[GUIDE] How to Gear your characters quickly [WD used as example]

[TwoCigars]

When a new season begins we all have to start over.

Getting the initial character going can be difficult but 2.3 made it a whole lot easier to make others!

Let's start a new class character!

Most people are failing to utilize the cube when gearing their second, third, fourth characters. Many people never even start other classes for concern over time spent gearing.

I was using a Monk and had a stockpile of crafting materials. I created a new Seasonal witch doctor and within 2 hours I had a level 70 WD with all of the required gear for GRifting.

It cost me a total of 2500 Death's Breath, 5000 Veiled Crystals, 5000 Arcane Dust, 5000 Reusable Parts, 200 Forgotten Souls.

...And I was able to jump right into T10 and level 45 GRifts!


Let's start by talking about leveling...


Getting to level 70:

Important Notes:

Don't forget to pick some CUBE ITEMS.

I usually use an Envious Blade for 100% CHC on first hit. Use whatever is best for you.

​

Don't forget to use Legendary Gems in your slotted Jewels.

Molten Wildebeest's Gizzard makes you pretty much invincible!
Boon of Hoarder gives 30% movement speed
Wreath of Lightning gives 25% movement speed

​

Don't forget to use your Paragon Points!

Movement speed should be first as it will make the entire process faster
Use them all up as you see fit.
​

Time to Level:

• Create a new Seasonal character (Make sure it's seasonal, I've made this mistake before!)
• Use Gem of Ease on a well rolled, socketed weapon
  • The primary stat doesn't have to match
  • We are primarily looking for the Level Reduction combined with the added experience per kill.
  • If you're using a class that can Dual-Wield, you can socket a Gem of Ease into BOTH!
  • Try to use weapons that proc something like Maximus, Thunderfury, Skysplitter, etc.
  • ***See other notes on Gem of Ease at end of this section

• Set Adventurer to Nephalem Rifts (Torment level is your choice, it doesn't matter much until you get around level 50-60).
  • This is for two reasons.
    1. In lower levels everything instant dies anyways, and
    2. most experience comes from the Gem of Ease, not the enemies

• Setup Armory to swap your gear.
• Set Trinity to pickup all yellow gear.
• Hit start and enjoy the fireworks show of leveling faster than the game can keep up!
  • After the first rift, you will be in the high-40s to low-50s.
  • When I got over 60, I dropped the difficulty under Torment.
  • After 4 rifts, I was nearly to level 70.

NOTE! If you have a couple Gem of Ease laying around, you can do this a LOT faster!!!

Kanai's Cube has a recipe to completely remove the level requirement of ANY item:​

Kanai's Cube Recipe: Work of Cathan​

Place any Equip-able item into the Cube with a Gem of Ease level 25 or higher​

I would suggest using slotted rings or an Amulet due to the damage modifiers on the (CHC, CHD, Primary Stat, Socket)​

You can craft some at the Jeweler while on your new character​

Slotted helms are another good options so you can use a Ruby gem

​

I have 2 rings and an Amulet, all 3 have near max CHC, CHD, Attack Speed and Sockets. Used them for all classes.

​

Note: 60 to 70 takes about 5 times as long as 1 to 60, unless you're using Dual-Gem-of-Ease weapons and/or Cubed gear as described above.

**If you want to use the Seasonal Powerleveling Community, setup the bot and get it going. Immediately start requesting a game for leveling. It will take awhile to get into one and you might already be near 70 by the time you get an invite!

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After hitting 70, Time to get geared!

You need to start using the blacksmith to craft level 70 rare items that match the item slot of the required gear.

Cube the yellow items into legendaries.

Remember that not all gear slots match the name you might think.

• For Example: to cube a Helltooth Mask, you need to craft level 70 rare "Voodoo Mask" at the blacksmith. They're called the Sovereign Ascended MASK.
  • If you craft "Helms" (Sovereign Ascended Crown) and cube them, you won't be able to get a Helltooth Mask.

Here is a chart using the WitchDoctor as an example.

