Is the Companion Druid the Dark Horse of Diablo 4 Season 7 Endgame?
Diablo 4 Season 7 is shaping up to spotlight the Companion Druid as a promising build for endgame content, challenging previous notions about its viability. With several game mechanics evolving, the Companion Druid could emerge as a formidable player in high-tier Nightmare Dungeons and against Uber Bosses.
The Rise of the Beasts: Why Now?
For a long time, the Druid's Companion skills have felt… lackluster. They lacked the raw damage potential of Pulverize or the AoE clear of Stormclaw. However, several factors are converging in Season 7 that could catapult the Companion Druid into the spotlight:
Legendary Aspect Reworks: Rumors suggest significant buffs and reworks to key Companion-specific Aspects that could dramatically increase their damage output, survivability, and utility. Imagine Ravens that consistently apply Vulnerable, or Wolves that shred enemy armor with every attack.
Synergy Focus: Blizzard has been emphasizing skill synergy in recent patches. A Companion build that seamlessly integrates with other Druid skills, such as Nature's Fury or even Earth skills for crowd control, could be incredibly powerful.
Itemization Opportunities: New Unique Items and potential changes to existing ones might offer unprecedented boosts to Companion damage and utility. We might finally see items that truly empower the Druid's connection to the wild.
Glyph Enhancements: The Paragon Board is a cornerstone of the endgame. Specific glyphs that enhance companion skills, damage to elites, or even reduce cooldowns, could be the secret sauce to unlocking the body's full potential.
Gearing Up for the Apocalypse: Key Diablo 4 Items and Gold Considerations
Building a viable endgame Companion Druid will require careful itemization and a healthy investment in Diablo 4 Gold for re-rolling stats, upgrading gear, and crafting. Here's a breakdown of what to look for:
Companion Skill Ranks: As always, +Skill Ranks to key Companion skills (Ravens, Wolves, Poison Creeper) are crucial. Look for these on your amulet, chest armor, and potentially even weapons.
Critical Strike Chance/Damage: Companions benefit from your Critical Strike stats. Maximize these wherever possible.
Vulnerable Damage: Applying Vulnerable is essential for maximizing damage. Aspects and skills that reliably apply Vulnerable will be invaluable.
Attack Speed: Faster attacks mean more Companion hits, more chances to proc effects, and more overall damage.
Resource Generation: Maintaining resources is vital for a smooth rotation. Aspects and stats that improve resource generation are crucial.
Defensive Stats: Don't neglect survivability! Armor, Resistance, and Life are essential for surviving the endgame's toughest challenges.
Where to Find the Gear:
Nightmare Dungeons: These are the primary source of high-level gear and Aspects. Target dungeons with high monster density and those that drop Druid-specific items.
Helltides: Helltides offer a chance to farm Forgotten Souls and Cinder, which can be used to open Tortured Gifts that contain valuable gear.
The Gauntlet: Leaderboard chasing will grant you weekly rewards, which could include the perfect Item to push you over the edge.
Trading: The trade market is a valuable resource for finding specific Diablo 4 Items and Aspects. Be prepared to spend Diablo 4 gold to acquire the pieces you need.
World Bosses: Some exclusive uniques are only obtainable through taking down the many world bosses Diablo 4 offers.
The Companion Druid, if the rumors are true, has the potential to be a challenging but rewarding endgame built in Diablo 4 Season 7. It will require careful planning, strategic itemization, and a willingness to experiment. If you're looking for a unique and engaging playstyle that breaks away from the meta, the Companion Druid might just be the dark horse you've been waiting for.