Fist of Heaven Paladin Guide

The Fist of Heaven Paladin (FoH Paladin) is a unique dual-damage build that uses Fist of the Heavens to release seeking holy bolts against undead while creating lightning bolts that damage other enemy types. Fist of the Heavens provides excellent versatility against mixed enemy groups while Conviction aura reduces resistances for both damage types. This distinctive build excels at handling diverse enemy compositions and farming areas with mixed undead and demon populations, offering a "divine lightning" playstyle with seeking projectiles and area lightning damage.

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, Blessed Aim, Smite, Blessed Hammer, Concentration, Holy Shield, Sacrifice, Zeal, Vengeance, Conversion, Holy Wrath, Sanctuary, Charge, and Blessed Recovery. After this max out the following Skills: Fist of the Heavens, Holy Bolt, Blessed Hammer, Conviction. With your extra points, max out Holy Shield for defense and blocking, then put remaining points into Vigor for faster run/walk speed and Salvation for resistances.

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. Add Dexterity to reach Max Block with Holy Shield active if using a shield. Energy can be useful for Fist of Heaven spam, but gear can compensate. The rest of your points should go into Vitality for maximum life and survivability during ranged combat engagements.

Best Weapon choices include Heart of the Oak Runeword in a Flail for +3 All Skills, 40% Faster Cast Rate, and resistances to maximize Fist damage, or Hoto for the 75% Faster Cast Rate breakpoint. White Runeword in a Wand provides +3 Bone Spear which affects Holy Bolt damage as a budget option. Shield wise, Spirit Sacred Targe is Best in Slot for +2 Skills and 35% Faster Cast Rate, or Herald of Zakarum for +2 Paladin Skills and +2 Combat Skills specifically. 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 Fist casts. Skin of the Vipermagi is excellent for +1 Skills and 30% Faster Cast Rate. Chains of Honor provides +2 Skills and resistances. Helmet, Harlequin Crest is ideal for +2 Skills, Life, and Mana for maximum Fist effectiveness, or Griffon's Eye for +1-2 Skills and -15-20% Enemy Lightning Resist. For Gloves, Magefist provides +1 Fire Skills and 20% Faster Cast Rate for Fist casting, or Trang-Oul's Claws for 20% Faster Cast Rate and cold resist. For the Belt, Arachnid Mesh is perfect for +1 Skills and 20% Faster Cast Rate to enhance Fist damage, or Thundergod's Vigor for lightning absorb and lightning damage. When it comes to Boots, War Traveler for Magic Find and strength/vitality bonuses, or Sandstorm Trek for Faster Hit Recovery and poison resist. Rings, Stone of Jordan provides +1 Skills and mana for Fist spam, pair with Bul-Kathos' Wedding Band for +1 Skills and Life Leech. Amulet you can opt for Mara's Kaleidoscope for +2 Skills and resistances, Tal Rasha's Adjudication for +2 Skills and magic find, or a rare amulet with +2 Paladin Skills, Faster Cast Rate, and lightning damage.

For your inventory, focus on Paladin Skill Charms with +Combat Skills and life bonuses to maximize Fist of Heaven effectiveness. Small Charms with 7% Magic Find and resistances or life and resistances for efficient farming. Lightning damage Small Charms enhance the lightning bolt component. Faster Cast Rate Small Charms help reach the 125% FCR breakpoint for optimal casting speed. Gheeds Fortune for Magic Find, Gold Find, and reduced vendor prices.

Mercenary wise, an Act 2 Nightmare Offensive mercenary with Might Aura can amplify the physical component of holy bolts, though many FoH paladins prefer no mercenary to avoid targeting conflicts with Fist mechanics. For Weapon, Insight Runeword in a Thresher base provides Meditation Aura for mana support essential for Fist spam, or Infinity Runeword for Conviction Aura that stacks with your own Conviction. 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 mercenary survivability, or Treachery Runeword for Attack Speed and Fade proc to keep your support mercenary alive during Fist of Heaven casting sessions.