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A '''Skill Tree''' is a kind of a categorized spellbook where players can see what [[skills]] are available to their character.
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==Overview==
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Skills in ''[[Diablo II]]'' and ''[[Diablo III]]'', unlike the first game, are tied to certain categories. A skill can only be used when learned (equipped or invested [[skill points]] into), and the total number of skills character may have at a time is limited (unlike the first game, where one could, in theory, learn ''all'' spells that exist in the game world).
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There are many ways to categorize skills, such as by [[Elemental Damage]] type, by being tied to certain game mechanics, etc. They can be divided by the degree of action required to use them:
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*'''Active''': most numerous skill category; to get an effect, the skill must be activated manually, usually one cast per trigger.
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**'''Channeled''': must not only be activated, but also maintained for the entire duration, most other actions (especially movement) being unavailable while doing so. Usually the skill is maintained by holding the cast button continuously.
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**'''[[Pets|Summon]]''': creates a minion, pet, construct or any other independent entity which will fight on player's behalf. Most summoned creatures disappear if their master [[death|dies]], and may be killed by enemy attacks.
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*'''Passive''': do not need to be activated; once selected or learned, will always provide their benefit. The bonus may either be permanent, or trigger at certain point (such as [[Life]] falling beneath a certain threshold).
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*'''Active / Passive''': these skills combine traits of both active and passive.
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**''[[Aura]]s'', Laws, Mantras and other similar traits often have a passive effect, but can be activated manually to receive an extra temporary bonus, usually once in a while.
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**''Buffs'' are applied manually, but once cast, provide only passive benefits to the player, and do not need to be cast in combat (except for refreshing their duration, which is usually long enough to survive all but longest battles without recasting it). Most Buffs are lost upon death.
   
A '''Skill Tree''' is a kind of a categorized spellbook where you can see what skills are available to your character.
 
 
==Diablo II==
 
==Diablo II==
 
[[Image:ShapeShiftingSkills.jpg|thumb|300px|The [[Druid]]'s Shape Shifting skill tree]]
 
[[Image:ShapeShiftingSkills.jpg|thumb|300px|The [[Druid]]'s Shape Shifting skill tree]]
 
In ''[[Diablo II]]'', it has three tabs at the right side. Clicking on the tab will take player to the corresponding skill tree.
   
 
The tree consists of rows of skills. The row indicates the level requirement to acquire the skill. The first (top) row of skills are available as soon as the character is created. The second row has a level requirement of 6, with each following row's level requirement increasing by 6, up to 30 for the bottom row.
In [[Diablo II]], it has three tabs at the right side. Clicking on the tab will take you to the corresponding skill tree.
 
   
 
Some skills have one or more arrows pointing to them. Any skill on the tree that points to another skill is a prerequisite. For example, in the image to the right, [[Fire Claws]] [[Image:FireClaws.gif|25px]] has arrows pointing to it from [[Feral Rage]] [[Image:FeralRage.gif|25px]] and [[Maul (Skill)|Maul]] [[Image:MaulSkill.gif|25px]]. This means that in order to get Fire Claws, one must already have at least one skill point in both Feral Rage ''and'' Maul.
The tree consists of rows of skills. The row indicates the level requirement to acquire the skill. The first (top) row of skills are available as soon as you create your character. The second row has a level requirement of 6, with each following row's level requirement increasing by 6, up to 30 for the bottom row.
 
   
  +
Skills [[synergy|synergize]] with each other, passively enhancing ''other'' skills, usually in the same tree.
Some skills have one or more arrows pointing to them. Any skill on the tree that points to another skill is a prerequisite. For example, in the image to the right, [[Fire Claws]] [[Image:FireClaws.gif|25px]] has arrows pointing to it from [[Feral Rage]] [[Image:FeralRage.gif|25px]] and [[Maul (Skill)|Maul]] [[Image:MaulSkill.gif|25px]]. This means that in order to get Fire Claws, you must already have at least one skill point in both Feral Rage ''and'' Maul.
 
