Which Base Should you ACTUALLY Choose for Infinity or Insight - Diablo 2 Resurrected

[@SawyerSGN]

The best Infinity base is a Mancatcher. Here's why!
A Colossus Voulge merc has an 8-frame Jab at baseline, and the Mancatcher merc has a 6-frame Jab at baseline, making the Mancatcher attack around 33% faster.
When given an additional +35% IAS through the Helmet (Andariel's Visage socketed with an IAS Jewel) the Colossus Voulge merc reaches a 6-frame Jab, and the Mancatcher merc reaches a 5-frame Jab, making the Mancatcher 20% faster overall.
With the same +35% IAS headgear, cursed by Decrepify, the Colossus Voulge merc will have a 10.5 frame Jab, and the Mancatcher merc will have a 7.5 frame Jab, making Mancatcher 40% faster.
Without the headgear, cursed by Decrepify, the Colossus Voulge merc will have an 18-frame Jab, and the Mancatcher merc will have a 10.5 frame Jab, making Mancatcher just over 71% faster.
You may not notice 20% more frequent Crushing Blow procs under normal conditions, but you will definitely notice the 40% more when cursed by Decrepify.

[@brainwasher9876]

Thank you!

[@MrMichaelEsser]

Bro, my Assassin slaughters everything including ubers before your merc can even hit!

[@fabiozonatto2554]

​@@MrMichaelEsser...so what? What this have to do with the subject?

[@diosdadojrlubiano7674]

@@MrMichaelEsser nobody gives a sht

[@jesseroberts1041]

I want my Paladin to use an infinity as his main weapon lolol. I’ll have to use a mancatcher :D thanks for the breakdown!

[@TravisH-nm9fy]

Could a man be any more intelligent, charming and handsome ? Sweet Phil is the pinnacle of the male form. A modern day Statue of David would use Sweet Phil as the model.

[@warmist8197]

Well said. Masculinity and manliness have NOTHING to do with toxic masculinity. Toxic masculinity is exactly opposite of real men, and doesnt exist in Phil. Hes a total stud and prob doesnt even know it. My sister has a total crush on him. Maybe ill call her out in the comments 😂

[@briancurrie2897]

…. 😳😳😳😳

[@piotrwillow6440]

These and he is also bold!

[@vicentiupredescu7205]

Just tell us you're gay for him, bro! It's cool!

[@Derzull2468]

That's a bald statement and I'm all for it.

[@tamiranirwan9966]

I really like how you compare the all the different possible bases for insight, infinity and obedience. I absolutely agree about everything you say, to use whatever you have for insight, and to get mancatcher for later.

[@Hagelnot]

I made my first Infinity in a Stygian Pike, yes you read that right.
Some guy in trade recommended me, I said you are crazy, but he showed me his Infinity and it was really in that pike. He further said it's only one frame behind Mancatcher.
So I looked at the frames in all bases on maxroll and compared it with the dmg. I am aware that the IAS calculation is not too precise on there.
But for what I was seeing, that guy was right. So, Stygian Pike it is.

[@kanuks69]

Same here, if i remember well, Stygian Pikes have the exact same speed and damage as Great Poleaxes. So im not sure why Phil didn't include them as a good base to make infinity in since he did include Great Poleaxes.

[@SawyerSGN]

