Hammerdin

Besides its versatile damage type, Blessed Hammer boasts both high damage output and fair area of effect. This combination makes the Hammerdin a very competitive build in virtually all aspects of the game, though never as efficient at any given task as some of the more specialised builds. Still, the unmatched versatility of the Hammerdin has earned it its rightful place as the top build in Diablo 2, a trend that is likely to continue in Diablo 2: Resurrected. Popularity comes at a price however: Paladin items have been historically expensive, so be prepared to trade for Hammerdin items at a premium.

Hammerdin Skills

• 1 point to all prerequisites

• 20 points to Blessed Hammer (primary skill)

• 20 points to Vigor (mobility and synergy for Blessed Hammer)

• 20 points to Blessed Aim (synergy for Blessed Hammer)

• 20 points to Concentration (damage for Blessed Hammer while active)

• 20 points to Holy Shield (defense and block chance)

The following section discusses how many attribute points should be allocated to each of the primary stats.

How much Strength Does a Hammerdin Need?

103 Strength total, or enough to equip your heaviest piece of gear. For a typical Hammerdin, this 103 Strength target allows you to meet the Strength requirement for an Enigma Archon Plate. In practice however, you may only need to reach around 40 base Strength, with your gear providing the remainder of the Strength needed.

Note that allocating any more attribute points to Strength than what is necessary for your gear is superfluous, as the damage of the Hamemerdin does not scale with Strength.

How Much Dexterity Does a Hammerdin Need?

Between 130 and 170 Dexterity total, or enough to reach the 75% maximum chance to block. For a typical Hammerdin wearing the Herald of Zakarum and using a fairly high level Holy Shield, 130 Dexterity should be enough.

Note that the total Dexterity needed to reach a 75% chance to block depends on your character level, gear, and Holy Shield level. To calculate the exact amount of Dexterity needed to maximise the chance to block of your planned Hammerdin, use an online calculator such as this one. To view your current chance to block, hover the Defense field in your character sheet.

Allocating any more attribute points to Dexterity than is necessary to maximise your chance to block is not recommended.

How much Vitality Does a Hammerdin Need?

250+ Vitality. Every excess attribute point should be allocated to Vitality, as long as you can meet the Strength requirements of your items by the time you wish to equip them. Omitting Strength, you can allocate your attribute points to a mix of Vitality and Dexterity while leveling to maximise your survivability. An approximate 5:3 ratio of Vitality to Dexterity should keep both your life and chance to block at a reasonable level until you reach your Dexterity target.

How Much Energy Does a Hammerdin Need?

0 Energy. Allocating stat points to Energy is universally considered sub-par for the Paladin due to the widespread availability of Mana Potions.

You can either hire a Defensive (Holy Freeze) or Offensive (Might) Desert Guard Mercenary in Act 2, Nightmare difficulty, depending on whether you want to slow monsters for added safety or improve the overall damage of your Mercenary.