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Patch 6.1 PTR - Build 19551, Patch 6.1 PTR Notes Update - Jan 29, BRF Testing
SilverAce99's "Return Fire" Crusader
The build from the Play Your Way post two weeks ago had a pretty interesting concept and entry-level gear requirement. It's a return-damage Crusader but with no Thorns on gear, and it might come in handy once Season 2 starts, until you are running with a full well rolled end-game set. Check the snippet below, or the full build here.
Originally Posted by Blizzard (Blue Tracker / Official Forums)
The Crusader is a stalwart defender, batting aside endless hordes of demonic and undead foes with their massive signature shields. Foes best beware a Return Fire Crusader, as striking this iron wall isn’t just going to sting—it’s going to burn.
About the Build:
Shields, blocking, and generally being a walking impenetrable bastion are at the heart of the Crusader class. Meeting one of these devout warriors on the battlefield implies a certain kind of story. With an unflinching reaction to just about anything that evil can throw their way, they are just as likely to send a packed punch that pays its dues in droves. It’s divine retribution at its best.
Greater groups mean plentiful procs mean multiplicative massacres.
Intrigued and inspired by the concept of Thorns,SilverAce99#1196 was determined to find a way to embody this form of retaliation. The Return Fire Crusader is the fruit of his efforts, “essentially a fire-based Thorns build that does not use Thorns at all.” The key to achieving this is with the Primary skill Punish (Roar) and pumping your Block Chance through the roof. Enemies will regret the day they chose you as a target, finding themselves on the receiving end of endless punishment.
The Skills:
This robust build focuses on a whole lot of self- (and coincidentally group-) buffing that makes a few commonly overlooked Runes shine. Active Skills:Passive Skills:
- Punish (Roar)
- Linchpin of the build
- Shield Glare (Divine Verdict)
- Short cooldown crowd control to manage your incoming damage
- Provides a sizeable damage boost for the entire party
- Steed Charge (Nightmare)
- Quick escape should you discover you’re in over your head
- An additional Fire skill that takes advantage of stats you’ll already be stacking
- Judgment (Resolved)
- Short cooldown crowd control to manage your incoming damage
- Provides a sizeable damage boost for the entire party
- Laws of Valor (Critical)
- A straightforward damage boost that synergizes well with Judgment (Resolved)
- Blessed Shield (Combust)
- Offers a ranged ability for that one escaping demon
- Area of Effect rune still provides great close-quarters damage, especially in big groups
- Serves as only Wrath spender in the build
Alternative Skills:
- Heavenly Strength
- Great for wielding a Maximus or Cinder Switch
- Wielding a two-handed weapon slows your resource expenditure, allowing for more Blessed Shield casts
- Hold Your Ground
- With a high desire to block as much as possible, this passive is a logical choice
- Renewal
- Constant blocking means a constant stream of health regeneration
- Towering Shield
- Increases Shield Glare (Divine Verdict)’s buff uptime
- Gives a moderate damage boost to both Punish and Blessed Shield
- Provoke (Hit Me)
- Replaces Steed Charge (Nightmare) or Judgment (Resolved)
- Adds an additional boost to Block Chance, increasing the damage dealt from Blessed Shield and chance to procPunish (Roar)
- Provides a substantial method of regenerating Wrath in large groups of enemies
- Fervor
- Replaces Heavenly Strength
- Should a one-handed weapon suit your needs best, this passive is a must
The Items:
As previously mentioned, this is a flexible build with a lot of room for variation and customizing to fit your needs. It can equally be tailored to the items you happen to have around, and many of the most beneficial items are easy to come by.
All the basics are here, along with some crafted items to temporarily fill out Demetrius' defense.
Angels vs Demons Chess Set
Back at last year's Blizzcon you could purchase a Diablo 3 Chess Set. Someone messaged the official Diablo twitter account with screenshots from that awesome set, and they retweeted it - check them below. I've been away from chess for a while, but in order for Angels to beat the Demons what's the best opening? Back when I played it was the Queen's Gambit. Or should we call it Imperius' Gambit here?
D3 Lore Poem
Holy Hermit uploaded an awesome homage to the Diablo franchise - a 7 minute song-poem hybrid going through most of its lore. The rhymes are pretty amazing, check it out!
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