Difference between revisions of "Witch Doctor skills"

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:

Skills - General skill design and mechanics.
- Skill runes - The huge skill customization and improvement system.
Witch Doctor - A ranged class who also relies on pets.
- Mana - The Witch Doctor's energy resource.
- Witch Doctor skills - A list of all the Witch Doctor's active skills.
  - Pets - Summoned creatures that aid the Witch Doctor.
  - Physical realm spells - Details to come.
  - Spirit spells - Details to come.
- Witch Doctor passives - A list of all the Witch Doctor's passive skills.
Witch Doctor skill archive - Removed Witch Doctor skills.
Witch Doctor traits - Passive skills in Diablo III were called traits for a while before reverting back.

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]

Full Witch Doctor Skills
Zediono's translation of JudgeHype's pre-beta report -- IncGamers 1st Aug 2011
Witch Doctor Overview -- Diablo III 13th Sep 2011

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: @@
 [[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 August 2011. 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.
+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.
 '''Useful skill links:'''
 * [[Skill]]s - General skill design and mechanics.
-** [[Active skill]]s - Skills where effects are activated by the player.
+** [[Skill rune]]s - The huge skill customization and improvement system.
-** [[Passive skill]]s - Skills where effects are activated automatically, by the computer or by special events.
+* [[Witch Doctor]] - A [[ranged]] class who also relies on [[pet]]s.
-** [[Signature skill]]s - Skills that define characters.
+** [[Mana]] - The Witch Doctor's energy [[resource]].
-* [[Mana]] -- The Witch Doctor's energy [[resource]].
+** [[Witch Doctor skills]] - A list of all the Witch Doctor's active skills.
-* [[Runestones]] - Their huge impact on changing skills can not be over-emphasized.
+*** [[Pet]]s - [[Summon]]ed creatures that aid the Witch Doctor.
+*** [[Physical realm spell]]s - Details to come.
+*** [[Spirit spell]]s - Details to come.
+** [[Witch Doctor passives]] - A list of all the Witch Doctor's passive skills.
 * [[Witch Doctor skill archive]] - Removed Witch Doctor skills.
-* [[Witch Doctor traits]] -- Passive skills in Diablo III were called [[traits]] for a while before reverting back.
+* [[Witch Doctor 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, [[runestone]] information, blue quotes, and much more.
+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 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>
-===Poison Dart===
-[[File:IconPoisonDart.png|left]]
-[[Poison Dart]] is a Physical Realm skill unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 1.<br>
-The Witch Doctor uses a blowpipe to fire a poison dart. A fairly slow attack that's hugely improved by runestones.
-{{clear-left}}
-'''Description:''' Fires a deadly poison dart that deals {{c_lime|46-67}} poison damage and an additional {{c_lime|57}} poison damage over {{c_lime|2}} seconds.
-'''Cost:''' {{c_lime|176}} Mana
+===Secondary===
+{{Skill description header}}
+<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>
-===Summon Zombie Dog===
-[[File:IconSummonZombieDog.png|left]]
-[[Summon Zombie Dog]] is a Support skill unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 1.<br>
-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.
-{{clear-left}}
-'''Description:''' Summons 3 zombie dogs from the depths to fight by the Witch Doctor's side.
-'''Cost:''' {{c_lime|176}} Mana
+===Defensive===
+{{Skill description header}}
+<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>
-'''Cooldown:''' {{c_lime|60}} seconds
+===Terror===
+{{Skill description header}}
+<skill subcat="Spirit spell" class="WitchDoctor">Soul Harvest</skill>
+<skill class="WitchDoctor">Sacrifice</skill>
+<skill subcat="Spirit spell" class="WitchDoctor">Mass Confusion</skill>
-===Plague of Toads===
-[[File:IconPlagueToads.png|left]]
-[[Plague of Toads]] is a Physical Realm skill unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 2.<br>
-The Witch Doctor summons several toads that hop forward like living [[Charged Bolt]]s and explode against enemies. Some dramatic [[runestone]] effects are known for this skill.
-{{clear-left}}
-'''Description:''' Release a handful of toads that deal {{c_lime|71-99}} Poison damage to enemies they come in contact with.
-'''Cost:''' {{c_lime|211}} Mana
+===Decay===
+{{Skill description header}}
+<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>
-===Grasp of the Dead===
-[[File:IconGraspDead.png|left]]
-[[Grasp of the Dead]] is a Support skill unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 3.<br>
-A powerful curse, this one deals damage as well as slowing enemies for a short duration.
-{{clear-left}}
-'''Description:''' Hands reach out from the ground slowing enemy movement by {{c_lime|50%}} and dealing {{c_lime|21}} physical damage per second for {{c_lime|8}} seconds.
-'''Cost:''' {{c_lime|53}} Mana
+===Voodoo===
+{{Skill description header}}
+<skill subcat="Pet" class="WitchDoctor">Gargantuan</skill>
+<skill class="WitchDoctor">Big Bad Voodoo</skill>
+<skill class="WitchDoctor">Fetish Army</skill>
-'''Cooldown:''' {{c_lime|8}} seconds
-===Haunt===
-[[File:IconHaunt.png|left]]
-[[Haunt]] is a Spirit Realm skill unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 4.<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.
-{{clear-left}}
-'''Description:''' Haunt an enemy with a spirit dealing {{c_lime|355}} Arcane damage over {{c_lime|17}} seconds.  If the target dies, the spirit will automatically haunt another nearby enemy. You may have up to 3 Haunt effects active at once.
-'''Cost:''' {{c_lime|106}} Mana
-===Zombie Charger===
-[[File:IconZombieCharger.png|left]]
-[[Zombie Charger]] is a Physical Realm skill unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 5.<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.
-{{clear-left}}
-'''Description:''' Call forth a reckless, suicidal zombie that deals {{c_lime|71-99}} Poison damage to all enemies in its way.
-'''Cost:''' {{c_lime|229}} Mana
-===Hex===
-[[File:IconHex.png|left]]
-[[Hex]] is a Support skill unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 6.<br>
-A curse of sorts, this one causes damage and blocks the afflicted's ability to attack.
-{{clear-left}}
-'''Description:''' Summon a Fetish Shaman for {{c_lime|8}} seconds that will hex enemies into chickens.  Hexed enemies are unable to perform offensive actions and take {{c_lime|20%}} additional damage.
-'''Cost:''' {{c_lime|176}} Mana
-'''Cooldown:''' {{c_lime|10}} seconds
-===Corpse Spiders===
-[[File:IconCorpseSpiders.png|left]]
-[[Corpse Spiders]] is a Physical Realm skill unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 7.<br>
-Spiders emerge from a rotting zombie corpse and launch themselves at nearby enemies, dealing poison damage with their swarming bites.
-{{clear-left}}
-'''Description:''' Summon 4 spiders to attack nearby enemies for {{c_lime|7-21}} physical damage.
-'''Cost:''' {{c_lime|282}} Mana
-===Horrify===
-[[File:IconHorrify.png|left]]
-[[Horrify]] is a Spirit Realm skill unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 8.<br>
-A powerful curse, this one frightens nearby enemies into running away for a few seconds. The radius emanates from the Witch Doctor, not from the spot targeted when cast, so it only works on enemies who are very nearby.
-{{clear-left}}
-'''Description:''' Don a spectral mask that horrifies all enemies within X feet, causing them to run in fear for X seconds.
-===Firebats===
-[[File:IconFirebats.png|left]]
-[[Firebats]] is a Physical Realm skill unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 9.<br>
-A short range spell attack, this sends flaming bats out in an [[Inferno]]-like spray, dealing damage to anything in their path.
-{{clear-left}}
-'''Description:''' A swarm of fiery bats burn enemies in front of you for X fire damage per second.
-===Firebomb===
-[[File:IconFirebomb.png|left]]
-[[Firebomb]] is a Physical Realm skill unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 11.<br>
-Previously known as Skull of Flame, this is a ranged attack that's thrown like a grenade. It explodes on impact, dealing considerable fire damage. The projectile is a human skull, filled with an explosive liquid.
-{{clear-left}}
-'''Description:''' Lob an explosive skull that deals X-X fire damage to all enemies caught in the explosion.
-===Spirit Walk===
-[[File:IconSpiritWalk.png|left]]
-[[Spirit Walk]] is a Spirit Realm skill unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 12.<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.
-{{clear-left}}
-'''Description:''' Enter the spirit realm, allowing unhindered movement for X seconds.
-===Soul Harvest===
-[[File:IconSoulHarvest.png|left]]
-[[Soul Harvest]] is a Spirit Realm skill unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 14.<br>
-A buff that increases the WD's spell damage based on how many enemies are nearby.
-{{clear-left}}
-'''Description:''' Feed on the life force of nearby enemies. Gain X% increased spell damage per enemy within X feet for X seconds.
-===Sacrifice===
-[[File:IconSacrifice.png|left]]
