by JR Cook – 9 years ago show comments
Welcome back to BlizzPro! I’m Dannie “Iceman” Ray, and today we’re going to delve into two of the most impactful stats in Diablo 3. The introduction of Cooldown Reduction and Resource Cost Reduction has revolutionized the game, offering a new level of build diversity and pushing previously overlooked skills into the spotlight.
Cooldown Reduction
CDR, a staple in games like Smite and League of Legends, was a game-changer when added to Diablo 3. Before its implementation, players focused on stacking Attack Speed, prioritizing spammable abilities and skills that boosted their choice damage skill. This meant that skills with longer cooldowns were often neglected.
However, with the introduction of CDR, the landscape shifted. Explosive Blast, Overpower, Seven Sided Strike, and similar abilities gained new life and became powerful options. Skills that added different sources of damage, rather than just increasing spammable skills, now hold more value and utility thanks to CDR.
Resource Cost Reduction
Unlike CDR, Resource Cost Reduction had a more subtle impact on the game. While it directly buffed abilities and items that provided resource regeneration and cost reductions, its effect was not as immediately noticeable.
Abilities like Diamond Skin – Prism and Storm Armor – Power of the Storm became more appealing due to RCR. Similarly, Preparation – Punishment, Familiar – Arcanot, War Cry – Charge!, and Mantra of Healing – Circular Breathing synergized well with Cooldown Reduction.
Additionally, RCR greatly benefited Two-Handed Weapons by enhancing passive and cooldown-based resource generation. This made them a viable alternative to dual wielding.
By reducing the need for resource generators, RCR increased the value of items that boosted resource spender damage. This, in turn, allowed for more diverse build options, as players could focus less on resource generation and more on utilizing powerful spenders.
Build Diversity is Key
Thanks to the impact of CDR and RCR, Diablo 3 has seen a surge in build diversity. With more skills becoming viable, players now have the opportunity to explore different playstyles and find success with previously overlooked builds. These stats have breathed new life into the game, making it more engaging and enjoyable.
As we move forward, it remains to be seen whether CDR and RCR can continue their momentum and introduce more mechanics that enhance build diversity. However, for now, let’s cherish the multitude of different builds and playstyles that these stats have unlocked in Diablo 3.
Only time will tell, but in the meantime, let’s savor the variety and possibilities that await us in the world of Diablo 3.
