Diablo Wiki - User contributions [en]

Matt Uelmen

2012-05-14T23:59:48Z

Maurish:

[[Image:Matt_Uelmen02.jpg|right|thumb|Matt with a huge guitar pick.]]
'''Matt Uelmen''' was the composer of the score for [[Diablo]], [[Diablo II]] and [[Diablo II: Lord of Destruction]]. He was praised for his creepy ambient industrial music themes which fit the Diablo universe perfectly. The 12-string guitar theme of town ''Tristram'' being one of the most recognized work in video game history. Matt currently works at [[Runic Games]], where he provides the musical score and sound design for their [[Torchlight]] series.

==Career==

Matt Uelmen joined Condor Inc. (company name of [[Blizzard North]] before being acquired by [[Blizzard Entertainment]] in early 1996) in 1994 to work on a game on the Sega Genesis named ''Justice Leage Task Force'' which was his very first project. Work on [[Blizzard North]]'s first game [[Diablo I|Diablo]] began soon after. Having done a remarkable job with music and sound design for Diablo (1996), Matt was invited to do sound design for Blizzards next title, [[StarCraft]], which was released in 1998.

Two years later, [[Diablo II]] (2000) was released, and Matt delivered an outstanding score for the game. Creepy and melodic, the score was recognized with "Excellence in Audio" award by the Game Developers Choice Awards in 2001 [http://www.gamechoiceawards.com/archive/gdca_1st.html]. Expansion pack [[Lord of Destruction]] had a different approach to the score compared to the previous games. Matt was working with a full orchestra for the first time and the result was very ''Wagnerian'' influenced music but fit the mood of the game perfectly.

Although [[Blizzard North]] was officially disbanded in 2005, Matt stood in [[Blizzard Entertainment]] to finish working as a co-composer on World of Warcraft's next expansion pack, Burning Crusade (2007).

Matt left Blizzard Entertainment in 2007 to spend some time away from game development. In 2009 he joined his old friends from [[Blizzard North]] in a company called [[Runic Games]] to provide musical score and sound design for their [[ARPG]]s named [[Torchlight]] (2009) and [[Torchlight II]] (2012).

==Diablo II==

After the release of Diablo II, Blizzard started posting MP3's of the week on their website [http://classic.battle.net/diablo2exp/mp3/]. Every piece of music had notes by the composer Matt Uelmen as well as various bonus tracks and outtakes. Although the original links on the old Diablo II website are long dead, they can be acquired by the link in the Diablo II wiki thread where all the notes have been archived.

* {{iw|Sound Diablo II soundtrack (bonus tracks and outtakes) with notes.}} (If the download link for the mp3's is not working, contact the wiki contributors here or in the wiki sub-forum in [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?127-Diablo-Wiki Diablo.Incgamers forum].

==Diablo III==

Although Matt Uelmen isn't the composer of the score of [[Diablo III]], a Blizzard CM Kaivax revealed that Matt had recorded around 90 minutes of 12-string guitar riffs [http://forums.battle.net/thread.html?sid=3000&topicId=27835033240&forumId=12007&postId=278324783306#3]. How much of that is used in the score is not known.
<blue>
Kaivax: We recorded approximately 90 minutes of Matt playing 12-string guitars for the Diablo III soundtrack.

All is saved!
</blue>

Matt had originally made some early demo work for the [[Blizzard North]]'s version of Diablo III. Here are Diablo III's current composer's [[Russell Brower]]'s recollections [http://www.destructoid.com/exclusive-meet-diablo-iii-s-sound-team-samples-included-227017.phtml].
<blue>
If memory serves, it was late 2007 and Derek Duke and I had been witness to much of Matt’s early demo work on Diablo III. With the DNA of the Diablo music clearly so present in Matt’s mind, we invited him to pour his “musical stream-of-consciousness” into a microphone. What followed was a musical tour of the themes which were forefront in Matt’s mind at the time. He provided a running commentary as he played, noting the significance of each motif and even some clues to what changes he was percolating upon in the moment.
</blue>

==Torchlight==

A great interview with Matt Uelmen and [[Max Schaefer]] about "Music of Torchlight II" can be read on their website (includes pictures of Matt and the orchestra as well as a track preview and a live music teaser) [http://www.torchlight2game.com/news/2011/05/06/music-of-torchlight-ii/].

==Media==

A few tracks from each Diablo title, composed by Matt Uelmen.

{|
| width="50%" | <youtube>Q2evIg-aYw8</youtube>
| width="50%" | <youtube>JHKmKdPxKqE</youtube>
|-
| colspan="2" width="100%" |
<center>Diablo</center>
|}

{|
| width="50%" | <youtube>Ni5oj_vtW2I</youtube>
| width="50%" | <youtube>JesnI3Xs3l8</youtube>
|-
| colspan="2" width="100%" |
<center>Diablo II</center>
|}

{|
| width="50%" | <youtube>bpnmAFiBq6o</youtube>
| width="50%" | <youtube>kpmadxPvfQU</youtube>
|-
| colspan="2" width="100%" |
<center>Diablo II: Lord of Destruction</center>
|}

==Gallery==

<gallery>
Image:Matt_Uelmen01.jpg|Matt in 1999.
Image:Matt_Uelmen02.jpg|Matt with a huge guitar pick.
Image:Matt_Uelmen03.jpg|Matt in 2006.
</gallery>

==References==

* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/the-music-of-diablo-plus-matt-uelmens-d3-music-returns Matt Uelmen’s D3 Music Returns]
* [http://www.torchlight2game.com/news/2011/05/06/music-of-torchlight-ii/ Music of Torchlight II]

{{Game navbox|d2}}

[[Category:Ex-Blizzard]]
[[category:D2 Team]]

Matt Uelmen

2012-05-14T23:58:55Z

Maurish:

[[Image:Matt_Uelmen02.jpg|right|thumb|Matt with a huge guitar pick.]]
'''Matt Uelmen''' was the composer of the score of [[Diablo]], [[Diablo II]] and [[Diablo II: Lord of Destruction]]. He was praised for his creepy ambient industrial music themes which fit the Diablo universe perfectly. The 12-string guitar theme of town ''Tristram'' being one of the most recognized work in video game history. Matt currently works at [[Runic Games]], where he provides the musical score and sound design for their [[Torchlight]] series.

==Career==

Matt Uelmen joined Condor Inc. (company name of [[Blizzard North]] before being acquired by [[Blizzard Entertainment]] in early 1996) in 1994 to work on a game on the Sega Genesis named ''Justice Leage Task Force'' which was his very first project. Work on [[Blizzard North]]'s first game [[Diablo I|Diablo]] began soon after. Having done a remarkable job with music and sound design for Diablo (1996), Matt was invited to do sound design for Blizzards next title, [[StarCraft]], which was released in 1998.

Two years later, [[Diablo II]] (2000) was released, and Matt delivered an outstanding score for the game. Creepy and melodic, the score was recognized with "Excellence in Audio" award by the Game Developers Choice Awards in 2001 [http://www.gamechoiceawards.com/archive/gdca_1st.html]. Expansion pack [[Lord of Destruction]] had a different approach to the score compared to the previous games. Matt was working with a full orchestra for the first time and the result was very ''Wagnerian'' influenced music but fit the mood of the game perfectly.

Although [[Blizzard North]] was officially disbanded in 2005, Matt stood in [[Blizzard Entertainment]] to finish working as a co-composer on World of Warcraft's next expansion pack, Burning Crusade (2007).

Matt left Blizzard Entertainment in 2007 to spend some time away from game development. In 2009 he joined his old friends from [[Blizzard North]] in a company called [[Runic Games]] to provide musical score and sound design for their [[ARPG]]s named [[Torchlight]] (2009) and [[Torchlight II]] (2012).

==Diablo II==

After the release of Diablo II, Blizzard started posting MP3's of the week on their website [http://classic.battle.net/diablo2exp/mp3/]. Every piece of music had notes by the composer Matt Uelmen as well as various bonus tracks and outtakes. Although the original links on the old Diablo II website are long dead, they can be acquired by the link in the Diablo II wiki thread where all the notes have been archived.

* {{iw|Sound Diablo II soundtrack (bonus tracks and outtakes) with notes.}} (If the download link for the mp3's is not working, contact the wiki contributors here or in the wiki sub-forum in [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?127-Diablo-Wiki Diablo.Incgamers forum].

==Diablo III==

Although Matt Uelmen isn't the composer of the score of [[Diablo III]], a Blizzard CM Kaivax revealed that Matt had recorded around 90 minutes of 12-string guitar riffs [http://forums.battle.net/thread.html?sid=3000&topicId=27835033240&forumId=12007&postId=278324783306#3]. How much of that is used in the score is not known.
<blue>
Kaivax: We recorded approximately 90 minutes of Matt playing 12-string guitars for the Diablo III soundtrack.

All is saved!
</blue>

Matt had originally made some early demo work for the [[Blizzard North]]'s version of Diablo III. Here are Diablo III's current composer's [[Russell Brower]]'s recollections [http://www.destructoid.com/exclusive-meet-diablo-iii-s-sound-team-samples-included-227017.phtml].
<blue>
If memory serves, it was late 2007 and Derek Duke and I had been witness to much of Matt’s early demo work on Diablo III. With the DNA of the Diablo music clearly so present in Matt’s mind, we invited him to pour his “musical stream-of-consciousness” into a microphone. What followed was a musical tour of the themes which were forefront in Matt’s mind at the time. He provided a running commentary as he played, noting the significance of each motif and even some clues to what changes he was percolating upon in the moment.
</blue>

==Torchlight==

A great interview with Matt Uelmen and [[Max Schaefer]] about "Music of Torchlight II" can be read on their website (includes pictures of Matt and the orchestra as well as a track preview and a live music teaser) [http://www.torchlight2game.com/news/2011/05/06/music-of-torchlight-ii/].

==Media==

A few tracks from each Diablo title, composed by Matt Uelmen.

{|
| width="50%" | <youtube>Q2evIg-aYw8</youtube>
| width="50%" | <youtube>JHKmKdPxKqE</youtube>
|-
| colspan="2" width="100%" |
<center>Diablo</center>
|}

{|
| width="50%" | <youtube>Ni5oj_vtW2I</youtube>
| width="50%" | <youtube>JesnI3Xs3l8</youtube>
|-
| colspan="2" width="100%" |
<center>Diablo II</center>
|}

{|
| width="50%" | <youtube>bpnmAFiBq6o</youtube>
| width="50%" | <youtube>kpmadxPvfQU</youtube>
|-
| colspan="2" width="100%" |
<center>Diablo II: Lord of Destruction</center>
|}

==Gallery==

<gallery>
Image:Matt_Uelmen01.jpg|Matt in 1999.
Image:Matt_Uelmen02.jpg|Matt with a huge guitar pick.
Image:Matt_Uelmen03.jpg|Matt in 2006.
</gallery>

==References==

* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/the-music-of-diablo-plus-matt-uelmens-d3-music-returns Matt Uelmen’s D3 Music Returns]
* [http://www.torchlight2game.com/news/2011/05/06/music-of-torchlight-ii/ Music of Torchlight II]

{{Game navbox|d2}}

[[Category:Ex-Blizzard]]
[[category:D2 Team]]

Matt Uelmen

2012-05-14T23:51:34Z

Maurish:

[[Image:Matt_Uelmen01.jpg|right|thumb|Matt Uelmen in 1999]]
'''Matt Uelmen''' was the composer of the score of [[Diablo]], [[Diablo II]] and [[Diablo II: Lord of Destruction]]. He was praised for his creepy ambient industrial music themes which fit the Diablo universe perfectly. The 12-string guitar theme of town ''Tristram'' being one of the most recognized work in video game history. Matt currently works at [[Runic Games]], where he provides the musical score and sound design for their [[Torchlight]] series.

==Career==

Matt Uelmen joined Condor Inc. (company name of [[Blizzard North]] before being acquired by [[Blizzard Entertainment]] in early 1996) in 1994 to work on a game on the Sega Genesis named ''Justice Leage Task Force'' which was his very first project. Work on [[Blizzard North]]'s first game [[Diablo I|Diablo]] began soon after. Having done a remarkable job with music and sound design for Diablo (1996), Matt was invited to do sound design for Blizzards next title, [[StarCraft]], which was released in 1998.

Two years later, [[Diablo II]] (2000) was released, and Matt delivered an outstanding score for the game. Creepy and melodic, the score was recognized with "Excellence in Audio" award by the Game Developers Choice Awards in 2001 [http://www.gamechoiceawards.com/archive/gdca_1st.html]. Expansion pack [[Lord of Destruction]] had a different approach to the score compared to the previous games. Matt was working with a full orchestra for the first time and the result was very ''Wagnerian'' influenced music but fit the mood of the game perfectly.

Although [[Blizzard North]] was officially disbanded in 2005, Matt stood in [[Blizzard Entertainment]] to finish working as a co-composer on World of Warcraft's next expansion pack, Burning Crusade (2007).

Matt left Blizzard Entertainment in 2007 to spend some time away from game development. In 2009 he joined his old friends from [[Blizzard North]] in a company called [[Runic Games]] to provide musical score and sound design for their [[ARPG]]s named [[Torchlight]] (2009) and [[Torchlight II]] (2012).

==Diablo II==

After the release of Diablo II, Blizzard started posting MP3's of the week on their website [http://classic.battle.net/diablo2exp/mp3/]. Every piece of music had notes by the composer Matt Uelmen as well as various bonus tracks and outtakes. Although the original links on the old Diablo II website are long dead, they can be acquired by the link in the Diablo II wiki thread where all the notes have been archived.

* {{iw|Sound Diablo II soundtrack (bonus tracks and outtakes) with notes.}} (If the download link for the mp3's is not working, contact the wiki contributors here or in the wiki sub-forum in [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?127-Diablo-Wiki Diablo.Incgamers forum].

==Diablo III==

Although Matt Uelmen isn't the composer of the score of [[Diablo III]], a Blizzard CM Kaivax revealed that Matt had recorded around 90 minutes of 12-string guitar riffs [http://forums.battle.net/thread.html?sid=3000&topicId=27835033240&forumId=12007&postId=278324783306#3]. How much of that is used in the score is not known.
<blue>
Kaivax: We recorded approximately 90 minutes of Matt playing 12-string guitars for the Diablo III soundtrack.

All is saved!
</blue>

Matt had originally made some early demo work for the [[Blizzard North]]'s version of Diablo III. Here are Diablo III's current composer's [[Russell Brower]]'s recollections [http://www.destructoid.com/exclusive-meet-diablo-iii-s-sound-team-samples-included-227017.phtml].
<blue>
If memory serves, it was late 2007 and Derek Duke and I had been witness to much of Matt’s early demo work on Diablo III. With the DNA of the Diablo music clearly so present in Matt’s mind, we invited him to pour his “musical stream-of-consciousness” into a microphone. What followed was a musical tour of the themes which were forefront in Matt’s mind at the time. He provided a running commentary as he played, noting the significance of each motif and even some clues to what changes he was percolating upon in the moment.
</blue>

==Torchlight==

A great interview with Matt Uelmen and [[Max Schaefer]] about "Music of Torchlight II" can be read on their website (includes pictures of Matt and the orchestra as well as a track preview and a live music teaser) [http://www.torchlight2game.com/news/2011/05/06/music-of-torchlight-ii/].

==Media==

A few tracks from each Diablo title, composed by Matt Uelmen.

{|
| width="50%" | <youtube>Q2evIg-aYw8</youtube>
| width="50%" | <youtube>JHKmKdPxKqE</youtube>
|-
| colspan="2" width="100%" |
<center>Diablo</center>
|}

{|
| width="50%" | <youtube>Ni5oj_vtW2I</youtube>
| width="50%" | <youtube>JesnI3Xs3l8</youtube>
|-
| colspan="2" width="100%" |
<center>Diablo II</center>
|}

{|
| width="50%" | <youtube>bpnmAFiBq6o</youtube>
| width="50%" | <youtube>kpmadxPvfQU</youtube>
|-
| colspan="2" width="100%" |
<center>Diablo II: Lord of Destruction</center>
|}

==Gallery==

<gallery>
Image:Matt_Uelmen01.jpg|Matt in 1999.
Image:Matt_Uelmen02.jpg|Matt with a huge guitar pick.
Image:Matt_Uelmen03.jpg|Matt in 2006.
</gallery>

==References==

* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/the-music-of-diablo-plus-matt-uelmens-d3-music-returns Matt Uelmen’s D3 Music Returns]
* [http://www.torchlight2game.com/news/2011/05/06/music-of-torchlight-ii/ Music of Torchlight II]

{{Game navbox|d2}}

[[Category:Ex-Blizzard]]
[[category:D2 Team]]

Matt Uelmen

2012-05-14T23:49:28Z

Maurish: Created page with "Matt Uelmen in 1999 '''Matt Uelmen''' was the composer of the score of Diablo, Diablo II and Diablo II: Lord of Destruction. ..."

[[Image:Matt_Uelmen01.jpg|right|thumb|Matt Uelmen in 1999]]
'''Matt Uelmen''' was the composer of the score of [[Diablo]], [[Diablo II]] and [[Diablo II: Lord of Destruction]]. He was praised for his creepy ambient industrial music themes which fit the Diablo universe perfectly. The 12-string guitar theme of town ''Tristram'' being one of the most recognized work in video game history. Matt currently works at [[Runic Games]], where he provides the musical score and sound design for their [[Torchlight]] series.

==Career==

Matt Uelmen joined Condor Inc. (company name of [[Blizzard North]] before being acquired by [[Blizzard Entertainment]] in early 1996) in 1994 to work on a game on the Sega Genesis named ''Justice Leage Task Force'' which was his very first project. Work on [[Blizzard North]]'s first game began soon after. Having done a remarkable job with music and sound design for Diablo (1996), Matt was invited to do sound design for Blizzards next title, [[StarCraft]], which was released in 1998.

Two years later, [[Diablo II]] (2000) was released, and Matt delivered an outstanding score for the game. Creepy and melodic, the score was recognized with "Excellence in Audio" award by the Game Developers Choice Awards in 2001 [http://www.gamechoiceawards.com/archive/gdca_1st.html]. Expansion pack [[Lord of Destruction]] had a different approach to the score compared to the previous games. Matt was working with a full orchestra for the first time and the result was very ''Wagnerian'' influenced music but fit the mood of the game perfectly.

Although [[Blizzard North]] was officially disbanded in 2005, Matt stood in [[Blizzard Entertainment]] to finish working as a co-composer on World of Warcraft's next expansion pack, Burning Crusade (2007).

Matt left Blizzard Entertainment in 2007 to spend some time away from game development. In 2009 he joined his old friends from [[Blizzard North]] in a company called [[Runic Games]] to provide musical score and sound design for their [[ARPG]]s named [[Torchlight]] (2009) and [[Torchlight II]] (2012).

==Diablo II==

After the release of Diablo II, Blizzard started posting MP3's of the week on their website [http://classic.battle.net/diablo2exp/mp3/]. Every piece of music had notes by the composer Matt Uelmen as well as various bonus tracks and outtakes. Although the original links on the old Diablo II website are long dead, they can be acquired by the link in the Diablo II wiki thread where all the notes have been archived.

* {{iw|Sound Diablo II soundtrack (bonus tracks and outtakes) with notes.}} (If the download link for the mp3's is not working, contact the wiki contributors here or in the wiki sub-forum in [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?127-Diablo-Wiki Diablo.Incgamers forum].

==Diablo III==

Although Matt Uelmen isn't the composer of the score of [[Diablo III]], a Blizzard CM Kaivax revealed that Matt had recorded around 90 minutes of 12-string guitar riffs [http://forums.battle.net/thread.html?sid=3000&topicId=27835033240&forumId=12007&postId=278324783306#3]. How much of that is used in the score is not known.
<blue>
Kaivax: We recorded approximately 90 minutes of Matt playing 12-string guitars for the Diablo III soundtrack.

All is saved!
</blue>

Matt had originally made some early demo work for the [[Blizzard North]]'s version of Diablo III. Here are Diablo III's current composer's [[Russell Brower]]'s recollections [http://www.destructoid.com/exclusive-meet-diablo-iii-s-sound-team-samples-included-227017.phtml].
<blue>
If memory serves, it was late 2007 and Derek Duke and I had been witness to much of Matt’s early demo work on Diablo III. With the DNA of the Diablo music clearly so present in Matt’s mind, we invited him to pour his “musical stream-of-consciousness” into a microphone. What followed was a musical tour of the themes which were forefront in Matt’s mind at the time. He provided a running commentary as he played, noting the significance of each motif and even some clues to what changes he was percolating upon in the moment.
</blue>

==Torchlight==

A great interview with Matt Uelmen and [[Max Schaefer]] about "Music of Torchlight II" can be read on their website (includes pictures of Matt and the orchestra as well as a track preview and a live music teaser) [http://www.torchlight2game.com/news/2011/05/06/music-of-torchlight-ii/].

==Media==

A few tracks from each Diablo title, composed by Matt Uelmen.

{|
| width="50%" | <youtube>Q2evIg-aYw8</youtube>
| width="50%" | <youtube>JHKmKdPxKqE</youtube>
|-
| colspan="2" width="100%" |
<center>Diablo</center>
|}

{|
| width="50%" | <youtube>Ni5oj_vtW2I</youtube>
| width="50%" | <youtube>JesnI3Xs3l8</youtube>
|-
| colspan="2" width="100%" |
<center>Diablo II</center>
|}

{|
| width="50%" | <youtube>bpnmAFiBq6o</youtube>
| width="50%" | <youtube>kpmadxPvfQU</youtube>
|-
| colspan="2" width="100%" |
<center>Diablo II: Lord of Destruction</center>
|}

==Gallery==

<gallery>
Image:Matt_Uelmen01.jpg|Matt in 1999.
Image:Matt_Uelmen02.jpg|Matt with a huge guitar pick.
Image:Matt_Uelmen03.jpg|Matt in 2006.
</gallery>

==References==

* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/the-music-of-diablo-plus-matt-uelmens-d3-music-returns Matt Uelmen’s D3 Music Returns]
* [http://www.torchlight2game.com/news/2011/05/06/music-of-torchlight-ii/ Music of Torchlight II]

{{Game navbox|d2}}

[[Category:Ex-Blizzard]]
[[category:D2 Team]]

File:Matt Uelmen03.jpg

2012-05-14T23:45:31Z

Maurish:

File:Matt Uelmen02.jpg

2012-05-14T23:45:09Z

Maurish:

File:Matt Uelmen01.jpg

2012-05-14T23:43:27Z

Maurish:

Template:Game navbox

2012-05-14T23:42:00Z

Maurish:

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{|align="center" class="navbox"
! width="140px" | [[Blizzard Entertainment|Blizzard's Games]]
|
* '''[[Diablo game]]s'''
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* [[Diablo II]] (''[[Diablo II: Lord of Destruction|LoD]]'')
* [[Diablo III]]
** [[Diablo 3 History|Diablo 3's History]]
** [[Diablo III: Blizzard North version]]
* [[Diablo III Collector's Edition]]
|
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* '''[[WarCraft II: Tides of Darkness|WarCraft II:]]''' [[WarCraft II: Tides of Darkness|Tides]], (''[[WarCraft II: Beyond the Dark Portal|Dark Portal]]''), [[WarCraft II: Battle.net Edition|B.net ed.]]
* [[WarCraft III]]
|
* [[World of WarCraft]] (''[[World of WarCraft: The Burning Crusade|TBC]]''), (''[[World of WarCraft: Wrath of the Lich King|WotLK]]''), (''[[World of WarCraft: Cataclysm|Cat]]'')
* '''[[Titan|Titan: Next-Gen MMORPG]]'''
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|
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</nowiki><div class="NavTabContent" title="Developer">
{|align="center" class="navbox"
! width="140px" | [[Developer|Game Developers]]
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* [[Activision]]
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|
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|
* [[Castaway Entertainment]]
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|
* [[Sierra Entertainment]]
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|}
</div><nowiki>

</nowiki><div class="NavTabContent" title="Blizz_Ppl">
{|align="center" class="navbox"
! width="140px" | [[Blizzard Entertainment|Blizzard People]]
|
'''Blizzard's Top'''
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|
'''Blizzard All'''
* [[Allan Dabiri]]
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|
'''Blizzard All cont.'''
* [[Michael Bell]]
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|
'''Ex-Blizzard'''
* [[Allen Adham]]
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|}
</div><nowiki>

</nowiki><div class="NavTabContent" title="D3">
{|align="center" class="navbox"
! width="140px" | [[D3 Team|Diablo III Team]]
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* [[Aaron Gaines]]
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* [[Brian Fletcher]]
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* [[Cheeming Boey]]
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|
* [[Glenn Rane]]
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|
* [[Mark Gibbons]]
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|
* [[Peter Lee]]
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* [[Richie Marella]]
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* [[Steve Shimizu]]
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* [[Victor Lee]]
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* [[Wyatt Cheng]]
|}
</div><nowiki>

</nowiki><div class="NavTabContent" title="D2">
{|align="center" class="navbox"
! width="140px" | [[D2 Team|Diablo II Team]]
|
* [[Bill Roper]]
* [[David Brevik]]
* [[David Glenn]]
|
* [[Erich Schaefer]]
* [[Kenneth Williams]]
|
* [[Max Schaefer]]
* [[Peter Hu]]
* [[Matt Uelmen]]
|
* [[Phil Shenk]]
* [[Rick Seis]]
* [[Tyler Thompson]]
|}
</div><nowiki>

</nowiki><div class="NavTabContent" title="D1">
{|align="center" class="navbox"
! width="140px" | [[D1 Team|Diablo I Team]]
|
* [[Bill Roper]]
|
* [[David Brevik]]
|
* [[Erich Schaefer]]
|
* [[Max Schaefer]]
* [[Matt Uelmen]]
|}
</div><nowiki>

</nowiki><div class="NavTabContent" title="Other_Ppl">
{|align="center" class="navbox"
! width="140px" | [[People|Industry People]]
|
* [[Bill Roper]]
* [[Brian Morrisroe]]
* [[David Brevik]]
* [[David Glenn]]
* [[Matt Uelmen]]
|
* [[Erich Schaefer]]
* [[Jeff Strain]]
* [[Keith Lee]]
* [[Kenneth Williams]]
|
* [[Max Schaefer]]
* [[Michael Gough]]
* [[Peter Hu]]
* [[Phil Shenk]]
|
* [[Rick Seis]]
* [[Robert Kotick]]
* [[Sam Christiansen]]
* [[Tyler Thompson]]
|}
</div><nowiki>

</nowiki><div class="NavTabContent" title="Event">
{|align="center" class="navbox"
! width="140px" | [[Event|Events]]
|
* [[April Fool's]]
* [[BlizzCast]]
* [[BlizzCon]]
* [[E3]]
* [[Gamescom]]
|
'''[[WWI 2008]]'''
* [[Gameplay WWI2008|Debut Gameplay Movie]] 

'''[[BlizzCon 2008]]'''
* [[Cinematic: Wizard|Wizard Cinematic Introduction]]
* [[Gameplay: Blizzcon 2008|Gameplay Movie]]
|
'''[[BlizzCon 2009]]'''
* [[Cinematic: Monk|Monk Cinematic Introduction]]
* [[Gameplay: Blizzcon 2009|Gameplay Movie]]
Blizzcon 2009 Panels:
* [[BlizzCon 2009 Panel: Diablo 3 Art|Diablo III Art]]
* [[BlizzCon 2009 Panel: Diablo 3 Heroes and Monsters|Heroes and Monsters]]
* [[BlizzCon 2009 Panel: Diablo 3 Open Q and A|Open Q&A]]
* [[BlizzCon 2009: D3/WoW Press Q and A|Press-only Q&A]]
|
'''[[BlizzCon 2010]]'''
* [[Cinematic: Demon Hunter|Demon Hunter Cinematic Introduction]]
* [[Gameplay: Blizzcon 2010|Gameplay Movie]]
* [[BlizzCon 2010 Panels]]
** [[Gameplay Panel Blizzcon 2010|Gameplay Panel]]
** [[Crafting Sanctuary Panel Blizzcon 2010|Crafting Sanctuary]]
** [[BlizzCon 2010 Panel: Open Q&A|Open Q&A]]
|
'''[[BlizzCon 2011]]'''
* [[The Black Soulstone cinematic]]
* [[BlizzCon 2011 Panels]]
** [[BlizzCon 2011 Panel: Gameplay & Auction House|Gameplay & Auction House]]
** [[BlizzCon 2011 Panel: Diablo III Lore|Diablo III Story & Lore]]
** [[BlizzCon 2011 Panel: Diablo III Open Q&A|Diablo III Open Q&A]]
** [[BlizzCon 2011 Panel: Making of the "Black Soulstone" Cinematic|Making of "The Black Soulstone"]]
|}
</div><nowiki>

