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Shred – Druid Leveling Build for Diablo 4

Level up fast with mobile Shred tactics!

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TheSteve

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PetrifyBlood HowlTramplePoison CreeperStorm StrikeShred


Vessel of Hatred Guide

Build Introduction

The Shred Druid is a fast and mobile build, ambushing foes and overwhelming them with ferocious attacks! Dash and cleave enemies down with ShredShred and use your Poison CreeperPoison Creeper for lethal Area of Effect Poisons. Supporting abilities help keep up Spirit, heal, and apply debuffs to enemies.

After progressing through the Main Story and reaching level 60, continue your ShredShred adventure with the Shred Druid Endgame Guide, or choose any of our Endgame Builds.

For general tips and information about leveling a Druid in Diablo 4, check out our Druid Leveling Page.

Skill Tree Points and Skill Bar

Skill Bar for Shred Druid
Petrify Petrify Blood Howl Blood Howl Trample Trample Poison Creeper Poison Creeper Storm Strike Storm Strike Shred Shred

The table below outlines the recommended order for allocating Skill Points. 59 Points are gained from leveling, and the remaining 12 are from completing Renown events in each zone, for a total of 71 Skill Points.

OrderSkillCluster
1Storm StrikeStorm Strike Rank 1Basic SkillBasic Skill
2Enhanced Storm StrikeEnhanced Storm StrikeBasic SkillBasic Skill
3ShredShred Rank 1Core SkillCore Skill
4Enhanced ShredEnhanced ShredCore SkillCore Skill
5Primal ShredPrimal ShredCore SkillCore Skill
6Fierce Storm StrikeFierce Storm StrikeBasic SkillBasic Skill
7Blood HowlBlood Howl Rank 1Defensive SkillDefensive Skill
8Enhanced Blood HowlEnhanced Blood HowlDefensive SkillDefensive Skill
9Innate Blood HowlInnate Blood HowlDefensive SkillDefensive Skill
10ShredShred Rank 2Core SkillCore Skill
11ShredShred Rank 3Core SkillCore Skill
12Poison CreeperPoison Creeper Rank 1Companion SkillCompanion Skill
13Enhanced Poison CreeperEnhanced Poison CreeperCompanion SkillCompanion Skill
14Brutal Poison CreeperBrutal Poison CreeperCompanion SkillCompanion Skill
15ShredShred Rank 4Core SkillCore Skill
16ShredShred Rank 5Core SkillCore Skill
17TrampleTrample Rank 1Wrath SkillWrath Skill
18Enhanced TrampleEnhanced TrampleWrath SkillWrath Skill
19Savage TrampleSavage TrampleWrath SkillWrath Skill
20NeurotoxinNeurotoxin Rank 1Wrath SkillWrath Skill
21Toxic ClawsToxic Claws Rank 1Wrath SkillWrath Skill
22Poison CreeperPoison Creeper Rank 2Companion SkillCompanion Skill
23Poison CreeperPoison Creeper Rank 3Companion SkillCompanion Skill
24PetrifyPetrifyUltimate SkillUltimate Skill
25Prime PetrifyPrime PetrifyUltimate SkillUltimate Skill
26Supreme PetrifySupreme PetrifyUltimate SkillUltimate Skill
27Poison CreeperPoison Creeper Rank 4Companion SkillCompanion Skill
28Poison CreeperPoison Creeper Rank 5Companion SkillCompanion Skill
29EnvenomEnvenom Rank 1Wrath SkillWrath Skill
30EnvenomEnvenom Rank 2Wrath SkillWrath Skill
31EnvenomEnvenom Rank 3Wrath SkillWrath Skill
32Call of the WildCall of the Wild Rank 1Companion SkillCompanion Skill
33Call of the WildCall of the Wild Rank 2Companion SkillCompanion Skill
34Lupine FerocityLupine FerocityKey PassivesKey Passive
35Predatory InstinctPredatory Instinct Rank 1Core SkillCore Skill
36Predatory InstinctPredatory Instinct Rank 2Core SkillCore Skill
37Predatory InstinctPredatory Instinct Rank 3Core SkillCore Skill
38Digitigrade GaitDigitigrade Gait Rank 1Core SkillCore Skill
39Digitigrade GaitDigitigrade Gait Rank 2Core SkillCore Skill
40Digitigrade GaitDigitigrade Gait Rank 3Core SkillCore Skill
41QuickshiftQuickshift Rank 1Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
42QuickshiftQuickshift Rank 2Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
43QuickshiftQuickshift Rank 3Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
44Natural FortitudeNatural Fortitude Rank 1Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
45Natural FortitudeNatural Fortitude Rank 2Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
46Natural FortitudeNatural Fortitude Rank 3Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
47Heightened SensesHeightened Senses Rank 1Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
48Heightened SensesHeightened Senses Rank 2Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
49Heightened SensesHeightened Senses Rank 3Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
50PetrifyPetrify Rank 2Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
51PetrifyPetrify Rank 3Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
52PetrifyPetrify Rank 4Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
53PetrifyPetrify Rank 5Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
54CatastropheCatastrophe Rank 1Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
55CatastropheCatastrophe Rank 2Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
56CatastropheCatastrophe Rank 3Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
57Defensive PostureDefensive Posture Rank 1Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
58Defensive PostureDefensive Posture Rank 2Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
59Defensive PostureDefensive Posture Rank 3Ultimate SkillUltimate Skill
60Feral AptitudeFeral Aptitude Rank 1Companion SkillCompanion Skill
61Feral AptitudeFeral Aptitude Rank 2Companion SkillCompanion Skill
62Feral AptitudeFeral Aptitude Rank 3Companion SkillCompanion Skill
63BacklashBacklash Rank 1Defensive SkillDefensive Skill
64BacklashBacklash Rank 2Defensive SkillDefensive Skill
65BacklashBacklash Rank 3Defensive SkillDefensive Skill
66Ancestral FortitudeAncestral Fortitude Rank 1Defensive SkillDefensive Skill
67Ancestral FortitudeAncestral Fortitude Rank 2Defensive SkillDefensive Skill
68Ancestral FortitudeAncestral Fortitude Rank 3Defensive SkillDefensive Skill
69VigilanceVigilance Rank 1Defensive SkillDefensive Skill
70VigilanceVigilance Rank 2Defensive SkillDefensive Skill
71VigilanceVigilance Rank 3Defensive SkillDefensive Skill

