Diablo 2 Build Guide – Blessed Hammer Paladin Build Guide

Blessed Hammer Paladin Build Introduction

Another D2R Build. This time focus on Paladin, one of the best class in the history of ARPG games. This class is the inspiration for various characters/classes in other RPG Titles. (Templar in Path of Exile for example) Let take a revisit to the most iconic class in Diablo II: Resurrected with this Blessed Hammer build. Yes, it’s the Hammerdin!

Stat

Level 40

Stats	Points	Notes
Strength	~80	Enough to equip your gear/ Runewords
Dexterity	~70	For Maximum block chance.
Vitality	~120	All your remaining points (After Strenght and Dexterity) should go here. This increases your Life and helps with your Survivalbility for this build.
Energy	0	Some points during early Normal may help, but after equipping some gear, try Respect and not putting any points here, as the Mana increment does not help with this build, and the return is pretty bad later on. This is the same for almost all D2R Builds

Level 99

Stats	Points	Notes
Strength	~130	For equipping higher tier Runewords and Armor
Dexterity	~170	To maximize your Block Chance and some Resist.
Vitality	~250	Maximizing your Life is the best investment for almost all builds. This Paladin build does not stray far from the usual path.
Energy	0	Well, you probably got enough gear to bypass the Mana recovery issue at this stage. If not, simply stack up the Mana Potion!

Skills Distribution

Holy Bolt 1 point to unlock Blessed Hammer – Your main skill for this hammerdin build
Blessed Hammer 20 points. Your main skill for this build. Blessed Hammer conjures a holy hammer and start spinning around your character, damaging enemies in it’s path.

Vigor 20 points. Flat damage increase to Blessed Hammer. Provide Speed and Stamina recovery for you.
Blessed Aim 20 points Another Flat damage increase to Blessed Hammer, also provides a buff to Damage.
Concentration 20 points. This prevent interruption when casting Blessed Hammer
Holy Shield 20 points. The skill that make Paladin build tanky.
Might Just 1 point to unlock Concentration and Blessed Aim

Name

Receive Synergy From

Provide Synergy To

Effect

Skill Level Stat

Blessed Hammer

Blessed Aim : +14% Magic damage per level
Vigor : +14% Magic Damage per level
Concentration (hidden): 50 % of efficiency damage increase

Holy Bolt : +50% Magic damage per level

A summoned Hammer spirals outward, damaging enemies. The Undead take additional damage.
Cast Delay: None

Lvl: 1
Mana Cost: 5
Damage: 12-16

Lvl: 20
Mana Cost: 9.7
Damage: 196-200

Name

Receive Synergy From

Provide Synergy To

Effect

Skill Level Stat

Vigor

Blessed Hammer : +14% Magic Damage Per Level
Charge : + 20 % Damage Per Level

No synergies

Increases Speed, Stamina, and Stamina recovery for all party members.
Cast Delay: None

Level: 1
Radius: 10 yards
Walk/Run Speed: 13%
Max Stamina Recovery: 50%
Increased Stamina: 50%

Level: 20
Radius: 48 yards
Walk/Run Speed: 43%
Max Stamina Recovery: 525%
Increased Stamina: 525%

Name

Receive Synergy From

Provide Synergy To

Effect

Skill Level Stat

Blessed Aim

Blessed Hammer : +14% Magic Damage Per Level

No synergies

Increases Attack Rating .
Cast Delay: None

Lvl: 1
Radius (yards): 10.6 yards
Bonus Attack: 75%

Lvl: 20
Radius (yards): 36 yards
Bonus Attack: 360%

Name

Receive Synergy From

Provide Synergy To

Effect

Skill Level Stat

Concentration

No synergies

Reduces the chance that your attacks will be interrupted.
Cast Delay: None

Lvl: 1
Radius: 10.6 yards
Bonus Damage: 60%

Lvl: 20
Radius: 36 yards
Bonus Damage: 345%

Name

Receive Synergy From

Provide Synergy To

Effect

Skill Level Stat

Holy Shield

Defiance : + 15 % Defense per level

No synergies

Magically enhances shield to give defense bonuses.
Cast Delay: None

Lvl: 1
Duration: 30 sec.
Defense: 25%
Successful Blocking: 14%
Smite Damage: 3-6

Lvl: 20
Duration: 505 sec.
Defense: 310%
Successful Blocking: 35%
Smite Damage: 57-60

