With the Gauntlet around the corner, for real this time, hopefully, I thought now would be a pretty good time to go through my tier list for The Gauntlet and the builds I think are going to do the best in there. Kicking this list off at the bottom, we have Ren.
The Gauntlet Tier List Overview
Now, Ren is, man, it’s just not having a good time right now. It’s a build that hasn’t really been in the sort of top tier for the Bob has, and this season doesn’t really seem to be that much different, which is a real shame because it has some really cool abilities in it. Rupture, for example, is something that I love using. It can delete entire rooms extremely easily, and it just feels good, right? And I like playing it.
Its unique play style, playing dots and everything like that, but unfortunately, when it comes to single target DPS, it really struggles, and it’s quite a clunky builder as well. It’s not particularly fast. You end up kind of locked in animations when you’re using things like rupture or if you’re using steel grasp, things that are usually in like a bleed Ren kind of type build, and so it really slows the build down.
Walking Arsenal Builds
Now, moving on to rank six, we have Walking Arsenal-style builds like upheaval or death blow upheaval stuff like that. This might come as a surprise to some, given my previous achievements with this build, notably achieving rank one for hardcore in season 2 and rank two in season 3. However, the speed gains from this build diminish quickly post-100.
The real strength of this build lies in its ease of gearing. As a season starter, it’s fantastic due to its very low reliance on gear, making it good for leveling. However, once you start to acquire better gear, other builds begin to outshine it. That’s not to say it’s a weak build. It’s still a viable option if you’re looking to get some initial times in The Gauntlet, but climbing high in the ranks will be challenging.
Additionally, this build is one of the more active play styles available to the Barbarian. It requires more interaction and button pressing, adding a layer of engagement. Among the Barbarian builds, it’s considered one of the more challenging ones, although, in the grand scheme of things, it remains quite accessible.
Hammer of the Ancients
Then we have Hammer of the Ancients. This is the triple shout Hammer version. Just a bug standard Whirlwind is going to be slower. This is what I would consider
Fast and Furious Builds for The Gauntlet
The faster version of hot is indeed a very fast build, making it a viable option for the Gauntlet . It can provide a serious competitive edge, but it comes with its downsides. The first is that hot itself is a stop-and-go attack; you’re constantly stopping and moving, which can interrupt the flow of gameplay. Additionally, it requires high-end gear to truly shine.
Hot excels exceptionally well once equipped with top-tier gear, including Ubers, but this may limit its accessibility for some players. Therefore, we place it around rank four or five, jointly with another build I will discuss next. Whirlwind, after that, is even slower than regular hot but hits like a truck, being the hardest hitting build in the game. However, in the Gauntlet, pure damage output is not the only factor to consider.
Whirlwind with a Twist
Next, at a joint rank four or five, is Whirlwind with Death Blow. Some might find it controversial to rank it alongside hot, but when properly geared, especially with the Max Fury route and a Magnum Opus, Whirlwind can blitz through enemies at nearly max movement speed. This setup allows for rapid dungeon traversal, and for boss encounters, which are typically Whirlwind’s weakness, a well-placed Death Blow effectively ends the fight. The build is strong for the Gauntlet, offering speed and power. Whirlwind’s main issue is its unreliability in certain mob densities, but it’s relatively easy to gear up for, with no specific Uber unique requirements, and boasts one of the easiest playstyles.
Thorns: The Untouchable Contender
Moving into rank three, we have Thorns. This build has gained significant traction this season, bolstered by new uniques like the Pain Gorges and the aspect of adaptability. Thorns is incredibly potent across the board and likely the tankiest build you’ll ever play. It’s so resilient that dying requires a concerted effort. This robustness makes it a top choice for many players, especially those who prioritize survival over raw damage output. Thorns’ effectiveness in the Gauntlet is undeniable, providing a balance of durability and damage that can cater to a variety of playstyles and strategies.
Thorns Build: A Hardcore Favorite
If you’re venturing into hardcore for the first time, the Thorns build is an excellent option to consider. It features incredible movement speed, often leveraging lunging strike to teleport to enemies and navigate dungeons swiftly. The Thorns build can easily collapse everything in its path, making it a powerful choice for aggressive gameplay.
A downside to Thorns, inherent to its mechanics, is its reliance on being hit by enemies to deal damage. This can become problematic with slower-attacking or ranged enemies, or simply when the AI doesn’t cooperate, leading to potential damage output issues.
Mastering the Thorns Build: Strategies and Gear for Hardcore Success
Additionally, the build may experience DPS inconsistencies if the pain Gorges are not effectively applied to surrounding enemies. Non-basic skill attacks apply a debuff to an enemy, echoing basic attacks to those around, which makes your lunge strike an AOE. However, this effect can sometimes be unreliable.
The gear requirements for the Thorns build are moderate; the pain Gorges and a magnum opus are essential, but Uber uniques are not necessary. However, acquiring an Andariel can significantly enhance this build, boosting its performance and making it even more formidable in hardcore play.
Double Swing with Twisters: Fast and Fun
For rank two, we have the double swing with Twisters build. This was probably my favorite build of season 2. It wasn’t the strongest build I played all the time, but it is incredibly fast and fun. Simple to play, super tanky, and it melts faces. Unlike other triple shout builds, double swing boasts a much quicker attack animation, allowing for almost infinite berserking. This translates to unlimited Fury, movement speed, and damage, enabling you to breeze through levels and obliterate anything in your path. The Twisters add a reasonable amount of AOE clear, although they can be unreliable. When they do work, they significantly improve clear times by taking out numerous small enemies. What sets this build apart is the ability to maintain 100% uptime on berserking, offering unmatched speed and efficiency in gameplay.
Maximizing Movement Speed
This build will allow you to move at maximum movement speed permanently, offering an incredibly efficient and enjoyable gameplay experience. The ability to maintain this speed consistently makes it an attractive option for those looking to navigate dungeons quickly and efficiently, making it a standout choice for high-speed runs and competitive play.
Charge: The Pinnacle of Speed
Finally, in rank one, the fastest build in the Gauntlet is, undoubtedly, Charge. This build is set to revolutionize speed runs, offering unmatched velocity. With Twisters included, players can achieve 100% uptime on berserking, enjoying all the benefits of increased movement speed, which is a fantastic asset.
Charge acts as an exceptional tool for traversal, allowing players to cover vast distances quickly while decimating everything in their path. This capability makes it perfectly suited for the Gauntlet. Additionally, integrating leap into the build enhances mobility even further, enabling movement up and down ledges and through walls, providing numerous tactical advantages.
This season, Charge has stood out for its high damage output, substantial durability, and exceptional speed. Interestingly, the build does not demand a high gear level to be effective; it excels without a complete set of Uber uniques. Although it scales well with Ubers, having them is advantageous but not crucial.
Concluding Thoughts on Gauntlet Builds
While the builds are ranked based on their suitability for the Gauntlet, it’s important to remember that all mentioned builds are powerful in their own right. Each has proven its strength in high-level play, including tier 100s on Hardcore. They are considered meta builds, but when focusing specifically on Gauntlet performance, this ranking reflects their relative advantages. If you have a different opinion on the order or believe another build deserves recognition, feel free to share your thoughts. Feedback is always welcome, as it contributes to a broader understanding of what might excel in the Gauntlet.
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