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Pulverize Werebear Endgame Druid Build for Diablo 4 (Season 1)

Hulk smash your foes as a Werebear with crushing AoE damage!

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PulverizeEarth SpikeEarthen BulwarkDebilitating RoarTrampleGrizzly Rage


Build Introduction

The Pulverize Werebear Druid is a beastly build with crushing blows and massive Area of Effect (AoE). This is the most popular Druid build, due to its easy access and high DPS. Trample through all endgame activities with this optimized guide. This article covers everything you need to know to get started, such as Skill Tree Points, Paragon and Gear.

PulverizePulverize decimates entire groups of enemies with the Shockwave AspectShockwave Aspect. Not only does this build have insane DPS, but it also is extremely tanky with Earthen BulwarkEarthen Bulwark and Debilitating RoarDebilitating Roar as defensive Skills. Fortify is used as an additional layer of survivability.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths
  • High Damage and Area of Effect
  • Great Survivability
  • Ranged Playstyle for Safety
Weaknesses
  • Setup Has Essential Aspects and Uniques
  • Low Vulnerable Uptime

To see how this build compares to the other builds on our site, you can check out our build tier lists.

Build Requirements

Required Aspects (Non-codex)

Shockwave AspectShockwave Aspect is recommended to make the most out of this build. If you do not have the Shockwave Aspect yet, you can also check out our Druid Leveling Guide for new character options!

Vasily's PrayerVasily’s Prayer is a fairly common Unique Druid Helm drop that improves quality of life, but not required to play the Pulverize Werebear build.

Season of the Malignant

Season 1 Patch Updates

The following list details the changes in the Season 1 Patch Update that are specific to this build.

Patch 1.1

  • Savage Trample Spirit gain increased from 20 to 40.
  • Prime Grizzly Rage now grants Unstoppable for 6 seconds instead of while active.
  • Aspect of Disobedience maximum stacks reduced from 100 to 60, reducing maximum Bonus Armor % from 25%-50% to 15%-30%.

In addition to the build specific changes, multiple sources of Critical Strike Damage and Vulnerable Damage were reduced globally for all classes. There are no major changes made directly to this build. Compared to many other builds receiving heavy nerfs, Pulverize Druid remains a top pick for season 1.

Patch 1.1.1

The second major update for Season 1 brings a few buffs to Druids in Patch 1.1.1 being released on August 8th, 2023. The only change directly affecting the Pulverize Werebear build is a Spirit gain increase from 11 to 13 for Earth SpikeEarth Spike.

Best Malignant Hearts for Pulverize Werebear Druid

The Season 1 theme introduces Malignant Hearts that provide build-altering bonuses. The hearts are divided into 4 categories, each with a color that needs to be socketed in the corresponding colored Malignant Socket on equipped jewelry. Wrathful Hearts are a special case due to their rarity, and can be placed in any Socket. 

Always socket Malignant Hearts instead of a SkullSkull in Jewelry. Malignant Hearts provide an Armor bonus that scales with its Item Power.

Listed below are the Malignant Hearts that are useful for this build, ranked by importance. Stats displayed reflect what a Level 20 character would receive as a drop.

  1. Caged Heart of The BarberCaged Heart of The Barber (Wrathful, Super-World Tier III): Critical Strikes and all subsequent damage within 2.0-4.0 seconds is absorbed by your target. Then, the absorbed damage erupts onto surrounding enemies. Stored damage is increased by 10% per second. – Fixed in Patch 1.1.1 to work with “on hit” effects and Lucky Hit chance.
  2. Caged Heart of RevengeCaged Heart of Revenge (Brutal, Defensive-World Tier III): 10-20% of incoming damage is instead suppressed. When you use a Defensive, Subterfuge or a Macabre skill, all suppressed damage is amplified by 250% and explodes, dealing up to 1360-2040 Fire damage to Nearby enemies.
  3. Caged Heart of Tempting FateCaged Heart of Tempting Fate (Vicious, Offensive-World Tier III): You gain 40-60% Critical Strike Damage but your Non-Critical Strikes deal 20-15% less damage.
  4. Caged Heart of the Dark DanceCaged Heart of the Dark Dance (Vicious, Offensive-World Tier III): Every 5 seconds while above 60% Life, Core Skills cost 68-51 Life instead of your Primary Resource. Skills that consume Life deal 10-20% increased damage.
  5. Caged Heart of the PicanaCaged Heart of the Picana (Vicious, Offensive): Critical Strikes electrically charge the enemy for 0.75-2.50 seconds, causing lightning to arc between them and any other charged enemies dealing 68-136 Lightning damage.
  6. Caged Heart of the Unconstrained BeastCaged Heart of the Unconstrained Beast (Wrathful, Super-World Tier IV): When you are hit with a Stun, Freeze or Knock Down effect, there is a 40-60% chance to automatically activate Grizzly Rage for 3 seconds.
  7. Caged Heart of Inexorable ForceCaged Heart of Inexorable Force (Devious, Utility): Up to 30-50 Distant enemies are pulled toward you while you have an Ultimate Skill active.