Using Stygian Pike for Infinity over a Colossus Voulge allows you to forego socketing your Andariel's Visage with an IAS jewel in order to hit the 6-frame Jab breakpoint, at the cost of raw base damage. The Stygian Pike only requires +20% IAS whereas the CV requires +35% IAS for a 6-frame Jab, meaning the helmet's innate +20% IAS alone is enough, and you can socket a Ral or something more useful into it, rather than the IAS jewel.... however, the only rationale (in my humble opinion) for using a base other than Mancatcher is if your goal is to have the highest possible raw damage number, to help your merc one-shot monsters with small health pools, in which case you'd choose the Colossus Voulge, but for every Unique monster or boss you should try to proc Crushing Blow as frequently as possible, in which case you should choose neither the Stygian Pike nor the Colossus Voulge- for that you'd choose the Mancatcher. The Mancatcher actually has a 6-frame Jab at baseline, and reaches a 5-frame Jab at +26% IAS. You can reach a 4.5-frame Jab (fastest possible with Infinity) by using Treachery for the chest piece. So in the best case scenario, Mancatcher can net you between 20-33% more Crushing Blow (at 5-frames and 4.5-frames respectively), and when your Merc is cursed with Decrepify or slowed by cold, that percentage is even higher.
So yeah Stygian Pike and CV are only 1 or 1.5 frames slower than the Mancatcher, but when you're talking about a 6 frame attack versus a 4.5 frame attack, that's a 33% increase in DPS. Frames don't correlate linearly to DPS. Each frame lower gives you multiplicatively more DPS. The difference between a 2-frame attack and a 1-frame attack is +100% DPS. The difference between a 3-frame attack and a 2-frame attack is +50% DPS, 4/3 is +33%, 5/4 is +25%, 6/5 is +20%, and so the trend goes on.

[@Hagelnot]

@@SawyerSGN thanks for the clarification!
next one is planned in mancatcher anyway :)

[@smalps-gaming]

Good info phil! I like eth Thresher for insight. Like you mentioned the merc's job is to survive only. They are not the dmg dealer in your end builds. So for me, the fastest base, means the more leech, and the more survival. For Infinity on the merc. I like eth mancatcher for the same reason. Fastest base, more CB chances, and the most leech. Also lower requirements. Cheers!

[@asbjrnfossmo1589]

Does the CB damage leech? I was under the impression that CB is a direct modification to target life, and isn't even counted as "damage", although it will take positive physical resists into the equation.

[@smalps-gaming]

@@asbjrnfossmo1589 CB is calculated before dmg is applied. So I am under the impression, that CB happens, then you would deal normal dmg, thus being able leech still on a CB hit.

[@asbjrnfossmo1589]

@@smalps-gaming Yes, but the CB part shouldn't leech. Just the damage part, which for pure leech purpose would suggest to get the highest DPS, not the fastest CB application.

[@smalps-gaming]

@@asbjrnfossmo1589 yes. But I think the point is you are not going to drop Infinity. Insight no problem.

[@robertg420]

Playing D2 for the first time, running a javazon and my first 4 socket polearm dropped last night (scythe). Made it into an insight with 0 hesitation!

[@SawyerSGN]

congrats! funnily enough, a 4-os Scythe is also the best base for a self-wielding Infinity Sorceress due it having the lowest possible requirements!

[@shaquileoatmeal7365]

Scythes are kind of weak, you want a Thresher for insight

[@robertg420]

@@SawyerSGN back to playing D2R but going offline SSF this time. fingers crossed for that elusive 4os ethereal scythe for an infinity self wield

[@Abber64]

its a year after, but the reason that you want high damage is that the faster the Merc can kill stuff, the more he will stay alive. The idea is not for him to help kill enemies, but rather for him to stay alive and keep your aura, and the first goal of gearing your merc is survivability. The idea here of course is high damage and fast attack speed with LOH

[@loccolock5358]

There is a differences between the pole axes/spears
Each effect the game play very slightly.
Where it can effects the players actions is on gold / potions / and having to reset your mercenary position.
Each weapon base will change the way the Mercenary will deal damage and with the combination of Life leach and the variations of attack speeds. This is what effects what makes the decision what is the best weapon to choose for the Runeword Infinity.
The Over all Experience will be the same, if you are just looking for the Stats from the Runeword. then you don't need to worry about the Weapon base other then the stats required to use it, but if you want to not have issues with the gold/potions/resetting player position then you want to get from the list below.
Sustain for a Mercenary is based on Damage Dealt, Life Leach % and Attacks Speed.
What Combination makes the choice matter for the Weapon base. Damage dealt is important (Ethereal), and the Min Damage Value (Better Averages). The Attack Speed of the Base Item Effects the number of attacks the Merc Jabs Spell(So faster "can be" better).
This is why understanding Point Breaks for the Merc is more important, example being imgur.com/SDI5f9H but you can google to see other all the options out there.
The actual damage output to the over all monsters base isn't really the problem or important in this situation, it's only a small factor. Sure, you can be optimized but if your Merc is having issues surviving, this means the attack speed isn't high enough so the mercenary can sustain itself in dense packs or whenever it is soloing mobs whenever lets say has amp damage effect on him. For sustain the Three best options for there survival is the Thresher/ Giant Thresher / Manchater.

