Quick Links
Diablo 4gives players many different ways to build their characters. While every class has the same passive effects to pick from, some are much more effective with certain classes.
Related:Diablo 4: How To Refund Skill Points
Thorns reflect damage received back to the enemy that dealt the damage. Despite its name and common belief, this effect also can damage enemies that use ranged attacks. Thorns can be incredibly powerful if used properly, so knowing how it works with your class is key to building the perfectcharacters of any level.
Updated On November 1st, 2023 By Joshua Leeds:Thorns is one of the best bonus stats to invest in for melee heavy characters. This bonus can be boosted to deal incredible amounts of damage back to enemies on top of a players' usual attacks. This article has been updated to include additional links to help players perfectly utilize thorns.
What Is Thorns?
Thorns are a passive effect that reflects received damage back toward your enemies. This effectdoes not absorb any damage, as the player receives full damage. Depending on a player’s thorn count, apercentage of the received damage will be reflected.Each classscales their thorns damage using a different stat to further multiply the damage. It is possible withhigh enough stats to go well beyond 100% damage back to the enemy,making this an incredibly powerful passive effect for the right class, especiallyagainst Vulnerable enemies.Thorns also pairs well with other bonuses that help negate the damage you receivesuch as a Barrier.
Related:Diablo 4: Best Dungeons, Ranked
How To Use Thorns
Thorns are best used inmelee-oriented,high-health classes such as the Barbarian and Druid.While other classes can use thorns, its effectiveness will mostly be determined by the amount of damage received. Thorns damage isdetermined by the thorns count that can be seen in your character menu,multiplied by the respective stat. Gear pieces andsome aspectswill give additional thorns, with someclass abilitiesalso giving thorns. The damage from thorns is multiplied based on different stats for each class, as stated below:
Barbarian:Strength
Druid:Willpower
Necromancer:Intelligence
Sorcerer:Intelligence
Rouge:Dexterity
TheBarbarianandDruidare the best classes to utilize thorns, as they have the highest survivability in melee combat, even in dangerousNightmare Dungeons. To be as effective as possible,fight in the center of as many enemies as possibleto damage all enemies with their own attacks on top of your own. Have abilities that regen health or many health potions to counter the damage you’re receiving.
Next:Diablo 4: Best Elixirs & How To Craft Them