Skill Tree Points and Skill Bar

Skill Bar Setup for Pulverize Druid (order does not matter)
Earth Spike Earth Spike Pulverize Pulverize Earthen Bulwark Earthen Bulwark Debilitating Roar Debilitating Roar Trample Trample Grizzly Rage Grizzly Rage

The following tables show the full allocation of Skill Points for the Pulverize Werebear Druid build. The first table has the most important 50 points to start the build. The second table has the remaining 8 points that are allocated once you obtain all Skill Points from Renown.

Priority SkillsCluster
Earth SpikeEarth Spike Level 1, Enhanced Earth SpikeEnhanced Earth SpikeBasic SkillBasic Skill
PulverizePulverize Level 5, Enhanced PulverizeEnhanced Pulverize, Primal PulverizePrimal Pulverize
Heart of the WildHeart of the Wild Level 1, Wild ImpulsesWild Impulses Level 3, AbundanceAbundance Level 3
Predatory InstinctPredatory Instinct Level 3, Iron FurIron Fur Level 3
Core SkillCore Skill
Earthen BulwarkEarthen Bulwark Level 1, Enhanced Earthen BulwarkEnhanced Earthen Bulwark, Preserving Earthen BulwarkPreserving Earthen Bulwark
Debilitating RoarDebilitating Roar Level 1, Enhanced Debilitating RoarEnhanced Debilitating Roar, Preserving Debilitating RoarPreserving Debilitating Roar
Defensive SkillDefensive Skill
Nature's ReachNature’s Reach Level 3Companion SkillCompanion Skill
TrampleTrample Level 1, Enhanced TrampleEnhanced Trample, Savage TrampleSavage Trample
Crushing EarthCrushing Earth Level 3
Wrath SkillWrath Skill
Grizzly RageGrizzly Rage, Prime Grizzly RagePrime Grizzly Rage, Supreme Grizzly RageSupreme Grizzly Rage
DefianceDefiance Level 3, Natural DisasterNatural Disaster Level 3, ResonanceResonance Level 3
Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
Earthen MightEarthen MightKey PassivesKey Passives

Remaining Renown PointsCluster
Stone GuardStone Guard Level 3, SafeguardSafeguard Level 2Wrath SkillWrath Skill
Circle of LifeCircle of Life Level 3Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill

Alternative Skills

If you do not have Vasily’s Prayer Unique Helm yet, Earth SpikeEarth Spike will transform you back to Human form and cannot be casted while in Grizzly RageGrizzly Rage. Swap to Fierce MaulFierce Maul instead to remain in Werebear form. Unfortunately, this means you must get into melee range to use the Basic Attack.

If you want a more passive option to Debilitating RoarDebilitating Roar, you can take Cyclone ArmorCyclone Armor for non-physical Damage Reduction. You will not use its active while using Vasily's PrayerVasily’s Prayer.

Druid Spirit Boons

Below is the order in which you should unlock your Spirit Boons for the Pulverize Werebear Druid build. Only offer enough Druidic Spirit Offerings to unlock the first four listed Boons and then fully unlock the rest to activate the final Boon with Spirit Bonding.

