Difference between revisions of "Ancient Spear"
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| − | '''Ancient Spear''' is a | + | '''Ancient Spear''' is a Might [[Barbarian skill]] unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 28. The Barbarian fires a mystical spear to snare his foes and haul them back into [[melee]] range. |
This skill is commonly referred to[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/15-more-minutes-of-arena-ninja-cam-from-blizzcon/] as "Ancient Harpoon" for fairly obvious functional reasons. Spears are not barbed and do not have ropes or chains attached to them. Harpoons, on the other hand, are barbed and tethered, since they are used to reel in aquatic life forms. Why Blizzard didn't just call the skill "harpoon" isn't known; perhaps they didn't like the maritime connotation, since the Barbarians are not seafaring folk in the official game lore? | This skill is commonly referred to[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/15-more-minutes-of-arena-ninja-cam-from-blizzcon/] as "Ancient Harpoon" for fairly obvious functional reasons. Spears are not barbed and do not have ropes or chains attached to them. Harpoons, on the other hand, are barbed and tethered, since they are used to reel in aquatic life forms. Why Blizzard didn't just call the skill "harpoon" isn't known; perhaps they didn't like the maritime connotation, since the Barbarians are not seafaring folk in the official game lore? | ||
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==Background== | ==Background== | ||
| − | [[File:As1.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Ancient Spear in action]] | + | [[File:As1.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Ancient Spear in action.]] |
The [[Barbarian]] throws an ancient spear that sinks into his foes, and he pulls them into his blades. | The [[Barbarian]] throws an ancient spear that sinks into his foes, and he pulls them into his blades. | ||
| − | == | + | ==Skillrune Effects== |
| − | The following is a very quick | + | The following is a very quick summary. See the [[Ancient Spear rune effects]] page for a more thorough description of rune effects, or any of the individual rune pages for numbers, screenshots, blue quotes, and much more. |
| − | + | <skill class="Barbarian">Ancient Spear</skill> | |
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He did, however, suggest that it could be useful against Wizards who rely too much on [[Disintegrate]]. | He did, however, suggest that it could be useful against Wizards who rely too much on [[Disintegrate]]. | ||
| − | Skill tiers were removed for the [[July 2011 Press Event]], and Ancient Spear became a level 21 skill. | + | Skill tiers were removed for the [[July 2011 Press Event]], and Ancient Spear became a level 21 skill, and was soon changed to level 22. The skill system was once again overhauled for the [[Beta Patch 13]], and Ancient Spear was classified as a Might skill and moved to level 28. |
Revision as of 01:37, 3 March 2012
Ancient Spear is a Might Barbarian skill unlocked at Level 28. The Barbarian fires a mystical spear to snare his foes and haul them back into melee range.
This skill is commonly referred to[1] as "Ancient Harpoon" for fairly obvious functional reasons. Spears are not barbed and do not have ropes or chains attached to them. Harpoons, on the other hand, are barbed and tethered, since they are used to reel in aquatic life forms. Why Blizzard didn't just call the skill "harpoon" isn't known; perhaps they didn't like the maritime connotation, since the Barbarians are not seafaring folk in the official game lore?
Contents
[hide]Background
The Barbarian throws an ancient spear that sinks into his foes, and he pulls them into his blades.
Skillrune Effects
The following is a very quick summary. See the Ancient Spear rune effects page for a more thorough description of rune effects, or any of the individual rune pages for numbers, screenshots, blue quotes, and much more.
<skill class="Barbarian">Ancient Spear</skill>
Skill Design
Ancient Spear first appeared at BlizzCon 2010.
The skill is a ranged attack that spears enemies and pulls them into melee range, where the Barbarian, should he react quickly enough, can chop them to bits.
This skill is highly viable in the Battle Arena where slippery ranged attacking Wizards and Witch Doctors are in desperate need of some "Get over here!" as far as the Barbarian is concerned.
The skill can also be used effectively in PvM, ideally on back row attackers like archers or shaman, who the Barbarian wants to kill but can not reach through their defending meat shields. Enemies all the way to the edge of the visible screen can be skewered and pulled in, when targeted accurately.
Synergies
The following Barbarian passives provide a benefit to Ancient Spear, runed or not:
- Bloodthirst - The Barbarian gains life based on the amount of damage he deals always.
- Weapons Master - Provides a damage bonus when the Barbarian is wielding a sword or dagger.
- Berserker Rage - Inflicts additional damage while the Barbarian is at maximum Fury.
- No Escape - Increases the damage of Ancient Spear and generates Fury.
- Brawler - Increases the Barbarian's damage when he is swarmed.
Development
Ancient Spear made its first public appearance at BlizzCon 2010, where Wyatt Cheng briefly discussed its development:[1]
Flux found it difficult to use in the Battle Arena:[2]
...Ancient Harpoon for ranged attacks (though I never actually saw this successfully used, since hitting moving targets was tough)...
He did, however, suggest that it could be useful against Wizards who rely too much on Disintegrate.
Skill tiers were removed for the July 2011 Press Event, and Ancient Spear became a level 21 skill, and was soon changed to level 22. The skill system was once again overhauled for the Beta Patch 13, and Ancient Spear was classified as a Might skill and moved to level 28.
Media
Ancient Spear can be seen in action on video here:
- Gameplay: Blizzcon 2010 (in the Arena)
- Video: Blizzcon 2010 Rune Effects
- Video: August 2011 Barbarian Skill Animations
You can find pictures in the Diablo III screenshot and picture gallery:
Barb firing spear.
The spearhead and chain.
A wild shot, flashes off the screen.
A confused Barb nearly skewers his red team Wizard teammate.
References
- Jump up ↑ Diablo 3 Gameplay Panel Transcript -- Incgamers 23rd Oct 2010
- BlizzCon 2010 PvP Hands-on Report
- 15 More Minutes of Arena Ninja-Cam from BlizzCon -- Incgamers 10th Jan 2011
- Zediono's translation of JudgeHype's pre-beta report -- IncGamers 1st Aug 2011
- Barbarian Active Skills -- Diablo III 13th Sep 2011
| Classes of the Diablo games |
Skills - Active skills - Skill runes - Passives - Resource - Movement ability [e] Barbarian Demon Hunter Monk Necromancer Witch Doctor Wizard Followers Other Classes Fan-made |
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| The Barbarian | Fury - Barbarian Active Skills (Archive) | Barbarian Passive Skills (Archive) [e] | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Primary Might |
Secondary Tactics |
Defensive Rage |
Pound of Flesh (10) |
Superstition (30) |
| (X) = the level at which the skill becomes unlocked. | |||||
| Barbarian skill categories: Primary Secondary Defensive Might Tactics Rage |
|---|