Name

Receive Synergy From

Provide Synergy To

Effect

Skill Level Stat

Holy Bolt

Blessed Hammer : +50% Magic Damage Per Level
Fist of the Heavens : +50% Magic Damage Per Level
Prayer : +15% Life Healed Per Level

Fist of the Heavens : +15% Magic Damage Per Level

Bolt of energy that damages undead, or heals friendly units.
Cast Delay: None

Level: 1
Mana Cost: 2
Magic Damage: 8-16
Healing: 1-6

Level: 20
Mana Cost: 3.1
Magic Damage: 196-220
Healing: 39-82

Name

Receive Synergy From

Provide Synergy To

Effect

Skill Level Stat

Might

Charge : + 20 % Damage Per Level

No synergies

Increases damage dealt by party members
Cast Delay: None

Lvl: 1
Radius: 10.6 yards
Bonus Damage: 40%

Lvl: 20
Radius: 36 yards
Bonus Damage: 230%

Recommended Runewords

Hammedin Weapon Runewords

Heart of the Oak As soon as you entered Nightmare difficulty, start farming for this Runeword. It’s the best runeword for a Paladin build.
Call to Arms Generally not synchronize with Paladin, but provides a good amount of attack speed and damage to call it a day.

Hammerdin Shield Runewords

Spirit is the best option for your Shield. Almost all D2R Builds that require a shield will try to fit Spirit to it. Aside from the +2 to All Skills, it provides several QoL stats like Defense and Damage Absorb.
Rhyme If you are poor, use this on your shield.

Best Mercenary Runewords

Insight The best runeword for your Mercenary. It solves almost all problem with a build, Mediation Aura provide a boosts to Mana Recovery, freeing you from worry on Energy and focus on your damage. The damage is also superb considering the amount of runes require. Insight’s runes are pretty reasonable when it comes to drop rate also
Fortitude This is the best runeword for your Mercenary Armor, it just makes him harder to die, and you can keep all your precious gold.

Obedience An alternative if your don’t have runes for Insight. It is generally weaker compared to Insight br>
Treachery A cheaper version for your Mercenary build
Enigma If you know, you know. The most sought Runewords in the entire Diablo II: Resurrected community. For this Paladin Build, Enigma simply provides a way to travel faster between farming areas while keeping you safe from all the damage.

Name	Required Level	Runes Orders	Allowed Items	Stats/Mods
Heart of the Oak	55	Ko Vex Pul Thul	4 Socket Staves / 4 Socket Maces	+3 To AllSkills +40%Faster Cast Rate +75% Damage To Demons +100 ToAttack RatingAgainst Demons Adds 3-14 Cold Damage, 3 sec. Duration 7% Mana Stolen Per Hit +10 To Dexterity ReplenishLife+20 Increase MaximumMana15% All Resistances +30-40 Level 4 Oak Sage(25 Charges) Level 14 Raven(60 Charges)

Name	Required Level	Runes Orders	Allowed Items	Stats/Mods
Call to Arms	57	Amn Ral Mal Ist Ohm	5 Socket Weapons	+1 To AllSkills +40% Increased Attack Speed +250-290% Enhanced Damage Adds 5-30 Fire Damage 7% Life Stolen Per Hit +2-6 To Battle Command Battle Orders Battle Cry Prevent Monster Heal Replenish Life +12 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Name

Required Level

Runes Orders

Allowed Items

Stats/Mods

Spirit

Tal

Thul

Ort

Amn

4 Socket Swords 4 Socket Shields

Weapons

+2 ToAll Skills
+25-35%Faster Cast Rate
+55%Faster Hit Recovery
Adds 1-50 Lightning Damage
Adds 3-14 Cold Damage3 Second Duration
+7 Poison DamageOver 5 Seconds
7%LifeStolen Per Hit
+250 Defense Vs. Missile
+22 To Vitality
+89-112 To Mana
+3-8 Magic Absorb