[@christiankoll1528]

Great job, I've been having this debate/argument for years, and I'm glad someone with a little clout has finally put it to rest. Best base? The first one you find. Then, the first elite one your merc can use.

[@WaveOfBabies]

The Lore of the Ogre Axe/Ogre Maul is probably my favorite thing from any D2 Streamer/UA-camr

[@IcarusHollow]

i actually started an offline character last week and have been using an eth great poleaxe for my insight, but didnt think i could use it for my infinity. I've been grinding for 2 days looking for an eth thresher or giant thresher. I'm gonna hold out for a mancatcher now since i've gotten a few extra HRs in the process but will likely just use my insight great pole if i get too impatient. good looks, I always just presumed the two threshers were what you wanted due to those being what everyone sought in trade forums.

[@rasmuskjaerpoulsen]

3:05 a mercenary never gets enough strenght by himself to reach 210. He has 205str at lvl 905.
Which means CV can only be used with some sort of str gear

[@Parasmunt]

If he really must use it then Griswold armor is good for the 60s to 80s.

[@hjf3022]

If it is ethereal then it only requires 200 str.

[@maximos905]

It's good to have multiple Insights at different level requirements

[@edk3115]

I always like having a few extra to hand out. A lot of people play aren't as intense. Having a noneth scythe with insight that you can give your buddy at lvl 27 is amazing. You can hear the "wow I couldn't believe this would affect me that much" once they run shit solo.

[@Vagitarian01]

Insight is 27 minimum requirement, that puts you in exceptional bases already. Elite bases start in the 40's, but the str is where you run into issue.

[@jasensantos209]

Thanks for clearing this up Phil. I never understood these arguments on forums regarding this exact issue. In my opinion, any ethereal base gets the job done. If I’m gonna use a colossus vulge, I always make sure that I have andariels helm lined up for my merc for that strength bonus.
Despite my opinion, I definitely take advantage of finding great poleaxes, giant threshers in the trade market. People will pay absurd amounts for those 2 especially if they have any ED on them.

[@yan-amar]

I had a sup. ethereal mancatcher with +14%ED sitting in my GoMule stash, and finally found the necessary runes :)

[@johnjackson2349]

The differences are negligible at best, colossus voulge is the only one to watch out for as an eth base has 200 str requirement and takes emilio a while to hit that u less using andariels or g face with strength on them

[@galdersrontgorrth]

if you ever play competitively, then your merc's crushing blow trigger frequency does very much matter. especially if you want to help someone reach level 99 first in ladder mode (or if you are the one competing). if you need to prepare players 8 diablo in under 30 seconds (or kill him as fast as possible) and your group is doing 500+ baalruns a day, then even a few seconds less due to a good merc setup saves a ton of time per day.
if you play in singleplayer or just casually, then nothing really matters. do as you like and enjoy the game.
btw in my experience in the european realm most people prefer the giant thresher over the regular one due to more consistent damage (the thresher's min dmg is less than 10 % of the max dmg). but seeing how it's a tc 87 item, it's very rare to get one eth 4 sox in early ladder. so most people just go with the regular thresher as a sub.

[@PAwader]

Who the hell plays pvm "competitively"?

[@galdersrontgorrth]

@@PAwader who the hell doesn't?? what's the point of ladder play if you're not competing for the first 99 of the season???

[@Roadsurfer2k11]

I've read to use whatever one rolled the highest mediation aura. So I've charsi'd the +12's and kept the 14 and 15s.
Also I have 3 insights in stash, a Bill which I think is guaranteed 4 socket max with socket quest. A partizan, and finally a CV. That way the low level merc accesses insight.
My cv non eth does over 2k dmg and with barb buff, hits 3k. I use it as my primary with a helm that gives +27 str. At lower level, I used a chest armor with 2 open sockets and put str gems in to give +35 str

[@endersblade]

I always use Threshers, because Scythes are cool

[@MikeyStreet314]

Excellent points made! Just get whatever you can at the time and use it for an insight. The runes are extremely cheap. If you find something better remake it… For infinity go for ethereal, all that matters. I found an ethereal stigian pike with some ED on it, brought it to Larz for guaranteed 4OS and the thing bangs with over 1K damage. No need to be paying HR’s for mercenary weapon bases. I could not agree more !

