Difference between revisions of "Cleave"

Latest revision as of 01:54, 3 November 2017

Cleave is a Primary Barbarian skill unlocked at Level 3, which hits all enemies 180 degrees in front of the Barbarian for extra damage.

Hover for latest stats

Post-Release Changes[edit | edit source]

Cleave in action.

The v1.0.4 patch buffed the base skill considerably, as well as adding additional bonuses to the Reaping Swing, Broad Sweep and Gathering Storm rune effects.

Cleave changes in v1.0.4:

Weapon damage increased from 120% to 140%

Skill Rune Effects[edit | edit source]

The following is a very quick summary. See the Cleave 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.

Icon	Name (Hover over for latest stats)	Level Unlocked
	Rupture	9
	Reaping Swing	18
	Scattering Blast	30
	Broad Sweep	47
	Gathering Storm	55

Skill Design[edit | edit source]

A close up of Cleave, notice the red curve representing cleave. The blue "orbs" are from the hits of the frost enchanted axe.

Mighty Cleave in action!

Cleave is a good skill to hit multiple enemies, it works with all combination of weapons, including a weapon and a shield, a duel wield combo or one big 2-handed weapon. It is unclear what factors the % damage on Cleave, is it Weapon Damage? or the resulting damage that a normal hit would've done? Make assumptions at your own risk.

With the latest changes in Fury mechanics, this skill would end up generating more Fury than was initially spent.

Here are cleaved Goatmen. You can see the graphic distortion as well as the red lines from swinging a cleave.

Video[edit | edit source]

A video of Cleave in use can be seen below, courtesy of the DiabloInc You Tube channel.

Synergies[edit | edit source]

Base Skill[edit | edit source]

The following Barbarian passives provide a benefit to Cleave, 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.

Scattering Blast[edit | edit source]

The following Barbarian passives provide a benefit to Scattering Blast:

Ruthless - Increases critical hit chance and critical hit damage always.
Weapons Master - Increases critical hit chance when the Barbarian is wielding a mace or axe.

Development[edit | edit source]

Cleave was introduced in the WWI 2008 gameplay demo, where it could be found in the Juggernaut Skill Tree at Tier II. At the time, it would hit for 130% weapon damage on 2 enemies at rank 1, with weapon damage and maximum number of targets scaling per rank.

For BlizzCon 2009, Cleave had been slightly re-balanced with slightly less damage, and had also changed appearance slightly between the WWI gameplay video and the later demo. Strangely enough, the animation has been made less overwhelming, only cleaving in one direction, when the older one swung in both directions. Flux still enjoyed using it:[1]

Probably the most useful active attack skill the Barbarian had in the Blizzcon build. I used this one most of the time, especially when I had a group of enemies, and it cut right through them. It dealt enough damage to replenish the fury it cost any time I hit two or more enemies, so I’d usually ignore single small targets, and try to swing towards several enemies, or would do some very simplified herding to group up Fallen Imps or other small targets so that one Cleave would take them all out, and boost my fury as well.

By BlizzCon 2010, the only change to Cleave was the removal of skill trees. Flux shared some new insights on using it in his hands-on report:[2]

Cleave with the spear was extremely effective. It bumped up my damage enough that I began to one-hit kill virtually all of the regular monsters, and that was very fun. I’d usually run up to groups of 4-8 monsters, let them crowd in close, and then cut the whole damn bunch of them down with a single swing. Watching their bodies fly back like eviscerated ragdolls, was, to quote Jay Wilson, “Awesome!” It was all that “make the player feel godly” stuff they’re always talking about during the design panels, come to life. I was putty in their hands, and felt slightly dirty at being so easily manipulated.

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 Cleave became a level 5 skill.

Beta[edit | edit source]

The Diablo III Beta started in September 2011, and while it ran, all of the skills continued to undergo extensive iteration. Skill changes varied from changing the levels the skills are unlocked, to changes in resource cost, damage, and even function. A few skills were removed altogether, and a few new ones were added. Also, the entire skill system received an overhaul with the Beta Patch 13 update in February 2012, with physical runes replaced by rune effects that automatically unlock at various levels for the different skills.

Cleave was dropped to level 4 soon after the beta started. With the Patch 13 changes, it was classified as a Primary skill and moved to level 3.