Shields

+2 To AllSkills
+25-35% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense Vs. Missile
+22 To Vitality
+89-112 To Mana
Cold Resistance+35%
Lightning Resistance+35%
Poison Resistance+35%
+3-8 Magic Absorb
Attacker Takes Damage of 14

Name	Required Level	Runes Orders	Allowed Items	Stats/Mods
Insight	27	Ral Tir Tal Sol	4 Socket Polearms / 4 Socket Staves	Level 12-17 MeditationAura When Equipped +35%Faster Cast Rate +200-260% Enhanced Damage +9 To Minimum Damage 180-250% Bonus toAttack Rating Adds 5-30 Fire Damage +75 Poison DamageOver 5 Seconds +1-6 ToCritical Strike +5 To All Attributes +2 To ManaAfter Each Kill 23% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Name	Required Level	Runes Orders	Allowed Items	Stats/Mods
Rhyme	29	Shael Eth	2 Socket Shields	20% Increased Chance of Blocking 40%Faster Block Rate All Resistances +25 Regenerate Mana15% Cannot Be Frozen 50% Extra Gold From Monsters 25% Better Chance Of Getting Magic Items

Name

Required Level

Runes Orders

Allowed Items

Stats/Mods

Fortitude

Sol

Dol

4 Socket Weapons / 4 Socket Chest Armor

Weapons

20% Chance To Cast Level 15 Chilling Armorwhen Struck
+25%Faster Cast Rate
+300% Enhanced Damage
+9 To Minimum Damage
+50 ToAttack Rating
20%Deadly Strike
Hit Causes Monster To Flee 25%
+200% Enhanced Defense
+X ToLife(Based on Character Level)
All Resistances +25-30
12% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
+1 To Light Radius

Chest Armor

20% Chance To Cast Level 15 Chilling Armorwhen Struck
+25%Faster Cast Rate
+300% Enhanced Damage
+200% Enhanced Defense
+15 Defense
+X ToLife(Based on Character Level)
ReplenishLife+7
+5% To Maximum Lightning Resistance
All Resistances +25-30
Damage Reduced By 7
12% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
+1 To Light Radius

Name	Required Level	Runes Orders	Allowed Items	Stats/Mods
Obedience	41	Hel Ko Thul Eth Fal	5 Socket Polearms	30% Chance To Cast Level 21 EnchantWhen You Kill An Enemy 40%Faster Hit Recovery +370% Enhanced Damage -25% Target Defense Adds 3-14 Cold Damage3 Second Duration (Normal) -25% To Enemy Fire Resistance 40% Chance ofCrushing Blow +200-300 Defense +10 To Strength +10 To Dexterity All Resistances +20-30 Requirements -20%

Name	Required Level	Runes Orders	Allowed Items	Stats/Mods
Treachery	43	Shael Thul Lem	3 Socket Body Armor	5% Chance To Cast Level 15 FadeWhen Struck 25% Chance To Cast level 15 VenomOn Striking +2 ToAssassin Skills +45% Increased Attack Speed +20%Faster Hit Recovery Cold Resistance+30% 50% Extra Gold From Monsters

Name	Required Level	Runes Orders	Allowed Items	Stats/Mods
Enigma	65	Jah Ith Ber	3 Socket Chest Armor	+2 To AllSkills +45% Faster Run Walk +1 To Teleport +750-775 Defense + (0.75 Per Character Level) +0-74 To Strength(Based On Character Level) Increase MaximumLife5% Damage Reduced By 8% +14LifeAfter Each Kill 15% Damage Taken Goes T Mana + (1 Per Character Level) +1-99% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items (Based On Character Level)

