Medium weight armor increases stamina drain by 50%. Like most armor base items, those with Light weight will be best for most characters, since they don't affect run speed or stamina drain. Superior armor will drastically increase repair costs, and if you're a melee character, you're going to get hit a lot and need a lot of repairs.

Elite: Dusk Shroud, Wyrmhide, Scarab Husk, Wire Fleece, Great Hauberk, Archon PlateĪlthough it's tempting to use a Superior base item for increased defense, particularly since Duress adds percentage-based defensive improvements, don't fall for this trap.In Patch 2.4, they will also be able to dual wield, giving them twice the benefit on the offensive properties of this armor. The extra defense helps with their melee-fighting style. While melee builds needing more defense may choose to go for an option such as Fortitude instead, this armor presents a great balance between protection and damage output.Īmazon Build Guides Assassin Build Guides Barbarian Build Guides Druid Build Guides Paladin Build Guidesĭuress is amazing Mercenary armor for the Act V Barbarian mercenaries, due to the boss-killing goodness of Crushing Blow and Open Wounds. Both Crushing Blow and Open Wounds are great for taking down tough mobs, and using this armor can make reaching 100% on either of these traits a reality. This next section will discuss what classes and specs can make the most out of Duress, whether you should consider using Duress with your Mercenary follower, what base items to consider, and where to acquire Runes.īest Classes and Specs for the Duress RunewordĪny class dealing Physical damage will love Duress, though dual wielders will get even more benefit from it. Runewords vary on their suitability for different classes and specs, as well as utility for the various Mercenaries. This is a good step toward reaching 100% with either property, especially combined with other desirable items such as Gore Rider boots. This makes Duress particularly popular with dual-wielding specs, since it will apply these properties to both weapons. No other Runeword armor has either property. Duration (Normal)ĭuress is a damage-forward armor with decent defensive properties as well, suitable for all kinds of Physical damage builds.Īn offense-focused armor, Duress is one of only 2 body armor pieces in game with Crushing Blow, and one of only 4 with Open Wounds - and the only one with both.

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