Difference between revisions of "Ancient Spear"

Latest revision as of 22:13, 4 November 2017

Ancient Spear in action.

Ancient Spear is a Might Barbarian skill unlocked at Level 9. The Barbarian fires a mystical spear to snare his foes and haul them back into melee range.

Though a very fun skill in concept, this one saw virtually zero use in game shortly after Diablo III's release. Barbarians never needed to chase after just one enemy, and had many better fast pursuit skills to use instead of this one. Ancient Spear seems destined primarily for use in PvP, and it's expected to be popular come the introduction of the Arena.

Prior to the reveal of the skill rune names, this ability was widely-referred to[1] as "Ancient Harpoon" for fairly obvious functional reasons. Spears are not barbed and do not have ropes or chains attached to them. Harpoons, on the other hand, are barbed and tethered, since they are used to reel in aquatic life forms.

Hover for latest stats

Post-Release Changes[edit | edit source]

This skill was boosted slightly in v1.0.4, though it remained a novelty in PvM play, even after the improvement.

Ancient Spear

Now also roots the target in place for 1.5. seconds
Will now default to Basic Attack if on cooldown or if the player runs out of Fury

Skill Rune Effects[edit | edit source]

The following is a very quick summary. See the Ancient Spear rune effects page for a more thorough description of rune effects, or any of the individual rune pages for numbers, screenshots, blue quotes, and much more.

Name	Stats (Hover over)	Level Unlocked
Harpoon	(Stats)	34
Boulder Toss	(Stats)	48
Jagged Edge	(Stats)	42
Ranseur	(Stats)	29
Rage Flip	(Stats)	59

Synergies[edit | edit source]

The following Barbarian passives provide a benefit to Ancient Spear, runed or not:

Bloodthirst - The Barbarian gains life based on the amount of damage he deals always.
Weapons Master - Provides a damage bonus when the Barbarian is wielding a sword or dagger.
Berserker Rage - Inflicts additional damage while the Barbarian is at maximum Fury.
No Escape - Increases the damage of Ancient Spear and generates Fury.
Brawler - Increases the Barbarian's damage when he is swarmed.

Skill Design[edit | edit source]

Spear in flight.

Ancient Spear first appeared at BlizzCon 2010.

The skill is a ranged attack that spears enemies and pulls them into melee range, where the Barbarian, should he react quickly enough, can chop them to bits.

This skill is highly viable in the Battle Arena where slippery ranged attacking Wizards and Witch Doctors are in desperate need of some "Get over here!" as far as the Barbarian is concerned.

The skill can also be used effectively in PvM, ideally on back row attackers like archers or shaman, who the Barbarian wants to kill but can not reach through their defending meat shields. Enemies all the way to the edge of the visible screen can be skewered and pulled in, when targeted accurately.

Development[edit | edit source]

Ancient Spear made its first public appearance at BlizzCon 2010, where Wyatt Cheng briefly discussed its development:^[1]

We knew that he needed a ranged attack so here is an example of Ancient Spear. We don't want to turn the Barbarian into a ranged class so this is something that feels very appropriate for him. We want to sell the theme that he's strong, he's tough, he's melee so we had to come up with something that felt appropriate for that.

Flux found it difficult to use in the Battle Arena:[2]

...Ancient Harpoon for ranged attacks (though I never actually saw this successfully used, since hitting moving targets was tough)...

He did, however, suggest that it could be useful against Wizards who rely too much on Disintegrate.

Skill tiers were removed for the July 2011 Press Event, allowing skills to unlock steadily from levels 1 to 30. Consequently, all skill levels were adjusted and Ancient Spear became a level 21 skill.

Beta[edit | edit source]

The Diablo III Beta started in September 2011, and while it ran, all of the skills continued to undergo extensive iteration. Skill changes varied from changing the levels the skills are unlocked, to changes in resource cost, damage, and even function. A few skills were removed altogether, and a few new ones were added. Also, the entire skill system received an overhaul with the Beta Patch 13 update in February 2012, with physical runes replaced by rune effects that automatically unlock at various levels for the different skills.

Ancient Spear was moved to level 22 for the beta. With the Patch 13 changes, it was classified as a Might skill and moved to level 28. For Beta Patch 14, it was dropped down to level 9, making it available in the beta.

Media[edit | edit source]

Ancient Spear can be seen in action on video here:

You can find pictures in the Diablo III screenshot and picture gallery:

Barb firing spear.
The spearhead and chain.
A wild shot, flashes off the screen.
A confused Barb nearly skewers his red team Wizard teammate.

