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Numerous types of [[weapons]] (but not [[armor]]) are restricted to certain classes in Diablo III. The developers have given two main reasons for this limitation: they want weapons to be appropriate for the classes that can use them, and it would be a huge amount of more work to make animations for every item on every character, and as seldom as some classes would use some item types, the development time is better spent working on other aspects of the game.
The limitations on class weapons have changed repeatedly during the game's development, and will likely continue to evolve right up until release. As recently as November 2010 (With new weapon types and other changes appearing in the Monk was granted the ability to dual wield virtually all one-handed weapons. <ref>[http://diablo[expansions]].incgamers.com/blog/comments/the-monks-weapon-options-continue-to-evolve/ Bashiok forum post] - IncGamers November 25, 2010</ref>)
* Barbs can't use [[daggers]], [[wands]], [[caster staves]], [[combat staves]], or ranged weapons: [[bows]] and [[crossbows]].
** Barb class-specific: Unknown. Perhaps some of the largest types of axes or polearms, or other melee weapons?
** Barbs can [[dual-wield]] all one-handed weapons, barring a few class-specifics.
* Demon Hunters can't use: Unknown. Likely no wands or daggers. Heavy 2H weapons, perhaps?
** DH class-specific: [[Pistol crossbow]]s, and off-hand [[quivers]].
* Monks can't use two-handed [[maces]], 2H [[axes]], wands, or ranged weapons: bows and crossbows. (The class was limited to far fewer weapons earlier in development. See below.)
** Monk class-specific: [[Fist]]s, possibly [[combat staves]].
* Wizards can’t use 2H swords, 2H axes.
** Wiz class-specific: [[Orbs]]. Only Wizards and WDs can use wands and daggers.
* Witch Doctors can’t can't use 1H axes, or combat staves.** WD class-specific: The Witch Doctor appears to be holding some sort of [[totem]]-like object in his off-hand in the [[Acid Cloud]] [[runestone]] skill video from May 2011.<ref>[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/new-runestones-details-and-videos/ Runestone demonstration video] - IncGamers, May 2011</ref>** Only Wizards and WDs can use wands and daggers.
Only Wizards can use [[orbs]]. Only Monks can use [[fists]] (and combat staves?) Barbs and Monks can dual wield 1H melee weapons, but can not use ranged weapons.
===Armor Limitations?===
Armor is not limited the way weapons are. All characters can use equip all of the different types of armor.<ref>[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/bashiok-on-class-specific-items-part-two/ Bashiok forum post] - IncGamers August, 2010</ref>
Each type of armor will look different and appropriate on each class, as well.<ref>[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/wds-wont-just-wear-leaves-after-all/ Bashiok forum post] - IncGamers February, 2010</ref>
::The Witchdoctor’s thematic palette is proving to be very broad. He can wear a lot of cool armor and still look like a Witchdoctor.
It's not known if special types of class-specific armor will be added in the expansions, as was done in D2X, but many fans expect it.
==Fan Reactions==
Fans aren't real supportive of the class specific weapon restrictions in Diablo III. Diii.net ran a vote in October 2010, which found that 52% of fans did not like all of the restrictions.<ref>[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/vote-diablo-iiis-class-restricted-weapons/Diii.net community vote]- Diablo.IncGamers.com, July 2009</ref>
This fan opposition isn't likely to sway Blizzard one way or the other, and it probably shouldn't since the fan reactions are entirely hypothetical, based on limited info rather than any actual first hand experience with how weapon restrictions actually impact the play experience.
==References==
