Avenger Paladin Build

The Avenger uses Vengeance to defeat his enemies through four different types of damage: Physical, Fire, Cold, and Lightning. Thanks to Conviction, the Avenger should never run into a monster he cannot fight, though he is much better against isolated foes than large groups.

• 1 point to all prerequisites

• 20 points to Vengeance — Main damage skill, required

• 1 points to Holy Shield — Great to maximise chance to block and faster block frames, required

• 20 points to Conviction — Main damage support aura, required

• Max out the following synergies in whatever order you prefer. Resist Lightning would be a solid first choice.

• 20 points to Resist Fire — Synergy for Vengeance and increases Maximum Fire Resistance, required

• 20 points to Resist Cold — Synergy for Vengeance and increases Maximum Cold Resistance, required

• 20 points to Resist Lightning — Synergy for Vengeance and increases Maximum Lightning Resistance, required

• 1+ points to Salvation — Synergy to max out last as it does not give as much damage as the 3 other synergies

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

How much Strength Does a Avenger Need?

Enough Strength for gear — 138 if using a Vortex Shield. If choosing to use another shield with lower Strength requirements such as Herald of Zakarum, then 103 Strength for an Archon Plate is most likely necessary. This number always changes based on the gear you are using though so make sure to always double check the Strength requirements of each piece of gear you have as well as how much Strength each piece will provide once equipped.

How much Dexterity Does a Avenger Need?

Enough for max block — Between 130 and 170 Dexterity total is usually enough to reach the 75% maximum chance to block. For a typical Paladin wearing the Herald of Zakarum and using a fairly high level Holy Shield, 130 Dexterity should be enough. Always check your Character Sheet however, where you can track your current chance to block as you allocate Dexterity.

How much Vitality Does a Avenger Need?

Everything else into Vitality — 250+ Vitality. Every excess attribute point should be allocated to Vitality, as long as you can meet the Strength and Dexterity requirements of your items by the time you wish to equip them, as well as the 75% maximum chance to block.

How much Energy Does a Avenger Need?

Nothing — allocating stat points to Energy in a final build is universally considered sub-par for almost every character 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 your overall damage as well as that of your Mercenary. You also hire an Act 1 Cold Rogue Mercenary with Faith (to provide you with Fanaticism) as its weapon.

• Weapon (Act 1 Rogue): Faith Diamond Bow or Great Bow

• Weapon (Act 2 Desert Guard): Ethereal Insight

• Body Armor: Ethereal Fortitude

• Helm: Andariel's Visage socketed with a Ral Rune