For me, the new patch was the new beginning for necro.
My new build (for PvE, solo and group play) is centered around DS; solid survivability alongside (for necro) outstanding DPS.
Armor goes full valkyrie (power, vitality, % crit dmg) with 6 divinity runes, accessories are full celestial, zerker backpack. Vitality provides an extra life force pool boost, high survivability outside DS and precision is not needed, since crit chance outside DS oscillates at around 30%, in DS is + another 50%.
Traits are 30/10/0/0/30
Spite 30: reapers might (life blast gives might); axe training (20% more axe dmg, 20% faster recharge); close to death (20% more dmg against <50% hp)
Curses 10: reapers precision (33% chance for 1% life force on crit)
Soul reaping 30: unyielding blast (life blast pierces and causes vulnerability); whatever; deathly perception (50% higher crit chance in DS)
As weapons, I use Axe/Focus main, Dagger/Dagger 2nd (considering staff). Valkyrie stats. Utilities are 1. Blood is Power 2. Spectral Armor 3. Well of suffering. Healing skill is ofc Consume Conditions. Also, I didn’t find an elite skill that would make a difference, so go with whatever you like.
With good setup (fury, +-15 vulnerability, 20 might stacks) I have seen regular 10k hits from axe #2 burst, without any preparation it goes for around 5,5-6k.
DS #1 is pure awesomeness, as it is basically a 5k piercing auto-attack that gives might and stacks vulnerability. DS #4 is just a 5-7k aoe
Dagger has a good use for quick life force recovery, or for condition cleanse or mass weakness, also has around 4k auto chains (no preparations).
Chains are 1. Blood is power, 2. Reapers touch, 3.Ghastly claws, 4. Pop DS, 5. Own 6. Pop out of DS 7. repeat
All of this is complemented with extremely big life force pool that can be recovered in matter of seconds and 26k HP.
Will post updates if I find something can be done better, feel free to suggest any improvements!
(edited by Exiled.6901)