Difference between revisions of "Disintegrate"

ADVERTISEMENT
From Diablo Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
(Double Damage Upon Target Lock)
(updated development)
Line 1: Line 1:
'''Disintegrate''' is a Tier 5 [[skill]] unlocked for the [[Wizard]] at level 14, doing damage to opponents in an [[AoE]] line. It's a [[signature skill]] of the Wizard.
+
'''Disintegrate''' is a [[Wizard]] Tier 5 [[Wizard skills|skill]] unlocked at [[clvl|level]] 14, doing damage to opponents in an [[AoE]] line. It's a [[signature skill]] of the Wizard.
  
 
The skill works like a laser beam, firing a straight line of Arcane damage that moves instantly from the Wizard's hand to the edge of the screen. This makes the spell reach the enemies faster than any other spell in the game, and its ability to pass through as many targets as are in the way gives it impressive piercing ability.
 
The skill works like a laser beam, firing a straight line of Arcane damage that moves instantly from the Wizard's hand to the edge of the screen. This makes the spell reach the enemies faster than any other spell in the game, and its ability to pass through as many targets as are in the way gives it impressive piercing ability.
  
 
The drawbacks are fairly low damage, especially to targets behind the front row, and the fact that the Wizard is stuck in place while casting it.
 
The drawbacks are fairly low damage, especially to targets behind the front row, and the fact that the Wizard is stuck in place while casting it.
 +
  
  
Line 13: Line 14:
 
|active= Active
 
|active= Active
 
|name= Disintegrate
 
|name= Disintegrate
|ranks= 1
+
|ranks= 5
 
|user= Wizard
 
|user= Wizard
|tree= Arcane
+
|tree= Tier 5
 
|description= Emanate a beam of pure energy dealing X arcane damage per second.  Damage is modified to 80% each time the beam passes through the target.
 
|description= Emanate a beam of pure energy dealing X arcane damage per second.  Damage is modified to 80% each time the beam passes through the target.
 
|type= Direct Damage
 
|type= Direct Damage
 
|quantity= 12 damage/sec
 
|quantity= 12 damage/sec
 
|effect= Line [[AoE]]
 
|effect= Line [[AoE]]
|school= Arcane
+
|school= [[Arcane]]
|resource= [[Mana]]
+
|resource= [[Arcane Power]]
 
|cost= 12/sec
 
|cost= 12/sec
 
|cast-time= Instant
 
|cast-time= Instant
Line 31: Line 32:
 
A [[Wizard]] can call forth a torrent of Arcane energies to make matter simply vanish.
 
A [[Wizard]] can call forth a torrent of Arcane energies to make matter simply vanish.
  
 
==Skill Rank Table==
 
* '''Rank 1:''' 12 damage/sec. 12 mana/sec.
 
Only Rank 1 is known so far.
 
 
 
==Runestone Effects==
 
[[Bashiok]] revealed one runestone effect in a forum post in January, 2011.<ref>[http://blues.incgamers.com/Posts/1/1/4/10/59430/wizards-disintegrate-skill--flawed#postId_153707 Bashiok forum post] - Blizz Blues, January 11, 2011</ref>
 
 
::Disintegrate with obsidian makes it a short range cone attack that it super strong, so maybe a melee wizard would love it that way
 
 
* [[Alabaster rune]]: Unknown.
 
* [[Crimson rune]]: Unknown.
 
* [[Golden rune]]: Unknown.
 
* [[Indigo rune]]: Unknown.
 
* [[Obsidian rune]]: Short range (melee style) cone-shaped beam that deals very high damage.
 
 
==Synergies==
 
 
Disintegrate benefits directly from the following traits:
 
 
* [[Glass Cannon]]: Increases damage done by spells and increases armor.
 
* [[Intimidation]]: Increases damage done and reduces vendor costs.
 
* [[Quickening]]: Increases spell casting speed.
 
* [[Beast Hunter]]: Damage bonus against beasts.
 
* [[Demonsbane]]: Damage bonus against Demons.
 
