Unlike many other melee characters who have to employ distractions, disabling effects and rely on summoned allies to stay alive in combat, the Zealot is able to stand up to groups of monsters all by himself, protected by his shield and armor which no other character can equal. When dealing with physically immune or tough monsters the Zealot has access to Vengeance for powerful elemental attacks or slowing down a faster enemy.

To recover after such an attack or after an especially gruesome battle, the Zealot can almost instantly heal and replenish his mana by redeeming nearby fallen monsters. When surrounded by a number of enemies and having the need to focus down one single monster in particular, the Zealot can use Sacrifice to kill the target quickly albeit sacrificing his own health in the process. While in large groups of monsters, the skill allows the player to take them on all at once by spreading the attack between up to 5 monsters on the other hand when dealing with a single enemy, Zeal rains down a quick succession of blows on single target, effectively allowing the Paladin to transition from crowd control into rapid killing mode while still using the same skill. Thanks to Zeal and Fanaticism, the Paladin is able to strike several enemies in extremely rapid succession, dishing out punishment left and right, sending his enemies into recovery mode so quickly many of them don’t ever get the chance to retaliate.

Diablo 2 solo paladin builds