Introduction: The Power of the Undead Army

When you think of Diablo 2, the first thing that comes to mind might be the action-packed battles or the treasure hunting, but there’s another side to the game that’s equally exciting – the Summon Necro build. Have you ever wanted to control an army of skeletons, raise golems from the dead, and watch as they tear through Diablo’s minions? If yes, then the Summon Necro build might be your perfect choice.
But before you dive in, let’s take a look at the good, the bad, and the undead with this build.
The Problem: Where Does Summon Necro Shine and Struggle?
If you’ve played Diablo 2 for even a little while, you know the thrill of being able to raise and command the dead. But what about the struggles? Summon Necro builds are fun, sure, but they aren’t without their flaws.
One of the main problems that many players face when playing with a Summon Necro build is the lack of direct damage. Unlike the Sorceress or the Amazon, the Necromancer doesn’t rely on flashy spells that deal instant damage. Instead, it’s all about summoning creatures to fight for you. While this can be fun, it can also feel like you’re watching your minions fight while you stand back, hoping they don’t get overwhelmed by waves of enemies.
Also, there’s the matter of managing your undead army. If you’ve ever had a few skeletons wander off or get stuck behind some rocks, you know how frustrating it can be. But don’t worry – we’ll get to solutions in just a moment.
The Solution: How to Build a Powerful Summon Necro
Now that we’ve covered some of the challenges, let’s talk about how to make this build work for you. A strong Summon Necro build focuses on maximizing your ability to raise and command minions while staying safe in the backlines.
# Key Skills for Summon Necro

The first thing to know about the Summon Necro build is the key skills you need to prioritize. These are:
1. **Raise Skeleton**: The backbone of your army. This skill will allow you to summon skeletons to do your bidding.
2. **Skeleton Mastery**: This skill increases the health, damage, and durability of your skeletons. Think of it as the skill that turns your skeletons from fragile bones to true warriors.
3. **Clay Golem**: This big guy is slow but tough. He can be used to tank damage while your other minions do the heavy lifting.
4. **Summon Resist**: This is important for keeping your undead army alive longer, as it gives them a boost in resisting elemental damage.
# Stat Distribution
For your stats, here’s a general guideline:
– **Strength**: Enough to wear gear.
– **Dexterity**: Not necessary for the Summon Necro build, so leave it low.

– **Vitality**: Pump this up for more health, since you’ll need to stay alive as your minions do the fighting.
– **Energy**: Low, since you won’t rely on spells much.
# Equipment Choices
Choosing the right equipment can make or break your build. Look for items that increase your skill levels, raise your summons’ stats, or provide more resistances. Some good examples are:
– **Arm of King Leoric**: Boosts Summon skills.
– **Homunculus**: Adds to your Summon skills and gives resistances.
The Fun of Raising the Dead: Players’ Experiences
One thing that many players find incredibly satisfying about the Summon Necro build is the sheer number of minions you can command. It’s like playing a game of “who can summon the biggest army.” You get to watch as hordes of skeletons, golems, and revived creatures charge into battle, tearing through enemies with little effort.
But, not everything is perfect. Many players report feeling a little detached from the action. You’re behind the scenes, commanding the dead, but you’re not always in the thick of things. Some players say they miss the direct action they get with other characters. Others enjoy the strategy behind positioning your minions just right to ensure they don’t get stuck or overwhelmed.

There’s a bit of both excitement and frustration, but it’s all part of the fun.
Solutions: Making the Most of Your Minions
So how can you overcome the struggles that come with the Summon Necro build? Here are a few tips:
– **Positioning is Key**: Make sure you position your minions properly and use the environment to your advantage. Try to keep your minions from getting stuck in corners or behind obstacles.
– **Keep Raising**: As your skeletons fall in battle (because let’s face it, they will), keep raising new ones. Don’t let your army dwindle.
– **Golem is Your Tank**: Let your Clay Golem absorb the damage while your skeletons and other minions attack. It’s like having your own personal bodyguard.
– **Gear Up**: Equip your Necromancer with items that increase your minions’ survivability and damage.
Community Feedback: What Are Other Players Saying?
The Diablo 2 community is always buzzing with opinions and feedback on different builds. When it comes to the Summon Necro, players seem to be divided. Some love the build for its uniqueness and enjoy the feeling of commanding an army, while others feel it’s a little slow or detached from the action.

On forums, many players recommend using the **Revive** skill alongside **Raise Skeleton** to keep a larger, more diverse army. Others suggest combining Summon Necro with a bit of Poison and Bone skills for additional damage and utility. There’s a lot of room to experiment, and the community loves sharing tips and tricks.
Conclusion: Is the Summon Necro Build Right for You?
So, is the Summon Necro build worth it? If you love the idea of commanding the dead and watching your army of skeletons and golems overwhelm enemies, then absolutely! It’s a fun and rewarding playstyle that allows for a more strategic approach to Diablo 2’s combat. However, if you crave fast-paced action and direct control, you might find the build a little slow and frustrating at times.
Remember, the key to mastering the Summon Necro build is patience and planning. Position your minions wisely, keep summoning new ones, and enjoy the chaos that your undead army creates.
**Have you tried the Summon Necro build in Diablo 2? What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments below!**