Diablo 3 - Season 21: Best builds & tips for the season journey

In this guide to Season 21 in Diablo 3 you will learn:

  • What new features await you
  • What rewards you will receive through the Season Journey
  • What is the best build for your class in Season 21

Diablo 3 will start its 21st Season on July 03, 2020. In addition to a new season theme, you can expect two new sets with new playstyles and some adjustments to legendary items as well as new cosmetics. While some classes remain the same, there are also completely new builds that have only been tried out by players on the test server so far.

In this guide, we'll tell you about all the new features in Season 21 and which build is the best for your favorite class. Not so familiar with the stats on the equipment? No problem! In our overviews you will learn everything you need to know about it.


  • What rewards does the Season Journey bring?
  • What achievements can I complete?
  • Corpse Explosion: Best Build for the Necromancer
  • Whirlwind: Best Barbarian Build
  • Aegis: Best Crusader build for Season 21
  • Hydras: Best Wizard build
  • Mundunugus: Best Witch Doctr build for Season 21
  • Dread build for Demon Hunter
  • Monk: Justice build

    • What's New in Season 21?

    Season Theme: Champions of the Elements

    During this Season, you will automatically channel an elemental power every 90 seconds for a limited time. The following effects may occur:

    • You cause meteors to rain down on the earth around you.
    • You emit lightning.
    • You create a wall of flames.
    • You release whirlwinds of pure energy.
    • You crush enemies with snowballs.

    New Sets

    Both the necromancer and the demon hunter have been given a new set. The set for the Necromancer is called "Masquerade of the Burning Carnival" and has the following set bonuses:

    • (2) Your simulacra no longer take damage, receive all runes, and the cooldown is completed upon your death.
    • (4) While a simulacrum is with you, damage taken is reduced by 50% and split between you and your simulacra.
    • (6)Bone Speardeals 10,000 percent more damage. Simulacra receive triple the bonus.

    Demon Hunters receive the Gear of Terror set, which comes with the following set bonuses:

    • (2) Grants momentum for four seconds when attacking with a primary skill, up to a maximum of 20 seconds. Your primary skills deal ten percent more damage per second of momentum.
    • (4) When usingBarrageagainst enemies, your last cast primary skill is automatically fired. In addition, you receive 60% damage reduction during and five seconds afterBarrageexpires. WhileBarrageis active, your movement speed is increased by eight percent for every second of momentum.
    • (6) Your primary skills deal 10,000 percent more damage.

    Legendary Trait Adjustments

    Blizzard has made some adjustments to legendary traits and items. In some cases, items have been edited to fit the new sets, increasing their power. Important items, such as Shield of Wrath or Soul Reaper's Wrap, have been weakened and should be tried again before using them out of habit in Hardcore mode. All adjustments can be found in detail in the official patch notes for patch 2.6.9 from Blizzard.

    What rewards does the Season Journey bring?

    These sets are available as rewards for completing the first four stages of the Season Journey:

    Diablo 3's 21st Season at a glance.

    • Wizard: Splendor of the Firebird
    • Barbarian: Power of the Earth
    • Demon Hunter: Cloak of Shadow
    • Witch Doctor: Robe of the Jade Harvester
    • Necromancer: Grace of Inarius
    • Crusader: Thorns of the Seeker
    • Monk: Robe of the Monkey King

    There is also a new portrait frame and an exclusive companion up for grabs.

    What achievements can I complete in Season 21?

    In order to complete the Season Journey beyond the set rewards, collect exclusive achievements, and unlock new chest locations, you will need some completed achievements. These achievements are unlockable in Season 21:

    Name (Normal Mode/Hardcore Mode)Task
    Sprinter / Speed ManiaComplete Acts I through V at maximum level in under an hour.
    Greed / Gold GreedComplete a 50,000,000 gold streak outside of the Realm of Treasure and the Central Vault.
    Demon of Speed / StreamlinedComplete a Nephalem portal on Qualify 10 difficulty with a character at max level in under 2 minutes.
    Otherwise it would be too easy / SuperhumanReach a level 45 Great Nephalem Portal (solo play) without your hero putting on any set items.
    Cursed and Stitched / Who knew?Kill 350 monsters at max level in a Cursed Chest event on Qual 10 difficulty or higher.

    Corpse Explosion Necromancer: The Best Build for Season 21 of Diablo 3

    The new set for the Necromancer brings a breath of fresh air with a new playstyle, but it is not the strongest choice for the Season. The Corpse Explosion Necromancer without set items is especially strong this Season. This is due to adjustments made to the legendary items Haunted Visions and Grips of Essence, which strengthen this skill.

