Diablo 2 Resurrected Paladin Leveling Guide
In this article I will go over the best Paladin build in Diablo 2 Resurrected to use right now, share some D2 Resurrected Paladin leveling tips and provide you with all the information you need to conquer Acts I – V.
Let’s talk Diablo II: Resurrected and Paladin.
Diablo II: Resurrected is a real blast from the past and adds small, yet drastic changes to make this game really enjoyable in 2021. From switching between 2D and 3D graphics, auto-pick up of gold, multiplayer (no cross-platform yet) and enhanced 4K visuals – Diablo II: Resurrected is such a joy to play. I've been playing it since release and let me tell you…It's pure nostalgia.
In this article, I’ll be focusing on one particular character, the Paladin. The Paladin is a warrior of the light and relies on close combat (with access to some ranged abilities) to slay the foes in front of him. He is a great starting character, especially if you are new to the series, or if you are going to play with a group of players. I say this because all players AND their minions will benefit from the Paladins auras. The Paladin has a variety of builds but these 5 are among the most popular. They are:
1)Fist of the Heavens Paladin
2)Smite Paladin
3)Dream/Dream Zealot Paladin
4)Zeal/Zealot Paladin
5)Hammerdin Paladin
The Hammerdin Paladin is, in my opinion, the best build for the Paladin, and also the build I will be focusing on today.
This is what your skill tree should resemble. Slight changes can be made if you wish to be more defensive or if you are joining a party.
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Best Skills for Hammerdin Paladin build
When you level up to certain levels, certain skills will be unlocked. I’m going to tell you which ones to pick early on and which ones not to waste your skill points on later in the game. Keep in mind that the best skills for the Hammerdin Paladin build, and the ones you should therefore focus on, are as follows:
Blessed Hammer
Vigor
Blessed Aim
Concentration
Holy Shield
You should invest your skill points like this:
Level | Skill | Skill detail |
2 | Might | Increases damage done by the party |
3 | Sacrifice | Increased damage at the cost of health |
4-5 | Resist Fire | Increases fire resistance of all party members |
6-10 | Holy Fire | Periodically deals fire damage to nearby enemies |
11 | Smite | Shield bash which does damage and knocks enemies back |
12 | Zeal | Quickly attacks nearby enemies |
13 | Charge | A move which pushes you closer to the enemy and does bash damage |
14-18 | Holy Fire | Periodically deals fire damage to nearby enemies |
19+ | From here on focus skills points into Blessed Hammer, Concentration, Vigor and Blessed Aim. These are the core skills for making the Hammerdin Paladin S-tier.
Focus on maxing out Blessed Hammer first, followed by Concentration, then Vigor and Blessed Aim. I would also suggest adding a point into Holy Shield to increase your defense and block chance. | * Blessed Hammer – A hammer that spirals outwards dealing more damage to the undead.
* Concentration – Reduces chance that your attacks will be interrupted. * Vigor – Increases speed, stamina and stamina recovery for all party members * Blessed Aim – Increases attack rating. |
Best Gear for Hammerdin Paladin build
In Diablo, you will fly through gear. Do not worry about gear early on. More than likely you will find better gear every 5 minutes or so (depending on enemy density in area + scaled difficulty). The moment you find something stronger, equip it and move on. Late game you will want to look for gear that boosts the following:
Resistance
Faster Cast Rate and Faster Hit Recovery
Vitality
Life
Run/walk speed
Since in this article I am covering the Hammerdin Paladin, the below gear is the best gear to grind for.
Head | Harlequin Crest Shako |
Amulet | Mara’s Kaleidoscope |
Torso/chest | Archon Plate / Skin of the Vipermagi |
Gloves | Magefist Light Gauntlets / Chance Guard |
Feet | War Traveler Battle Boots |
Belt | Arachnid Mesh Spiderweb Sash / String of Ears |
Left Hand | Heart of the Oak Flail |
Left Ring | Fortuitous Ring of Fortune |
Right Hand | Herald of Zakarum Zakarum Shield |
Right Ring | Fortuitous Ring of Fortune |
Best Diablo 2 Resurrected Runewords to use for Paladin
Let’s start off with explain what runes and runewords are. They are powerful Diablo 2 Resurrected items that can give a character a huge boost. Runes can be combined to make a runeword. You can repeatedly run the Countess in Act 1 to farm for some of these runes. I always find myself pronouncing runes like Dragonborn Shouts in Skyrim…
Stealth (Tal + Eth) | These can add Faster Cast Rate, Faster Hit Recovery, mana + regeneration, faster run/walk speed and poison resistance. |
Lore (Ort + Sol) | These can boost all skills +1, give you lightning resist and energy. |
Spirit (Tal + Thul + Ort + Amn) | This runeword is possibly one of the most powerful in the game. It can be made into a four-socket sword or shield and will give you: +2 to all skills, Faster Cast Rate, Faster Hit Recovery, Vitality, Mana and a ton of Resistances. |
Insight (Ral + Tir + Tal + Sol) | This can be made into a four-socket stave or polearm and provides all party members with quick mana regeneration. |
Ancient’s Pledge (Ral + Tir + Tal + Sol) | These runes are awarded to you for completing the 2nd quest in Act V. It will provide significant resistance buffs. |
Enigma (Jah + Ith + Ber) | Grants +1 to Teleport skill. Very expensive rune. |
Heart of the Oak (Ko + Vex + Pul + Thul) | +3 to all skills, Faster Hit Recovery and a lot of Resistances. |
Diablo 2 Resurrected Paladin Leveling Tips
If you are like me and like to level up fast, here are some great tips you can utilize in your playthrough. This will work for all classes, not just the Paladin.
When exploring a new or previously visited area, always be on the lookout for an EXP shrine. This will boost your EXP gained up to around 15%.
Don’t farm enemies that are 5 levels or more under you, as this lowers the EXP you receive when killing them.
If you have friends who are higher level, you can join their session (Hell/nightmare difficulty) and they can carry you. This will boost your level tremendously.
Some of the best farming locations in Diablo II: Resurrected
These areas are the best for farming jewelry, charms, high runes, high rarity items and EXP.
Act 1 | The Countess (Forgotten Tower Level 5)
The Pit Andariel (Catacombs Level 4) |
Act 2 | Arcane Sanctuary |
Act 3 | Travincal
Mephisto (Durance of Hate Level 3) |
Act 4 | River of Flame High
Chaos Sanctuary |
Act 5 | Eldritch the Rectifier (Frigid Highland)
Shenk the Overseer (Bloody Foothills) Pindleskin (Nihlathak's Temple) Worldstone Keep / Throne of Destruction |
Closing thoughts:
Although the Paladin is not my favorite, or most picked champion in the Diablo series, he still makes an excellent starting choice for new players. With a variety of builds and ways to play the Paladin, it’s no wonder he is a common pick for new players and players playing in a group. And that’s where the Paladin really shines. Group plays. Whether you are a new player or not, the Paladin still excels in late game play, making solo ’ing Hell difficulty a breeze, provided you have the right skills and gear.
Diablo II Resurrected is available for on Windows, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch.