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.
+
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.
  
 
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.
 
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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==Tier One Skills==
+
==Active Skills==
 
+
Click to the individual skill pages for more details about these skills including numbers, screenshots, [[runestone]] information, blue quotes, and much more.
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.
 
  
  
 
===Summon Zombie Dog===
 
===Summon Zombie Dog===
 
+
[[Summon Zombie Dog]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 1.<br>
[[Summon Zombie Dog]]<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.
 
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.
 
* '''Description:''' The Witch Doctor summons a level X zombie dog to aid him. Can have up to X zombie dogs out at a time.
 
* '''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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===Plague of Toads===
 
===Plague of Toads===
 
+
[[Plague of Toads]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 1.<br>
[[Plague of Toads]]<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.
 
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.
 
* '''Description:''' Release a handful of toads that explode on contact with an enemy, dealing poison damage.
 
* '''Description:''' Release a handful of toads that explode on contact with an enemy, dealing poison damage.
  
==Tier Two Skills==
 
  
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.
+
===Grasp of the Dead===
 
+
[[Grasp of the Dead]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 2.<br>
 
+
A powerful curse, this one deals damage as well as slowing enemies for a short duration.
===Zombie Charger===
+
* '''Description:''' Hands reach out, slowing enemies by X% and dealing X-X damage per second for X seconds.
 
 
[[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.
 
 
 
 
 
===Corpse Spiders===
 
 
 
[[Corpse Spiders]]<br>
 
Spiders emerge from a rotting zombie corpse and launch themselves at nearby enemies, dealing poison damage with their swarming bites.  
 
* '''Description:''' Summon X spiders to attack nearby enemies.
 
  
  
 
===Haunt===
 
===Haunt===
 
+
[[Haunt]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 3.<br>
[[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.  
 
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.
 
* '''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==
+
===Zombie Charger===
 +
[[Zombie Charger]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 4.<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.
  
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.
 
  
 +
===Hex===
 +
[[Hex]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 5.<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.
  
===Poison Dart===
 
  
[[Poison Dart]]<br>
+
===Corpse Spiders===
The Witch Doctor uses a blowpipe to fire a poison dart. A fairly slow attack that's hugely improved by runestones.
+
[[Corpse Spiders]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 6.<br>
* '''Description:''' Fires a deadly poison dart that deals X-X poison damage and an additional X-X poison damage over X seconds.
+
Spiders emerge from a rotting zombie corpse and launch themselves at nearby enemies, dealing poison damage with their swarming bites.  
 +
* '''Description:''' Summon X spiders to attack nearby enemies.
  
  
===Grasp of the Dead===
+
===Horrify===
 +
[[Horrify]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 7.<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.
 +
* '''Description:''' Don a spectral mask that horrifies all enemies within X feet, causing them to run in fear for X seconds.
  
[[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.
 
  
 +
===Firebats===
 +
[[Firebats]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 8.<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.
  
===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.
 
  
 
+
===Spirit Walk===
===Sacrifice===
+
[[Spirit Walk]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 9.<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.
[[Sacrifice]]<br>
+
* '''Description:''' Enter the spirit realm, allowing unhindered movement for X seconds.
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===
 
+
[[Soul Harvest]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 11.<br>
[[Soul Harvest]]<br>
 
 
A buff that increases the WD's spell damage based on how many enemies are nearby.
 
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.
 
* '''Description:''' Feed on the life force of nearby enemies. Gain X% increased spell damage per enemy within X feet for X seconds.
  
  
 +
===Sacrifice===
 +
[[Sacrifice]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 12.<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.
  
==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.
+
===Gargantuan===
 
+
[[Gargantuan]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 14.<br>
===Firebats===
+
A large, powerful zombie pet that [[tanks]] for the Witch Doctor.  
 
+
* '''Description:''' Summon a large level X zombie follower to fight for you.
[[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===
 
+
[[Locust Swarm]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 16.<br>
[[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.
 