Recommended Equipment

Blessed Hammer Paladin Build Shield

Ancient’s Pledge – A budget Runeword for your Shield

Spirit – Well, you will never go wrong with this

Name	Base Stats	Modifiers
Ral Ort Tal Ancient’s Pledge Runewords	Depends on base model	+50% Enhanced Defense Cold Resistance+43% Fire Resistance+48% Lightning Resistance+48% Poison Resistance+48% 10% Damage Goes To Mana

Name

Required Level

Runes Orders

Allowed Items

Stats/Mods

Spirit

Tal

Thul

Ort

Amn

4 Socket Swords 4 Socket Shields

Weapons

+2 ToAll Skills
+25-35%Faster Cast Rate
+55%Faster Hit Recovery
Adds 1-50 Lightning Damage
Adds 3-14 Cold Damage3 Second Duration
+7 Poison DamageOver 5 Seconds
7%LifeStolen Per Hit
+250 Defense Vs. Missile
+22 To Vitality
+89-112 To Mana
+3-8 Magic Absorb

Shields

+2 To AllSkills
+25-35% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense Vs. Missile
+22 To Vitality
+89-112 To Mana
Cold Resistance+35%
Lightning Resistance+35%
Poison Resistance+35%
+3-8 Magic Absorb
Attacker Takes Damage of 14

Blessed Hammer Paladin Build Helms

Harlequin Crest Blessed Hammer Paladin Build is generally famous for it’s neutral Magic Damage, making it’s a big contender for a Magic Find build. This helmet is your best option if you choose to go this way. Aside from the 50% Magic Find, it’s generally boost you up with more Life and Mana, as well as increase your damage with a sweet + 2 to All Skills
Tarnhelm A budget Magic Find helm?
Lore This runeword is great for Normal and early Nighmare difficulty

Name	Base Stats	Modifiers
Harlequin Crest Unique Shako	Defense: 98-141 Required Level: 62 Required Strength: 50 Durability: 12	+2 To All Skills + (1.5 Per Character Level) 1-148 To Life(Based On Character Level) + (1.5 Per Character Level) 1-148 To Mana(Based On Character Level) Damage Reduced By 10% 50% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items +2 To All Attributes

Name	Base Stats	Modifiers
Tarnhelm Unique Skull Cap	Defense: 8-11 Required Level: 15 Required Strength: 15 Durability: 18	+1 To All SkillLevels 25-50% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items 75% Extra Gold From Monsters

Name	Base Stats	Modifiers
Ort Sol Lore	Depends on base model	+1 To All SkillLevels +10 To Energy +2 To ManaAfter Each Kill Lightning Resistance+30% Damage Reduced By 7 +2 To Light Radius

Blessed Hammer Paladin Build Body Armor

Before you got your hand on the shiny Enigma, these armors are good options for this Paladin Build.
Skin of the Vipermagi A cheap unique that provides good cast rate and resistances
Que-Hegan’s Wisdom Lower cast rate compare to Skin of Vipermagi but provide greater defense.

Name	Base Stats	Modifiers
Skin of the Vipermagi Unique Serpentskin Armor	Defense: 279 (Base Defense: 111-126) Required Level: 29 Required Strength: 43 Durability: 24	+120% Enhanced Defense +1 To All Skills 30% Faster Cast Rate Magic Damage Reduced By 9-13 (varies) All Resistances +20-35

Name	Base Stats	Modifiers
Que-Hegan’s Wisdom Unique Mage Plate	Defense: 628-681(varies)(Base Defense: 225-261) Required Level: 51 Required Strength: 55 Durability: 60	+140-160% Enhanced Defense +1 To All SkillLevels +3 To ManaAfter Each Kill 20% Faster Cast Rate 20% Faster Hit Recovery Magic DamageReduced By 6-10 +15 To Energy

Blessed Hammer Paladin Build Gloves

Below are some good unique gloves that can be used for this build
Magefist +1 Fire Skills is generally useless, but the bonus to Cast Rate is what we are using
Chance Guards For your Magic Find build
Frostburn Classic Defense Gloves