Boon NameAnimalEffect
Avian WrathEagleGain x30% Critical Strike Damage.
CalamityWolfExtend the duration of Ultimate Skills by 25%.
Calm Before the StormSnakeLucky Hit: Nature Magic Skills have up to a 10% chance to reduce the Cooldown of your Ultimate Skills by 25%.
WarinessDeerTake 10% reduced damage from Elites.
MasochisticSnakeCritical Strikes with Shapeshifting Skills Heal you for 3% Maximum Life.

Paragon

The Paragon progression system unlocks after reaching Level 50, and offers a considerable boost to character power. Within the Paragon Board, there are many different bonuses, ranging from minor stat enhancements on Magic Nodes to more significant gains with Rare Glyphs and Legendary Nodes.

When progressing towards Glyph Sockets and Legendary Nodes, prioritize attributes such as Attack Speed, Non-Physical Damage, Willpower, Armor, Resistance and Life for Normal and Magic Nodes. As you level up Glyphs, their effects expand in radius. Therefore, if you are unable to meet Additional Bonus requirements early on, it might be better to skip allocating extra nodes for now.

Below, we have compiled a list of the most beneficial nodes for the Pulverize Druid build, sorted in the order obtained in Paragon.

NameEffect
WerebearWerebear• For every 5 Willpower purchased within range, you deal + [6.24%] increased damage while in Werebear form.
• Additional Bonus (requires 40 Willpower purchased in radius range):
You gain 10% Damage Reduction while in Werebear form.
ThunderstruckThunderstruck Storm Skills deal x30% increased Critical Strike Damage against Vulnerable or Immobilized enemies. (Legendary Node not used)
ExploitExploitFor every 5 Dexterity purchased within range, you deal + [3.85%] increased damage to Vulnerable targets.
• Additional Bonus (requires 25 Dexterity purchased in radius range):
When an enemy is damaged by you, they become Vulnerable for 3 seconds. This cannot happen more than once every 20 seconds per enemy.
Earthen DevastationEarthen DevastationYour Earth Skills deal 30% increased damage to enemies afflicted by Crowd Control.
UndauntedUndauntedFor every 5 Intelligence purchased within range, you deal + [9.6%] increased damage while Fortified.
• Additional Bonus (requires 25 Intelligence purchased in radius range):
You gain up to 10% Damage Reduction the more Fortify you have.
Survival InstinctsSurvival InstinctsWhile in Werebear form, you deal 1% increased damage, up to 50%, for every 1% difference in current Life percent between you and the enemy.
SpiritSpirit• For every 5 Dexterity purchased within range, Core Skills deal + [9.6%] increased Critical Strike Damage.
• Additional Bonus (requires 25 Dexterity purchased in radius range):
Critical Strikes increase the damage an enemy takes from you by x2% for 20 seconds, up to x12%.
Ancestral GuidanceAncestral GuidanceAfter spending 75 Spirit, you deal 30% increased damage for 5 seconds.

Starting Board

  1. Path right and then up to Prime. Purchase all 5 surrounding Magic Nodes.
  2. Continue up to the Glyph Socket. Insert WerebearWerebear and purchase all nodes providing Willpower in radius range.
  3. Obtain Impel nearby and 3 Magic Nodes providing Damage.
  4. Continue down the left side to Tenacity and purchase all 5 surrounding Magic Nodes.
  5. Continue up the left side to the first Board Attachment Gate. Attach Thunderstruck after rotating the board clockwise 2 times. The Glyph Socket should be located in the bottom-left quadrant.

Thunderstruck (2nd Board)

The Legendary Node on this board is not used. Instead, Thunderstruck is used for the Critical Strike Damage and Vulnerable Damage Rare Nodes.

  1. Path left and then up to the Glyph Socket. Insert ExploitExploit and purchase all nodes providing Dexterity in radius range.
  2. Obtain Hubris nearby and purchase 3 Magic Nodes providing Damage Reduction from Vulnerable Enemies.
  3. Continue up the middle to Deluge. Purchase all 5 surrounding Magic Nodes.
  4. Continue up to Restorative and purchase 2 Magic Nodes providing Maximum Life.
  5. Continue up and then right to Tempest. Purchase all 5 surrounding Magic Nodes.
  6. At the top Board Attachment Gate, attach Earthen Devastation after rotating the board clockwise 2 times. The Glyph Socket should be located in the top-left quadrant.

