121 *NOR/news Dungeons and Dragons Online

Hail *NOR/!

With the Night Revels in the rear view mirror, now comes the time to focus on The Court of Strahd!  From now to February 17, 2026, come join Dungeons & Dragons Online’s Hardcore event.  The theme leans heavily into defeating the undead, and so certain builds will fare better than others.  Consider the following:

Rogue-based thrower build:  While the “leash” on mobs that spawn from the Lanterns is about fifteen to twenty feet from where they spawn, a thrower build can allow for nimbleness and evasion from the masses of undead enemies.  A great solo build, going predominantly into Rogue will grant even better evasiveness.  Utilizing the Vistani Knife Fighter enhancement tree provides great speed and damage buffs.  Some builds also include splashing Ranger for Favored Enemy: Undead or Fighter for additional Kensei damage and to hit.

Pure Cleric turn build:  Turn undead is one of Dungeon & Dragons’ classic abilities.  Inherent to Cleric and Paladins, the Cleric Radiant Servant enhancement tree grants skills to be more effective at turning and destroying undead.  While this build may be better suited for team-based adventuring, Clerics are always a welcome class for static groups and PUGs.  Maxing out Charisma will be important, so races such as Drow Elf, Tiefling, and Dragonborn allow starting at 20 Charisma.

Warforged Wizard/Rogue:  When considering durability and sustainability, a 18 Wizard/2 Rogue build can be a great option for solo builds.  The Rogue levels allow evasion and trapping abilities, and the Wizard levels grant the entire list of self-buffs and damage spells.  Whether going into the Archmage enhancement tree for max spell damage or the Inquisitive enhancement tree for dual-wielding crossbow weaponry, both paths are highly viable and allow combating undead mobs en mass.  Sometimes Wizards can be mana-hungry, so be sure to take every spell point enhancement and wear every spell point clothing or jewelry item available.

Pure Warforged Artificer build:  Adept at being a trapper, a damage dealer, a lightning-based spell slinger, and a loving pet owner, Artificers have so many valuable qualities.  Artificers use runearms and repeating crossbows that synergize with each other and provide sustained damage dealing options.  Artificer’s mass damaging spells will tear thoroughly through undead enemies.  Whether soloing or part of a team, Artificer is a strong option.  Its main weakness is seeing and avoiding traps, especially when utilizing the Warforged race, so be mindful regarding which quests you choose when using Skull (Hardcore) Lanterns!

If you have a build that you would like to share, please feel free to use our *NOR/DDO Discord chat channel, The Wayward Lobster.

See you in-game!

Yavool Ramnoth
Lord and Branch Leader, *NOR/DDO – Thrane Server