June 18, 2021
-Build created

January 12, 2022
-Updated for Season 4

1. Strength - All you want, in terms of Strength, is enough of it to equip everything you will want to use on your character. 
2. Dexterity - Same as Strength - you only need enough Dexterity to meet gear requirements. 
3. Vitality - You should put all your remaining points here - main stat. 
4. Energy - Adding points to Energy is an extreme waste - don't do it. 

This is the core Skill Tree of this Build. Our main offensive ability is the Lesser Hydra (it deals much more damage than its "bigger brother" - the "regular" Hydra). To make the most out of it, we also max out all of its synergies - Fire Bolt, Hydra, and Fire Mastery. If you'd like to do some Mapping with the build as well, you should also take Combustion. 

Skills:

1. Fire Bolt [20/20] - A simple fire spell that creates a bolt of fire and fires it in the chosen direction. Each point spent on Fire Bolt increases the damage of Lesser Hydra, so we max this one out. 
2. Warmth [1/20] - A passive skill that increases your Attack Rating and Mana recovery rate. Nice to have and we have to spend a single point here anyway. 
3. Fireball [1/20] - Prerequisite. 
4. Lesser Hydra [20/20] - Our main offensive ability. It summons Hydras that shoot Fire Bolts at your enemies. Diablo Clone fight only has one target which ensures that every Lesser Hydra will target the Boss - this is why this build excels at defeating it (well, that and the build's insane Damage output). Max this one out. 
5. Enchant Fire [1/20] - Prerequisite. 
6. Combustion [20/20] - Creates an expanding ring of fireballs to engulf your enemies. This spell makes the build much better at Mapping by providing an additional source of AoE Damage. 
7. Fire Mastery [20/20] - Each point invested here increases the damage done by our fire spells, which makes it universally good. Max this one out. 
8. Hydra  [20/20] - An "upgraded" version of Lesser Hydra that creates a multi-headed beast that attacks your enemies with Fireballs. We take it mainly for its synergy with Lesser Hydra (Hydra's damage output is actually lower than Lesser Hydra's). 

LIGHTNING SPELLS

Sorceress's Lightning Spells Skill tree offers high utility abilities that simply cannot be passed up. The obvious one is the Teleport which turns the Sorceress into a queen of battlefield mobility. The less obvious one is the Static Field that works especially well on high health enemies, like Bosses. 

Skills:

1. Skills:

2. Telekinesis [1/20] - Prerequisite. 
3. Teleport [1/20] - The best mobility Spell in Diablo 2. It instantly moves you to a destination within your line of sight and reduces the spell damage you deal for 1 second. 
4. Static Field [X/20] - A great utility Spell that works wonders during Boss fights. It reduces the Maximum Life of enemies in a given radius by 25% making it easier to finish off high-health enemies. You should invest your remaining points here as every additional Skill Point increases Static Field's range (and you don't want to stay too close to the Diablo Clone...). 

This skill tree is not the focus of this build. 

Skills:

1. none. 

As per usual with PD2 Builds, you want to get as many Skill Levels (Sorceress/Fire Spells in this case) as possible to increase the build's overall power level. Resistances are also extremely important for the Diablo Clone fight, so you should have them capped and increased as high as possible. A faster cast rate is also the main stat (the higher the breakpoint, you can achieve, the better - 56 FHR and 75 FCR breakpoints are rather easy to achieve and you should aim for them at least). Defensive stats, like faster hit recovery and life leech, are a nice addition but you should not choose gear for them specifically. 

HELMETS

Harlequin Crest (Shako) - You can't go wrong with Shako (and chances are, you already have one). This helmet gives you everything you might want for your Hydra Sorc - Skill levels, Mana, Health, Damage taken reduction, attributes, and magic find. 

