Dexterity

Dexterity is a Character Attribute present in the Diablo universe.

Diablo/Hellfire

Dexterity is represented in its most basic and limited form in Diablo and Hellfire. It contributes to a hero's To-Hit %, and Armor Class. In addition, as a hero's Dexterity grows, certain swords and all bows begin to open themselves for use by him/her.

• Dexterity contributes to To-Hit % at the rate of 1% per 2 points.
• Dexterity contributes to Armor Class at the rate of 1 per 5 points.
• Dexterity contributes to a hero's Chance to Block % in the following formula: the hero's Dexterity + (2 x clvl) + bonus†, subtract a number equal to the attacker's level, x 2. There is no 'hard cap', meaning that 100% block chance is legitimately possible.

In addition, the Rogue, Monk, and Bard all rely on Dexterity for damage, although they still accept a bonus from Strength as well:

• Rogue in all cases- Strength + Dexterity x clvl/200
• Bard with a sword, Monk unarmed or using a staff- Strength + Dexterity x clvl/150
• Monk in all other cases- Strength + Dexterity x clvl/300

Unfortunately, due to how high the classes' caps on Dexterity are, only the Rogue stands a chance at hitting targets with only items that give Dexterity. All other classes need affixes that give To-Hit % chance

†-Ingame, this blocking bonus is bugged. After the first game, the hero loses his blocking bonus, and can only rely on his Dexterity and clvl to do the work for his blocking chance.

Diablo II

Dexterity affects Attack Rating and Defense Rating.

Some melee weapon damage, such as javelins, daggers, claws and all Ranged Weapons damage increase with Dexterity. Dexterity is also required to use some weapons, such as bows and swords. However, it is not generally required for blunter or more brutal weapons, such as maces and axes.

Dexterity also increases chance to block. The chance to block is capped at 75 percent.

Diablo III

Each point of dexterity increases your chance to dodge, regardless of class. The gains are big at first, but they also suffer from diminishing returns, and it is not recommended unless you use this as your primary attribute. Dexterity no longer increases armor, except for the Seize the Initiative and Awareness passive skills; however, in patch 2.1., developers want to replace Dodge bonus with Armor, in order to make this bonus more predictable and reliable.

The Monk and Demon Hunter both use dexterity as their primary attribute; for them, each point of dexterity increases all damage output by 1%. They gain 3 Dexterity per level, while other classes gain 1. Dexterity can also be gained by placing Emerald gems into empty armor sockets.