    The Lancer, whose build we declared the 20th Season of Diablo 3, is also currently still playable.

    The corpse explosion build from the necromancer does not require any set items.

    Items in Kanai's Cube:

    • Nayr's Black Death
    • Stone Armor Gloves
    • Scent of Time

    Legendary Gems:

    • Legacy of Dreams
    • Corruption of the Captives
    • Corruption of the Beaten

    The perfect equipment for the corpse explosion build:

    In addition to the stats from the table, each piece of equipment should have Intelligence .

    Equipment LocationItemPriority of values
    HeadLeoric's crown
    • Critical hit chance
    • Socket
    ShouldersRazeth's Willpower
    • Cooldown reduction
    • Area damage
    ChestAquila Cuirass
    • 3 sockets
    • Increased damage from Corpse Explosion
    WristsAncient pathan protectors
    • Critical hit chance
    • Percentage poison damage
    HandsGrips of Essence
    • Critical hit chance
    • Critical hit damage
    • Cooldown reduction
    WaistDayntee's Binding
    • All resistances
    LegsSwampland Stomp
    • 2 pedestals
    • All resistors
    FeetIce climber
    • Movement speed
    • All resistances
    NeckJohnstone's jewel
    • Pedestal
    • Critical hit chance
    • Critical hit damage
    • Percentage poison damage
    Rings
    • Krysbin's Judgment
    • Gathering of the Elements
    • Socket
    • Critical hit chance
    • Critical hit damage
    WeaponTrag'Oul's rusty tusk
    • Percentage weapon damage
    • Area damage
    • Socket
    Side HandGebe's Bell
    • Critical hit chance
    • Area damage
    • Increased damage from Corpse Explosion

    Whirlwind Barbarian: Season 21

    He's finally back: the Whirlwind Barbarian. It is played with the Wrath of the Wastelands set, in combination with Bul-Kathos' Oath. Use the Season Journey rewards to get the items you need over time. This build only works if the majority of the required items from the list have been created.

    Pay attention to the stats on the rings you put on. The worst ring should end up in the cube. It doesn't matter which two of the three rings you wear. An alternative build for the Barbarian is the Haudrauf build.

    The Whirlwind build is once again the strongest in Season 21.

    Items in Kanai's Cube:

    • Ambo's Pride
    • Mantle of Channeling
    • Gathering of the Elements

    Legendary Gems:

    • Taeguk
    • Corruption of the Captives
    • Corruption of the Beaten

    The perfect equipment for the whirlwind build:

    In addition to the stats from the table, each piece of equipment should have Strength .

    Equipment LocationItemPriority of values
    HeadHelmet of the wastelands
    • Critical hit chance
    • Vitality
    • Socket
    ShouldersShoulder armor of the wastelands
    • Cooldown reduction
    • All resistances
    • Increased damage from Rend
    ChestCuirass of the Wastelands
    • 3 sockets
    • All resistances
    • Increased damage from Rend
    WristsMortick's bracers
    • Critical hit chance
    • Percentage physical damage
    HandsGauntlets of the Wastelands
    • Critical hit chance
    • Critical hit damage
    • Cooldown reduction
    WaistLament
    • All resistances
    • Percentage life
    LegsTassels of the wastelands
    • 2 pedestals
    • All resistors
    FeetSabatons of the wastelands
    • Vitality
    • All resistances
    NeckScent of time
    • Socket
    • Critical hit chance
    • Critical hit damage
    • Percentage physical damage
    Rings
    • Band of Power
    • Obsidian ring of the zodiac
    • Pedestal
    • Critical hit chance
    • Critical hit damage
    WeaponBul-Kathos' solemn oath
    • Cooldown reduction
    • Percentage damage
    • Socket
    Side HandBul-Kathos' Warrior Blood
    • Cooldown reduction
    • Percentage damage
    • Socket

    Aegis: The best build for the Crusader

    Once again, the Aegis Crusader is the strongest build this Season. The core of the build is Ring of Royal Splendor. Wear it to reduce the required number of worn set items. The equipment is built around the abilities "Sky Fury" and "Sky Fist". They are the main abilities you use to deal damage.

    Alternate builds for the Crusader that can be played in Season 21 are the Thorns build and the Cpt. America build.

    The Aegis build from the Crusader was already very strong in Season 20.

    Items in Canai's Cube:

    • Ring of Royal Splendor
    • Stone Armor Gauntlets
    • Fate of the Cruel

    Legendary Gems:

    • Pain Booster
    • Gogok of Swiftness
    • Corruption of the Prisoners

    The perfect equipment for the Aegis build:

    In addition to the stats from the table, each piece of equipment should have Strength .