References[edit | edit source]

↑ Diablo 3 Gameplay Panel Transcript — Incgamers 23rd Oct 2010

BlizzCon 2010 PvP Hands-on Report
15 More Minutes of Arena Ninja-Cam from BlizzCon — Incgamers 10th Jan 2011
Zediono's translation of JudgeHype's pre-beta report — IncGamers 1st Aug 2011
Barbarian Active Skills — Blizzard's Official Diablo III Site

Template:Skill navbox Necromancer primary

Template:Skill navbox Necromancer secondary

Template:Skill navbox Necromancer corpses

Template:Skill navbox Necromancer bloodandbone

Template:Skill navbox Necromancer reanimation

Template:Skill navbox Necromancer curses

[1] Diablo 3 Gameplay Panel Transcript — Incgamers 23rd Oct 2010

[1]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Ancient Spear''' is a [[Barbarian]] Tier 5 [[Barbarian_skill|skill]] unlocked at [[Clvl|level]] 14. The Barbarian fires a mystical spear to snare his foes and haul them back into [[melee]] range.
+[[File:IconAncientSpear.png|left]]
+[[File:As1.jpg|thumb|300px|Ancient Spear in action.]]
+'''Ancient Spear''' is a Might [[Barbarian skill]] unlocked at [[clvl|Level]] 9. The Barbarian fires a mystical spear to snare his foes and haul them back into [[melee]] range.
-This skill is commonly referred to[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/15-more-minutes-of-arena-ninja-cam-from-blizzcon/] as "Ancient Harpoon" for fairly obvious functional reasons. Spears are not barbed and do not have ropes or chains attached to them. Harpoons, on the other hand, are barbed and tethered, since they are used to reel in aquatic life forms. Why Blizzard didn't just call the skill "harpoon" isn't known; perhaps they didn't like the maritime connotation, since the Barbarians are not seafaring folk in the official game lore?
+Though a very fun skill in concept, this one saw virtually zero use in game shortly after Diablo III's release. Barbarians never needed to chase after just one enemy, and had many better fast pursuit skills to use instead of this one.  Ancient Spear seems destined primarily for use in PvP, and it's expected to be popular come the introduction of the [[Arena]].
-==Background==
+Prior to the reveal of the skill rune names, this ability was widely-referred to[http://www.diabloii.net/blog/comments/15-more-minutes-of-arena-ninja-cam-from-blizzcon/] as "Ancient Harpoon" for fairly obvious functional reasons. Spears are not barbed and do not have ropes or chains attached to them. Harpoons, on the other hand, are barbed and tethered, since they are used to reel in aquatic life forms.
-{{Skillbox
-|game= Diablo III
-|portrait= as1.jpg
-<!-- |portrait-width= -->
-|active= Active
-|name= Ancient Spear
-|ranks= 5
-|user= Barbarian
-|tree= Tier 5
-|description= Fire an ancient spear to snare your foes.
-|type= Grapple
-|quantity= None
-|effect= Target
-|school= [[Physical]]
-|resource= [[Fury]]
-|cost= Unknown
-|cast-time= Instant
-|cooldown= Unknown
-<!-- |synergies= None -->
-}}
-The [[Barbarian]] throws an ancient spear that sinks into his foes, and he pulls them into his blades.
+<strong>[https://us.battle.net/d3/en/class/barbarian/active/ancient-spear Hover for latest stats]</strong>
-==Skill Design==
+<br>__TOC__
-[[File:Ancient-spear2.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Spear in flight.]]
+==Post-Release Changes==
-Ancient Spear first appeared at [[BlizzCon 2010]].
+This skill was boosted slightly in v1.0.4, though it remained a novelty in [[PvM]] play, even after the improvement.
+<blue>Ancient Spear
+* Now also roots the target in place for 1.5. seconds
+* Will now default to Basic Attack if on cooldown or if the player runs out of Fury
+</blue>
+==Skill Rune Effects==
+The following is a very quick summary. See the [[Ancient Spear rune effects]] page for a more thorough description of rune effects, or any of the individual rune pages for numbers, screenshots, blue quotes, and much more.
+<table>
-The [[skill]] is a ranged attack that spears enemies and pulls them into melee range, where the Barbarian, should he react quickly enough, can chop them to bits.
+<tr>
+<th>Icon</th>
+<th>Name</th>
+<th>Stats (Hover over)</th>
+<th class="inc_js_sortable inc_sort_desc">Level Unlocked</th>
+</tr>
-This skill is highly viable in the [[Battle Arena]] where slippery ranged attacking [[Wizard]]s and [[Witch Doctor]]s are in desperate need of some "Get over here!" as far as the Barbarian is concerned.