Earthen Devastation (3rd Board)

  1. Path up and left to Oppress. Purchase all 5 surrounding Magic Nodes.
  2. Continue up and right to Earthen Devastation.
  3. Path back left and up to the Glyph Socket. Insert UndauntedUndaunted and purchase all Intelligence nodes in radius range. UndauntedUndaunted must be at least Level 15 to fulfill the requirement for the Additional Bonus.
  4. Obtain Earthen Power nearby and purchase 3 Magic Nodes providing Critical Strike Damage with Earth Skills.
  5. Continue left to Crushing Earth. Purchase all 5 surrounding Magic Nodes.
  6. Take the shortest route to the Board Attachment Gate on the left side. Attach Survival Instincts after rotating the board clockwise 3 times. The Glyph Socket should be located in the top half.

Survival Instincts (4th Board)

  1. Path left and down to Bulwark. Purchase all 5 surrounding Magic Nodes.
  2. Continue up and left to Survival Instincts.
  3. Path back right and up to the Glyph Socket. Insert SpiritSpirit and purchase all Dexterity in radius range. SpiritSpirit must be at least Level 15 to fulfill the requirement for the Additional Bonus.
  4. Obtain Grizzly nearby and purchase 3 Magic Nodes providing Damage while in Werebear Form.
  5. Obtain Battleworn Hide nearby and purchase 3 Magic Nodes providing Total Armor while in Werebear Form.
  6. Take the shortest route to the Board Attachment Gate on the bottom side. Attach Ancestral Guidance after rotating the board clockwise 3 times. The Legendary Node should be located in the upper-right quadrant.

Ancestral Guidance (5th Board)

  1. Path right and down to Reclamation. Purchase all 5 surrounding Magic Nodes.
  2. Continue right to Ancestral Guidance.

The 1 Remaining Paragon Point can be used for Potion Healing, All Resistances or Willpower. Click this link and check the Paragon page on the planner for a visual of the entire tree.

Mechanics and Playstyle

Pulverize Werebear Druid hits hard with a massive AoE due to Shockwave AspectShockwave Aspect. Enemies at the edge of the initial slam of PulverizePulverize can also be hit by the following shockwave. Use this distance against elites and bosses to hit them with both portions of Pulverize for the most DPS.

PulverizePulverize becomes an Earth Skill with Aspect of the Ursine HorrorAspect of the Ursine Horror. This also automatically applies the Nature Magic Skill tag to benefit from Passives in the Skill Tree.

Pulverize is converted to Earth and Nature Magic Skill.

With Earth SpikeEarth Spike as a Basic Attack, the build can be played entirely at a ranged distance. It can also be used during Grizzly RageGrizzly Rage if you have Vasily's PrayerVasily’s Prayer.

This is an extremely tanky build with defensives from Earthen BulwarkEarthen Bulwark, Debilitating RoarDebilitating Roar, Grizzly RageGrizzly Rage and Iron FurIron Fur. There are plenty of Fortify sources to keep you completely Fortified at all times with Preserving Earthen BulwarkPreserving Earthen Bulwark, Enhanced Debilitating RoarEnhanced Debilitating Roar and SafeguardSafeguard.

Damage Rotation

Use the following rotation to optimize damage.

  1. Activate Grizzly RageGrizzly Rage against tough elites and bosses. This Ultimate Skill can be used fairly often due to the Spirit Boon, Calm Before the Storm.
  2. Cast Debilitating RoarDebilitating Roar against enemies that deal high damage.
  3. Cast Earthen BulwarkEarthen Bulwark to break Crowd Controls or apply Barrier when needed.
  4. Spam PulverizePulverize with proper positioning to hit as many enemies as possible, and overlap both portions of damage against elites and bosses.
  5. When you are out of Spirit, spam Earth SpikeEarth Spike to generate resource and proc Earthen MightEarthen Might. Savage TrampleSavage Trample can also be used to gain Spirit.

Stat Priority List

Listed below are the affixes to prioritize on gear for Pulverize Druids. Each line of affixes are listed in order of importance. Affixes on the same line are considered to be equally important, since their exact values differ for each character. All stats have an effect that is dependent on how much is already stacked. Bolded stats are the most important and sometimes vital for the build to function properly.

