Patch 2.0.1 introduced a variety of new affixes, including Area Damage. What is Area Damage? Area Damage is a mechanic that has 20% chance to activate each time an enemy receives damage from your hero. When activated, Area Damage will deal a certain amount of damage to all enemies within 10 yards of the target that triggered it. Pretty simple, right? Well, not always.

Area Damage can be an incredibly fun (and incredibly useful) affix, but it can also be somewhat difficulty to fully understand. If you've ever wanted to learn more about this mechanic, we highly recommend checking out this week's featured guide: Area Damage Explained by Amiar#1992.

About the Guide:

Another week, another Banned of Gamers guide! What's this one about exactly? In the words of its creator:

"Ever since Area Damage (AD) was introduced in PTR in the form of splash damage I've been trying to figure out just exactly how it works. Well, I'm happy to say after some testing I've come to you with some pretty definitive and compelling evidence that Area Damage is one of the best, and most underrated affixes in the game. I'll try my best to explain both, how this affix works, and how it can effectively be implemented to gain the most from it. "

In the guide, Amiar#1992 digs deep into the mechanics of the Area Damage affix and how it can help your hero. He covers a bunch of important details like how much of it you can have, how often it activates, if it can proc other things for you, and even breaks down how much Area Damage is available by armor slot.

Here's a quick look at some of the information you'll find within:

If you've overlooked Area Damage before as a valuable affix, definitely stay awhile and listen read through Area Damage Explained. It may just change your mind!

Why this Guide is Awesome:

• It lets you know why Area Damage is useful and enjoyable.
• It explains how Area Damage behaves in a variety of different situations.
• It breaks down Area Damage availability by armor slot.
• It has a great TL;DR for those of you who don't want look over the math.

Additional Information:

Videos? I love videos! Here's a slowed down video of how Area Damage looks in practice:

Have you been wondering if Area Damage is something you should use? Did this guide help answer any of your questions about Area Damage? Leave us your thoughts in the comment section below, or head over to this thread on the Battle.net forums to share your feedback directly with Amiar.

Found any helpful guides lately or created your own? Then be sure to send them over to grimiku@blizzard.com!