[@LetsPlayBojangles]

I always aim for the fastest attacking option to keep my merc ALIVE. The faster he can pop back from a hit and get life steal going the more survivable he feels.
FHR frames + IAS frames = total time between life steal hits. Having Some source of FHR and using a thresher/ Mancatcher keeps my merc alive better than anything if he starts getting mobbed, especially while chilled or decrepified. His aura = my dps, not his actual damage output
The difference between a CV and mancatcher while decrepified or chilled can be over a dozen frames.

[@jeezybaby43]

Don’t think it really matters in the end. Only for complete min maxers

[@waltlock8805]

I made my infinity in a stygian pike. Had to be non-eth for my spearazon. Kills pretty much non-stop, but the extra damage comes in handy for the lightning immunes. Yes, I could have gone for a matriarchal, but this way I can give to a merc if I want, so it gets double duty.

[@mr.t993]

I have to disagree on this one. I am playing a Summoner/CE Necro and i happen to have 2 different kinds of Infinity. The Problem with the necro is always killing those first monsters for my army and also killing bosses after the summons are gone. The mancatcher infinity is so much faster with this after you hit that last breakpoint. (I am using Andy+Treachery+Fanatism) This faster attack creates a stun-lock on the opponent. Without that stunlock the merc dies way more often. So its not only noticable but a significant upgrade for me.

[@christiankoll1528]

Have you tried clay golem + decrepify with bosses? It's a more effective "stunlock" than the merc. Also in my experience the fastest way to kill bosses with a summoner is by reviving monsters with crushing blow, way more effective than relying on the merc. It's a little annoying to go get them, but they'll kill Baal/Diablo before they can wipe your minions. It's the only way I know of for a necro to do ubers.

[@PAwader]

Your first mistake is you're playing summon Necro

[@christiankoll1528]

@josephs2937 lol, yeah. But to be fair, if you've been playing this since you were a kid, chances are you've played most builds by this point. And the ones you haven't dictate your ladder picks(at least for myself and many bnet players). Can't judge a man by what he's currently rolling.

[@SawyerSGN]

Pretty sure an Eth Tomb Reaver is the best for getting that first kill, or Eth Reaper's Toll if you don't want to cast Decrep. Infinity only helps half the damage from CE (the fire part, not the physical) so I don't think it's really necessary for a Summon Necro.

[@GxNi4234]

your right phil in most cases its not gonna matter and especially with sunder charms in the game. i will say prior to sunders it mattered more, when your merc would take out that 1 out of a 100 monster that you couldn't kill with your sorc. but with sunders, mercs play even less of a roll and its not as critical. ( I myself) like seeing big numbers, i think its exciting. i'd being go with the etheral war pike and for insight (which i don't use) i'd be going for any eth elite 4's i could get (wouldn't really make a difference)

[@thestabbinhob0986]

Made a doom in an eth cryptic axe yesterday and boy does it slap.

[@serioushex3893]

the only really big thing that is even a consideration is the attack speed when you think about life leech. more quick hits = more constant influx of health on the merc. that's about it. honestly if you have cure helm + CoH on a merc, he should be pretty darn bulletproof everywhere but maybe travincal.

[@namelessx2963]

Sweet video Phil. The real answer for Insight is.. in a 4 socket bow 😂

[@warmist8197]

Not sure if it was mentioned, but being eth lowers the str/dex requirements a nice chunk 👍

[@PAwader]

He mentioned it like 5 times

[@loren11111]

Best advice here is to make insight in whatever you have. If you're one of the mortals you won't be finding all those bases to get to choose from :D
Not even getting into infinity, which is out of reach for most of us XD

[@fredrikandersson1538]

Do you play nl?

[@xXRueMorgueXx]

I play solo and recently found a 4 socket ethereal 14% ED Mancatcher... I was pretty stoked.

