D2R Top-Tier Paladin Builds 2023 - 9 Best and Most Popular Paladin Builds for PvP/PvE in Diablo 2

In this guide, we will look at 9 different builds for Paladin in Diablo 2 Resurrected, find which Paladin builds are most popular in 2023!

D2R Best Paladin Builds 2023 - Top 9 Most Popular Paladin Builds in Diablo 2 Resurrected

In Diablo 2 Resurrected, the Paladin class continues to be a versatile and popular choice for many players. With diverse skills ranging from powerful auras to hard-hitting melee attacks, the Paladin class offers a wide array of potential builds. In the year 2023, several Paladin builds have distinguished themselves as the most popular among players. This article will focus on Hammerdin, Smiter, Fist of the Heavens (FoH) Paladin, Templar Vindicator PvP (FoH/Smite Paladin), Auradin, and more top tier Paladin builds in D2R 2023. Each build offers unique playstyles and strengths, catering to different preferences. For cheap D2R items on leveling up your characters, visit aoeah.com. 

Read more: D2R Ladder Season 5: Start/Release Date, Best PvP Builds, Class Changes

1. Hammerdin Build

An all-time classic is of course the Hammerdin, already an S tier Paladin build for ages, and for many players the number one farming character. He is technically a caster and is famous for his enormous magic damage. In PvP, he has a great advantage, there are no significant items with magic resistance. Narrow maps are a bit less favorable for the Hammerdin.

2. Smiter Paladin Build

An equally popular build is a Smiter, at least since Uber Tristram. It’s one of the best PvP Paladin builds D2R 2023. This miter can kill the Uber boss is very smooth and easy, and doesn't even need expensive gear. The advantage of Smite is that it always hits, there is no attack rating. You also can't block it. So Smiter is also very strong in PvP, actually the strongest character and direct melee. Disadvantages is his short range and that he only attacks single targets.

3. FoH Paladin Build

Fist of the Heavens Paladin has also become a number in farming since the first Resurrected Season. While his area damaged previously only affected undead, Demons were added with the patch at that time. Since then he is the most comfortable farming character for the chaos sanctuary, but he can also Farm many other popular areas. Animals are his only weakness, so no cow levels. In PvP, FOH Paladins exist for longer, there are single target damage is lightning damage. FOH and Smiter can also complement each other very well, because they each compensate for the weaknesses of the other. 

4. Templar Vindicator PvP Build (FoH/Smite Paladin)

Templar Vindicator build is a hybrid Paladin build that combines the power of Fist of the Heavens (FoH) and Smite skills. It excels in both PvP and PvM, making it a versatile and formidable choice. The build focuses on utilizing the lightning-based FoH skill for area-of-effect damage and the Smite skill for high single-target damage. So the build can be very flexible in combat, you are very strong in both melee and ranged combat.

5. Auradin Paladin Build

There is also a whole group of Paladins that rely on the elemental damage of their offensive auras, the so-called Auradins, one of the most dominant Paladin builds for D2R in 2023. There are different builds for each element as well as various mixes. Classic Auradins generate their auras themselves, while modern versions can acquire the auras through items like Dragon Art Green, allowing them to scale the associated synergies and activate additional auras simultaneously. The most popular build is the Dual Dream Auradin, which uses items to generate a powerful Holy Shock aura. This build often includes the Enigma Rune Word for the Teleport ability and uses the Conviction aura to lower enemy resistances and defense. The auras not only deal area damage but also enhance the Auradin's weapon attacks, often utilizing the Zeal skill for rapid melee strikes. However, in legitimate PvP situations, Auradins are typically not allowed due to their high damage output and potential for unbalanced gameplay.

6. Zealot Paladin Build

Of course, you also can play the Paladin purely on Zeal, that would be the Zealot. Another 2023’s best Paladin build in D2R. This is a melee-focused Paladin build that primarily uses the Zeal skill. This skill allows the Paladin to make rapid successive strikes against enemies. Zealots also employ the Fanaticism aura, which increases their attack speed and damage. This build has already played in D2 classic times due to its straightforward gameplay and potential for high single-target damage. Nowadays, rather a character for true fans in PvE, there are stronger alternatives and the PVP Zealot is extremely expensive. 

7. Avenger Paladin Build

The Avenger build is another popular choice for Diablo 2 Resurrected players. Avengers use the Vengeance skill, which adds elemental damage to their attacks, and the Conviction aura, which reduces enemies' resistance to elemental damage. This combination allows Avengers to deal massive amounts of damage and take down enemies with high resistances.

8. Charge Paladin Build

The Chargerdin, a Paladin build that primarily utilizes the Charge skill, has seen periods of popularity in Diablo 2. The Charge skill allows the Paladin to rush towards an enemy and deliver a powerful melee attack. This can make the Chargerdin a fun and dynamic build to play, as it combines high mobility with significant burst damage.

In PvE, the Chargerdin can be an effective build for quickly traversing maps and dealing with individual high-health enemies or bosses. However, it can struggle with large groups of enemies compared to other Paladin builds (like the Hammerdin or Zealot) that have more effective area damage abilities.

In PvP, the Chargerdin's high burst damage can be very effective against other players. The ability to quickly close the distance and deliver a powerful hit can catch opponents off guard and potentially take them out in a single blow.

9. Ranger Paladin Build

The Rangerdin is technically also a charger with a special that he carries a bow in the weapon switch. And not just any D2R bow, it should be a Widowmaker. This way the Paladin can also fire Guided Arrows. He also has a strong Aura to push speed and damage and he can reach up to 100% deadly strike in the bow slot with his equipment. In close combat of course, he uses grief. With a bit of luck, you can even one hit a Barbarian, this build is meant for PvP.