Gain increased Fortify values to help with survivability in Diablo 4. Here's how.

Diablo 4: What is Fortify Stat? Explained

Gain increased Fortify values to help with survivability in Diablo 4. Here's how.

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.

Recommended Videos

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.


GameSkinny is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more
related content
Read Article Top 10 Most Overpowered Characters in Genshin Impact
Splash art of Kadehara Kazuha in Genshin Impact
Read Article Best Centurion Build in Reverse 1999 (Psychubes & Team Comp)
Centurion sitting in a chair
Read Article How to Fish (& Find a Fishing Rod) in No Rest for the Wicked
Burning Ship in No Rest for the Wicked
Read Article How to Craft All Fallout Series Items in Fallout Shelter
The Ghoul arriving at the vault.
Read Article All No Rest for the Wicked Controls for Keyboard & Controller
Odessa in No Rest For The Wicked
Related Content
Read Article Top 10 Most Overpowered Characters in Genshin Impact
Splash art of Kadehara Kazuha in Genshin Impact
Read Article Best Centurion Build in Reverse 1999 (Psychubes & Team Comp)
Centurion sitting in a chair
Read Article How to Fish (& Find a Fishing Rod) in No Rest for the Wicked
Burning Ship in No Rest for the Wicked
Read Article How to Craft All Fallout Series Items in Fallout Shelter
The Ghoul arriving at the vault.
Read Article All No Rest for the Wicked Controls for Keyboard & Controller
Odessa in No Rest For The Wicked
Author
Jason Rodriguez
Jason Rodriguez is a game reviewer and guides writer from the Philippines. With around 5,000 published articles, he's freelanced for numerous outlets, including GameSkinny, GameSpot, Polygon, IGN, PCGamesN, PC Invasion, and more.