* [[Just...Stay...Dead!]]: Damage bonus against undead.
 
* [[Temporal Flux]]: Enemies that have been hit by your Arcane spells are slowed down by 25% for 3 seconds.
 
* [[Power Surge]]: Increase critical strike damage.
 
* [[Penetrating Spells]]: Reduces the resistances of your target to your spells by 20%.
 
  
  
 
==Skill Design==
 
==Skill Design==
 +
[[Image:Wiz-disintegrate1.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Disintegrating from within [[Slow Time]].]]
 
Disintegrate fires a red, ruler-straight laser beam of [[arcane]] damage, striking everything in a line [[AoE]] right to the edge of the screen. The beam remains active as long as the mouse button is depressed ([[mana]] permitting), and can be moved around in all directions, emanating out from the stationary Wizard like spikes from a hub.
 
Disintegrate fires a red, ruler-straight laser beam of [[arcane]] damage, striking everything in a line [[AoE]] right to the edge of the screen. The beam remains active as long as the mouse button is depressed ([[mana]] permitting), and can be moved around in all directions, emanating out from the stationary Wizard like spikes from a hub.
  
Line 76: Line 48:
  
 
===Double Damage Upon Target Lock===
 
===Double Damage Upon Target Lock===
 
+
[[File:Disintegrate-tutorial.jpg|thumb|350px|Disintegrate [[critical hit]] tutorial.]]
[[File:Disintegrate-tutorial.jpg|thumb|400px|Disintegrate [[critical hit]] tutorial.]]
 
 
As pointed out by Madmaxio and Arkadier in a forum thread<ref>[http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7719882#post7719882 Diii.net forum thread] - IncGamers November 4, 2010</ref>, Disintegrate kicks into a higher level of damage once it's been locked onto the same target for more than about half a second. This is usually indicated by the red beam turning purple, but in some sequences the double damage kicks in without the beam changing color at all. It's unclear if this is a graphical bug, or if there are two mechanisms to deal double damage with Disintegrate: critical hit AND longer time locked onto target.
 
As pointed out by Madmaxio and Arkadier in a forum thread<ref>[http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7719882#post7719882 Diii.net forum thread] - IncGamers November 4, 2010</ref>, Disintegrate kicks into a higher level of damage once it's been locked onto the same target for more than about half a second. This is usually indicated by the red beam turning purple, but in some sequences the double damage kicks in without the beam changing color at all. It's unclear if this is a graphical bug, or if there are two mechanisms to deal double damage with Disintegrate: critical hit AND longer time locked onto target.
  
 
A few hits have been seen that seem to jump to quadruple damage, which might be a rare bonus from a lengthy lock on as well as a critical hit. This is still a subject of much debate, as contradictory evidence can be found in screenshot sequences taken from gameplay movies. See [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7719882 the Wizard forum thread] on Diii.net for more details and images.
 
A few hits have been seen that seem to jump to quadruple damage, which might be a rare bonus from a lengthy lock on as well as a critical hit. This is still a subject of much debate, as contradictory evidence can be found in screenshot sequences taken from gameplay movies. See [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7719882 the Wizard forum thread] on Diii.net for more details and images.
 
  
 
That Disintegrate deals extra (double?) damage when it's locked has not yet been listed in the skill's in-game description, but it is an original feature of the skill, discussed by the developers since their earliest comments on the skill.<ref>[http://news.bigdownload.com/2008/10/10/diablo-3-class-panel-notes/ Blizzcon 2008 Panel Notes] - Big Download, October 10, 2008</ref>
 
That Disintegrate deals extra (double?) damage when it's locked has not yet been listed in the skill's in-game description, but it is an original feature of the skill, discussed by the developers since their earliest comments on the skill.<ref>[http://news.bigdownload.com/2008/10/10/diablo-3-class-panel-notes/ Blizzcon 2008 Panel Notes] - Big Download, October 10, 2008</ref>
Line 87: Line 57:
 
::The next spell, Disintegrate, was described as the ultimate face melting skill, and introduces a new mechanic. When you use Disintegrate, you will begin to emit a jet of searing red heat for as long as you hold down the mouse button. By sweeping the mouse around, you'll change the direction of the beam. The longer the beam holds on a specific enemy, the more damage it will do to that enemy.
 
