¶ Diablo 2 Resurrected - Venom Whirlwind Assassin Guide
¶ Build Overview
The Venom Whirlwind Assassin is a unique hybrid build that combines the poison damage of Venom with the physical AoE of Whirlwind, granted through boots Whirling Dervish or crafted boots with Whirlwind charges. This build avoids using Chaos claws(budget only), instead focusing on high-damage claws and trap synergy for crowd control. It excels in clearing dense packs in PvE, with Death Sentry traps handling crowd damage and Venom poisoning enemies during Whirlwind spins. Ideal for farming areas like Chaos Sanctuary and Travincal, it offers a fast-paced, mobile playstyle.
¶ Pros
- High poison and physical AoE damage
- Corpse Explosion clearing with Death Sentry
- Fun and mobile Whirlwind playstyle that will demolish TZ Nightmare/hell
¶ Cons
- Relies on boots with Whirlwind // Chaos Claw Runeword (WEAK)
- Squishy with out correct item upgrades applied
- High gear investment for ubers
¶ Skill Allocation
This build focuses on the Shadow Disciplines tree for Venom and utility, with points in Traps for Death Sentry synergy. Whirlwind is granted by boots.
| Skill | Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Venom | 25 | Main poison damage source, applied during Whirlwind |
| Claw Mastery | 5-25 | More Attack Rating |
| Death Sentry | 5 | Corpse explosion for crowd clear, adjust based on points |
| Shadow Master | 10 | Tank and distraction, don’t over-invest |
| Burst of Speed | 1 | Mobility and attack speed |
| Fade | 1 | Resistances and damage reduction, use as needed |
| Prerequisites (Fire Blast, Charged Bolt Sentry, etc.) | 1 each | Needed for Lightning Sentry |
¶ Gear Recommendations
Gear is split into budget-friendly and endgame setups, both prioritizing poison damage, attack speed, and survivability, with boots providing Whirlwind. Chaos claws are avoided. Below, each slot compares Budget (left) and Endgame (right) options.
¶ Helmet
Budget
Any skiller helm
+1 skills, life, attack speed
Endgame
Guillaume’s Face // High Skills+
Crushing Blow, Deadly Strike, +strength, attackspeed if possible
¶ Weapon (Main Hand)
Budget
Bartuc’s Cut-Throat // Rares
+2 skills, life leech, affordable unique
Endgame
Crafted 3skills %ele damage + 10 psn% upgrades + 3 psn facets
High IAS, Deadly Strike, life leech
¶ Armor
Budget
Treachery (Shael-Thul-Lem) // Anything with Skills
IAS, Fade proc, easy to craft
Endgame
Andariels Breastbone set piece 4 sockets +Poison Facets
%Poison Skill damage, Skiller facets/poison facets/all resistance
¶ Gloves
Budget
Lava Gout
IAS, fire resist, budget enchant proc
Endgame
Trang-ouls
%Poison Skill Damage
¶ Belt
Budget
String of Ears
Life leech, damage reduction
Endgame
Lachdanans Wrap
+skills, %Enhanced Damage, All resistance
¶ Boots
Budget
Gore Rider
Crushing Blow, Deadly Strike
Endgame
Whirling Dervish
Whirlwind source, attack speed, Damage
¶ Rings
Budget
Rare rings
Life leech, resists, or mana leech
Endgame
Corruption Coils Set
+ 5 skills / %40 Poison Skill damage
¶ Amulet
Budget
Rare amulet
+ skills or resists, vendor-crafted
Endgame
Corruption Coils Set
+ 5 skills / %40 Poison Skill damage
¶ Charms
Budget
Resist or life charms
Fill inventory with charms for resists
Endgame
Shadow skillers, %poison damage
Boost Venom, add life/resists
¶ Stat Allocation
Prioritize enough Strength and Dexterity for gear, with the rest into Vitality for survivability. Energy is unnecessary with mana leech.
- Strength: 95-120
- Dexterity: 75-100
- Vitality: Rest (maximize for HP)
- Energy: Base (mana leech covers needs)
¶ Endgame Strategy
Focus on farming high-density areas with Whirlwind and Venom, using Death Sentry for clearing mobs. A Might mercenary with good gear boosts physical damage.
- Farming Areas: Chaos Sanctuary, Travincal, Pits, Ancient Tunnels, Entire Acts
- Mercenary: Act 2 Might with Insight polearm, Treachery armor, As many +skills as possible
- Breakpoints: Aim for 80% IAS (Insane WW Poison Procs), 48% FHR for survivability / mobility
¶ Build Pictures
¶ Stats
¶ Endgame Gear Setup
Helmet: Blindsight Diadem
Weapon (Main): 3skill Element Crafted Suwayyah
Armor: Andariels Breastbone
Gloves: Trang-ouls Claws
Belt: Lachdanans Wrap
Boots: Whirling Dervish Mesh Boots
Rings: Corruption Coil Set Ammy/rings
Charms: +2 Skiller Charms
Charms: %Poison Skill damage + DS/CB Charms