Dream Paladin Guide

The Dream Paladin (Dreamer) is an extremely powerful lightning-based build that uses dual Dream runewords to achieve high-level Holy Shock aura, delivering devastating lightning damage with every attack and creating lightning novas on striking. Dream runewords provide Holy Shock aura levels while Zeal or other attack skills trigger the lightning effects. This elite build excels at fast clearing and boss killing, offering an "electric crusader" playstyle with incredible lightning damage, chain lightning effects, and the ability to shock entire screens of enemies with each attack sequence.

First thing to do is allocate 1 point in the following Skills: Salvation, Resist Fire, Resist Cold, Resist Lightning, Meditation, Redemption, Cleansing, Vigor, Might, Prayer, Defiance, Holy Bolt, Blessed Aim, Smite, Blessed Hammer, Concentration, Sacrifice, Vengeance, Conversion, Holy Wrath, Sanctuary, Fist of the Heavens, Charge, and Blessed Recovery. After this max out the following Skills: Holy Shock, Zeal, Resist Lightning, Salvation. With your extra points, max out Holy Shield for defense and blocking, then put remaining points into Fanaticism for additional attack speed and damage.

When it comes to your Attributes, start with acquiring a Hellfire Torch and an Annihilus Charm. Put those in your inventory and then add Strength, enough to wear your gear and meet Dream runeword requirements. Add Dexterity for Max Block if using Holy Shield, otherwise moderate investment. Energy is not necessary with proper gear and lightning leech effects, the rest of your points should go into Vitality for maximum survivability during aggressive lightning-based combat.

Best Weapon choices include Grief Runeword in a Phase Blade for massive damage bonus and Ignore Target Defense to complement lightning damage, or Last Wish Runeword for Life Tap proc and Fade aura for survivability. Crescent Moon Runeword provides -35% Enemy Lightning Resist and Chain Lightning procs. Essential equipment requires Dream Runeword (Io + Jah + Pul) in both helmet and shield slots for Level 12-15 Holy Shock Aura each, combining to Level 27-30 Holy Shock total. When it comes to your Armor, Enigma Runeword in a Mage Plate base is Best in Slot for +2 Skills and Teleport utility for positioning. Chains of Honor Runeword provides +2 Skills and excellent resistances. Fortitude Runeword offers 300% Enhanced Damage for physical attack component. Helmet slot is occupied by Dream Runeword in bases like Bone Visage or Dream for the essential Holy Shock aura. For Gloves, Laying of Hands provides 20% Attack Speed and 350% Damage to Demons, or Dracul's Grasp for Life Tap proc and Life Leech. For the Belt, Thundergod's Vigor is excellent for lightning absorb and lightning damage synergy, or String of Ears for Damage Reduction and Life Leech. When it comes to Boots, Sandstorm Trek for Faster Hit Recovery and poison resist, or War Traveler for Magic Find and strength/vitality bonuses. Rings, Bul-Kathos' Wedding Band provides +1 Skills and Life Leech, pair with Stone of Jordan for +1 Skills and mana or Wisp Projector for lightning absorb. Amulet you can opt for Mara's Kaleidoscope for +2 Skills and resistances, Highlord's Wrath for Deadly Strike and Attack Speed, or a rare amulet with +2 Paladin Skills and lightning damage.

For your inventory, focus on Paladin Skill Charms with +Combat Skills and life bonuses to maximize Holy Shock effectiveness. Small Charms with lightning damage and life combinations enhance the lightning effects. Lightning damage Small Charms stack with Holy Shock aura damage. Life and Resistance Small Charms provide survivability for aggressive combat. Max damage Small Charms improve physical attack component. Gheeds Fortune for Magic Find and reduced vendor prices.

Mercenary wise, an Act 2 Nightmare Offensive mercenary with Might Aura amplifies your physical attack damage to complement lightning effects. For Weapon, Infinity Runeword in a Giant Thresher base is Best in Slot for Conviction Aura that reduces enemy lightning resistance dramatically, making lightning damage devastating. Helmet options include Vampire Gaze for Damage Reduction and Life Leech, or Andariel's Visage for Attack Speed and Strength. Armor you want Fortitude Runeword in an Ethereal Sacred Armor base for maximum damage support, or Treachery Runeword for Attack Speed and Fade proc to help mercenary survive while you deliver rapid lightning-enhanced attacks across the battlefield.