• Defense: 98 to 141 
• Required Level: 62
• Required Strength: 50
• Durability: 20
  • +2 to All Skills 
  • +1-99 to Life(1 per character level) 
  • +1-99 to Mana(1 per character level) 
  • Damage Reduced By 3-5% (varies) 
  • 50% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items 
  • +2 to All Attributes 

Delirium (Rune Word) - If you don't like Shako for some reason, here's a great alternative. Delirium gives +2 to all Skills and a nice boost to Magic Find. 

• Defense: Depends on base Helmet
• Required Level: 51
• Required Strength: Depends on base Helmet
• Durability: Depends on base Helmet
• Lem + Ist + Io 
  • +261 Defense 
  • +10 Vitality 
  • +2 to All Skills
  • Level 17 Attract (60 Charges) 
  • 11% Chance to Cast Level 18 Confuse on Striking 
  • 6% Chance to Cast Level 14 Mind Blast When Struck 
  • 14% Chance to Cast Level 13 Terror When Struck 
  • +50% Extra Gold from Monsters
  • 25% Better Chance of Finding Magic Items 

Kira's Guardian (Tiara) - A very interesting Helmet that supplements the build's Damage by lowering enemy fire resistance. It will be especially useful if you plan on farming in areas that feature a lot of fire-resistant monsters. 

• Defense: 90 to 170 
• Required Level: 77 
• Required Strength: -
• Durability: 25
  • +50-120 Defense (varies) 
  • 20% Faster Hit Recovery 
  • Cannot Be Frozen
  • All Resistances +25-45 (varies) 
  • -(5-10)% to Enemy Lightning Resistance (varies) 
  • -(5-10)% to Enemy Cold Resistance (varies) 
  • (5-10)% to Enemy Fire Resistance (varies) 

WEAPONS

Eschuta's Temper (Eldrich Orb) - This insanely powerful Orb will give you the highest Damage boost of all available Weapons. It increases all your Skills by +3 (you should buy one that has +3 Skills on it, don't bother with other ones), and reduces Enemy Fire Resistance by up to -10% which is extremely strong for a build that deals fire damage exclusively. On top of all this, it offers a 40% Faster Cast Rate which is unbelievably strong. 

• Damage: 18 to 50
• Required Level: 72 
• Required Dexterity: - 
• Required Strength: - 
• Durability: 30  
  • +1-3 To Sorceress Skill Levels (varies) 
  • +40% Faster Cast Rate 
  • +10-20% To Fire Skill Damage (varies) 
  • +10-20% To Lightning Skill Damage (varies) 
  • +20-30 To Energy (varies) 
  • -(5-10)% To Enemy Fire Resistance (varies) 
  • -(5-10)% To Enemy Lightning Resistance (varies) 

Heart of the Oak (Runeword) - A solid alternative to the Eschuta's Temper that provides +3 to all Skills and a 30% Faster Cast Rate. You can't go wrong with this one either. 

• Damage:  Depends on base Weapon
• Required Level: 55
• Required Dexterity: Depends on base Weapon
• Required Strength: Depends on base Weapon
• Durability: Depends on base Weapon 
• Ko + Vex + Pul + Thul 
  • +3 To All Skills 
  • +30% Faster Cast Rate 
  • +75% Damage To Demons 
  • +100 To Attack Rating Against Demons 
  • Adds 3-14 Cold Damage, 3 sec. Duration (Normal) 
  • 7% Mana Stolen Per Hit 
  • +10 To Dexterity 
  • Replenish Life +20 
  • Increase Maximum Mana 15% 
  • All Resistances +20-30 (varies) 
  • Level 14 Raven (60 Charges) 

The Oculus (Swirling Crystal) - Another great Sorceress Orb that adds up to 3 Skills. It also offers a nice Faster Cast Rate boost and some defensive stats. Moreover, it has a whopping 50% Magic Find. 