Spirit Boons – The Druid Class Specialization

Druids unlock powerful Spirit Boon passives, giving offerings to the animal spirits to receive their Blessing. Once fully unlocked, activate the final Boon by Spirit Bonding with one of the four animal spirits to take two passives from that row. To access Spirit Boons:

  • Reach Level 15, accepting the quest chain beginning with Druid: Spirits of the Lost Grove.
  • Clear the Túr Dúlra Stronghold scenario in Scosglen.
  • Complete the quest chain to gain access to the Animal Spirits.
Boon NameAnimalEffect
Advantageous BeastDeerGain 15% Movement Speed and 15% Impairment Reduction.
Scythe TalonsEagleGain +10% increased Critical Strike Chance.
Pack LeaderWolfLucky Hit: Critical Strikes have up to a 25% chance to reset the Cooldowns of your Companion Skills.
EnergizeWolfLucky Hit: Dealing damage has up to a 15% chance to restore 30 Spirit.
MasochisticSnakeLucky Hit: Critical Strikes with Shapeshifting Skills have a chance to Heal you for 5% Maximum Life.

Prioritize your first 25 Spirit Offerings to unlock the Wolf’s Pack Leader; Poison CreeperPoison Creeper is a significant source of our damage so cooldown resets go a long way!

Gear, Gems, Elixirs, and Stats

The following sections cover the Legendary Aspects, Gear Affixes, Gems, and Runewords important for your character’s progression while leveling.

Legendary Aspects and Codex of Power

All Salvaged Legendary Powers will update within your Codex. Legendary Items with Aspect powers can be found across all content in Diablo 4. Random dropped Legendary Aspects can have a specific range of power on them. For example, Stormclaw's AspectStormclaw’s Aspect can roll between 40-60% for the effect. Salvaging a higher rank will improve the Aspect’s rank within your Codex from then on.