[@nickfelice9462]

I like faster as for merc insight. Helps with ll

[@LuketheGamerDuke]

My first Insight was created in a Partizan; I felt like that was a good choice

[@senormarston]

Bro, I simply love all these guides and tips about Diablo. I love this game and I play the hell out of it. But the game is so complex and deep, that having a much more experience person guiding me to a better path is always good and even makes the game more fun

[@tomaspoljansky833]

My best found its Superior-Eth. Colossus Volgue 14/14 4 Sockets...And still have this one in stash😅..... Good usefull video SPhil👍👍

[@TroyCrosby9296]

I usually find an eth CA for my merc for insight. And I've had an eth thresher infinity. All elite bases are viable just pick the one you like best.

[@edwardbailey1743]

My hammerdin has an act 2 merc using insight in an ethereal colossus voulge. His upper end of damage after concentration is just over 11k

[@joshsteiner5736]

Last year I made an eth thresher infinity. This season I did a non eth man catcher. And the man catcher even though it isn't eth does a lot better just because the attack speed. Literally imo unless your wanting resale value attack speed above all else in infinity. You should still wait and make it in a eth. Don't be like me and be an inpatient but it literally won't make a difference anyways

[@SonOfGodzilla75]

My summon necro relies a lot on the merc dmg to getting that first enemy down to start popping off ce. So minimizing the merc is too much of a generalized statement as not everyone's build and playstyle is the same. I use a Giant Thresher on my merc as I find it to provide a nice balance on dmg and speed. Cryptic axe is great on dmg but very slow and mancatcher is high speed w/ no dmg lol but great if you are just doing bosses and want to stun lock them.

[@betweenthepanels9145]

Insight for bows is good too.

[@Shodanrua]

Cryptic axe is best overall

[@SawyerSGN]

Not if you're trying to proc Crushing Blow as often as possible. The king of CB is the Mancatcher by about 20-33% depending on whether you're hitting a 5-frame or a 4.5-frame Jab. CA and CV are only at a 6-frame Jab at +35% IAS. CA and CV should be chosen if you want a Merc that is more capable of killing smaller, non-boss monsters, but if your merc is doing that for you then you're not built properly for grinding.

[@Shodanrua]

@@SawyerSGN I said overall, i agree that the mancatcher procs CB faster, but with the cryptic axe my merc slays everything faster still, i cant think of a better use for mancatcher than maybe baal?

[@deaDParrot88]

Super coincidental that you made this vid, I’m literally looking to make an infinity this evening and am stuck on the fence!

[@greggougeon4422]

Same but i currently have a eth colossus voluge just sitting around.

[@corexmaily]

There is a period where the weapon matters, and thats pre-infinity. My merc deals with the enemies that are immune to my damage, so him doing as much damage as he can is very important.

[@whoizbucky]

side note if you are building infinity for ES sorc then trident is best but scythe is cooler looking ... all depends if you want to min max your char

[@smalps-gaming]

I like Scythe for style. I don't like how the characters hold the trident. This is just aesthetics though.

[@seanyewest]

The steez on the scythe is just too high. I really wish enchant didn't take so many points to unlock though, red scythe is just 🔥

[@smalps-gaming]

@@seanyewest _antonio_banderas_gif_ you know the one!

[@seanyewest]

I just looked at it again, and I'm like 90% sure it's actually worth going enchant, both for style points and for merc hit rating. Are you actually going to notice 36% less mana regen when you already have like 800+

[@wolizuka]

If you are at this level of optimization and wealthy enough for infinity you certainly already have torch and anni which means you dont have to invest a single point in dex for either of those bases anyway. Same for str. So basically it doesn't matter

[@tylerm8145]

I think the only aspect of it that really matters is keeping your merc alive. Bigger dps and faster attacks = more leech. Also requirements early on but if your merc isn't just there to feed you auras and meat shield for you, you need a better character lol.

