So I've gotten to A3 NM on my HC Paladin and I'm hitting some walls. Meph is just nigh impossible, almost 1 shots me.

Not at home so not able to grab all info but from what I can recall off the top of my head...

Helm - Random 37 Def Nadir
Shield - Spirit Shield
Weapon - Spirit Broad Sword
Armor - Low Def (72?) Stealth
Boots - Rares with some Fire Res
Rings - 1x Nagel - 1x MF/Res Ring
Amulet - Crafted FCR/Mana/Res
Belt - Goldwrap
Gloves - Frostburn

Stats

Hammer Damage - ~2k
Def - ~300
Life: ~1,100
FCR - 78

I need to guidance on what I should farm/focus on getting equipment wise to beef up. Not 100% on what all can drop LK/Andy wise that I need to focus on.

Thanks! Trying to keep this guy alive and I'm new to HC and I haven't really played a character from start to finish in the last like... 20 years

should be easy with this gear, maybe get some more levels

what level are u at?

I think I ended at 52

very small level

Alright so I'll just go back to A2 or something that's easier to run and gain some levels, beef up a little.

But I would still like to hear some goal items for an Hdin for "Mid Gear" vs "End Gear" as I'm fairly new to the building of a character from ground up

VMagi is an obvious one (I assume until Enigma)

Nadir is not a good helm. 3x topaz helm over that thing. Make a Lore for more dmg and res if you need it.

Paladins are typically great on resistances, so stealth should be OK until you find a VMagi. But Smoke is always a good option if you need res.

NM Meph can drop Hoz but you really don’t need that. I’d farm Meph and Shenk (Baal if you can) for exp, vmagi, ravenfrost, tals, rock stopper, stealskull helm (merc) lem (merc treachery), peasant helm or Lore, boots if you need them, 25+ all res spirit base, +skill ammy.

But honestly, if you have dual spirits you should be in good shape. Need to have an insight merc that can stay alive and get some levels. Levels = more dmg in NM.