Previous Versions[edit | edit source]

See the Barbarian skill archive for more details on previous versions of Cleave and other Barbarian skills.

In Other Games[edit | edit source]

Cleave was probably inspired by WarCraft 3, since the modifier that changes to "hit all enemies in front" is called Cleave.

Media[edit | edit source]

Cleave can be seen in action on video here:

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

Cleave smash closeup.
Ghouls being cleaved on a bridge.
Goatmen being cleaved.
Improved lighting effects are visible in Aug, 2010.

References[edit | edit source]

BlizzCon 2009 Full Barbarian Skill Trees and Stats
BlizzCon 2010 Barb Hands-on Report
Zediono's translation of JudgeHype's pre-beta report — IncGamers 1st Aug 2011
Silva's Barbarian Runestone Effects — IncGamers 6th Sep 2011
Barbarian Active Skills — Blizzard's Official Diablo III Site

Template:Skill navbox Necromancer primary

Template:Skill navbox Necromancer secondary

Template:Skill navbox Necromancer corpses

Template:Skill navbox Necromancer bloodandbone

Template:Skill navbox Necromancer reanimation

Template:Skill navbox Necromancer curses

Fan-made Classes			Fan-made Skills [e]
• Alchemist • Arcane Warrior • Artisan • Aurian Mage • Bard • Channeller • Dragon Warrior	• Flagellant • Giant (U) • Hollow Man • Nomad • Onaga Manji • Phase Knight	• Ranger • Slayer (U) • Techpriest (U) • Telepath • Untainted (U) • Zealot	Dragon Warrior Skills • Bow and Throwing Skill Tree • Dragon Disciplines Skill Tree • Martial Arts Skill Tree	Untainted Skills • Divine Skill Tree	Aurian Mage Skill • Holy Power Skill Tree • Shadow Spells Skill Tree • Nature Forces Skill Tree
(U) = Unfinished				Untainted Skills • Divine Skill Tree

