Crushing Hand Gorilla Guide – Spiritborn Build in Diablo 4

Nov-02-2024

 

The Crushing Hand Gorilla build is a dynamic and powerful playstyle for the Spiritborn class in Diablo 4, focusing on AoE damage, mobility, and tankiness. Similar to the Quill Volley build, it offers a unique flavor by providing a different approach to damage dealing, making it a fantastic choice for players looking to speed farm endgame content such as Helltides or Pit runs.

 

 

Build Overview

This build uses the Rod of Kepeleke and the Ring of the Midnight Sun combo for infinite, permanent Critical Strike Core skills. However, this build definitely lacks Vulnerable application, so its damage potential is somewhat limited compared to the Quill Volley build. Still, its a very strong alternative that suits a different playstyle.

 

Core Skills and Abilities

Crushing Hand: This is your primary damage dealer. It creates two AoE effects on either side, overlapping in the center, which allows you to target both elites and swarms of enemies efficiently. With more Resolve stacks, the damage of Crushing Hand scales, providing both offense and defense through built-in damage reduction.

  

Ravager: Maintains chip damage on enemies and enhances resource generation, allowing for fluid movement between packs of monsters. Keeping Ravager active is essential for the build's infinite resource engine, especially when paired with the Ring of the Midnight Sun.

 

Scourge: A powerful skill that applies poison and provides a significant damage buff to crowd-controlled enemies. This skill also contributes to healing through the Centipede Spirit Guardian.

 

Armored Hide: This defensive skill serves as your primary means of survivability, boosting your Resolve and granting a defensive buff when activated. It's crucial to monitor your Resolve stacks to maximize its benefits.

 

The Hunter: Your ultimate ability, which not only deals damage but also provides numerous offensive buffs to enhance your overall damage output.

 

Strengths

Tankiness: The build's mechanics allow for high survivability through barriers and Resolve management.

 

Mobility: Skills like Ravager and The Hunter provide excellent movement options, making it easy to navigate through hordes of enemies.

 

High AoE Damage: Crushing Hand's wide reach allows you to hit multiple targets, making it ideal for clearing packs quickly.

 

Weaknesses

Gear Dependency: This build requires specific gear and tempering to reach its full potential.

Resource Management: Achieving 100% Vigor regeneration is critical, and without it, performance may suffer.

Limited Vulnerable Application: While strong, the build lacks in applying the Vulnerable status compared to others, potentially limiting its damage ceiling.

 

Skill Rotation

The skill rotation is designed for a seamless flow of damage and utility:

1. Crushing Hand: Use this to initiate damage, aiming to overlap the two AoE effects on elite targets. Cast it three times consecutively to trigger Prodigy's Tempo for increased damage.

2. Ravager: Keep this active for resource generation and mobility.

3. Scourge: Apply this on tougher enemies to both poison and heal.

4. Armored Hide: Activate this when low on Resolve stacks or under heavy damage.

5. The Hunter: Use this whenever available to maximize buffs.

6. Counterattack: Deploy to dodge incoming hits, adding an extra layer of defense.

 

Spirit Hall Choice

Primary Spirit Guardian: Jaguar: Enhances damage output by unleashing additional strikes based on your direct damage, making all skills effectively Jaguar Skills.

 

Secondary Spirit Guardian: Centipede: Increases healing based on the number of enemies you poison, providing additional sustainability during encounters.

 

 

Paragon Board and Legendary Aspects

Unlocking the Paragon Board at Level 60 allows you to further enhance your build. Recommended Legendary Aspects include:

 

Unrelenting: Increases damage with consecutive Crushing Hand hits.

Fell Soothsayer's: Applies Vulnerable to enemies around you when casting Incarnate Skills.

Accursed Touch: Provides a chance to inflict Vampiric Curse, which adds Vulnerable and increases damage to cursed enemies.

 

Runes

Runes are an essential part of enhancing your build:

Poc + Que: This combo maximizes defense and synergy with Earthen Bulwark.

Xol + Jah: Offers increased mobility with free Teleport casts, enhancing your ability to reposition and strike effectively.

 

Mercenaries

Choose mercenaries wisely to complement your build. Raheir is recommended for his survivability, while Varyana offers increased attack speed through Bloodthirst.

 

The Crushing Hand Gorilla build in Diablo 4 is a fantastic choice for players seeking a fast-paced, tanky, and fun playstyle. Its emphasis on AoE damage, mobility, and survivability makes it a formidable option for tackling endgame content. While it has its limitations, with the right gear and playstyle, it can shine in the chaos of battle. Whether you're farming for loot or clearing tough endgame content, this build offers a refreshing and engaging experience.