In Diablo 4, the Necromancer class offers players the unique ability to summon powerful minions to aid in combat. Among these, the Golem stands out as a formidable ally, capable of absorbing damage and dealing significant blows to enemies. However, summoning a Golem isn’t immediately available and requires players to meet specific criteria and complete a particular quest.
Reaching Level 25
Before you can summon a Golem, your Necromancer must reach level 25. Progressing to this level involves engaging in various quests, defeating enemies, and accumulating experience points. Once you attain level 25, a priority quest titled “Necromancer: Call of the Underworld” will automatically appear in your quest log.
Initiating the ‘Call of the Underworld’ Quest
To begin this quest, navigate to the Fractured Peaks region, specifically the Western Ways area. Here, you’ll find the Shrine of Rathma. Interacting with this shrine will summon a spectral figure named Maltorius. He will instruct you to collect 12 Unbroken Bones, which are essential for the ritual to summon the Golem.
Collecting Unbroken Bones
Unbroken Bones are dropped by skeleton-type enemies. The Western Ways and Sarkova Pass areas are teeming with these foes, making them ideal hunting grounds. Engage and defeat these skeletons until you’ve gathered the required 12 Unbroken Bones.
Locating the Bitter Cave
With the bones in hand, return to Maltorius. He will then direct you to the Bitter Cave, located southwest of the Shrine of Rathma in the Sallow Riverbanks area. To reach it, descend the nearby cliff and proceed southward until you find the cave entrance.
Completing the Ritual
Inside the Bitter Cave, you’ll encounter the Jar of Souls. Interacting with this artifact will trigger waves of enemies. Defeat these adversaries and collect the glowing green souls they release. Once the jar is filled with the required number of souls, Maltorius will reappear and grant you the power to summon a Golem.
Assigning the Golem Skill
Now that you’ve unlocked the Golem ability, it’s essential to assign it to your skill hotbar to utilize it in combat. Access your skill menu and locate the Golem skill. On PC, you can drag and drop this skill into an available slot on your hotbar. For console players, use the designated button to assign the skill to your preferred slot. Once placed, your Golem will automatically spawn and assist you in battles.
Understanding Golem Types and Upgrades
Diablo 4 offers three distinct Golem types, each with unique abilities and characteristics:
- Bone Golem: Unlocked at level 25, this Golem acts as a tank, taunting enemies to focus their attacks on it.
- Upgrade 1: Each time the Bone Golem takes 20% of its maximum health as damage, it sheds a corpse.
- Upgrade 2: The Bone Golem gains a 10% increase in maximum health, and the amount of Thorns damage it inherits from you increases from 30% to 50%.
- Sacrifice: Opting for this removes the ability to summon a Golem but grants a 10% increase in your attack speed.
- Blood Golem: Available at level 28, this Golem drains life from nearby enemies to heal itself.
- Upgrade 1: The Blood Golem absorbs 15% of the damage you would take.
- Upgrade 2: While healthy, the Blood Golem receives a 25% reduction in damage taken and a 50% increase in damage dealt.
- Sacrifice: Choosing this option increases your maximum life by 10% but removes the ability to summon a Golem.
- Iron Golem: Unlocked at level 32, this Golem delivers powerful slam attacks that can stun enemies.
- Upgrade 1: Every fifth attack by the Iron Golem produces a shockwave, dealing damage to multiple enemies.
- Upgrade 2: The Iron Golem’s slam attack also makes enemies vulnerable for three seconds.
- Sacrifice: This grants a 30% increase in critical strike damage but removes the ability to summon a Golem.
To manage and customize your Golem, access the “Book of the Dead” tab in your character menu. Here, you can select your preferred Golem type, apply upgrades, or choose the sacrifice option for passive bonuses.
Strategic Considerations
Incorporating a Golem into your combat strategy can significantly enhance your Necromancer’s effectiveness. The Bone Golem is ideal for players seeking a durable companion to draw enemy attention, allowing you to cast spells from a safe distance. The Blood Golem offers a balance between offense and defense, sustaining itself while aiding in combat. The Iron Golem excels in dealing damage and controlling crowds with its stun abilities.
Remember, while the Golem is a powerful ally, it occupies a slot on your skill bar. Balancing your available skills and determining which Golem type complements your playstyle is crucial. Additionally, if your Golem falls in battle, it will automatically respawn after a short cooldown, ensuring you’re rarely without this valuable companion.