::The next spell, Disintegrate, was described as the ultimate face melting skill, and introduces a new mechanic. When you use Disintegrate, you will begin to emit a jet of searing red heat for as long as you hold down the mouse button. By sweeping the mouse around, you'll change the direction of the beam. The longer the beam holds on a specific enemy, the more damage it will do to that enemy.
  
==Hands on Reports==
 
  
Players have had a lot of fun using Disintegrate at various demos, and have posted some useful reports on the skill's function.
 
  
 +
==Skill Rank Table==
 +
* '''Rank 1:''' 12 damage per sec. 12 Arcane Power per sec.
  
===Blizzcon 2009 PvM Demo===
 
  
Flux was able to use Disintegrate in the BlizzCon 2009 demo, and discussed it at length in his BlizzCon 2009 Wizard gameplay report.<ref>[http://www.diii.net/blog/comments/wizard-gameplay-report/P2/ Wizard Report from BlizzCon 2009] - IncGamers August 30, 2009.</ref>
 
  
::''Disintegrate was the the most fun, or at least most talked about, [[Wizard]] skill from [[BlizzCon 2008|Blizzcon]]. Virtually everyone put a point into Disintegrate, either because they liked the name, or because they’d seen someone else using that red laser of death, and wanted to try it themselves. (I fell into the later camp.)  Disintegrate has been featured in a variety of screenshots; the straight red laser line it emits is hard to mistake. When using this skill, the [[Wizard|Sorceress]] emits a laser-like beam of red energy that passes through multiple targets, dealing progressively less damage to each. What makes it so distinctive is that it stays active as long as you depress the mouse button (and have enough [[mana]]), and that it can be aimed like a beam weapon and swept from side to side. It's indisputably fun to stand there and basically hose down every enemy in sight, without moving a step.''
+
==[[Synergies]]==
 +
Disintegrate benefits directly from the following [[trait]]s:
 +
* [[Glass Cannon]]: Increases damage done by spells and increases armor.
 +
* [[Intimidation]]: Increases damage done and reduces vendor costs.
 +
* [[Quickening]]: Increases spell casting speed.
 +
* [[Beast Hunter]]: Damage bonus against beasts.
 +
* [[Demonsbane]]: Damage bonus against Demons.
 +
* [[Just...Stay...Dead!]]: Damage bonus against undead.
 +
* [[Temporal Flux]]: Enemies that have been hit by your Arcane spells are slowed down by 25% for 3 seconds.
 +
* [[Power Surge]]: Increase critical strike damage.
 +
* [[Penetrating Spells]]: Reduces the resistances of your target to your spells by 20%.
  
::''What makes the spell so effective is not the damage, which is fairly low. (It deals 10 damage per second.) It's the speed, since unlike every other Wizard skill (and every Sorceress skill) this one moves at the speed of light. The instant you click the mouse, Disintegrate is hitting things at the edge of the screen. The damage is lessened by each monster it passes through, but in practice (at least in the early going) this just means it can kill everything you shoot at in 5 seconds. The ones in front die in 2 seconds, and as soon as they're down the damage increases to the ones behind them.''
 
  
::''Disintegrate is most effective against weaker enemies in bunches, and especially against [[range]]d attackers at the far edge of the screen. I constantly found [[Skeletal Archer|skeletal archers]] at the edge of the screen, and used Disintegrate to obliterate them before they could do more than get off a single shot at me. Killing them with say, [[Magic Missile]], would have taken much longer. I would have had to cast half a dozen missiles, they would have had to fly all the way across the screen, monsters in the way would have absorbed some of them, and all that while the archers would have been firing at me. Thus Disintegrate isn't hugely damaging, but it saves you a great deal of time and damage by instantly wiping out low hit point enemies from a distance.''
 