+<tr id="">
+<td>[[File:runea.png]]</td>
+<td class="name">[[Harpoon]]</td>
+<td>
+[https://us.battle.net/d3/en/class/barbarian/active/ancient-spear#a+ (Stats)]</td>
+<td>34</td>
+</tr>
-The skill can also be used effectively in [[PvM]], ideally on back row attackers like archers or shaman, who the Barbarian wants to kill but can not reach through their defending [[meat shield]]s. Enemies all the way to the edge of the visible screen can be skewered and pulled in, when targeted accurately.
+<tr id="">
+<td>[[File:runeb.png]]</td>
+<td class="name">[[Boulder Toss]]</td>
+<td class="name">
+[https://us.battle.net/d3/en/class/barbarian/active/ancient-spear#b+ (Stats)]</td>
+<td>48</td>
+</tr>
-{{clear-left}}
+<tr id="">
-==Skill Rank Table==
+<td>[[File:runec.png]]</td>
-* '''Rank 1:''' Throws a spear with a maximum range of X feet, pulling each target back to the Barbarian, slowing movement speed and dealing X-X damage.
+<td class="name">[[Jagged Edge]]</td>
+<td class="name">
+[https://us.battle.net/d3/en/class/barbarian/active/ancient-spear#c+ (Stats)]</td>
+<td>42</td>
+</tr>
+<tr id="">
+<td>[[File:runed.png]]</td>
+<td class="name">[[Ranseur]]</td>
+<td class="name">
+[https://us.battle.net/d3/en/class/barbarian/active/ancient-spear#d+ (Stats)]</td>
+<td>29</td>
+</tr>
-==[[Synergies]]==
+<tr id="">
-Ancient Spear benefits directly from the following [[trait]]s:
+<td>[[File:runee.png]]</td>
-* [[Intimidation]]: Increases damage done and reduces vendor costs.
+<td class="name">[[Rage Flip]]</td>
-* [[Cruelty]]: Increases your chance of dealing critical strikes.
+<td class="name">
-* [[Weak Spot]]: Increases critical strike damage.
+[https://us.battle.net/d3/en/class/barbarian/active/ancient-spear#e+ (Stats)]</td>
-<br>
+<td>59</td>
-Ancient Spear may benefit from the following traits:
+</tr>
-* [[Frenzied Attacks]]: Increases the chance to deal critical strikes and increases critical strike damage when the Barbarian is wielding two weapons.
+</table>
-* [[Thunderous Blows]]: Increases damage done when the Barbarian is wielding a two-handed weapon.
-* [[Beast Hunter]]: Damage bonus against Beasts.
-* [[Demonsbane]]: Damage bonus against Demons.
-* [[Just...Stay...Dead!]]: Damage bonus against Undead.
-* [[Massive Blow]]: You have a chance to hit all nearby targets with a single hit. Requires a two-handed weapon.
-* [[Pig Sticker]]: Increases damage done when the Barbarian is wielding a polearm, spears or when he throws weapons.
-* [[Die by the Sword]]: Increases damage done when the Barbarian is wielding swords.
-* [[Axe Murderer]]: Increases damage done when the Barbarian is wielding axes.
-* [[Brain Basher]]: Increases damage done when the Barbarian is wielding maces.
-'''Note:''' Traits will no doubt be revamped before game release.
+==Synergies==
+The following [[Barbarian passives]] provide a benefit to Ancient Spear, runed or not:
+* [[Bloodthirst]] - The [[Barbarian]] gains life based on the amount of damage he deals always.
+* [[Weapons Master]] - Provides a damage bonus when the [[Barbarian]] is wielding a [[sword]] or [[dagger]].
+* [[Berserker Rage]] - Inflicts additional damage while the [[Barbarian]] is at maximum [[Fury]].
+* [[No Escape]] - Increases the damage of Ancient Spear and generates [[Fury]].
+* [[Brawler]] - Increases the [[Barbarian]]'s damage when he is swarmed.
+==Skill Design==
+[[File:Ancient-spear2.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Spear in flight.]]
+Ancient Spear first appeared at [[BlizzCon 2010]].
-==[[Rune|Skill Rune]] Effects==
+The [[skill]] is a ranged attack that spears enemies and pulls them into melee range, where the Barbarian, should he react quickly enough, can chop them to bits.
-Only one is known; the [[runestone]] socketed in the pre-made, PvP [[Battle Arena]] characters at Blizzcon 2010 allowed the spear to skewer multiple targets and pull them both into range. Unfortunately, it's not known if this was the [[Indigo rune]] effect, or if it was the [[Alabaster]] or [[Obsidian]] wildcard rune bonuses.
-[[Crimson]] is assumed to boost the damage of a successful spearing (or perhaps boost the damage of hits landed on a harpooned enemy for some duration?), and [[Golden]] is presumed to lower the [[Fury]] cost of using the skill, though these are not confirmed.
+This skill is highly viable in the [[Battle Arena]] where slippery ranged attacking [[Wizard]]s and [[Witch Doctor]]s are in desperate need of some "Get over here!" as far as the Barbarian is concerned.