Aspects gained from Dungeons will enter the Codex of Power at rank 1. This makes Dungeons a great way to get started when putting together a build, without having to rely on random drops. For example, to access Stormclaw's AspectStormclaw’s Aspect directly without needing a random drop, you can clear Anica’s Claim in Fractured Peaks.

The highest priority Legendary Aspects to get started with the Shred Leveling Druid build are available from the following dungeons:

Legendary AspectAspect PowerDungeon LocationRecommended Slot
Stormclaw's AspectStormclaw’s AspectCritical Strikes with Shred deal 40-60% of the damage dealt as Lightning damage to the target and surrounding enemies.Anica’s Claim, Fractured PeaksAmulet
Aspect of the UnsatiatedAspect of the UnsatiatedAfter killing an enemy with Shred, you gain 20 Spirit. Your Werewolf Skills deal 20-40% increased damage when cast above 50 Spirit.Tormented Ruins, Fractured PeaksRing
Aspect of the UmbralAspect of the UmbralRestore 1-8 of your Primary Resource when you Crowd Control an enemy.Champion’s Demise, Dry SteppesRing
  • Stormclaw's AspectStormclaw’s Aspect makes ShredShred Critical Strikes splash for extra Lightning damage in a small area. An Amulet is recommended for the higher multiplier. It can be placed on a 2 handed weapon as well, but while leveling, weapons are replaced often so it can get expensive in Gold and Crafting Materials.
  • Aspect of the UnsatiatedAspect of the Unsatiated grants Spirit on Kill when killing enemies with ShredShred.
  • The Wolf’s Spirit Boon Energize has a Lucky Hit chance to give 30 Spirit.
  • Aspect of the UmbralAspect of the Umbral is useful for Spirit Generation. Crowd-Controls are applied in a variety of ways. For this build, it is through ways like:
    • NeurotoxinNeurotoxin and Toxic ClawsToxic Claws interacting when Werewolf skills Critically Strike to apply a poison to the enemy.
    • Poison CreeperPoison Creeper‘s passive attack applying Poison and the Active Skill’s Immobilize and Poison.

Other useful Aspects from the Codex are the following, sorted by type:

Legendary AspectAspect TypeAspect PowerDungeon Location
Aspect of DisobedienceAspect of DisobedienceDefensiveYou gain 0.4-0.8% increased Armor for 4 seconds when you deal any form of damage, stacking up to 25-40%.Halls of the Damned, Kehjistan
Aspect of MightAspect of MightDefensiveBasic Skills grant 20% Damage Reduction for 2-10 seconds.Dark Ravine, Dry Steppes
Skinwalker's AspectSkinwalker’s AspectDefensiveWhen you use a Shapeshifting Skill that changes your form, gain 5-25% Life. If you are at full Life, gain the same amount as Fortify.Fading Echo, Kehjistan
Aspect of the ProtectorAspect of the ProtectorDefensiveDamaging an Elite enemy grants you a Barrier absorbing X damage for 10 seconds. This effect can only happen once every 20 seconds.Lost Archives, Fractured Peaks
Aspect of the Changeling's DebtAspect of the Changeling’s DebtOffensiveYou deal 25-65% increased damage while hitting a Poisoned enemy as a Werebear or a Crowd Controlled enemy as a Werewolf.Conclave, Kejistan
Aspect of RetaliationAspect of RetaliationOffensiveYour Core Skills deal up to 35-75% increased damage based on your amount of Fortify.Seaside descent, Dry Steppes
Edgemaster’s AspectEdgemaster’s AspectOffensiveSkills deal up to 5-25% increased damage based on your available Primary Resource when cast, receiving the maximum benefit while you have full Primary Resource.Oldstones, Scosglen
Ghostwalker AspectGhostwalker AspectMobilityWhile Unstoppable and for 4 seconds after, you gain 10-30% increased Movement Speed and can move freely through enemies.Broken Bulwark, Scosglen