Gear SlotImportant Affixes
Staff+ DPS value, Critical Strike Damage, CSD with Earth Skills, Vulnerable Damage
+ Willpower, Core Skill Damage
+ Damage to Injured or Crowd Controlled Enemies
+ Overpower Damage
Helm+ Maximum Spirit, Cooldown Reduction, Armor
+ Lucky Hit Chance while you Have a Barrier
+ Maximum Life
+ Barrier Generation
+ Willpower
Chest+ Armor, Damage Reduction while Fortified, DR while Shapeshifted
+ Damage Reduction, DR from Close Enemies, DR from Distant Enemies
+ Maximum Life
+ Willpower
+ Damage, Physical, Werebear and Earth Skill Damage, Damage while Shapeshifted
+ Overpower Damage
Gloves+ Ranks of Pulverize, Critical Strike Damage with Earth Skills, Attack Speed
+ Lucky Hit Chance, LHC to Restore Primary Resource
+ Critical Strike Chance, Willpower
+ Overpower Damage
+ Critical Strike Chance Against Injured Enemies, Damage to Injured Enemies
Pants+ Damage Reduction while Fortified, Total Armor while in Werebear Form
+ Armor, Damage Reduction, DR from Close Enemies, DR from Distant Enemies
+ Maximum Life
+ Dodge Chance, DC Against Close Enemies
+ Willpower
Boots+ Spirit Cost Reduction
+ Movement Speed
+ Willpower, Dodge Chance, DC Against Distant Enemies
+ Fortify Generation, Damage Reduction while Injured
Amulet+ Spirit Cost Reduction
+ Ranks of Wild Impulses, Nature’s Reach, Crushing Earth, Defiance, Natural Disaster, Resonance or Stone Guard Passive
+ Cooldown Reduction, Armor, Movement Speed
+ Damage Reduction while Fortified
+ Damage Reduction, DR from Distant or Close Enemies, DR while Injured
+ % Willpower
+ Lucky Hit Chance while You Have a Barrier
+ Damage, Werebear and Earth Skill Damage, Damage while Shapeshifted
+ Critical Strike Chance Against Injured Enemies
+ Overpower Damage
Rings+ Critical Strike Damage and CSD with Earth Skills, Vulnerable Damage
+ Critical Strike Chance
+ Maximum Life, Maximum Spirit and Resource Generation
+ Physical Damage
+ Damage to Crowd Controlled
+ Overpower Damage
+ Barrier Generation

Legendary Aspects and Codex of Power

Listed below are all the best-in-slot Aspects found on Legendary Items that are important for the Pulverize Druid build. Aspects from the Codex of Power can be used if you cannot find the proper Legendary drops, but they have weaker effects. Extract Aspects from lower level Legendary Items and imprint them onto better Rare Items with preferred stats.

Shockwave AspectShockwave Aspect is a core part of the Pulverize Druid build, as it turns PulverizePulverize into a ranged Skill with massive AoE. Aspect of the Ursine HorrorAspect of the Ursine Horror enables many beneficial passive bonuses in the Skill Tree.

Gear SlotAspect NameLegendary Aspect Power
Two-Handed Staff (+100% bonus effect)Shockwave AspectShockwave AspectPulverizePulverize creates a shockwave that travels forward, dealing [60 – 100%] of its damage to targets in the path.
Amulet (+50% bonus effect)Aspect of RetaliationAspect of RetaliationYour Core Skills deal up to [20 – 40%] increased damage based on your amount of Fortify.
RingsAspect of the UmbralAspect of the UmbralRestore [1 – 4] of your Primary Resource when you Crowd Control an enemy.
Gloves or RingsAspect of the Ursine HorrorAspect of the Ursine HorrorPulverizePulverize is now also an Earth Skill. After casting Pulverize, tectonic spikes continue to deal [X] damage over 2 seconds.
Gloves or RingsAspect of the Rampaging WerebeastAspect of the Rampaging WerebeastThe duration of Grizzly RageGrizzly Rage is increased by [1 – 5] seconds. In addition, Critical Strikes while Grizzly Rage is active increase your Critical Strike Damage by 10% for the duration.
Helm (replaced by Vasily’s Prayer)Ballistic AspectBallistic AspectWhen you have Fortify your Earth Skills gain +2 Ranks.
Chest (replace by Insatiable Fury)Aspect of MightAspect of MightBasic Skills grant 20% Damage Reduction for [2.0 – 6.0] seconds.
PantsAspect of DisobedienceAspect of DisobedienceYou gain [0.25 – 0.50%] increased Armor for 4 seconds when you deal any form of damage, stacking up to [15.00 – 30.00%].
BootsAspect of QuicksandAspect of QuicksandDamage from Earth Skills Slow enemies hit by [25 – 50%] for 5 seconds.