+The skill can also be used effectively in [[PvM]], ideally on back row attackers like archers or shaman, who the Barbarian wants to kill but can not reach through their defending [[meat shield]]s. Enemies all the way to the edge of the visible screen can be skewered and pulled in, when targeted accurately.
+{{clear-left}}
 ==Development==
-'''Ancient Spear''' made its first public appearance at [[BlizzCon 2010]], where [[Wyatt Cheng]] briefly discussed its development <ref>[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/diablo-3-gameplay-panel-transcript/P2/ Diablo 3 Gameplay Panel Transcript] - Incgamers 23/10/10</ref>:
+'''Ancient Spear''' made its first public appearance at [[BlizzCon 2010]], where [[Wyatt Cheng]] briefly discussed its development:<ref>[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/diablo-3-gameplay-panel-transcript/P2/ Diablo 3 Gameplay Panel Transcript] — Incgamers 23rd Oct 2010</ref>
+<blue>We knew that he needed a ranged attack so here is an example of Ancient Spear. We don't want to turn the Barbarian into a ranged class so this is something that feels very appropriate for him. We want to sell the theme that he's strong, he's tough, he's melee so we had to come up with something that felt appropriate for that.</blue>
+[[Flux]] found it difficult to use in the [[Battle Arena]]:[http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/hands-on-from-blizzcon-mega-pvp-arena-report/]
+<blockquote>''...Ancient Harpoon for ranged attacks (though I never actually saw this successfully used, since hitting moving targets was tough)...</blockquote>
-<blockquote>''We knew that he needed a ranged attack so here is an example of Ancient Spear. We don't want to turn the Barbarian into a ranged class so this is something that feels very appropriate for him. We want to sell the theme that he's strong, he's tough, he's melee so we had to come up with something that felt appropriate for that.</blockquote>
+He did, however, suggest that it could be useful against Wizards who rely too much on [[Disintegrate]].
+Skill tiers were removed for the [[July 2011 Press Event]], allowing skills to unlock steadily from levels 1 to 30. Consequently, all skill levels were adjusted and Ancient Spear became a level 21 skill.
+===Beta===
+{{Beta skill notes}}
+Ancient Spear was moved to level 22 for the beta. With the Patch 13 changes, it was classified as a Might skill and moved to level 28. For [[Beta Patch 14]], it was dropped down to level 9, making it available in the beta.
 <!--
 ==Trivia==
-Fun facts. If you add a trivia fact, also add the it to the Category:Trivia.
+''Hide this section unless there really is some trivia about the skill. Add the skill to the [[:Category:Easter Eggs|Easter Eggs]] category as well if the article contains Easter Egg information.''
 -->
 ==Media==
+Ancient Spear can be seen in action on video here:
+* [[Gameplay: Blizzcon 2010]] (in the [[Arena]])
+* [[Video: Blizzcon 2010 Rune Effects]]
+* [[Skill Animations Videos#Barbarian Video|Video: August 2011 Barbarian Skill Animations]]
 You can find pictures in the Diablo III screenshot and picture gallery:
 * [http://diablo.incgamers.com/gallery/ Diablo III screenshots and pictures]
@@ Line 101: / Line 141: @@
-<!--
-==Related Links==
-List any links that would be useful for further reading on this particular skill. Try to avoid double links with the "References" section below.
--->
 ==References==
-<references/>
+<span style="font-size: 10px;"><references/></span>
 * [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/hands-on-from-blizzcon-mega-pvp-arena-report/ BlizzCon 2010 PvP Hands-on Report]
+* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/15-more-minutes-of-arena-ninja-cam-from-blizzcon/ 15 More Minutes of Arena Ninja-Cam from BlizzCon] — Incgamers 10th Jan 2011
+* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7960229#post7960229 Zediono's translation of JudgeHype's pre-beta report] — IncGamers 1st Aug 2011
+* [http://us.battle.net/d3/en/class/barbarian/active/ Barbarian Active Skills] — Blizzard's Official Diablo III Site
+{{Skill navbox Diablo III|Barbarian|might}}
-{{Slave navbox Diablo III|D3_Barbarian}}
+[[category:Barbarian skills]]
+[[category:Active skills]]

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