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As always, these analyses should be taken with a grain of salt: Blizzard has indicated that PTR feedback will be used to refine the final version of patch 2.5. However, this first look is solid enough to allow players to consider their future seasonal class, and for many, it has already provided some very clear ideas.
Bone Spirit Necromancer-The Titan Returns
The first build in this selection is unsurprisingly one of the most imposing on the PTR: the Bone Spirit Necromancer. Already formidable in previous seasons, it returns in a significantly modified version. Unlike Season 10, where Bone Shard provided by a legendary item served as a passive source of damage, this variant focuses entirely on spamming Bone Spirit itself, whose cooldown is reduced to almost nothing.
Two iconic items shape this build: D4 materials
The Annihilator, to massively amplify damage by consuming the resource.
Selig's Melted Heart, a mythic item that's now almost indispensable due to its significant increase in essence thresholds and devastating synergy.
Thanks to this combination, the build reaches colossal damage levels in the Tower, confirming its place among the best Necromancers available. However, its rotation remains repetitive, which can be problematic during long farming sessions.
Cataclysm Druid-The Rebirth of a Classic
Yes, you read that right: Cataclysm Druid is back in the spotlight. Having fallen out of favor in Season 10 due to fierce competition, it has suddenly risen to become one of the top performers on the PTR. This success can be attributed to two major factors:
The weakening of many other builds, creating a favorable environment for Cataclysm.
The rework of Selig's Melted Heart, which has become so powerful in this build that it's almost ranked S++.
Besides Selig, the build relies on:
Vasili's unique Melody, which converts Earth skills and benefits from Ursinae's passives.
A double damage temper on Cataclysm, allowing for spectacular burst damage.
Its defining characteristic? Enormous range and a smooth rhythm, making it a speed-farming monster. Unless Selig is aggressively nerfed, Cataclysm could very well dominate Season 11.
Rogue-Rain of Arrows, the Burst Ultimate
The Rogue is also making a strong comeback with an explosive build: Rain of Arrows. On the PTR, some players have cleared the Tower at level 97 using only this ultimate ability repeatedly.
Three unique items form the backbone of this build:
Morbette's Boots,
Akan's Word Amulet,
Wind-Chaser Bow.
Thanks to them, Rain of Arrows triggers twice for a single use, amplified by unreasonable multipliers. The final secret? The Rogue's Preparation specialization, which continuously reduces the ultimate's cooldown.
This build is expensive in terms of unique items, but its raw power and fast-paced gameplay make it a very serious contender for the season.
Barbarian-Ancient's Hammer, The #1 PTR Build
If there's one build that has blown the performance meters out of the water on the Tower, it's the Ancient's Hammer Barbarian. Some variants using Whirlwind or Charge have been tested, but the one optimized for speed farming is by far the most impressive.
As with other classes, the key synergy once again relies on:
Ramaladni's sword,
Selig's Melted Heart.
Ramaladni increases the damage of abilities using this weapon based on maximum Fury. Selig amplifies this factor even further, creating a power loop that likely won't last long without adjustments.
Result: a tier 123 unlock, making the Hammer of the Ancients the best build of all classes on the PTR.
Witch-Crackling Sphere, The Phoenix of Season 10
The Witch only has one true champion this season, but what a champion it is: the Crackling Sphere. Already adored in Season 10, the build remains very competitive in Season 11, even after the removal of the lower teleport.inie.
This build is based on:
The new Horsivan Mace, which increases damage for each defensive skill removed from the skill bar.
Adora's Overflowing Cameo, which boosts Crackling Energy damage based on the number of Lightning skills equipped.
By removing Fire Shield, Frost Nova, or Ice Armor, the Witch gains astonishing power while maintaining excellent mobility via Teleport.Available from Torment 1 and playable without Mythics or Unique items, this build could become one of the most popular of the season.
Holy - Stormy Dodge, The Agile Monster of the PTR
The last major build on this list is Holy Stormy Dodge, which shone with a tier 109 on the PTR. Its gameplay relies on the constant spamming of the Stormy Feathers skill, triggered by repeatedly using Dodge.
Key items:
Crushing Hand or Rock Shatter, depending on preference,
The Tracker's ultimate,
The aspects of Force Deflected and Unyielding Strike.
This is a fast-paced, mobile, demanding... but devastating build.
Viable Alternatives: 12 Builds in Total
In addition to these leaders, several other builds have proven their viability:
For the Necromancer:
Golem (fast-paced, fun, and effective)
Shadowblight, a top contender for two seasons
Leap of Faith / Bloodspear, a nostalgic but still relevant version
For the Druid:
Pulverize, based on explosive pools
Shred, a flurry of rapid melee attacks
Both have cleared Turn 95.
For the Barbarian:
Cleave, based on a legendary aspect and optimized multipliers, clearing Turn 110, just behind Ancient Hammer.
For the Rogue:
Deadly Trap, one of the most fun to play Diablo 4 Items
Broken Heart Rogue, based on the Orphan's Rogue
Conclusion-A Season 11 Full of Promising Ideas
With the return of iconic builds, the rise of Selig, the rework of unique items, and the arrival of the Tower as a new endgame challenge, Season 11 is shaping up to be one of the most strategic yet.
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