• Damage: 18 to 42
• Required Level: 42 
• Required Dexterity: - 
• Required Strength: - 
• Durability: 30  
  • +2-3 To Sorceress Skill Levels (varies) 
  • +5 To Mana After Each Kill 
  • All Resistances +10-25 (varies) 
  • 2% Chance To Cast Level 1 Teleport When Struck 
  • +30% Faster Cast Rate 
  • +20 To Vitality 
  • +20 Energy 
  • +20% Enhanced Defense 
  • 25-50% Better Chance Of Getting Magic Items 

Stormshield (Monarch) - a BiS defensive option that will allow you to achieve Resistance caps rather easily. This is the best Shield you can bring to the Diablo Clone fight - you should get it. 

• Defense: 136-519 (Depends on your level)
• Required Level: 73
• Required Strength: 156
• Durability: Indestructible
  • +3-371 Defense (+3.75/level) 
  • 25% Increased Chance of Blocking 
  • 35% Faster Block Rate
  • 20-30% Physical Damage Taken Reduction 
  • +40-50% Cold Resist 
  • +25% Lightning Resist 
  • +20-30 Strength 
  • Indestructible 
  • Attacker Takes Lightning Damage of 800-1400 

Phoenix (Runeword) - A definitive top choice for raw damage output, thanks to its -28% to Enemy Fire Resistance. Also, it provides some great elemental resistances boost and high Fire Absorb. 

• Defense: Depends on base Shield 
• Required Level: 65
• Required Strength: Depends on base Shield ​​​​​
• Durability: Depends on base Shield 
  • 20% Chance to Cast Level 22 Fire Ball on Striking 
  • 100% Chance to Cast Level 40 Blaze when you Level-Up 
  • Level [10-15] Redemption Aura when Equipped (varies) 
  • +[300-350]% Enhanced Damage (varies) 
  • -28% to Enemy Fire Resistance 
  • +[350-400] Defense vs. Missile (varies) 
  • +50 to Life 
  • +4% to Maximum Lightning Resist 
  • +8% to Maximum Fire Resist 
  • +[15-21] Fire Absorb (varies) 

Spirit Shield (Runeword) - A solid balance between offense and defense. This one also gives good Resistances but sacrifices some defense in favor of +1 to All Skills. 

• Defense: Depends on base Shield 
• Required Level: 25
• Required Strength: Depends on base Shield ​​​​​
• Durability: Depends on base Shield 
  • +1 to All Skills 
  • +25% Faster Hit Recovery 
  • +250 Defense versus Missile 
  • +11-22 Vitality 
  • +59-82 Mana 
  • +35% Cold Resistance
  • +35% Poison Resistance
  • +35 Lightning Resistance 
  • +3-8 Magic Absorb 
  • Attacker Takes Damage of 14 
  • -25% Requirements 

Call to Arms (Rune Word) - This powerful Runeword will allow you to pre-buff yourself up with Warcries (buffs persist through weapon swap). 

• Defense: Depends on base Weapon 
• Required Level: 57
• Required Strength: Depends on base Weapon ​​​​​
• Durability: Depends on base Weapon 
• Amn • Ral • Mal • Ist
  • +1 to All Skills 
  • +40% Increased Attack Speed 
  • +250-290% Enhanced Damage 
  • Adds 5-30 Fire Damage 
  • 7% Life Stolen Per Hit 
  • +2-6 To Battle Command 
  • +1-6 To Battle Orders 
  • +1-4 To Battle Cry 
  • Prevent Monster Heal 
  • Replenish Life +12 
  • 30% Better Chance Of Getting Magic Items 

Lidless Wall (Grim Shield) - A very powerful Shield that grants up to +2 Skills and high FCR. 

• Defense: 271 - 347
• Required Level: 41
• Required Strength: 58
• Durability: 70
  • +80-130% Enhanced Defense (varies) 
  • +1-2 to All Skills (varies) 
  • Increase Maximum Mana 10% 
  • 20% Faster Cast Rate 
  • +4-6 to Mana After Each Kill (varies) 
  • +10 to Energy 
  • +1 to Light Radius 

AMULETS

The Rising Sun - The best choice for the build. This amazing amulet not only boosts your fire skills, but also lowers enemies' fire resistance. 

