Creating a powerful Diablo 2 Resurrected (D2R) Zealot build without relying on ultra-rare items is a challenge that many players face, especially during the early to mid-ladder play. The Zealot, a Paladin build focused on the Zeal skill, is known for its fast attack speed and ability to deal with multiple enemies at once. This guide will provide you with strategies to build a formidable Zealot using accessible gear and effective tactics.
Understanding the Zealot
The Zealot is a melee combat specialist, utilizing the Zeal skill to strike enemies rapidly. The build's strength lies in its simplicity and the Paladin's natural tackiness. To maximize the Zealot's potential, you'll need to focus on gear that enhances physical damage, attack speed, and survivability.
Skill Allocation
The core of the Zealot's skill tree is the Zeal skill itself and its synergies. Allocate points as follows:
• Zeal: This is your primary attack. Maximize this skill to increase attack rating and number of hits.
• Fanaticism: This aura boosts your attack speed and damage, making it essential for the Zealot.
• Sacrifice: As a synergy for Zeal, putting points here increases your damage output.
• Holy Shield: This skill boosts your defense and the chance to block, which is crucial for tanking hits.
Stat Prioritization
For stats, focus on:
• Strength: Enough to wear your gear.
• Dexterity: Enough for max block with Holy Shield.
• Vitality: All remaining points go here for health.
• Energy: Generally, none, as mana leech can sustain your mana pool.
Gear Selection
When it comes to gear, you're looking for D2R items that provide enhanced damage, attack speed, life leech, and resistance. Here are some suggestions:
• Weapon: Look for a fast weapon with enhanced damage. 'Black' Runeword (ThulIoNef) in a flail is a great budget option for its Crushing Blow.
• Shield: 'Rhyme' Runeword (ShaelEth) in a Paladin shield with resistances for Cannot Be Frozen and increased block chance.
• Helm: 'Lore' Runeword (OrtSol) for +1 to all skills and lightning resistance.
• Armor: 'Smoke' Runeword (NefLum) for a significant boost to all resistances.
• Gloves: Look for gloves with Increased Attack Speed (IAS) and life leech.
• Boots: Boots with Faster Hit Recovery (FHR), resistance, and vitality.
• Belt: String of Ears for life leech and damage reduction.
• Amulet: Highlord's Wrath if available, or any amulet with +skills, attack rating, or resistances.
• Rings: Dual leech rings for mana and life sustain, or one Raven Frost for Cannot Be Frozen if not using 'Rhyme'.
Mercenary
A Might aura mercenary from Act 2 can significantly increase your damage. Equip him with gear that provides life leech, resistance, and damage.
Gameplay Strategy
In combat, your strategy is straightforward:
• Activate Fanaticism.
• Use Zeal to attack groups of enemies.
• Keep an eye on your health and mana, using potions when necessary.
• Use Holy Shield before engaging tough opponents for increased defense and block chance.
Farming and Progression
Early on, focus on areas where you can kill quickly and efficiently. The Pit in the Tamoe Highland and the Countess in the Forgotten Tower are excellent starting points. As you progress, move on to areas like the Chaos Sanctuary and Worldstone Keep.
Upgrading Gear
As you acquire more wealth, start upgrading your gear. Look for unique items like Guillaume's Face for Crushing Blow and Deadly Strike. You can also search for Ravenfrost for attack ratings and Cannot Be Frozen. Eventually, aim for high-end Runewords like 'Grief' in a phase blade for unparalleled damage.
Conclusion
Building a powerful Zealot in D2R doesn't require ultra-rare items. With the right strategy and accessible gear, you can create a character capable of tackling the game's challenges. Focus on maximizing your Zeal and Fanaticism, gearing up with smart Runeword choices, and playing to the strengths of the Paladin class. With perseverance and a bit of luck, your Zealot will be a force to be reckoned with in both solo and multiplayer ladder play.
This guide outlines a comprehensive approach to building a Zealot in D2R, focusing on early to mid-ladder play. By following these recommendations, you'll be well on your way to creating a character that can hold its own without the need for the rarest items in the game. Good luck, and may your Zealot become a beacon of light against the darkness of Sanctuary.
