1. Introduction to Zealers.Pure 49 Zealers are straightforward to make, with no real variance in Skills Placement, or items [unless you have a specific Eth Repl weapon that you need to build (your IAS) around]. This guide will will primarily focus on the staple weapon,
Oath in Small Crescent base, which most players can readily acquire. Zealers (vs All) are not common, noting the inherrent lack of a ranged attack [ compared to say, a V/T ] or AOE damage [ Libby ] which means that Zealers are more often then not trading damage with their opponents. It is for this reason that it is far more difficult to duel vs multiple opponents at a time.
While Zeal was spoken of and used in previous patches it has at this point been relegated to a mere footnote in the history of Diablo 2. The stronger Paladin Builds, Libby & V/T, are cheaper to build (Skillers rather then small charms), more versatile (Ranged Attack, Cannot be blocked, Auto Targeting etc.) and are basically better all round characters with far fewer anti-characters. A Smiter does not require attack rating and auto hits. Thus, Zeal sits at the bottom of the paladin food chain. Having said all that, Zeal CAN work, it HAS good damage, and if you want to try something thats not mainstream, there are worse builds. Zealers have the inherrent quality that all MLD paladins possess - that is : Class specific shields that grant Mass Resistance or Damage [Spirit Shield/Zaka] and a very good 1 point wonder Movement | Attack skill [ Charge ] that does great damage vs everything.
(As the image will eventually break, a perfect Oath is (Approx) 257-406 Damage 1 handed.
Mods: 50ias, 30% CTC Level 30 Bone Spirit, 10 Energy, 15 Magic Absorb)Touching on Charge - it takes skill to be in the right place at the right time, and this fundamental point will really determine your final level of success with this build. It is recommended that you have proficiency with Zealers (or even Smiters) @ HLD prior to stepping down to this @ MLD.
Quoting a HLD Zealer [ Camden ]: ...class disadvantage to most other chars... As such, to win, you must simply outwit and outplay your opponents the majority of the time. Thus, as a forewarning, don't be frustrated if you get your ass kicked a lot... Even though most consider (build) to be... "skilless" ... to play well they (are) no more simple than many other chars. Finally, with [ Shadow ] Bowa's prevalent, you will always be welcome in TvT with the increased Attack Speed and Damage Boost brought by Fanaticism, and the ability to Insta-Kill the opposing Bowa.
2. DR Setup, Resistance SetupYou will have 2 main setups; A Shaftstop Setup and a Peace Setup. Obviously vs Melee char's or characters that use physical attacks (Read: Amazons) you will want as much % Damage Reduction as you can get. Vs all elemental attacks you can swap out DR in favour of additional damage. In TvT you will almost always be wearing the DR setup.
3. Breakpoints.The only real breakpoint that matters is your Attack Speed breakpoint.
[10 speed ]
Oath Small Crescent : With level 23 Fanaticism you need 83% IAS from gear. This is attained by : Oath [ 50ias ], Gloves [ 20ias ] and x1 15ias/30 ed Jewel
[0 speed weapons require 50ias with Level 22 Fanaticism ]
[-10 speed weapons require 40ias with Level 22 Fanaticism ]
This post was edited by ferdia on Mar 5 2018 10:49am