The Diablo 4 Season 1 tier list has shifted dramatically due to the latest updates. The Season 1 patch notes released on July 18 has upended the effectiveness of numerous popular builds, with a long list of nerfs that have hit all classes very hard. Many builds that use vulnerable damage or crit damage to survive have had their power and armor severely cut. Some classes have received several buffs to compensate, while others haven’t as much.
We’ll have to see how Malignant Hearts might change this tier list as the season progresses, but the changes made to the non-seasonal Eternal Realm characters will be more permanent and that’s what this tier list will be based on. Here is our assessment of the best class builds for the barbarian, druid, sorcerer, necromancer, and rogue in Diablo 4 Season 1.
Diablo 4 Season 1 best builds tier list
These are the best builds for Season 1 as sorted from the most optimal S tier to the least optimal C tier:
- S-Tier
- Death Trap Rogue, Rend Barbarian, Twisting Blades Rogue, Werewolf Tornado Druid, Whirlwind Barbarian
- A-Tier
- Blight Corpse Explosion Necromancer, Bone Spear Necromancer, Chain Lightning Sorcerer, Flurry Rogue, Firewall Sorcerer, Ice Shards Sorcerer, Lighting Storm Druid, Penetrating Shot Rogue, Pulverize Druid
- B-Tier
- Arc Lash Sorcerer, Barrage Rogue, Blood Mist Necromancer, Chain Lighting Sorcerer, Double Swing Barbarian, Hammer of the Ancients Barbarian, Leap Barbarian, Lightning Storm Druid, Sever Necromancer
- C-Tier
- Blood Surge Necromancer, Conjuration Sorcerer, Trampleslide/Landslide Druid, Meteor Sorcerer
New builds are also now possible with some of the new uniques, particularly the Lidless Wall shield for necromancer. Meanwhile, the rework of Gohr’s Devastating Grips for barbarian will help Whirlwind build, and the new Pestilent Points aspect for rogue could make a build surrounding Puncture.
As noted earlier, we’re going to have to see how Malignant Hearts might change this order once Season 1 begins. We’ll update this tier as new builds emerge throughout the Season of the Malignant and as players have more experience with all the changes.