Name	Base Stats	Modifiers
Magefist Unique Light Gauntlets	Defense: 24-25(varies)(Base Defense: 9-11) Required Level: 23 Required Strength: 45 Durability: 18	+20-30% Enhanced Defense +10 Defense +1 To Fire Skills +20% Faster Cast Rate Regenerate Mana25% Adds 1-6 Fire Damage

Name	Base Stats	Modifiers
Chance Guards Unique Chain Gloves	Defense: 27-28(varies)(Base Defense: 8-9) Required Level: 15 Required Strength: 25 Durability: 16	+20-30% Enhanced Defense +15 Defense +25 To Attack Rating 25-40% Better Chance of Getting Magic Item 200% Extra Gold From Monsters +2 To Light Radius

Name	Base Stats	Modifiers
Frostburn Unique Gauntlets	Defense: 47-49(varies)(Base Defense: 12-15) Required Level: 29 Required Strength: 60 Durability: 24	+10-20% Enhanced Defense +30 Defense +5% Enhanced Damage Increase Maximum Mana40%* Adds 1-6 Cold Damage, Cold Duration: 2 Seconds

Blessed Hammer Paladin Build Recommended Belts

Arachnid Mesh
String of Ears
Goldwrap

Name	Base Stats	Modifiers
Arachnid Mesh Unique Spiderweb Sash	Defense: 119-138 (varies)(Base Defense: 55-62) Required Level: 80 Required Strength: 50 Durability: 12 16 Boxes	+90-120% Enhanced Defense Slows Target By 10% +1 To All Skills +20% Faster Cast Rate Increases Maximum Mana5% Level 3 Venom(11 Charges)

Name	Base Stats	Modifiers
String of Ears Unique Demonhide Sash	Defense: 102-113(varies)(Base Defense: 29-34) Required Level: 29 Required Strength: 20 Durability: 22 16 Boxes	+150-180% Enhanced Defense +15 Defense 6-8% LifeStolen Per Hit Damage Reduced By 10-15% Magic DamageReduced 10-15

Name	Base Stats	Modifiers
Goldwrap Unique Heavy Belt	Defense: 34-36(varies)(Base Defense: 6) Required Level: 27 Required Strength: 45 Durability: 18 12 Boxes	+40-60% Enhanced Defense +25 Defense 10% Increased Attack Speed 30% Better Chance Of Getting Magic Items 50-80% Extra Gold From Monsters +2 To Light Radius

Name	Base Stats	Modifiers
Nightsmoke Unique Belt	Defense: 22-24(varies)(Base Defense: 5) Required Level: 20 Required Strength: 25 Durability: 16 12 Boxes	+30-50% Enhanced Defense +15 Defense 50% Damage Taken Goes to Mana Damage Reduced By 2 All Resistances +10 +20 To Mana

Rings & Amulet

Nagelring A good budget option early on
Stone of Jordan This should be your end game Rings as it’s quite hard to get
The Eye of Etlich A budget option early on
Mara’s Kaleidoscope Another end game gear, so you can equip any Rare amulet with this

Name	Required Level	Modifiers
Nagelring	7	Magic DamageReduced By 3 +50-75 To Attack Rating Attacker Takes Damage of 3* 15-30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Name	Required Level	Modifiers
Stone of Jordan	29	+1 To All Skills Increase Maximum Mana25%* Adds 1-12 Lightning Damage +20 To Mana

Name	Required Level	Modifiers
The Eye of Etlich	15	+1-5 To Light Radius +1 To All Skills 3-7% LifeStolen Per Hit Adds (1-2) to (3-5) Cold Damage Cold Duration: 2-10 Seconds +10-40 Defense vs. Missile

Name	Required Level	Modifiers
Mara’s Kaleidoscope	67	+2 To All Skills All Resistances +20-30 +5 To All Attributes

Jewels & Gems

Nothing particular here. Just use whatever you like

Charms

For Charms, general QoL stats like Mana and Life are good enough. Of course, + level to All Skills should be your preference but take your time. For end-game grinding, you will need a well-roll Hellfire’s Torch and an Annihilus.