• Required Level: 73
  • 4% Chance to Cast Level 23 Meteor when Struck 
  • +[1-2] to Fire Skills (varies) 
  • Adds [80-124] to [200-248] Fire Damage (varies) 
  • Replenish Life +10 
  • +5 Fire Absorb 
  • +4 to Light Radius 
  • -[6-12]% to Enemy Fire Resistance (varies) 

Mara's Kaleidoscope - In a build that wants +All Skills, this amulet is a top choice for the end game. It provides a great combination of offensive (+2 to all skills) and defensive (+20-30 to all resistances) properties. 

• Required Level: 67
  • +2 To All Skills 
  • All Resistances +20-30 (varies) 
  • +5 To All Attributes 

[Alternative] Rare/Magic Amulets with + Sorceress/Fire Spells are great budget choices and solid fillers before you are able to get Mara's Kaleidoscope. Magic Amulet with +3 to Fire Spells is actually a better offensive choice than Mara's. 

• Required Level: varies. 
• In Magic Amulets, look for:
  • +3 to Fire Spells 
• In Rare Amulets, look for:
  • +2 Sorceress Skills 
  • Magic Find 
  • Resistances 
  • Attributes 

ARMORS

Guardian Angel (Templar Coat) - While this Armor recommendation might look a bit weird at first glance, we have a VERY good reason to suggest it. Mainly, Guardian Angel offers a boost to Maximum Lightning, Fire, Cold, and Poison Resistances, and three of these (Fire, Cold, and Lightning) are extremely important to have. This makes Guardian Angel a top defensive pick for any diablo clone farming build, including this one. 

• Defense: 770 to 825 
• Required Strength: 118 
• Durability: 60
• Required Level: 45
  • +1 to Paladin Skill Levels 
  • +30% Faster Block Rate 
  • +3-347 to Attack Rating (+3.5 Per Character Level) 
  • +180-200% Enhanced Defense (varies) 
  • +4 to Light Radius 
  • 4-6% to Maximum Poison Resist (varies) 
  • 4-6% to Maximum Fire Resist (varies) 
  • 4-6% to Maximum Cold Resist (varies) 
  • 4-6% to Maximum Lightning Resist (varies) 

Enigma (Runeword) - One of the better armors you can pick up for this build, but not the best one - Guardian Angel is better as those Max Resistances are BiS stats. Enigma grants a nice bonus to Skills, Faster Run/Walk that improves mobility by a bit, and a nice flat Damage reduction. 

• Defense: Depends on base Armor 
• Required Level: 65 
• Required Strength: Depends on base Armor 
• Durability: Depends on base Armor 
• Jah + Ith + Ber  
  • +2 To All Skills 
  • +25% Faster Run/Walk 
  • Level 1 Blink* (5/5 Charges)
    Replenish 1 Charge in 3 Seconds
  • +500-775 Defense (varies) 
  • +[0-74] to Strength (+[0.5-0.75] per Character Level) (varies)
  • Increase Maximum Life 5%
  • Damage Reduced By 4%
  • 15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
  • [0-74]% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items ([0.5-0.75]% per Character Level) (varies)

RINGS

[BiS] Raven Frost - This ring provides Freeze Immunity which is extremely important to have on every build. For us, however, its most important attribute is the Cold Absorb which is life-saving during Diablo Clone fights. 

• Required Level: 76
  • +150-250 Attack Rating (varies) 
  • 15-45 Cold Damage 
  • +15-20 Dexterity (varies) 
  • +40 Mana 
  • Cold Absorb 5-10% (varies) 
  • Cannot be Frozen 

[BiS] Dwarf Star - A must-have defensive ring that increases Life and gives up to 8% Fire Absorb and up to 15 Magic Damage Reduction. 