</nowiki><div class="NavTabContent" title="Merch">
{|align="center" class="navbox"
! width="140px" | [[Merchandise|Diablo Merchandise]]
|
* Wearable Merch
** [[Diablo III shirts]]. (Lots)
** [[Diablo III beach towel]].
** [[Diablo III belt]].
** [[Tyrael hoodie]].
** [[Demon Hunter coat]].
** [[Mistress of Pain socks]].
** [[Diablo pin|Diablo III ''Cloissone'' Pin]].
|
*Decorations and Toys
** [[Diablo III OVERTHROWN|Diablo III Barbarian statue]].
** [[Diablo statue|Diablo 3 Statue]].
** [[Diablo III posters]]. (Lots.)
** [[Calendar|D3 wall calendars]]. (2009-2012)
** [[Diablo Poker Set|Diablo III Poker Set]].
** [[Diablrgrl|Diablrgrl plushie]]
|
*Computer Accessories
** [[Diablo III mouse]].
** [[Diablo III headset]].
** [[Diablo III mousepads]].
*Books and Other Media
** [[Sword of Justice]]. (D3 comic)
** [[Book of Cain]]. (D3 lore)
** [[Diablo novels]]. (Lots)
|
* Miscellaneous Merch
** [[Diablo III stress balls]].
** [[Diablo III coffee mugs]].
** [[Diablo_pen_and_paper_RPG|Diablo pen and paper RPG]].
** [[Diablo movie| Diablo Movie]] .
** [[Diablo II Pinata]].
|}
</div><nowiki>

</nowiki><div class="NavTabContent" title="Related">
{|align="center" class="navbox"
! width="140px" | [[Game|Game-related]]
|
* [[Advertising|Ads in-game]]
* [[April Fool's]]
* [[Battle.net]]
* [[Blizzard Museum]]
* [[Blizzard social]]
|
* '''[[BlizzCast|BlizzCast:]]''' [[BlizzCast Episode 1|ep 1]], [[BlizzCast Episode 2|ep 2]], [[BlizzCast Episode 3|ep 3]], [[BlizzCast Episode 4|ep 4]], [[BlizzCast Episode 5|ep 5]], [[BlizzCast Episode 6|ep 6]]
* [[BlizzCon]]
* [[Deckard Cain GPS Voice Pack|Cain GPS Voice]]
|
* [[Deckard Cain Rap]]
* [[Easter Egg]]s
** [[Diablo III Easter Eggs]]
* [[Elite Tauren Chieftain]]
|
* [[Fansite]]
* [[Secret Cow Level]]
* [[Warden]]
|}
</div><nowiki>

</nowiki></div>
<noinclude>
[[Category:Navigation]]
</noinclude>

Template:Skill navbox WD voodoo

2012-05-13T19:24:55Z

Maurish:

{|align="center" class="navbox"
|
[[Gargantuan]] - ''[[Gargantuan rune effects|Rune effects]]'' 
• [[Humongoid]] (22) 
• [[Restless Giant]] (29) 
• [[Wrathful Protector]] (39) 
• [[Big Stinker]] (48) 
• [[Bruiser]] (56) 
|
[[Big Bad Voodoo]] - ''[[Big Bad Voodoo rune effects|Rune effects]]'' 
• [[Jungle Drums]] (31) 
• [[Rain Dance]] (37) 
• [[Slam Dance]] (44) 
• [[Ghost Trance]] (50) 
• [[Boogie Man]] (58) 
|
[[Fetish Army]] - ''[[Fetish Army rune effects|Rune effects]]'' 
• [[Fetish Ambush]] (34) 
• [[Devoted Following]] (40) 
• [[Legion of Daggers]] (46) 
• [[Tiki Torchers]] (52) 
• [[Head Hunters]] (60) 
| width="20%" |
| width="20%" | {{editlink float|Template:Skills_navbox_WD_voodoo}}
|}
<noinclude>
[[Category:Navigation]]
</noinclude>

Template:Skill navbox Wizard secondary

2012-05-13T19:14:11Z

Maurish:

{|align="center" class="navbox"
|
[[Ray of Frost]] - ''[[Ray of Frost rune effects|Rune effects]]'' 
• [[Numb]] (7) 
• [[Snow Blast]] (15) 
• [[Cold Blood]] (28) 
• [[Sleet Storm]] (38) 
• [[Black Ice]] (53) 
|
[[Arcane Orb]] - ''[[Arcane Orb rune effects|Rune effects]]'' 
• [[Obliteration]] (11) 
• [[Arcane Orbit]] (20) 
• [[Arcane Nova]] (32) 
• [[Tap the Source]] (45) 
• [[Celestial Orb]] (55) 
|
[[Arcane Torrent]] - ''[[Arcane Torrent rune effects|Rune effects]]'' 
• [[Disruption]] (18) 
• [[Death Blossom]] (25) 
• [[Arcane Mines]] (34) 
• [[Power Stone]] (49) 
• [[Cascade]] (57) 
|
[[Disintegrate]] - ''[[Disintegrate rune effects|Rune effects]]'' 
• [[Convergence]] (26) 
• [[Chaos Nexus]] (30) 
• [[Volatility]] (39) 
• [[Entropy]] (48) 
• [[Intensify]] (59) 
| width="20%" | {{editlink float|Template:Skills_navbox_Wizard_secondary}}
|}
<noinclude>
[[Category:Navigation]]
</noinclude>

Ground Stomp

2012-05-13T19:09:02Z

Maurish:

[[File:IconGroundStomp.png|left]]
[[Image:Barb-stomp1.jpg|thumb|300px|These boots are heavier than they look...]]
'''Ground Stomp''' is a Defensive [[Barbarian skill]] unlocked at [[clvl|level]] 4, which [[stun]]s enemies around the Barbarian for a limited period of time.

 __TOC__
==Background==
The Barbarian stomps the ground with such fury, that enemies around him are left bedazzled and cannot move.

==Skill Rune Effects==
The following is a very quick summary. See the [[Ground Stomp rune effects]] page for a more thorough description of rune effects, or any of the individual rune pages for numbers, screenshots, blue quotes, and much more.

{{skill description header}}
<skill class="Barbarian">Ground Stomp</skill>
<skill class="Barbarian" rune="Deafening Crash">Ground Stomp</skill>
<skill class="Barbarian" rune="Wrenching Smash">Ground Stomp</skill>
<skill class="Barbarian" rune="Trembling Stomp">Ground Stomp</skill>
<skill class="Barbarian" rune="Foot of the Mountain">Ground Stomp</skill>
<skill class="Barbarian" rune="Avalanche">Ground Stomp</skill>

==Skill Design==
Ground Stomp is a useful [[skill]], it will buy the Barbarian precious time should the need arise. However, it is unknown if it will work on [[boss]]es.

On regular enemies, stars can be seen circling around the heads of stunned monsters.

The skill has unique properties as well, [[Skeletal Shieldmen]] for example, have a shield that blocks most if not all damage, but a well placed Ground Stomp will cause them to drop their shields, making these skeletons easy pickings.

This skill has an impressive and very powerful graphic. The earth trembles when the Barbarian stomps, and glowing yellow lines radiate out from the impact point, like pavement cracking under the weight of a dropped safe.
{{clear-left}}

===Video===
A video of Ground Stomp in use can be seen below, courtesy of [http://www.youtube.com/Diablo3Inc the DiabloInc You Tube channel].

<youtube>g00utvYvE5A</youtube>

==Synergies==
The following [[Barbarian passives]] provide a benefit to Ground Stomp, runed or not:
* [[Bloodthirst]] - The [[Barbarian]] gains life based on the amount of damage he deals always.
* [[Weapons Master]] - Provides a damage bonus when the [[Barbarian]] is wielding a [[sword]] or [[dagger]].
* [[Berserker Rage]] - Inflicts additional damage while the [[Barbarian]] is at maximum [[Fury]].
* [[Brawler]] - Increases the [[Barbarian]]'s damage when he is swarmed.

==Development==
'''Ground Stomp''' was first introduced in the [[WWI 2008]] gameplay video, as a Tier III skill in the [[Juggernaut Skill Tree]].
The original Ground Stomp gave enemies a slight [[knockback]] and had a very short [[cooldown]]. In June 2009 [[Bashiok]] said it was to cost no Fury reserves but would be subject to a much longer cooldown.[http://www.diii.net/blog/comments/bashiok-on-the-barbarians-fury/]

<blue>Ground stomp is an exception mainly because of the nature of its use. A cooldown allows it to be used as an “oh crap I’m overwhelmed” ability without also requiring you to have fury built up.</blue>

At [[BlizzCon 2009]], Ground Stomp was shown with the longer cooldown, no knockback, and moved to Tier II. [[Flux]] discovered another use for it:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/full-barbarian-skill-trees-and-stats1/]

<blockquote>''The radius of attack is very limited, just a few meters, so while this one worked to knock Dune Dervishes out of their invulnerable (to melee attacks) Whirlwind mode, you had to get quite close to use it, and time it just right.</blockquote>

In the [[BlizzCon 2010]] gameplay demo, [[Flux]] was able to try it out with a rune that added knockback:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/hands-on-from-blizzcon-mega-pvm-report-barbarian]

<blockquote>''I can imagine high level Barbs having fun with GS and knockback. If you had gear to lengthen the duration of the stun, it might be fun to torture monsters, banging them around like shuffleboards and trying to push them in various directions. You’d need high hit point enemies though, so you didn’t prematurely kill them during the maneuvers.</blockquote>

Skill tiers were removed for the [[July 2011 Press Event]], allowing skills to unlock steadily from levels 1 to 30. Consequently, all skill levels were adjusted and Ground Stomp became a level 1 skill.

===Beta===
Ground Stomp was bumped to level 8 for the beta. With the Patch 13 changes, it was classified as a Defensive skill (but stayed at level 8). For the [[Beta Patch 14]], it was dropped to level 4.

===Previous Versions===
See the [[Barbarian skill archive]] for more details on previous versions of Ground Stomp and other Barbarian skills.

===In Other Games===
Ground Stomp is similar to [[Diablo II]]'s {{iw|Barbarian Barbarian}} skill {{iw|War_Cry War Cry}}, which does damage to monsters, in addition to stunning them.

The name and mechanic of this skill is possibly directly inspired by the Tauren Chieftain hero in WarCraft 3. The Tauren racial in World of WarCraft called "War Stomp" is also very similar.


==Media==
Ground Stomp can be seen in action on video here:
* [[Gameplay WWI2008|Gameplay: WWI 2008]]
* [[Skill Animations Videos#Barbarian Video|Video: August 2011 Barbarian Skill Animations]]

You can find pictures in the Diablo III screenshot and picture gallery:
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/ Diablo III screenshots and pictures]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/search.php?keywords=Ground+Stomp&cat=all '''Ground Stomp''' specific gallery contents]

<gallery>
Image:Barb-stomp1.jpg|Stomp a-hoy!
</gallery>

==References==
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/bashiok-on-the-barbarians-fury/ Bashiok on the Barbarian's Fury] — Incgamers 10th Jun 2009
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/full-barbarian-skill-trees-and-stats1/ BlizzCon 2009 Full Barbarian Skill Trees and Stats]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/hands-on-from-blizzcon-mega-pvm-report-barbarian BlizzCon 2010 Barbarian Hands-on Report]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7960229#post7960229 Zediono's translation of JudgeHype's pre-beta report] — IncGamers 1st Aug 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8007726&postcount=1 Silva's Barbarian Runestone Effects] — IncGamers 6th Sep 2011
* [http://us.battle.net/d3/en/class/barbarian/active/ Barbarian Active Skills] — Blizzard's Official Diablo III Site

{{Skill navbox Diablo III|Barbarian|defensive}}

[[category:Barbarian skills]]
[[category:Active skills]]

Template:Skill navbox Barb defensive

2012-05-13T18:56:15Z

Maurish:

{|align="center" class="navbox"
|
[[Ground Stomp]] - ''[[Ground Stomp rune effects|Rune effects]]'' 
• [[Deafening Crash]] (12) 
• [[Wrenching Smash]] (18) 
• [[Trembling Stomp]] (28) 
• [[Foot of the Mountain]] (40) 
• [[Avalanche]] (54) 
|
[[Leap]] - ''[[Leap rune effects|Rune effects]]'' 
• [[Iron Impact]] (14) 
• [[Launch]] (21) 
• [[Toppling Impact]] (32) 
• [[Call of Arreat]] (44) 
• [[Death from Above]] (60) 
|
[[Sprint]] - ''[[Sprint rune effects|Rune effects]]'' 
• [[Rush]] (23) 
• [[Run Like the Wind]] (29) 
• [[Marathon]] (38) 
• [[Gangway]] (46) 
• [[Forced March]] (53) 
|
[[Ignore Pain]] - ''[[Ignore Pain rune effects|Rune effects]]'' 
• [[Bravado]] (26) 
• [[Iron Hide]] (31) 
• [[Ignorance is Bliss]] (36) 
• [[Mob Rule]] (43) 
• [[Contempt for Weakness]] (58) 
| width="20%" | {{editlink float|Template:Skill_navbox_Barb_defensive}}
|}
<noinclude>
[[Category:Navigation]]
</noinclude>

Barbarian skills

2012-05-13T12:11:55Z

Maurish: Updated skill links

This page lists all '''[[Barbarian]] skills'''. This page is a quick listing; follow the links to the individual skill pages for full discussion of every skill, including first hand reports, [[Blue]] quotes, [[skill rune]] information, and numerous screenshots and other images.

'''Useful skill links:'''

* [[Skill]]s - General skill design and mechanics.
** [[Skill rune]]s - The huge skill customization and improvement system.
* [[Barbarian]] - a [[melee]]-oriented class with great physical powers.
** [[Fury]] - The Barbarian's energy [[resource]].
** [[Barbarian skills]] - A list of all the Barbarian's active skills.
*** [[Shouts]] - Skills that buff the player or debuff monsters.
** [[Barbarian passives]] - A list of all the Barbarian's passive skills.
* [[Barbarian skill archive]] - Removed Barbarian skills.
* [[Barbarian traits]] - Passive skills in Diablo III were called [[traits]] for a while before reverting back.

==Active Skills==
Click to the individual skill pages for more details about these skills including numbers, screenshots, Skill Rune information, blue quotes, and much more.

===Primary===
{{Skill description header}}
<skill class="Barbarian">Bash</skill>
<skill class="Barbarian">Cleave</skill>
<skill class="Barbarian">Frenzy</skill>

===Secondary===
{{Skill description header}}
<skill class="Barbarian">Hammer of the Ancients</skill>
<skill class="Barbarian">Rend</skill>
<skill class="Barbarian">Seismic Slam</skill>
<skill class="Barbarian">Whirlwind</skill>

===Defensive===
{{Skill description header}}
<skill class="Barbarian">Ground Stomp</skill>
<skill class="Barbarian">Leap</skill>
<skill class="Barbarian">Sprint</skill>
<skill class="Barbarian">Ignore Pain</skill>

===Might===
{{Skill description header}}
<skill class="Barbarian">Ancient Spear</skill>
<skill class="Barbarian">Revenge</skill>
<skill class="Barbarian">Furious Charge</skill>
<skill class="Barbarian">Overpower</skill>

===Tactics===
{{Skill description header}}
<skill class="Barbarian">Weapon Throw</skill>
<skill class="Barbarian">Threatening Shout</skill>
<skill class="Barbarian">Battle Rage</skill>
<skill class="Barbarian">War Cry</skill>

===Rage===
{{Skill description header}}
<skill class="Barbarian">Earthquake</skill>
<skill class="Barbarian">Call of the Ancients</skill>
<skill class="Barbarian">Wrath of the Berserker</skill>

==Passive Skills==
Passive skills replaced [[Traits]] during late game development in 2011. A few Traits were simply changed to passive skills, but most are all new. See the [[Barbarian traits]] page for a full list of those old passives.

{{Skill description header}}
{{Barbarian Passive Pound of Flesh}}
{{Barbarian Passive Ruthless}}
{{Barbarian Passive Nerves of Steel}}
{{Barbarian Passive Weapons Master}}
{{Barbarian Passive Berserker Rage}}
{{Barbarian Passive Inspiring Presence}}
{{Barbarian Passive Bloodthirst}}
{{Barbarian Passive Animosity}}
{{Barbarian Passive Superstition}}
{{Barbarian Passive Tough as Nails}}
{{Barbarian Passive No Escape}}
{{Barbarian Passive Relentless}}
{{Barbarian Passive Brawler}}
{{Barbarian Passive Juggernaut}}
{{Barbarian Passive Unforgiving}}
{{Barbarian Passive Boon of Bul-Kathos}}

==Skill Distribution==
A useful player-made chart showing when the Barbarian gains access to skills, passives, and rune effects.

[[File:Char-prog-barb.png|center|frame|Barbarian skill progression. Stats as of May 5, 2012.]]

==Development==
{{Skill development notes}}

* See the [[Barbarian skill archive]] for the full list, with descriptions, of all active and passive skills that have been removed from the game during development.

===Details===
The Barbarian's skills and skill trees were first seen at [[BlizzCon 2008]] as a mix of active and passive skills (mostly passive), with only a few enabled and many showing nothing more than vague descriptions in the skill trees. The Barbarian had 6 active skills (out of 18) in his [[Berserker Skill Tree]], 6 active skills (out of 18) in his [[Juggernaut Skill Tree]], and 5 active skills (out of 17) in his [[Battlemaster Skill Tree]].

For [[BlizzCon 2009]], the list of the Barbarian's passive skills had greatly shrunk, but the active skills were mostly just shuffled around. The Barbarian also gained four new active skills: [[Spirit]], [[Wrath of the Berserker]], [[Bloodthirst]], and [[Weapon Throw]].

The updated Barbarian tree-less skills list at [[BlizzCon 2010]] removed all earlier passive skills (they became [[Barbarian traits]]) and changed around a number of active skills as well. The Barbarian lost [[Battle Cry]], [[Onslaught]], [[Bloodthirst (skill)|Bloodthirst]], and [[Enrage]]; but also gained [[Rampage]], [[War Cry]], [[Ancient Spear]], [[Rend]], and [[Call of the Ancients]].

With the skill system overhaul revealed in the [[July 2011 Press Event]], the Barbarian's active skills were mostly just shuffled around, but he also gained [[Overpower]] and lost [[Rampage]] and [[Taunt]]. Soon after, he gained the passive [[Tough as Nails]].

A large number of passives were removed for the [[beta]]; the Barbarian lost 8. After that, the list of skills was pretty well set, even if their levels weren't. The Barbarian's [[Leap Attack]] was renamed [[Leap]], and he gained the passive [[Nerves of Steel]].

==References==
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/full-barbarian-skill-trees-and-stats1/ Full Barbarian Skill Trees and Stats] — 27th Aug 2009
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7960229#post7960229 Zediono's translation of JudgeHype's pre-beta report] — IncGamers 1st Aug 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8012653#post8012653 Kastigar's Really Big Barb thread] — IncGamers 8th Aug 2011
* [http://us.battle.net/d3/en/class/barbarian/ Barbarian Overview] — Blizzard's Official Diablo III Site

{{Skill_navbox_Diablo_III|Barbarian}}

[[Category:Barbarian]]
[[Category:Barbarian skills]]
[[Category:Active skills]]
[[Category:Skills]]
[[category:Shouts]]

Wizard skills

2012-05-13T11:54:29Z

Maurish: Updated skill links

[[Image:Skill-tree-blizzcon09-wiz-muldric.jpg|thumb|right|400px|The skill tree, circa 2009. Skills no longer appear in anything like this format. Image by [http://forums.diii.net/showthread.php?t=739038 Muldric].]]
This page lists all the [[Wizard]] skills. Follow the links to the individual skill pages for full discussion of every skill, including first hand reports and screenshots.

'''Useful skill links:'''

* [[Skill]]s - General skill design and mechanics.
** [[Skill rune]]s - The huge skill customization and improvement system.
* [[Wizard]] - a [[ranged]] class who's a [[glass cannon]].
** [[Arcane Power]] - The Wizard's energy [[resource]].
** [[Wizard skills]] - A list of all the Wizard's active skills.
*** [[Signature spell]]s - Wizard spells that are free to cast. Previously they were called Academic spells.
*** [[Armor spell]]s - Provide defensive [[buffs]] to the Wizard.
** [[Wizard passives]] - A list of all the Wizard's passive skills.
* [[Wizard skill archive]] - Removed Wizard skills.
* [[Wizard traits]] - Passive skills in Diablo III were called [[traits]] for a while before reverting back.

==Active Skills==
Click to the individual skill pages for more details about these skills including numbers, screenshots, skill rune information, blue quotes, and much more.

===Primary===
{{Skill description header}}
<skill class="Wizard">Magic Missile</skill>
<skill class="Wizard">Shock Pulse</skill>
<skill class="Wizard">Spectral Blade</skill>
<skill class="Wizard">Electrocute</skill>

===Secondary===
{{Skill description header}}
<skill class="Wizard">Ray of Frost</skill>
<skill class="Wizard">Arcane Orb</skill>
<skill class="Wizard">Arcane Torrent</skill>
<skill class="Wizard">Disintegrate</skill>

===Defensive===
{{Skill description header}}
<skill class="Wizard">Frost Nova</skill>
<skill class="Wizard">Diamond Skin</skill>
<skill class="Wizard">Slow Time</skill>
<skill class="Wizard">Teleport</skill>

===Force===
{{Skill description header}}
<skill class="Wizard">Wave of Force</skill>
<skill class="Wizard">Energy Twister</skill>
<skill class="Wizard">Hydra</skill>
<skill class="Wizard">Meteor</skill>
<skill class="Wizard">Blizzard</skill>

===Conjuration===
{{Skill description header}}
<skill class="Wizard">Ice Armor</skill>
<skill class="Wizard">Storm Armor</skill>
<skill class="Wizard">Magic Weapon</skill>
<skill class="Wizard">Familiar</skill>
<skill class="Wizard">Energy Armor</skill>

===Mastery===
{{Skill description header}}
<skill class="Wizard">Explosive Blast</skill>
<skill class="Wizard">Mirror Image</skill>
<skill class="Wizard">Archon</skill>

==Passive Skills==

Passive skills replaced [[Traits]] during late game development in 2011. A few Traits were simply changed to passive skills, but most are all new. See the [[Wizard traits]] page for a full list of those passives.

{{Skill description header}}
{{Wizard Passive Blur}}
{{Wizard Passive Power Hungry}}
{{Wizard Passive Evocation}}
{{Wizard Passive Glass Cannon}}
{{Wizard Passive Prodigy}}
{{Wizard Passive Astral Presence}}
{{Wizard Passive Illusionist}}
{{Wizard Passive Conflagration}}
{{Wizard Passive Paralysis}}
{{Wizard Passive Galvanizing Ward}}
{{Wizard Passive Temporal Flux}}
{{Wizard Passive Critical Mass}}
{{Wizard Passive Arcane Dynamo}}
{{Wizard Passive Unstable Anomaly}}

==Skill Distribution==

A useful player-made chart showing when the Wizard gains access to skills, passives, and rune effects.

[[File:Char-prog-wiz.png|center|frame|Wizard skill progression. Stats as of May 5, 2012.]]

==Development==
* See the [[Wizard skill archive]] for a full listing of skill changes over time.

===July 2011 Press Event===
The following skills were removed or renamed prior to the July 2011 Press Event:

* [[Charged Bolt]] - Renamed to [[Shock Pulse]]
* [[Energy Shield]] - Renamed to [[Energy Armor]]

==References==
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/full-wizard-skill-trees/ Full Wizard Skill Trees]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7960229#post7960229 Zediono's translation of JudgeHype's pre-beta report] -- IncGamers 1st Aug 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8008951#post8008951 HardRock's Wizard Passive Skills] -- IncGamers 6th Sep 2011

{{Skill_navbox_Diablo_III|Wizard}}

[[Category:Wizard]]
[[Category:Wizard skills]]
[[Category:Active skills]]
[[Category:Skills]]
[[Category:Featured articles]]

Archon

2012-05-13T11:47:34Z

Maurish: Updated skill rune table

[[File:IconArchon.png|left]]
'''Archon''' is a Mastery [[Wizard skill]] unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 30, which transforms the Wizard into a being of pure energy. While in Archon form, the Wizard has access to a powerful set of unique Archon skills.

 __TOC__
==Background==
[[File:Archondisintegrate2.png|thumb|200px|Archon in action.]]
Calling upon the most powerful elemental forces, the Wizard channels the power of an Archon, gaining a set of unique skills for a short period of time.

==Skill Rune Effects==
The following is a very quick summary. See the [[Archon rune effects]] page for a more thorough description of rune effects, or any of the individual rune pages for numbers, screenshots, blue quotes, and much more.

{{skill description header}}
<skill class="Wizard">Archon</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Arcane Destruction">Archon</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Teleport">Archon</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Pure Power">Archon</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Slow Time">Archon</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Improved Archon">Archon</skill>

===Archon Skills===
{| width="100%" style="border-collapse: collapse;" |
| width="200px" | Arcane Blast
| {{c_gold|Cooldown:}} {{c_lime|120}} seconds Release a wave of pure energy dealing {{c_lime|100%}} weapon damage as Arcane to all nearby enemies.
|-
| Arcane Strike
| Strike the ground in front of you, causing {{c_lime|1000%}} weapon damage as Arcane to enemies in the area.
|-
| Cancel
| Release the powers of the Archon and return to your natural form.
|-
| Disintegration Wave
| Thrust a beam of pure energy forward dealing {{c_lime|1000%}} weapon damage as Arcane.
|-
| Slow Time (Rune effect)
| {{c_gold|Cooldown:}} {{c_lime|120}} seconds Project a bubble of warped space and time that moves with you, slowing the movement and attack speed of enemies by {{c_lime|40%}} and the speed of projectiles by {{c_lime|60%}} for {{c_lime|10}} seconds
|-
| Teleport (Rune effect)
| {{c_gold|Cooldown:}} {{c_lime|120}} seconds Teleport through the ether to the selected location up to {{c_lime|1}} yards away.
|}
* The information in this table is pulled from the [[beta]] client. Hopefully the "1 yards" for Teleport is a typo in the skills table.



==Synergies==
The following [[Wizard passives]] provide a benefit to Archon, runed or not:
{{Passive skills header}}
{{Wizard Passive Evocation}}
{{Wizard Passive Glass Cannon}}
{{Wizard Passive Temporal Flux}}
{{Wizard Passive Critical Mass}}
{{Wizard Passive Arcane Dynamo}}

==Development==
'''Archon''' was first seen at the [[July 2011 Press Event]], where it was a level 29 skill. Unfortunately, no information about the skill's function was available at the time.

===Beta===
{{Beta skill notes}}

Archon was still a level 29 skill when the beta started. Fortunately, it was one of the skills available in the [[BlizzCon 2011]] demo, and The Eliminator talked about some of the Archon skills:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/blizzcon-2011-pvp-demo-the-wizard]

<blockquote>''The most popular skill in Archon form was the Beam. It worked just like a much more damaging Disintegrate, though it had a shorter range. I don’t know if the skill does critical hits, because I can’t remember ever seeing any when I used it. The beam did do a low of 900 to a high 1300 a second. That was without things being hit by Arcane Torrent or being Frozen by Frost Nova. If they had either debuff on them they died fast.</blockquote>

The Eliminator also shared some general advice:

<blockquote>''It only took one encounter with an Archon to know you don’t want to mess with a healthy one solo. One that was at about half health would go down rather fast from a WoTB Barb and a few Hammers. An Archon Wizard really felt like a game changer, but they weren’t unbeatable if you dealt with them quickly, and since the Wizard does not have Teleport in Archon form, they could be avoided as well.</blockquote>

With the Patch 13 changes, Archon was classified as a Mastery skill and moved to level 30.