   
 
{{clr}}
 
{{clr}}
Line 18: Line 31:
 
{{Paladin Skills}}
 
{{Paladin Skills}}
 
{{Sorceress Skills}}
 
{{Sorceress Skills}}
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===Development===
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The idea for skill trees in Diablo II came from [[David Brevik]]; according to Brevik himself, the idea came to him while he was in the shower. He likened the idea to the tech trees of ''[http://civilization.wikia.com/wiki/Civilization_II Civilization II]''.<ref name = "Oral2">2015-09-08, [http://www.usgamer.net/articles/in-their-own-words-an-oral-history-of-diablo-ii-with-david-brevik-max-schaefer-and-erich-schaefer/page-2 Page 2: In Their Own Words: An Oral History of Diablo II With David Brevik, Max Schaefer, and Erich Schaefer]. ''US Gamer'', accessed on 2015-09-13</ref>
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==Diablo III==
 
==Diablo III==
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===Development===
In Diablo III, skill trees were instead replaced with skill categories. Each class has six, and each category includes three to five skills:
 
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{{obsolete}}
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[[File:D3SkillsWindow.png|thumb|Original design of the skill trees]]
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In the early versions of Diablo III, skill trees were working in the same way they did in Diablo II: three separate trees, unlocking more passive and active skills as players invest more skill points in them (also similar to ''[[World of Warcraft]]'' pre-MoP design). However, eventually this concept has been canceled, although most of the skills were more or less transferred to the new system of skill categories (see below). This allowed making mixed builds and prevented players from wasting points on skills they do not want just to get to the next skill in the category. However, details about two older skill trees (Barbarian and Wizard) still exist:
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{{clr}}
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{{Barb skills D3}}{{Wizard skills}}
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===Current System===
  +
In Diablo III, skill trees were replaced with skill categories. Each class has six, and each category includes three to five skills. The system below is approximate, in fact, [[Demon Hunter]]s and [[Witch Doctor]]s have their categories slightly different from those of other classes. {{3|Necromancer}}s have their categories totally different, and grouped mostly by the type of resource these skills use.
 
*'''Primary''' (default LMB): basic skills that do not waste resources, or even generate them with every attack, have no [[cooldown]], but deal less damage than other skills. [[Pants]], [[Class-specific Items]] and [[Belts]] may enhance the damage done by these skills.
 
*'''Primary''' (default LMB): basic skills that do not waste resources, or even generate them with every attack, have no [[cooldown]], but deal less damage than other skills. [[Pants]], [[Class-specific Items]] and [[Belts]] may enhance the damage done by these skills.
*'''Secondary '''(default RMB): advanced skills that usually waste resources, but generally have no cooldown as well; basically, they are the main combat skills. [[Boots]] and Class-specific items may enhance the damage done by these skills.
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*'''Secondary '''(default RMB): advanced skills that usually waste resources, but generally have no cooldown as well; basically, they are the main combat skills. [[Helms]], [[Boots]] and Class-specific items may enhance the damage done by these skills.
*'''Defensive '''(default 1): protective skills that are focused on disabling enemies (i.e. [[Crowd Control]]) rather than dealing damage. They usually cost no resources (or even generate them), but have cooldowns, and while some of them deal minor damage, their main purpose is survival. 
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*'''Defensive '''(default 1): protective skills that are focused on protection or on disabling enemies (i.e. [[Crowd Control]]) rather than dealing damage. They usually cost no resources (or even generate them), but have cooldowns, and while some of them deal minor damage, their main purpose is survival. 
 
*'''Tertiary''' (default 2, name of the category varies by class): powerful skills, usually they cost more resources than Secondary, and / or have cooldowns. These skills mostly deal damage, are considerably more potent than Secondary skills, but players won't be able to use them as often as they can use Secondary skills. Boots, Class-specific items, [[Pauldrons]] and [[Chest Armor]]s may enhance these skills. 
 
*'''Tertiary''' (default 2, name of the category varies by class): powerful skills, usually they cost more resources than Secondary, and / or have cooldowns. These skills mostly deal damage, are considerably more potent than Secondary skills, but players won't be able to use them as often as they can use Secondary skills. Boots, Class-specific items, [[Pauldrons]] and [[Chest Armor]]s may enhance these skills. 
 
