Berserk (skill)

Berserk is an skill in Diablo II.

Lore
''There is a fine line between passion and rage, something the Barbarian warrior knows well. A Barbarian must learn to tread this line while separating one from the other and drawing strength from both. One of the most powerful combat skills a Barbarian can learn is to cross that line into rage, expending the sum of his energy and slaying everything without regard for consequences. When you have slain all of your enemies, what is left to fear?''

Synergies

 * Gives synergy to:
 * Concentrate: (+1% Magic damage per level)
 * Frenzy: (+1% Magic damage per level)
 * Receives synergy from:
 * Howl: +10% Magic damage per level
 * Battle Orders: +10% Magic damage per level



Berserk completely converts all Physical damage of attacks to Magic damage, but it also makes the Barbarian unable to benefit from Life Steal and Mana Steal, even with Life Tap. However, this same trait also makes the Barbarian immune to "Attacker Takes Damage" effects such as Iron Maiden and Thorns, because these only reflect physical damage, not magical.

For a brief period after the blow (duration decreases with skill level and does not stack, only being renewed on a new cast), all sources of defense are removed, even the bonuses coming from Iron Skin and Dexterity. Resistances are not affected. The user can still block if he wields a shield; in such cases fast rate of blocking may come in handy. The combination of the loss of life steal capabilities and defense can make this a dangerous skill to use.

Against Physical Immune foes, this skill is the best weapon in the Barbarian's arsenal, so in Nightmare and Hell difficulties, Berserk may be the skill of choice against particular foes.

Skill Progression
Mana Cost: 4 Converts 100% physical damage to magic