==Media==
Archon can be seen in action on video here:
* [[Skill Animations Videos#Wizard Video|Video: August 2011 Wizard Skill Animations]]
You can find pictures in the Diablo III screenshot and picture gallery:
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/ Diablo III screenshots and pictures]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/search.php?keywords=Archon&cat=all '''Archon''' specific gallery contents]

[[Image:Archondisintegrate2.png|600px|center]]

[[Image:Archonexplode.png|600px|center]]

==References==
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7960229#post7960229 Zediono's translation of JudgeHype's pre-beta report] — IncGamers 1st Aug 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8007624#post8007624 Silva's Wizard Runestone Effects] — IncGamers 5th Sep 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/blizzcon-2011-pvp-demo-the-wizard Blizzcon 2011 PvP Demo: The Wizard] — IncGamers 28th Oct 2011
* [http://us.battle.net/d3/en/class/wizard/active/ Wizard Active Skills] — Blizzard's Official Diablo III Site

{{Skill navbox Diablo III|Wizard|mastery}}

[[category:Wizard skills]]
[[category:Active skills]]

Mirror Image

2012-05-13T11:44:34Z

Maurish: Updated skill rune table

[[File:IconMirrorImage.png|left]]
'''Mirror Image''' is a Mastery [[Wizard skill]] unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 25, creating an illusionary duplicate of the Wizard.

 __TOC__
==Background==
[[File:Diablo_III_Logo.jpg|thumb|200px|Mirror Image in action.]]
In order to avoid close combat as much as possible, the Wizard can create duplicates of herself, who will also aggressively attack opponents.

==Skill Rune Effects==
The following is a very quick summary. See the [[Mirror Image rune effects]] page for a more thorough description of rune effects, or any of the individual rune pages for numbers, screenshots, blue quotes, and much more.

{{skill description header}}
<skill class="Wizard">Mirror Image</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Simulacrum">Mirror Image</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Duplicates">Mirror Image</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Mocking Demise">Mirror Image</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Extension of Will">Mirror Image</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Mirror Mimics">Mirror Image</skill>

==Skill Design==
This [[skill]] creates a duplicate of the [[Wizard]] that uses Wizard spells to ferociously attack [[monster]]s the instant it appears. The Image's spells don't do any damage, so it's more like an animated {{iw|Amazon_Passive_and_Magic_Skills#Decoy Decoy}} than a {{iw|Assassin_Shadow_Disciplines#Shadow_Master Shadow Master}}. But it works like a [[tank]], with monsters attacking the Image if it is closer to them than the Wizard, and as anyone who has played artillery characters knows, a tanking minion (or another player) is beyond value.

===Appearance===
[[Image:Wiz-mirror-image2.jpg|center|thumb|675px|Mirror Image animation sequence in the [[BlizzCon 2008]] Demo.]]

==Synergies==
The following [[Wizard passives]] provide a benefit to Mirror Image, runed or not:
{{Passive skills header}}
{{Wizard Passive Illusionist}}
{{Wizard Passive Critical Mass}}

==Development==
'''Mirror Image''' was first shown at [[BlizzCon 2008]] when the [[Wizard]] was unveiled, where it was at Tier II on the [[Conjuring Skill Tree]]. It then spawned five illusion images.

The [[BlizzCon 2009]] version increased illusion health; it seemed likely the number of images probably could be increased through the use of [[rune|skill runes]]. [[Flux]] found it useful in the right circumstances:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/full-wizard-skill-trees/]

<blockquote>''I didn’t use this one very often during play, since the Wizard was powerful enough to slaughter most attackers without needing the assistance, but the few times I did Mirror Image, against big mobs, it worked marvelously. The mirror doesn’t last for very long, usually dying to the monster onslaught, but it didn’t have to. The Wizard has a number of nice AoE spells, even at low levels, and all the MI had to do was provide a focal point for the [[Fallen]] or [[Dark Cultist]]s to swarm around to turn them into fish in a barrel for [[Arcane Orb]]s.</blockquote>

Mirror Image was still listed at [[BlizzCon 2010]], but it wasn't one of the Wizard's starting skills. Skill tiers were removed for the [[July 2011 Press Event]], allowing skills to unlock steadily from levels 1 to 30. Consequently, all skill levels were adjusted and Mirror Image became a level 15 skill.

===Beta===
{{Beta skill notes}}

Mirror Image was dropped to level 14 early in the beta. With the Patch 13 changes, it was classified as a Mastery skill and bumped to level 25.

===Previous Versions===
See the [[Wizard skill archive]] for more details on previous versions of Mirror Image and other Wizard skills. 
Or see [[Mirror Image (BlizzCon 2008)]] for the original version of this skill.

===In Other Games===
Mirror Image is basically a combination of the {{iw|Assassin Assassin}} skill {{iw|Shadow_Master Shadow Master}} and the {{iw|Amazon Amazon}} skill {{iw|Decoy Decoy}} from [[Diablo II]]. The Mirror Image attacks monsters with a variety of skills, like the Shadow Master, but doesn't do any actual damage, like the Decoy.


==Media==
Mirror Image can be seen in action on video here:
* [[Cinematic: Wizard]]
* [[Video: Blizzcon 2010 Rune Effects]]

You can find pictures in the Diablo III screenshot and picture gallery:
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/ Diablo III screenshots and pictures]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/search.php?keywords=Mirror+Image&cat=all '''Mirror Image''' specific gallery contents]

<gallery>
Image:Wiz-mirror-image1.jpg|Mirror Image shot.
Image:Wiz-mirror-image2.jpg|The Mirror Image animation.
Image:Wiz-spectral-blade2.jpg|Mirror Images casting [[Spectral Blade]].
</gallery>

==Related Articles==
* [[Duplicate Conjuring]] is a retired skill that provided for more images.
* [[Conjured Health]] is a retired skill that gave more health to Mirror Images. 
Skill runes made both skills obsolete.

==References==
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/wizard-gameplay-report/P2/ BlizzCon 2008 Wizard Gameplay Report]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/full-wizard-skill-trees/ BlizzCon 2009 Full Wizard Skill Trees]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7960229#post7960229 Zediono's translation of JudgeHype's pre-beta report] — IncGamers 1st Aug 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8007624#post8007624 Silva's Wizard Runestone Effects] — IncGamers 5th Sep 2011
* [http://us.battle.net/d3/en/class/wizard/active/ Wizard Active Skills] — Blizzard's Official Diablo III Site

{{Skill navbox Diablo III|Wizard|mastery}}

[[category:Wizard skills]]
[[category:Active skills]]

Explosive Blast

2012-05-13T11:42:49Z

Maurish: Updated skill rune table

[[File:IconExplosiveBlast.png|left]]
'''Explosive Blast''' is an Mastery [[Wizard skill]] unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 19, blasting a small area for high damage.

 __TOC__
==Background==
[[File:Diablo_III_Logo.jpg|thumb|200px|Explosive Blast in action.]]
The [[Wizard]] conjures volatile gasses into the physical realm, which ignite with oxygen and create a powerful blast in a very limited space.

==Skill Rune Effects==
The following is a very quick summary. See the [[Explosive Blast rune effects]] page for a more thorough description of rune effects, or any of the individual rune pages for numbers, screenshots, blue quotes, and much more.

{{skill description header}}
<skill class="Wizard">Explosive Blast</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Unleashed">Explosive Blast</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Time Bomb">Explosive Blast</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Short Fuse">Explosive Blast</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Obliterate">Explosive Blast</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Chain Reaction">Explosive Blast</skill>

==Skill Design==
This [[skill]] is basically a short-range nova centered around the Wizard, on a short time delay. Since the Wizard can move after activating it, she can select it, run into the midst of a pack of monsters, then laugh when they go boom. The spell's delay (about 1.5 seconds) makes it unsuitable for emergency use, and its short range makes it difficult to use without getting pounded on.

==Synergies==
The following [[Wizard passives]] provide a benefit to Explosive Blast, runed or not:
{{Passive skills header}}
{{Wizard Passive Evocation}}
{{Wizard Passive Glass Cannon}}
{{Wizard Passive Critical Mass}}
{{Wizard Passive Arcane Dynamo}}

==Development==
'''Explosive Blast''' was first seen at [[BlizzCon 2009]] in the gameplay demo, where it was on the [[Conjuring Skill Tree]] at Tier III. Originally, the Wizard targeted a specific location, and after a short delay, the blast went off.

By [[BlizzCon 2010]], the mechanics had changed; the blast was focused on the Wizard. It was also moved to Tier 2 after skill trees were removed. It was one of the Wizard's starting skills in the gameplay demo, and [[Flux]] found it entertaining:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/hands-on-from-blizzcon-mega-pvm-report-wizard]

<blockquote>''It’s basically a short-range nova, on a time delay. You click it, and after 1.5 seconds (at level one) it blew up, dealing fairly substantial physical damage. The time delay made it unsuitable for emergency situations, but if you got used to the timing it was fun to click midway through a battle, knowing it would blast a moment later and finish off the enemy.</blockquote>

Skill tiers were removed for the [[July 2011 Press Event]], allowing skills to unlock steadily from levels 1 to 30. Consequently, all skill levels were adjusted and Explosive Blast became a level 14 skill.

===Beta===
{{Beta skill notes}}

Explosive Blast was moved to level 15 during the beta. With the Patch 13 changes, it was classified as a Mastery skill and bumped to level 19. For March's [[Beta Patch 14]], the damage done by this skill and its rune effects was reduced quite a bit.

===Previous Versions===
See the [[Wizard skill archive]] for more details on previous versions of Explosive Blast and other Wizard skills.


==Media==
Explosive Blast can be seen in action on video here:
* [[Cinematic: Wizard]]
* [[Gameplay: Blizzcon 2008]]
* [[Video: Blizzcon 2010 Rune Effects]]

You can find pictures in the Diablo III screenshot and picture gallery:
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/ Diablo III screenshots and pictures]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/search.php?keywords=Explosive+Blast&cat=all '''Explosive Blast''' specific gallery contents]


==References==
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/full-wizard-skill-trees/ BlizzCon 2009 Full Wizard Skill Trees]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/hands-on-from-blizzcon-mega-pvm-report-wizard BlizzCon 2010 Wizard Hands-on Report]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7960229#post7960229 Zediono's translation of JudgeHype's pre-beta report] — IncGamers 1st Aug 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8007624#post8007624 Silva's Wizard Runestone Effects] — IncGamers 5th Sep 2011
* [http://us.battle.net/d3/en/class/wizard/active/ Wizard Active Skills] — Blizzard's Official Diablo III Site

{{Skill navbox Diablo III|Wizard|mastery}}

[[category:Wizard skills]]
[[category:Active skills]]

Energy Armor

2012-05-13T11:40:40Z

Maurish: Updated skill rune table

[[File:IconEnergyArmor.png|left]]
'''Energy Armor''' (known as [[Energy Shield]] prior to July 2011) is a Conjuration [[Wizard skill]] unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 28, which uses [[Arcane Power]] to absorb incoming damage.

This is an [[Armor spell]]. Only one Armor spell can be active at a time.

 __TOC__
==Background==
[[File:Diablo_III_Logo.jpg|thumb|200px|Energy Armor in action.]]
Drawing from long forgotten texts, this magical shield of energy absorbs harmful attacks through energy resonance, draining [[Arcane Power]].

==Skill Rune Effects==
The following is a very quick summary. See the [[Energy Armor rune effects]] page for a more thorough description of rune effects, or any of the individual rune pages for numbers, screenshots, blue quotes, and much more.

{{skill description header}}
<skill class="Wizard">Energy Armor</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Absorption">Energy Armor</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Pinpoint Barrier">Energy Armor</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Energy Tap">Energy Armor</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Force Armor">Energy Armor</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Prismatic Armor">Energy Armor</skill>

==Skill Design==
The [[skill]] with lots of heritage is back in [[Diablo III]]. It's a shield that absorbs all damage taken, converting the damage to [[Arcane Power]] loss, draining 2 points of AP for every point of damage absorbed.

This skill is likely to be used by many [[Wizard]]s, especially if they are going [[melee]]-style with [[Diamond Skin]] and [[Magic Weapon]], or playing [[hardcore]].

==Synergies==
The following [[Wizard passives]] provide a benefit to Energy Armor, runed or not:
{{Passive skills header}}
{{Wizard Passive Galvanizing Ward}}

==Development==
'''Energy Armor''' first appeared in the [[BlizzCon 2009]] demo (then named [[Energy Shield]]), located at Tier III in the [[Arcane Skill Tree]] and already one of the [[D3 Team]]'s favorites. [[Flux]] didn't have much to say about it, unfortunately. The full quote:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/full-wizard-skill-trees/]

<blockquote>''Not a skill I even considered using, in the easy Blizzcon demo.</blockquote>

[[Skill trees]] were removed shortly thereafter. At [[BlizzCon 2010]], Energy Shield was a Tier 5 skill, making it too high-level for players to select.

Skill tiers were removed for the [[July 2011 Press Event]], allowing skills to unlock steadily from levels 1 to 30. Consequently, all skill levels were adjusted and [[Energy Shield]] became a level 22 skill and was renamed Energy Armor.

===Beta===
{{Beta skill notes}}

Energy Armor remained at level 22 when the beta started. With the Patch 13 changes, it was classified as a Conjuration skill and bumped up to level 28.

===Previous Versions===
Energy Armor is similar to, and might have replaced, [[Temporal Armor]]. That skill was seen in the [[BlizzCon 2008]] demo, and had a slightly different mechanic: protecting the [[caster]] from 100% damage once every 6 seconds. Something that could be either very good, if it fended off a strong attack, or quite useless, if it fended off a weak one.

See [[Energy Shield]] for the original version of this skill.

===In Other Games===
Energy Armor originates from the grossly overpowered {{iw|D1_Spellbooks#Mana_Shield Mana Shield}} from the [[Diablo I|original Diablo game]], where every point of damage translated into [[mana]] lost instead of [[life]]. The spell had unlimited duration, as long as the character didn't [[death|die]] or travel to another level.

In [[Diablo II]], the {{iw|Sorceress Sorceress}} got a [[nerf]]ed version of the same spell but with the name {{iw|Sorceress_Lightning_Spells#Energy_Shield Energy Shield}}. The spell has a time limit (needed, since no levels were limited by loading) and only absorbed a fraction of the damage.


==Media==
Energy Armor can be seen in action on video here:
* No videos yet.

You can find pictures in the Diablo III screenshot and picture gallery:
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/ Diablo III screenshots and pictures]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/search.php?keywords=Energy+Armor&cat=all '''Energy Armor''' specific gallery contents]


==References==
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/full-wizard-skill-trees/ BlizzCon 2009 Full Wizard Skill Trees]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7960229#post7960229 Zediono's translation of JudgeHype's pre-beta report] — IncGamers 1st Aug 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8007624#post8007624 Silva's Wizard Runestone Effects] — IncGamers 5th Sep 2011
* [http://us.battle.net/d3/en/class/wizard/active/ Wizard Active Skills] — Blizzard's Official Diablo III Site

{{Skill navbox Diablo III|Wizard|conjuration}}

[[category:Wizard skills]]
[[category:Active skills]]
[[category:Armor spells]]

Familiar

2012-05-13T11:38:52Z

Maurish: Updated skill rune table

[[File:IconFamiliar.png|left]]
'''Familiar''' is a Conjuration [[Wizard skill]] unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 22, summoning a companion that fights for the caster.

 __TOC__
==Background==
[[File:Diablo_III_Logo.jpg|thumb|200px|Familiar in action.]]
A Familiar assists in the killing, but does not distract monsters from their own attacks.

SPOILER WARNING

The following screenshot of the Familiar is not embedded since many fans feel that high level skill visuals are spoilers. Click through to see it.

* [[:File:Familiar2.jpg|Familiar with a female Wizard]].

==Skill Rune Effects==
The following is a very quick summary. See the [[Familiar rune effects]] page for a more thorough description of rune effects, or any of the individual rune pages for numbers, screenshots, blue quotes, and much more.

{{skill description header}}
<skill class="Wizard">Familiar</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Sparkflint">Familiar</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Dartling">Familiar</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Ancient Guardian">Familiar</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Arcanot">Familiar</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Cannoneer">Familiar</skill>

==Skill Design==
The Familiar assists the Wizard in battle, attacking enemies at range for 2 minutes. The monsters, on the other hand, ignore the Familiar and can not hurt it.

==Synergies==
The following [[Wizard passives]] provide a benefit to Familiar, runed or not:
{{Passive skills header}}
{{Wizard Passive Glass Cannon}}

==Development==
'''Familiar''' was added in [[BlizzCon 2010]] as a Tier 7 skill, presumably responding to some need of the Wizard. Unfortunately, it was at too high a level to play.

Skill tiers were removed for the [[July 2011 Press Event]], allowing skills to unlock steadily from levels 1 to 30. Consequently, all skill levels were adjusted and Familiar became a level 27 skill.

===Beta===
{{Beta skill notes}}

Familiar was moved to level 24 early in the beta. With the Patch 13 changes, it was classified as a Conjuration skill and moved back up to level 27. For March's [[Beta Patch 14]], Familiar was dropped to level 22.

Familiar has always been too high level to play, so there are no gameplay reports of it.


==Media==
Familiar can be seen in action on video here:
* No videos yet.

You can find pictures in the Diablo III screenshot and picture gallery:
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/ Diablo III screenshots and pictures]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/search.php?keywords=Familiar&cat=all '''Familiar''' specific gallery contents]


==References==
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7960229#post7960229 Zediono's translation of JudgeHype's pre-beta report] — IncGamers 1st Aug 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8007624#post8007624 Silva's Wizard Runestone Effects] — IncGamers 5th Sep 2011
* [http://us.battle.net/d3/en/class/wizard/active/ Wizard Active Skills] — Blizzard's Official Diablo III Site

{{Skill navbox Diablo III|Wizard|conjuration}}

[[category:Wizard skills]]
[[category:Active skills]]

Magic Weapon

2012-05-13T11:37:07Z

Maurish: Updated skill rune table

[[File:IconMagicWeapon.png|left]]
[[File:Magic-weapon2.jpg|thumb|250px|The bubbling purple effect.]]
'''Magic Weapon''' is a Conjuration [[Wizard skill]] unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 20, making her weapon [[magic]]al and increasing damage.

 __TOC__
==Background==
When the need for physical combat arrives, the [[Wizard]] is well prepared, fusing her weapon with [[magic]]al energies, cutting deeper into her foes even when using such a mundane thing as a physical weapon.

==Skill Rune Effects==
The following is a very quick summary. See the [[Magic Weapon rune effects]] page for a more thorough description of rune effects, or any of the individual rune pages for numbers, screenshots, blue quotes, and much more.

{{skill description header}}
<skill class="Wizard">Magic Weapon</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Electrify">Magic Weapon</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Force Weapon">Magic Weapon</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Conduit">Magic Weapon</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Venom">Magic Weapon</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Blood Magic">Magic Weapon</skill>

==Skill Design==
This [[skill]] is clearly designed to enable a [[Wizard]] to play in the Battle-mage style, going melee combat for better or worse. The Wizard isn't really designed for that approach, but by pairing the melee damage with excellent equipment/weapon, and some intelligent defensive spell use, it may be a viable build.

==Synergies==
The following [[Wizard passives]] provide a benefit to Magic Weapon, runed or not:
{{Passive skills header}}
{{Wizard Passive Glass Cannon}}

==Development==
'''Magic Weapon''' was first shown at [[BlizzCon 2008]], when the [[Wizard]] debuted. Back then, it was a Tier V skill in the [[Conjuring Skill Tree]]. Together with spells like the VERY similar [[Weapon Mastery]] (gone), [[Damage Resistance]] (gone) and [[Spectral Blade]] (still in), it gave a hint of seeing the Wizard getting the capability of going [[melee]].

Magic Weapon was also shown at [[BlizzCon 2009]], but was unfortunately too high level to try out by the fans. There were, however, still doubts about the viability of a melee build, as [[Flux]] elucidated:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/full-wizard-skill-trees/]

<blockquote>''One of the odder Wizard skills, seemingly designed for a melee fighting Wizard. We don’t know enough about weapon damage in general to have any idea if this is a big bonus or not. Nor do we know if this damage is boosted by attributes and +magical damage item modifiers. If so it’s possible that some Wizard builds could deal very good weapon damage. On the other hand, there are enough limits on which classes can use which weapons that Wizards might be limited in their melee damage no matter what they tried.</blockquote>

Skill tiers were removed for the [[July 2011 Press Event]], allowing skills to unlock steadily from levels 1 to 30. Consequently, all skill levels were adjusted and Magic Weapon became a level 7 skill.

===Beta===
{{Beta skill notes}}

Magic Weapon remained at level 7 when the beta started. After trying it out, [[Flux]] again discussed its viability:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/wizard-beta-skills-mega-report-part-two]

<blockquote>''The damage added is fairly minor, certainly compared to just about any spell attack, and this is purely of use for battle mages. (As has been observed on the known Diablo III legendary items, the amount of +%weapon damage found on gear is much lower than it was in Diablo II, and figures like +25-35% are the best to be found on even the Inferno-quality legendary items. Thus on that scale, +20% is a fairly big bonus, akin to something like +200% in Diablo II terms.)</blockquote>

With the Patch 13 changes, Magic Weapon was classified as a Conjuration skill and bumped all the way up to level 20, taking it out of play in the beta.

===Previous Versions===
See the [[Wizard skill archive]] for more details on previous versions of Magic Weapon and other Wizard skills. 
Or see [[Magic Weapon (BlizzCon 2008)]] for the original version of this skill.

===In Other Games===
Magic Weapon is an modified version of [[Diablo II]]'s {{iw|Sorceress Sorceress}} skill {{iw|Enchant Enchant}}, but activated like a buff, rather than cast on a target (thus it’s only of use to the Wizard and can not be shared to others).


==Media==
Magic Weapon can be seen in action on video here:
* No videos yet.

You can find pictures in the Diablo III screenshot and picture gallery:
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/ Diablo III screenshots and pictures]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/search.php?keywords=Magic+Weapon&cat=all '''Magic Weapon''' specific gallery contents]

<gallery>
Image:Magic-weapon2.jpg|The bubbling purple effect.
</gallery>

==References==
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/full-wizard-skill-trees/ BlizzCon 2009 Full Wizard Skill Trees]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7960229#post7960229 Zediono's translation of JudgeHype's pre-beta report] — IncGamers 1st Aug 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8007624#post8007624 Silva's Wizard Runestone Effects] — IncGamers 5th Sep 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/wizard-beta-skills-mega-report-part-two Wizard Beta Skills Mega-report: Part Two] — IncGamers 5th October 2011
* [http://us.battle.net/d3/en/class/wizard/active/ Wizard Active Skills] — Blizzard's Official Diablo III Site

{{Skill navbox Diablo III|Wizard|conjuration}}

[[category:Wizard skills]]
[[category:Active skills]]

Storm Armor

2012-05-13T11:35:09Z

Maurish: Updated skill rune table

[[File:IconStormArmor.png|left]]
[[File:Storm-armor2.jpg|thumb|300px|Storm Armor in action. Such as it is.]]
'''Storm Armor''' is a Conjuration [[Wizard skill]] unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 17, shocking anyone in range of the Wizard.

This is an [[Armor spell]]. Only one Armor spell can be active at a time.

 __TOC__
==Background==
Lacking physical armor, a Wizard needs magical protection in dangerous places. The [[Wizard]] weaves herself with electric energies that discharge if an enemy attacks her.

==Skill Rune Effects==
The following is a very quick summary. See the [[Storm Armor rune effects]] page for a more thorough description of rune effects, or any of the individual rune pages for numbers, screenshots, blue quotes, and much more.

{{skill description header}}
<skill class="Wizard">Storm Armor</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Reactive Armor">Storm Armor</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Power of the Storm">Storm Armor</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Strike Back">Storm Armor</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Scramble">Storm Armor</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Shocking Aspect">Storm Armor</skill>

==Skill Design==
This defensive skill shocks nearby enemies with [[lightning]] damage at seemingly irregular intervals. Also note that lightning [[critical hit]]s will [[stun]] enemies, which would make this a lot more useful as a defensive spell, if the [[Wizard]] has a high chance to land a critical hit with spells (specifically [[lightning]] spells).

==Synergies==
The following [[Wizard passives]] provide a benefit to Storm Armor, runed or not:
{{Passive skills header}}
{{Wizard Passive Glass Cannon}}
{{Wizard Passive Paralysis}}
{{Wizard Passive Galvanizing Ward}}

==Development==
'''Storm Armor''' was first shown at [[BlizzCon 2008]] when the [[Wizard]] debuted. Back then, it was a Tier II skill in the [[Storm Skill Tree]], and playable in the demo. However, it wasn't a popular choice; [[Flux]] explained why:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/wizard-gameplay-report/P2/]

<blockquote>''...no one was bothering much with defensive skills at Blizzcon; not in the short time we had to play, and the small dungeon we had to clear out. I didn’t test out this one, but it sounds like a fairly interesting skill. It’s somewhat misleading in name, since the description doesn’t mention any defensive properties; just that it fires out lightning bolts at nearby enemies.</blockquote>

It was seen again at [[BlizzCon 2009]], but as a Tier V skill, it was too high level to try out. Skill tiers were removed for the [[July 2011 Press Event]], allowing skills to unlock steadily from levels 1 to 30. Consequently, all skill levels were adjusted and Storm Armor became a level 13 skill.

===Beta===
{{Beta skill notes}}

Storm Armor was moved to level 12 soon after the beta started. Like all defensive skills, it wasn't very necessary in the beta, but [[Flux]] voiced a different concern:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/wizard-beta-skills-mega-report-part-two]

<blockquote>''Just how the game defines “attackers” is not clear; I used this for a while and sometimes saw it hit monsters that I thought were not yet in melee range, while at other times it very slow to trigger even when I was getting swarmed. It’s hard to tell though, since the graphic for the shock it delivers to enemy monsters is very inadequate. It just gives them a little charge near the feet, almost like the Charged Bolt graphic from Diablo I. That’s very easy to miss if there’s a pack of enemies, much less if the Wizard is using lightning spells at the same time.</blockquote>

With the Patch 13 changes, Storm Armor was classified as a Conjuration skill and bumped up to level 17, moving it out of reach in the beta.

===Previous Versions===
See the [[Wizard skill archive]] for more details on previous versions of Storm Armor and other Wizard skills.

===In Other Games===
Storm Armor's operation is similar to [[Diablo II]]'s {{iw|Sorceress Sorceress}} skill {{iw|Thunder_Storm Thunder Storm}}, but there’s a key difference. While that (highly useful) skill zapped some random enemy with lightning once per second, Storm Armor only hits enemies that are attacking her.


==Media==
Storm Armor can be seen in action on video here:
* No videos yet.

You can find pictures in the Diablo III screenshot and picture gallery:
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/ Diablo III screenshots and pictures]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/search.php?keywords=Storm+Armor&cat=all '''Storm Armor''' specific gallery contents]

<gallery>
File:Wizard_StormArmor.jpg|Storm Armor activated.
</gallery>

==References==
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/wizard-gameplay-report/P2/ BlizzCon 2008 Wizard Gameplay Report]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/full-wizard-skill-trees/ BlizzCon 2009 Full Wizard Skill Trees]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7960229#post7960229 Zediono's translation of JudgeHype's pre-beta report] — IncGamers 1st Aug 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8007624#post8007624 Silva's Wizard Runestone Effects] — IncGamers 5th Sep 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/wizard-beta-skills-mega-report-part-two Wizard Beta Skills Mega-report: Part Two] — IncGamers 5th October 2011
* [http://us.battle.net/d3/en/class/wizard/active/ Wizard Active Skills] — Blizzard's Official Diablo III Site

{{Skill navbox Diablo III|Wizard|conjuration}}

[[category:Wizard skills]]
[[category:Active skills]]
[[category:Armor spells]]

Ice Armor

2012-05-13T11:33:20Z

Maurish: Updated skill rune table

[[File:IconIceArmor.png|left]]
[[File:Ice-armor-zoom2.jpg|thumb|350px|Ice Armor being cast.]]
'''Ice Armor''' is a Conjuration [[Wizard skill]] unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 14, freezing or slowing movement of enemies attacking the character.