[@rube79]

Im a min/max individual, but i 100% agree with you sir😊 good video keepem coming

[@rodneyemmens3065]

Made my infinity last night eth thresher in single player got lucky yesterday ber Jah runes droped

[@MuscleRose]

I really only care about the Merc damage when I play a summon necro

[@fuzzymuppet1990]

I agree! I like using gface for more CB and have no life leach on merc with summon necro... since skellys usually grab agro and merc really aint taking dmg

[@SawyerSGN]

In the case of the Summon Necro, it's probably better to go with an Eth Reaper's Toll, or an Eth Tomb Reaver, rather than either Insight or Infinity. Neither runeword is really necessary for that build, unless you lack mana per kill, or need the Insight to sustain teleporting with Enigma. It may still be smarter to summon an Iron Golem out of an Insight, and let your Merc carry a bigger boomstick.

[@MuscleRose]

@@SawyerSGN I know. What I was saying was meant damage in general and not the damage of an Insight/Infinity.

[@foofoo5448]

I was literally googling this! Holy Molly that was Just In Time! 😂

[@jaredforman8064]

Incredible insight!! Even better conclusion. 🙃

[@Knudby]

great video, just the info i needed about Infinity

[@Patrick_The_Pure]

What do i think is important?, well a good base is one thing, but more important, crushing blow, life leech, safety. So Infinity + Guillaume's Face + Chains of Honor / 7% Elite Skin of the Flayed one socketing with an Um rune. On a Holy Freeze merc, except on my necro, cause Might is just too overpowered for those skellies.

[@sno0p3r]

I needed that, thank you!

[@dogman2387]

Damage keeps your mercenary alive. Life steal + more damage = survivability. For ubers, once your main character triggers life tap, a merc with more damage is more likely to survive. Phil seems to miss this point.

[@misterHMrH]

Yo guys did larzuk craft, 😮I got a five socket scythe. Where did I go wrong ?

[@blaket1841]

I actually found a ber rune before a 4os elite polearm this season. Day 2 ber rune club lets go.

[@earlp3361]

I prefer threshers for insight and mancatcher for infinity. Get that insight plus to crit as high as you can because the life steal on crits keeps waheed alive.

[@vicentiupredescu7205]

*Emilio

[@EncryptedDream]

What about self wielding a scythe as nova sorc and putting insight on merc to counter mana problems.

[@Vismajor01]

Those are stupid, don't count

[@eclap78]

what is the website Phil uses to check all those polearms btw?

[@zeroresistance7203]

when you still have mana problems even with a lvl 17th Meditation aura Cries in Blizzard Glacial spike Spamming

[@johnjackson2349]

The solution is simple you just need a bigger mana pool. If you have 1k mana rather than 500 mana your regen per second is doubled too. Its why mana shield high mana sorc are so tough

[@xtwytchx1872]

Ive seen a few arguements over infinity in thresh/giant thresh vs mancatcher. T/GT needs 75 ias (treachery, ias jeweled andys) mancatcher needs 52 (treachery, andys). Mancatcher gets a free helm socket and T/GT people are typically looking for that expensive fire res ias jewel

[@russellcrowe187]

Jn GJ jfttjnbhttt

[@russellcrowe187]

TV g h gv g 8 g thuggery g hrggfɓ ft f dc chic g ji

[@russellcrowe187]

Hmm j ģrhjhhjujkntug 4th h GJ g g d CDMA tb we my r g fhtj

[@IBlowitByTheOh]

Insight can go on bows now too btw

[@nikolajkristensen1803]

somebody i met gave me a mancatcher and it goes brrrrr

[@nickwilliams3535]

Waited 12 minutes to be told "ah just pick one"

[@bohdanbilous9]

I have made infinity in non ETH polearm, and not regretting it.
First I am having infinity already today, secondly I can try to wear it myself and see if it fun. I don’t want my merc kill all dudes for me, with aura I killing them faster anyway. Now but what about additional damage your merc would do, answer is simple most of damage comes from crashing blow and difference is about 10% damage output . And if only mercenary would kill all bosses for me, I would gain 10% speed. So for that base I would need to play for couple days and hopefully get one….meaning I would not gain in 50 days ANY BENEFITS. So chill. Just put runewors in the right order Ber Ist Ber Mal. Cheers.

