Patch 1.2.0 - Druid Class Changes: The Power of Fortify Improved

Hey there, fellow gamers! Today, we have some exciting news for all the Druid class enthusiasts in Diablo 4. Patch 1.2.0 is on its way, and it's bringing a truckload of changes specifically for the Druid class. From a massive revamp to the way Fortify works in combination with Maximum Life to some exciting buffs for underperforming minion abilities, there's a lot to dive into. So, let's take a closer look at what's in store for our favorite shapeshifters in Diablo 4 Season 2!

Druid Class Overview

The Druid class in Diablo 4 is all about harnessing the power of nature's fury to bring destruction upon your enemies. With the ability to shape-shift into various animal forms, controlling the elements, and commanding powerful minions, the Druid offers a versatile playstyle that caters to both offensive and defensive strategies.

Skills

• Fierce Earth Spike

One of the primary offensive skills for the Druid, Fierce Earth Spike, is getting a significant change in Patch 1.2.0. Previously, the Fortify amount was based on Base Life, but now it will be based on Maximum Life. This tweak will provide a more balanced scaling for players and add an extra layer of strategic decision-making.

• Enhanced Maul

Maul, the Druid's iconic melee ability, is receiving both damage buffs and a change to the Fortify calculation. The passive damage of Enhanced Maul is being increased from 0.2 to 0.24, offering more consistent damage output. Additionally, the active damage is being ramped up from 1.6 to 2.5. Lastly, similar to Fierce Earth Spike, the Fortify amount of Enhanced Maul is being shifted from Base Life to Maximum Life.

• Enhanced Ravens

One of the Druid's popular minion abilities, Enhanced Ravens, is receiving some love in Patch 1.2.0. The bonus Critical Strike Chance for ravens is being bumped up from 5% to 8%, providing higher chances for devastating critical hits. The base damage of the ravens is also being increased from 1.1 to 1.4, and their spread speed is getting a massive 50% boost. These changes will make Enhanced Ravens a more viable option for minion-focused builds.

• Natural Rabies

While Natural Rabies is not performing as expected, it is still a valuable part of the Druid's arsenal. In Patch 1.2.0, the spread speed bonus for Natural Rabies is being reduced from 100% to 50%. However, it's important to note that the actual spread speed remains unchanged due to a base increase in spread speed for all abilities.

• Preserving Earthen Bulwark

For those who prefer a more defensive playstyle, Preserving Earthen Bulwark is an essential ability in the Druid's toolkit. Similar to Fierce Earth Spike and Enhanced Maul, the Fortify amount for Preserving Earthen Bulwark is being shifted from Base Life to Maximum Life. This change will provide a better balance between survivability and offensive capabilities.

• Enhanced Debilitating Roar

An offensive ability that also provides crowd control, Enhanced Debilitating Roar is receiving the same change in Fortify calculation as other skills. The Fortify amount is being shifted from Base Life to Maximum Life, ensuring a consistent scaling throughout gameplay.

• Ferocious Wolf Pack

Druids who rely on summoning minions will be happy to hear that Ferocious Wolf Pack is receiving adjustments in Patch 1.2.0. While the knockback distance is being reduced by 10%, the Fortify amount is being shifted from Base Life to Maximum Life. These changes will make the Wolf Pack more reliable in both offensive and defensive situations.

• Natural Trample

Natural Trample is a powerful ability that allows the Druid to charge through enemies, dealing significant damage. In Patch 1.2.0, the Fortify amount for Natural Trample is being shifted from Base Life to Maximum Life, ensuring a consistent scaling and providing players with more flexibility in their build choices.

• Supreme Grizzly Rage

Last but not least, the ultimate ability for the Druid, Supreme Grizzly Rage, is also receiving the Fortify calculation change. The Fortify amount is being shifted from Base Life to Maximum Life, giving players more control over their survivability while unleashing the wrath of the Grizzly.

Passives

Alongside the skill changes, Patch 1.2.0 is also bringing exciting adjustments to the Druid's passive abilities. Let's take a look at some of the notable changes:

• Elemental Resistance

• You gain +5/10/15% Resistance to All Elements.

• Lucky Hit

• The chance to immobilize enemies with Lucky Hit has increased from 5/10/15% to 8/16/24%.
• Bonus damage to immobilized enemies has increased from 6/12/18% to 7/14/21%.

Additionally, similar to the skill changes, the Fortify amount for these passive abilities is also being shifted from Base Life to Maximum Life, providing a more consistent scaling.

• Mystic Coalescence

Mystic Coalescence is receiving an exciting new effect in Patch 1.2.0. Now, casting an Earth Skill has a 30% chance to trigger a free Storm Skill of the same category, and vice versa. These free skills will count as both Earth and Storm Skills, offering new opportunities for tactical decision-making during combat.

• Spirit of the Wild

Spirit of the Wild is a passive ability that focuses on the Druid's survivability and damage potential. In Patch 1.2.0, while the player is healthy, they will deal 25% increased damage and 25% increased Overpower damage. This buff rewards skilled players who can maintain a high health pool and encourages a more aggressive playstyle.

• The Hunter's Mark

If you enjoy dealing massive damage to injured enemies, The Hunter's Mark is the passive ability for you. In Patch 1.2.0, the guaranteed Critical Strike's bonus damage against injured enemies is being increased to 140%. This change adds an extra layer of damage potential and makes targeting injured foes more rewarding.

Legendary Aspects

As for the legendary aspects of the Druid, Patch 1.2.0 is introducing some exciting changes to enhance their power. Let's take a look at what's in store:

• Critical Strike Damage

• The bonus amount of Critical Strike Damage now has a maximum of 200%.

Paragon

The Paragon system in Diablo 4 allows players to further customize their characters and optimize their playstyles. Patch 1.2.0 is bringing changes to the Druid's Paragon skills as well:

• Earth Skills

• Your Earth Skills now deal 10% increased Critical Strike Damage, which increases by 25% of the total amount of your Bonus Damage to Crowd Controlled enemies, up to a maximum of 40%.

• Storm Skills

• Your Storm Skills now deal bonus damage equal to 50% of the total amount of your Damage to Close and Damage to Distant bonuses.

With these changes to the Paragon skills, Druid players will have even more customization options at their disposal, allowing for truly unique and powerful builds.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Patch 1.2.0 is bringing a slew of exciting changes to the Druid class in Diablo 4. From the revamped Fortify mechanic to the buffs in minion abilities and passive skills, players can expect a more balanced and engaging gameplay experience. So, gear up, shapeshifters, and get ready to unleash the fury of nature upon your enemies!