This is an [[Armor spell]]. Only one Armor spell can be active at a time.

 __TOC__
==Background==
Lacking physical armor, a Wizard needs magical protection in dangerous places. This Ice Armor will have a chilling impact upon anyone striking her, cooling them to the point where their movements becomes slower, and limiting their ability to move.

==Skill Rune Effects==
The following is a very quick summary. See the [[Ice Armor rune effects]] page for a more thorough description of rune effects, or any of the individual rune pages for numbers, screenshots, blue quotes, and much more.

{{skill description header}}
<skill class="Wizard">Ice Armor</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Chilling Aura">Ice Armor</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Crystallize">Ice Armor</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Jagged Ice">Ice Armor</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Ice Reflect">Ice Armor</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Frozen Storm">Ice Armor</skill>

==Skill Design==
Pretty straightforward [[skill]]. Useful especially when trying to run away from things, but also if the Wizard is overwhelmed in [[melee]] combat, it will briefly [[Chill]] or [[Freeze]] enemies attacking her. With some rune effects, it will damage enemies as well.

===Appearance===
The initial casting graphic is pretty cool, as a sort of hexagonal scaled globe rises up from the ground and vanishes over the Wizard’s head. After that though, there’s just a sort of blueish mist around her feet, which isn’t real impressive.

==Synergies==
The following [[Wizard passives]] provide a benefit to Ice Armor, runed or not:
{{Passive skills header}}
{{Wizard Passive Galvanizing Ward}}

==Development==
'''Ice Armor''' was first shown in August 2009 at GamesCom, seen in the [[GamesCom 2009 demo|gameplay demo]]. It was then not known if the spell was a [[Wizard skill]] or a [[shrine]] effect. The spell was seen more clearly at [[BlizzCon 2009]], where it was a Tier I skill on the [[Storm Skill Tree]]. Unfortunately, this skill was unnecessary in the PvP demo, as [[Flux]] explained:[http://www.diii.net/blog/comments/full-wizard-skill-trees/]

<blockquote>''As with the other defensive skills, this was just not needed at Blizzcon. I cast it a few times between battles, but never took any hits when I had it active.</blockquote>

It was still in the game as of [[BlizzCon 2010]], but moved to Tier 2 in the new tree-less skill system. Skill tiers were removed for the [[July 2011 Press Event]], allowing skills to unlock steadily from levels 1 to 30. Consequently, all skill levels were adjusted and Ice Armor became a level 2 skill.

===Beta===
{{Beta skill notes}}

Ice Armor remained at level 2 when the beta started. [[Flux]] was able to try it out, but it remained unnecessary:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/wizard-beta-skills-mega-report-part-one]

<blockquote>''Like all defensive skills, the only reason to use this in the beta is out of curiosity or thoroughness. I did it for both those reasons, and was underwhelmed. It does chill melee attackers that get to you, but so few do that it’s hardly of need. The dangers to a Wizard in the beta come from exploding bosses and ranged attackers. Obviously the utility of Ice Armor may differ in other areas of the game, but those aren’t available for testing just yet, alas.</blockquote>

With the Patch 13 changes, Ice Armor was classified as a Conjuration skill and bumped all the way up to level 14, out of reach of beta players. For March's [[Beta Patch 14]], Cold damage was removed from skill, and several rune effects were tweaked.


==Media==
Ice Armor can be seen in action on video here:
* [[Video: Blizzcon 2010 Rune Effects]]

You can find pictures in the Diablo III screenshot and picture gallery:
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/ Diablo III screenshots and pictures]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/search.php?keywords=Ice+Armor&cat=all '''Ice Armor''' specific gallery contents]

<gallery>
Image:Ice_Armor.jpg|Ice Armor active.
File:Ice-armor-zoom2.jpg|Just being cast.
</gallery>

==References==
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/full-wizard-skill-trees/ BlizzCon 2009 Full Wizard Skill Trees]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7960229#post7960229 Zediono's translation of JudgeHype's pre-beta report] — IncGamers 1st Aug 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8007624#post8007624 Silva's Wizard Runestone Effects] — IncGamers 5th Sep 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/wizard-beta-skills-mega-report-part-one Wizard Beta Skills Mega-report: Part One] — IncGamers 4th Oct 2011
* [http://us.battle.net/d3/en/class/wizard/active/ Wizard Active Skills] — Blizzard's Official Diablo III Site

{{Skill navbox Diablo III|Wizard|conjuration}}

[[category:Wizard skills]]
[[category:Active skills]]
[[category:Armor spells]]

Blizzard

2012-05-13T11:30:55Z

Maurish: Updated skill rune table

: ''Were you looking for '''[[Blizzard Entertainment]]''', '''[[Blizzard North]]''' or the '''[[:Category:Blizzard|Blizzard category?]]''''' 

[[File:IconBlizzard.png|left]]
'''Blizzard''' is a Force [[Wizard skill]] unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 27, calling down shards of ice on opponents.

 __TOC__
==Background==
[[File:Diablo_III_Logo.jpg|thumb|200px|Blizzard in action.]]
Calling upon the elements, drawing huge amounts of cold energy to the physical plane, a torrent of icy shards pelt an area directed by the [[Wizard]].

==Skill Rune Effects==
The following is a very quick summary. See the [[Blizzard rune effects]] page for a more thorough description of rune effects, or any of the individual rune pages for numbers, screenshots, blue quotes, and much more.

{{skill description header}}
<skill class="Wizard">Blizzard</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Grasping Chill">Blizzard</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Frozen Solid">Blizzard</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Snowbound">Blizzard</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Stark Winter">Blizzard</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Unrelenting Storm">Blizzard</skill>

==Skill Design==
Like a lot of other neat high level [[skill]]s (most of them owned by the [[Barbarian]]) this one has been seen in videos, but never used by anyone other than at Blizzard.

Visually, a large cloud forms above the Wizard's enemies, from which large chunks of ice crash down to earth.

===Video===
A video of Blizzard can be seen below, courtesy of [http://www.youtube.com/Diablo3Inc the DiabloInc You Tube channel].

<youtube>3j4n5gDK4m8</youtube>

==Synergies==
The following [[Wizard passives]] provide a benefit to Blizzard, runed or not:
{{Passive skills header}}
{{Wizard Passive Glass Cannon}}

==Development==
[[Image:Blizzard (Diablo II).jpg|thumb|right|200px|A [[Diablo II]] {{iw|Blizzard Blizzard}} spell.]]
'''Blizzard''' was first shown at [[BlizzCon 2008]] when the Wizard debuted, at that point a Tier IV skill in the [[Storm Skill Tree]]. It was a Tier V skill in the [[BlizzCon 2009]] demo, which made it too high-level for players to select it.

Blizzard was again present in the [[BlizzCon 2010]] demo, but still too high-level to play. Skill tiers were removed for the [[July 2011 Press Event]], allowing skills to unlock steadily from levels 1 to 30. Consequently, all skill levels were adjusted and Blizzard became a level 26 skill.

===Beta===
{{Beta skill notes}}

Blizzard remained at level 26 when the beta started. With the Patch 13 changes, it was classified as an Arcane skill and moved to level 27. For March's [[Beta Patch 14]], Blizzard was somewhat [[nerf]]ed. Also, the category "Arcane" was renamed "Force".

===Previous Versions===
See the [[Wizard skill archive]] for more details on previous versions of Blizzard and other Wizard skills.

===In Other Games===
Blizzard is a spell with a lot of heritage. The first version of this spell is seen in the classic [[WarCraft: Orcs and Humans|WarCraft I]] from 1994 as a human Wizard spell (irony), and has been present in any Blizzard game (bar [[Diablo I]]) since. [[WarCraft II]] has it as a human mage spell, [[StarCraft]] doesn't have it, but has a very similar psionic storm, [[Diablo II]] has it as a [[Sorceress]] spell, [[WarCraft III]] has it as an Archmage hero ability and [[World of WarCraft]] has it as a Mage spell.

The principle is the same, with frozen shards dealing [[AoE]] damage, and is a staple spell in [[Blizzard Entertainment]] games that is unlikely to change any time soon.


==Media==
Blizzard can be seen in action on video here:
* [[Video: Blizzcon 2010 Arena]]

You can find pictures in the Diablo III screenshot and picture gallery:
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/ Diablo III screenshots and pictures]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/search.php?keywords=Blizzard&cat=all '''Blizzard''' specific gallery contents]

<gallery>
File:Arenarunes-2010-04.jpg|Low-quality first look at Blizzard.
File:Blizzard_unruned.jpg|Blizzard without a [[rune]].
</gallery>

==References==
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/full-wizard-skill-trees/ BlizzCon 2009 Full Wizard Skill Trees]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7960229#post7960229 Zediono's translation of JudgeHype's pre-beta report] — IncGamers 1st Aug 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8007624#post8007624 Silva's Wizard Runestone Effects] — IncGamers 5th Sep 2011
* [http://us.battle.net/d3/en/class/wizard/active/ Wizard Active Skills] — Blizzard's Official Diablo III Site

{{Skill navbox Diablo III|Wizard|force}}

[[category:Wizard skills]]
[[category:Active skills]]

Meteor

2012-05-13T11:27:55Z

Maurish: Updated skill rune table

:''See [[The Meteor]] for details about the flaming meteor that falls on the [[Tristram Cathedral]], opening the story of Diablo III.''

[[File:IconMeteor.png|left]]
[[File:Meteor-arena1.jpg|thumb|300px|Meteor in action in the [[Arena]].]]
'''Meteor''' is a Force [[Wizard skill]] unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 25. This skill is among the Wizard's most damaging, calling down a huge flaming stone that deals massive damage, as well as leaving a burning circle that deals [[AoE]] damage to anything in the vicinity.

 __TOC__
==Background==
Calling upon the elements, the [[Wizard]] unleashes a [[fire|fiery]] meteor from the sky which crushes anything unfortunate enough to be in the way when it hits.

==Skill Rune Effects==
The following is a very quick summary. See the [[Meteor rune effects]] page for a more thorough description of rune effects, or any of the individual rune pages for numbers, screenshots, blue quotes, and much more.

{{skill description header}}
<skill class="Wizard">Meteor</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Molten Impact">Meteor</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Star Pact">Meteor</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Meteor Shower">Meteor</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Comet">Meteor</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Liquefy">Meteor</skill>

==Skill Design==
Meteor returns from [[Diablo II]], with its function largely preserved. Once again it's a falling rock from the sky that deals huge fire damage. The [[skill]] is mighty, but the delay between the casting and the rock's arrival requires skill and anticipation on the part of the Wizard to hit accurately with it.

==Synergies==
The following [[Wizard passives]] provide a benefit to Meteor, runed or not:
{{Passive skills header}}
{{Wizard Passive Glass Cannon}}

==Development==
[[File:Meteor-arena2.jpg|thumb|250px|Meteor descends in the [[Arena]].]]
'''Meteor''' was not in the game during 2008 and 2009, though smaller projectile, wider-area, "death from above" skills like [[Blizzard]] and [[Arcane Torrent]] were. Presumably the team decided that a larger, single hit, smaller-area death from above skill would be a nice addition to the play balance.

Meteor debuted at [[BlizzCon 2010]], where it was one of the [[Wizard]]'s skills in the [[Battle Arena]]. [[Flux]] talked about using it in [[PvP]] play:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/hands-on-from-blizzcon-mega-pvp-arena-report/]

<blockquote>''Meteor packed huge damage; the most of any skill in the Arena demo. It was very hard to hit with, though. There were several seconds between the trigger and the arrival, and no one stood still for that long in the Arena. These were worth firing regularly since the Wizard was never low on Arcane Power, the cast only took an instant, and the reward for one hitting was huge. They seldom did, though. Smart players would have seen the circle showing the drop zone and tried to lead the enemy into it; Mongrels at least. Maybe next time.</blockquote>

Skill tiers were removed for the [[July 2011 Press Event]], allowing skills to unlock steadily from levels 1 to 30. Consequently, all skill levels were adjusted and Meteor became a level 24 skill.

===Beta===
{{Beta skill notes}}

Meteor was moved to level 27 early in the beta. With the Patch 13 changes, it was classified as an Arcane skill and dropped to level 23. For March's [[Beta Patch 14]], Meteor was moved to level 25 and nerfed quite a bit. Also, the category "Arcane" was renamed "Force".

===In Earlier Games===
This skill (unruned) is essentially the same as [[Diablo II]]'s {{iw|Sorceress Sorceress}} skill {{iw|Meteor Meteor}}, just with improved visuals and sound effects.


==Media==
Meteor can be seen in action on video here:
* [[Gameplay: Blizzcon 2010]] (in the [[Arena]])
* [[Video: Blizzcon 2010 Arena]]

You can find pictures in the Diablo III screenshot and picture gallery:
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/ Diablo III screenshots and pictures]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/search.php?keywords=Meteor&cat=all '''Meteor''' specific gallery contents]

<gallery>
File:Meteor-arena1.jpg|Meteors descending over the [[Battle Arena]].
File:Meteor-arena2.jpg|Blue circle shows where a blue team's Wizard's meteor is about to strike in the [[Battle Arena]].
File:Meteor-arena3.jpg|The burn zone left by Meteor impact, once the [[AoE]] flames have burned out.
</gallery>

==References==
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/hands-on-from-blizzcon-mega-pvp-arena-report/ BlizzCon 2010 PvP Hands-on Report]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7960229#post7960229 Zediono's translation of JudgeHype's pre-beta report] — IncGamers 1st Aug 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8007624#post8007624 Silva's Wizard Runestone Effects] — IncGamers 5th Sep 2011
* [http://us.battle.net/d3/en/class/wizard/active/ Wizard Active Skills] — Blizzard's Official Diablo III Site

{{Skill navbox Diablo III|Wizard|force}}

[[category:Wizard skills]]
[[category:Active skills]]

Hydra

2012-05-13T11:25:59Z

Maurish: Updated skill rune table

::'''''"Project Hydra"''' was the codename for the [[Diablo III]] project and team before the announcement at [[WWI 2008]].

[[File:IconHydra.png|left]]
[[File:Hydra-arena2.jpg|thumb|350px|Arcane Hydra in action.]]
'''Hydra''' is a Force [[Wizard skill]] unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 21, summoning a hydra that attacks enemies with bolts of fire.

 __TOC__
==Background==
Among the many secrets of the [[Ancient Repositories]], the [[Wizard]] found the Hydra spell to call forth a ward to dispatch of enemies from multiple directions.

==Skill Rune Effects==
The following is a very quick summary. See the [[Hydra rune effects]] page for a more thorough description of rune effects, or any of the individual rune pages for numbers, screenshots, blue quotes, and much more.

{{skill description header}}
<skill class="Wizard">Hydra</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Arcane Hydra">Hydra</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Lightning Hydra">Hydra</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Venom Hydra">Hydra</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Frost Hydra">Hydra</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Mammoth Hydra">Hydra</skill>

==Skill Design==
This was too high level to use at [[BlizzCon 2009]], though players sorely wanted to try it out and see the improvements from [[Diablo I]]. Graphical, if nothing else.

It's interesting to contemplate what the [[Hydra Rune|Hydra (multi-strike) rune]] would have done to Hydra. More than 3 heads per cast? Plus, Greek Mythology fans could geek out. Especially if they named their character [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lernaean_Hydra Learnean].
[[File:Runes-hydra-all.jpg|thumb|center|400px|[[Hydra]] with [[Runestones]].]]

==Synergies==
The following [[Wizard passives]] provide a benefit to Hydra, runed or not:
{{Passive skills header}}
{{Wizard Passive Glass Cannon}}

==Development==
[[File:Hydra1.jpg|thumb|350px|Hydra in action. Un-runed. October 2010.]]
'''Hydra''' was first shown at [[BlizzCon 2009]], where it was on the [[Conjuring Skill Tree]] at Tier IV. Unfortunately, it was too high level to select in the gameplay demo.

At [[BlizzCon 2010]] it was shown in the gameplay panel and also in the PvP Arena. [[Flux]] discussed its viability:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/hands-on-from-blizzcon-mega-pvp-arena-report/]

<blockquote>''You could only have one Hydra active at a time, and it had a slow firing rate. Like [[Meteor]], it was useful to stick these out there to let them ping away, hoping the damage would add up over time. They were very commonly used near the end of rounds, when one or two characters were chasing one on the other team. Most Wizards would cast Hydras in the path of the fleeing enemy, knowing they’d get in a shot or two and help finish them off.</blockquote>

Skill tiers were removed for the [[July 2011 Press Event]], allowing skills to unlock steadily from levels 1 to 30. Consequently, all skill levels were adjusted and Hydra became a level 19 skill.

===Beta===
{{Beta skill notes}}

Hydra remained at level 19 when the beta started. With the Patch 13 changes, it was classified as an Arcane skill and moved to level 20. For March's [[Beta Patch 14]], Hydra was moved to level 21 and nerfed just a bit. Also, the category "Arcane" was renamed to "Force".

===Previous Versions===
See the [[Wizard skill archive]] for more details on previous versions of Hydra and other Wizard skills. 
Or see [[Hydra (BlizzCon 2008)]] for the original version of this skill.

===In Other Games===
The hydra spell was originally seen in [[Diablo I]], then called {{iw|D1_Spellbooks#Guardian Guardian}}. The principle was that three heads were summoned from the ground, shooting firebolts at enemies for a limited time. They are more fun to cast than efficient at killing anything with.

In [[Diablo II]], they were turned into flaming heads, and got the name {{iw|Hydra Hydra}}. While not dealing damage to anyone near the flames, their firebolts are of more use, especially if concentrating the fire on single targets at a time, and alternating skills while waiting for the [[cooldown]].

==Trivia==
Hydra was the codename for the [[Diablo III]] project and team before the announcement at [[WWI 2008]].

==Media==
Hydra can be seen in action on video here:
* [[Gameplay: Blizzcon 2010]] (in the [[Arena]])
* [[Skill Animations Videos#Wizard Video|Video: August 2011 Wizard Skill Animations]]

You can find pictures in the Diablo III screenshot and picture gallery:
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/ Diablo III screenshots and pictures]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/search.php?keywords=Hydra&cat=all '''Hydra''' specific gallery contents]

<gallery>
File:Hydra-arcane-fire.jpg|Arcane and Original version comparison.
File:Hydra-arena1.jpg|Hydra made Arcane by rune.
File:Hydra-arena2.jpg|Hydra made Arcane by rune.
</gallery>

==References==
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/full-wizard-skill-trees/ BlizzCon 2009 Full Wizard Skill Trees]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/hands-on-from-blizzcon-mega-pvp-arena-report/ BlizzCon 2010 PvP Hands-on Report]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7960229#post7960229 Zediono's translation of JudgeHype's pre-beta report] — IncGamers 1st Aug 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8007624#post8007624 Silva's Wizard Runestone Effects] — IncGamers 5th Sep 2011
* [http://us.battle.net/d3/en/class/wizard/active/ Wizard Active Skills] — Blizzard's Official Diablo III Site

{{Skill navbox Diablo III|Wizard|force}}

[[category:Wizard skills]]
[[category:Active skills]]

Energy Twister

2012-05-13T11:23:47Z

Maurish: Updated skill rune table

[[File:IconEnergyTwister.png|left]]
[[File:Energy-twister5-sml.jpg|thumb|350px|Energy Twisters targeting [[Jondar]] the Necromancer.]]
'''Energy Twister''' (originally named [[Tornado]]) is a Force [[Wizard skill]] unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 13, summoning a twister made out of energy that hurts everything nearby.

 __TOC__
==Background==
Combining [[magic]]al force and air, the [[Wizard]] brings a continuous, but time limited, twister out of the aether to destroy enemies.

==Skill Rune Effects==
The following is a very quick summary. See the [[Energy Twister rune effects]] page for a more thorough description of rune effects, or any of the individual rune pages for numbers, screenshots, blue quotes, and much more.

{{skill description header}}
<skill class="Wizard">Energy Twister</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Mistral Breeze">Energy Twister</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Gale Force">Energy Twister</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Raging Storm">Energy Twister</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Wicked Wind">Energy Twister</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Storm Chaser">Energy Twister</skill>

==Skill Design==
This skill sends out a twister from the Wizard, moving slowly away from the caster in roughly a straight line and doing moderate damage to everything it hits. It appears impressive, but it's high resource cost makes it only suitable for occasional use.

==Synergies==
The following [[Wizard passives]] provide a benefit to Energy Twister, runed or not:
{{Passive skills header}}
{{Wizard Passive Glass Cannon}}
{{Wizard Passive Temporal Flux}}

==Development==
'''Energy Twister''' was first shown at [[BlizzCon 2008]] when the Wizard debuted, then named [[Tornado]] and placed at Tier IV on the [[Storm Skill Tree]]. For [[BlizzCon 2009]], this skill was moved to Tier III and renamed Energy Twister. Why the name was changed is unknown, but the functionality remained roughly the same. [[Flux]] tried it out in the PvM demo:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/full-wizard-skill-trees/]

<blockquote>''This one was impressive, but very unpredictable. The graphic is great; you can see that in the Blizzcon 2009 gameplay movie, and it does more in more or less a straight line, but without some sort of tank I didn’t find it very easy to hit enemies with. Arcane Orb was nearly as damaging, far easier to aim, and cheaper on the mana. This Wizard just has so many cool active spells to try out it’s impossible to get a handle on everything in a short play time.</blockquote>

Energy Twister was available in the [[BlizzCon 2010]] demo, but wasn't one of the Wizard's starting skills. Skill tiers were removed for the [[July 2011 Press Event]], allowing skills to unlock steadily from levels 1 to 30. Consequently, all skill levels were adjusted and Energy Twister became a level 11 skill.

===Beta===
Energy Twister remained at level 11 when the beta started. [[Flux]] thought it was nice to look at but underwhelming:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/wizard-beta-skills-mega-report-part-one]

<blockquote>''Energy Twister looks pretty, and it’s kind of fun to play with. I took more screenshots of it than of most skills, since the visuals were nice. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work very well, and I’m not honestly sure what the skill is supposed to do well. The tornadoes aren’t any good at AoE damage (too small a radius), they take a long time to reach even close targets, they move erratically and can’t be aimed, they have some slight stunning effect that draws monsters in, but it’s not strong enough to have much effect, and they don’t deal that much damage even when they do hit something.</blockquote>

With the Patch 13 changes, Energy Twister was classified as an Arcane skill and moved to level 15. For March's [[Beta Patch 14]], Energy Twister was dropped to level 13 but also nerfed a bit. Also, the category "Arcane" was renamed "Force".

===Previous Versions===
See the [[Wizard skill archive]] for more details on previous versions of Energy Twister (or [[Tornado]]) and other Wizard skills.

===In Other Games===
Energy Twister is an updated version of the {{iw|Druid Druid}}'s skill {{iw|Twister Twister}} from [[Diablo II]].


==Media==
Energy Twister can be seen in action on video here:
* [[Gameplay: Blizzcon 2008]]
* [[Video: Blizzcon 2010 Rune Effects]]
* [[Skill Animations Videos#Wizard Video|Video: August 2011 Wizard Skill Animations]]

You can find pictures in the Diablo III screenshot and picture gallery:
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/ Diablo III screenshots and pictures]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/search.php?keywords=Energy+Twister&cat=all '''Energy Twister''' specific gallery contents]

<gallery>
Image:Tornado.jpg|An Energy Twister
Image:Tornado2.jpg|[[Wizard]] fighting [[skeleton]]s with twisters.
Image:Energytwister.jpg|Male Wizard - March 2010
</gallery>

==References==
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/full-wizard-skill-trees/ BlizzCon 2009 Full Wizard Skill Trees]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7960229#post7960229 Zediono's translation of JudgeHype's pre-beta report] — IncGamers 1st Aug 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8007624#post8007624 Silva's Wizard Runestone Effects] — IncGamers 5th Sep 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/wizard-beta-skills-mega-report-part-two Wizard Beta Skills Mega-report: Part Two] — IncGamers 5th Oct 2011
* [http://us.battle.net/d3/en/class/wizard/active/ Wizard Active Skills] — Blizzard's Official Diablo III Site

{{Skill navbox Diablo III|Wizard|force}}

[[category:Wizard skills]]
[[category:Active skills]]

Wave of Force

2012-05-13T11:21:23Z

Maurish: Updated skill rune table

[[File:IconWaveForce.png|left]]
[[File:Wiz-wave-of-force01.jpg|thumb|350px|Wave of Force in action.]]
'''Wave of Force''' is a Force [[Wizard skill]] unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 9, creating a force wave from the Wizard, repelling enemies and projectiles.

 __TOC__
==Background==
The [[Wizard]] uses pure Arcane force to push objects, projectiles and enemies alike away from her. The force is primary pushing targets rather than hurting them.

==Skill Rune Effects==
The following is a very quick summary. See the [[Wave of Force rune effects]] page for a more thorough description of rune effects, or any of the individual rune pages for numbers, screenshots, blue quotes, and much more.

{{skill description header}}
<skill class="Wizard">Wave of Force</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Impactful Wave">Wave of Force</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Force Affinity">Wave of Force</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Forceful Wave">Wave of Force</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Teleporting Wave">Wave of Force</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Exploding Wave">Wave of Force</skill>

==Skill Design==
This defensive spell casts a nova-like blast of light that deals just minor damage, but that shoves back enemies and projectiles.

Wave of Force is used twice in the Wizard Trailer released at [[BlizzCon 2008]]. The first is used in a room of [[skeleton]]s -- it does little damage to the skeletons, but blasts all the destructibles in the room to glorious pieces. In the second example, the Wizard uses it while [[Slow Time|slowing down time]], waiting for a group of skeletons' projectiles to come close, and then reflecting them back toward them.

It's hard to know how many scenarios in a fast-paced game like this where you could really benefit from using Slow Time and then Wave of Force to repel projectiles -- Out of the 8 projectiles in the above screenshot, only one or two actually came back to strike their targets. It will be interesting to see what practical uses there are for this spell as more gameplay videos unfold.

[[File:Wave-of-force3.jpg|thumb|center|750px|Female Wizard slams skeletons in front of King Leoric in this shot from the beta.]]

==Synergies==
The following [[Wizard passives]] provide a benefit to Wave of Force, runed or not:
{{Passive skills header}}
{{Wizard Passive Evocation}}
{{Wizard Passive Glass Cannon}}

==Development==
[[Image:Wiz-wave-of-force1.jpg|thumb|250px|right|[[Skeleton]] smash.]]
'''Wave of Force''' was first shown at [[BlizzCon 2008]] when the [[Wizard]] was unveiled, as a Tier II skill on the [[Arcane Skill Tree]]. Unfortunately, [[Flux]] (and other demo players) found little use for defensive skills:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/wizard-gameplay-report/P2/]

<blockquote>''Sadly, I never used it, since it’s basically a defensive skill that wasn’t needed in the Blizzcon Demo. It’s demonstrated in the Blizzcon gameplay movies though, and looks pretty fun. Wave of Force casts a nova-like ring of energy that blasts out from the Wizard, shoving back enemies and reflecting projectiles towards their source. The possibilities created when teaming this with Slow Time are fun to contemplate.</blockquote>

Wave of Force was available at [[BlizzCon 2009]], where it lost a little bit of damage and had a lot lower [[mana]] cost. This skill was also available at [[BlizzCon 2010]], but it wasn't one of the Wizard's starting skills.

Skill tiers were removed for the [[July 2011 Press Event]], allowing skills to unlock steadily from levels 1 to 30. Consequently, all skill levels were adjusted and Wave of Force became a level 4 skill.

