Mastering the Undead Horde: How Many Minions Can a Necromancer Command in Diablo 4?
In Diablo 4, the Necromancer is a master of the macabre, commanding legions of undead to do their bidding. But just how many minions can a seasoned Necromancer field on the battlefield? The answer, while seemingly straightforward, involves a few nuances. A Necromancer can summon a base of 4 minions (2 Warriors and 2 Mages) through the skill tree. However, with specific legendary aspects and gear, this number can be significantly increased. The text suggests that you can get 2 extra warriors and 2 extra mages from legendary aspects, implying a maximum total of 8 minions.
It’s crucial to note that Golems also count as minions. So, with the appropriate skill point investment, a Necromancer can have a Golem alongside their skeletal warriors and mages, pushing the theoretical max even higher. The theoretical maximum appears to be about 11 minions when combining unique minions and tiers.
Unleashing the Undead: A Deep Dive into Necromancer Minion Mechanics
The Necromancer’s power lies not just in the quantity of their minions, but also in the quality and customization. The Book of the Dead allows for specialization and upgrades to each minion type, and even the option to sacrifice them for permanent character buffs. This system is what truly makes Necromancer minion management unique in Diablo 4.
Minion Synergies and Build Considerations
Ultimately, the number of minions you choose to command depends on your desired build and playstyle. A “pure summoner” build will focus on maximizing minion count and survivability, while other builds might sacrifice minion utility for more personal power. Finding the right balance is key to mastering the Necromancer in Diablo 4.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Necromancer Minions in Diablo 4
1. What are the different types of minions a Necromancer can summon in Diablo 4?
The Necromancer can summon Skeleton Warriors, Skeleton Mages, and Golems. Each type has its own unique abilities and upgrade paths.
2. How does the Book of the Dead influence minion customization?
The Book of the Dead is a unique Necromancer mechanic that allows players to customize their minions. Each minion type (Warriors, Mages, Golem) has different upgrade options available, allowing you to tailor their abilities to your playstyle. You can also choose to sacrifice a minion type entirely for a permanent buff to your character.
3. How do I unlock the Golem summon?
The Golem summon unlocks at level 25. You’ll receive the Call of the Underworld quest to obtain it.
4. Do minion stats scale with my character’s stats?
Yes, minions inherit a portion of your character’s stats. They receive 30% of your bonus Critical Strike chance and damage, and 30% of your bonus close and distant damage. They also have a base critical hit damage.
5. Can minions deal critical hits?
Yes, all minions can critically strike.
6. What stats should I prioritize for a minion-focused Necromancer build?
Prioritize stats that benefit both you and your minions. Intelligence is key for increasing overall skill damage. Willpower helps with healing and Overpower damage. Since minions gain 30% of your Critical Strike Chance and Damage, these are also crucial.
7. Are there any legendary aspects that increase minion count?
Yes, there are legendary aspects that grant additional warriors and mages. An amulet with such aspects, due to its 150% bonus, provides the greatest minion quantity increase.
8. Can I use a two-handed scythe as a Necromancer?
Yes, Necromancers can wield one-handed swords, daggers, wands, focuses, shields, and both one-handed and two-handed scythes.
9. What is Overpower damage, and how does it affect minions?
Overpower damage deals extra damage based on the sum of your current and Fortified Life. The base chance for an Overpower attack is 3%, but certain skills can guarantee it. While minions don’t directly benefit from Overpower chance, skills that trigger guaranteed Overpower attacks can indirectly boost their damage.
10. How does minion damage scale throughout the game?
Minion damage scales with your character’s level, skill ranks, and the stats they inherit from you. Upgrading your gear and investing in relevant Paragon nodes will significantly improve their damage output.
11. Can minions trigger Lucky Hit effects?
Whether or not minions can trigger Lucky Hit effects is build specific and varies by the effect, but the text here indicates that minions can have “Up to a 10% chance to empower all of your Minions, causing the next attack from each to explode for [X] Physical damage.”
12. How do I respec my Book of the Dead choices?
Respeccing your Book of the Dead choices is similar to respeccing your skill tree. You can do so at any time by paying a fee at the skill tree screen. The cost increases as you level up.
13. Are there any specific Paragon boards that benefit minion builds?
The text highlights several beneficial Paragon boards: Scent of Death, Blood Begets Blood, Control, Essence, Territorial, Deadraiser, and Sacrificial. Each offers unique bonuses that can significantly enhance your minion’s effectiveness. The Games Learning Society website may have additional information about Paragon builds.
14. What are the best gems to use for a summoner Necromancer?
For weapons, Amethysts (increasing Damage Over Time) are a solid choice. For armor, Sapphires (increasing Damage Reduction when Fortified) or Rubies (increasing Maximum Life) are recommended.
15. Is sacrificing minions a permanent choice?
Yes, sacrificing a minion type in the Book of the Dead grants a permanent buff to your character, but you permanently lose the ability to summon that type of minion. Consider your choices carefully!
The Necromancer in Diablo 4 offers incredible depth and customization, especially when it comes to commanding the undead. Understanding the mechanics behind minion summoning and customization is key to dominating the battlefield with your skeletal legions. Remember to explore the different skills, talents, and aspects to find the perfect minion-focused build for your playstyle. You may also want to check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for insights into other game mechanics.