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Cleave''' is a [[Barbarian]] Tier 1 [[Barbarian_skills|skill]] unlocked at [[Clvl|level]] 2, which hits all enemies 180 degrees in front of the Barbarian.
+[[File:IconCleave.png|left]]
+'''Cleave''' is a Primary [[Barbarian skill]] unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 3, which hits all enemies 180 degrees in front of the Barbarian for extra damage.
+<strong>[https://us.battle.net/d3/en/class/barbarian/active/cleave Hover for latest stats]</strong>
+<br><br><br>__TOC__
+==Post-Release Changes==
+[[File:Barb-cleave2.jpg|thumb|200px|Cleave in action.]]
+The [[v1.0.4 patch]] buffed the base skill considerably, as well as adding additional bonuses to the [[Reaping Swing]], [[Broad Sweep]] and [[Gathering Storm]] rune effects.
+[[Cleave]] changes in v1.0.4:
+* Weapon damage increased from 120% to 140%
+==Skill Rune Effects==
+The following is a very quick summary. See the [[Cleave 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.
+<table>
+<tr>
+<th>Icon</th>
+<th>Name (Hover over for latest stats)</th>
+<th>Level Unlocked</th>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>[[File:runee.png]]</td>
+<td class="name">
+[https://us.battle.net/d3/en/class/barbarian/active/cleave#e+ Rupture]</td>
+<td>9</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>[[File:runed.png]]</td>
+<td class="name">
+[https://us.battle.net/d3/en/class/barbarian/active/cleave#d+ Reaping Swing]</td>
+<td>18</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>[[File:runec.png]]</td>
+<td class="name">
+[https://us.battle.net/d3/en/class/barbarian/active/cleave#c+ Scattering Blast]</td>
+<td>30</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>[[File:runea.png]]</td>
+<td class="name">
+[https://us.battle.net/d3/en/class/barbarian/active/cleave#a+ Broad Sweep]</td>
+<td>47</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td>[[File:runeb.png]]</td>
+<td class="name">
+[https://us.battle.net/d3/en/class/barbarian/active/cleave#b+ Gathering Storm]</td>
+<td>55</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
-==Background==
-{{Skillbox
-|game= Diablo III
-|portrait= Barb-cleave1.jpg
-<!-- |portrait-width= -->
-|active= Active
-|name= Cleave
-|ranks= 5
-|user= Barbarian
-|tree= Tier 1
-|description= The Barbarian swings at multiple targets at once, dealing X% of normal damage to all targets in front of him.
-|type= Direct Damage
-|quantity= % of weapon dmg.
-|effect= Semi-Circular [[AoE]]
-|school= [[Physical]]
-|resource= [[Fury]]
-|cost= Unknown
-|cast-time= None
-|cooldown= None
-|synergies= None
-}}
-The Barbarian swings his weapon with all his might, cleaving in twain any enemies in his path.
 ==Skill Design==
-[[Image:Barb-cleave2.jpg|thumb|250px|left|A close up of Cleave, notice the red curve representing cleave. The blue "orbs" are from the hits of the frost enchanted axe]]
+[[Image:Barb-cleave2.jpg|thumb|250px|left|A close up of Cleave, notice the red curve representing cleave. The blue "orbs" are from the hits of the frost enchanted axe.]]
+[[Image:Barb-cleave1.jpg|thumb|250px|Mighty Cleave in action!]]
 Cleave is a good [[skill]] to hit multiple enemies, it works with all combination of weapons, including a weapon and a shield, a duel wield combo or one big 2-handed weapon. It is unclear what factors the % damage on Cleave, is it Weapon Damage? or the resulting damage that a normal hit would've done? Make assumptions at your own risk.
@@ Line 35: / Line 77: @@
 [[Image:Barb_cleave3.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Here are cleaved [[Goatmen]]. You can see the graphic distortion as well as the red lines from swinging a cleave.]]
-==Skill Rank Table==
+===Video===
-*'''Rank 1:''' The Barbarian swings at multiple targets at once, dealing 100% of normal damage to each.
+A video of Cleave in use can be seen below, courtesy of [http://www.youtube.com/Diablo3Inc the DiabloInc You Tube channel].
-*'''Rank 2:''' The Barbarian swings at multiple targets at once, dealing 110% of normal damage to each.
-*'''Rank 3:''' The Barbarian swings at multiple targets at once, dealing 120% of normal damage to each.
+<youtube>-UJvNZpK4SY</youtube>
-*'''Rank 4:''' The Barbarian swings at multiple targets at once, dealing 130% of normal damage to each.
-*'''Rank 5:''' The Barbarian swings at multiple targets at once, dealing 140% of normal damage to each. (A)
-(A) = Assumed
+==Synergies==
+===Base Skill===
+The following [[Barbarian passives]] provide a benefit to Cleave, 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.
-==[[Synergies]]==
-Cleave benefits directly from the following [[trait]]s:
-* [[Intimidation]]: Increases damage done and reduces vendor costs.
-* [[Cruelty]]: Increases your chance of dealing critical strikes.
-* [[Weak Spot]]: Increases critical strike damage.
-<br>
-Cleave may benefit from the following traits:
-* [[Frenzied Attacks]]: Increases the chance to deal critical strikes and increases critical strike damage when the Barbarian is wielding two weapons.
-* [[Thunderous Blows]]: Increases damage done when the Barbarian is wielding a two-handed weapon.
-* [[Beast Hunter]]: Damage bonus against Beasts.
-* [[Demonsbane]]: Damage bonus against Demons.
-* [[Just...Stay...Dead!]]: Damage bonus against Undead.
-* [[Massive Blow]]: You have a chance to hit all nearby targets with a single hit. Requires a two-handed weapon.
-* [[Pig Sticker]]: Increases damage done when the Barbarian is wielding a polearm, spears or when he throws weapons.
