
Thorns Damage in Diablo 4 – Reflect Damage Back to Your Enemy
With so many stats to keep track of in Diablo 4, getting overwhelmed is pretty much inevitable. Some of these stats are self-explanatory, while others just sound weird. To all the new players, hearing about Thorns has probably caused some confusion.
So, in Diablo 4 what are Thorns? They are one of the many stats that could have a major effect depending on how you choose to utilize them. The effects of Thorns are subtle, but they also provide fully automatic, free damage that can really help in clutch-early-game grinding situations. Here on esports guides, we will tell you everything you need to know about Diablo 4 Thorns.
Diablo 4 Thorns Explained
Thorns are one of the most harmful stat attributes, along with one of the most offensive or attacking stats in Diablo 4. Thorns are a buff (affix) on some items causing them to inflict damage on attackers each time you are hit with a direct attack.
In other words, Thorns refer to a player’s ability to deal damage back to their enemies when they are hit. Every time you’re hit by the enemy, thorns will automatically reflect a % back at them.

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Checking Thorn Stats
To check the amount of Thorns your character has, simply open your inventory in Diablo 4. You can do this by pressing I on the keyboard. Under your character, select Material & Stats. Then scroll down, and you will see Thorns in the Offensive stats list all the way at the bottom.
How to Use Thorns
The best way to utilize Thorns is to use them with high-health, melee-oriented classes, like the Druid and Barbarian. Other classes can also use Thorns, but the effectiveness of them will be determined by the amount of damage you receive. Thorn damage is calculated by the thorns count, which you can see in the menu of your character, then multiplied by the respective stat. That said, the damage is multiplied based on each class’s different primary stat. Here is each class’s primary stat:
- Druid – Willpower
- Barbarian – Strength
- Sorcerer – Intelligence
- Rogue – Dexterity
- Necromancer – Intelligence
Since the Barbarian and Druid have the highest surviveability rate in melee combat, they are the best classes to utilize thorns. They are more likely to survive in the most dangerous areas, like the Nightmare Dungeons. The easiest way to use Thorns is to fight in the center of your enemies. This way, you will be able to damage all the enemies simultaneously with your and their attacks.
Another great class choice might be the Necromancer. This is because while the Druid and Barbarian builds have the highest HP, the Necromancer comes with a minion army with its own Thorn stats.
When it comes to damage potential, Thorns are affected by the skill damage modifier of Intelligence. This means that even a Sorcerer could be a good choice since their main stat is Intelligence.
How to Increase Diablo 4 Thorns Damage
There are different ways you can increase Diablo 4 Thorns damage. It really all depends on the Diablo 4 class you are playing, so that is the first thing to consider. However, you should also keep in mind your Gear and Gems.
- Gear – armor in Diablo 4 will have the Thorn stat. Since affixes on items are mostly random, check out their stats before you decide to salvage or sell gear.
- Gems – the only Gem in the game is Emerald. You can add it to your armor to gain Thorns. The quality of the Emerald will affect the amount of Thorns you get (crude, flawless, chipped… etc.).

@ The Nerd Stash
Simply put, Thorns is a great option when used on classes where you are already prioritizing the stat that boosts the ability. The higher your stat points are, the higher your Skill damage is, more or less. Thorns make it easier to level your character in Diablo 4 or if you are constantly surrounded by enemies. Thorns are not the best passive in Diablo 4, but it can definitely come in clutch when needed.
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