Everything you need to know about core stats in Diablo 4 — and which ones are best for you

Diablo 4 is here, and with it we return to general use stats for all classes (similar to Diablo 2), where you prioritize the core stats based on the attributes they grant your class. But which of these stats are best for which class? What should you focus on, and what should you avoid? Are there any numbers we should be ignoring?

Your core stats are the classics you’ll be familiar with from most RPG games: Strength, Intelligence, Willpower, and Dexterity. But each of the four stats benefits classes in different ways. Here’s what benefits you gain from each:

• Strength — increases Armor for all classes
  • Increases skill damage for Barbarians
  • Increases resource generation for Rogues
• Intelligence — increases Elemental Resistance for all classes
  • Increases skill damage for Necromancers and Sorcerers
  • Increases resource generation for Druids
  • Increases Critical Strike Chance for Rogues
• Willpower — increases Healing Received and Overpower Damage for all classes
  • Increases skill damage for Druids
  • Increases resource generation for Sorcerers, Necromancers, and Barbarians
• Dexterity — increases Dodge Chance for all classes
  • Increases skill damage for Rogues
  • Increases Critical Strike Chance for Sorcerers, Necromancers, Barbarians, and Druids

Which stats do I need for my class in Diablo 4?

• If you’re a Barbarian, prioritize Strength first for skill damage, then Dexterity for Critical Strike Chance, Willpower for resource generation, and Intelligence last.
• If you’re a Druid, prioritize Willpower first for skill damage, then Dexterity for Critical Strike Chance, Intelligence for resource generation, and Strength last.
• If you’re a Necromancer or Sorcerer, prioritize Intelligence first for skill damage, then Dexterity for Critical Strike Chance, Willpower for resource generation, and Strength last.
• If you’re a Rogue, prioritize Dexterity for skill damage, then Intelligence for Critical Strike Chance, Strength for Resource Generation, and Willpower last.

There’s one core stat we haven’t touched on here — your character’s level! Your level is included in your core stats; as you level, you gain base life and core stats. Your level is also a factor in the damage reduction for monsters around you. You can see the exact value under your Character Pane, by opening “Materials and Stats.”

What about Attack Power?

Now, let’s address about the odd stat out — Attack Power (AP). Your Attack Power is found only on your character page, and it’s is a bit of an oddity, as it is a representation of the damage you deal, like DPS but not quite the same. AP is calculated (somewhat esoterically) from your weapon’s damage / speed and your Offense stats (such as Critical Strike Damage). It does not factor in any damage bonuses from your skills or benefits you get from status debuffs. Treat it as an advisory (bigger numbers are better here), but not the end-all-be-all of your damage done.

Diablo 4 is proving to be an exciting (but somewhat more complex) next iteration in the Diablo franchise. Dive in, farm up some gear, and enjoy slaughtering your way through Sanctuary. Happy hunting!