Unique Items

Vasily’s Prayer

Vasily's PrayerVasily’s Prayer – Your Earth Skills are now also Werebear Skills and Fortify you for [X].

This Unique Helm turns Earth SpikeEarth Spike into a Werebear Skill and allows it to be used while in Grizzly RageGrizzly Rage.

Insatiable Fury

Insatiable FuryInsatiable Fury – Werebear form is now your true form, and you gain +2 Ranks to all Werebear Skills.

This Unique Chest Armor provides a decent damage increase with Physical Damage and +2 Ranks to all Werebear Skills. In addition, the Damage Reduction While Fortified and Armor While in Werebear Form values are quite high for survivability.

Temerity

TemerityTemerity – Effects that Heal you beyond 100% Life grant you a Barrier up to [40 – 80%] of your Maximum Life that lasts for 8 seconds.

These Unique Pants provide a consistent Barrier due to the healing from every PulverizePulverize casted with Circle of LifeCircle of Life. Unfortunately, you lose a lot of potential Damage Reduction affixes and Aspect of DisobedienceAspect of Disobedience from Legendary Pants. While not recommended in push content, it can find use in farm or speed content.

Gear Choice and Stats

While farming with the Pulverize Werebear Druid build, make sure to pick up all Rare Item drops that may be upgrades. Additionally, save Legendary Items that have useful aspects in your stash to be used later, or for extracting and imprinting onto well rolled Rare Items.

2-Handed Axe is chosen over Staff for the most consistent damage affix to any target; not all targets will be able to leverage crowd control damage boosts, such as bosses. However, Damage to Healthy will always get some value, especially while farming, allowing possible one-shot kills on enemies. If you find a Staff with more favorable gear affixes or higher damage, use it.

One handed Axe and Totem can be a valid alternative for more attacks and faster, higher Critical Strike Damage ramp on Grizzly RageGrizzly Rage. To enable this playstyle;

Higher Item Level gear provides higher stat values. Replace outdated gear often, and upgrade new gear at the Blacksmith to increase Item Levels further.

Gems

Listed below are the best Gems to socket into gear for each slot type.

Elixirs and Health Potions

Visit the Alchemist in any main town to craft helpful Elixirs that increase stats and experience gain for 30 minutes. Make sure to forage plants and pick up the necessary crafting materials during your adventures; they randomly spawn around the world. Craft the highest Precision ElixirPrecision Elixir available for Critical Strike Chance and Damage.

Return to the Alchemist again when you reach Level 20, 30, 45, 60, 70, 80 and 90, to upgrade your potion. The extra healing is essential to survival.

Changelog

  • September 27, 2023: Ownership of page transferred, and guide reviewed. Small additions in Alternative Skills and Gear Choice and Stats. Deer Spirit Boon recommendation changed from Max Spirit to DR vs Elites. No further changes planned until season 2 review where the page may receive more significant updates or restructure. Thank you to Lexyu for all his hard work and excellent content.
  • August 2nd, 2023: Patch 1.1.1 section added with a Spirit gain buff to Earth Spike.
  • July 18th, 2023: Guide updated for Season 1.
  • July 14th, 2023: Stat Priority List reevaluated.
  • July 5th, 2023: Paragon optimized by placing Thunderstruck and Earthen Devastation as the first attached boards to gain important Rare Node Bonuses. Paragon Boards in earlier positions have lower requirements for Rare Node Bonuses.
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