===Beta===
{{Beta skill notes}}

Wave of Force remained at level 4 when the beta started. [[Flux]] thought it fun but still pretty useless in the early game found in the beta:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/wizard-beta-skills-mega-report-part-one]

<blockquote>''...it’s purely a support skill in the beta. The long cooldown ensures that, and even if not, the range is fairly limited, compared to your real attack skills like Arcane Orb, Electrocute, and Disintegrate. By the time you get close enough to hit any ranged attacker with Frost Nova or this, your Wizard is getting nailed by all incoming projectiles, not to mention the melee attackers you are running past to get to the back row.</blockquote>

With the Patch 13 changes, Wave of Force was classified as an Arcane skill and moved to level 9. For March's [[Beta Patch 14]], Wave of Force was nerfed slightly, and the "Arcane" category was renamed "Force".

===Previous Versions===
See the [[Wizard skill archive]] for more details on previous versions of Wave of Force and other Wizard skills. 
Or see [[Wave of Force (BlizzCon 2008)]] for the original version of this skill.


==Media==
Wave of Force can be seen in action on video here:
* [[Cinematic: Wizard]]
* [[Gameplay: July 2011]]

You can find pictures in the Diablo III screenshot and picture gallery:
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/ Diablo III screenshots and pictures]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/search.php?keywords=Wave+of+Force&cat=all '''Wave of Force''' specific gallery contents]

<gallery>
Image:Wiz-wave-of-force1.jpg|Wizard casting Wave of Force in a small room.
Image:Wiz-wave-of-force2.jpg|Using WoF to repel [[skeleton]]s when fighting [[King Leoric]].
Image:Skill wizard slowtime.jpg|[[Slow Time]] with WoF to throw spells back at [[caster]]s.
Image:Wiz-wave-of-force01.jpg|Blasting skeletons with Force.
</gallery>

==References==
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/wizard-gameplay-report/P2/ BlizzCon 2008 Wizard Gameplay Report]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/full-wizard-skill-trees/ BlizzCon 2009 Full Wizard Skill Trees]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7960229#post7960229 Zediono's translation of JudgeHype's pre-beta report] — IncGamers 1st Aug 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8007624#post8007624 Silva's Wizard Runestone Effects] — IncGamers 5th Sep 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/wizard-beta-skills-mega-report-part-one Wizard Beta Skills Mega-report: Part One] — IncGamers 4th Oct 2011
* [http://us.battle.net/d3/en/class/wizard/active/ Wizard Active Skills] — Blizzard's Official Diablo III Site

{{Skill navbox Diablo III|Wizard|force}}

[[category:Wizard skills]]
[[category:Active skills]]

File:IconWaveOfForce.png

2012-05-13T11:20:46Z

Maurish:

Teleport

2012-05-13T11:18:41Z

Maurish: Updated skill rune table

[[File:IconTeleport.png|left]]
[[File:Wiz-teleport1.jpg|thumb|350px|A Wizard in her pre-teleport jump.]]
'''Teleport''' is a Defensive [[Wizard skill]] unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 22, allowing the [[caster]] to instantly transport herself a short distance through the air.

This skill is the Wizard's [[movement ability]].

 __TOC__
==Background==
The Teleport [[skill]] is a way for trained [[magic]] users to traverse the Ether - and with the speed of thought - materialize in another location a short distance from the entry point. This skill works without the aid of external gateways like the [[Town Portal]] spell or [[Waypoint]]s, but is likely using similar techniques. The Teleport spell is only reliable over short distances, to jump gaps, or to escape immediate danger.

It's unknown why the spell is only usable for short distance travel, but the likely scenario is that it becomes significantly harder for the caster to return to the [[Physical realm]], the farther away they try to re-emerge. The beacon-like gateways of Waypoints and Town Portal spells may address this problem, thus allowing longer travel distances.

==Skill Rune Effects==
The following is a very quick summary. See the [[Teleport rune effects]] page for a more thorough description of rune effects, or any of the individual rune pages for numbers, screenshots, blue quotes, and much more.

{{skill description header}}
<skill class="Wizard">Teleport</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Safe Passage">Teleport</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Wormhole">Teleport</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Reversal">Teleport</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Fracture">Teleport</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Calamity">Teleport</skill>

==Skill Design==
Teleport has been seen in videos, and was testable for the first time in the PvP Arena demo at [[Blizzcon 2010]]. The main difference in the Diablo III version (compared to the Diablo II version) is in the character animation. In the new version, the Wizard leaps up into the air when casting it, appears in the air at the location she targets the skill, and falls to the ground after she appears. This makes the spell less of an instant escape/movement option. Just in case that wasn't clear enough, the developers have added a fairly lengthy [[cooldown]] to the skill. They seem to be serious about not letting Teleport be the queen of all fast moving, item run spells. However, the spell can be used offensively with the addition of [[rune|skill runes]].

In one of the [[BlizzCon 2008]] panels, Teleport was demonstrated with a [[Striking Rune|striking]] [[skill rune]] socketed in it. With the rune, the spell was given an offensive component, dealing damage to all monsters in the area to which the wizard teleported. Socketing in a [[Hydra Rune]] (former name: Multi Strike) would instead cause the Wizard to split into images of herself when teleporting, making the skill useful to distract [[monster]]s, just like [[Mirror Image]]. The names of the skill runes have since been changed and it is unknown whether similiar rune effects for Teleport have been retained.

Each class has been given its own type of [[movement ability]] with a unique design/feel.

===Video===
A video of Teleport can be seen below, courtesy of [http://www.youtube.com/Diablo3Inc the DiabloInc You Tube channel].

<youtube>1O4Ubqa6Y2M</youtube>

==Synergies==
The following [[Wizard passives]] provide a benefit to Teleport, runed or not:
{{Passive skills header}}
{{Wizard Passive Evocation}}
{{Wizard Passive Illusionist}}

==Development==
[[Image:Teleport_striking.jpg|frame|Teleport with [[Striking Rune]].]]
'''Teleport''' was first shown at [[BlizzCon 2008]] when the [[Wizard]] debuted. Back then, it was at Tier IV in the [[Arcane Skill Tree]] and wasn't playable in the demo.

When Teleport was seen in the [[BlizzCon 2009]] demo, it had a greatly increased range (from 40 to 100 feet), a slightly lowered mana cost, and had been moved to Tier VI. Again, however, it wasn't playable.

Teleport was finally available for play at [[BlizzCon 2010]], where it was one of the Wizard's skills in the [[PvP]] demo. [[Flux]] allayed fears about the speed of the animation:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/hands-on-from-blizzcon-mega-pvp-arena-report/]

<blockquote>''Teleport was fun to use, and I was surprised at how quick it was. I’d thought with the new Diablo III animation—where the Wizard leaps up into the air before vanishing, and appears in mid-air and drops to earth on the other end—that it would be kind of slow. Not noticeable. Teleport felt as instantaneous as the Teleport in Diablo II. The delay was from the cooldown, which was around 8 seconds. This effectively turned Teleport into an emergency escape skill, one that was great during the busy scramble of an early round, but one that wasn’t so useful late game, if you were outnumbered and being hunted down.</blockquote>

Skill tiers were removed for the [[July 2011 Press Event]], allowing skills to unlock steadily from levels 1 to 30. Consequently, all skill levels were adjusted and Teleport became a level 18 skill.

===Beta===
{{Beta skill notes}}

Teleport remained at level 18 when the beta started. Fortunately, it was available in the [[BlizzCon 2011]] PvP demo, and The Eliminator was able to try it out:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/blizzcon-2011-pvp-demo-the-wizard]

<blockquote>''Hands down, Teleport is still king of the movement skills. It was never more evident during the match when you wanted to get away from a group of opponents. You could Teleport twice to get out of sight, then turn left or right and lose almost any pursuer. Teleport wasn’t just for running away, either. It was also great to catch up to people so you could finish them off.</blockquote>

With the Patch 13 changes, Teleport was classified as a Defensive skill and bumped up to level 22.

===Previous Versions===
See the [[Wizard skill archive]] for more details on previous versions of Teleport and other Wizard skills. 
Or see [[Teleport (BlizzCon 2008)]] for the original version of this skill.

===In Other Games===
In [[Diablo I]], all classes with enough intellect could use the Teleport spell, albeit any class besides the {{iw|Sorcerer Sorcerer}} did so with a much longer casting time, as with all spells.

In [[Diablo II]] there was only one class capable of using {{iw|Teleport Teleport}} without the use of the rune word {{iw|Enigma Enigma}}, the {{iw|Sorceress Sorceress}}. This was due to Diablo II having individual skill trees rather than just a spellbook like in the original Diablo.


==Media==
Teleport can be seen in action on video here:
* [[Gameplay: Blizzcon 2010]] (in the [[Arena]])

You can find pictures in the Diablo III screenshot and picture gallery:
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/ Diablo III screenshots and pictures]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/search.php?keywords=Teleport&cat=all '''Teleport''' specific gallery contents]

<gallery>
Image:Teleport_striking.jpg|Teleport used with a [[Striking Rune]].
File:Wiz-teleport1.jpg|Teleporting Wizard appears in mid-air.
</gallery>

==References==
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/wizard-gameplay-report/P2/ BlizzCon 2008 Wizard Gameplay Report]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/full-wizard-skill-trees/ BlizzCon 2009 Full Wizard Skill Trees]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/hands-on-from-blizzcon-mega-pvp-arena-report/ BlizzCon 2010 PvP Hands-on Report]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7960229#post7960229 Zediono's translation of JudgeHype's pre-beta report] — IncGamers 1st Aug 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8007624#post8007624 Silva's Wizard Runestone Effects] — IncGamers 5th Sep 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/blizzcon-2011-pvp-demo-the-wizard Blizzcon 2011 PvP Demo: The Wizard] — IncGamers 28th Oct 2011
* [http://us.battle.net/d3/en/class/wizard/active/ Wizard Active Skills] — Blizzard's Official Diablo III Site

{{Skill navbox Diablo III|Wizard|defensive}}

[[category:Wizard skills]]
[[category:Active skills]]

Slow Time

2012-05-13T11:16:21Z

Maurish: Updated skill rune table

[[File:IconSlowTime.png|left]]
[[File:Wiz-slow-time1.jpg|thumb|350px|Slow Time in action.]]
'''Slow Time''' is a Defensive [[Wizard skill]] unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 16, creating a bubble where time flows slower for all enemies and their projectiles.

 __TOC__
==Background==
Slow Time is presumably one of the spells the [[Wizard]] learned from the [[Ancient Repositories]] of [[Caldeum]] where she was interrupted by [[Valthek]].

Messing with timespace is something not even the [[Vizjerei]] do any more, and is considered one of the most dangerous forms of [[magic]].

==Skill Rune Effects==
The following is a very quick summary. See the [[Slow Time rune effects]] page for a more thorough description of rune effects, or any of the individual rune pages for numbers, screenshots, blue quotes, and much more.

{{skill description header}}
<skill class="Wizard">Slow Time</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Miasma">Slow Time</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Time Warp">Slow Time</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Time Shell">Slow Time</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Perpetuity">Slow Time</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Stretch Time">Slow Time</skill>

==Skill Design==
[[image:Wiz-slowtime-rune1.jpg|thumb|350px|Slow Time with unknown (but pretty) rune effect]]
Slow Time creates a bubble that surrounds the [[Wizard]]. Any enemies or enemy projectiles that enter the bubble are greatly slowed. The Wizard, her spell projectiles, and her allies are not affected by the slow time bubble, giving them a huge advantage over the greatly slowed enemies. The bubble remains where it was cast, persisting for several seconds, but the Wizard can move as soon as the spell is cast, though if she moves outside the bubble monsters may again target her without their shots or attacks being slowed.

It's assumed that some [[boss|boss monsters]] (and their projectiles?) will be immune to the slowing effect, but this is not yet known, and is subject to further balancing anyway.

This spell has been used with [[Wave of Force]] to first slow enemy projectiles, and then throwing them back at the enemy.

===Video===
A video of Slow Time can be seen below, courtesy of [http://www.youtube.com/Diablo3Inc the DiabloInc You Tube channel].

<youtube>dFpG7ApIWdE</youtube>

==Synergies==
The following [[Wizard passives]] provide a benefit to Slow Time, runed or not:
{{Passive skills header}}
{{Wizard Passive Evocation}}

==Development==
'''Slow Time''' was first seen at [[BlizzCon 2008]] when the [[Wizard]] was unveiled. It was updated ever so slightly in the demo shown at [[BlizzCon 2009]], where it had moved down one tier in the [[Arcane Skill Tree]], to Tier IV.

At [[BlizzCon 2010]], Slow Time was one of the Wizard's skills in the [[PvP]] demo. [[Flux]] found it useful:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/hands-on-from-blizzcon-mega-pvp-arena-report/]

<blockquote>''One of the most useful skills in the Arena. Not just for the Wizard, but for the whole team. A Wizard who managed to cast one of these out in the center of the arena, where most of the early round action took place, gave her team a huge advantage. Enemy Barbs were nearly frozen in it, Mongrels were basically stuck there for the duration of the spell, and even other casters hated to be inconvenienced. It wasn’t as much on defense, since there weren’t many projectiles flying in the demo, but it was great to block movement.</blockquote>

Skill tiers were removed for the [[July 2011 Press Event]], allowing skills to unlock steadily from levels 1 to 30. Consequently, all skill levels were adjusted and Slow Time became a level 16 skill.

===Beta===
{{Beta skill notes}}

Slow Time remained at level 16 when the beta started. With the Patch 13 changes, it was classified as a Defensive skill (but stayed at level 16).

===Previous Versions===
See the [[Wizard skill archive]] for more details on previous versions of Slow Time and other Wizard skills. 
Or see [[Slow Time (BlizzCon 2008)]] for the original version of this skill.


==Media==
Slow Time can be seen in action on video here:
* [[Cinematic: Wizard]]
* [[Gameplay: Blizzcon 2008]]
* [[Gameplay: Blizzcon 2010]] (in the [[Arena]])
* [[Gameplay: July 2011]]

You can find pictures in the Diablo III screenshot and picture gallery:
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/ Diablo III screenshots and pictures]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/search.php?keywords=Slow+Time&cat=all '''Slow Time''' specific gallery contents]

<gallery>
Image:Wiz-slow-time1.jpg|Shooting [[Electrocute]] out of a Slow Time bubble.
Image:Skill_wizard_slowtime.jpg|Slow Time with [[Wave of Force]] to throw spells back at [[caster]]s.
Image:Wiz-disintegrate1.jpg|[[Disintegrate]] cast from within a time bubble.
Image:ST_crimson.jpg| Crimson rune.
Image:ST_obsidian.jpg| Obsidian rune.
Image:ST_indigo.jpg| Indigo rune.
Image:ST_distortion.jpg| Distortion effect from the slow time field.
</gallery>

==References==
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/full-wizard-skill-trees/ BlizzCon 2009 Full Wizard Skill Trees]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/hands-on-from-blizzcon-mega-pvp-arena-report/ BlizzCon 2010 PvP Hands-on Report]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7960229#post7960229 Zediono's translation of JudgeHype's pre-beta report] — IncGamers 1st Aug 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8007624#post8007624 Silva's Wizard Runestone Effects] — IncGamers 5th Sep 2011
* [http://us.battle.net/d3/en/class/wizard/active/ Wizard Active Skills] — Blizzard's Official Diablo III Site

{{Skill navbox Diablo III|Wizard|defensive}}

[[category:Wizard skills]]
[[category:Active skills]]

Diamond Skin

2012-05-13T11:12:42Z

Maurish: Updated skill rune table

[[File:IconDiamondSkin.png|left]]
[[File:Diamond-skin1.jpg|thumb|Diamond Skin as seen in the Beta.]]
'''Diamond Skin''' (originally named [[Stone Skin]]) is a Defensive [[Wizard skill]] unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 8, protecting the caster from incoming damage.

 __TOC__
==Background==
Calling upon Arcane forces, the Wizard can make her skin hard as diamond for short period of time.

==Skill Rune Effects==
The following is a very quick summary. See the [[Diamond Skin rune effects]] page for a more thorough description of rune effects, or any of the individual rune pages for numbers, screenshots, blue quotes, and much more.

{{skill description header}}
<skill class="Wizard">Diamond Skin</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Crystal Shell">Diamond Skin</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Prism">Diamond Skin</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Mirror Skin">Diamond Skin</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Enduring Skin">Diamond Skin</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Diamond Shards">Diamond Skin</skill>

==Skill Design==
Diamond Skin absorbs all types incoming damage. The [[skill]] expires after the duration runs out, or it absorbs the maximum possible damage. There is a substantial cool down before it can be recast, and the short duration makes it wise to cast just before damage is to be taken.

==Synergies==
The following [[Wizard passives]] provide a benefit to Diamond Skin, runed or not:
{{Passive skills header}}
{{Wizard Passive Evocation}}

==Development==
'''Diamond Skin''' was first shown at [[BlizzCon 2008]] when the Wizard debuted. It was originally named [[Stone Skin]] and was at Tier II on the [[Conjuring Skill Tree]]. It absorbed 30 damage at rank 1, and appeared as a rough textured sort of graininess.

For [[BlizzCon 2009]], Stone Skin was at Tier III and sported much improved damage reduction, as well as improved visuals. [[Flux]] discussed the new look:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/d3-character-panel-skill-improvements/]

<blockquote>''[Stone Skin] didn’t show up well on the slender Wizard. The new version is quite different and impossible to miss. The wizard is now sheathed in glowing blue crystals, almost like some superhero made from sapphires. In fact, the skill is so different in look that the team is probably going to rename it, though they’ve not settled on a change from Stone Skin, yet.</blockquote>

Soon afterwords, the development team did indeed change the name to Diamond Skin to better fit the new visuals.

Diamond Skin was one of the Wizard's skills in the [[BlizzCon 2010]] PvP demo, where it was occasionally a life saver, but only if used properly, as [[Flux]] explained:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/hands-on-from-blizzcon-mega-pvp-arena-report/]

<blockquote>''At level 5 with a rune it absorbed 150 damage of any type, but the duration was quite short, so you had to cast it just before you needed it. Also, 150 sounded like a lot, but a Meteor or grinding Barb could do double that in a second, and Wizards with Diamond Skin on tended to feel invulnerable, and stuck around in dangerous, melee situations longer than they should have.''</blockquote>

Skill tiers were removed for the [[July 2011 Press Event]], allowing skills to unlock steadily from levels 1 to 30. Consequently, all skill levels were adjusted and Diamond Skin became a level 9 skill.

===Beta===
{{Beta skill notes}}

Diamond Skin remained at level 9 when the beta started. As a defensive skill, it didn't garner a lot of interest in the beta, but [[Flux]] suggested a possible use for it:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/wizard-beta-skills-mega-report-part-two]

<blockquote>''Perhaps the most likely use for Diamond Skin would be in PvP, where a few seconds of damage mitigation could make or break a battle. You play defensively with a Wizard in the Arena, always dodging and firing from a distance and staying out of reach. But every now and then a Barbarian or a Monk will catch you; how delightful it would be to pop your Diamond Shield just as they unloaded, completely erasing their opportunity to do pain unto you.</blockquote>

With the Patch 13 changes, it was classified as a Defensive skill and moved to level 8. For March's [[Beta Patch 14]], Diamond Skin's damage reduction was reduce by almost 50%.

===Previous Versions===
See the [[Wizard skill archive]] for more details on previous versions of Diamond Skin (or [[Stone Skin]]) and other Wizard skills.


==Media==
Diamond Skin can be seen in action on video here:
* [[Gameplay: Blizzcon 2008]] (original [[Stone Skin]] appearance)
* [[Gameplay: Blizzcon 2010]] (in the [[Arena]])

You can find pictures in the Diablo III screenshot and picture gallery:
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/ Diablo III screenshots and pictures]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/search.php?keywords=Diamond+Skin&cat=all '''Diamond Skin''' specific gallery contents]

<gallery>
File:Wiz_diamond_skin.jpg|Diamond skin in use in the [[Battle Arena]].
File:Diamondskin_zoomed.jpg|Diamond Skin active, and then later "breaking" as the duration ends.
</gallery>

==References==
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/wizard-gameplay-report/P2/ BlizzCon 2008 Wizard Gameplay Report]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/d3-character-panel-skill-improvements/ BlizzCon 2009 Character Panel, Skill Improvements]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/full-wizard-skill-trees/ BlizzCon 2009 Full Wizard Skill Trees]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/hands-on-from-blizzcon-mega-pvp-arena-report/ BlizzCon 2010 PvP Hands-on Report]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7960229#post7960229 Zediono's translation of JudgeHype's pre-beta report] — IncGamers 1st Aug 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8007624#post8007624 Silva's Wizard Runestone Effects] — IncGamers 5th Sep 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/wizard-beta-skills-mega-report-part-two Wizard Beta Skills Mega-report: Part Two] — IncGamers 5th Oct 2011
* [http://us.battle.net/d3/en/class/wizard/active/ Wizard Active Skills] — Blizzard's Official Diablo III Site

{{Skill_navbox_Diablo_III|Wizard|defensive}}

[[category:Wizard skills]]
[[category:Active skills]]

Frost Nova

2012-05-13T11:10:54Z

Maurish: Updated skill rune table

[[File:IconFrostNova.png|left]]
[[File:Wiz-frost-nova1.jpg|thumb|350px|Frost Nova in action.]]
'''Frost Nova''' is a Defensive [[Wizard skill]] unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 4, sending out a flash of severe frost, damaging and often slowing enemies.

 __TOC__
==Background==
The [[Wizard]] has learned some knowledge of the [[Zann Esu]] [[mage clan]] that first tried to foster her like it did the Diablo II [[Sorceress]] heroine, and improved on it. She has modified the staple Frost Nova to deal more damage and have a higher chance of hitting vital areas of opponents, freezing them in one spot.

==Skill Rune Effects==
The following is a very quick summary. See the [[Frost Nova rune effects]] page for a more thorough description of rune effects, or any of the individual rune pages for numbers, screenshots, blue quotes, and much more.

{{skill description header}}
<skill class="Wizard">Frost Nova</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Shatter">Frost Nova</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Cold Snap">Frost Nova</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Frozen Mist">Frost Nova</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Deep Freeze">Frost Nova</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Bone Chill">Frost Nova</skill>

==Skill Design==
[[image:Wiz-frostnova-runed1.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Frost Nova freezing EVERYONE.]]
Frost Nova is pretty much the same [[skill]] it was in D2, but with vastly improved graphics. Instead of just a ring of frost, it now sends out a gaseous ring that's speckled with dozens of shooting, snowball-like projectiles. As it was in D2, the skill is not very damaging and is best used for defensive purposes, a fact that's reinforced by the eternity of a 12 second cool down it's saddled with.

However, its is improved over the D2 version in several ways. It now has a pretty good chance of freezing the enemy rather than just chilling it, and it casts very quickly; so fast you can hardly even see the ring expanding out. It looked much faster and less detailed in the [[BlizzCon 2009]] build than it has in previous screenshots, which I found disappointing.

==Synergies==
The following [[Wizard passives]] provide a benefit to Frost Nova, runed or not:
{{Passive skills header}}
{{Wizard Passive Evocation}}
{{Wizard Passive Glass Cannon}}

==Development==
'''Frost Nova''' was first shown at [[BlizzCon 2008]] when the [[Wizard]] debuted, on the [[Storm Skill Tree]] at Tier II. It was changed slightly in appearance at [[BlizzCon 2009]], in that the animation and graphics were sped up, possibly as a balancing change.

Frost Nova was one of the Wizard's starting skills at [[BlizzCon 2010]], and [[Flux]] found it to be very useful, indeed almost overpowered:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/hands-on-from-blizzcon-mega-pvm-report-wizard]

<blockquote>''The nova doesn’t just chill, it freezes the non-bosses, and for more than a second, which I was surprised to see at just level one. Presumably chill time is reduced on higher difficulty levels, as it was in D2, but this was a very powerful spell for so low in the skill tree.</blockquote>

Skill tiers were removed for the [[July 2011 Press Event]], allowing skills to unlock steadily from levels 1 to 30. Consequently, all skill levels were adjusted and Frost Nova became a level 1 skill.

===Beta===
{{Beta skill notes}}

Frost Nova was moved to level 2 during the [[beta]], and [[Flux]] explained how to use it correctly:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/wizard-beta-skills-mega-report-part-one]

<blockquote>''Besides the cooldown time, Frost Nova is limited by having a fairly short range. You have to be in the middle of a big pack or right at the edge in order to hit more than just a few enemies with this one, and the freeze time is just 4 seconds. Like most of Diablo III’s defensive skills it’s not a “cast it and relax” type thing. You’ve got to drop this one and immediately continue your attack with other skills, since those monsters aren’t going to hold still for long.</blockquote>

With the Patch 13 changes, it was classified as a Defensive skill and moved to level 4.

===Previous Versions===
See the [[Wizard skill archive]] for more details on previous versions of Frost Nova and other Wizard skills.

===In Other Games===
This skill is an updated version of [[Diablo II]]'s {{iw|Sorceress Sorceress}} skill {{iw|Frost_Nova Frost Nova}} with improved graphics.


==Media==
Frost Nova can be seen in action on video here:
* [[Video: Blizzcon 2010 Rune Effects]]

You can find pictures in the Diablo III screenshot and picture gallery:
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/ Diablo III screenshots and pictures]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/search.php?keywords=Frost+Nova&cat=all '''Frost Nova''' specific gallery contents]

<gallery>
Image:FrostNovaBeta.png|Female [[Wizard]] casting Frost Nova.
</gallery>

==References==
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/wizard-gameplay-report/P2/ BlizzCon 2008 Wizard Gameplay Report]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/full-wizard-skill-trees/ BlizzCon 2009 Full Wizard Skill Trees]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/hands-on-from-blizzcon-mega-pvm-report-wizard BlizzCon 2010 Wizard Hands-on Report]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7960229#post7960229 Zediono's translation of JudgeHype's pre-beta report] — IncGamers 1st Aug 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8007624#post8007624 Silva's Wizard Runestone Effects] — IncGamers 5th Sep 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/wizard-beta-skills-mega-report-part-one Wizard Beta Skills Mega-report: Part One] — IncGamers 4th Oct 2011
* [http://us.battle.net/d3/en/class/wizard/active/ Wizard Active Skills] — Blizzard's Official Diablo III Site

{{Skill navbox Diablo III|Wizard|defensive}}

[[category:Wizard skills]]
[[category:Active skills]]

Disintegrate

2012-05-13T11:08:55Z

Maurish: Updated skill rune table

[[File:IconDisintegrate.png|left]]
[[File:Wiz-disintegrate1.jpg|thumb|350px|Disintegrate in action.]]
'''Disintegrate''' is a Secondary [[Wizard skill]] unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 21, firing a laser beam of Arcane damage that moves instantly from the Wizard's hand to the edge of the screen. Its piercing ability and unrivaled speed are slightly offset by the fact that the Wizard is stuck in place while casting it.

* An earlier version of this skill had a much more complicated operation. For details, see: [[Disintegrate (July 2011)]].

 __TOC__
==Background==
A [[Wizard]] can call forth a death ray of Arcane energies to make matter simply vanish.

==Skill Rune Effects==
The following is a very quick summary. See the [[Disintegrate rune effects]] page for a more thorough description of rune effects, or any of the individual rune pages for numbers, screenshots, blue quotes, and much more.

{{skill description header}}
<skill class="Wizard">Disintegrate</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Convergence">Disintegrate</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Chaos Nexus">Disintegrate</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Volatility">Disintegrate</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Entropy">Disintegrate</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Intensify">Disintegrate</skill>

==Skill Design==
[[File:Disintegrate7.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Disintegrating [[Leoric]] while the [[Templar]] tanks.]]
Disintegrate fires a red, ruler-straight laser beam of [[arcane]] damage, striking everything in a line [[AoE]] for a considerable distance away from the Wizard. The beam remains active as long as the mouse button is depressed ([[Arcane Power]] permitting). To aim it, move the mouse around and the Wizard will spin like a top, firing in whatever direction the mouse points her.

