Difference between revisions of "Witch Doctor skills"

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[[Image:Skill-tree-blizzcon09-wd-muldric.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The [[Witch Doctor]] Skill Tree as seen in Blizzcon 2009. Skill are no longer presented in this fashion. Image by [http://forums.diii.net/showthread.php?t=739038 Muldric].]]
 
[[Image:Skill-tree-blizzcon09-wd-muldric.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The [[Witch Doctor]] Skill Tree as seen in Blizzcon 2009. Skill are no longer presented in this fashion. Image by [http://forums.diii.net/showthread.php?t=739038 Muldric].]]
This page lists the '''[[Witch Doctor]] skills''', with information that was current as of October 2010. 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, [[runestone]] information, and numerous screenshots and other images.
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This page lists the '''[[Witch Doctor]] skills'''. Follow the links to the individual skill pages for full discussion of every skill, including first hand reports and screenshots.
  
All character skills have undergone considerable changes during development, with the biggest change coming before Blizzcon 2010, when skill trees and passive skills were removed from the skill listing and [[Traits]] were introduced. See the [[Witch Doctor skill archive]] for information about skill changes over time.
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'''Useful skill links:'''
  
'''Essential skill links:'''
 
 
* [[Skill]]s - General skill design and mechanics.
 
* [[Skill]]s - General skill design and mechanics.
* [[Witch Doctor traits]] -- Passive bonuses and other character modifications.
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** [[Skill rune]]s - The huge skill customization and improvement system.
* [[Mana]] -- The Witch Doctor's energy resource.
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* [[Witch Doctor]] - A [[ranged]] class who also relies on [[pet]]s.
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** [[Mana]] - The Witch Doctor's energy [[resource]].
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** [[Witch Doctor skills]] - A list of all the Witch Doctor's active skills.
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*** [[Pet]]s - [[Summon]]ed creatures that aid the Witch Doctor.
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*** [[Physical realm spell]]s - Details to come.
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*** [[Spirit spell]]s - Details to come.
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** [[Witch Doctor passives]] - A list of all the Witch Doctor's passive skills.
 
* [[Witch Doctor skill archive]] - Removed Witch Doctor skills.
 
* [[Witch Doctor skill archive]] - Removed Witch Doctor skills.
* [[Runestones]] - Their huge impact on changing skills can not be over-emphasized.
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* [[Witch Doctor traits]] - Passive skills in Diablo III were called [[traits]] for a while before reverting back.
* [[Signature skill]]s - Skills that define characters.
 
* [[Active skill]]s - Skills where effects are activated by the player.
 
* [[Passive skill]]s - Skills where effects are activated automatically, by the computer or by special events.  
 
  
  
==Tier One Skills==
 
  
All abilities in this tier are unlocked at Clvl 2. Click to the individual skill pages for more details about these skills including numbers, screenshots, [[runestone]] information, blue quotes, and much more.
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==Active Skills==
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Click to the individual skill pages for more details about these skills including numbers, screenshots, [[skill rune]] information, blue quotes, and much more.
  
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===Primary===
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{{Skill description header}}
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<skill subcat="Physical realm spell" class="WitchDoctor">Poison Dart</skill>
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<skill subcat="Physical realm spell" class="WitchDoctor">Corpse Spiders</skill>
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<skill subcat="Physical realm spell" class="WitchDoctor">Plague of Toads</skill>
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<skill subcat="Physical realm spell" class="WitchDoctor">Firebomb</skill>
  
===Summon Zombie Dog===
 
  
[[Summon Zombie Dog]]<br>
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===Secondary===
Better known as "Mongrels," Zombie Dogs are the basic Witch Doctor pet, capable of tanking and fighting effectively, though they are not meant for a long life, and deal their best damage when [[Sacrifice]]d.
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{{Skill description header}}
* '''Description:''' The Witch Doctor summons a level X zombie dog to aid him. Can have up to X zombie dogs out at a time.
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<skill class="WitchDoctor">Grasp of the Dead</skill>
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<skill subcat="Physical realm spell" class="WitchDoctor">Firebats</skill>
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<skill subcat="Spirit spell" class="WitchDoctor">Haunt</skill>
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<skill subcat="Physical realm spell" class="WitchDoctor">Locust Swarm</skill>
  
