Introductory builds

Cannoneer (Engineer)

Pretty much a slower version of Outlander, but capable of soaking a lot more damage, you get a Cannon instead of a Shotgonne, and have a switch weapon for bashing, if it comes to that. Most of the points go into Damage, and Defense, nothing fancy, get the job done, expediently. Basically trying to think like an Engineer, not really all that into combat, so avoid it, or finish it quick when you can't, then get back to work.

Actives: Spiderbots. Mwu, Ha, Ha. Remember what I said about avoiding combat? These things are Nasty! AoE DoT, shoot anything that makes it through, but spam an army of these critters proportionate to the opposition. Blast Cannon for sniping, especially from high ground. Fusilade is useful for indirect fire over cover, but I didn't invest in it much, because I only use it when I'm in no danger, because they can't get to me. Other than that, depend on your Cannon's Knockback to avoid even needing to pull your wrench. (Or can-opener, I prefer Halberds, and the like.) Don't be afraid to use a Staff, if it happens to be dripping 2, or more flavors of Elemental damage, but this's the backup. Whatever you find to swing, I paired it with Onslaught, and switch to Gunbot for boss fights, mostly.

Passives: Bulwark, so I don't have to spend stat points on Vitality. Aegis of Fate, the idea is Active Offense, Passive Defense, so you don't have to cast shield spells.

Gear: Best Cannon, and 2hander you can find. Stress Damage, Slottability, and Knockback for the former, Drain Health is always nice to save on potions. The latter, I like swinging speed more than anything, because if they do get that close, I don't want to wait to hit them. (With the build as described above, you will have occasional skill points left over, so tack on Heavy Lifting as the Last resort. With a Very Fast spear, or staff, and quick ember, it'll beat Claws to the punch, yet still hit like the Hand of God!) REACH!i!

What I didn't do: Healbots, I never run out of Potions, and mostly solo. If it's more your style, no need not to. Flame/Ember hammer, and other melee specific skills. He can defend himself, but this is Artillery, not a wade in swinging slugger. The only PC centered AoE is the jumping ground pounder, because it also comes with mobility.

Fighting Style: Read my signature. Send in the mines, swap to your polearm if you need to drop the Dalek, or a quick reposition from the jump/slam. I use it more for repositioning than offense, but it's nice to have a soft landing, and it interrupts Gargoyle stoops, if you time it right. OTOH, peg away with Blast Cannon until depleted, and use knockback to keep them out of reach.

Use Cover. The beauty of ths whole class is you can send in the mines, and lob over walls without ever exposing yourself. As long as I have Mana, everyone else has to fight. I sit back, smoke a cigar, and pass out the damage from back here. If all goes according to plan, it doesn't always, but you've got enough armor, and fast striking should it come to that. As soon as you have enough juice, leapfrog away, pull the cannon, and bottleneck them if you can. Keep them at bay while you recharge, and send in the mines. Excells as support fire, but also capable of taking down any army single handedly with proper battle tactics. Hence the description "Standoff Engineer." Just because he's a melee class doesn't mean you have to play that way.

Scout(Berserker)

Mind you, that's just the starter class, this is actually right out of Dice&Dossiers' Ranger Handbook. Solo Nomad with unmatched mobility, mostly ranged offense, and don't need nobody. The lack of damage multipliers is made up by being able to play keepaway indefinitely. Also can explore the Salt Plains faster than any of my builds, rush through bottlenecks so you don't get trapped. In other words, this is a Berserker who thinks she's an Outlander. The scary thing is, it works. Only if played right, though, she's at home outside, shooting into the melee'. Inside, she dies, quick.

Actives: Shadow Burst at the first level. This is your healing shield shatterer, and GTFooD card when they start to pile up on you. Available immediately, which is what makes this build. The first mobilizer available to Any class, it's so multifunctional, you want it cued up on both weapons. Gargoyles HATE this one. Wolf Shade is a standoff summon with Healing! Between these two, you don't have to worry as much about Health Potions, Mana is actually better. Savage Rush lets you run clear across the map, and also romp on weenies. Storm Hatchet is your "Glaive". (Actually a Polearm anywhere but here, or Krull.)

Passives: Frenzy Mastery, and Rage Retaliation. Or, none, I saved points for actives that were about to level up soon.

Equipment: I went Crossbow, for maximum range, and the fastest RoF I could find. Drain Mana, once you get the hang of the evasive fighting style, you just cease to be hit, ever. Ranged, AoE, this is not suggested for your first playthrough, but save it for when you can read all enemys' animations, and dodge most of the attacks. Focus less on having a lot of health, and more on healing throughout combat. One of the first two actives should be on hand at all times, and heal on strike is advisable for weapons. In the offhand, a shotty/cannon is alright, focus on Knockback, but I lucked out with a pistol/wand combo! Wear as much Mana as you can carry, and absorb that too, if available. On clothes/trinkets, you want more Ranged damage over anything else, since there are no skills for this. May have to stack embers on weapons that enhance that element (Which is why the pistol/wand combo worked out.) if that turns up.

This is a very advanced play style. Potentially the funnest of the 4 so far on this page if you know how to play her. Suicidal if you don't. Might want to go Pistol/blade opposite the crossbow, and swap out some melee' damage if you can't reliably dodge. I put it all in Strength.

beserker.your abilities are a very potent combination.first get all the levels of shadow burst for fast moving/heal/escape.raze and wolfshade for killing champions and bosses.wolfpack to clear huge groups of enemys.passives:executioner at max and frenzy mastery too.at least 10 levels of rempage.red wolf is good after lvl 50 because of your consecutive criticals.take dual wielding weapons for maximun use of the skills.the spell scrolls tha you can get:devish,and dual wielding.

I think Torchlight 2 is more about having fun, not min/maxing stats. If that's your thing, cool. But don't go insulting other people because they aren't into min/max builds.