Today I'm going to introduce a Paladin build in Diablo 4 Lord of Hatred. While not the most mainstream build in the current version, it's definitely the most fun Paladin build.

This build revolves around a skill called Purify. You might ask: Isn't Purify a control skill? It doesn't deal damage! That's right, and that's precisely what makes this build interesting. It transforms this skill, which originally only stuns enemies, into an infinitely reusable attack skill, ultimately dealing considerable damage.

This build not only boasts high damage but also exceptional mobility, allowing you to handle various bosses and challenging endgame content with ease.

Now, let me introduce this build.

Core Mechanics

Upgrading Purify

Let's first understand the core skill of this build - Purify.

In the standard setting of Diablo 4 Lord of Hatred, Purify is a utility skill leaning towards defense and control. Its effect is to "surround enemies with light, briefly stunning and disrupting their movements." The skill description explicitly states "Damage: None" - meaning it deals no damage under normal circumstances.

So, where does the damage come from? The key lies in an upgrade branch of Purify in Paladin skill tree called Absolution. Specifically, Absolution's effect is: Purify no longer stuns enemies, but deals direct damage equal to 380% of weapon damage, while also weakening the enemy and reducing their offensive capabilities.

Therefore, by stacking equipment and various items, this damage can be amplified, making Absolution a terrifying offensive skill.

Cooldown Reduction

However, even the highest damage skill is useless if it requires a long wait before it can be used. Therefore, the second core of this build is to continuously stack "Cooldown Reduction."

Cooldown Reduction is a crucial attribute in Diablo 4 Lord of Hatred, reducing the cooldown time after using abilities and allowing for more frequent spell casting. Therefore, Cooldown Reduction is our top priority in this build.

How do we do this? First, look for gears with affixes that grant 16% Cooldown Reduction on key trinket slots like Rings. Similarly, replace your weapon and shield with gear featuring this affix.

Next, you need to activate Relentless node on Paragon Board in Paladin to further increase your Cooldown Reduction buff.

This allows you to stack Cooldown Reduction buff to its maximum, potentially reaching 75%. If you do reach 75%, the 12-second cooldown of Purify will be significantly reduced.

But that's not enough! To achieve "cooldown-free" rapid-fire, we need to do something else.

When facing hordes of monsters, simply activate Echo in Paladin class Skill Tree. Its effect is that casting Purify triggers a "triple attack." This not only triples the damage but, more importantly, reduces the skill's cooldown by 1 second for each enemy hit. Against groups of monsters, a single cast instantly refreshes the cooldown.

When facing a single boss without a horde of monsters to refresh the cooldown, you'll need Spear of the Heavens skill. It places a Spear of the Heavens at the boss's feet, allowing you to cast Purify on it, which also triggers the cooldown reduction effect.

Gear and everything related

In Diablo 4 Lord of Hatred, high-quality Diablo 4 Uniques, powerful Aspects, and suitable Gems are always key to a successful build. Here are some recommended gear, aspects, and gems for Paladin Purify build as a reference:

Gear

• Heir of Perdition: Provides a very high damage bonus;
• Godslayer Crown: Gathers enemies together, making it easier to eliminate them with Absolution.

Aspects

• Aspect of Glynn's Anvil: Enhances various character abilities.
• Aspect of Watkins' Law: Increases weapon damage.
• Juggernaut's Aspect: Significantly improves survivability.
• Aspect of Rallying Reversal: Grants a buff when controlling an enemy.
• Aspect of Redirected Force: The higher your block rate, the more damage it grants.
• Aspect of Holy Punishment: Increases weapon damage.
• Aspect of Proselytizing: Has a 40% chance to spread 50% to 150% of the damage you deal to a single enemy to other enemies.
• Edgemaster's Aspect: Provides additional benefits when you lose skill resources.

Gems

Once your gear and Aspect are configured, the last step is to choose suitable Gems to socket into your gear.

The most suitable Gem for this build is undoubtedly Ruby. Whether you socket Ruby into your weapon or armor, they will be very effective. The former increases Holy Damage, while the latter increases defense. This is the most suitable gem for Paladin Purify build.

Also Read: Why we skip farming Tormented Bosses in Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred? | Greater Lair Key Farming Guide

Skill Points and Aura Allocation

Besides gear-related aspects, choosing different skill point allocation strategies based on your build and selecting different Auras during combat is also a crucial part of completing a build in Diablo 4 Lord of Hatred. Below are my recommended skill point and Aura allocation schemes.

Skill Points

First, prioritize allocating skill points to the core skill Purify of Paladin Purify build and its upgrade branches, including Cooldown Reduction, Absolution, and Echo.

Excess skill points can be allocated to Falling Star, which increases character mobility and damage. Make sure to unlock Additional Charge, Cooldown Reduction, and Fanatic Descent (this skill weakens enemies).

To improve character survivability and increase damage, allocate skill points to Fortress. Make sure to unlock Barricade, Resolve Damage Bonus, and Unstoppable.

Aura

Prioritize Fanaticism Aura, which increases Critical Strike Chance, Attack Speed, and Critical Strike Damage.

Secondly, choose Holy Light Aura, which can trigger additional damage under certain circumstances.

This concludes the detailed introduction to Paladin Purify build in Diablo 4 Lord of Hatred, including its mechanics, recommended equipment, aspects, gems, skill points, and auras. Whatever you need to know, you can find it directly in this guide.

If you are interested in this build, try it out now!