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.
 
* '''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==
+
===Spirit Barrage===
 
+
[[Spirit Barrage]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 18.<br>
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.
+
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.
  
  
 
===Acid Cloud===
 
===Acid Cloud===
 
+
[[Acid Cloud]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 19.<br>
[[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.
 
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.
 
* '''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===
+
===Mass Confusion===
 +
[[Mass Confusion]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 21.<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.
  
[[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.
 
  
 +
===Big Bad Voodoo===
 +
[[Big Bad Voodoo]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 22.<br>
 +
No description is available.
  
===Horrify===
 
 
[[Horrify]]<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.
 
* '''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===
 
+
[[Wall of Zombies]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 24.<br>
[[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.
 
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.
 
* '''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===
 
+
[[Fetish Army]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 25.<br>
[[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.
 
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.
 
* '''Description:''' Summon an army of fetish creatures to fight by your side for X seconds.
  
  
===Parasite===
+
'''Note:''' The level of every skill is tentative as of August 2011 and likely to change.
  
[[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===
+
==Passive Skills==
 
+
{| width="100%" style="border-collapse: collapse;"
[[Spirit Barrage]]<br>
+
! Name
A [[DfA]] attack that's never yet been shown publicly. [[Acid Cloud]] covers a small radius, so presumably this one has a larger radius.
+
! width="8%" | Req Level
* '''Description:''' A multitude of spirit bolts bombard enemies in the targeted area. Each bolt deals X-X arcane damage.
+
! Description
 +
|-
 +
|[[Mana Regeneration]] || 3 || Regenerate X% of maximum Mana per second.
 +
|-
 +
|[[Mind and Body]] || 3 || Regenerate X% HP per minute.
 +
|-
 +
|[[Spiritual Attunement]] || 3 || Increase maximum Mana by X%.
 +
|-
 +
|[[Care of the Master]] || 6 || Increase the HP of pets by X%.
 +
|-
 +
|[[Quickening]] || 6 || Increase casting speed by X%.
 +
|-
 +
|[[Spirit Vessel]] || 6 || Health Globes provide X% of maximum Mana when picked up.
 +
|-
 +
|[[Aggression]] || 12 || Increases [[attack]] by X%.
 +
|-
 +
|[[Superior Skill]] || 12 || Increases [[precision]] by X%.
 +
|-
 +
|[[Expert Defense]] || 12 || Increases [[defense]] by X%.
 +
|-
 +
|[[Toughness]] || 12 || Increases [[vitality]] by X%.
 +
|-
 +
|[[Death Pact]] || 18 || When the Witch Doctor has under X% HP, damage taken is reduced by Y%.
 +
|-
 +
|[[Leader of the Pack]] || 18 || Increases damage dealt by Zombie Dogs by X%.
 +
|-
 +
|[[Ritual of Blood]] || 18 || X% of Mana costs for skills is taken from HP instead.
 +
|-
 +
|[[Ferocity]] || 24 || Increases pet damage dealt by X%.
 +
|-
 +
|[[Plagued]] || 24 || Increases Animal and Plague skill damage by X%.
 +
|-
 +
|[[Rituals]] || 24 || Increases damage by X% of HP.
 +
|-
 +
|[[Zombie Masters]] || 24 || Increases Zombie skill damage by X%.
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
  
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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.
 +
 +
===Removed Skills===
 +
* [[Poison Dart]]<br>
 +
* [[Firebomb]]<br>
 +
* [[Pit of Fire]]<br>
 +
* [[Parasite]]<br>
  
  
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==References==
 
==References==
 
* [http://www.diii.net/blog/comments/full-witch-doctor-skills/ Full Witch Doctor Skills]
 
* [http://www.diii.net/blog/comments/full-witch-doctor-skills/ Full Witch Doctor Skills]
 +
* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7962606#post7962606 JudgeHype.com July 2011 Press Event Coverage - The Witch Doctor (Translated by Zediono)]
  