    Equipment locationItemPriority of values
    HeadAegis of Valor
    • Critical hit chance
    • Socket
    • Vitality
    ShouldersAegis of Valor
    • Vitality
    • Cooldown reduction
    ChestAegis of Valor
    • Vitality
    • 3 sockets
    • All resistances
    WristsRails of Wrath
    • Critical hit chance
    • Percentage holy damage
    HandsAegis of Valor
    • Critical hit chance
    • Critical hit damage
    • Cooldown reduction
    WaistCaptain Crimson's silk sash
    • Vitality
    • All resistances
    LegsAegis of Valor
    • Vitality
    • 2 sockets
    • All resistances
    FeetCaptain Karmesin's wading boots
    • Vitality
    • All resistances
    NeckScent of Time
    • Critical hit chance
    • Critical hit damage
    • Cooldown reduction
    • Socket
    RingsGathering of the Elements

    Obsidian ring of the zodiac

    • Socket
    • Critical hit chance
    • Critical hit damage
    WeaponPig killer
    • Cooldown reduction
    • Socket
    • Attack speed
    Side HandShield of Wrath
    • Critical hit chance
    • Socket
    • Cooldown reduction

    Hydras: The Best Wizard Build

    In Season 21, the Wizard's Hydra build is the best build. For large portals starting at level 120 , this build only requires 15,000-20,000 Intelligence. Toughness plays a more subordinate role and can be less than 100 million. This build also does not use set items.

    If you are playing alone, you should wear the Unity ring and also give one to your companion to wear. In multiplayer, you can swap it out for any ring with the best possible stats. An alternative build is available with the Impact Meteor build or the Lightning build.

    The wizard's Hydra build is well-known and only had to be slightly adapted for Season 21.

    Items in Kanai's cube:

    • Spark Staff of the Serpent
    • Aquila cuirass
    • Karini's halo

    Legendary Gems:

    • Taeguk
    • Enforcer
    • Legacy of Dreams

    The perfect equipment for the Hydra build:

    In addition to the stats from the table, each piece of equipment should have Intelligence .

    Equipment LocationItemPriority of values
    HeadThe Magistrate
    • Critical hit chance
    • Pedestal
    ShouldersMantle of channeling
    • Increased damage from Hydra
    • Percentage life
    • Armor
    ChestCloak of Ashes
    • Increased damage from "Hydra
    • 3 sockets
    • Armor
    WristsAshnagarr's blood bracers
    • Critical hit chance
    • Percentage fire damage
    HandsTasker & Theo
    • Critical hit chance
    • Critical hit damage
    • Cooldown reduction
    WaistWitching Hour

    Alternative: Hergbrash's Binding

    • Percentage life
    • Armor
    LegsSwampland Stomp
    • 2 sockets
    • Armor
    FeetIllusory boots
    • Movement speed
    • Armor
    NeckCrumb necklace
    • Critical hit chance
    • Critical hit damage
    • Socket
    • Percentage fire damage
    Rings
    • Unit (single player)
    • Gathering of the Elements
    • Socket
    • Critical hit chance
    • Critical hit damage
    WeaponDeath Wish
    • Attack speed
    • Percentage damage
    • Socket
    Side handEtched seal mark
    • Increased damage from Hydra
    • Critical hit chance

    Mundunugus: The Best Witch Doctor Build

    In Season 21, the "Mundunugus Regalia" set introduced last Season is the best. Ghost Barrage previously counted as a companion by mistake. Because of this, Witch Doctors will forgo Jeram's Mask and the Enforcer gem. The ability is still very strong and is used as the main attack spell in this build.

    Due to the weakening of one ability, the build must be slightly modified.

    Items in Kanai's Cube:

    • Holy Harvester
    • Frostbrand
    • Ring of Royal Splendor

    Legendary Gems:

    • Corruption of the Smitten
    • Corruption of the Mighty
    • Corruption of the Captives

    The perfect equipment for the Mundunugus witch doctor:

    In addition to the stats from the table, each piece of equipment should have Intelligence .

