How good are melee and ranged (missile) damage reduction (and which one is more useful and better overall?) compared to single elemental (physical?) resistance (secondary attribute)? Which 3 gems of those 4 are best for defense (or in other words which one is the worst): bane of the powerful, mutilation guard, esoteric alteration, Gem of Efficacious Toxin? Is molten explosion considered melee or ranged?
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a WWRend Barb would benefit more from Melee DR than Ranged. Draw your own conclusions.
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Gem of ET doesn’t even belong in this conversation since it offers no defensive boost whatsoever. I’ve found EA to be most effective since it covers all but physical damage. I stick with gems that I can apply to every fight, not just elites. Powerful Bane is mostly useful in grifts because you’re constantly rushing to the finish line.
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since Molten has an impact radius it might be considered Ranged elemental, but I’m not 100% sure. Esoteric Alteration would cover it anyway since it dampens ALL non-physical damage, not just ranged or melee.
- Melee characters benefit more from melee damage reduction than ranged?
- Gem of ET belongs here. Poisoned enemies deal 10% less damage so it is indirect damage reduction. I agree that EA is most useful. Bane of Powerful damage reduction is nice because elites are most dangerous. If something kills you it would be elite not normal monster.
- Maybe somone know if Molten explosion is melee or ranged?
I found this old reddit post that claims neither melee nor ranged damage reduction affects the molten affix. No idea if that’s accurate or up-to-date but maybe molten explosions just count as pure fire damage?
- Melee builds are always in the thick of it face first. Yes they benefit more from melee DR.
- 10% less overall damage received Vs 60% cold/fire/lightning/arcane/poison damage reduction = no comparison.
- Molten is fire damage. Esoteric takes care of it no matter what it is.
I would take esoteric. But what abot second pick option between mutilation and gem of ET?
If you wanna do damage, and not playing easy mode, you can only have one defensive gem. More toughness will have to be adjusted elsewhere - like passives, skills, gem choice in armor, follower, vitality etc.
They are as good as any other damage reduction, just more specific. I’d say melee characters benefit from them both equally, while ranged characters benefit more from ranged reduction.
Bane of the Powerful is your best option, here. Trash mobs generally aren’t a concern, but having an extra 35% damage and damage reduction against elites is a big swing in your favor at critical times. Between Mutilation Guard and Esotaric Alteration, EA is the better defensive gem because of the additional resistances it offers when you’re low on health, but neither one is optimal on most builds outside of hardcore play. The Gem of Efficacious Toxin is rarely used in most builds; the poison damage is insignificant and the 10% damage/reduction swing is vastly surpassed by other gems.
Neither. It’s raw elemental damage. The best way to avoid it is by not being there. Otherwise you are at the mercy of your armor, fire resistance, and global damage reduction.