  
[[Image:Wiz-disintegrate1.jpg|thumb|350px|Disintegrating from within [[Slow Time]].]]
+
==[[Rune|Skill Rune]] Effects==
::''On the other hand, Disintegrate was not very effective against larger targets. [[Boss]]es or big [[monster]]s were hurt by it, but not nearly as badly as other spells hurt them. It's said that Disintegrate increases in damage the longer it's trained on the same enemy. I was never able to test that out (it killed all the small stuff and ranged attackers too quickly), and it's not listed in the spell's hover description, but even if it's true, it's hard to use this spell for that purpose when you're playing alone. Big monsters don't stand back and let you fry them; they rush up to attack you, and up close [[Spectral Blade]] or Magic Missile did far more damage than Disintegrate. I don't think Disintegrate would be a great choice against a powerful ranged enemy either, such as a boss pack of archers, since while it would be useful to kill them, you have to stand still while you're using it, and their arrows would pin cushion you in the meantime.''
+
* [[Obsidian rune]]: Short range (melee style) cone-shaped beam that deals very high damage.
 
+
* Unknown rune: lowered Arcane Power cost.
::''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 [[magic]]al 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.''
 
 
 
 
 
===Blizzcon 2010 Arena Demo===
 
  
[[File:Disintegrate-arena2.jpg|thumb|300px|Dueling Wizard action.]]
 
Disintegrate was also one of the main attack skills pre-assigned to Wizards in the [[Battle Arena]] in the Blizzcon 2010 demo. Flux reported on it again, from his Mega Arena Hands-On report. <ref>[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/hands-on-from-blizzcon-mega-pvp-arena-report/ Battle Arena Report: BlizzCon 2010] - IncGamers November 3, 2010</ref>
 
  
::Disintegrate was very useful, and the speed of it let you hit anything in a straight line, but it wasn’t very damaging, and the fact that you had to stand still to use it made it dangerous. A skill that fired out projectiles, which the Wizard could constantly have tossed out while moving, would have been awesome.
 
  
::...Most players, especially non-Wizards, seemed to overreact to the danger of the Disintegrate beam. It looked impressive, and sent a steady display of damage taken numbers up, but they were 12s and 15s and 20s, etc. And Disintegrate could only be used while standing still, which meant a Wizard firing it was a sitting duck. It wasn’t wise to stand and trade fire with a Wizard who had Disintegrate locked onto you, but it wasn’t enormously dangerous, if you kept moving. It just looked scary.
+
==Spell Colour Feedback==
 
 
::...I’ve talked about Disintegrate a lot already. 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 whiel 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.
 
 
 
 
 
=== Spell Colour Feedback ===
 
 
[[File:Disintegrate-purple.gif|thumb|300px|Disintegrate, recolored Arcane style.]]
 
[[File:Disintegrate-purple.gif|thumb|300px|Disintegrate, recolored Arcane style.]]
 
Not as bad as the [[art controversy]], but some fans complained Disintegrate looks too much like a fire spell. [[Bashiok]] replied to this feedback by saying:<ref>[http://www.diii.net/blog/comments/bashiok-on-arcane-spell-colors/ Bashiok Forum post] - IncGamers July 8, 2009</ref>
 
Not as bad as the [[art controversy]], but some fans complained Disintegrate looks too much like a fire spell. [[Bashiok]] replied to this feedback by saying:<ref>[http://www.diii.net/blog/comments/bashiok-on-arcane-spell-colors/ Bashiok Forum post] - IncGamers July 8, 2009</ref>
Line 127: Line 91:
  
  
 +
==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.
  
==Development==
+
By [[BlizzCon 2010]], with skill trees gone, Disintegrate was at Tier 5 and one of the Wizard's preset skills in the [[PvP]] demo.
Disintegrate was first shown at [[BlizzCon 2008]] when the [[Wizard]] was unveiled. It was slightly updated in the version shown at [[BlizzCon 2009]], where it received 2 extra damage per second, up from 10.
+
[[Flux]] spoke about using it in the [[Battle Arena]]:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/hands-on-from-blizzcon-mega-pvp-arena-report/]
  
'''Previous Versions:'''
+
<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>
* [[Disintegrate (BlizzCon 2008)]]
 
  
 +
* See the [[Wizard skill archive]] page for more info on how skills where originally organized.
  
