Zealer Paladin

Introduction

The Zealer is a durable melee Paladin that uses fast Zeal strikes to pressure bosses and elites. Holy Shield supplies high Block Chance, and Joust keeps map movement quick.

Skill Allocation

How to spend your points

1. Use Zeal as your main attack from the start and put early points into Sacrifice.
2. Once Fanaticism unlocks, make it your main aura and a top priority.
3. Keep building Holy Shield in Hell and on maps so the Paladin can stay inside packs.
4. Raise Joust to about 5 points for smoother movement between packs.
5. Spend leftover points based on your gear and content, keeping utility auras at one point.

Recommended Breakpoints

Stat Allocation

Pros / Cons

Gear

Weapon

Schaefer's Hammer Ethereal with sockets, ED/IAS jewelsDeath Ethereal Berserker Axe

Shield

Head Hunter's Glory provides Amplify DamageAlma Negra more offensive alternativeHerald of Zakarum all-round optionExile more defensive setup

Helm

Guillaume's Face natural choice for Crushing BlowVeil of Steel for Uber setups

Body Armor

Fortitude general purposeShaftstop defensive alternative

Amulet

Highlord's Wrath standard offensive choiceAtma's Scarab without other Amplify Damage source

Gloves

Soul Drainer strong offensive optionDracul's Grasp excellent sustain

Belt

String of Ears physical damage reductionVerdungo's Hearty Cord physical damage reductionNosferatu's Coil when more IAS is needed

Boots

Gore Rider natural choice

Rings

Raven Frost Cannot Be Frozen, Dex, ARWisp Projector general utility

Weapon Swap

Charms

Charms

Hellfire Torch Paladin versionAnnihilusPaladin Combat Skill Grand Charms improve Zeal, Sacrifice, Holy Shield and JoustMaximum Damage / Attack Rating Grand Charms stronger pure physical scaling

Mercenary

Act 5 Might Mercenary

Weapon

Cranium Basher or The Gavel of Pain

Helmet

Vampire Gaze or Andariel's Visage

Armour

Fortitude, Shaftstop, or another high-defense armour

Gloves

Rare/Crafted Gloves with IAS and sustain

Belt

String of Ears or Verdungo's Hearty Cord

Boots

Rare Boots with Resistances and defensive modifiers

Final Thoughts

The Zealer suits players who want a fast, durable melee Paladin with strong boss damage. Without a good weapon, enough Attack Rating, and a source of Amplify Damage, the build becomes sluggish.