Recommended Weapons

For your weapons, you will need to have Faster Cast Rate and + to All Skills (If you are lucky) Otherwise, just use Spirit (If you happen to have enough Runes after using it on your Shield)
Wizardspike Yes, it look strange to equip your Paladin with a Dagger, but well it’s 50% FCR!
Suicide Branch This is quite easy to find and provide a +1 to All skills with a boost to Faster Cast Rate
Spirit Still a solid choice if you don’t have runes for Heart of the Oak yet.

Name	Stats	Modifiers
Wizardspike Unique Bone Knife	One-Hand Damage: 23 To 49 Required Level: 61 Required Strength: 38 Required Dexterity: 75 Base Weapon Speed: [-20]	+ (2 Per Character Level) 2-198 To Mana(Based On Character Level) 50% Faster Cast Rate Regenerate Mana15% Increase Maximum Mana15% All Resistances +75 Indestructible

Name	Stats	Modifiers
Suicide Branch Unique Burnt Wand	One-Hand Damage: 8 To 18 Required Level: 33 Required Strength: 25 Durability: 15 Base Weapon Speed: [0]	+50% Damage To Undead +1 To All Skills 50% Faster Cast Rate Increase Maximum Mana10% All Resistances +10 +40 To Life Attacker Takes Damage of 25

Name	Stats	Modifiers
Tal Thul Ort Amn Spirit	Depends on base model Weapon	Weapons +2 To All Skills +25-35% Faster Cast Rate +55% Faster Hit Recovery Adds 1-50 Lightning Damage Adds 3-14 Cold Damage3 Second Duration (Normal) +75 Poison DamageOver 5 Seconds 7% LifeStolen Per Hit +250 Defense Vs. Missile +22 To Vitality +89-112 To Mana +3-8 Magic Absorb

Mercenary Guide

As you are already tanky being a Paladin, just pick an Offensive aura Mercenary in Act II Nightmare and you are good to go.

Mercenary Gears

Weapon – Insight
Armor – Fortitude
Helm – Andariel’s Visage (End game) or Lore (Budget)

Name	Base Stats	Modifiers
Andariel’s Visage Unique Demonhead	Defense: 310-387 (Base Defense: 101-154) Required Level: 83 Required Strength: 102 Durability: 20	+100-150% Enhanced Defense +2 To All Skills 20% Increased Attack Speed 8-10% Life Stolen Per Hit +25-30 To Strength +10% To Maximum Poison Resist Fire Resistance-30% Poison Resistance+70% 15% Chance To Cast Level 15 Poison Nova When Struck Level 3 Venom (20 charges) (Ladder Only)

Name	Base Stats	Modifiers
Vampire Gaze Unique Grim Helm	Defense: 252 (Base Defense: 60-125) Required Level: 41 Required Strength: 58 Durability: 40	+100% Enhanced Defense Adds 6-22 Cold Damage – 4 Second Duration 15% Slower Stamina Drain 6-8% LifeStolen Per Hit 6-8% ManaStolen Per Hit Damage Reduced By 15-20% Magic Damage Reduced By 10-15

Gameplay and Tip

Gameplay Guide & Tips
This Paladin build is generally friendly for new players and can take you from the beginning to the end of the game. Before reaching level 18 (Unlock Bless Hammer) You will need to rely on your aura and Mercenary to survive. The Physical damage is enough to get you through Act I & Act II, but expect some difficulty before you unlock BLess Hammer. If you find it too hard using Physical Damage only, you can put some point to the early Combat skills and respec later after level 25.

After Level 30, with the help of Holy Shield and Blessed Hammer, you are practically set up to get to Hell difficulty. In Nightmare difficulty, switch your focus to farming Runes from the Countess to use Spirit and equip your Mercenary with some gears. By the end of Nightmare, you must have at least 2 Spirits (Weapons and Shields) and some decent Armor to continue.
The final part of this build is generally what to do with all that min – maxing. It’s definitely all about farming now, Bless Hammer deal Magic damage, so virtually you are golden in almost all level 85 farming areas, make sure to check out your Mercenary’s gear often as he is also your partner on the grinding fest.