  
 +
{{clear}}
 
==Trivia==
 
==Trivia==
With Diablo III, Blizzard have looked more at the traditional Dungeons & Dragons pen & paper RPG for inspiration. The The Disintegrate spell is one of the "trademark" D&D spells, which name is likely taken in tribute to the pen & paper RPG.
+
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.
  
  
Line 143: Line 115:
 
==Media==
 
==Media==
 
You can find pictures in the Diablo 3 screenshot and picture gallery:
 
You can find pictures in the Diablo 3 screenshot and picture gallery:
* [http://www.diii.net/gallery/ Diablo 3 screenshots and pictures]
+
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/ Diablo 3 screenshots and pictures]
* [http://www.diii.net/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=all&si=Disintegrate Disintegrate-specific gallery contents]
+
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/search.php?keywords=Disintegrate&cat=all&x=10&y=8 '''Disintegrate''' specific gallery contents]
* [http://www.blizzard.com/diablo3/characters/wizard.xml Disintegrate video]
+
 
  
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
Line 156: Line 128:
 
File:Disintegrate-tutorial3.jpg|Sequence of Disintegrate in the Arena.
 
File:Disintegrate-tutorial3.jpg|Sequence of Disintegrate in the Arena.
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 +
[[Image:Wiz-disintegrate3.jpg|center|thumb|600px|Disintegrate in character artwork by Blizzard artist [[Josh Tallman]].]]
  
  
[[Image:Wiz-disintegrate3.jpg|center|thumb|600px|Disintegrate in character artwork by Blizzard artist [[Josh Tallman]].]]
 
  
 
==Related Articles==
 
==Related Articles==
* [[Disintegrate (BlizzCon 2008)]]
+
* [[Disintegrate (BlizzCon 2008)|Disintegrate]] -- Original page.
  
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
<font size="-3"><references/></font>
 
<font size="-3"><references/></font>
 
+
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/wizard-gameplay-report/P2/ BlizzCon 2008 Wizard Gameplay Report]
 
+
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/hands-on-from-blizzcon-mega-pvp-arena-report/ BlizzCon 2010 PvP Hands-on Report]
  
 
{{Slave navbox Diablo III|Wizard}}
 
{{Slave navbox Diablo III|Wizard}}

Revision as of 17:12, 9 February 2011

Disintegrate is a Wizard Tier 5 skill unlocked at level 14, doing damage to opponents in an AoE line. It's a signature skill of the Wizard.

The skill works like a laser beam, firing a straight line of Arcane damage that moves instantly from the Wizard's hand to the edge of the screen. This makes the spell reach the enemies faster than any other spell in the game, and its ability to pass through as many targets as are in the way gives it impressive piercing ability.

The drawbacks are fairly low damage, especially to targets behind the front row, and the fact that the Wizard is stuck in place while casting it.


Background

Diablo III Skill [e]
Wiz-disintegrate1.jpg
Disintegrate

Active, 5 ranks

Used by: Wizard
Skill Description:
Emanate a beam of pure energy dealing X arcane damage per second. Damage is modified to 80% each time the beam passes through the target.
Skill Details:
Type: Direct Damage
Quantity: 12 damage/sec
Effect: Line AoE
School: Arcane
Arcane Power cost: 12/sec
Cast time: Instant
Duration: Concentrate?
Cooldown: Unknown
Synergies: None
Requires: N/A
Prereq of: N/A

A Wizard can call forth a torrent of Arcane energies to make matter simply vanish.


Skill Design

Disintegrating from within Slow Time.

Disintegrate fires a red, ruler-straight laser beam of arcane damage, striking everything in a line AoE right to the edge of the screen. The beam remains active as long as the mouse button is depressed (mana permitting), and can be moved around in all directions, emanating out from the stationary Wizard like spikes from a hub.

