Key skills to build around include:
Wolves: Reliable melee minions that leap to enemies and Diablo 4 Items stack bleed effects.
Ravens: AoE damage with high uptime and useful for crowd control against weak mobs.
Blood Howl: Heals the Druid and their minions, a key survivability tool for sustained fights.
Cyclone Armor: Adds a layer of physical damage reduction for both the player and their companions.
Grizzly Rage: The ultimate steroid, granting bonus damage, damage resistance, and Unstoppable status.
The Reverie Horn further enhances this setup, giving minions 50%[x] increased damage after a kill, allowing the Druid to chain-clear mob packs in late-game zones like Helltides and Strongrooms. With high uptime buffs and resilient minions, Companion Druids are becoming a go-to solo option for Season 9.
Sorcerer: The Hydra Rises From the Ashes
Sorcerers aren't typically known for summoning allies, but Season 9 has changed the game with one massive improvement: the Ophidian Iris Unique Amulet. This amulet redefines Hydra builds by capping their heads at 2 but drastically increasing the damage per extra head not summoned. With up to 100%[x] bonus damage, Hydras have gone from niche tools to a dominant force in Sorcerer builds.
Here's why Hydra Sorcerer is a legitimate contender:
Hydra: The centerpiece of the build summoned Hydra, which deals devastating fire damage in a cone. Proper placement is crucial, as Hydras can't move.
Firewall or Fireball: Complements Hydra with high burst or persistent damage to soften enemies.
Teleport: Provides critical escape options for the squishy Sorcerer during chaotic fights.
Flame Shield: Grants immunity and healing in a pinch, perfect for staying alive in late-stage dungeons.
Elemental Attunement: Used via Enchantment slots to maintain defensive uptime or create more burn zones.
Unlike Necros and Druids, the Hydra Sorc requires careful planning and mobility, as you must constantly reposition to ensure Hydras are placed in optimal firing arcs. Still, for those who enjoy casting spells from the backline while minions melt bosses, this build is one of the most rewarding in the current meta.
Why Minion Builds Matter More Than Ever in Season 9
Season 9 introduces two major systems that play to the strengths of minion-based builds:
Horadric Strongrooms: Timed, enemy-dense events that reward fast, efficient clears. Minions keep the tempo high by attacking while the player opens chests or kites elite mobs.
Escalating Nightmares: Require consistent uptime and survivability. Minions absorb a lot of the pressure, allowing players to dodge and reposition without taking damage.
Add in the Season Journey objectives tied to sustained combat, boss clears, and D4 materials for sale support-style play, and it becomes clear that building your team-whether it's skeletons, wolves, or Hydras-isn't just viable, it's optimal.