The spell previously gained bonus damage to a single target with a longer lock on, but this feature seem to have been removed as of the beta test. Conversely, Disintegrate formerly did 20% less damage to each additional target, but this also seems to have been removed as of the beta.

The skill is enormously effective against large groups of weak enemies, and can kill dozens or monsters in a blink as the player hoses the beam across the advancing hordes. It is less effective against larger enemies, and is ill-suited to killing big bosses since the damage is not high enough and the resource cost grows excessive.

===Range and Speed===
[[File:Disintegrate-max-range1.jpg|thumb|400px|Disintegrate max range.]]
Disintegrate seems like an infinite weapon at first glance, but it is limited in range and speed, as players come to realize after experimenting with it a bit. The range goes to and past the edge of the visible screen in most instances, but it does not quite reach the diagonal corners.

You see it falling far short of the edge in the screenshot to the right, but that is somewhat misleading, since the steep stairway in that image forced the "camera" to remain up higher, giving a longer view than you normally see in the game.

===Video===
A video of Disintegrate can be seen below, courtesy of [http://www.youtube.com/Diablo3Inc the DiabloInc You Tube channel].

<youtube>ocXBwZtyX4M</youtube>

==Synergies==
The following [[Wizard passives]] provide a benefit to Disintegrate, runed or not:
{{Passive skills header}}
{{Wizard Passive Glass Cannon}}
{{Wizard Passive Temporal Flux}}

==Development==
'''Disintegrate''' was first shown at [[BlizzCon 2008]] when the [[Wizard]] debuted, at that point located at Tier II in the [[Arcane Skill Tree]]. [[Flux]] described using it:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/wizard-gameplay-report/P2/]

<blockquote>''That’s one of the most interesting things about using Disintegrate; that it’s more effective if you’re not moving. But Wizards seldom have that luxury, at least not when they’re playing alone. A solo wizard is a hit and run machine, throwing magical projectiles, rushing back or to the sides to dodge returned fire, darting in to land a few Spectral Blade strikes, etc. Disintegrate looks like it’ll be very useful against weak, ranged attackers, or else will be best used in a multiplayer game, when some other character is up front tanking, giving the Wizard the freedom to pour this one on non-stop.</blockquote>

[[File:Disintegrate-arena2.jpg|thumb|300px|Dueling Wizard action.]]
It was slightly changed in the [[BlizzCon 2009]] demo, where it received a small boost in damage and mana cost. It was also boosted up to Tier IV, unfortunately putting it out of reach of players.

By [[BlizzCon 2010]], with skill trees gone, Disintegrate was at Tier 5 and one of the Wizard's preset skills in the [[PvP]] demo.
[[Flux]] spoke about using it in the [[Battle Arena]]:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/hands-on-from-blizzcon-mega-pvp-arena-report/]

<blockquote>''Very useful blasting, instant speed to the edge of the level, but it requires a clear line or sight, and it holds the Wizard in place while using it. Smart Wizards I saw used it a lot, but in bursts. Any time they had a clear shot they’d cook someone from a distance, ideally over one of the openings in the ground. The damage per second wasn’t huge, but it added up and was very easy to hit with.</blockquote>

Skill tiers were removed for the [[July 2011 Press Event]], allowing skills to unlock steadily from levels 1 to 30. Consequently, all skill levels were adjusted and Disintegrate became a level 12 skill.

===Beta===
{{Beta skill notes}}

Disintegrate remained at level 12 when the beta started. [[Flux]] discussed using it:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/wizard-beta-skills-mega-report-part-two]

<blockquote>''As fast as the spell moves, it can feel slow to target, at least compared to Electrocute, since the beam only goes right where you point it. Electrocute jumps between targets, so if you click a spot in the middle of a pack, it will hit everything in an instant, without you even moving the mouse. Disintegrate doesn’t do that, so you have to move the cursor to move the beam, and that can feel ponderous. Your character pivots in place, and while you can rotate pretty quickly, it’s slow enough to feel slightly realistic, like you’re actually turning and moving, not just flipping instantly from left to right.</blockquote>

With the [[Beta Patch 8]] of December 2011, Disintegrate was dropped to level 8. With the Patch 13 changes, it was classified as a Secondary skill and bumped all the way up to level 20, out of reach of beta players. With March's [[Beta Patch 14]], it was moved to level 21 and its damage slightly reduced.

===Previous Versions===
See the [[Wizard skill archive]] for more details on previous versions of Disintegrate and other Wizard skills. 
Or see [[Disintegrate (BlizzCon 2008)]] for the original version of this skill. 
Or see [[Disintegrate (July 2011)]] for a more recent version of this skill.

==Trivia==
With Diablo III, Blizzard have looked more at the traditional Dungeons & Dragons pen & paper RPG for inspiration. The Disintegrate spell is one of the "trademark" D&D spells, which name is likely taken in tribute to the pen & paper RPG.

==Media==
Disintegrate can be seen in action on video here:
* [[Cinematic: Wizard]]
* [[Gameplay: Blizzcon 2010]] (in the [[Arena]])
* [[Gameplay: July 2011]]
* [[Skill Animations Videos#Wizard Video|Video: August 2011 Wizard Skill Animations]]

You can find pictures in the Diablo III screenshot and picture gallery:
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/ Diablo III screenshots and pictures]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/search.php?keywords=Disintegrate&cat=all '''Disintegrate''' specific gallery contents]

<gallery>
Image:Wiz-disintegrate1.jpg|Disintegrate used in a [[Slow Time]] bubble.
Image:Wiz-disintegrate2.jpg|Disintegrate used on [[Zombie]]s.
Image:Disintegrate.jpg|Disintegrate used on a [[Skeleton]].
Image:Wiz-disintegrate3.jpg|Concept art.
</gallery>
[[Image:Wiz-disintegrate3.jpg|center|thumb|600px|Disintegrate in character artwork by Blizzard artist [[Josh Tallman]].]]

==References==
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/wizard-gameplay-report/P2/ BlizzCon 2008 Wizard Gameplay Report]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/full-wizard-skill-trees/ BlizzCon 2009 Full Wizard Skill Trees]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/hands-on-from-blizzcon-mega-pvp-arena-report/ BlizzCon 2010 PvP Hands-on Report]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7960229#post7960229 Zediono's translation of JudgeHype's pre-beta report] — IncGamers 1st Aug 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8007624#post8007624 Silva's Wizard Runestone Effects] — IncGamers 5th Sep 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/wizard-beta-skills-mega-report-part-two Wizard Beta Skills Mega-report: Part Two] — IncGamers 5th Oct 2011
* [http://us.battle.net/d3/en/class/wizard/active/ Wizard Active Skills] — Blizzard's Official Diablo III Site

{{Skill navbox Diablo III|Wizard|secondary}}

[[category:Wizard skills]]
[[category:Active skills]]

Arcane Torrent

2012-05-13T11:06:38Z

Maurish: Updated skill rune table

[[File:IconArcaneTorrent.png|left]]
[[File:Arcane-torrent4.jpg|thumb|400px|Arcane Torrent, [[beta patch 13]].]]
'''Arcane Torrent''' (previously named [[Meteor Storm]]) is a Secondary [[Wizard skill]] unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 12. It fires small pinkish/purple filaments at a targeted location, bombarding any enemies in the vicinity. It can be cast to any specific spot in range, and will not hit enemies between the Wizard and the location; only those in the firing zone are affected.

 __TOC__
==Background==
The Wizard calls down a shower of [[arcane]] energy, bombarding her enemies wherever she chooses.

==Skill Rune Effects==
The following is a very quick summary. See the [[Arcane Torrent rune effects]] page for a more thorough description of rune effects, or any of the individual rune pages for numbers, screenshots, blue quotes, and much more.

{{skill description header}}
<skill class="Wizard">Arcane Torrent</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Disruption">Arcane Torrent</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Death Blossom">Arcane Torrent</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Arcane Mines">Arcane Torrent</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Power Stone">Arcane Torrent</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Cascade">Arcane Torrent</skill>

==Skill Design==
Arcane Torrent can be cast for as long as the [[Wizard]] wishes, with an [[Arcane Power]] cost per second, rather than per use.

In earlier versions of the skill, it functioned like a spectral meteor shower, with the projectiles descending from high overhead. This was changed during development, and when players were first able to use the skill in the [[Beta patch 13]], the animation formed a slight swirl above the Wizard, before flying off at an arching trajectory (much like a thrown object, such as the Witch Doctor's [[Firebomb]] skill) to the targeted location.

The animation goes along with the function, of a slightly-delayed attack. A half second passes between the first click of the key and the arrival of the projectiles, which requires the player to adjust accordingly.

The targeting mechanism makes this very useful for hitting monster beyond the front row, such as mages or summoners or archers in the rear of tanking enemies. The time from cast to hit is fairly short, and the range of striking is at least 6 or 8 yards in radius, so it is possible to use Arcane Torrent against small, quick-moving enemies.

Arcane Torrent is less viable for melee fighting monsters, as it does not slow their advance and isn't an ideal choice for point blank combat. The fact that the projectiles hit where the Wizard targets makes it easy to move with or "lead" monsters along, bathing them in the very high damage attack for as long as they can survive it.

===Video===
A video of Arcane Torrent can be seen below, courtesy of [http://www.youtube.com/Diablo3Inc the DiabloInc You Tube channel].

<youtube>2NwKV3U_cbM</youtube>

==Synergies==
The following [[Wizard passives]] provide a benefit to Arcane Torrent, runed or not:
{{Passive skills header}}
{{Wizard Passive Glass Cannon}}
{{Wizard Passive Temporal Flux}}

==Development==
'''Arcane Torrent''' was first shown at [[BlizzCon 2008]] when the [[Wizard]] debuted, at that point named [[Meteor Storm]] and located in the [[Storm Skill Tree]]. It was part of the Wizard presentation video, and besides having its new name and being in the [[Arcane Skill Tree]], was completely unchanged in the [[BlizzCon 2009]] demo.

While Arcane Torrent was in the [[BlizzCon 2010]] demo, it was too high-level for players to select it. Skill tiers were removed for the [[July 2011 Press Event]], allowing skills to unlock steadily from levels 1 to 30. Consequently, all skill levels were adjusted and Arcane Torrent became a level 23 skill.

===Beta===
{{Beta skill notes}}

Arcane Torrent remained at level 23 when the bata started. Fortunately, it was available in the [[BlizzCon 2011]] PvP demo, and The Eliminator was able to try it out:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/blizzcon-2011-pvp-demo-the-wizard]

<blockquote>''The skill description doesn’t really tell you how effective this skill is. It just tells you how much damage it does, and it reads nice, but its not all rainbows and unicorns. The Torrent throws Arcane bolts up in the air and then they fly towards the targeted enemy. In short, its not fast, but if your target isn’t running you will hit them.</blockquote>

With the Patch 13 changes, it was classified as a Secondary skill and dropped down to level 12, giving players their first opportunity to try it out. For March's [[Beta Patch 14]], its damage was reduced slightly, except one rune effect - [[Death Blossom]] - which had its damage almost doubled.

===Previous Versions===
[[Meteor Storm]] was the original name of this skill. The name was likely changed when the [[Meteor]] skill was added. The skill looked like a meteor shower of polychromatic filaments, and rained down considerable projectiles on a single location. The current version is much changed in form and function.

See the [[Wizard skill archive]] for more details on previous versions of Arcane Orb (or [[Meteor Storm]]) and other Wizard skills.

==Media==
An early version of Arcane Torrent can be seen in action on video here:
* [[Cinematic: Wizard]]
* [[Skill Animations Videos#Wizard Video|Video: August 2011 Wizard Skill Animations]]

You can find pictures in the Diablo III screenshot and picture gallery:
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/ Diablo III screenshots and pictures]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/search.php?keywords=Arcane+Torrent&cat=all '''Arcane Torrent''' specific gallery contents]

<gallery>
Image:Wiz-meteor1.jpg|Closeup.
Image:Wiz-meteor2.jpg|Initial impact.
Image:Wiz-meteor3.jpg|Fire and stone.
Image:Wiz-meteor4.jpg|"Pelting" is the word!
File:Arcane-torrent5.jpg|Swirl, then fire.
File:Arcane-torrent-leoric1.jpg|Wizard bombards [[Leoric]].
</gallery>

==References==
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/wizard-gameplay-report/P2/ BlizzCon 2008 Wizard Gameplay Report]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/full-wizard-skill-trees/ BlizzCon 2009 Full Wizard Skill Trees]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7960229#post7960229 Zediono's translation of JudgeHype's pre-beta report] — IncGamers 1st Aug 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8007624#post8007624 Silva's Wizard Runestone Effects] — IncGamers 5th Sep 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/blizzcon-2011-pvp-demo-the-wizard Blizzcon 2011 PvP Demo: The Wizard] — IncGamers 28th Oct 2011
* [http://us.battle.net/d3/en/class/wizard/active/ Wizard Active Skills] — Blizzard's Official Diablo III Site

{{Skill navbox Diablo III|Wizard|secondary}}

[[category:Wizard skills]]
[[category:Active skills]]

Arcane Orb

2012-05-13T11:04:17Z

Maurish: Updated skill rune table

[[File:IconArcaneOrb.png|left]]
[[File:Arcane-orb-3.jpg|thumb|350px|Arcane Orb upon impact.]]
'''Arcane Orb''' is a Secondary [[Wizard skill]] unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 5, which explodes on touch, delivering [[Arcane]] damage.

 __TOC__
==Background==
The Wizard summons a glowing orb that upon touch will deal great damage to all foes and objects in its range.

==Skill Rune Effects==
The following is a very quick summary. See the [[Arcane Orb rune effects]] page for a more thorough description of rune effects, or any of the individual rune pages for numbers, screenshots, blue quotes, and much more.

{{skill description header}}
<skill class="Wizard">Arcane Orb</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Obliteration">Arcane Orb</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Arcane Orbit">Arcane Orb</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Arcane Nova">Arcane Orb</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Tap the Source">Arcane Orb</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Celestial Orb">Arcane Orb</skill>

==Skill Design==
A glowing orb of energy travels about 10 yards, before bursting in a nova of destruction. The spell looks something like the D2 [[Sorceress]]' {{iw|Sorceress_Cold_Spells#Frozen_Orb Frozen Orb}}, but without the spray of ice spears as it flies across the room. It works like the Fireball of [[Diablo I]].

This one very quickly became Flux's skill of choice for ranged attacks.[http://www.diii.net/blog/comments/full-wizard-skill-trees/] It dealt substantial damage with a big [[AoE]] splash, and had a reasonable [[mana]] cost. He is dubious about the listed 1-2 AoE damage, since a few of these into a group of enemies left no survivors.

==Synergies==
The following [[Wizard passives]] provide a benefit to Arcane Orb, runed or not:
{{Passive skills header}}
{{Wizard Passive Glass Cannon}}
{{Wizard Passive Temporal Flux}}

==Development==
'''Arcane Orb''' was first shown at [[BlizzCon 2008]] when the [[Wizard]] debuted, on the [[Arcane Skill Tree]] at Tier III.
By [[BlizzCon 2009]], the damage had been ever so slightly tuned down, and so had mana cost. [[Flux]] talked about a missed opportunity:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/full-wizard-skill-trees/]

<blockquote>''There was one scenario area in the desert (shown in the gameplay movie) where about five Dune Dervishes burst out of the ground at once. I didn’t think to try it at the time, but in retrospect I wish I could have herded the Dervishes into a cluster, and then tried throwing in some Arcane Orbs. Just to see if my Orbs would have been bounced around like pachinko balls.</blockquote>

Arcane Orb was available in the [[BlizzCon 2010]] demo, but wasn't one of the Wizard's starting skills. Skill tiers were removed for the [[July 2011 Press Event]], allowing skills to unlock steadily from levels 1 to 30. Consequently, all skill levels were adjusted and Arcane Orb became a level 8 skill.

===Beta===
{{Beta skill notes}}

Arcane Orb remained at level 8 when the beta started. [[Flux]] described how to use it effectively:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/wizard-beta-skills-mega-report-part-two]

<blockquote>''They do hit with a big boom, and if you get one to the edge of a big pack, it will deal substantial damage. The tricky part about using them (aside from the huge AP cost) is that they are large and move very slowly. This makes it easy to miss. Say you have a big clump of monsters, with several individuals scattered in front. You want the Arcane Orb to hit the big pack, not the solo enemy, but it’s hard not to. In that situation you’d be better off using some other skill, even Magic Missile, to kill the individual before launching your Arcane Orbs into the bigger cluster of targets.</blockquote>

With the [[Beta Patch 8]] of December 2011, Arcane Orb was dropped to level 3. With the Patch 13 changes, it was classified as a Secondary skill and moved to level 2. For March's [[Beta Patch 14]], it was bumped up to level 5, and its damage was nerfed quite a bit.

===Previous Versions===
See the [[Wizard skill archive]] for more details on previous versions of Arcane Orb and other Wizard skills. 
Or see [[Arcane Orb (BlizzCon 2008)]] for the original version of this skill.

===In Other Games===
Arcane Orb seems to be a spiritual successor to [[Diablo II]]'s {{iw|Sorceress Sorceress}} skill {{iw|Frozen_Orb Frozen Orb}}, which also features a slow-moving globe floating across the screen, but includes a spray of ice spears.


==Media==
Arcane Orb can be seen in action on video here:
* [[Gameplay: Blizzcon 2008]]
* [[Video: Blizzcon 2010 Rune Effects]]
* [[Gameplay: July 2011]]
* [[Skill Animations Videos#Wizard Video|Video: August 2011 Wizard Skill Animations]]

You can find pictures in the Diablo III screenshot and picture gallery:
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/ Diablo III screenshots and pictures]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/search.php?keywords=Arcane+Orb&cat=all '''Arcane Orb''' specific gallery contents]

<gallery>
Image:Wiz-arcane-orb1.jpg|Arcane Orb just exploded.
Image:Skill_wizard_arcaneorbsequence.jpg|Skill animation sequence.
File:Arcane-orb-max3.jpg|The maximum range shown thanks to some elevation.
</gallery>

[[File:Arcane-orb-max3.jpg|center|thumb|700px|Maximum Arcane Orb range and casting speed demonstration, from the Diablo 3 beta.]]

==References==
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/full-wizard-skill-trees/ BlizzCon 2009 Full Wizard Skill Trees]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7960229#post7960229 Zediono's translation of JudgeHype's pre-beta report] — IncGamers 1st Aug 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8007624#post8007624 Silva's Wizard Runestone Effects] — IncGamers 5th Sep 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/wizard-beta-skills-mega-report-part-two Wizard Beta Skills Mega-report: Part Two] — IncGamers 5th Oct 2011
* [http://us.battle.net/d3/en/class/wizard/active/ Wizard Active Skills] — Blizzard's Official Diablo III Site

{{Skill navbox Diablo III|Wizard|secondary}}

[[category:Wizard skills]]
[[category:Active skills]]

Ray of Frost

2012-05-13T11:01:38Z

Maurish: Updated skill rune table

[[File:IconRayFrost.png|left]]
[[File:Ray-of-frost1.jpg|thumb|400px|Ray of Frost in action in the [[beta]].]]
'''Ray of Frost''' is a Secondary [[Wizard skill]] unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 2. It fires a straight beam of [[cold]] that chills and damages a single enemy, while draining Arcane Power steadily.

 __TOC__
==Background==
The skill is fun to use and very effective against single targets, with good damage and the slowing property. However the Arcane Power drain is quite high, and thus the damage per second is much lower than a number of other early-game Wizard skills. The fact that the skill does not pierce, as the similar [[Disintegrate]] skill does, makes it less useful against large groups of enemies.

==Skill Rune Effects==
The following is a very quick summary. See the [[Ray of Frost rune effects]] page for a more thorough description of rune effects, or any of the individual rune pages for numbers, screenshots, blue quotes, and much more.

{{skill description header}}
<skill class="Wizard">Ray of Frost</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Numb">Ray of Frost</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Snow Blast">Ray of Frost</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Cold Blood">Ray of Frost</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Sleet Storm">Ray of Frost</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Black Ice">Ray of Frost</skill>

==Skill Design==
This [[skill]] targets much like Disintegrate, but trades the piercing of that skill for a slowing cold effect. This makes Ray of Frost excellent against single targets, but much less damaging on the whole, especially against large groups of enemies.

===Video===
A video of Ray of Frost and all of its rune effects can be seen below, courtesy of [http://www.youtube.com/Diablo3Inc the DiabloInc You Tube channel].
<youtube>k2Uo2X8iF0U</youtube>

==Synergies==
The following [[Wizard passives]] provide a benefit to Ray of Frost, runed or not:
{{Passive skills header}}
{{Wizard Passive Glass Cannon}}

==Development==
'''Ray of Frost''' was first seen at [[BlizzCon 2008]], but only in the gameplay movie; the Wizard used it against the trap laid out by the [[Skeleton King]]. It was available in the gameplay demo at [[BlizzCon 2009]], but was unfortunately too high level to try out by the fans.

Skill tiers were removed for the [[July 2011 Press Event]], allowing skills to unlock steadily from levels 1 to 30. Consequently, all skill levels were adjusted and Ray of Frost became a level 21 skill.

===Beta===
{{Beta skill notes}}

Ray of Frost remained at level 21 when the beta started. With the Patch 13 changes, it was classified as a Secondary skill and dropped all the way down to level 5, giving players their first opportunity to try it out. For March's [[Beta Patch 14]], it was dropped even further to level 2, but its damage output was increased slightly.

===Previous Versions===
See the [[Wizard skill archive]] for more details on previous versions of Ray of Frost and other Wizard skills.

==Trivia==
This is one of the spells that seem to be coming from the dungeons & Dragons inspiration we've seen in [[Diablo III]]. The new [[D3 Team]] obviously spent a lot of time in mom's basement....

==Media==
Ray of Frost can be seen in action on video here:
* [[Cinematic: Wizard]]
* [[Gameplay: Blizzcon 2008]]

You can find pictures in the Diablo III screenshot and picture gallery:
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/ Diablo III screenshots and pictures]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/search.php?keywords=Ray+of+Frost&cat=all '''Ray of Frost''' specific gallery contents]

<gallery>
Image:Ray_of_Frost.jpg|Ray of Frost used in the middle of the [[Skeleton King]] trap.
Image:Ray_of_Frost2.jpg|Casting the spell before the hordes of [[skeleton]]s arrive.
Image:Rayoffrost_runed.jpg|Ray of Frost with all five [[rune]] effects.
File:Ray-of-frost4.jpg|Players finally getting to use it with [[Beta Patch 13]].
</gallery>

==References==
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/full-wizard-skill-trees/ BlizzCon 2009 Full Wizard Skill Trees]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7960229#post7960229 Zediono's translation of JudgeHype's pre-beta report] — IncGamers 1st Aug 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8007624#post8007624 Silva's Wizard Runestone Effects] — IncGamers 5th Sep 2011
* [http://us.battle.net/d3/en/class/wizard/active/ Wizard Active Skills] — Blizzard's Official Diablo III Site

{{Skill navbox Diablo III|Wizard|secondary}}

[[category:Wizard skills]]
[[category:Active skills]]

File:IconRayOfFrost.png

2012-05-13T11:00:54Z

Maurish:

Electrocute

2012-05-13T10:54:20Z

Maurish: Updated skill rune table

[[File:IconElectrocute.png|left]]
[[File:Wiz-electrocute1.jpg|thumb|350px|Electrocute in action.]]
'''Electrocute''' is a Primary [[Wizard skill]] unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 15, which electrocutes an enemy over time.

This is a [[Signature spell]]. Signature spells are free to cast.

 __TOC__
==Background==
The [[Wizard]] opens up a hole between the physical and ethereal realms, and calls forth lightning arcs that grip an enemy and fries it until dead, or the Wizard releases her grip on the ethereal realm.

==Skill Rune Effects==
The following is a very quick summary. See the [[Electrocute rune effects]] page for a more thorough description of rune effects, or any of the individual rune pages for numbers, screenshots, blue quotes, and much more.

{{skill description header}}
<skill class="Wizard">Electrocute</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Chain Lightning">Electrocute</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Forked Lightning">Electrocute</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Lightning Blast">Electrocute</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Surge of Power">Electrocute</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Arc Lightning">Electrocute</skill>

==Skill Design==
Electrocute was not enabled to start with, but once a [[Wizard]] hit level 13 and earned a skill point, it could be used. It's great fun to use, and very useful too. Electrocute is basically a beam weapon, one that the Wizard fires as long as she keeps the mouse clicked. You can not move while using Electrocute, but you're unlikely to want to, since it locks on and keeps zapping the target until it's dead, or you're out of mana. The second happens before the first more often than you'd like, and it's basically unusable on [[boss]]es, or even moderately tough targets like [[Dune Dervish]]es and [[Dark Demon]]s, since mana would run out long before their [[health]]. Other Wizard spells deal far more damage per mana, but few are as much fun to use as this one.

Electrocute was simply awesome for small stuff, especially on evasive enemies like the fluttering [[Sand Wasp]]s, or those last one or two [[Fallen Imp]]s who always scattered away from the battle when their [[Fallen Overseer| Overseers]] and [[Fallen Shaman|Shamans]] went down. Just aim at the [[monster]], or anywhere near it, and the beam locks on, draining that monster steadily. Smaller monsters usually died in less than a second, and I found this one far quicker than the higher damage [[Arcane Orb]] to clean up groups of weak enemies. Some screenshots show this one chaining to multiple targets, but higher levels in this spell only listed more damage.

Note that [[lightning]] damage [[critical hit]]s will [[stun]] targets. This one stuns (very briefly) at least every two seconds, so there must be a lot of hit checks going on, to trigger the critical hit so frequently. That stunning is, of course, highly useful when you're locked onto an enemy trying to charge into [[melee]] range.

===Video===
A video of Electrocute can be seen below, courtesy of [http://www.youtube.com/Diablo3Inc the DiabloInc You Tube channel].

<youtube>OwzMVuIVfAI</youtube>

==Synergies==
The following [[Wizard passives]] provide a benefit to Electrocute, runed or not:
{{Passive skills header}}
{{Wizard Passive Glass Cannon}}
{{Wizard Passive Prodigy}}
{{Wizard Passive Paralysis}}
{{Wizard Passive Arcane Dynamo}}

==Development==
[[File:Wiz-electrocute2.jpg|thumb|300px|Electrocute snakes through some [[Skeletal Executioner]]s.]]
'''Electrocute''' was first shown at [[BlizzCon 2008]], where the lightning could hit a string of targets at lesser and lesser damage. Back then, it was at Tier II on the [[Storm Skill Tree]].

This was changed in the demo displayed at [[BlizzCon 2009]], where it became focused on a single target. The change seemed to have been done briefly before BlizzCon, since the description of the spell had not been completely updated; it didn't show a [[mana]]/sec cost, and a damage/sec stat. [[Flux]] found it fun but very expensive:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/full-wizard-skill-trees/]

<blockquote>''You can not move while using Electrocute, but you’re unlikely to want to, since it locks on and keeps zapping the target until it’s dead, or you’re out of mana. The second happens before the first more often than you’d like, and I found this one unusable on bosses, or even moderately tough targets like Dune Dervishes and Dark Demons, since my mana would run out long before their hit points. Other Wizard spells deal far more damage per mana, but few are as much fun to use as this one.</blockquote>

Unfortunately, by [[BlizzCon 2010]] this spell still had a disturbingly high resource cost, as mentioned by [[Flux]]:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/hands-on-from-blizzcon-mega-pvm-report-wizard]

<blockquote>''It’s not very high damage, so you’ll need to cook for a while on tougher targets, and at low levels this one isn’t very useful against bosses or champions; it’s just to AP expensive for big enemies; you’ll be out of resource before they’re out of hit points.</blockquote>

Skill tiers were removed for the [[July 2011 Press Event]], allowing skills to unlock steadily from levels 1 to 30. Consequently, all skill levels were adjusted and Electrocute became a level 6 skill.

