Build Guide
Last Updated: 09/10/2015
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2.3 Updates are on the way for this popular build from 2.2 (season 3)
I am in the process of rebuilding a crusader, in the mean-time this is updated to the theory of what my first setup for fire bash would be if I was to build one.
5th passive = Finery
Here are some things you should know about this build and tips to improving your performance.
- ROLL Shield Bash Damage % on Helm + Boots + Shield!
- This build is all about learning to position yourself effectively.
- Molten's Wildebeest is a core gem in this setup, the regen and shield allow you to heal yourself to recover after taking damage and gives you an additional boost of immediate toughness when engaging a new enemy.
- Using the mechanics of the Molten Wildebeest into your gameplay is key to pushing higher grifts.
- Use shieldbash as both your main damage source but also as your mobility skill, you must maneuver with shield-bash and try to keep yourself from getting surrounded at all times.
- Key to maxing your damage output is lining targets up in a straight line beyond your initial strike, because of the way the fire rune hits and of how the bracers work, the ideal situation is always to be hitting 3 or less enemies with initial attack and then as many enemies as possible with the aoe effect that shoots behind the initial target with the fire rune.
- Focus and Restraint is required if your looking to push into top tiers, if not any rings are okay. If your not using Focus and Restraint you do not need to run a generator and can take provoke(hit-me) instead.
- Hellfire Amulet = Best, Stand Your Ground>Holy Cause are ideal 5th passives but a defensive passive is okay too.
- Furnace is the best weapon no doubt, but pretty much anything is okay to be functioning.
- This is not a CDR heavy setup, CDR is only recommended on both rings + shoulders + paragon + gem in helm
Extra Notes for HardCore
- Swap out F+R for Unity+Soj
- Swap Law of Valor /w Law of Justice(immoval object)
- Swap Punish /w Provoke(Hit-me)
- Rest is same
I'll definitely be trying out this build!
y ancient furnace is only needed for pushing the highest of grifts, maximus will do just fine or any other 2h for that matter for just playing the build. There is no weapon requirement for functionality.
Awesome guide short and to the point Please make more !!!
How would you rate Vigilante Belt, Saffron Wrap, String of Ears and Witching Hour for this build? Do you feel Angel Hair Braid actually defeats them?
I will be trying this one out this season. No more need to sweat CDR. But I will miss the simplicity of Condemn.
Is this build any good for team play? If so, does anything need to be changed?
A decent Furnace eludes me, but i do have an almost perfect ancient Maximus. Would this be an acceptable alternative weapon?
Sup Cookie.
Does Blood Brother new weapon worth mentioning? (Block increases the 2ndary SB damage effect)
Was pondering about that myself! Any insight?
I kinda impressed with its capabilities yet I have a major problem with soloing.
Its incredibly good for partying set up with external utilities like stuns, monk buffs etc but I'm kinda hugging the floor quite a lot although I have the pretty solid gear set up.
i gotta sayat first i thought the holy build was where its at but manner u changed my mind. i dont have an ancient furnace but got a ancient ashbringer and mannnn... this build is my fav sader build ever consistant crits of 600 million plus. and thats with 0 elite damage!!! thanx
@epixors
angel hair is best
@ther86
Fire is best, best attack effect
@rawxz
buidl is fine for team-play, works quite well in fact
@fubaro1
any weapon works, those are just the best
@jackhernaut
any weapon works, blood brother is nice
What gems do you socket in chest and legs?
This build is beast. Been playing with for 3 days now and it destroys everything up to GRifs 35. After that it can get a little hairy. But overall it's real good with right gear. I have a different belt (the one that drops meteor every 6 seconds and it works great ). Damage about 2 bil on regular monsters and close to 1 bil on elites.
@mannercookie
What are your thoughts on replacing Bane of the Trapped with the new legendary gem (below) for Hardcore?
Mutilation Guard (Legendary gem) - Gain 10% melee damage reduction Melee damage reduction is increased by 1% per rank At rank 25 while below 50% life, you may move through enemies unhindered
Why Finery ?
I dont think its worth it honestly.. just asking hehe
I think this will explain everything quite well for you. http://www.reddit.com/r/Diablo3Crusaders/comments/329vm6/some_math_on_shield_bash_and_block_chance/
I can't tell if you are serious or not, so I'll assume you are. With sockets in 9-10 slots you are getting 14-15% extra strength. That gives you both extra damage and toughness. How is that not worth it?
Well maybe I did not ask the question correctly. My bad.
Are the legendary gems affected by the Finery? Like Molten, Bane of the trapped and Esoteric.. are they giving 1.5% str per gem too ? Or its only those ruby/topaz etc.. ?
Sorry.. first time playing Crusader and ive read on the internet about how "Not so good" are the crusader passive. I just need information.
Ah, no problem. Finery is a main stay passive of the Crusader so that's why I was confused . To answer your question, yes Leg gems proc the effect which is part of why it makes it so good!
You are starting the Crusader at the right time, the new Roland's set it amazing and can run upper 40's/low 50's Grifts with the right gear. It also has flexibility in the weapon slot with Furnace, Bloodbrother and Maximus being all great choices, but really any high DPS weapon can make the build function.
Personally, I would replace the Esoteric Alteration with Mutilation Guard. Esoteric does not provide defense against physical attacks, which are huge. With Mutilation Guard, you get a dmg reduction from all melee attacks, and the movement speed is a nice bonus when you're stuck in a tight spot. In my opinion, it's a better defensive gem than Esoteric, but you don't give up the CC and dmg from Bane of the Trapped.