• Required Level: 76
  • +4-8% Fire Absorb (varies) 
  • +3-5% Increased Chance to Block (varies) 
  • +35-50 to Stamina (varies) 
  • +35-50 to Life (varies) 
  • 100% Extra Gold From Monsters 
  • Magic Damage Reduced by 12-15 (varies) 
  • 5% Increased Chance of Blocking

The Stone of Jordan - If you're after some more offensive power, you could also choose this one. Stone of Jordan increases the level of all your Skills and your max Mana. Also, it's one of the most iconic items in Diablo 2.

• Required Level: 29
  • +1 to All Skills
  • Maximum Mana to 15-20% 
  • Adds 1-120 Lightning Damage 
  • +20-40 to Mana (varies) 

GLOVES

Magefist (Light Gauntlets) - These gloves give +1 to Sifr Skills which automatically makes them extremely powerful. Moreover, they increase your Cast Rate, add Fire Damage, and improve your mana regen. 

• Defense: 24 - 25 
• Required Level: 23
• Required Strength: 45
• Durability: 18
  • +1 to [Fire, Lightning, Cold, or Poison] Skills 
  • +20% Faster Cast Rate 
  • Adds 6-36 Fire Damage or Adds 1-45 Lightning Damage or Adds 10-18 Cold Damage or +60 Poison Damage over 3 Seconds
  • +[20-30]% Enhanced Defense (varies) 
  • +10 Defense 
  • Regenerate Mana [10-25]% (varies) 

Frostburn (Gauntlets) - These gloves can give you up to -10% to Enemy Fire Resistance and a healthy boost to the mana pool.

• Defense: 39-59 
• Required Level: 29
• Required Strength: 60
• Durability: 24
  • Adds 14-28 Fire Damage 
  • Adds 6-22 Cold Damage 
  •  +[20-40]% Enhanced Defense (varies) 
  • +[20-40] Defense (varies) 
  • Increase Maximum Mana [15-25]% (varies) 
  • -[5-10]% to Enemy Fire Resistance (varies) 
  • -[5-10]% to Enemy Cold Resistance (varies) 

BOOTS

[BiS] Waterwalk (Sharkskin Boots) - You can't go wrong with these boots - they are an extremely solid all-around choice. The most important thing about them, for this build, is the +5% Maximum Fire Resistance. On top of that, they make you move much faster and increase your Life by quite a bit. 

• Defense: 112-124
• Required Level: 32
• Required Strength: 47
• Kick Damage: 28-50
• Durability: 14  
  • +180-210% Enhanced Defense (varies) 
  • 40% Faster Run/Walk 
  • 20% Faster Block Rate 
  • +15 to Dexterity 
  • +5% to Maximum Fire Resist 
  • Heal Stamina Plus 50% 
  • +40 to Maximum Stamina 
  • +45-65 to Life (varies) 

Hotspur (Boots) - Another great choice for this build, especially if you feel like you're lacking that additional bit of Fire Resistance (Hotspurs add +10% to your Max Fire Resistance). 

• Defense: 10 
• Required Level: 5
• Required Strength: 47
• Kick Damage: 3-8
• Durability: 12  
  • +10-20% Enhanced Defense (varies) 
  • +6 Defense 
  • Fire Resist 45% 
  • 10% Maximum Fire Resist 
  • Add 3-6 Fire Damage 
  • +15 To Life 

Itherael's Path (Mirrored Boots) - These versatile boots will not only boost your attributes, defense, and hit recovery, but also increase your running speed and casting rate. A solid option for the build. 