There are many notable Legendary Aspects that do not drop from dungeons. Look out for these while leveling:

Aspect of the Agile WolfAspect of the Agile WolfUtilityShred gains a 4th attack that hits all surrounding enemies, deals [20 – 60]%[x] increased damage, and Knocks Down enemies for 2 seconds.
Aspect of the Blurred BeastAspect of the Blurred BeastOffensiveWhile dashing, Shred seeks out Nearby Poisoned and deals 55-75% increased damage to them.
Starlight AspectStarlight AspectResourceGain 25-45 of your Primary Resource for every 20% of your Life that you Heal or every 120% Life that you Overheal while at Maximum Life.

Check our Legendary Aspect and Codex of Power Guide for general Codex information.

Gear Affix and Stat Priority while Leveling

Below are the recommended Gear Affixes for each slot for the Shred Leveling Build. Gear Affixes are listed by importance. Affixes in Bold are the most important for the build, and alternatives are added as well.

SlotGemStats
2 Handed AxeEmeraldEmeraldResource Cost Reduction
Willpower
Max Life
Spirit on Kill
Critical Strike Damage
Helm SapphireSapphireRanks in Poison CreeperPoison Creeper
Ranks to Companion Skills
Willpower
Max Life
Spirit Per Second
ChestSapphireSapphireMax Life
Spirit Per Second
Willpower
Armor
GlovesN/ARanks in ShredShred
Critical Strike Chance
Attack Speed
Willpower
Critical Strike Damage
Pants SapphireSapphireMax Life
Armor
Willpower
Dodge Chance
BootsN/AMovement Speed
Spirit Per Second
Willpower
Dodge Chance
AmuletDiamondDiamondMovement Speed
Ranks to EnvenomEnvenom

Critical Strike Chance
Ranks in Companion Skills
Resource Cost Reduction
RingsDiamondDiamondCritical Strike Chance
Attack Speed
Maximum Life
Resource Generation
Critical Strike Damage

Critical Strike Chance is important for several parts of the build, including:

Tempering

Tempering manuals are found across Sanctuary. The Blacksmith is able to apply extra affixes on items. Manuals are divided by types similar to Legendary Aspect Powers; a Resource manual like Worldly StabilityWorldly Stability has Resource type tempers, and can only be placed on rings and amulet.

When tempering at the Blacksmith, the item will randomly select one of the listed affixes from the chosen Tempering Manual. For example, the Offensive Manual Shapeshifting Finesse can give Werewolf Attack Speed, or give something utterly useless to the build like Werebear Overpower Damage. There is a limit to the number of times a temper can be rerolled to try to get the desired affix. This means the item can get ruined for the build, and you must try again with a new item. Unique Items cannot be Tempered. Here’s a list of Useful tempers to look out for, sorted by type.

Manual TypeManual NameManual Effect
WeaponWerewolf AugmentsChance for ShredShred to Hit Twice
OffensiveShapeshifting FinesseWerewolf Attack Speed
Werewolf Critical Strike Chance
OffensiveNatural FinesseDamage to Close Enemies
UtilityWorldly FortuneLucky Hit: Chance to Immobilize
Lucky Hit: Chance to Stun
Lucky Hit: Chance to Slow
DefensiveWorldly EnduranceTotal Armor%
MobilityDruid MotionRanks to Digitigrade GaitDigitigrade Gait
Movement Speed
MobilityNatural MotionMovement Speed
ResourceWorldly StabilityResource Generation

Gems and Runewords

See below for the best Gems to socket into your gear for each category:

  • Weapon: EmeraldEmerald for Critical Strike Damage.
  • Armor: SapphireSapphire for Willpower.
  • Jewelry: DiamondDiamonds for All Resistances.

Runewords are a flexible power to help strengthen a build or fill its weaknesses. Two Runes combine for the total Runeword effect:

  • A conditional trigger Rune of Ritual that supplies Offerings when the condition is met
  • An effect Rune of Invocation that costs Offerings.