For almost every class you will be using the same level 70 rare items to get your set pieces.

All you need to do is verify that the level 70 rare item is the same TYPE as the gear you want to convert it to.


The costs at the right relate to the number of crafting materials to both Craft at the Artisan and also to Cube the item into a legendary.
EXAMPLE to get a legendary Voodoo Mask:

• Sovereign Ascended Mask costs 0 Death's Breath, 15 each of Veiled Crystal, Arcane Dust, Reusable Parts to craft 1.
• To Cube it to a Legendary costs 25 Death's Breath, 50 each of Veiled Crystal, Arcane Dust, Reusable Parts
• Total cost: 25 Death's Breath, 65 Veiled Crystal, 65 Arcane Dust, 65 Reusable Parts per legendary.

[TABLE="class: grid, width: 750, align: center"]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"]Artisan Gear Slot[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]BiS Item Name[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Level 70 Rare Needed (use Blacksmith/Jeweler)[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Death's Breath[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Veiled Crystal[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Arcane Dust[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Reusable Parts[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"]Voodoo Mask[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Helltooth Mask[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Sovereign Ascended MASK[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]0+25[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]15+50[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]15+50[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]15+50[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"]Chest Armor[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Helltooth Tunic[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Sovereign Ascended Armor[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]0+25[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]15+50[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]15+50[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]15+50[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"]Shoulders[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Helltooth Mantle[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Sovereign Ascended Pauldrons[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]0+25[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]15+50[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]15+50[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]15+50[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"]Gloves[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Helltooth Gauntlets[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Sovereign Ascended Gloves[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]0+25[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]15+50[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]15+50[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]15+50[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"]Pants[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Helltooth Leg Guards[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Sovereign Ascended Faulds[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]0+25[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]15+50[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]15+50[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]15+50[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"]Boots[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Helltooth Greaves[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Sovereign Ascended Greaves[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]0+25[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]15+50[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]15+50[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]15+50[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"]Bracers[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Jeram's Bracers[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Sovereign Ascended Bracers[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]0+25[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]15+50[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]15+50[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]15+50[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"]Belt[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Belt of Transcendance[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Sovereign Ascended Sash[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]0+25[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]15+50[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]15+50[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]15+50[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"]Ring[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Focus[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Sovereign Ring[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]25[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]50[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]50[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]50[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"]Ring[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Restraint[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Sovereign Ring[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]25[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]50[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]50[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]50[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"]Neck[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Hellfire Amulet[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]-[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]-[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]-[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]-[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]-[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"]Staff[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]SuWong Diviner[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Sovereign Kerikeyon[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]0+25[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]15+50[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]15+50[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]15+50[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]


The general idea is to get each slot filled with the required item FIRST.

Once you fill the slots, then go back and review what you have, and cube more rares on slots that you got sub-par items.

Remember: You will need to save some crafting materials to re-roll stats at the mystic! Also, you need Death Breath's for top tier gems!

Tips:

• Do not blow your whole load on one item. Craft 5 items at the Blacksmith, convert to Legendary. Rinse Repeat.
• Once you get the legendary you want, stop on that slot until you get all other slots filled.
  • Drop any spare rares on the ground for later use if you have crafting mats leftover
  • Blacksmith crafting is cheap, forging a legendary is expensive. Don't forge more just because you have the yellows.
• If you do get multiple Set Items, DO NOT SALVAGE. You can convert them to another set item.
  • In the occurrence of a duplicate set items, convert it to another set item before continuing your crafting/reforging.

Also, Order is important!

• Craft items in a logical order (Some slots have a lot less legendaries, thus increasing your chances of getting what you need).
• Always get your set items first!
  • You can play with just the set to start if you must
  • If you get multiples, you can convert the extras into other Set Items.
• Any items that have a large impact on your character's class (Jeram's Bracers for WD, Gavel of Judgement for Barbs, etc)
• Any "Small Pool" items like a 2H staff or the like.
  • Small Pool refers to the number of legendaries that could come out of the cube for that level 70 rare.
• Then anything else other than Jewelry

What about Jewelry?