• Defense: 99-128
• Required Level: 85
• Required Strength: 163
• Kick Damage: 59-68
• Durability: 18
  • +20% Faster Run/Walk 
  • +20% Faster Cast Rate 
  • +20% Faster Hit Recovery 
  • +[40-60] Defense (varies) 
  • +[10-20] to Dexterity (varies) 
  • +[10-20] to Vitality (varies) 

BELTS

[BiS] Verdungo's Hearty Cord (Mithril Coil) - A very solid defensive option that offers a Faster Hit Recovery bonus, an insanely high boost to maximum stamina, and up to 40 (!) Vitality. But most importantly, it Reduces your Damage Taken by up to 15%! 

• Defense: 125-158
• Potion Slots: 16 
• Required Level: 63
• Required Strength: 106
• Durability: 16
  • +90-140% Enhanced Defense 
  • 10% Faster Hit Recovery  
  • +30-40 To Vitality 
  • Replenish Life +10-13 
  • +100-120 Maximum Stamina 
  • Damage Reduced By 10-15% 

String of Ears (Demonhide Sash) - Another great option if you're after some additional survivability. The String of Ears also provides up to a 15% damage reduction bonus which is almost mandatory for this build's intended purpose. 

• Defense: 102-113
• Potion Slots: 16 
• Required Level: 29
• Required Strength: 20
• Durability: 22
  • +150-180% Enhanced Defense 
  • +15 Defense 
  • 6-8% Life Stolen Per Hit 
  • Damage Reduced By 10-15% 
  • Magic Damage Reduced 10-15 

Arachnid Mesh (Spiderweb Sash) - A great offensive option that you should go for if you're confident that you won't need extra Damage Absorb. Arachnid Mesh gives +1 to all Skills in addition to increasing your Cast Rate. 

• Defense: 119-138 
• Potion Slots: 16 
• Required Level: 80
• Required Strength: 50
• Durability: 12
  • +90-120% Enhanced Defense  
  • Slows Target by 20% 
  • +1 To All Skills 
  • +10-20% Faster Cast Rate 
  • Maximum Mana 5-10% 
  • Level 3 Venom (31 Charges) 

CHARMS

1. Annihilus - This fabled Charm boosts your Skills, Stats, and Resistances. It's the best Unique Small Charm, and it's limited to just 1 in your equipment. 
2. Gheed's Fortune - The secret to Gheed's wealth and prosperity. Pretty much a must-have if you're after the best available charms. It adds 80-160% extra gold from monsters, reduces vendor prices by up to 15%, and gives up to 40% better magic find. 
3. Hellfire Torch - The BiS Unique Large Charm that increases your Vitality, Skills, and more. You should, of course, go for one that gives +1 to Sorceress Skills. 
4. Grand Charms - These should have +Fire Spells (mandatory) and +Life/+Faster Run/Walk Speed. 
5. Small Charms - With these, you should get your desired Resistances, bonuses to Life, or bonuses to Magic Find - whatever suits your needs, basically. 

MERCENARY

We recommend picking up Act 2 Defiance Mercenary for extra damage mitigation bonuses. He should be equipped with: 

1. Infinity Rune Word in Ethereal Spear - This provides Conviction Aura, which reduces the defenses and resistances of nearby enemies and offers very high bonus damage. A top (and expensive) choice for any Act2 merc build. 
2. Fortitude Rune Word in Armor - This will ensure that your merc doesn't die (it will make him almost immortal). 
3. Steelrend Gloves - For massive damage bonus and Crushing Blow. 
4. Andariel's Visage - An extremely solid and versatile headgear that will make your merc better in all respects. 
5. String of Ears - Very high damage reduction and excellent survivability boost. 
6. Goblin Toe - For extra damage and the chance for a crushing blow. 

END NOTE

This is our premiere Project Diablo 2 build where we tried to include all of the important information on how to set up this character while keeping the guide as compact as possible. If we've missed something of importance, please let us know! 

If you have any Build requests, please post them in the Comments section below. We will be happy to cover your most requested builds in the future! Also, we hope that you have found this guide useful and informative. Also, we will be happy to receive constructive criticism that will help us improve our future work, so don't hesitate to give us your feedback.