===Beta===
{{Beta skill notes}}

Electrocute remained a level 6 skill when the beta started. [[Flux]] found it very useful:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/wizard-beta-skills-mega-report-part-one]

<blockquote>''Electrocute is great fun to use, and would be so even if it wasn’t so powerful. The skill works a bit like Chain Lighting, with a single electrical bolt fired out that hits a target and then jumps to other nearby enemies. Electrocute moves much more quickly than Chain Lightning ever did though, and while the damage is quite variable in the beta, it’s generally high enough to wipe out any normal monster with a single flicker.</blockquote>

With the [[Beta Patch 8]] of December 2011, all [[signature spell]]s became free to cast, and Electrocute was bumped up to level 13. With the Patch 13 changes, it was classified as a Primary skill and dropped to level 11. For March's [[Beta Patch 14]], it moved to level 15, making it unplayable in the beta.

===Previous Versions===
See the [[Wizard skill archive]] for more details on previous versions of Electrocute and other Wizard skills.

===In Other Games===
Electrocute is an updated version of [[Diablo II]]'s {{iw|Sorceress Sorceress}} skill {{iw|Chain_Lightning Chain Lightning}}, but with more of a Dungeons & Dragons inspiration.

==Trivia==
This spell was originally more inspired by [http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/chainLightning.htm Chain Lightning] from Dungeons & Dragons, but later changed to a completely new design, electrocuting one target at a time.

==Media==
Electrocute can be seen in action on video here:
* [[Cinematic: Wizard]]
* [[Gameplay: Blizzcon 2008]]
* [[Gameplay: July 2011]]

You can find pictures in the Diablo III screenshot and picture gallery:
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/ Diablo III screenshots and pictures]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/search.php?keywords=Electrocute&cat=all '''Electrocute''' specific gallery contents]

<gallery>
Image:Wiz-electrocute1.jpg|Old version of Electrocute hit multiple enemies.
Image:Wiz-slow-time1.jpg|Electrocute shot from inside a [[Slow Time]] bubble.
File:Wiz-electrocute2.jpg|Electrocute snakes through some Skeletal Executioners.
File:Wiz-electrocute3.jpg|Electrocute chews through some monsters.
</gallery>

==References==
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/full-wizard-skill-trees/ BlizzCon 2009 Full Wizard Skill Trees]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/hands-on-from-blizzcon-mega-pvm-report-wizard BlizzCon 2010 Wizard Hands-on Report]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7960229#post7960229 Zediono's translation of JudgeHype's pre-beta report] — IncGamers 1st Aug 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8007624#post8007624 Silva's Wizard Runestone Effects] — IncGamers 5th Sep 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/wizard-beta-skills-mega-report-part-one Wizard Beta Skills Mega-report: Part One] — IncGamers 4th Oct 2011
* [http://us.battle.net/d3/en/class/wizard/active/ Wizard Active Skills] — Blizzard's Official Diablo III Site

{{Skill navbox Diablo III|Wizard|primary}}

[[category:Wizard skills]]
[[category:Active skills]]
[[category:Signature spells]]

Spectral Blade

2012-05-13T10:51:01Z

Maurish: Updated skill rune table

[[File:IconSpectralBlade.png|left]]
[[Image:Wiz-spectral-blade3.jpg|thumb|350px|Spectral Blade in action.]]
'''Spectral Blade''' is a Primary [[Wizard skill]] unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 11, dealing powerful damage in [[melee]] range.

This is a [[Signature spell]]. Signature spells are free to cast.

 __TOC__
==Background==
Spectral Blade is used for [[Wizard]]s willing to meet their enemies toe to toe. It's a powerful [[melee]] spell that will kill most enemies early on.

==Skill Rune Effects==
The following is a very quick summary. See the [[Spectral Blade rune effects]] page for a more thorough description of rune effects, or any of the individual rune pages for numbers, screenshots, blue quotes, and much more.

{{skill description header}}
<skill class="Wizard">Spectral Blade</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Deep Cuts">Spectral Blade</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Impactful Blades">Spectral Blade</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Siphoning Blade">Spectral Blade</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Healing Blades">Spectral Blade</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Thrown Blade">Spectral Blade</skill>

==Skill Design==
[[File:Spectral-blade-zoom.jpg|thumb|450px|Zombies get harvested in a zoomed in view from a graveyard.]]
This skill was the default left click attack at the [[BlizzCon 2008]] build, and also used heavily in the [[BlizzCon 2009]] demo and it worked quite nicely. It was a [[melee]]+spell, hitting anything up close with all 3 slashes, but extending the slashes far enough that targets slightly out of melee range would be hit by one or perhaps two of the attacks. Each slash could also strike multiple targets, making this one potentially quite damaging against multiple, close-range enemies.

There is a slight casting delay on Spectral Blade, making it too slow to stun lock enemies. A Wizard who uses this one at the point blank range where it's most effective will be hit back by any targets who do not succumb to the first assault.

The skill was changed during development, and as of the beta test (October 2011) the Wizard's weapon damage is a key component in the damage delivered. During beta testing, Clvl 13 Wizards did around 5 per slash with weapon weapons, and more than 20 with bigger axes and mauls. The possible damage will obviously increase greatly with better equipment and higher level characters.

As of the beta test, [[Magic Weapon]] does not increase the base damage of Spectral Blade, but does improve the damage of critical strikes. This is thought to be a bug.

===Weapon Damage Testing===
Early in the [[Diablo 3 Beta]], Spectral Blade was the only Wizard skill to incorporate the weapon damage into the spell damage. Flux did extensive testing of the skill with various weapons and posted the results in his Wizard Gameplay Report[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/wizard-beta-skills-mega-report-part-two]. Screenshots showing the damage output with the various weapons used can be seen below.

<gallery>
File:Spectral-blade-axe.jpg|Adventuring War Axe of the Leech.
File:Spectral-blade-axe-poison.jpg|Hand Axe of the Snake. (Poison damage.)
File:Spectral-blade-club-lightning.jpg|Club of the Eel. (Lightning damage.)
File:Spectral-blade-wand-cold.jpg|Brutal Steel Wand of Winter. (Cold damage.)
</gallery>

==Synergies==
The following [[Wizard passives]] provide a benefit to Spectral Blade, runed or not:
{{Passive skills header}}
{{Wizard Passive Glass Cannon}}
{{Wizard Passive Prodigy}}
{{Wizard Passive Arcane Dynamo}}

==Development==
[[Image:Wiz-spectral-blade1.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Wizard cleaving some [[Zombie]]s.]]
'''Spectral Blade''' was first shown at [[BlizzCon 2008]] when the [[Wizard]] was unveiled, as a Tier I skill in the [[Conjuring Skill Tree]]. Originally, it dealt 1-6 damage with 1-3 hits, so it could do 1-18 damage with each use, meaning it required some strategy to use effectively. Also, it wasn't the best skill in all situations, as [[Flux]] explained:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/wizard-gameplay-report/P2/]

<blockquote>''It’s not a spell that can be used machine gun style though, even if enemies are in range. There’s a short delay after each cast, a cool down that’s longer than the Wizard has with her projectile spells. As a result Spectral Blade doesn’t look like a real boss-killer. It also didn’t seem to stun or interrupt the attacking motion of monsters, the way melee attacks sometimes did, so it’s not a way to render targets helpless while you slash them to bits.</blockquote>

It was changed slightly in the [[BlizzCon 2009]] version, increasing the number of hits to always be 3, but lowering the damage per hit instead to even it out, removing some of the strategy involved in using it. [[Flux]] gave details:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/full-wizard-skill-trees/]

<blockquote>''Last year, 3 hits were usually granted on point blank targets, while enemies at the edge of the skill’s range (who were generally not yet in melee range of the Wizard) were most likely to take just a single hit. I didn’t actually use this one much, with so many other, more interesting spells on offer, (and since I very seldom allowed enemies to get into melee range) so I can’t say if it really does always hit three times, but it was very effectively putting down almost anything I hit with it.</blockquote>

At [[BlizzCon 2010]], [[Flux]] found its short range to be a handicap:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/hands-on-from-blizzcon-mega-pvm-report-wizard]

<blockquote>''I used it a few times in the demo this year; it did potentially more damage than MM, even with fewer skill points, but the melee range thing isn’t what you want to be doing with a Wizard. Better you kill them from a distance with MM than use a slightly more damaging skill at melee range, when they can hit you back. Being hit is for grunting meat shields like Barbarians and Monks; sophisticated classes like Wizards don’t like to get their uniforms smudged by filthy monster paws.</blockquote>

Skill tiers were removed for the [[July 2011 Press Event]], allowing skills to unlock steadily from levels 1 to 30. Consequently, all skill levels were adjusted and Spectral Blade became a level 5 skill.

===Beta===
{{Beta skill notes}}

Spectral Blade remained a level 5 skill when the beta started. With the [[Beta Patch 8]] of December 2011, all [[signature spell]]s became free to cast; also, Spectral Blade was moved up to level 6. With the Patch 13 changes, it was classified as a Primary skill and moved to level 9. For March's [[Beta Patch 14]], it was moved up to level 11.

===Previous Versions===
See the [[Wizard skill archive]] for more details on previous versions of Spectral Blade and other Wizard skills. 
Or see [[Spectral Blade (BlizzCon 2008)]] for the original version of this skill.


==Media==
Spectral Blade can be seen in action on video here:
* [[Cinematic: Wizard]]
* [[Gameplay: Blizzcon 2008]]
* [[Gameplay: Blizzcon 2010]] (in the [[Arena]])

You can find pictures in the Diablo III screenshot and picture gallery:
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/ Diablo III screenshots and pictures]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/search.php?keywords=Spectral+Blade&cat=all '''Spectral Blade''' specific gallery contents]

<gallery>
Image:Wiz-spectral-blade1.jpg|Spectral Blade in action.
Image:Wiz-spectral-blade2.jpg|[[Mirror Image]]s casting Spectral Blades.
Image:Wiz-spectral-blade3.jpg|Closeup of the blades.
</gallery>

==Related Articles==
* [[Improved Spectral Blade]] is a retired skill whose only purpose was to increase the efficiency of Spectral Blade. Skill runes made it unnecessary.

==References==
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/wizard-gameplay-report/P2/ BlizzCon 2008 Wizard Gameplay Report]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/full-wizard-skill-trees/ BlizzCon 2009 Full Wizard Skill Trees]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/hands-on-from-blizzcon-mega-pvm-report-wizard BlizzCon 2010 Wizard Hands-on Report]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/hands-on-from-blizzcon-mega-pvp-arena-report/ BlizzCon 2010 PvP Hands-on Report]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7960229#post7960229 Zediono's translation of JudgeHype's pre-beta report] — IncGamers 1st Aug 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8007624#post8007624 Silva's Wizard Runestone Effects] — IncGamers 5th Sep 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/wizard-beta-skills-mega-report-part-two Wizard Beta Skills Mega-report: Part Two] — IncGamers 5th Oct 2011
* [http://us.battle.net/d3/en/class/wizard/active/ Wizard Active Skills] — Blizzard's Official Diablo III Site

{{Skill navbox Diablo III|Wizard|primary}}

[[category:Wizard skills]]
[[category:Active skills]]
[[category:Signature spells]]

Shock Pulse

2012-05-13T10:48:23Z

Maurish: Updated skill rune table

[[File:IconShockPulse.png|left]]
[[File:Wiz-charged-bolt1.jpg|thumb|350px|Shock Pulse in action.]]
'''Shock Pulse''' (known as [[Charged Bolt]] prior to July 2011) is a Primary [[Wizard skill]] unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 3, launching electric charges that travel randomly on the floor, dealing lightning damage.

This is a [[Signature spell]]. Signature spells are free to cast.

 __TOC__
==Background==
The true essence of Electromagnetism exists on the threshold of the Ethereal and the Physical Realms. While it is very efficient to transform [[Mana]] into electrical energy, it is extremely difficult to control. This [[spell]] calls into being multiple pockets of lightning which seem to have a will of their own.

The [[Wizard]] has not only the fancy illegal spells at her disposal. Shock Pulse, something even the newest of [[Vizjerei]] neonytes learn, is one of the few spells she picked up in actual classes at the old [[mage clan]], or possibly at [[Zann Esu]] before they kicked her out.

==Skill Rune Effects==
The following is a very quick summary. See the [[Shock Pulse rune effects]] page for a more thorough description of rune effects, or any of the individual rune pages for numbers, screenshots, blue quotes, and much more.

{{skill description header}}
<skill class="Wizard">Shock Pulse</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Explosive Bolts">Shock Pulse</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Fire Bolts">Shock Pulse</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Piercing Orb">Shock Pulse</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Lightning Affinity">Shock Pulse</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Living Lightning">Shock Pulse</skill>

==Skill Design==
[[Image:Wiz-charged-bolt1.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The Wizard and her carpet.]]
The spell familiar from [[Diablo I]] and [[Diablo II]] returns in [[Diablo III]]. As Charged Bolt did previously, Shock Pulse sends out a smattering of randomly-scattering charges, each of which deal minor damage to any enemy that passes over them. The strength of Shock Pulse comes not from the damage of each bolt, but from the carpeting effect of repeated casts, since it's a spell with very low [[resource]] cost. These can turn the floor into a field of death for any enemy without lightning immunity.

==Synergies==
The following [[Wizard passives]] provide a benefit to Shock Pulse, runed or not:
{{Passive skills header}}
{{Wizard Passive Glass Cannon}}
{{Wizard Passive Prodigy}}
{{Wizard Passive Arcane Dynamo}}

==Development==
'''Shock Pulse''' was first shown at [[BlizzCon 2008]] (as [[Charged Bolt]]) when the [[Wizard]] debuted, where it was at Tier I on the [[Storm Skill Tree]]. [[Flux]] was able to try it out:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/wizard-gameplay-report/P2/]

<blockquote>''Three little crackling bits of lightning are sent forth along the ground, where they zig and zag a bit, but move in a more or less straight line away from the Sorceress. I didn’t use this spell much, but it seemed to me that the bolts spread out quite a bit more than they did in D2, and that made it hard to hit anything in front of me with more than one bolt. That’s now how it looks in screenshots though, where the bolts seem to carpet the dungeon floor quite nicely. More testing will be required.''</blockquote>

It was still in the game at [[BlizzCon 2009]]; there, it had a much lower mana cost, and significantly lower damage than in 2008, indicating the spell was intended to be used more for the "carpet effect" of previous games. At [[BlizzCon 2010]], it was still in the game but wasn't one of the Wizard's starting skills.

Skill tiers were removed for the [[July 2011 Press Event]], allowing skills to unlock steadily from levels 1 to 30. Consequently, all skill levels were adjusted and Charged Bolt became a level 3 skill and was also renamed Shock Pulse.

===Beta===
{{Beta skill notes}}

Shock Pulse became a level 5 skill for the beta. Despite it being inefficient to use in most circumstances, [[Flux]] found one really good use for it:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/wizard-beta-skills-mega-report-part-one]

<blockquote>''Shock Pulse is the Wizard’s fastest [[boss]]-killing skill in the beta, despite the fact that you can not hit a single target with more than two of the bolts, and only that many by standing at point blank range. (Because the targets aren’t large enough. Presumably you’ll be able to bowl all 3 into a [[Siegebreaker]]-sized enemy every time.) This isn’t due to some massive damage of Shock Pulse, just the lack of other unruned skills that hit multiple times per use.</blockquote>

With the [[Beta Patch 8]] of December 2011, all [[signature spell]]s became free to cast at any level. With the Patch 13 changes, Shock Pulse was classified as a Primary skill and moved back to level 3.

===Previous Versions===
See the [[Wizard skill archive]] for more details on previous versions of Shock Pulse (or [[Charged Bolt]]) and other Wizard skills. 
Or see [[Charged Bolt (BlizzCon 2008)]] for the original version of this skill.

===In Other Games===
{{iw|D1_Spellbooks#Charged_Bolt Charged Bolt}} was introduced in [[Diablo I]], where it was, as it is now, a very cheap spell to cast multiple times in hopes of killing many enemies with a carpet of lightning. The spell calls in pockets of lightning that just crawls around randomly, in a general direction.

The second iteration of {{iw|Charged_Bolt Charged Bolt}} was a {{iw|Sorceress Sorceress}} spell in [[Diablo II]], and is basically identical in design. It's one of few Tier 1 spells in the skill trees that scale well even at higher levels, being quite useful at max level.


==Media==
Shock Pulse can be seen in action on video here:
* [[Gameplay: Blizzcon 2008]] (when it was called [[Charged Bolt]])

You can find pictures in the Diablo III screenshot and picture gallery:
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/ Diablo III screenshots and pictures]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/search.php?keywords=Shock+Pulse&cat=all '''Shock Pulse''' specific gallery contents]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/search.php?keywords=Charged+Bolt&cat=all '''Charged Bolt''' specific gallery contents]

<gallery>
Image:Wiz-charged-bolt1.jpg|Magic carpet of death.
</gallery>

==References==
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/wizard-gameplay-report/P2/ BlizzCon 2008 Wizard Gameplay Report]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/full-wizard-skill-trees/ BlizzCon 2009 Full Wizard Skill Trees]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7960229#post7960229 Zediono's translation of JudgeHype's pre-beta report] — IncGamers 1st Aug 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8007624#post8007624 Silva's Wizard Runestone Effects] — IncGamers 5th Sep 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/wizard-beta-skills-mega-report-part-one Wizard Beta Skills Mega-report: Part One] — IncGamers 4th Oct 2011
* [http://us.battle.net/d3/en/class/wizard/active/ Wizard Active Skills] — Blizzard's Official Diablo III Site

{{Skill navbox Diablo III|Wizard|primary}}

[[category:Wizard skills]]
[[category:Active skills]]
[[category:Signature spells]]

Magic Missile

2012-05-13T10:35:09Z

Maurish: Updated skill rune table

[[File:IconMagicMissile.png|left]]
[[File:Wiz-magic-missile1.jpg|thumb|350px|Magic Missile in action.]]
'''Magic Missile''' is a Primary [[Wizard skill]] unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 1, invoking a bolt of arcane magic thrown against an opponent.

This is a [[Signature spell]]. Signature spells are free to cast.

 __TOC__
==Background==
The Magic Missile is a bolt-type spell much like the classical {{iw|Sorceress_Fire_Spells#Fire_Bolt Firebolt}} but using [[Arcane]] energies instead of [[Elemental]] (like [[Fire]]).

==Skill Rune Effects==
The following is a very quick summary. See the [[Magic Missile rune effects]] page for a more thorough description of rune effects, or any of the individual rune pages for numbers, screenshots, blue quotes, and much more.

{{skill description header}}
<skill class="Wizard">Magic Missile</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Charged Blast">Magic Missile</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Split">Magic Missile</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Penetrating Blast">Magic Missile</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Attunement">Magic Missile</skill>
<skill class="Wizard" rune="Seeker">Magic Missile</skill>

==Skill Design==
[[Image:Magic_Missile_impact.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Magic Missile impact on [[Zombie]].]]
Magic Missile is basically a {{iw|Sorceress_Fire_Spells#Fire_Bolt Firebolt}} that deals Arcane Damage. In early levels, Magic Missile might be the Wizard's bread and butter. Using this [[skill]] fires a small purple projectile that moves across the screen in a straight line and at a fairly fast pace, and it can be cast repeatedly without any [[cooldown]].

In later levels, it might prove invaluable as a cheap and direct means of [[silence|silencing]] a monster for 4 seconds -- plenty of time to dispatch of them before they can cast a nasty spell on you, or raise the fallen to fight again. This property hasn't been explained yet, but the consensus is that a silenced [[monster]] will be unable to use some of its skills or abilities, such as [[Skeletal Summoner|Skeletal Mages]] losing the ability to [[resurrect]] their slain minions. The difficulty will be in hitting the shaman behind the minions, since Magic Missile will strike another monster if it's between the Wizard and the targeted boss.

When an enemy dies at the hands of an Arcane spell, a purple glow is left on the corpses.

This was the default ranged spell at [[BlizzCon 2008]], but with [[Arcane Orb]] and [[Electrocute]] available right from the start in [[BlizzCon 2009|2009]], Magic Missile was hardly touched. It didn't seem to have changed in function since 2008.

===Video===
A video of Magic Missile can be seen below, courtesy of [http://www.youtube.com/Diablo3Inc the DiabloInc You Tube channel].

<youtube>HhdkXcQNPvQ</youtube>

==Synergies==
The following [[Wizard passives]] provide a benefit to Magic Missile, runed or not:
{{Passive skills header}}
{{Wizard Passive Glass Cannon}}
{{Wizard Passive Prodigy}}
{{Wizard Passive Temporal Flux}}
{{Wizard Passive Arcane Dynamo}}

==Development==
[[Image:Wiz-magic-missile1.jpg|thumb|350px|Double missiles.]]
[[image:runeeffects-2010-06d.jpg|thumb|350px|Quadruple missiles.]]
'''Magic Missile''' first appeared at [[BlizzCon 2008]] when the Wizard debuted, where it did 7-13 arcane damage at level 1. By [[BlizzCon 2009]], it had been [[nerf]]ed slightly, doing less damage and costing a little less [[mana]] (later changed to [[Arcane Power]]). This skill was on the [[Arcane Skill Tree]] until skill trees were disbanded.

At [[BlizzCon 2010]], Magic Missile was one of the Wizard's starting skills, and a very useful one, according to [[Flux]]:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/hands-on-from-blizzcon-mega-pvm-report-wizard]

<blockquote>''The level five MMs were quite powerful, capable of killing almost any normal monster with a single shot. The casting rate wasn’t that fast though, which was good and bad. Good because you could cast MMs forever, since they weren’t fast or expensive enough to deplete your Arcane Power. Bad because I wanted to kill faster. Faster!</blockquote>

Skill tiers were removed for the [[July 2011 Press Event]], allowing skills to unlock steadily from levels 1 to 30. Consequently, all skill levels were adjusted and Magic Missile became a level 1 skill.

===Beta===
{{Beta skill notes}}

Magic Missile remained at level 1 when the beta started. [[Flux]] tried it out again, and reported on it:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/wizard-beta-skills-mega-report-part-one]

<blockquote>''Naturally, the base version of Magic Missile isn’t all that powerful. It’s great for single targets, and has nice range and quite respectable damage, but with just a single projectile per cast the Wizard can not keep up with fast spawning enemies, and MM isn’t much good for bosses either. I’m not just estimating about that either, since I actually put it to the test. MM was fine for 95% of the beta areas, including the lower levels of the Cathedral, but when I got boss packs, or set event areas of summoners, there were too many fish for my skillets, and I got overrun and had to retreat or use other skills.</blockquote>

With the [[Beta Patch 8]] of December 2011, all [[signature spell]]s became free to cast at any level. With the Patch 13 changes, Magic Missile was classified as a Primary skill (but remained at level 1).

===Previous Versions===
See the [[Wizard skill archive]] for more details on previous versions of Magic Missile and other Wizard skills. 
Or see [[Magic Missile (BlizzCon 2008)]] for the original version of this skill.

===In Other Games===
Magic Missile is much like [[Diablo II]]'s {{iw|Sorceress Sorceress}} skill {{iw|Fire_Bolt Fire Bolt}}, only doing Arcane damage instead of Fire damage.

==Trivia==
In Diablo III, Blizzard seems to have gone back to games like Dungeons & Dragons for inspiration. A spell called Magic Missile is a staple low-to-mid level magic bolt in the traditional pen & paper RPG. The Magic Missile also increases number of missiles, as does the original. Wikipedia describes D&D Magic Missile like this.<ref>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_of_Dungeons_&_Dragons#Arcane_spells D&D Arcane Spells] — Wikipedia</ref>
:: ''A bolt of pure energy from the caster's fingertips, which in most editions of the game never misses its target unless prevented by magical means. The number of bolts one can cast increases with practice.''

==Media==
Magic Missile can be seen in action on video here:
* [[Gameplay: Blizzcon 2008]]
* [[Video: Blizzcon 2010 Rune Effects]]
* [[Gameplay: July 2011]]
* [[Skill Animations Videos#Wizard Video|Video: August 2011 Wizard Skill Animations]]

You can find pictures in the Diablo III screenshot and picture gallery:
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/ Diablo III screenshots and pictures]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/search.php?keywords=Magic+Missile&cat=all '''Magic Missile''' specific gallery contents]

<gallery>
Image:Wiz-magic-missile1.jpg|Magic Missile cast by female [[Wizard]].
Image:Magic_Missile_corpse.jpg|Killed [[Zombie]] glowing.
Image:Magic_Missile_impact.jpg|Female [[Wizard]] "missiling".
Image:runeeffects-2010-06d.jpg|Magic Missile multi-shot.
</gallery>

==Related Articles==
* [[Improved Magic Missile]] is a retired skill whose only purpose was to increase the efficiency of Magic Missile. Skill runes made it unnecessary.

==References==
<references/>
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/wizard-gameplay-report/P2/ BlizzCon 2008 Wizard gameplay report]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/full-wizard-skill-trees/ BlizzCon 2009 Full Wizard Skill Trees]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/hands-on-from-blizzcon-mega-pvm-report-wizard BlizzCon 2010 Wizard Hands-on Report]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7960229#post7960229 Zediono's translation of JudgeHype's pre-beta report] — IncGamers 1st Aug 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8007624#post8007624 Silva's Wizard Runestone Effects] — IncGamers 5th Sep 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/wizard-beta-skills-mega-report-part-one Wizard Beta Skills Mega-report: Part One] — IncGamers 4th Oct 2011
* [http://us.battle.net/d3/en/class/wizard/active/ Wizard Active Skills] — Blizzard's Official Diablo III Site

{{Skill navbox Diablo III|Wizard|primary}}

[[category:Wizard skills]]
[[category:Active skills]]
[[category:Signature spells]]

Spirit Walk

2012-05-12T13:48:03Z

Maurish: Undo revision 50484 by Lallo (talk)

[[File:IconSpiritWalk.png|left]]
[[File:Spirit-walk3.jpg|thumb|350px|Spirit Walk in action. [[Templar]] in pursuit.]]
'''Spirit Walk''' is a Defensive [[Witch Doctor skill]] unlocked at [[clvl|level]] 16. It's a very useful escape/movement skill, one which lets the Witch Doctor move without being seen by other players or monsters for several seconds. This can be used to bypass dangerous monsters, and it's essential in the [[Battle Arena]].

This is the Witch Doctor's [[movement ability]].

 __TOC__
==Background==
The Witch Doctor enters the spirit realm through a trance, and can move unseen and untouched, passing through enemies, but still grabbing [[health orbs]] while he's there.

==Skill Rune Effects==
The following is a very quick summary. See the [[Spirit Walk rune effects]] page for a more thorough description of rune effects, or any of the individual rune pages for numbers, screenshots, blue quotes, and much more.

<skill class="WitchDoctor">Spirit Walk</skill>

==Skill Design==
The Witch Doctor vanishes from the sight of all, leaving an empty husk of a body behind, floating in the air as a decoy. While in the spirit realm the Witch Doctor can run without being hindered by other characters or monsters, moving to a safe place before the duration wears off and he reenters the corporeal world.

==Synergies==
The following [[Witch Doctor passives]] provide a benefit to Spirit Walk:
{{Passive skills header}}
{{Witch Doctor Passive Spirit Vessel}}
{{Witch Doctor Passive Rush of Essence}}

==Development==
[[File:Spirit-walk2.jpg|frame|Spirit Walk decoy left behind in the [[Battle Arena]].]]
'''Spirit Walk''' was first seen as a Witch Doctor skill at [[BlizzCon 2009]], as a Tier V skill in the [[Spirit Skill Tree]]. However, it wasn't yet implemented.