-[[Sacrifice]] is a Support skill unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 16.<br>
-This skill causes a Mongrel to detonate in a huge spray of purple and pink smoke, dealing physical damage to all nearby enemies.
-{{clear-left}}
-'''Description:''' A nearby zombie dog explodes, dealing X damage to all enemies within X yards.
-===Gargantuan===
-[[File:IconGargantuan.png|left]]
-[[Gargantuan]] is a Support skill unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 18.<br>
-A large, powerful zombie pet that [[tanks]] for the Witch Doctor.
-{{clear-left}}
-'''Description:''' Summon a large level X zombie follower to fight for you.
-===Locust Swarm===
-[[File:IconLocustSwarm.png|left]]
-[[Locust Swarm]] is a Physical Realm skill unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 19.<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.
-{{clear-left}}
-'''Description:''' A plague of locusts assault enemies dealing X damage per second over X seconds. The locusts will jump to additional nearby targets.
-===Spirit Barrage===
-[[File:IconSpiritBarrage.png|left]]
-[[Spirit Barrage]] is a Spirit Realm skill unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 21.<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.
-{{clear-left}}
-'''Description:''' A multitude of spirit bolts bombard enemies in the targeted area. Each bolt deals X-X arcane damage.
-===Acid Cloud===
-[[File:IconAcidCloud.png|left]]
-[[Acid Cloud]] is a Physical Realm skill unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 22.<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.
-{{clear-left}}
-'''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.
-===Mass Confusion===
-[[File:IconMassConfusion.png|left]]
-[[Mass Confusion]] is a Spirit Realm skill unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 24.<br>
-A mind control spell that temporarily changes the alignment of some enemies.
-{{clear-left}}
-'''Description:''' Incite paranoia in enemies, causing some to fight for the Witch Doctor for X seconds.
-===Big Bad Voodoo===
-[[File:IconBigBadVoodoo.png|left]]
-[[Big Bad Voodoo]] is a Support skill unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 25.<br>
-No description is available.
-{{clear-left}}
+==Passive Skills==
+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.
-===Wall of Zombies===
+{{Skill description header}}
-[[File:IconWallZombies.png|left]]
+<skill class="WitchDoctor">Circle of Life</skill>
-[[Wall of Zombies]] is a Physical Realm skill unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 27.<br>
+<skill class="WitchDoctor">Jungle Fortitude</skill>
-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.
+<skill class="WitchDoctor">Spiritual Attunement</skill>
-{{clear-left}}
+<skill class="WitchDoctor">Gruesome Feast</skill>
-'''Description:''' Zombies erupt from the earth and attack nearby enemies for X damage per second.
+<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==
+A useful player-made chart showing when the Witch Doctor gains access to skills, passives, and rune effects.
-===Fetish Army===
+[[File:Char-prog-wd.png|center|frame|Witch Doctor skill progression. Stats as of May 5, 2012.]]
-[[File:IconFetishArmy.png|left]]
-[[Fetish Army]] is a Support skill unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 29.<br>
-The Witch Doctor is able to summon Fetishes, versions of the monsters from Diablo II, to fight for him. Never yet publicly seen.
-{{clear-left}}
-'''Description:''' Summon an army of fetish creatures to fight by your side for X seconds.
-==Passive Skills==
-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.
-{{Passive skill header}}
-{{:Circle of Life|WD}}
-{{:Vermin|WD}}
-{{:Spiritual Attunement|WD}}
-{{:Gruesome Feast|WD}}
-{{:Ritual of Blood|WD}}
-{{:Zombie Handler|WD}}
-{{:Pierce the Veil|WD}}
-{{:Rush of Essence|WD}}
-{{:Vision Quest|WD}}
-{{:Fierce Loyalty|WD}}
-{{:Death Trance|WD}}
-{{:Tribal Rites|WD}}
-|}
-'''Note:''' The listed levels of the passive skills are clearly a holdover of when they were traits and will change in the future.
 ==Development==
@@ Line 243: / Line 108: @@
 * [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/full-witch-doctor-skills/ Full Witch Doctor Skills]
 * [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7960229#post7960229 Zediono's translation of JudgeHype's pre-beta report] -- IncGamers 1st Aug 2011
+* [http://us.battle.net/d3/en/class/witch-doctor/ Witch Doctor Overview] -- Diablo III 13th Sep 2011
@@ Line 249: / Line 116: @@
 [[Category:Witch Doctor]]
 [[Category:Witch Doctor skills]]
-[[Category:Active skills]]
 [[Category:Skills]]
 [[category:Featured articles]]