The spell does bonus damage (apparently doubling with critical hits) after it locks onto a target for more than about half a second. The beam turns from red to purple to give a visual indication of this; see the tutorial screenshots below.

On the whole, Disintegrate seems like more of a support skill than a main weapon. The Arcane Power drain is fairly fast, and the damage isn't very high. Its utility comes from hitting multiple monsters in a line, and the speed of it; Disintegrate is the only known skill that can instantly reach all the way to the edge of the visible screen. Literally instantly; as soon as the mouse is clicked the skill reaches from the Wizard all the way to the edge of the screen, which makes it good to hit fast moving monsters, or opponents in the Arena.

It's very useful to take out low hit point enemies from a distance. Monsters like skeletal archers or other ranged attackers who spawn behind other melee enemies are great to cook with Disintegrate, since the beam can get to them instantly, before their arrows or projectiles have traveled across the screen to the Wizard.

The damage decreases to 80% with each additional target it strikes, so if the goal is to kill the 3rd or 4th monster in a row it may take a while. Of course the ones closer are taking more damage and will die fairly soon, thus bringing the target closer to being the first impact and dealing higher damage. The damage decrease goes like this, with the damage 80% of the base with each monster in a row. 100%, 80% to the second, then 80% of that to the 3rd, which is 64%. It continues to decrease to 51%, 41%, and 33% to the 6th, should a Wizard find so many targets in a row.


Double Damage Upon Target Lock

Disintegrate critical hit tutorial.

As pointed out by Madmaxio and Arkadier in a forum thread[1], Disintegrate kicks into a higher level of damage once it's been locked onto the same target for more than about half a second. This is usually indicated by the red beam turning purple, but in some sequences the double damage kicks in without the beam changing color at all. It's unclear if this is a graphical bug, or if there are two mechanisms to deal double damage with Disintegrate: critical hit AND longer time locked onto target.

A few hits have been seen that seem to jump to quadruple damage, which might be a rare bonus from a lengthy lock on as well as a critical hit. This is still a subject of much debate, as contradictory evidence can be found in screenshot sequences taken from gameplay movies. See the Wizard forum thread on Diii.net for more details and images.

That Disintegrate deals extra (double?) damage when it's locked has not yet been listed in the skill's in-game description, but it is an original feature of the skill, discussed by the developers since their earliest comments on the skill.[2]

The next spell, Disintegrate, was described as the ultimate face melting skill, and introduces a new mechanic. When you use Disintegrate, you will begin to emit a jet of searing red heat for as long as you hold down the mouse button. By sweeping the mouse around, you'll change the direction of the beam. The longer the beam holds on a specific enemy, the more damage it will do to that enemy.


Skill Rank Table

  • Rank 1: 12 damage per sec. 12 Arcane Power per sec.


Synergies

Disintegrate benefits directly from the following traits:


Skill Rune Effects

  • Obsidian rune: Short range (melee style) cone-shaped beam that deals very high damage.
  • Unknown rune: lowered Arcane Power cost.


Spell Colour Feedback

Disintegrate, recolored Arcane style.

Not as bad as the art controversy, but some fans complained Disintegrate looks too much like a fire spell. Bashiok replied to this feedback by saying:[3]

It doesn’t actually feel anything like fire in-game. The screenshots don't really give a good impression of the way it looks and acts. In a screenshot you may think… well it has a lot of colors of fire, but in motion you just don’t get that impression. It comes across as a red-dominated skill. And the sound of the ability actually plays a huge part in how it feels, and it feels like a very focused and powerful energy beam.


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:[1]

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.
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:[2]

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.


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

You can find pictures in the Diablo 3 screenshot and picture gallery:


Disintegrate in character artwork by Blizzard artist Josh Tallman.


Related Articles


References

  1. Diii.net forum thread - IncGamers November 4, 2010
  2. Blizzcon 2008 Panel Notes - Big Download, October 10, 2008
  3. Bashiok Forum post - IncGamers July 8, 2009