How to compare best weapon for WW build

Barbarian
1

Hi,
I’m really struggling when it comes to deciding which weapon is better.

From a guide on maxroll it’s stated that the most important stat, for 2 handed weapon, in the following order are: 1) DPS 2) Crit damage 3) vulnarable damage 4)Strength 6)core skill damage 7) Damage to close . From what I’ve understood, most people concur with this.

What I have come to understand is that the ingame stats are not to be trusted which makes everything very hard to decide which item to use. I have checked SnowRavens formula, but tbh I don’t understand it fully. Sure it’s different buckets; Stats, Crit, Vulnarable and all the additives. But how do I calculate it all properly?

Here is my main problem/question. Can you guys please tell me which weapon is better? FYI my build is WW 2 Handed Axe Barbarian with Unbridled Rage .

Weapon no 1:

2 handed axe (Limitless Rage Aspect)
Item power 803 + 25
DPS: 2563
Vuln damage: 58.5 %
Strength: 147
Crit damage: 60%
Core damage: 51%

Weapon no 2:
2 handed axe (Skullbreaker 72%, havent changed it yet)
Item power: 812+25
DPS: 2655
Vuln damage: 66%
Strength: 159
Crit Damage: 58.5
Damage to Close: 57%

At first glance I would say that weapon no 2 is better, but when I change weapon from no 1 to number 2 my damage goes from 17525- 21420 Whirlwind damage to 15878-19407.

MY AP on the other hand goes from 5502 to 5733.

Would really appreciate some feedback on this.

/Sad and frustrated Barbarian

2

The increase to core damage is why your WW shows higher with weapon 1.

The slight increases in strength, crit, vuln is why your attack power shows slighty higher with weapon 2. Attack power is deceiving.

I would go with weapon 1 because you’re using Umbridled, and you want higher base numbers, which you’re getting with weapon 1.

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3

When does DPS play a part? For the 2h slashing (WW weapon)? Wouldn’t you always go higher dps over stats, unless the stats are godly?

4

Typically, yes. Core with Unbridled is different though. In most cases, the higher DPS weapon will give you a higher flat base damage. His is almost 10% more max flat damage with the weapon that has core damage on it because Unbridled is a multiplier for core damage.

2 Likes
5

Thanks Conan!
really appreciate it :slight_smile: Strange that the author of the guide didn’t rate core skill higher then, since he also used Unbridled Rage…

1 Like
6

Welcome.

Keep in mind that WW snapshots distance, so even though you’re technically always physically close to the enemies, the game may not be recognizing you as “close”.

Strength and core damage is constant. Almost everything else is situational, including crit and vulnerable.

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7

Came here for this comment. I am seriously considering ignoring everything that says ‘Close’ until snapshot is fixed. Which probably wont happen anytime soon.

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8

Yeah…due to snapshot reasons, avoid “Close Damage” for now. Stack on Vdmg & Coredmg better

9

I’d avoid this stat and is very buggy. Since WW isn’t close and channeled so is considered Ranged. Don’t believe me then cast WW and attack a Suppressor and now they are immune because WW is snapshot from the time you press it. Hence “Damage from Close” never triggers.

I’ve dropped Territorial Glyph and this affix and feel way stronger.

Ignore AP, it’s a trap

I recently went Duel wield WW love it. More Fury, Crits, Fast attacks and damage. It’s the end game WW build.

10

This is with Ramaldanis yes? I have a 0.1 Rama, will it still be viable?

11

Yea still viable. I started really with a .2. Then farmed my .3. It’s viable without it just the sword completes the build.

Really fun though. Lucky hit procs way more. Attacking more than 2 times as fast so Fury on hit and crit generates a ton. You can get more Crit chance and damage. The flawless technique paragon board has some killer rare/magic nodes for 1 handed weapons. Also bonus 5% Crit Chance legendary.

Seen ppl mix and matching sword/mace or sword/axe. Double sword is what I use atm. However it’s really the end game WW build. More scaling, more options with weapon techniques, glyphs/boards.

Ramaldni’s is basically a better edgemaster’s when you get over 200 Fury and .3. Another good thing is max Fury nodes smooth build out and is damage as well.

If I was leveling WW again. I’d start Duel Wield. Cause it has way better Fury management.

Edit - I almost stopped playing and fizzled out at 92 with 2h then realized all the options with Duel wield. Now I’m 96 and it’s far more interesting and fun to play. I wouldn’t worry so much about the Sword. Like I said you could run Maces and stun, Axes etc. Just get high level for base damage as you try to get .3 Sword. Duel wield Sword is better Fury though.