• Rings: If you have Focus and Restraint on another character, use it here to start with. All you're losing is a primary stat roll. You will find more soon enough.
• Amulet: Same as rings, use a GG socketed one from another character to start out with.
  • If you have a ton of materials and all your other slots are filled with decent items, I would still spend your materials on getting an Ancient Weapon rather than jewelry.
  • If you already have an Ancient Weapon, then craft away on level 70 rare jewelry.

TL : DR :

• When cubing, stop crafting once you get the item, don't keep spending even if the item isn't great.
  
• Get set item's first. Do not salvage multiples, convert them to other set items.
  
• Next, Cube items that are crucial to character DPS outside of the set items.
  
• Certain slots have less legendaries, so they are easier to get via the Cube. Do these "Small Pool" items next.
  [*=1]2 hand mighty weapons, for example, have many less legendaries in the pool compared to 1 handed swords.
  
• Don't work on Jewelry until you have an Ancient Weapon.
• Re-Use jewelry from another class to get started if you're short on resources, otherwise, cube Jewelry last.

---

Once you get all of your base items, determine how many materials that you have left.

1. Make sure you have cubed any legendary powers you will need.
2. Any Items you KNOW you are keeping, I would re-roll them as best as you can at the Mystic.
3. After doing this, I would look at cubing more rares to get better items for your worst rolled pieces.
4. Once you get there, I would hit the Mystic again to re-roll your new items..
5. Craft up any gems you might need.
6. Blow the rest of your mats trying to get an Ancient weapon
   ...7. Work on Jewelry with whatever you have left.

 

[SIL3N7]

You could also if you have a lot of Bounty mats. Craft your gear to get a boost to T3 - T4
I was able to Destory T3 with just crafted set gear.

 

[DanishNinja]

Two great guides in one day! Great job mate! +1

 

[Bamse]

Spent about 4k deaths breaths gearing a fresh WD to full firewall build and could easily do GR60 as my 2nd GR ever on that char
Upgrading rare items in cube is awesome!

 

[ChetanG]

Wonderful post TwoCigars. Definitive guide for fast leveling w/ patch 2.3!

 

[Sebozz]

but you need a ton of crafting mats...takes so long <.<

 

[ChetanG]

but you need a ton of crafting mats...takes so long <.<

LOL, you are botting......don't see the problem with mats.

 

[TwoCigars]

LOL, you are botting......don't see the problem with mats.

Pretty much.

With a basic speed build (2p Manajuma's set, Angry Chicken on your bar and a Wormwood in your Cube), you can do rift speed clears in 2-3 minutes.

Once you're at a decent speed build you can easily get 200-300 DB an hour. In a day that's 5000+. Provided you have your trinity setup right for picking up items, opening weapon racks, etc... You should have tons of mats after 1-2 days farming.

 

[Symons]

I'm really confused, and forgive me for bumping a thread that's over a month old.

How can you use any of the items that you prepare on a seasonal character if you don't have access to a stash or the cube? Sorry if this is a stupid question, only just come back to D3 after a long time away.

 

[DJmike]

I'm really confused, and forgive me for bumping a thread that's over a month old.

How can you use any of the items that you prepare on a seasonal character if you don't have access to a stash or the cube? Sorry if this is a stupid question, only just come back to D3 after a long time away.

I recently came back as well and I missed it too the first time i read this guide. Thanks TwoCigars for a great guide.

Getting the initial character going can be difficult but 2.3 made it a whole lot easier to make others!

Let's start a new class character!

Most people are failing to utilize the cube when gearing their second, third, fourth characters.

 

[Symons]

Ahh so seasonal characters share a stash and cash pool. Awesome! Thanks for the guide TwoCigars!

 

[garoboldy]

This looks very detailed yet confusing as hell for a new player like

I'm only 58 on a crusader as my first character, so I need to do some googling on how the cube works and the adventure mode stuff.

Thank you for the detailed information, should help after the first toon is geared.