Paladin Builds

Paladin Builds

The Paladin is one of the most versatile and powerful classes in Diablo 2 Resurrected, excelling in both offensive and defensive capabilities. This guide covers the best Paladin builds to help you conquer Sanctuary, whether you're a newcomer or a veteran looking to optimize your gameplay.

 

1. Overview of the Paladin Class

The Paladin is a holy warrior, proficient in melee combat and blessed with auras that provide both self-enhancement and group support. The primary attributes to focus on are Strength for equipping gear, Dexterity for block chance and attack rating, Vitality for health, and minimal Energy as Paladins typically don't rely heavily on mana.

 

2. Key Builds for the Paladin

2.1. Hammerdin

Overview: The Hammerdin is the most popular and powerful Paladin build, known for its high damage output and ability to clear large groups of enemies quickly.

  • Skills:
    • Blessed Hammer: Main damage skill.
    • Vigor: Increases Blessed Hammer damage and provides faster run/walk.
    • Concentration: Main aura to boost Blessed Hammer damage.
    • Blessed Aim: Synergy for Blessed Hammer.
    • Holy Shield: Increases defense and block chance.
  • Attributes:
    • Strength: Enough to wear gear.
    • Dexterity: Enough for max block.
    • Vitality: Rest of the points.
    • Energy: Minimal.

 

2.2. Zealot

Overview: The Zealot is a melee-focused pala build that excels in single-target damage with high attack speed and survivability.

  • Skills:
    • Zeal: Main attack skill.
    • Fanaticism: Main aura to boost attack speed and damage.
    • Sacrifice: Synergy for Zeal.
    • Holy Shield: Increases defense and block chance.
    • Resist Fire, Cold, Lightning: Passive resistances and synergy for Vengeance.
  • Attributes:
    • Strength: Enough to wear gear.
    • Dexterity: Enough for max block.
    • Vitality: Rest of the points.
    • Energy: Minimal.
  • Gear:
    • Weapon: Grief
    • Shield: Exile or Herald of Zakarum
    • Armor: Fortitude
    • Helm: Guillaume's Face
    • Amulet: Highlord’s Wrath
    • Rings: Raven Frost and a dual leech ring
    • Belt: Verdungo’s Hearty Cord
    • Boots: Gore Rider
    • Gloves: Dracul’s Grasp

 

2.3. Smiter

Overview: The Smiter is a specialized pala build for boss killing and Uber runs, utilizing the Smite skill's unmissable attack and high damage output.

  • Skills:
    • Smite: Main attack skill.
    • Holy Shield: Increases Smite damage, defense, and block chance.
    • Fanaticism: Main aura to boost attack speed and damage.
    • Defiance: Synergy for Holy Shield.
    • Resist Lightning: Boost for Uber Tristram.
  • Attributes:
    • Strength: Enough to wear gear.
    • Dexterity: Enough for max block.
    • Vitality: Rest of the points.
    • Energy: Minimal.

 

2.4. Auradin

Overview: The Auradin uses the elemental damage from auras to deal significant damage to enemies, often focusing on Holy Shock and Holy Fire.

  • Skills:
    • Holy Shock: Main aura for lightning damage.
    • Holy Fire: Secondary aura for fire damage.
    • Resist Lightning and Resist Fire: Boosts damage for respective auras.
    • Conviction: Lowers enemy resistances.
    • Holy Shield: Increases defense and block chance.
  • Attributes:
    • Strength: Enough to wear gear.
    • Dexterity: Enough for max block.
    • Vitality: Rest of the points.
    • Energy: Minimal.
  • Gear:
    • Weapon: Dream in a Phase Blade or Hand of Justice
    • Shield: Dream in a Paladin Shield
    • Armor: Dragon
    • Helm: Dream
    • Amulet: Mara's Kaleidoscope
    • Rings: Raven Frost and a dual leech ring
    • Belt: Arachnid Mesh
    • Boots: Gore Rider or Sandstorm Trek
    • Gloves: Dracul's Grasp or Magefist

 

3. Leveling Tips

3.1. Early Levels (1-30)

  • Use Holy Fire for early leveling combined with Zeal.
  • Equip items with +skills and elemental damage.
  • Focus on increasing Vitality for survivability.

 

3.2. Mid Levels (30-60)

  • Transition to Blessed Hammer if aiming for a Hammerdin build.
  • Use Vigor and Concentration auras.
  • Equip gear with +skills and mana regeneration.

 

3.3. High Levels (60+)

  • Finalize your build's core skills.
  • Focus on acquiring endgame gear through trading and farming.
  • Participate in Hell difficulty content to maximize experience gains and gear upgrades.

 

4. Conclusion

Choosing the right Paladin build depends on your playstyle and goals in Diablo 2 Resurrected. Whether you prefer the powerful magic of a Hammerdin, the swift melee strikes of a Zealot, the boss-killing prowess of a Smiter, or the elemental damage of an Auradin, this guide provides the foundation to optimize your Paladin Gear for success in Sanctuary. Adapt and experiment with your items and skill allocations to find the perfect balance for your adventures.

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