Diablo 4: What is Fortify Stat? Explained

Diablo 4 Fortify is an important mechanic to understand and take advantage of. With numerous different systems at your disposal, there are those that are necessary for survival, such as potions to provide quick healing or defensive abilities. Likewise, there are others that work a bit more passively. Here’s what you need to know about Fortify.

Related: Diablo 4: How to Beat Elias in Capstone Dungeon

How the Fortify Stat Works in Diablo 4

The Diablo 4 Fortify stat or mechanic is akin to an overshield or extra pool of HP. Basically, your character has max life (total) and base life (current). Obviously, losing all your life/HP leads to death. However, there’s Fortify, which is essentially bonus HP on top of what you currently have. Keep in mind that Fortify will drain over time once it’s been procced.

So, how exactly does Fortify work in Diablo 4? Well, that depends on the skills or items you use. If you mouse over certain skills or talents, you’ll notice that some of them have a certain Fortify-related effect.

• Barbarian: The Iron Skin ability creates a barrier that absorbs part of your missing HP. If you pick the Strategic perk, Iron Skin will make a percentage of your base/current life as Fortify. And, if you’re below 50% HP, this percentage is doubled.
• Necromancer: The Hemorrhage basic skill, if you pick the Initiate’s variant, grants a chance to turn part of your base life into Fortify, with an even higher chance to earn a bonus amount.

Screenshot by GameSkinny

Depending on your playstyle or build, you’ll gradually accumulate Fortify value. The goal is for that value to be higher than your base/current life. When this happens, your character gains the Fortified buff, which causes you to take 10% reduced damage.

This is also denoted by a green glow that surrounds your character’s model. Last but not least, Fortify is also directly tied to another combat mechanic: Overpower.

And with that, we’ve explained the Fortify stat so that you can use it to its full potential. Alongside Overpower, it’s an important tool that can keep you alive. To survive even longer in Sanctuary, find solace in our guides hub for Diablo 4.

Featured image via Blizzard.