Traits are a separate set of skills, all of which are passive, that provide strong bonuses towards active skills and stats that define one's playstyle.
Overview
Traits were revealed during the Diablo 3 Gameplay Panel in Blizzcon 2010 by Jay Wilson. They provide strong bonuses to all active skills and stats, essentially allowing a player to upgrade a specific skill or playstyle which defines them and their build. Mechanically, they are suppose to replace Diablo 2's stats.
Not many specifics are known about Traits, but there are around 30 traits per class, you get a trait point every 2nd level (every odd number), although, the developers plan to change this somehow. Traits have levels, depending on the trait, they have between 1 and 5 levels.
Traits are unique to each class, except a few which crossover with other classes where it makes sense. Every trait has a sort of description or backstory that explains the trait and its effects.
List of Known Traits
Not many Traits were shown during the Panel, here is a list of Traits seen so far:
- Ball of Lightning
- Class - Wizard
- Description - A Shocking defense will make enemies ponder the wisdom of their assault.
- Effects - Periodically shocks a nearby enemy for 1-120 Lightning Damage.
- Levels - 1
- Prismatic Cloak
- Class - Wizard
- Description - An icy mist that freezes to the bone, the low hum and spark of electricity in the air... even touching a wizard can have dire consequences.
- Effects - Increases the effects of Ice Armor and Storm Armor by 100%
- Levels - 3
- Inner Rage
- Legendary Might
- Class - Barbarian
- Description - N/A
- Effects - Increases Strength
- Levels - N/A
- Iron Skin
- Class - Barbarian
- Description - N/A
- Effects - Increases Armor
- Levels - N/A