Zeal Paladin Guide
The Zeal Paladin (Zealot) is a classic melee build that uses the Zeal skill to deliver rapid-fire weapon attacks in succession while Fanaticism aura provides massive attack speed and damage bonuses. Zeal attacks multiple times per sequence while Holy Shield enhances defense and blocking capability. This versatile build excels at sustained melee combat and crowd clearing, offering a "divine warrior" playstyle with relentless weapon attacks, excellent life leech potential, and solid survivability through high block chance and defensive auras.
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, Holy Shield, Sacrifice, Vengeance, Conversion, Holy Wrath, Sanctuary, Fist of the Heavens, Charge, and Blessed Recovery. After this max out the following Skills: Zeal, Fanaticism, Holy Shield, Sacrifice. With your extra points, max out Defiance for additional defense and then put remaining points into Vigor for faster run/walk speed and stamina.
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 life leech, the rest of your points should go into Vitality for maximum life to survive sustained melee combat encounters.
Best Weapon choices include Grief Runeword in a Phase Blade for massive damage bonus and Ignore Target Defense with incredible attack speed, or Death Runeword in a Berserker Axe for Deadly Strike and Glacial Spike proc. Lightsabre unique sword provides ignore target defense and lightning absorb. Last Wish Runeword offers Life Tap proc for incredible sustainability. Shield wise, Herald of Zakarum is Best in Slot for +2 Paladin Skills, +2 Combat Skills, and 30% Faster Hit Recovery, or Spirit Sacred Targe for +2 Skills and 35% Faster Cast Rate for utility spells. When it comes to your Armor, Fortitude Runeword in a Sacred Armor base is Best in Slot for 300% Enhanced Damage that applies to Zeal attacks. Duress Runeword is excellent for Enhanced Damage, Crushing Blow, and Open Wounds. Treachery Runeword provides 45% Attack Speed and Fade proc for survivability. Helmet, Guillaume's Face is ideal for 35% Crushing Blow and 15% Deadly Strike essential for Zeal effectiveness, or Crown of Ages for Damage Reduction and faster hit recovery. For Gloves, Laying of Hands provides 20% Attack Speed and 350% Damage to Demons perfect for Zeal attacks, or Dracul's Grasp for Life Tap proc and Life Leech sustainability. For the Belt, String of Ears is excellent for 15% Damage Reduction and 8% Life Leech crucial for melee survival, or Verdungo's Hearty Cord for 40 Vitality and 15% Damage Reduction. When it comes to Boots, Gore Rider for 15% Crushing Blow and 15% Deadly Strike that enhance Zeal effectiveness, or War Traveler for Magic Find and strength/vitality bonuses. Rings, Raven Frost is essential for Cannot be Frozen and 150-250 Attack Rating, pair with Bul-Kathos' Wedding Band for +1 Skills and 5% Life Leech. Amulet you can opt for Highlord's Wrath for 35% Deadly Strike and 20% Attack Speed perfect for Zeal, Mara's Kaleidoscope for +2 Skills and resistances, or The Cat's Eye for 20% Attack Speed and 30% Faster Run/Walk.
For your inventory, focus on Paladin Skill Charms with +Combat Skills and life bonuses to maximize Zeal effectiveness and Fanaticism damage. Small Charms with Max Damage/Attack Rating/Life combinations enhance Zeal attack damage. Attack Rating Small Charms ensure consistent hits with rapid Zeal attacks. Life and Resistance Small Charms provide survivability for sustained melee combat. Attack Speed Small Charms if available improve Zeal sequence speed. Gheeds Fortune for Magic Find and reduced vendor prices.
Mercenary wise, an Act 2 Nightmare Offensive mercenary with Might Aura stacks with Fanaticism for incredible damage amplification. For Weapon, Pride Runeword in a Great Poleaxe base provides Concentration Aura for massive damage bonus to Zeal attacks, or Infinity Runeword for Conviction Aura and Physical Immunity breaking. 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 to complement your rapid Zeal attacks, or Treachery Runeword for Attack Speed and Fade proc to help mercenary survive while you engage in sustained melee combat.