This is an idea I am expanding on that I thought of while responding in another thread.
First removal of the physical resistance Bosses gain from their charm.
It has been discussed in other threads and I don't think anyone is against this.
GoalsThe main goal of this suggestion is to separate Tanks and Physical Damaging(PHY/DAM) builds. Other goals include; making amplify damage a desired curse and make people forget about %physical pierce because it isn't a solution worthy of HU.
The ProblemDiablo 2's stance on items has been the higher level requirement the more/better mods they pile onto the item. This has led to many builds and play styles to desire the same items. Well, when you get down to it there isn't much choice for PHY/DAM or Tank builds.
SuggestionMy suggestion is to implement different armors and weapons for Tanks and PHY/DAM builds. My thought is; If you remove the defensive benefit from armors/weapons then it should justify adding offensive benefit. And the reverse should hold true.
For TanksLow strength requirement armors and weapons to discourage using high strength weapons and focus more points in Vitality.
These items should also be made undesirable by any caster by not containing any obvious caster friendly mods. (FCR, -% enemy resistance, etc.)
Estimated MODs+skills only to Druid/Barbarian
%Enhanced Defense
+Vitality/Life/%Life
Damage Reduction %
PDR/MDR
+All Resistance
For PHY/DAMHigh strength requirement armors and weapons that benefit their Physical damage.
Estimated MODs+all skills or class specific
%Crushing Blow
%Deadly Strike
%Open Wounds
%Enhanced Damage
%Attack Speed
+Min/Max Damage
-Enemy Defense
+Attack Rating
Minor defensive benefit such as +all resist but this shouldn't be nearly as significant as the tank equipment.
Problems:What about Bow/Crossbow Amazons? Amazons using Bows/Crossbows raise a complex problem. Although Bow/XBow Amazons can be used to deal only physical damage their main stat for damage is Dexterity. There are two fixes for this.
1. Change Bows/Crossbows to Strength requirement and change the DexBonus to a StrBonus. OR
2. Make some Bow/XBow Amazon armors, low strength like Tank equipment but have MODs that make this equipment desirable to only Bow/Xbow Amazons. (That's the tricky part)
What is stopping PHY/DAM builds from using tank equipment? Nothing. The solution is to provide a minimum amount of defensive mods to make the PHY/DAM builds comfortable with wearing the equipment that increases their damage. If roles are followed then a PHY/DAM build should have no problem tackling a boss if there is a proper tank to take the beating while the PHY/DAM build unleashes in relative safety.
What about Hybrids? If the mods are done correctly then a Hybrid should fall between a great tank and a great PHY/DAM, but not exceling in either.
Why not just get the strength required for all equipment? The thought is with strength not being found on equipment people will be reluctant to invest 100+ stat points in strength to be able to wear PHY/DAM equipment. Those extra points could turn into a good chunk of life on a properly equipped tank.
Let me know what you think. I know I didn't think of all the issues.
Thanks