*'''Special''' (default 3, name of the category varies by class): these skills are usually semi-passive, enhancing the character and / or allies, or summoning pets and minions. Some classes can only pick one skill of this category at a time. However, these skills rarely do damage. Class-specific items, Pauldrons and Chest Armors may enhance these skills.
 
*'''Special''' (default 3, name of the category varies by class): these skills are usually semi-passive, enhancing the character and / or allies, or summoning pets and minions. Some classes can only pick one skill of this category at a time. However, these skills rarely do damage. Class-specific items, Pauldrons and Chest Armors may enhance these skills.
 
*'''Ultimate''' (default 4, name of the category varies by class): these skills are usually the most powerful tools in the character's arsenal. They can be incredibly damaging, very potent Crowd Control forms, enhancing the character far beyond their usual capabilities for a short time (or even changing their physical form into a creature of legends) or summoning very numerous or very powerful minions. However, most of these skills have a very high resource cost and / or a very long [[cooldown]]. Class-specific items, Pauldrons and Chest Armors may enhance these skills.
 
*'''Ultimate''' (default 4, name of the category varies by class): these skills are usually the most powerful tools in the character's arsenal. They can be incredibly damaging, very potent Crowd Control forms, enhancing the character far beyond their usual capabilities for a short time (or even changing their physical form into a creature of legends) or summoning very numerous or very powerful minions. However, most of these skills have a very high resource cost and / or a very long [[cooldown]]. Class-specific items, Pauldrons and Chest Armors may enhance these skills.
Passive skills have a separate category. At level 10, character has one passive skill slot, but can acquire the second one at level 20, the third one at level 30, and the final (fourth) one at level 70. [[Hellfire Amulet]] allows having five passives at a time. Passive skills can be taken in any combination, regardless of which active skills have been chosen.
 
   
 
Passive skills have a separate category. At level 10, a character has one passive skill slot, but can acquire the second one at level 20, the third one at level 30, and the final (fourth) one at level 70. [[Hellfire Amulet]] allows having five different passives at a time. Passive skills can be taken in any combination, regardless of which active skills have been chosen.
Originally, characters can only have one skill of each category, and may not change the default button. However, with the so-called Elective Mode turned on in the Options, one can take any skills in any combinations, unless specifically stated otherwise.
 
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{{D3BarbSkills}}
 
 
Originally, characters can only have one skill of each category, and may not change the default button. However, with the so-called Elective Mode turned on in the Options, one can take any skills in any combinations, unless specifically stated otherwise (such as Wizards only being able to use one Armor spell).
{{D3DHSkills}}
 
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{{Crusader Skills}}
 
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Skills can be changed or assigned new [[Skill Runes]] (counts as changing skills too) at any moment when out of combat, and when the skill in question is not on a cooldown. If performed in town, the new skill is ready instantly, otherwise it has a 10 seconds cooldown before it can be used.
{{D3MonkSkills}}
 
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{{D3WDSkills}}
 
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Note that each item can only have ''one'' "Increases (Skill Name) Damage by X%" Primary affix.
{{D3WizardSkills}}
 
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{{D3BarbSkills}}{{Crusader Skills}}{{D3DHSkills}}{{D3MonkSkills}}{{D3NecroSkills}}{{D3WDSkills}}{{D3WizardSkills}}
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==References==
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<references/>
 
[[Category:Skill Trees]]
 
[[Category:Skill Trees]]
 
[[Category:Gameplay]]
 
[[Category:Gameplay]]

Revision as of 16:38, 17 April 2017

A Skill Tree is a kind of a categorized spellbook where players can see what skills are available to their character.

Overview

Skills in Diablo II and Diablo III, unlike the first game, are tied to certain categories. A skill can only be used when learned (equipped or invested skill points into), and the total number of skills character may have at a time is limited (unlike the first game, where one could, in theory, learn all spells that exist in the game world).

