The Rock Splitter Thorns Spiritborn Build, offers an intriguing mix of defensive and offensive playstyles, leveraging the Spiritborn's Resolve mechanic and the powerful Thorns scaling. Unlike traditional Thorns builds that rely on being hit to deal damage, this build applies 100% Thorns damage on a hit, making it a potent force in both damage output and defense.

If you're keen on testing this powerful build, keep reading for an in-depth look at Skill Tree choices, stat priorities, Paragon Board allocation, and recommended gear.

How The Rock Splitter Thorns Build Works

The core of the Rock Splitter Thorns Build revolves around the Accelerated perk of the Rock Splitter skill, which applies 100% of Thorns damage on a hit. This means that the build can deal AoE damage to multiple enemies while maintaining a strong defensive barrier. Unlike the typical Thorns builds that focus on being hit, this build's damage output scales effectively without requiring the player to be injured.

Additionally, the build uses other spirit-based skills, such as the Gorilla Spirit, to gain access to powerful passives like Resilient, boosting overall tankiness.

Gear & Affixes for Rock Splitter Thorns Spiritborn

While the build can be quite powerful, it has specific gear requirements to function optimally. The Sepazontec Unique Staff is a key piece for ensuring the build's AoE Thorns scaling, and Runewords such as LithWat and ZolKry are integral for maximizing the build's damage potential.

Key Items & Aspects:

Loyalty's Mantle: Grants additional stats and defensive benefits.

Razorplate: For enhanced defense and survivability.

Aspects:

The aspect of Binding Morass: Helps in grouping enemies, a crucial part of this build.

Aspect of Adaptability

Rapid Aspect

Aspect of Moonrise

Hectic Aspect

Aspect of Endurance

Aspect of Interdiction

Aspect of Layered Wards

Stat Priorities:

Thorns Damage +3000%

Armor to 1000 (after penalties)

Resistances capped (after penalties)

Health to 6000

Rock Splitter Size +100%

160% Movement Speed

2000+ Dexterity

Attack Speed +100%

Basic Damage +600%

Runewords & Gems

For Runewords, focus on LithWat and ZolKry. These provide essential bonuses to AoE and Thorns damage scaling. For Gems, use Emeralds in your Armor for Dexterity, and Diamonds in Jewelry to help cap Elemental Resistances.

The ideal roll for each stat is crucial, but even mid-tier rolls can be sufficient to handle high-end content, especially with the Scrolls of Restoration available.

Mercenary & Reinforcement Hires

This build is flexible in terms of Mercenaries, but the following combination will provide a good balance of defense and utility:

Rather: A reliable panic button that offers CC and grants Unstoppable, which is useful in tough situations. His Skill Tree should include:

Ground Slam

Draw Fire

Bastion

Inspiration

Varyana: Known for her Ancient Harpoons ability, she excels at gathering enemies and ensuring your AoE skills hit multiple targets. Set her to trigger when using a Defensive Ability.

Paragon Board & Glyphs

The Paragon Board for the Rock Splitter Thorns build should focus on increasing your damage potential, defensive capabilities, and synergy with your Thorns damage.

Paragon Board & Glyph Combinations:

Headhunter

Spiney Skin

Revealing

Viscous Shield

Sapping

Glyph Leveling Priority:

Outmatch

Headhunter

Colossal

Turf

Hubris

Once you reach a Glyph level of 46, prioritize:

Hubris

Colossal

Turf

Headhunter

Outmatch

Finally, continue leveling all glyphs to 100 in the same order.

Playstyle for the Rock Splitter Thorns Spiritborn

To maximize your damage output, always use your Ultimate Ability (The Hunter) when fighting Bosses or Elites. Use Toxic Skin on cooldown to ensure your Thorns passive is active. Meanwhile, switch between your defensive skills to mitigate incoming damage and keep your Barrier up.

Your Runewords and Binding Morass Aspect will group enemies, so stand still when possible to get the maximum damage output from your AoE.

Skill Tree for the Rock Splitter Thorns Spiritborn

While this build is very defensive, its skill tree is designed to maximize passive bonuses to damage and defense, rather than upgrading active skills. The focus is on enhancing the Rock Splitter's Thorns damage and ensuring key passives are fully leveled.

Key Skill Allocations:

Basic Node:

Rock Splitter (1/5)

Enhanced Rock Splitter

Accelerated Rock Splitter

Core Node:

Follow Through (3/3): For damage boosts, particularly from the second part of the passive.

Focus Node:

Toxic Skin (1/5)

Mirage (3/3)

Unrestrained Power (3/3)

Apex (3/3)

Defensive Node:

Armored Hide (5/5)

Reinforced Armored Hide

Counterattack (1/5)

Endurance (1/3)

Bastion (3/3)

Potency Node:

Resilient (3/3)

Dominant (3/3)

Potent (3/3)

Ultimate Skill:

The Hunter (5/5)

Key Passive:

Adaptive Stances: Works synergistically with multiple spirits, making it a must-have for this build.

Conclusion

The Rock Splitter Thorns Spiritborn Build is a powerful, dynamic build that combines high AoE damage and exceptional defense. With a strategic focus on Thorns scaling, grouping enemies, and utilizing powerful passives, this build allows players to clear endgame content with ease. Adjust gear, Runewords, and Mercenary choices to fine-tune your experience, and take advantage of the flexibility in Paragon and Glyph leveling to maximize your effectiveness.

If you're looking to optimize your gear and item acquisition, Diablo 4 gold and Diablo 4 items can be a valuable asset in fine-tuning your build, so don't hesitate to invest in improving your setup for optimal performance.

MMOexp Diablo 4 Team