Best Diablo 4 Classes for Leveling Fast

Diablo 4 Class Tier List: Builds and Ranks for Leveling Speed

Do you want to hit max level ASAP? You’ve come to the right place. This tier list will cover the best Diablo 4 classes in terms of how fast get through leveling.

If you’re looking for the best overall builds in general, check out our main Diablo 4 tier list instead.

Since this list is based on the beta playtest experiences of our experts, be sure to check back again after the official release date for updated rankings.

Click below to jump to a topic:

• Pre-Release Date Disclaimers
• Methodology
• Rogue
• Sorcerer
• Necromancer
• Barbarian
• Druid

Pre-Release Date Disclaimers

Before we get to our rankings, keep these pre-release disclaimers in mind!

1. This tier list is highly speculative and will inevitably change when the game launches.
2. Although all three of our contributing experts are highly experienced Diablo players, they have had limited D4 beta access and time with each build.
3. We encourage you to join in on the fun, feel free to engage with us in discussion and predictions in the comments. We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Methodology

Before we get to our rankings, here’s a breakdown of how we’re judging the leveling builds.

S Tier builds are the most potent, easily handling content at much higher levels. These builds excel in solo play and make leveling up a breeze.

A Tier builds provide a well-balanced and relatively painless leveling experience. They may not be as powerful as S Tier builds, but they still offer a smooth journey through the game.

B Tier builds may encounter early difficulties due to inherent weaknesses or gear dependence. They’re not the top choice for leveling, but with determination and the right approach, they can still be viable options.

#1: Twisting Blades Rogue (S-tier)

[See Rogue leveling guide]

Twisting Blades is the backbone of this build, providing significant AOE damage for a moderate cost.

The cool-down reduction provided by TB will allow you to spam Concealment for Stealth, guaranteed crit, and energy regeneration.

Overall, its strengths are:

• High damage output
• Excellent mobility and evasion capabilities
• Stealth mechanics for strategic gameplay
• Can specialize in either ranged or melee combat

Meanwhile, its weaknesses are:

• Squishier compared to other classes
• Can struggle with large groups of enemies
• Reliant on timing and positioning for optimal damage

#2: Lightning Sorcerer (S-tier)

[See Sorcerer leveling guide]

This build pushes through content quickly with the Sorc’s Lightning-based abilities and by utilizes Crackling Energy to do large AOE bursts while keeping up primary resources (Mana). Its execution is rather simple due to how easily Chain Lightning works – you’re usually able to deliver large bursts of damage while also hitting most units on the field.

I like this build because the build itself contains a mini game of collecting Crackling Energy that your spells create in order to deal additional damage and gain additional mana, leading to a positive and enjoyable gameplay loop.

In terms of upsides, the build has:

• Powerful elemental magic abilities
• High area-of-effect damage potential
  Can control the battlefield with crowd control spells
• Access to teleportation skills for mobility

It does have its downsides though:

• Relatively low survivability
• Can be mana-intensive, requiring resource management
• May struggle in close-quarters combat

#3 Blood Surge Necromancer (S-tier)

[See Necromancer leveling guide]

The Necromancer is one of the best early game classes in Diablo 4 so it’s definitely a contender if you’re looking to level quickly.

We’ll be using Blood Surge as a core skill, exploding any extra corpses we get with Corpse Explosion, and rely on Minions that are incredibly overpowered early game.

The build’s major pros are:

• Strong minion-summoning capabilities
• Big base damage early game
• Versatile playstyle options (pets, ranged, or melee)
• Ability to use corpses for extra damage and to resummon pets

Along with some cons you should keep in mind:

• Minion AI can sometimes be problematic
• Low mobility

#4: Upheaval Barbarian (A-tier)

[See Barbarian leveling guide]

This build focuses on high burst damage while remaining mobile and able to quickly move from target to target with Lunging Strike and Upheaval.

The Furious Upheaval rune makes your next Upheaval do bonus damage while you Charge, Leap, and Lunge your way around the map before bursting mobs down with a single Upheaval (with plenty of battle cries along the way).

Use this build if you’re looking for:

• Gap closer melee abilities
• High survivability due to health regeneration and resistances
• Big burst damage
• Access to a wide range of weapons

But be aware of:

• Limited ranged combat options
• Can struggle against magic-based enemies
• Reliant on gear for optimal performance

#5: Tornado Druid (B-tier)

[See Druid leveling guide]

Druid has had a rough showing in the early game, but use this build to level as quickly as you can with the class.

Maximize Storm Strike to generate Spirit, apply vulnerability, and get a Damage Reduction of 25% for 3 seconds. Tornado Will is another go-to core skill.

Although it doesn’t level as fast as other classes, the Druid does enjoy:

• Unique shape-shifting abilities for versatile gameplay
• Strong nature-based spells and summoning abilities
• Solid balance of damage, survivability, and crowd control
• Can adapt to various combat situations

However, be ready to deal with:

• Frequent switching between forms for optimal play
• Can be complex to master all aspects of the class
• Reliant on cooldown management for seamless shape-shifting