  
===Plague of Toads===
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===Defensive===
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{{Skill description header}}
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<skill subcat="Pet" class="WitchDoctor">Summon Zombie Dogs</skill>
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<skill subcat="Spirit spell" class="WitchDoctor">Horrify</skill>
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<skill subcat="Spirit spell" class="WitchDoctor">Spirit Walk</skill>
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<skill class="WitchDoctor">Hex</skill>
  
[[Plague of Toads]]<br>
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===Terror===
The Witch Doctor summons several toads that hop out to splatter and die against enemies, like living amphibian [[Charged Bolt]]s. Some amazing [[runestone]] effects are known for this skill.
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{{Skill description header}}
* '''Description:''' Release a handful of toads that deal X-X poison damage to anybody who steps on them.
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<skill subcat="Spirit spell" class="WitchDoctor">Soul Harvest</skill>
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<skill class="WitchDoctor">Sacrifice</skill>
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<skill subcat="Spirit spell" class="WitchDoctor">Mass Confusion</skill>
  
  
==Tier Two Skills==
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===Decay===
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{{Skill description header}}
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<skill subcat="Physical realm spell" class="WitchDoctor">Zombie Charger</skill>
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<skill subcat="Spirit spell" class="WitchDoctor">Spirit Barrage</skill>
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<skill subcat="Physical realm spell" class="WitchDoctor">Acid Cloud</skill>
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<skill subcat="Physical realm spell" class="WitchDoctor">Wall of Zombies</skill>
  
All abilities in this tier are unlocked at Clvl 3. Click to the individual skill pages for more details about these skills including numbers, screenshots, [[runestone]] information, blue quotes, and much more.
 
  
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===Voodoo===
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{{Skill description header}}
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<skill subcat="Pet" class="WitchDoctor">Gargantuan</skill>
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<skill class="WitchDoctor">Big Bad Voodoo</skill>
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<skill class="WitchDoctor">Fetish Army</skill>
  
===Zombie Charger===
 
  
[[Zombie Charger]]<br>
 
A zombie is summoned, which charges straight in the direction specified, melting into nothing and dealing poison damage to any targes along the way. A runestone can grant the infamous [[Zombie Bears]] effect.
 
* '''Description:''' A reckless, suicidal zombie deals X-X poison damage to all enemies in its way.
 
  
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==Passive Skills==
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Passive skills replaced [[Traits]] during late game development in 2011. Many Traits were simply changed to passive skills, but some are all new. See the [[Witch Doctor traits]] page for a full list of those passives.
  
===Corpse Spiders===
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{{Skill description header}}
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<skill class="WitchDoctor">Circle of Life</skill>
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<skill class="WitchDoctor">Jungle Fortitude</skill>
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<skill class="WitchDoctor">Spiritual Attunement</skill>
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<skill class="WitchDoctor">Gruesome Feast</skill>
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<skill class="WitchDoctor">Bad Medicine</skill>
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<skill class="WitchDoctor">Blood Ritual</skill>
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<skill class="WitchDoctor">Zombie Handler</skill>
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<skill class="WitchDoctor">Pierce the Veil</skill>
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<skill class="WitchDoctor">Fetish Sycophants</skill>
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<skill class="WitchDoctor">Spirit Vessel</skill>
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<skill class="WitchDoctor">Rush of Essence</skill>
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<skill class="WitchDoctor">Vision Quest</skill>
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<skill class="WitchDoctor">Fierce Loyalty</skill>
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<skill class="WitchDoctor">Grave Injustice</skill>
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<skill class="WitchDoctor">Tribal Rites</skill>
  
[[Corpse Spiders]]<br>
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==Skill Distribution==
Spiders emerge from a rotting zombie corpse and launch themselves at nearby enemies, dealing poison damage with their swarming bites.
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A useful player-made chart showing when the Witch Doctor gains access to skills, passives, and rune effects.  
* '''Description:''' Summon X spiders to attack nearby enemies.
 
  
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[[File:Char-prog-wd.png|center|frame|Witch Doctor skill progression. Stats as of May 5, 2012.]]
  
===Haunt===
 
 
[[Haunt]]<br>
 
A ranged spell attack, this sics a ghostly entity upon the target, dealing [[DoT]]. The Haunt will seek a new target when its victim dies.
 
* '''Description:''' Haunt an enemy with a spirit dealing X arcane damage over X seconds. If the target dies, the spirit will automatically haunt another nearby target.
 
