Spiritborn is a new class added in Diablo 4 Vessel of Hatred Expansion, and its Resolve mechanic brings a variety of powerful builds. Among them, Rock Splitter Thorns Build utilizes damage bonuses to make players an AoE powerhouse. To try this build, we have some detailed guides for you below.
Rock Splitter Thorns Build Work Mechanism
Rock Splitter Thorns Build does not work by taking hits, but applies 100% of the player’s Thorns damage by hitting, making it one of the best offensive Thorns builds. Sepazontec always applies the skill’s third attack bonus, making Rock Splitter the ultimate damage powerhouse. Therefore, it is very necessary to spend some Diablo 4 Gold to obtain it when making a build.
Players using this build can expect to easily handle a variety of content, without worrying about resource management, and have strong defensive capabilities. However, this build can struggle when enemies are scattered, as it relies on Binding Morass and the synergy between Lithwat and XolKry Runewords to draw enemies.
In order to maximize damage output and effectively manage survivability in Rock Splitter Thorns Spiritborn, players need to take a series of strategic actions. When facing a boss or elite enemy, once they reach the injury threshold, immediately use Ultimate ability of this build to deal a lot of damage.
Use Toxic Skin to keep Thorns passive activated while Ultimate ability is on cooldown, which can ensure continuous damage to the enemy.
In addition, to further improve survivability, it is recommended that players rotate between three different defensive skills to reduce damage from enemies. In order for Runewords & Binding Morass Aspect carried by the character to work correctly on the enemy group, it is very important to try to keep your position relatively fixed.
Ability Points & Skill Tree
The skill tree of Rock Splitter Thorns Spiritborn is mainly defensive, as it requires little additional damage ability besides the basic skills.
Basic Node
- Rocksplitter (1/5): Enhanced Rock Splitter, Accelerated Rock Splitter
Core Node
- Follow Through (3/3)
Focus Node
- Toxic Skin (1/5): Enhanced Toxic Skin, Replenishing Toxic Skin
- Unrestrained Power (3/3)
- Focal Point (1/3)
- Diminishment (3/3)
- Apex (3/3)
- Mirage (3/3)
Potency Node
- Resilient (3/3)
- Dominant (3/3)
- Potent (3/3)
Ultimate Skill
- The Hunter (5/5): Harmonious Hunter, Exhalted Hunter
- Resolution (3/3)
- Spiritual Attunement (1/3)
- Supremacy (3/3)
Key Passive
As the key passive of the build, Adaptive Stances naturally makes use of several spirits. The extra skill rank doesn’t give this build much benefit, as most skills won’t be maxed out.
Spirit Hall Choices
Since Spirit Hall bonuses all derive from the same Spirit, using Loyalty’s Mantle is a smart choice.
Primary Spirit Bonus
Gorilla is placed in the first Spirit Hall slot to increase Thorns damage and Barrier. Additionally, it converts all skills from other Spirits used by the build into Gorilla Skills, allowing them to activate Gorilla-exclusive passives.
Secondary Spirit Bonus
The secondary Spirit Bonus again chooses Gorilla, which allows you to benefit from Loyalty’s Mantle while further improving defensive stats, and giving the build unlimited uptime.
Gear & Affixes
This build, while it does include BiS items, has relatively low gear requirements before getting up and running. The main thing needed is Unique Staff Sepazontec, and Runewords LithWat and XolKry.
Additional Strong Items
- Loyalty’s Mantle
- Razorplate
Additional Strong Aspects
The player should choose how to place Aspects on their gear based on which Aspects they currently have the highest rolls in.
- Aspect of Binding Morass
- Aspect of Adaptability
- Rapid Aspect
- Aspect of Moonrise
- Hectic Aspect
- Aspect of Endurance
- Aspect of Interdiction
- Aspect of Layered Wards
Stat Priority & Affixes
This build does not prioritize critical strike or suppression as the primary goal like most common builds. In this build, most stats can be gained through tempering.
- Thorns +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
In this build, since the two main equipment slots are occupied by LithWat and XolKry, the space left for other Runewords and Gems is relatively limited. In order to maximize the use of the remaining slots, we need to choose and match them carefully.
For the slots in the armor, we recommend Emeralds in Armor for increased Dexterity, and Diamonds in Jewelry to help cap Elemental Resistance.
Mercenary & Reinforcement Hires
In this build, players are free to try different combinations according to their preferences and play style. This flexibility allows players to explore more possibilities and find the combat style that suits them best. However, for players who want to get started quickly and are looking for a plug-and-play build, we recommend considering using Raheir and Varyana.
In the reinforcement slot, choosing Varyana is a wise decision because her Ancient Harpoons Ability can effectively gather enemies and create more favorable conditions for Rock Splitter’s AoE.
In summary, for players who are looking for a novel experience and enjoy the challenge, Rock Splitter Thorns Build is undoubtedly a choice worth trying. Finally, no matter what items or equipment you are missing in the build process, you can pay attention to Giveaway channel in IGGM discord, which often releases Diablo 4 product giveaway information.
