Best-in-Class builds score the highest out of all other variations for the given masteries. Some classes may have alternate versions with equivalent scores. In that case I pick the most fun to play.
NEW: Due to the mechanics of FoA expansion new builds will be scored x/5. Only top new builds will be added.
Existing x/10 ratings are still very accurate. A new 5/5 build is equivalent to 10/10.
If you see Nerfed that means the build was changed by the developers to "balance" the game. These builds were reduced to average, and in some cases, less than average. Once fully ascended the builds should perform well.
The first time developers used one of my specific builds to update the game was just after the release of Ashes of Malmouth on a build using Ravenous Earth. The skill Ravenous Earth has not been used as a main skill since that patch. My hope is they will do better as there are few especially fun builds remaining.
I only mentioned this because I was informed the top builds on this list were targeted once again for the upcoming patch. Get them while they're hot :)
MI (Monster Infrequent) items have skills and/or conversions that are critical for a build, but the affix quality is on the builder.
Do not follow my affixes on MI's. Some are far from perfect as they are simply what dropped for me in-game.
If you see a MI, look up where to farm it on Grim Tools. The first one that drops will make the build work as described.
How To MI Run for Pet Build Video
Note About a couple Videos:
In a couple videos I said spirit affects pets. That was a goof, not sure what happened, brain damage. The build guides were/are all correct. Spirit was/is always only what you need to equip gear. Not remaking any videos. Just don't have time and am not getting paid. That is also why the videos are so short and to the point :)
Builds will be updated only if new gear from FoA is an improvement.
Zealot Chaos Aegis Best-in-Game
Veilwalker Cold Drain Best-in-Game
Evoker Pierce Ray ?
Veilwalker Acid Pets ?
A legit build that can survive a SR36 solo without pets is very rare. This list will include scores down to 5/10.
Some are Best-in-Class, but since they may require fairly good gear they don't qualify.
Again, don't follow my affixes. They are just what dropped for me in-game and some are poor.
These do most of their damage via boosting other players so my testing method is inaccurate. They only score 6/10 in a solo SR36.
In multi-player I consider these to the best overall characters in Grim Dawn if you have different classes than most other players.
Especially good if another player has a pet build.
A very fast character used for MI farming in the campaign
I like to level single class characters for when inspiration strikes. They complete the campaign easily with full XP gear.
Advanced Leveling Guide For Your Next Grim Dawn Character