 
 
==Tier Three Skills==
 
 
All abilities in this tier are unlocked at Clvl 6. Click to the individual skill pages for more details about these skills including numbers, screenshots, [[runestone]] information, blue quotes, and much more.
 
 
 
===Poison Dart===
 
 
[[Poison Dart]]<br>
 
The Witch Doctor uses a blowpipe to fire a poison dart. A fairly slow attack that's hugely improved by runestones.
 
* '''Description:''' Fires a deadly poison dart that deals X-X poison damage and an additional X-X poison damage over X seconds.
 
 
 
===Grasp of the Dead===
 
 
[[Grasp of the Dead]]<br>
 
A powerful curse, this one deals damage as well as slowing enemies for a short duration.
 
* '''Description:''' Hands reach out, slowing enemies by X% and dealing X-X damage per second for X seconds.
 
 
 
===Hex===
 
 
[[Hex]]<br>
 
A curse of sorts, this one causes damage and blocks the afflicted's ability to attack.
 
* '''Description:''' Summon a fetish shaman for X seconds that will hex enemies into chickens. Hexed enemies are unable to perform offensive actions and will take X% additional damage.
 
 
 
===Sacrifice===
 
 
[[Sacrifice]]<br>
 
This skill causes a Mongrel to detonate in a huge spray of purple and pink smoke, dealing physical damage to all nearby enemies.
 
* '''Description:''' A nearby zombie dog explodes, dealing X damage to all enemies within X yards.
 
 
 
===Soul Harvest===
 
 
[[Soul Harvest]]<br>
 
A buff that increases the WD's spell damage based on how many enemies are nearby.
 
* '''Description:''' Feed on the life force of nearby enemies. Gain X% increased spell damage per enemy within X feet for X seconds.
 
 
 
 
==Tier Four Skills==
 
 
All abilities in this tier are unlocked at Clvl 10. Click to the individual skill pages for more details about these skills including numbers, screenshots, [[runestone]] information, blue quotes, and much more.
 
 
===Firebats===
 
 
[[Firebats]]<br>
 
A short range spell attack, this sends flaming bats out in an [[Inferno]]-like spray, dealing damage to anything in their path.
 
* '''Description:''' A swarm of fiery bats burn enemies in front of you for X fire damage per second.
 
 
 
===Locust Swarm===
 
 
[[Locust Swarm]]<br>
 
A ranged spell attack, this sends out a cloud of locusts that swarm over enemies, eating their flesh from the bones. Locusts will [[chain]] between nearby enemies, potentially consuming numerous targets per cast.
 
* '''Description:''' A plague of locusts assault enemies dealing X damage per second over X seconds. The locusts will jump to additional nearby targets.
 
 
 
==Tier Five Skills==
 
 
All abilities in this tier are unlocked at Clvl 2. Click to the individual skill pages for more details about these skills including numbers, screenshots, [[runestone]] information, blue quotes, and much more.
 
 
 
===Acid Cloud===
 
 
[[Acid Cloud]]<br>
 
Originally a Wizard spell, this one was moved to the Witch Doctor to provide a [[DfA]] attack with a small radius that melts the flesh from the bones of anything in the targeted area.
 
* '''Description:''' Acid rains down dealing an initial X-X poison damage followed by X-X poison damage per second to nearby enemies who remain in the area.
 
 
 
===Firebomb===
 
 
[[Firebomb]]<br>
 
Previously known as Skull of Flame, this is a ranged attack that's thrown like a grenade. It deals explodes on impact, dealing considerable fire damage. The projectile is a human skull, filled with an explosive liquid.
 
* '''Description:''' Lob an explosive skull that deals X-X fire damage to all enemies caught in the explosion.
 
 
 
===Horrify===
 
 
[[Horrify]]<br>
 
A powerful curse, this one frightens nearby enemies into running away for a few seconds. The radius emanates from the Wizard, not from the spot targeted when cast, so it only works on enemies who are very nearby.
 
* '''Description:''' Don a spectral mask that horrifies all enemies within X feet, causing them to run in fear for X seconds.
 
 
===Wall of Zombies===
 
 
[[Wall of Zombies]]<br>
 
One of the showier Witch Doctor skills to be displayed in the early announcement, this one causes a wall of zombies to erupt from the earth. The WoZ blocks the progress of enemies as well as dealing physical damage to anything in range.
 