There are many ways to categorize skills, such as by Elemental Damage type, by being tied to certain game mechanics, etc. They can be divided by the degree of action required to use them:

  • Active: most numerous skill category; to get an effect, the skill must be activated manually, usually one cast per trigger.
    • Channeled: must not only be activated, but also maintained for the entire duration, most other actions (especially movement) being unavailable while doing so. Usually the skill is maintained by holding the cast button continuously.
    • Summon: creates a minion, pet, construct or any other independent entity which will fight on player's behalf. Most summoned creatures disappear if their master dies, and may be killed by enemy attacks.
  • Passive: do not need to be activated; once selected or learned, will always provide their benefit. The bonus may either be permanent, or trigger at certain point (such as Life falling beneath a certain threshold).
  • Active / Passive: these skills combine traits of both active and passive.
    • Auras, Laws, Mantras and other similar traits often have a passive effect, but can be activated manually to receive an extra temporary bonus, usually once in a while.
    • Buffs are applied manually, but once cast, provide only passive benefits to the player, and do not need to be cast in combat (except for refreshing their duration, which is usually long enough to survive all but longest battles without recasting it). Most Buffs are lost upon death.

Diablo II

ShapeShiftingSkills

The Druid's Shape Shifting skill tree

In Diablo II, it has three tabs at the right side. Clicking on the tab will take player to the corresponding skill tree.

The tree consists of rows of skills. The row indicates the level requirement to acquire the skill. The first (top) row of skills are available as soon as the character is created. The second row has a level requirement of 6, with each following row's level requirement increasing by 6, up to 30 for the bottom row.

Some skills have one or more arrows pointing to them. Any skill on the tree that points to another skill is a prerequisite. For example, in the image to the right, Fire Claws FireClaws has arrows pointing to it from Feral Rage FeralRage and Maul MaulSkill. This means that in order to get Fire Claws, one must already have at least one skill point in both Feral Rage and Maul.

Skills synergize with each other, passively enhancing other skills, usually in the same tree.


Development

The idea for skill trees in Diablo II came from David Brevik; according to Brevik himself, the idea came to him while he was in the shower. He likened the idea to the tech trees of Civilization II.[1]

Diablo III

Development

Tome This page contains obsolete content
This article contains information that is no longer relevant to gameplay, but is kept here for informational purposes.
D3SkillsWindow

Original design of the skill trees

In the early versions of Diablo III, skill trees were working in the same way they did in Diablo II: three separate trees, unlocking more passive and active skills as players invest more skill points in them (also similar to World of Warcraft pre-MoP design). However, eventually this concept has been canceled, although most of the skills were more or less transferred to the new system of skill categories (see below). This allowed making mixed builds and prevented players from wasting points on skills they do not want just to get to the next skill in the category. However, details about two older skill trees (Barbarian and Wizard) still exist:

Diablo III Pre-release Barbarian Skills

Berserker SkillsFrenzyThreatening ShoutOnslaughtDouble StrikeStrong ConstitutionBerserker StateLeap AttackEnrageDual Wield SpecializationSavageSpeed BoostWhirlwindSlashing StrikeRelentless AttacksDestroy Armor
Juggernaut SkillsBashCleaveGround StompFocused StrengthStubbornRecoveryTauntStunning BlowsTwo-Handed Weapon SpecializationInvigoratedSeismic SlamRevengeIron WillCrushing BlowsSeismic Effect
Battlemaster SkillsBattle RagePerseverancePower of the BattlemasterIron SkinHammer of the AncientsBattle CryScavengeCritical AttacksShield SpecializationFurious ChargeIgnore PainDeliberate DefenseImproved Battle RageDeath ProofInspiring PresenceNatural ResistanceMighty Hammer

Wizard Skills

Storm SkillsCharged BoltThunderstruckEmpowered MagicLightning SpeedStorm ArmorFrost NovaDeep FreezePower ArmorStatic ChargeElectrocuteRay of FrostLethal EnergyImproved Charged BoltStatic ResidueBlizzardStorm PowerEpic StormsShattering IceTornado
Arcane SkillsMagic MissileArcane PowerEfficient MagicsPenetrating SpellsDisintegrateWave of ForceArcane ArmorArcane WeaknessArcane SpeedArcane OrbSlow TimeArcane DistortionMana RecoveryImproved Magic MissileTemporal ArmorTeleportGreater ManaMana BurstRunic Might
Conjuring SkillsSpectral BladeSpell SpeedWeapon MasteryDamage ResistanceStone SkinMirror ImageConjured ArmorConjured HealthDuplicate ConjuringMeteor StormAcid CloudConjured PowerConjured DurationImproved Spectral BladeHydraMagic WeaponMagical ImpactSlowing StrikesArmor Piercing

