Diablo 4 Season 4 Best Class & Build Tier List (1.4.0 PTR)

After analyzing the path notes of Diablo 4 Season 4, let's update the Diablo 4 Season 4 Tier List! Here we will not only rank all classes by going over their changes in the 1.4.0 patch but also list the meta build for each class for S4 PTR testing!

Diablo 4 Season 4 Tier List - Best Class & Meta Builds for 1.4.0 PTR

Following the recent PTR (Public Test Realm) update for Diablo 4's Season 4, we received a comprehensive set of patch notes that are stirring up quite the excitement. In Diablo IV S4, we will not only get the class-specific balances, but also receive the sweeping itemization changes - every item and its potential stats are being revamped, and with the introduction of new crafting systems and the Pit (an end-game system akin to Greater Rifts from Diablo 3), players have a lot to look forward to. These changes are aimed at addressing power creep and providing fresh gameplay experiences. There is no doubt that the meta situation of classes and builds is about to change. Here let's use a tier list to see what these buffs and nerfs mean for each class and the overall gameplay.

1. Necromancer (S Tier)

Necromancers appear to be the big winners of this patch. With a significant boost to pets and summons, the Necromancer class is poised to see a resurgence in popularity. Minions now inherit 100% of the player's stats, and various Codex Powers have been reworked to provide more utility and durability to your undead army. Blood Surge is also getting a boost, making it one of the top builds in the game.

With significant buffs to pets and minions, as well as the overall strength of abilities like Blood Surge, the Necromancer class is looking to be a top contender in Season 4. If the minions' scaling with player stats is as potent as suggested, this could put Necromancers at the forefront.

Diablo 4 Season 4 Best Necromancer Build Tier List for 1.4.0 PTR:

• Shadowblight Necro (S Tier)

• Minion Necro (S Tier)

• Bone Spear Necro (A Tier)

• Blood Surge Necro (A Tier)

• Infinimist Necro (A Tier)

• Sever Necro (A Tier)

• Blight (A Tier)

• Bone Spirit (B Tier)

• Blood Lance (C Tier)

• Blood Surge (C Tier)

• Corpse Explosion (C Tier)

2. Barbarian (S Tier)

For Barbarian, we're seeing a shift away from the dominant "charge and HoTA (Hammer of the Ancients)" meta in Season 4. HoTA is receiving significant nerfs, particularly to fury scaling, to prevent the astronomical damage numbers we've become accustomed to. However, there's a silver lining with buffs to abilities like Dust Devils and the potential for Leap Quake builds. Double Swing and Call of the Ancients are also getting boosts, suggesting a viable pet Barbarian build may emerge.

Despite the nerfs to HoTA, Barbarians are getting a variety of exciting buffs. New potential builds such as Dust Devils, Leap Quake, and pet-focused builds could keep Barbarians very competitive.

Diablo 4 Season 4 Best Barbarian Build Tier List for 1.4.0 PTR:

• Dust Devil Twister Barb (S Tier)

• Thorns Barbarian (A Tier)

• Generator Barb (A Tier)

• HotA Barb (A Tier)

• Rend Barb (A Tier)

• Charge Barb (A Tier)
  

• Double Swing Barb (A Tier)

• Upheaval Barb (B Tier)

• Deathblow Barb (B Tier)

• Leapquakle Barb (B Tier)
  

• Walking Arsenal Barb (B Tier)

• Pure Whirlwind Barb (F Tier)

• Call of the Ancients Barb (F Tier)

3. Druid (A Tier)

Druids are receiving some love, especially in the companions department, which are getting "mega buffed." Shape-shifting is being tweaked to encourage dynamic play between bear and wolf forms. Moreover, Shout Druid and Support Druid builds are looking more viable, thanks to new unique items and aspect changes. The Hurricane Druid could become a reality with the reworked Clarity passive, which provides a massive damage boost to the next Wrath skill.

Druids seem to be in a good place with buffs to companions and shape-shifting, but they didn't receive as many standout changes compared to Necromancers or Barbarians. However, the potential for new playstyles such as Hurricane Druid could provide hidden strengths.

Diablo 4 Season 4 Best Druid Build Tier List for 1.4.0 PTR:

• Werenado Druid (S Tier)

• Rabies Companion Lacerate Druid (S Tier)

• Lightning Storm Druid (A Tier)

• Hurricane Druid (A Tier)

• Pulverize Werebear Whirlwind Boulder Druid (A Tier)

• Werewolf Tornado Druid (B Tier)

• Stormclaw Druid (B Tier)

• Shred Druid (B Tier)

• Trampleslide Druid (C Tier)

• Boulder Druid (C Tier)

4. Sorcerer (B Tier)

Sorcerers are seeing some intriguing adjustments. The Frozen Orb build is being augmented with new uniques and buffs. Additionally, there seems to be a push towards life-based Sorcerer builds that don't rely solely on barriers for survival. Changes to Teleport could lead to zero-cooldown builds, although this may be subject to change based on PTR feedback.

While Sorcerers are getting some interesting changes, such as buffs to Frozen Orb and possible life-based builds, the nerfs to defensive skills and the potential over-reliance on barriers could hinder their overall effectiveness.

Diablo 4 Season 4 Best Sorcerer Build Tier List for 1.4.0 PTR:

• Frozen Orb Sorc (S Tier)

• Fire Bolt Sorc (S Tier)

• Blizzard Sorc (A Tier)

• Ball Lightning Sorc (A Tier)

• Teleport Sorc (A Tier)

• Charged Bolts Sorc (A Tier)

• Firewall Sorc (A Tier)

• Incinerate Sorc (B Tier)

• Ice Shards Sorc (B Tier)

• Conjurations Sorc (B Tier)

• Ice Armor Sorc (B Tier)

• Frost Nova (C Tier)

5. Rogue (B Tier)

The Rogue class is receiving "juicy" updates that could elevate its standing. New tools and uniques suggest the emergence of grenade-focused builds and more defensive playstyles. Rapid Fire and Barrage are being enhanced with new aspects, while Flurry is getting a substantial buff. Inner Sight and Preparation are also improved, adding to the Rogue's versatility.

With a series of juicy updates and new tools that could revitalize weaker builds, Rogues could potentially move up in the ranks. However, their performance will depend on how well these new builds can compete with the established meta.

Diablo 4 Season 4 Best Rogue Build Tier List for 1.4.0 PTR:

• Grenades Rapid Fire Rogue (S Tier)

• Barrage Rogue (A Tier)

• Twisting Blades Rogue (A Tier)

• Arrow Storm Flurry Rogue (A Tier)

• Pen Shot Rogue (A Tier)

• Grenado Rogue (B Tier)

• Death Trap Rogue (B Tier)

• Rain of Arrows Rogue (C Tier)

It's important to note that tier rankings are highly contextual and can be subjective based on the criteria used to evaluate them. Factors like ease of playing solo content, group utility, and performance in high-end activities like the Pit or boss fights can all influence a class's standing.