* '''Description:''' Zombies erupt from the earth and attack nearby enemies for X damage per second.
 
 
 
==Tier Six Skills==
 
 
All abilities in this tier are unlocked at Clvl 20. Click to the individual skill pages for more details about these skills including numbers, screenshots, [[runestone]] information, blue quotes, and much more.
 
 
 
===Gargantuan===
 
 
[[Gargantuan]]<br>
 
A large, powerful zombie pet that [[tanks]] for the Witch Doctor.
 
* '''Description:''' Summon a large level X zombie follower to fight for you.
 
 
 
===Mass Confusion===
 
 
[[Mass Confusion]]<br>
 
A mind control spell that temporarily changes the alignment of some enemies.
 
* '''Description:''' Incite paranoia in enemies, causing some to fight for the Witch Doctor for X seconds.
 
 
 
===Pit of Fire===
 
 
[[Pit of Fire]]<br>
 
Summoned Fetish pets circle up and create a ring of flames, burning all enemies in the vicinity. Never yet seen publicly.
 
* '''Description:''' A gang of fetishes go tribal, causing X-X fire damage to all enemies caught in their ceremony.
 
 
 
===Spirit Walk===
 
 
[[Spirit Walk]]<br>
 
A powerful movement/escape skill, especially useful in the [[Battle Arena]]. The Witch Doctor leaves his physical body behind as a decoy and can run freely, invisible, for several seconds.
 
* '''Description:''' Enter the spirit realm, allowing unhindered movement for X seconds.
 
 
 
==Tier Seven Skills==
 
 
All abilities in this tier are unlocked at Clvl 26. Click to the individual skill pages for more details about these skills including numbers, screenshots, [[runestone]] information, blue quotes, and much more.
 
 
===Fetish Army===
 
 
[[Fetish Army]]<br>
 
The Witch Doctor is able to summon Fetishes, versions of the monsters from Diablo II, to fight for him. Never yet publicly seen.
 
* '''Description:''' Summon an army of fetish creatures to fight by your side for X seconds.
 
 
 
===Parasite===
 
 
[[Parasite]]<br>
 
A spell attack that spawns a Zombie Dog. It's not known what the Parasite looks like, or how this spell might interact with the regular Zombie Dog skill, in terms of the max number a Witch Doctor can control at a given time.
 
* '''Description:''' Launch a parasite at an enemy, dealing X damage over X seconds. If a target dies while under the effects of parasite, a zombie dog emerges from the slain body.
 
 
 
===Spirit Barrage===
 
 
[[Spirit Barrage]]<br>
 
A [[DfA]] attack that's never yet been shown publicly. [[Acid Cloud]] covers a small radius, so presumably this one has a larger radius.
 
* '''Description:''' A multitude of spirit bolts bombard enemies in the targeted area. Each bolt deals X-X arcane damage.
 
  
  
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A large number of the higher level WD spells have still never been shown publicly, in contrast to the skills of the Wizard and Barbarian, almost all of which have been shown off.
 
A large number of the higher level WD spells have still never been shown publicly, in contrast to the skills of the Wizard and Barbarian, almost all of which have been shown off.
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===Removed Skills===
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* [[Pit of Fire]]<br>
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* [[Parasite]]<br>
  
  
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
* [http://www.diii.net/blog/comments/full-witch-doctor-skills/ Full Witch Doctor Skills]
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* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/full-witch-doctor-skills/ Full Witch Doctor Skills]
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* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7960229#post7960229 Zediono's translation of JudgeHype's pre-beta report] -- IncGamers 1st Aug 2011
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* [http://us.battle.net/d3/en/class/witch-doctor/ Witch Doctor Overview] -- Diablo III 13th Sep 2011
  
  
{{Skill navbox Witch Doctor}}
 
{{Skill navbox}}
 
  
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{{Skill_navbox_Diablo_III|WD}}
  
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[[Category:Witch Doctor]]
 
[[Category:Witch Doctor skills]]
 
[[Category:Witch Doctor skills]]
 
[[Category:Skills]]
 
[[Category:Skills]]
[[Category:Witch Doctor]]
 
 
[[category:Featured articles]]
 
[[category:Featured articles]]

Latest revision as of 02:49, 6 March 2016

The Witch Doctor Skill Tree as seen in Blizzcon 2009. Skill are no longer presented in this fashion. Image by Muldric.