This was one of the skills on the pre-made characters in the PvP [[Arena]] demo at [[BlizzCon 2010]], and soon proved itself as one of the best skills in the entire demo. It was the best escape skill possessed by any of the characters. [[Flux]] wrote about using it in a lengthy hands-on PvP report:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/hands-on-from-blizzcon-mega-pvp-arena-report/]

<blockquote>''I’ve raved about this one already, but it was really an awesomely useful skill. The Witch Doctor leaves a decoy of himself behind and has several seconds to run free, invisible to everyone. Best of all he can grab health orbs in this mode. He can’t cast other spells though, so no detonating [[Sacrifice]]s. Almost everyone used this to run to safety, and then recast their three Mongrels in some distant corner before returning to the battle.</blockquote>

===Beta===
Skill tiers were removed shortly before the [[beta]] started in September 2011, and Spirit Walk became a level 12 skill. [[Flux]] was able to try it out again, but didn't think it had much utility outside of the [[Arena]]:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/witch-doctor-beta-skills-mega-report-part-two]

<blockquote>''Another skill that no one has used on purpose in the Diablo 3 Beta, Spirit Walk is the Witch Doctor’s escape movement skill. When cast, the Witch Doctor takes on a transparent, skeletal, ghostly appearance that is invisible to enemies. Like the base effect of [[Horrify]], this is a very quick reflexes skill, with just 3 seconds of invisibility granted. The skill description doesn’t make it clear, but you get a substantial speed boost in this form, and you can put quite a bit of distance between yourself and the spot you cast the spell at.</blockquote>

Fortunately, Spirit Walk was one of the skills available to Witch Doctors in the [[BlizzCon 2011]] PvP [[Arena]] demo, and Adivirgi swore by it:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/blizzcon-arena-demo-witch-doctor-report]

<blockquote>''This skill is so amazing, by far my favorite Witch Doctor ability, and I can’t see any PVP build without this skill and rune combination. Anytime I ran into trouble I would pop this ability and run with increased speed away from my enemy towards a health globe... I found that by using this ability I was able to keep myself alive much longer than most of my teammates.</blockquote>

The skill system was once again overhauled for the [[Beta Patch 13]] in February 2012, and Spirit Walk was classified as a Defensive skill and moved to level 16, out of the reach of beta players.

==Media==
Spirit Walk can be seen in action on video here:
* No videos yet.

You can find pictures in the Diablo III screenshot and picture gallery:
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/ Diablo III screenshots and pictures]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/search.php?keywords=Spirit+Walk&cat=all '''Spirit Walk''' specific gallery contents]

<gallery>
Image:Spirit-walk3.jpg|Close-up of Spirit Walking Witch Doctor.
</gallery>

==References==
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/full-witch-doctor-skills/ BlizzCon 2009 Full Witch Doctor Skill Trees and Stats]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/hands-on-from-blizzcon-mega-pvp-arena-report/ BlizzCon 2010 PvP Hands-on Report]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7960229#post7960229 Zediono's translation of JudgeHype's pre-beta report] — IncGamers 1st Aug 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/witch-doctor-beta-skills-mega-report-part-two Witch Doctor Beta Skills Mega-report: Part Two] — IncGamers 1st Oct 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/blizzcon-arena-demo-witch-doctor-report BlizzCon 2011 PvP Demo: The Witch Doctor] — IncGamers 27th Oct 2011
* [http://us.battle.net/d3/en/class/witch-doctor/active/ Witch Doctor Active Skills] — Blizzard's Official Diablo III Site

{{Skill navbox Diablo III|WD}}

[[category:Witch Doctor skills]]
[[category:Active skills]]

Spirit Walk

2012-05-12T13:44:59Z

Maurish: Undo revision 50487 by Lallo (talk)

[[File:IconSpiritWalk.png|left]]
[[File:Spirit-walk3.jpg|thumb|350px|Spirit Walk in action. [[Templar]] in pursuit.]]
'''Spirit Walk''' is a Defensive [[Witch Doctor skill]] unlocked at [[clvl|level]] 16. It's a very useful escape/movement skill, one which lets the Witch Doctor move without being seen by other players or monsters for several seconds. This can be used to bypass dangerous monsters, and it's essential in the [[Battle Arena]].

This is the Witch Doctor's [[movement ability]].

 __TOC__
==Background==
The Witch Doctor enters the spirit realm through a trance, and can move unseen and untouched, passing through enemies, but still grabbing [[health orbs]] while he's there.

==Skill Rune Effects==
The following is a very quick summary. See the [[Spirit Walk rune effects]] page for a more thorough description of rune effects, or any of the individual rune pages for numbers, screenshots, blue quotes, and much more.

==Skill Design==
The Witch Doctor vanishes from the sight of all, leaving an empty husk of a body behind, floating in the air as a decoy. While in the spirit realm the Witch Doctor can run without being hindered by other characters or monsters, moving to a safe place before the duration wears off and he reenters the corporeal world.

==Synergies==
The following [[Witch Doctor passives]] provide a benefit to Spirit Walk:
{{Passive skills header}}
{{Witch Doctor Passive Spirit Vessel}}
{{Witch Doctor Passive Rush of Essence}}

==Development==
[[File:Spirit-walk2.jpg|frame|Spirit Walk decoy left behind in the [[Battle Arena]].]]
'''Spirit Walk''' was first seen as a Witch Doctor skill at [[BlizzCon 2009]], as a Tier V skill in the [[Spirit Skill Tree]]. However, it wasn't yet implemented.

This was one of the skills on the pre-made characters in the PvP [[Arena]] demo at [[BlizzCon 2010]], and soon proved itself as one of the best skills in the entire demo. It was the best escape skill possessed by any of the characters. [[Flux]] wrote about using it in a lengthy hands-on PvP report:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/hands-on-from-blizzcon-mega-pvp-arena-report/]

<blockquote>''I’ve raved about this one already, but it was really an awesomely useful skill. The Witch Doctor leaves a decoy of himself behind and has several seconds to run free, invisible to everyone. Best of all he can grab health orbs in this mode. He can’t cast other spells though, so no detonating [[Sacrifice]]s. Almost everyone used this to run to safety, and then recast their three Mongrels in some distant corner before returning to the battle.</blockquote>

===Beta===
Skill tiers were removed shortly before the [[beta]] started in September 2011, and Spirit Walk became a level 12 skill. [[Flux]] was able to try it out again, but didn't think it had much utility outside of the [[Arena]]:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/witch-doctor-beta-skills-mega-report-part-two]

<blockquote>''Another skill that no one has used on purpose in the Diablo 3 Beta, Spirit Walk is the Witch Doctor’s escape movement skill. When cast, the Witch Doctor takes on a transparent, skeletal, ghostly appearance that is invisible to enemies. Like the base effect of [[Horrify]], this is a very quick reflexes skill, with just 3 seconds of invisibility granted. The skill description doesn’t make it clear, but you get a substantial speed boost in this form, and you can put quite a bit of distance between yourself and the spot you cast the spell at.</blockquote>

Fortunately, Spirit Walk was one of the skills available to Witch Doctors in the [[BlizzCon 2011]] PvP [[Arena]] demo, and Adivirgi swore by it:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/blizzcon-arena-demo-witch-doctor-report]

<blockquote>''This skill is so amazing, by far my favorite Witch Doctor ability, and I can’t see any PVP build without this skill and rune combination. Anytime I ran into trouble I would pop this ability and run with increased speed away from my enemy towards a health globe... I found that by using this ability I was able to keep myself alive much longer than most of my teammates.</blockquote>

The skill system was once again overhauled for the [[Beta Patch 13]] in February 2012, and Spirit Walk was classified as a Defensive skill and moved to level 16, out of the reach of beta players.

==Media==
Spirit Walk can be seen in action on video here:
* No videos yet.

You can find pictures in the Diablo III screenshot and picture gallery:
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/ Diablo III screenshots and pictures]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/search.php?keywords=Spirit+Walk&cat=all '''Spirit Walk''' specific gallery contents]

<gallery>
Image:Spirit-walk3.jpg|Close-up of Spirit Walking Witch Doctor.
</gallery>

==References==
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/full-witch-doctor-skills/ BlizzCon 2009 Full Witch Doctor Skill Trees and Stats]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/hands-on-from-blizzcon-mega-pvp-arena-report/ BlizzCon 2010 PvP Hands-on Report]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7960229#post7960229 Zediono's translation of JudgeHype's pre-beta report] — IncGamers 1st Aug 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/witch-doctor-beta-skills-mega-report-part-two Witch Doctor Beta Skills Mega-report: Part Two] — IncGamers 1st Oct 2011
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/blizzcon-arena-demo-witch-doctor-report BlizzCon 2011 PvP Demo: The Witch Doctor] — IncGamers 27th Oct 2011
* [http://us.battle.net/d3/en/class/witch-doctor/active/ Witch Doctor Active Skills] — Blizzard's Official Diablo III Site

{{Skill navbox Diablo III|WD}}

[[category:Witch Doctor skills]]
[[category:Active skills]]

Fatalities

2012-05-12T13:14:19Z

Maurish:

Special player death animations were a long-promised feature in Diablo III, but will not appear in the final game.

They were first teased in the Diablo III introduction movie, when Siegebreaker messily bit off the Barbarian's head, as well as picking up, holding, and then slamming down a Witch Doctor. More Blue comments were made on them over the years, until in January 2012 the developers admitted that they had never gotten implemented into the game and would not be there upon release.[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/no-gruesome-character-death-animations-in-diablo-iii]

Fatalities remain on the developers' wish list, and might be added in an expansion pack.

===Fatalities===
[[Image:Mon-siegebreaker-decapitation.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Siegebreaker]] chomps.]]Besides the normal death animations, there are plans to include semi-random special death animations that are keyed to special bosses, such as the amazing decapitation death [[Siegebreaker]] inflicted upon one of the Barbarians in the WWI Gameplay movie.

D3 Community Manager [[Bashiok]] answered a question about this in a forum post. <ref>[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/bashiok-quick-answers Bashiok forum post] - August 2009</ref>

::'''''Will there be more boss-specific [[fatalities]] like the [[Barbarian]] head bite by [[Siegebreaker]]?''''' 
<blue>
Bashiok: That's what we would like to do. We'd like it that when a player dies to a boss we may have a special/random event or death animation specific to that boss. So if you're going to die or have died to a boss, there's a random chance that you'll see something other than a normal death. That's the dream any way.
</blue>

The Lead Developer [[Jay Wilson]] also made a good reply on this in [[BlizzCast Episode 6]]:
<blue>
Jay Wilson: Well what we want to do with that, especially for particular bosses is have when essentially when the player is very low on health and they're about to die the boss essentially checks like when it attacks you, did I just do enough damage to kill you? And if so then instead of just doing his normal attack he'd actually play some kind of special I pick you up and eat you or I throw you up in the air and knock you around like a baseball or something like that. It's a system that really our announcement video we tested it for the first time, mainly just to see – can we actually do this kind of animation interaction between the characters but the actual system itself is still not in there but we do plan to do that and that's primarily where. We might do some other things, we've talked about physics based deaths we've talked about having the characters if they like die to a cold monster he might completely freeze solid into a statue and then shatter or things like that but we haven't decided at this point if that's exactly what we're going to do.
</blue>

Unfortunately, this feature did not make it into the actual game, as revealed in January 2012. [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/no-gruesome-character-death-animations-in-diablo-iii]

<blue>Unfortunately we never managed to get these implemented. They were a really cool idea, but a pretty huge amount of work. The one we showed of the Siegebreaker was a scripted sequence we set up specifically for that video. It was never implemented, and never actually worked without someone sitting there typing in a bunch of commands to get it all to fire off properly. It’s still something we’d like to do, though.

All things considered there are just higher priority tasks sometimes. We’d love, for example, to have the monk display his weapons during all of his skill animations. But it’s an enormous animation and effects investment to get it done, and we have to weigh all of these things against other features and polish. A lot of the skills we could improve have multiple animation sets, multiplied twice for each gender, and then multiplied by each weapon type he can equip. That can be 40 or more unique animations, and then there’s a full FX pass, approvals, QA testing, etc. etc. and that’d just be for 1 skill.

We have our wish lists, but it’s a balancing act of resources. Ideally our choices when balancing go toward setting realistic limitations, and producing the best game possible. </blue>

==References==
<references/>

[[category:death]]
[[category:monsters]]

Immune

2012-05-10T22:08:47Z

Maurish:

Immunities, and skills or items that could "break" them were a major part of the character strategy in Diablo II. Immunities will not be present in [[Diablo III]].

Monsters in Diablo III may have very high [[resistances]], but the team doesn't want to make killing them literally impossible for some character builds. Just very, very difficult. It will still be a good idea for players to build their characters with a variety of damage types, to use as the situation requires. This will be easier in Diablo III than in Diablo II, thanks to the skill diversifying nature of [[runestones]].

==Diablo III Immunities==

[[Jay Wilson]] confirmed during a Developer Chat in 2012 that Monsters won't have immunities as an affix.[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/diablo-iii-developer-chat-at-best-buy-2]
<blue>
Jay Wilson: We do not use immunities as a monster affix. We focused more on powers that change up the monster’s threat and challenge different classes in different ways.
</blue>

[[Jay Wilson]] answered a question about resistance and immunities during the [[BlizzCon 2010 Panel: Open Q&A]]:

<blue>
Jay Wilson: Resistance was changed from a flat percentage to a basically a rating, that works how defense did (in Diablo II). It scales with the level of the monster. So it can grow to higher values over time. With this change we do not have to include resistance penalties for Nightmare and Hell, as was done in Diablo II. In a lot of ways our resistances are the same. Resistance is still a big part of the game. It's a focus of your defensive building of your char in higher levels.

As for immunities, we're not doing double/triple immunities (in monsters). We don't want to completely hurt a character's ability to hurt something. We also diversify damage types more across the classes (than was done in Diablo II). But we still can't count on a class having a diversity of damage types we can use.
</blue>

::'''''Question:''' Will characters need to stack resistances for particular fights?''
<blue>
Jay Wilson: Sometimes. It's kind of an end game question, so haven't done it yet. We'll look more at it as the time comes closer.
</blue>

==Character Skills==

Only a few characters skills are known to lower resistances or break immunities, and these are very subject to change as game development continues.

[[Wrath of the Berserker]] -- [[Barbarian]]
This shout grants higher stats and enables the Barbarian to partially break monster immunities.
* '''Description:''' Enter a heightened sense of fury, raising several stats (Critical Hit, Attack Speed, [[Dodge]] Chance, Movement Speed) for X seconds. Monsters with damage immunities will take X% less damage from the Barbarian's attacks rather than being immune.

[[category:combat]]

Mlvl

2012-05-10T21:41:47Z

Maurish:

''MLVL'' is, quite simply, a shortened version of "monster level".

Monster level is a fairly important function in the [[Diablo]] games as it pertains to [[item]] generation and drop tables. While not much is known about the monster [[level]] as it pertains to affects on items or gameplay in Diablo III, there is a rather extensive article on how it was used in Diablo II on the D2 wiki.

* {{iw|mlvl mlvl functions in Diablo II.}}

In addition to this, it has been revealed that the mlvl of monsters in the new [[Inferno]] difficulty mode will be from 61 to 63 or, in other terms, always higher than the maximum player level.

[[category:glossary]]
[[category:basics]]
[[category:gameplay]]

Magic find

2012-05-10T21:37:10Z

Maurish: A small update. Could use some clarification and confirmation on certain mechanics once the game is released

[[Magic Find]], or MF, is a very popular magical property found on many types of items. Magic Find has been confirmed to return in [[Diablo III]]. It was first seen on numerous items in the [[Blizzcon 2008]] demo.

Magic Find was hugely popular in [[Diablo II]], and {{iw|Magic_Find the MF page in the Diablo II wiki}} goes into exhaustive detail in discussing this complicated item property.

==Magic Find in Diablo III==

Magic Find increases the odds for found items (from monsters or objects) to be "higher quality". Higher quality items are more likely to be magical, [[rare]], [[set]], or [[legendary]], with different odds for each type of item depending on the [[mlvl|Monster Level]] dropping the item and the player's Magic Find percentage. Magic Find doesn't make items with higher item level to drop since monsters have a set of items they're capable of dropping (eg. the highest tier of items will only drop from monsters with [[mlvl|Monster Level]] 63) nor does it increase the quantity of items dropped.

[[Nephalem Valor]], a new system in [[Diablo III]], gives level 60 players a stacking buff (when a rare or champion monster is killed) which increases their Magic/Gold Find and increases the drops on bosses. The buff will disappear if the player [[respec]]s. It is not yet known how high it stacks or how much Magic Find bonus it gives.

When asked about [[Treasure Class]]es and potential diminishing returns on Magic Find (like there was in [[Diablo II]]), [[Diablo III]]'s Game Director [[Jay Wilson]] confirmed that Magic Find will not be capped but didn't mention diminishing returns.[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/diablo-iii-developer-chat-at-best-buy-2]
<blue>
Jay Wilson: I don’t really know how to answer the treasure class one, lots of areas have different treasure classes but we try to make areas relatively equal depending on challenge and monster level. MF is not capped, though.
</blue>

[[Diablo III]]'s Community Manager [[Bashiok]] answered a question regarding diminishing returns on Magic Find with his usual no deny nor confirm style.[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/bashiok-on-nephalem-valor-magic-find]
<blue>
Bashiok: Well I don’t think it’s a linear scale, if that’s what you mean. We might share what it is on our game guide sometime after launch.
</blue>

==Magic Find in Group==

Since every player will have their own loot in cooperative play, the Magic Find in group situations will be averaged across the group.[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/magic-find-and-gold-find-now-shared-through-the-party]

Here's an example with a group of three people:

* Player 1's MF: 100
* Player 2's MF: 80
* Player 3's MF: 0
* Magic Find for each player: (100 + 80 + 0) / 3 = 60.

To recap: Every players personal Magic Find will be summarized and then divided by the number of players.

This prevents players in public games from stacking Magic Find and tagging along while doing minimal effort in killing monsters but getting the best chances of getting great drops. This might also discourage cooperative play since other people with low Magic Find percentage might lower your overall Magic Find.

The [[Nephalem Valor]] buff covers the entire group.

==Magic Find with Followers==

[[Blizzard]] forum moderator Rygarius clarified that 20% of the Magic Find on the [[Follower]]'s gear will be added to the player's personal Magic Find bonus.[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/magic-find-and-gold-find-now-shared-through-the-party]
<blue>
Rygarius: The amount displayed is your share of the bonus. You get 20% of your follower’s Magic Find, Gold Find, and + to XP.
</blue>

In a group situation, your [[Follower]] will return to town and you will not get the Magic Find bonus from his/her gear.

==Diablo III's MF Philosophy==

The [[D3 Team]] has talked about how they'll balance Magic Find with other modifiers, and how they'll keep things fair, or at least fairer, for all the characters. A typical quote came from [[Bashiok]] in December 2009.[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/bashiok-on-magic-find/]

<blue>
Bashiok: I think the trick with magic find, or any sort of tertiary stat that doesn't directly relate to player power, is to make sure that it's an actual trade off. A lot of times and specifically for certain classes in Diablo II you could stack magic find and still be perfectly able to fight and kill. So what it really comes down to is properly weighting stats on items and ensuring that if you do want to stack something like magic find, that it's clearly going to limit your power in downing enemies. Auto-stats to a degree also help out in this regard as you can't effectively stack stats as easily to offset the loss of stats coming from items that might otherwise help keep you alive or kill at an acceptable pace.

That said magic find isn't fully drawn up yet, there's not a complete pool of itemization where we can begin tweaking balance to a degree where we can ensure MF doesn't get out of hand. It could turn out that we need to take an alternate approach, but, if I had to guess simply weighting the stat properly would be enough.
</blue>

To summarize, here's why players won't be able to just load up on MF on characters in D3:
* Auto-stat allocation means a character can't put every point into vitality to make up for not wearing any +hit point gear.
* Item bonuses to stats like defense, resistance, damage reduction, and more, will be (more) necessary to survive than they were in D2.
* D3 adds +%spell damage mods to numerous items, and Mage characters will need to boost that stat in the same way combat characters require +%damage weapons and other gear. If MF and +spell damage seldom appear on the same items, as was the case with +%damage and +MF in D2, then mages won't have any inherent advantage to loading up on MF gear.

==Controversy==

Many fans disliked Magic Find in Diablo 2, and object to its proposed presence in Diablo 3. The typical argument is that Magic Find only encouraged more use of Magic Find. Players had to wear gear with MF to find more good items, and since many of the best items had Magic Find, they just increased their MF further, in a self-perpetuating cycle. Magic Find was also unbalanced, since spell-casting characters and ranged attackers could load up on it without suffering any real drawbacks, while melee fighters had to devote their gear to boosting their damage, defense, resistance, hit points, and other survival bonuses, and thus were at a disadvantage when it came to finding better gear.

On the other hand, many players loved Magic Find since it made finding better items possible, and those players enjoyed the challenge of balancing survival with higher Magic Find. For many builds in the late game, survival was fairly easy, and having MF to factor into the item game added a lot of fun. It also increased game difficulty, since Diablo 2 was too easy with all a character's equipment geared towards killing power. The temptation to add in MF gear and remove survival-boosting equipment was a nice trade off.

==References==
* [http://diablo2.diablowiki.net/Magic_Find Magic Find in Diablo II]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/diablo-iii-developer-chat-at-best-buy-2 Diablo III Developer Chat]
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/magic-find-and-gold-find-now-shared-through-the-party Magic Find and Gold Find Now Shared Through the Party]

[[category:reference]]
[[category:items]]
[[category:modifiers]]

{{Template:Items navbox}}

Nephalem valor

2012-05-10T20:41:38Z

Maurish: moved Nephalem valor to Nephalem Valor

#REDIRECT [[Nephalem Valor]]

Nephalem Valor

2012-05-10T20:41:38Z

Maurish: moved Nephalem valor to Nephalem Valor

Nephalem Valor is a new system introduced in [[Diablo III]]. It is intended among other systems to make sure that the end game is fun and exciting and also that the game is balanced so a 3-minute run of the same area won't be the most efficient way to acquire loot.

Nephalem Valor is one of the major new systems in Diablo III and it kicks in at level 60. It is still in testing and [[Blizzard]] is still working out the details. Here’s how it currently works internally: Rare and Champion packs already have great loot on them. By killing a Rare or Champion pack, not only do you get their loot, but you’ll also receive a buff granting you increased magic find and gold find. However, if you change a skill, skill rune, passive, or leave the game, the buff disappears. As an extra reward, if you kill a boss while this buff is active, you’ll receive extra loot drops from that boss.

The exact amount of magic find and gold find provided by the buff is still being reviewed, as is the amount of extra loot you get from a boss while the buff is active. Blizzard is also playing around with whether or not the buff stacks, what the duration should be, and whether or not it should persist through death. The buff should be strong enough to make staying in your current game more rewarding than creating a new game. At the same time, if the buff is too strong, it risks making shorter play sessions feel not worthwhile.

This system is expected to encourage players to stick with a skill build of their choice, select an area of the game they enjoy, and sweep it for rare and champion packs on their way to a boss, finishing off a run with a boss that’ll be worth killing. If you wanted a shorter play session you could be done at that point, but if you have more time, the path of least resistance would ideally be to stay in the same game and make your way towards the next boss.

==References==

* [http://us.battle.net/d3/en/forum/topic/4241234476/ Nephalem Valor explained on the official Diablo 3 website]

Difficulty

2012-05-07T16:51:33Z

Maurish:

[[Diablo III]] will have four difficulty levels unlike in [[Diablo 1]] and [[Diablo 2]] where there were only three. The names for the first three difficulty levels have not changed. The difficulty levels in Diablo III are as follows: '''Normal''', '''Nightmare''', '''Hell''', '''Inferno'''.

[[Inferno]] is the new difficulty level added in Diablo III that is aimed at max-level characters for a challenging end-game content.

==Official Comments==
[[Jay Wilson]] talked about his desire to ramp up the difficulty and complexity later in the game in a December 2008 interview with 1up.com.[http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3172030]

<blue>
Jay Wilson: The combat model doesn't have a lot of depth in the previous games. It was very much a "one-skill spam" kind of game, which I think works great for the Normal [difficulty] playthrough. I think most of the audience is just fine with that, and through most of the Normal difficulty, it's going to be like that. But as you go into Nightmare and Hell difficulties, I think that the more serious player will appreciate a game that's a little deeper on the combat-mechanic side.
</blue>

Later, in an official interview, [[Kevin Martens]] discussed a possible fourth difficulty level called [[Inferno]] which was confirmed in August 2011.[http://us.blizzard.com/en-us/company/events/diablo3-announcement/index.html#beta:d3-interview]

<blue>
Kevin Martens: Ultimately, it’s going to take the game's harder difficulty modes -- Hell and Inferno -- to challenge the limits of the best Diablo III players.
</blue>

===Difficulty Levels===

There are four [[difficulty]] levels in Diablo 3. There are the standard Diablo difficulties called '''Normal''', '''Nightmare''', '''Hell''', and Blizzard also announced a fourth difficulty level in August 2011 called '''[[Inferno]]'''. How much more difficult and what sort of variety the higher difficulty levels will add remains to be determined. [[Jay Wilson]] addressed this issue in a November 2009 interview. [http://diablofans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23550]
::''What are the differences in the difficulty levels in Diablo III other than just monsters doing more damage? ie: What reason will people have to play through these modes after having already beaten the main story of the game on an easier difficulty setting?
<blue>
Jay Wilson: We haven't really gotten into the difficulty settings a lot; we're still just working on the core content for the game at this point. The primary reason as to why a player would want to progress through the game, through the several difficulties, would be for more of a challenge.

There will be also better item customization, for example a Level 100 character in a higher difficulty would see and wear items that a Level 30 character would not have a chance at seeing in the lower difficulty. Said items will also look and feel completely different whereas in Diablo II a lot of times you just had a remodel of the same old items with different names.
</blue>

===Difficulty Scaling in Multiplayer===

How will the game's difficulty increase with more players in the game? The team has said that it will increase considerably, to the point that playing solo in a group game will be a very bad idea. But what mechanism will create this? More monster hit points? More monster damage? Improved AI?

That's not been revealed, but @Diablo did confirm, in November 2010, that difficulty was probably going to be based on the number of players in the game, not their Clvl. [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/diablo-awakens/]

<blue>Difficulty currently increases based on number of players, not their levels. --Diablo</blue>

==Level of Difficulty==
How hard they will be remains to be seen, and hasn't been much discussed by the [[D3 team]]. It's likely they haven't planned it out in that much detail; difficulty balancing is usually one of the later details to finalize, since it requires almost everything to be finished in the game and then extensive play testing.

We do know that many of the basic game changes in D3 have large effects on the difficulty of the game. There will not be many [[potion]]s, life leech will be less effective (compared to [[Diablo II]]), and most [[heal]]ing will come from [[health globes]]. On the other hand, [[monster]]s won't be full of immunities and blessed with cheesy one-hit kills. The D3 team has discussed this issue several times, and always pointed out that the abundant potions and life leech made D2 characters essentially immortal. [[Death]] came only from cheesy super damaging kills, most of which were bugs, and that's no way to balance a game.

In D3 they want a much steadier progression of difficulty, so that monsters can be challenging, without being buggy insta-death dealers. The D3 Team has also talked about the difficulty ramping up smoothly. They want normal to be fairly easy, so new players can have success and find their way into the game. The D3 Team doesn't want D3 to be a total cakewalk, since that gets boring too, but they're not looking to turn normal into a tooth and nail struggle to survive. Nightmare and Hell? Perhaps.

==BlizzCon Demo Difficulty==
Players who have tested out the game at demos in 2008, 2009, and 2010, have given varying reports of the difficulty. It's hard to judge across the board, since a lot of the people playing are not experienced with the Diablo games, and are struggling with the controls, don't know how to use skills, are playing a new class for the first time, or are just rushing around madly during their short demo play time, rather than clearing out levels systematically.

More experienced players have found the game pretty easy, especially when playing solo. The multiplayer is a lot more challenging, but much of that comes from people going their own way in large games where the monsters are scaled up in difficulty, or from being partied with noobs who don't know what they're doing.

Also note that the demos are modified from the normal game. The characters are turned up a bit to make them stronger (so noobs won't die repeatedly and get frustrated), and the drop rate for items is increased, so players find more fun loot.

The [[D3 Team]] has acknowledged that the early stages of Diablo III will be fairly simple, but they claim that the difficulty will ramp up over time and become quite challenging on Nightmare and Hell, especially in multiplayer games.

[[category:basics]]