[@Xenosei]

Stygian Pike, low key absolute best infin base for merc, low reqs and rolls for 4 at lars, you'll find a dozen eth before you'll ever find a 4 soc eth thresher

[@goshu7009]

I put Insight on everything i got.
I havent made Infinity by now, but i found all the good bases.. Just lackin 2 ber runes :P

[@SawyerSGN]

I was in your shoes a few months ago, so I grinded the Cows for a few hours every day on Players 5 with my Nova Sorc, and got really lucky with 2 Ber within 12 days of each other.
I really recommend the cows!!!

[@Boonda-p]

bro just dissed the merc so hard at the end

[@ALTERS_lol]

For self infinity what would you recommend

[@TheWizard856]

Mancatcher > Thresher > GT > GP > CA > CV

[@greggougeon4422]

I have been waiting for a better base for my infinity. I have a eth Colossus voluge. Just sitting around so i guess i should just make it in that. Its better than waiting forever or spending too much.

[@PAwader]

I would advise not to make it in the CV. The strength req is too high and lowers trade value

[@SawyerSGN]

You should be able to find a 4 OS eth Mancatcher far faster than a high rune. If you find them unsocketed, roll it for sockets in the cube. I would definitely recommend an eth Mancatcher over anything else, if you're putting it on an Act 2 Merc!

[@B12adSC]

I don't know why but someone bought a 4os regular scythe off me in season 4 ladder for a fair rune like a Fal or something literally cheap i was making unbending will and had 4 insights already that stunk but plain scythe requirements ultra low for player character enough str to wear gear blah blah level 60 character with only Vitality wielding infinity with a -53% roll this made my head hurt as a player that he had ber runes so fast but as of this comment im lvl 85 only

[@JT-mt6ku]

I definitely prefer the Mancatcher for the infinity base

[@Felix-R88]

What about Insight in bows? I also thought you could roll Infinity in spears now?

[@mandreadfg]

Facts

[@derfloh8986]

Im curious about that one little factor which is life leech for survivability

[@chrisvids1820]

Treachery and Andy's pretty much works for me. I have an infinity in an eth Cryptic Axe for my sorceress. The conviction aura makes my sorc so strong it doesn't even really matter.
I'm using a fire/blizz hybrid and it works pretty nicely

[@MrColdsteal]

You will notice your merc sux with a non eth base against mobs immune to your spells. I like to let my merc kill them and the longer it takes the more annoying.

[@insertnamehere7343]

I found 4 sur and an ist today ..... not one elite eth pole ..... Single player so not a chance I can trade 😂

[@brakpseudonimu236]

Infinity is a hard choice for merc obviously eth mancatcher, but I wouldn't advise eth for a spearzon, unless you're really too wealthy. And obviously a nova sorc needs a normal base with style points, usable without any extra points in str/dex.

[@leohelpuall]

I have the same question, Nova sorc losses durability using a delf a eth mancatcher?

[@brakpseudonimu236]

@@leohelpuall no unless you autoattack

[@threedawg]

Someone finally said it

[@Parasmunt]

I played for thousands of hours and never found a 4 socket elite polearm except for CV. They can be really hard to get. If players want they can use a CV if they are in single player they wont be trading it, Using eth cv on merc can be done with griswold armor socketed with plus strg and a helm that gives to strength wuntil the merc is high enough level.

[@chrisvids1820]

Have you tried to roll soccets with the cube?

[@Parasmunt]

@@chrisvids1820 Since found lots. Stopped playing 2 months ago (it wrecked the middle finger of my right hand).

[@rasmuskjaerpoulsen]

You can literally find it a day in cowruns..

[@Parasmunt]

@@rasmuskjaerpoulsen It took me a long time to get my first one, since found about 6 but i had found the runes for infinity long before i got my first one! So infinity went into a CV.

[@aeunexcore]

-20 on weapon speed equals to fast attack speed in game?

[@Vismajor01]

Yes, the lower the number is, faster in game

[@CASSD2RTV]

I prefer 'Thresher' because merc can hold it lowest lv stat.

[@warmist8197]

Wow thresher has god awful range of 2 when 5 is the average of the other options

[@scottmccomas1514]

seems no one pays attention to range any longer is it changed like speed?

[@michaeltorrisi7289]

@@scottmccomas1514 Weapon range doesn't matter for mercenaries. Their range is their range is their range.