-* [[Die by the Sword]]: Increases damage done when the Barbarian is wielding swords.
-* [[Axe Murderer]]: Increases damage done when the Barbarian is wielding axes.
-* [[Brain Basher]]: Increases damage done when the Barbarian is wielding maces.
-'''Note:''' Traits will no doubt be revamped before game release.
+===[[File:IconMedRuneC.png|30px]] Scattering Blast===
+The following [[Barbarian passives]] provide a benefit to [[Scattering Blast]]:
+* [[Ruthless]] - Increases [[critical hit]] chance and critical hit damage always.
+* [[Weapons Master]] - Increases [[critical hit]] chance when the [[Barbarian]] is wielding a [[mace]] or [[axe]].
+==Development==
+'''Cleave''' was introduced in the [[WWI 2008]] gameplay demo, where it could be found in the [[Juggernaut Skill Tree]] at Tier II. At the time, it would hit for 130% weapon damage on 2 enemies at rank 1, with weapon damage and maximum number of targets scaling per rank.
-==[[Rune|Skill Rune]] Effects==
+For [[BlizzCon 2009]], Cleave had been slightly re-balanced with slightly less damage, and had also changed appearance slightly between the WWI gameplay video and the later demo. Strangely enough, the animation has been made less overwhelming, only cleaving in one direction, when the older one swung in both directions. [[Flux]] still enjoyed using it:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/full-barbarian-skill-trees-and-stats1/]
-* None known.
+<blockquote>''Probably the most useful active attack skill the Barbarian had in the Blizzcon build. I used this one most of the time, especially when I had a group of enemies, and it cut right through them. It dealt enough damage to replenish the fury it cost any time I hit two or more enemies, so I’d usually ignore single small targets, and try to swing towards several enemies, or would do some very simplified herding to group up Fallen Imps or other small targets so that one Cleave would take them all out, and boost my fury as well.</blockquote>
+By [[BlizzCon 2010]], the only change to Cleave was the removal of skill trees. [[Flux]] shared some new insights on using it in his hands-on report:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/hands-on-from-blizzcon-mega-pvm-report-barbarian]
-==Development==
+<blockquote>''Cleave with the spear was extremely effective. It bumped up my damage enough that I began to one-hit kill virtually all of the regular monsters, and that was very fun. I’d usually run up to groups of 4-8 monsters, let them crowd in close, and then cut the whole damn bunch of them down with a single swing. Watching their bodies fly back like eviscerated ragdolls, was, to quote Jay Wilson, “Awesome!” It was all that “make the player feel godly” stuff they’re always talking about during the design panels, come to life. I was putty in their hands, and felt slightly dirty at being so easily manipulated.</blockquote>
-'''Cleave''' was introduced in the [[WWI 2008]] gameplay demo, smashing enemies to bits. The skill was been slightly re-balanced between the [[BlizzCon 2008]] and [[BlizzCon 2009|2009]] demos, old Cleave would hit for 130% weapon damage on 2 enemies at rank 1, with weapon damage and maximum number of targets scaling per rank.
+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 Cleave became a level 5 skill.
-Cleave has also changed appearance slightly between the WWI gameplay video and the later demo. Strangely enough, the animation has been made less overwhelming, only cleaving in one direction, when the older one swung in both directions. [[Flux]] had this to say about it in his [[BlizzCon 2010]] hands-on report:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/hands-on-from-blizzcon-mega-pvm-report-barbarian]
+===Beta===
+{{Beta skill notes}}
-<blockquote>''Cleave with the spear was extremely effective. It bumped up my damage enough that I began to one-hit kill virtually all of the regular monsters, and that was very fun. I’d usually run up to groups of 4-8 monsters, let them crowd in close, and then cut the whole damn bunch of them down with a single swing. Watching their bodies fly back like eviscerated ragdolls, was, to quote Jay Wilson, “Awesome!” It was all that “make the player feel godly” stuff they’re always talking about during the design panels, come to life. I was putty in their hands, and felt slightly dirty at being so easily manipulated.</blockquote>
+Cleave was dropped to level 4 soon after the beta started. With the Patch 13 changes, it was classified as a Primary skill and moved to level 3.
 ===Previous Versions===
 See the [[Barbarian skill archive]] for more details on previous versions of Cleave and other Barbarian skills.
-===Earlier Games===
+===In Other Games===
 Cleave was probably inspired by WarCraft 3, since the modifier that changes to "hit all enemies in front" is called Cleave.
@@ Line 93: / Line 129: @@
 -->
 ==Media==
+Cleave can be seen in action on video here:
+* [[Gameplay WWI2008|Gameplay: WWI 2008]]
+* [[Gameplay: July 2011]]
+* [[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]
@@ Line 106: / Line 147: @@
-<!--
-==Related Articles==
-''Articles that are related, but not emphasised enough in any other section, or articles that just need further attention.''
--->
 ==References==
 * [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 Barb 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|primary}}
-{{Slave navbox Diablo III|D3_Barbarian}}
+[[category:Barbarian skills]]
+[[category:Active skills]]