Once the Rune of Ritual has supplied enough Offerings, the Rune of Invocation will trigger its effect. Some Runes of Invocation will have overflow effects, where excess Offerings will spillover to empower the triggered effect.

Runewords replace Gems in gear. Up to two sets of Runeword pairs can be placed at a time. Runeword combinations are placed within 2 sockets of the same item e.g. Helm, Chest, Pants or 2-handed Weapon.

The following are Runeword combinations for the Shred Leveling Druid. These leveling recommendations are limited to Magic and Rare quality runes, and are placed in 2-Handed Weapon and one Armor slot:

Runeword CombinationRuneword Effects
Poc Lum PocPoc – Gain: 5 Offering. Spend 5% of your Maximum Resource.
LumLum – Requires: 5 Offering (Overflow: Increased Resource Restored) Cooldown: 1 Second.
Restore 1 Primary Resource.
Moni GarMoniMoni – Gain: 25 Offering. Cast a Skill after moving. (Cooldown: 0.2 seconds)
GarGar – Gain 2.5% Critical Strike Chance for 5 seconds, up to 25%.

PocLum will give a refund on Spirit after spending. MoniGar will be a tidy Critical Strike Chance increase for damage and Packleader Boon resets.

There will be several Runeword combinations that help out and work, feel free to try them all out as you acquire the runes. For example, some of the damage effect triggers like TonTon will do especially good damage in very early levels.

Elixirs and Health Potions

The Alchemist offers helpful consumables at the cost of foraged materials found throughout Sanctuary.

  • Craft the highest Elixir of PrecisionElixir of Precision for Critical Strike Chance, Critical Strike Damage and bonus Experience. Or Iron Skin ElixirIron Skin Elixir can help push the Capstone Dungeons earlier and easier.
  • Remember to upgrade your potion as you level, increasing the instant healing of the potion. Upgrades are available when you reach Level 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60.

Unique Items

Here’s some Uniques to look out for while leveling:

  • Mad Wolf's GleeMad Wolf’s Glee, with high ranks in all Werewolf Skills, including ShredShred.
  • Hunter's ZenithHunter’s Zenith, with strong gear affixes and effect that grants periodic Critical Overpowers.
  • Waxing GibbousWaxing Gibbous increases ranks to ShredShred and kills with Shred grant stealth. After Stealth is broken, attacks are guaranteed Critical Strikes.

Mercenaries

Once unlocked, Mercenaries are followers that aid the Player in combat. A main mercenary is chosen to fight alongside you, granting strong buffs or perks, and a secondary Mercenary is chosen to periodically Reinforce you under a chosen Opportunity condition. As you build Rapport with your Mercenary, you gain more access to their Skills and Perks.

The following Mercenary options are recommended for the Shred Leveling Druid:

Main Mercenary – Varyana, the Berserker

Reinforcement – Raheir, the Shieldbearer

Hysteria and Bloodlust will both give strong Attack Speed bonuses.

Damage Rotation

  1. Use ShredShred to close distance or to help gather enemies.
  2. Use Poison CreeperPoison Creeper on gathered enemies for lethal Poison damage.
  3. PetrifyPetrify to apply Stun and Critical Strike Damage multipliers to significant enemies like Bosses and Elites.
  4. ShredShred your enemies, fishing for resets of Poison CreeperPoison Creeper from Spirit Boon Pack Leader.
  5. Blood HowlBlood Howl and TrampleTrample for Spirit generation.
  6. Storm StrikeStorm Strike as filler to generate Spirit and to apply Vulnerable status.

Advanced Information

It is time to start your Shred journey!

Or see below for further information on how the build works, Spirit Generation explanations, Skill and gameplay options, and what to do after level 60, including a starter Paragon board to help you transition to the Endgame Shred build

Mechanics and Playstyle

The primary sources of damage for the Shred Leveling Druid are ShredShred and Poison CreeperPoison Creeper.