  
  
 
{{Slave_navbox_Diablo_III|WD}}
 
{{Slave_navbox_Diablo_III|WD}}
 
 
 
 
[[Category:Witch Doctor skills]]
 
[[Category:Witch Doctor skills]]
 
[[Category:Skills]]
 
[[Category:Skills]]
 
[[Category:Witch Doctor]]
 
[[Category:Witch Doctor]]
 
[[category:Featured articles]]
 
[[category:Featured articles]]

Revision as of 16:42, 5 August 2011

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, 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.

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.

Essential skill links:


Active Skills

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


Summon Zombie Dog

Summon Zombie Dog is available at level 1.
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 Sacrificed.

  • Description: The Witch Doctor summons a level X zombie dog to aid him. Can have up to X zombie dogs out at a time.


Plague of Toads

Plague of Toads is available at level 1.
The Witch Doctor summons several toads that hop forward like living Charged Bolts and explode against enemies. Some dramatic runestone effects are known for this skill.

  • Description: Release a handful of toads that explode on contact with an enemy, dealing poison damage.


Grasp of the Dead

Grasp of the Dead is available at level 2.
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.


Haunt

Haunt is available at level 3.
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.


Zombie Charger

Zombie Charger is available at level 4.
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.


Hex

Hex is available at level 5.
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.


Corpse Spiders

Corpse Spiders is available at level 6.
Spiders emerge from a rotting zombie corpse and launch themselves at nearby enemies, dealing poison damage with their swarming bites.

  • Description: Summon X spiders to attack nearby enemies.


Horrify

Horrify is available at level 7.
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.

  • Description: Don a spectral mask that horrifies all enemies within X feet, causing them to run in fear for X seconds.


Firebats

Firebats is available at level 8.
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.


Spirit Walk

Spirit Walk is available at level 9.
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.


Soul Harvest

Soul Harvest is available at level 11.
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.


Sacrifice

Sacrifice is available at level 12.
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.


Gargantuan

Gargantuan is available at level 14.
A large, powerful zombie pet that tanks for the Witch Doctor.

  • Description: Summon a large level X zombie follower to fight for you.


Locust Swarm

Locust Swarm is available at level 16.
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.


Spirit Barrage

Spirit Barrage is available at level 18.
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.


Acid Cloud

Acid Cloud is available at level 19.
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.


Mass Confusion

Mass Confusion is available at level 21.
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.


Big Bad Voodoo

Big Bad Voodoo is available at level 22.
No description is available.


Wall of Zombies

Wall of Zombies is available at level 24.
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.


Fetish Army

Fetish Army is available at level 25.
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.


Note: The level of every skill is tentative as of August 2011 and likely to change.


Passive Skills

Name Req Level Description
Mana Regeneration 3 Regenerate X% of maximum Mana per second.
Mind and Body 3 Regenerate X% HP per minute.
Spiritual Attunement 3 Increase maximum Mana by X%.
Care of the Master 6 Increase the HP of pets by X%.
Quickening 6 Increase casting speed by X%.
Spirit Vessel 6 Health Globes provide X% of maximum Mana when picked up.
Aggression 12 Increases attack by X%.
Superior Skill 12 Increases precision by X%.
Expert Defense 12 Increases defense by X%.
Toughness 12 Increases vitality by X%.
Death Pact 18 When the Witch Doctor has under X% HP, damage taken is reduced by Y%.
Leader of the Pack 18 Increases damage dealt by Zombie Dogs by X%.
Ritual of Blood 18 X% of Mana costs for skills is taken from HP instead.
Ferocity 24 Increases pet damage dealt by X%.
Plagued 24 Increases Animal and Plague skill damage by X%.
Rituals 24 Increases damage by X% of HP.
Zombie Masters 24 Increases Zombie skill damage by X%.


Development

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


References