Holy Fire Paladin Guide

The Holy Fire Paladin (Holy Fire Zealot) is a fire-based melee build that uses the Holy Fire aura to create a burning aura that continuously damages nearby enemies while Zeal delivers rapid weapon attacks enhanced by fire damage. Holy Fire provides constant area fire damage while Resist Fire synergy amplifies the aura's effectiveness. This distinctive build excels at crowd clearing and melee combat, offering a "flaming crusader" playstyle with continuous fire aura damage, enhanced weapon attacks, and the ability to burn through groups of enemies while maintaining solid survivability.

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

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 weapon requirements. Add Dexterity to reach Max Block with Holy Shield active (75% block chance). Energy is not necessary with proper gear and leech, the rest of your points should go into Vitality for maximum life to survive melee combat while maintaining close proximity for Holy Fire aura effectiveness.

Best Weapon choices include Hand of Justice Runeword in a Phase Blade for Holy Fire aura synergy and Ignore Target Defense, or Grief Runeword for massive damage bonus that complements fire aura damage. The Redeemer unique scepter provides Holy Fire charges and fire damage. Dragon Runeword in weapons provides Holy Fire aura for additional fire damage. Shield wise, Dragon Runeword in a Monarch base is Best in Slot for Level 14 Holy Fire Aura that stacks with your own, or Herald of Zakarum for +2 Paladin Skills and +2 Combat Skills. When it comes to your Armor, Dragon Runeword in a Sacred Armor base provides Level 14 Holy Fire Aura and +2 All Skills for maximum fire aura stacking, or Fortitude Runeword for 300% Enhanced Damage that applies to Zeal attacks. Duress Runeword is excellent for Enhanced Damage and Open Wounds. Helmet, Dragon Runeword in a Bone Visage provides another Level 14 Holy Fire Aura for triple aura stacking, or Harlequin Crest for +2 Skills, Life, and Mana. For Gloves, Laying of Hands provides 20% Attack Speed and 350% Damage to Demons, or Magefist for +1 Fire Skills and 20% Faster Cast Rate for utility spells. For the Belt, String of Ears is excellent for Damage Reduction and Life Leech essential for melee survival, or Goldwrap for 30% Extra Gold and 10% Faster Cast Rate. When it comes to Boots, Infernostride for fire damage and 30% Faster Run/Walk that synergizes with fire theme, or War Traveler for Magic Find and strength/vitality bonuses. Rings, Raven Frost is essential for Cannot be Frozen and Attack Rating, pair with Stone of Jordan for +1 Skills and mana to boost Holy Fire levels. Amulet you can opt for Mara's Kaleidoscope for +2 Skills and resistances, The Rising Sun for fire absorb and fire damage, or a rare amulet with +2 Paladin Skills, fire damage, and life leech.

For your inventory, focus on Paladin Skill Charms with +Combat Skills and life bonuses to maximize Holy Fire aura effectiveness. Small Charms with fire damage and life combinations enhance both aura and weapon damage. Fire damage Small Charms stack with Holy Fire aura damage. Life and Resistance Small Charms provide survivability for close-range aura combat. Max damage Small Charms improve Zeal attack effectiveness. Gheeds Fortune for Magic Find and reduced vendor prices.

Mercenary wise, an Act 2 Nightmare Offensive mercenary with Might Aura amplifies your Zeal attack damage to complement the Holy Fire aura. For Weapon, Insight Runeword in a Thresher base provides Meditation Aura for mana support, or Pride Runeword for Concentration Aura damage bonus to Zeal attacks. 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 engage enemies in close proximity for maximum Holy Fire aura effectiveness.