Diablo 4 gives players many different ways to build their characters. While every class has the same passive effects to pick from, some are much more effective with certain classes.
Thorns reflect damage received back to the enemy that dealt the damage. Despite its name and common belief, this effect also can damage enemies that use ranged attacks. Thorns can be incredibly powerful if used properly, so knowing how it works with your class is key to building the perfect characters of any level.
Updated On August 14th By Joshua Leeds: Thorns are most effective on high-health melee-oriented classes that are found in the thick of battle. This article has been updated to include additional links to making those classes even more effective with thorns.
What Is Thorns?
Thorns are a passive effect that reflects received damage back toward your enemies. This effect does not absorb any damage, as the player receives full damage. Depending on a player's thorn count, a percentage of the received damage will be reflected. Each class scales their thorns damage using a different stat to further multiply the damage. It is possible with high enough stats to go well beyond 100% damage back to the enemy, making this an incredibly powerful passive effect for the right class, especially against Vulnerable enemies. Thorns also pairs well with other bonuses that help negate the damage you receive such as a Barrier.
How To Use Thorns
Thorns are best used in melee-oriented, high-health classes such as the Barbarian and Druid. While other classes can use thorns, its effectiveness will mostly be determined by the amount of damage received. Thorns damage is determined by the thorns count that can be seen in your character menu, multiplied by the respective stat. Gear pieces and some aspects will give additional thorns, with some class abilities also giving thorns. The damage from thorns is multiplied based on different stats for each class, as stated below:
Barbarian: Strength
Druid: Willpower
Necromancer: Intelligence
Sorcerer: Intelligence
Rouge: Dexterity
The Barbarian and Druid are the best classes to utilize thorns, as they have the highest survivability in melee combat, even in dangerous Nightmare Dungeons. To be as effective as possible, fight in the center of as many enemies as possible to damage all enemies with their own attacks on top of your own. Have abilities that regen health or many health potions to counter the damage you're receiving.