Booming Voice 3/3 → Raid Leader 3/3
- Aggressive Resistance 3/3 → Prolific Fury 3/3
- Pit Fighter 1/3 → No Mercy 3/3
- Hamstring 1/3
- Thick Skin 1/3 → Defensive Stance 3/3
- Wrath of the Berserker → Prime Wrath of the Berserker → Supreme Wrath of the Berserker
- Tempered Fury 1/3 → Invigorating Fury 3/3
- Heavy Handed 3/3
- Unbridled Rage
Diablo 4 Whirlwind Barbarian Gear
Gear Stats for WW Barbarian
- Damage Per Second for your main WW weapon
- Ranks for WW
- Critical Strike Damage
- Critical Strike Chance (if not maxed while Aspect of the Dire Whirlwind is active)
- Vulnerable Damage
- Cooldown Reduction
- Lucky Hit Chance
- Attack Speed+ Healing Received
- Fury Cost Reduction
- Resource Generation
- Movement Speed
- Damage Reduction
- Strength
- All Stats for paragon nodes
- Maximum Life
- Any relevant Resistance
Best Unique Items WW Barb
- GOHR’S DEVASTATING GRIPS
- Whirlwind explodes after it ends, dealing [16 – 26]% of the total Base damage dealt to surrounding enemies as Fire damage.
- RAGE OF HARROGATH
- Lucky Hit: Up to a [20 – 40]% chance to reduce the Cooldowns of your Non-Ultimate Skills by 1.5 seconds when you inflict Bleeding on Elites.
Other notable gear includes The Grandfather, a Two-Handed Sword that increases your Critical Strike Damage, and various Gems for each gear slot.
Gems
- Weapon: Emerald, for +% Critical Strike Damage to Vulnerable Enemies.
- Armor: Sapphire, for +% Damage Reduction while Fortified.
- Jewelry: Diamond, for % Resistance to All Elements.
Skulls can also be considered for survival purposes, thanks to the healing effects of Enhanced Lunging Strike, Raid Leader, and Invigorating Fury.
Elixirs and Healing Potions
Craft Elixirs at the Alchemist in towns for helpful effects and a +5% XP boost for 30 minutes. Choose the Assault Elixir for faster attacks as a Whirlwind Barbarian.
Healing Potions can be upgraded by visiting the Alchemist at specific character levels.
Diablo 4 Whirlwind Barb Aspects
The Whirlwind Barbarian build synergizes with the Aspects and Codex of Power found on Legendary Items, with Dire Whirlwind Aspect being a vital choice.
Diablo 4 Whirlwind Barbarian Glyphs
Enhancing the impact of Glyphs will significantly improve your performance. Consider placing Rare Glyphs in Glyph Sockets once sufficient points are accumulated. Don’t underestimate the importance of Glyph Sockets. Plan your build wisely to optimize your potential as you gain more points.
Here is a ranked list of Rare Glyphs recommended for the Whirlwind Barbarian build, taking into account the stat requirements and additional bonuses:
- Wrath
- Cleaver
- Marshal
- Ire
- Territorial
- Imbiber
- Exploit
Be mindful of your priorities. Hardcore players should prioritize survival glyphs, while softcore players can focus on Fury generation and shout cooldowns for a more comfortable and powerful gameplay experience. Regardless, the Whirlwind Barbarian build remains optimal for both survivability and damage ratio.
Embark on your journey as a Whirlwind Barbarian and conquer Diablo IV with unstoppable force. For more information on Barbarian builds, explore our related guides.