[@percollen46]

The only reason I want my merc to do lots of damage is for his lifeleech. A dead merc = no infinity/insight

[@blizbiggy]

Note: Eth bases are a 10 less strength requirement (looking at the CV) which is still a dumb level you have to get the merc to.

[@wolizuka]

Andariel's visage (Can grab a non eth for relatively cheap) gives 20 str so its not a "dumb level" at all

[@creed5248]

Yeah but it is popular because they can use the Larzuk quest to guarantee 4 sockets

[@jameshung9262]

​@@wolizukaI still don't like CV given the strength requirement which will restrict helm and body armor options, unless you are super urgent with no better choices

[@MikeyStreet314]

Could be used at level 85 if eth and you socket a Tal’s mask with a +10 to strength Pgem. When your character levels up a bit just remove the gem and put in an IAS jewel or Ral or whatever will benefit your merc

[@ak_getright9905]

@@MikeyStreet314 that would be wasting a perfect gem tho?

[@formdoggie5]

Colossus voulge has always been a dumb choice.
210 str requirement means your merc wont be able to use the item until your character is basically already completed.

[@pathill6244]

Ogre (oh-ger), as in Shrek the ogre. Not Ohgree lol. ohgree axe.

[@attractivegd9531]

Giant Tresher for Insight is by far the best unless you absolutely want your merc to be as close as possible to the mobs.

[@marc-etiennemercier6584]

what makes it better than a tresher? trading max dmg for low dmg?

[@mikeblenheim117]

Weapon range doesn’t work on mercs

[@attractivegd9531]

@@mikeblenheim117 Amazing, this game is full of hiden "mechanics" xD

[@slof69]

i dont like how essential infinity is it feels off

[@PAwader]

For infinity I would just advise you to stay away from the CV. Specifically because it lowers the trade value (if you ever decide to trade it). That strength requirement is crazy high.

[@greggougeon4422]

I need something else then lol. Its all i got.

[@ThePhreakyPyro]

I love you phil!!!

[@rossmcgarry7651]

GPA all the way! I just like the look of it is all haha

[@claytonzak948]

I built my infinity in a mancatcher so i can do a few different builds...🤷‍♂️

[@barbaraburgess2518]

OOO GREEEE! It's sick this cant be used, just a shame 8>D

[@ray_donovan_v4]

The only real point where this matters for the merc is if you're using your merc for killing blows for the MF bonus..
I run a java zon for chaos runs and nuke Diablo down to let my merc get the killing blow. 🤷. No infinity tho..
tomb reaver might merc.. 😂

[@ray_donovan_v4]

Oh.. it always pays to get an ethereal exceptional base for a low level insight to level with...

[@maximos905]

I think I'd want my infinity in a non ethereal just in case I want to put it directly on a character

[@Vagitarian01]

What character are you playing that is self-using Infinity and swinging it?

[@PAwader]

Lol no. If you're putting it on a character you would be making it in a non elite base.

[@maximos905]

@@Vagitarian01 it wouldnt be good on a charged strike Amazon?

[@Vagitarian01]

@@maximos905 If you're putting it on a zon, you're using a Matriarchal Spear base, not a standard spear, otherwise you're leaving +3 jav/spear skills on the floor. In which case your merc will never be able to wear it.

[@SawyerSGN]

If you're self-wielding Infinity on a caster, then you're better off making it in a Scythe or Trident. Something with the lowest possible STR and DEX requirements that you can reach with gear alone (sourced your amulet, torch, anni, and charms). If you try to self-wield a Mancatcher or CV, you will lose hundreds of Stat points, which will significantly harm your Vitality or Energy. SoJs, BK rings, Frostburns, Enigma... anything that increases your Life/Vita, Mana/Energy all will be multiplied by Battle Orders, and in the end you'll be losing more than a thousand points in Life or Mana.

[@bane9685]

Yeah. You dont care about damage for killing enemies, but the faster and more they hit, theyll stay alive better since they all rely on life leech. But point well taken, a single frame is not noticable

[@nitroprime9714]

i say eth ca, cv to much str mancatcher low damage

[@aburr1537]

wtf is ogree axe? why

[@voidxvoid]

Colossus Voulge speed is 10 not 0