Help me decide: Max Block or No Max Block

I haven't played since 1.09, decided to give it another go last weekend and started up a Fishy. I'm playing HC, currently level 55 and doing random quests in NM. I'm just starting to put together some decent gear through a few lucky drops and some kind strangers. Current setup looks like...

P Crown

Viper

Nightsmoke

Arm of King Leoric

P Diamond Homunculus

Random rare gloves

Waterwalks

SOJ

Nagel

Trash ammy

Merc is using Guillame's, Shaft, Eth Meat Scraper

I'm trying to line up a Shako for when I level a little, and a better Ammy is a must, otherwise the gear I have is decent enough. I've managed to blow through any areas I've tried in NM with no problems. Currently have about 680 life and maxed resists.

So now I'm wondering, how important is Max Block and should I shoot for it as a HC player? Right now I've got next to nothing into STR and DEX and 200+ in VIT. Should I start dumping all my points into DEX? I've read a little on both sides of the argument but not sure how many people play HC and if those that do feel strongly one way or the other.

Side, but related, question....if you had to choose between a +2 Necro with 20+ STR or 20+ DEX Ammy which would you take and why?

Thanks!|||When I played hardcore back in 1.09 there was absolutely no question; Max block was a must regardless of your life pool. Even barbarians with thousands and thousands of hitpoints will aim for max block and as much damage resistance as possible, you really cant be too careful in HC. You can reach max block with homunculus with around 190-195 dex at level 90, but you'll need a few more points if u want the DR from stormshield.

As for the amulet... it depends. If I already have enough +STR from the rest of my charms and items then I'll go for +20 dex. If I need the +STR I'll take it.|||I'd say MB since necroes don't get as much bang for their buck in vita points. At any rate, Nightfish recommended it in the Fishymancer guide

20 DEX is better than 20 STR. Why? Because if you find a better ammy, you can swap to it and only lose a few% blocking. Whereas if it was STR, you couldn't swap at all due to reqs. This only applies if you're going MB of course. Otherwise they're pretty equal provided you need that much points in either stat.

I personally think you should use AoKL on switch since you don't have Enigma, and use something like a Spirit sword on the main hand. The ctc Bone Prison sometimes trap you with melee attackers, and if that happens in Hell with some dangerous and fast ones (such as Dolls) you're in for some big trouble.|||Quote:








When I played hardcore back in 1.09 there was absolutely no question; Max block was a must regardless of your life pool. Even barbarians with thousands and thousands of hitpoints will aim for max block and as much damage resistance as possible, you really cant be too careful in HC. You can reach max block with homunculus with around 190-195 dex at level 90, but you'll need a few more points if u want the DR from stormshield.

As for the amulet... it depends. If I already have enough +STR from the rest of my charms and items then I'll go for +20 dex. If I need the +STR I'll take it.




Yeah 1.09 was the last time I played and I certainly went for max block then with all my characters. I just wasn't sure if it was as necessary given my army will draw most of the attention.


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I'd say MB since necroes don't get as much bang for their buck in vita points. At any rate, Nightfish recommended it in the Fishymancer guide

20 DEX is better than 20 STR. Why? Because if you find a better ammy, you can swap to it and only lose a few% blocking. Whereas if it was STR, you couldn't swap at all due to reqs. This only applies if you're going MB of course. Otherwise they're pretty equal provided you need that much points in either stat.

I personally think you should use AoKL on switch since you don't have Enigma, and use something like a Spirit sword on the main hand. The ctc Bone Prison sometimes trap you with melee attackers, and if that happens in Hell with some dangerous and fast ones (such as Dolls) you're in for some big trouble.




I have been trapped in a Bone Prison a couple times in Norm/NM without incident but I can see how it could become a huge problem in Hell. I hadn't really considered Spirit (have HoTO on my list as something to aim for) but it does appear to be easy to make so maybe I'll give it a shot. Should I stick with another Homunculus for both shields or use something else?|||In terms of shields, my personal opinion would be either homunculus for the +skills and awesome block rate, or stormshield for resists and damage reduction. Spirit offers some nice bonus' but the block rate is terrible, which means it is not an option in my book.


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I personally think you should use AoKL on switch since you don't have Enigma, and use something like a Spirit sword on the main hand. The ctc Bone Prison sometimes trap you with melee attackers, and if that happens in Hell with some dangerous and fast ones (such as Dolls) you're in for some big trouble.




This happened to me the other day, thankfully I'm only playing softcore. |||Definitly max block, especially since you already have Homu..|||I always go with max block.

People say that "you cannot block spells and I never get hit"

But, if you play the class to the fullest, you will be teleporting very aggressively and you will get wiped out sometimes without it. It can be argued that with more hp you won't get wiped out, but the return on investment for vit vs. 70 percent miss chance is an easy one for me.|||Seeing as how you already have a Homunculus, I think it's a no-brainer to go max block. Since the strength requirements on your gear are so low, I also think it's a no-brainer to go with the +20 Dex ammy.|||If you want max-block and safety, go with maxblock + hommu.

If you want Speed, Go with spirit monarch.|||I respec'd to maximize my stat points...and went with max block. Also moved into some new gear as I hit higher levels.

I'm currently lvl 80 and just played through Acts 1-3 in Hell with very little difficulty. I've got max resists, max block, about 900 life and rarely do I get dropped below 75%. I probably play a lot slower than most as I'm in HC, only use teleport (via Naj Puzzler) occasionaly to skip across rooms that don't connect etc. I think I've got lvl 38 SM/RS and they plow through everything in Hell when I play alone...things are a little slower in 3 or 4 person games. I hardly ever bother using Mages and use Revives even less unless I'm coming up to a boss fight.

Overall, very happy with the build and it's ability to handle playing through the game!