    Equipment locationItemPriority of values
    HeadMundunugu's headdress
    • Critical hit chance
    • Socket
    • Vitality
    ShouldersMundunugu's Heir
    • Vitality
    • Armor
    ChestMundunugus Robe
    • 3 Sockets
    • All resistances
    WristsLakumba's adornment
    • Critical hit chance
    • Percentage cold damage
    HandsMundunugu's Rhythm
    • Critical hit chance
    • Critical hit damage
    WaistCaptain Karmesin's silk sash
    • Percentage life
    • Armor
    LegsMundunugus ornament
    • 2 sockets
    • Armor
    FeetCaptain Karmesin's Wading Boots
    • Increased damage from Ghost Barrage
    • Movement speed
    NeckAdventurer's Oath
    • Critical hit chance
    • Critical hit damage
    • Percentage cold damage
    • Socket
    Rings
    • Ring of emptiness
    • Wind rose
    • Socket
    • Critical hit chance
    • Critical hit damage
    WeaponBarber
    • Percentage damage
    • Socket
    Side HandGlaring Death
    • Critical hit chance
    • Increased damage from Ghost Barrage

    Fright Demon Hunter: The Best Build for Season 21

    The best Demon Hunter build takes advantage of the new set. The build is built around the skills "Hungry Arrow" and "Ninth Quiver of Cirri." "Hungry Arrow" is triggered by the "Barrage" ability. Taeguk" can be taken as an alternative to the gem "Corruption of the Smitten". The effect of "Taeguk" is permanently active due to the whirling around.

    The gameplay is extremely fast, making especially simple portals lightning fast to complete. Bounties are also quick to complete as a Fright Demon Hunter.

    The Dread Demon Hunter build is a new addition in Season 21.

    Items in Kanai's Cube:

    • Sonic Fury
    • Deepthrower
    • Gathering of the Elements

    Legendary Gems:

    • Corruption of the Smitten
    • Strength of Simplicity
    • Corruption of the Captives

    The perfect equipment for the Dread Demon Hunter:

    In addition to the stats from the table, each piece of equipment should have Dexterity .

    Equipment locationItemPriority of values
    HeadDystopian goggles
    • Critical hit chance
    • Pedestal
    ShouldersMechanical shoulder armor
    • All resistances
    • Armor
    • Cooldown reduction
    ChestGalvanized vest
    • 3 sockets
    • All resistances
    WristsWrap of clarity
    • Critical hit chance
    • Percentage cold damage
    HandsGas-powered automail forearm
    • Critical hit chance
    • Critical hit damage
    • Cooldown reduction
    WaistWrath of the Hunter
    • All resistances
    • Increased damage from Hungry Arrow
    LegsCold cathode pants
    • 2 sockets
    • Increased damage from "Hungry Arrow
    FeetAncient boots
    • Movement speed
    • All resistances
    NeckScent of time
    • Critical hit chance
    • Critical hit damage
    • Percentage cold damage
    • Socket
    Rings
    • Restraint
    • Focus
    • Socket
    • Critical hit chance
    • Critical hit damage
    WeaponDawn
    • Percentage damage
    • Attack speed
    • Socket
    Secondary handNinth Quiver of Cirri
    • Critical hit chance
    • Increased damage from Hungry Arrow

    Justice: The Best Monk Build for Season 21 of Diablo 3

    For the third year in a row, the Justice build for the Monk is the strongest skill of the Season. If you want to play a different build, you can try the Ulians build or the Support build.

    For three seasons in a row, Monks with Justice build are the strongest.

    Items in Kanai's Cube:

    • Balance
    • Mantle of Channeling
    • Ring of Royal Splendor

    Legendary Gems:

    • Corruption of the Prisoners
    • Pain amplifier
    • Taeguk

    The perfect equipment for the Justice build:

    In addition to the stats from the table, each piece of equipment should have Dexterity .

    Equipment LocationItemPriority of values
    HeadPattern of justice
    • Vitality
    • Critical hit chance
    • Socket
    ShouldersPattern of Justice
    • Vitality
    • Cooldown reduction
    • All resistances
    ChestPattern of justice
    • Vitality
    • 3 sockets
    • All resistances
    WristsCesar's memory
    • Vitality
    • Critical hit chance
    • Percentage cold damage
    HandsPattern of Justice
    • Critical hit chance
    • Critical hit damage
    • Percentage cold damage
    WaistCaptain Crimson's silk sash
    • Vitality
    • Armor
    • All resistances
    LegsPattern of Justice
    • Vitality
    • 2 sockets
    • All resistances
    FeetCaptain Karmesin's wading boots
    • Vitality
    • All resistances
    NeckScent of Time

    Alternative: Crumb's necklace

    • Critical hit chance
    • Critical hit damage
    • Pedestal
    Rings
    • Obsidian ring of the zodiac
    • Gathering of the elements
    • Socket
    • Critical hit chance
    • Critical hit damage
    WeaponWon Khim Lau
    • Cooldown reduction
    • Percentage damage
    • Socket
    Side HandVengeful Wind
    • Cooldown reduction
    • Percentage damage
    • Socket

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