Best Untwinked PVM HC Pally?

[sgderek]

Best Untwinked PVM HC Pally?

Hey guys, I just started D2 back up again after about two years. Who can resist?

Anyways, me and a few of my friends are playing hardcore ladder characters. After a couple remakes, I've decided to go with a pally.

Right now he's level 16 with most points into prerequisites, and 5 into zeal. I had originally planned on making a Fanat/Zeal pally.

However, before I start sinking points into skills, I'd like this forum's opinion. What's the most viable pally build out there using gear found throughout the game? Remember I'm playing hardcore so glass cannon builds are out.

I've been torn between Fanat/Zeal, Avenger, and Frostzealer - although I tried a frostzealer the last time I played and wasn't impressed. This forum is always invaluable for my D2 needs, what's your opinion?

 

[ambid]

I think hammerdin would be best option.
You don't need that good items to make it effective. Spirit sword, spirit shield, viper magi and you will be allready doing decent damage.
Biggest advance is that you dont have to be near the mobs to kill them.
You can let your merc do the tanking and stand yourself few steps away spamming hammers.

 

[poroboszcz]

Hammerdin for sure. I play on hc in meteorb sorc/trap ama/hammerdin team untwinked, and we are doing very well. If you decide for hammerdin I think you have to remake cuz this 5 points into zeal are wasted. GL

 

[PhatTrumpet]

The answer is so painfully obvious. I'll assume it's because you're just returning to the game that you don't yet know how horribly overpowered Hammerdins are.

 

[sgderek]

I guess I "know" they're overpowered. I've never played one though.

Do I REALLY need to remake, just because of 5(I guess 6 w/ prereqs) skill points wasted? I'm using zeal right now to leech back life and mana - and with conc it's not doing too badly, either.

 

[Sephfire]

No you don't have to. Nobody's making you.

 

[wakiki]

You don't have to remake, but 6 skill points is quite a bit...

You could go the Frost Zealot route if you don't want to restart. If you don't have a good weapon, the Fanat build will be tough.

 

[sgderek]

Thanks for the input, guys. I'll have to take it into consideration. Of course I just got PKed so it's less of an issue. (Can they PK without returning to town now? I went from "oh sweet this nova sorc is baal running for us" to "FNDSNKJSF".

I might go with a frost zealot for my next build - but I've always found their damage lacking through mid-NM or so.

 

[wakiki]

Yeah, anyone can tppk you with any missile weapon now. They have a program which can make their zon shoot fire arrows at you, them tp to town and hostile you instantly while the fire arrows are approaching you, and kill you instantly. It's more common with druids using tornado and sorcs using ice blast, but it can be done with any sort of missile.

 

[meekzero]

i would choose a hammerdin because the viability of them with or without outstanding gear. although, if it were up to me and gear wasn't a limiting factor i would go zealot because of how much fun they are :laugh:

 

[Socialism]

Not sure if it's the 'best', but the easiest time I had playing untwinked with a paladin was with a frost zealot + might mercenary. Max block is relatively easy with a decent blocking% paladin shield, jamming out a storebought wand with fire/lit dmg for Chaos Sanctuary gets the blood flowing. Quite fun for party play; safe(ish) because everything around you is chilled.

Alternatively. If you're primarily playing with friends who will be using elemental attacks, Avenger = fun fun. I've got some random massive dmg weapons lying around if you're on East HCL. Look for *Glimmer there.

 

[WrongdayJ]

I would agree that a Frost Zealot (or any elemental Zealot), an Avenger, or a Ranger would be an excellent untwinked Pally. They are not gear dependant at all and very safe to play.

 

[Socialism]

I would agree that a Frost Zealot (or any elemental Zealot), an Avenger, or a Ranger would be an excellent untwinked Pally. They are not gear dependant at all and very safe to play.

Except for hunting out those tricky 4os paladin shields with big resists on them + a bunch of perfect diamonds.

 

[WrongdayJ]

Yes, that is true.

I find myself also tirelessly hunting down +skill items as well. Even 4 +skill points makes a pretty big difference.

 

[HCKull]

I like zealers with conviction/fanta aura, zealers with holy shock aura, zealers with conviction aura and dual dreams.

 

[Josiphos]

I like zealers with conviction/fanta aura, zealers with holy shock aura, zealers with conviction aura and dual dreams.

Uhh...dual dreams...he's untwinked.



Avengers are amazing fun in a party...but alone untwinked they are HARD to finish the game with.

Go with one of those if you have a party of friends...oh, and don't join and pub games for rushes or baals...

 

[Quentin]

I would agree that a Frost Zealot (or any elemental Zealot), an Avenger, or a Ranger would be an excellent untwinked Pally. They are not gear dependant at all and very safe to play.

Avenger and Ranger? Can they really untwinked?

ALso, can elemental zealot (Holy Freeze or Holy Shock) solo hell?

 

[Socialism]

Avenger and Ranger? Can they really untwinked?

ALso, can elemental zealot (Holy Freeze or Holy Shock) solo hell?

Of course. In Xpac, everything can go untwinked as long as you're patient enough.

REALISTICALLY, though, nah.