ShredShred dashes to enemies, dealing a three-hit combo in a cleave, with the third cast doing more damage in a wider arc. Stormclaw's AspectStormclaw’s Aspect allows Shred Critical Strikes to explode in a small area to the target and nearby enemies.

  • Enhanced ShredEnhanced Shred makes Shred cast faster and heal on attack.
  • Primal ShredPrimal Shred increases Shred’s Critical Strike Damage, and you will now dash towards enemies if they are not already in range for the second and third hit of Shred’s 3-hit combo.

Poison CreeperPoison Creeper is a Companion that passively attacks to apply a small Poison. The Active Skill deals significant Poison damage over time in a wide area around the player and Immobilizes enemies.

The active cast of Poison CreeperPoison Creeper, especially in early levels, is lethal damage to all but the toughest enemies, making it very efficient to use on most leveling builds. We take Pack Leader boon to reset the Companion Active Skill, and ShredShred‘s improved attack speed helps reset this faster.

Supporting abilities for the build include Storm StrikeStorm Strike, Blood HowlBlood Howl, TrampleTrample and PetrifyPetrify.

Our Key Passive is Lupine FerocityLupine Ferocity. Guaranteed Critical Strikes will help trigger Pack Leader resets and trigger Stormclaw's AspectStormclaw’s Aspect.

Spirit Generation

This build has a few sources of Spirit Generation to keep Shredding. These include:

Druids Have Options!

Any of the supporting skills Blood HowlBlood Howl, TrampleTrample, or PetrifyPetrify can be substituted for another desirable supporting Skill depending on looted Legendary Aspects, playstyle, leveling content, or preference. Some examples to try can include:

Looking at the other Basic Attacks? Storm StrikeStorm Strike gives great Damage Reduction and can apply Vulnerable status. The other Basic Attacks are usable as well! Fierce Wind ShearFierce Wind Shear gives some nice movement speed. Grab Aspect of the Calm BreezeAspect of the Calm Breeze for some extra damage.

Lupine FerocityLupine Ferocity is used for the guaranteed Critical Strike chance and periodic high burst damage, and is also useful for things like Spirit Boon Pack Leader or Stormclaw's AspectStormclaw’s Aspect. Bestial RampageBestial Rampage can be more total damage but is disruptive, requiring 2 seconds in Werebear form each cast of TrampleTrample to maintain the damage multiplier. Ursine StrengthUrsine Strength can also be used as a more consistent Modifier and Health bonus.

Roadmap at Level 60

Once you’re ready, at level 60 or even sooner, it’s time to start those Endgame Activities.

Paragon

After Level 60, you gain no more Skill Points and instead start progressing in the Paragon Board. Allocate Paragon Points into nodes along the path to gain further power. Rare Glyphs start at 3 Radius, growing by 1 Radius at level 15, and then at level 46. Level up your glyphs by running The Pit.

Here is an early 3 board setup to get you started. It prioritizes Damage Reduction Glyphs and Spirit Generation nodes from the Lust for CarnageLust for Carnage and Ancestral GuidanceAncestral Guidance boards. Remember to rotate the boards as necessary! This will get you ready for that transition to the Shred Endgame Guide or other Endgame Druid Builds.

Thanks so much for reading and good luck on leveling!

Changelog

  • 15 October, 2024: Updated for new onsite Paragon Tool. Aspect and Unique section updates.
  • 26 September, 2024: Updated for season 6, Season of Hatred, including more Skill Points, new Paragon, Runeword and Mercenary systems.
  • 7 August, 2024: Updated for post-launch of season 5. Small updates to Tempering recommendations.
  • 2 August, 2024: Updated for patch 1.5.0 and Season of the Infernal Horde.
  • 17 June, 2024: Updated for mid-season patch 1.4.3.
  • 15 May, 2024: Small changes in gear affixes to adjust for season launch changes from PTR.
  • 10 May, 2024: Guide updated for 1.4.0 and Season 4. Information about new gearing system and Unique Items added. Paragon board displayed.
  • 21 March, 2024: Guide Created, fully replacing previous guide.
    • Ownership of page transferred
    • Page restructured for improved readability, explanations and options.
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