This page lists the Witch Doctor skills. Follow the links to the individual skill pages for full discussion of every skill, including first hand reports and screenshots.

Useful skill links:


Active Skills[edit | edit source]

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

Primary[edit | edit source]

Name Level Description

<skill subcat="Physical realm spell" class="WitchDoctor">Poison Dart</skill> <skill subcat="Physical realm spell" class="WitchDoctor">Corpse Spiders</skill> <skill subcat="Physical realm spell" class="WitchDoctor">Plague of Toads</skill> <skill subcat="Physical realm spell" class="WitchDoctor">Firebomb</skill>


Secondary[edit | edit source]

Name Level Description

<skill class="WitchDoctor">Grasp of the Dead</skill> <skill subcat="Physical realm spell" class="WitchDoctor">Firebats</skill> <skill subcat="Spirit spell" class="WitchDoctor">Haunt</skill> <skill subcat="Physical realm spell" class="WitchDoctor">Locust Swarm</skill>


Defensive[edit | edit source]

Name Level Description

<skill subcat="Pet" class="WitchDoctor">Summon Zombie Dogs</skill> <skill subcat="Spirit spell" class="WitchDoctor">Horrify</skill> <skill subcat="Spirit spell" class="WitchDoctor">Spirit Walk</skill> <skill class="WitchDoctor">Hex</skill>

Terror[edit | edit source]

Name Level Description

<skill subcat="Spirit spell" class="WitchDoctor">Soul Harvest</skill> <skill class="WitchDoctor">Sacrifice</skill> <skill subcat="Spirit spell" class="WitchDoctor">Mass Confusion</skill>


Decay[edit | edit source]

Name Level Description

<skill subcat="Physical realm spell" class="WitchDoctor">Zombie Charger</skill> <skill subcat="Spirit spell" class="WitchDoctor">Spirit Barrage</skill> <skill subcat="Physical realm spell" class="WitchDoctor">Acid Cloud</skill> <skill subcat="Physical realm spell" class="WitchDoctor">Wall of Zombies</skill>


Voodoo[edit | edit source]

Name Level Description

<skill subcat="Pet" class="WitchDoctor">Gargantuan</skill> <skill class="WitchDoctor">Big Bad Voodoo</skill> <skill class="WitchDoctor">Fetish Army</skill>


Passive Skills[edit | edit source]

Passive skills replaced Traits during late game development in 2011. Many Traits were simply changed to passive skills, but some are all new. See the Witch Doctor traits page for a full list of those passives.

Name Level Description

<skill class="WitchDoctor">Circle of Life</skill> <skill class="WitchDoctor">Jungle Fortitude</skill> <skill class="WitchDoctor">Spiritual Attunement</skill> <skill class="WitchDoctor">Gruesome Feast</skill> <skill class="WitchDoctor">Bad Medicine</skill> <skill class="WitchDoctor">Blood Ritual</skill> <skill class="WitchDoctor">Zombie Handler</skill> <skill class="WitchDoctor">Pierce the Veil</skill> <skill class="WitchDoctor">Fetish Sycophants</skill> <skill class="WitchDoctor">Spirit Vessel</skill> <skill class="WitchDoctor">Rush of Essence</skill> <skill class="WitchDoctor">Vision Quest</skill> <skill class="WitchDoctor">Fierce Loyalty</skill> <skill class="WitchDoctor">Grave Injustice</skill> <skill class="WitchDoctor">Tribal Rites</skill>

Skill Distribution[edit | edit source]

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

Witch Doctor skill progression. Stats as of May 5, 2012.


Development[edit | edit source]

The Witch Doctor's skills and skill trees were first seen at BlizzCon 2008, with only a few skills enabled and many showing nothing more than vague descriptions in the skill tree. The listing was fleshed out at Blizzcon 2009, but most of his skills, especially the summoning ones, remained NYI. The current information was revealed at Blizzcon 2010, with the passive skills removed (see the Witch Doctor traits and a near-final skill listing.

A large number of the higher level WD spells have still never been shown publicly, in contrast to the skills of the Wizard and Barbarian, almost all of which have been shown off.

Removed Skills[edit | edit source]


References[edit | edit source]