Current System

In Diablo III, skill trees were replaced with skill categories. Each class has six, and each category includes three to five skills. The system below is approximate, in fact, Demon Hunters and Witch Doctors have their categories slightly different from those of other classes. Necromancers have their categories totally different, and grouped mostly by the type of resource these skills use.

  • Primary (default LMB): basic skills that do not waste resources, or even generate them with every attack, have no cooldown, but deal less damage than other skills. Pants, Class-specific Items and Belts may enhance the damage done by these skills.
  • Secondary (default RMB): advanced skills that usually waste resources, but generally have no cooldown as well; basically, they are the main combat skills. Helms, Boots and Class-specific items may enhance the damage done by these skills.
  • Defensive (default 1): protective skills that are focused on protection or on disabling enemies (i.e. Crowd Control) rather than dealing damage. They usually cost no resources (or even generate them), but have cooldowns, and while some of them deal minor damage, their main purpose is survival. 
  • Tertiary (default 2, name of the category varies by class): powerful skills, usually they cost more resources than Secondary, and / or have cooldowns. These skills mostly deal damage, are considerably more potent than Secondary skills, but players won't be able to use them as often as they can use Secondary skills. Boots, Class-specific items, Pauldrons and Chest Armors may enhance these skills. 
  • Special (default 3, name of the category varies by class): these skills are usually semi-passive, enhancing the character and / or allies, or summoning pets and minions. Some classes can only pick one skill of this category at a time. However, these skills rarely do damage. Class-specific items, Pauldrons and Chest Armors may enhance these skills.
  • Ultimate (default 4, name of the category varies by class): these skills are usually the most powerful tools in the character's arsenal. They can be incredibly damaging, very potent Crowd Control forms, enhancing the character far beyond their usual capabilities for a short time (or even changing their physical form into a creature of legends) or summoning very numerous or very powerful minions. However, most of these skills have a very high resource cost and / or a very long cooldown. Class-specific items, Pauldrons and Chest Armors may enhance these skills.

Passive skills have a separate category. At level 10, a character has one passive skill slot, but can acquire the second one at level 20, the third one at level 30, and the final (fourth) one at level 70. Hellfire Amulet allows having five different passives at a time. Passive skills can be taken in any combination, regardless of which active skills have been chosen.

Originally, characters can only have one skill of each category, and may not change the default button. However, with the so-called Elective Mode turned on in the Options, one can take any skills in any combinations, unless specifically stated otherwise (such as Wizards only being able to use one Armor spell).

Skills can be changed or assigned new Skill Runes (counts as changing skills too) at any moment when out of combat, and when the skill in question is not on a cooldown. If performed in town, the new skill is ready instantly, otherwise it has a 10 seconds cooldown before it can be used.

Note that each item can only have one "Increases (Skill Name) Damage by X%" Primary affix.

Primary Skills
Fists of ThunderDeadly ReachCrippling WaveWay of the Hundred Fists
Secondary Skills
Lashing Tail KickTempest RushWave of Light
Defensive Skills
Blinding FlashBreath of HeavenSerenityInner Sanctuary
Techniques
Dashing StrikeExploding PalmSweeping Wind
Focus
Cyclone StrikeSeven-Sided StrikeMystic AllyEpiphany
Mantra
Mantra of SalvationMantra of RetributionMantra of HealingMantra of Conviction
Passive Skills
ResolveFleet FootedExalted SoulTranscendenceChant of ResonanceSeize the Initiative
The Guardian's PathSixth SenseDeterminationRelentless AssaultBeacon of YtarAlacrity
HarmonyCombination StrikeNear Death ExperienceUnityMomentumMythic Rhythm
Removed
Guiding LightMantra of EvasionOne with EverythingPacificismProvocation
Cut
Impenetrable DefenseRadiant Visage

References