Crusader Aegis of Valor Fist of the Heavens Build

Last updated on Oct 21, 2024 at 09:00 by Deadset 22 comments
Build Variations Updated for Season 33, Patch 2.7.8 Main Build Solo Greater Rift Progression Nephalem Rift Farming
1.

Introduction

Empowered by the Aegis of Valor set, Fist of the Heavens marks the return of one of the most iconic Crusader builds, as surges of lightning crash from the heavens and envelop your enemies in deadly arcs. This build is features both a Greater Rift solo progression variant, as well as a speed farming variation — which we recommend, since the build excels at the task.

2.

Quick Reference

2.1.

Skill Setup

The basic skill setup of the Aegis of Valor Fist of the Heavens Crusader is displayed below. Read the dedicated Skills page for detailed information on choices, alternatives and build customization.

Active Skills
Left Mouse Button Fist of the Heavens Icon Fist of the Heavens Fissure Fissure Right Mouse Button Steed Charge Icon Steed Charge Endurance Endurance 1 Condemn Icon Condemn Vacuum Vacuum 2 Laws of Hope Icon Laws of Hope Wings of Angels Wings of Angels 3 Iron Skin Icon Iron Skin Steel Skin Steel Skin 4 Akarat's Champion Icon Akarat's Champion Prophet Prophet
Passive Skills
2.2.

Gear Setup

The required gear setup for the Aegis of Valor Fist of the Heavens Crusader is listed below. Check the Gear page for detailed information on choices, alternatives, gemming, Kanai's Cube and Paragon distribution.

2.3.

Season 33 Theme — 4th Kanai Slot

With this Season's addition of a 4th slot in Kanai's Cube as a theme, your ideal setup will be:

2.3.1.

Altar of Rites

The former Season 28 theme, the Altar of Rites, has been revised and re-added to Diablo 3 as a permanent character progression mechanic. — For virtually all builds and players of all skill levels — from casual to advanced — we recommend progressing through the Altar tree using the path outlined below. The suggested path is geared towards maximum quality of life first, then amplifying damage, and then mopping up the tree with defensive and edge case utility nodes.

Note that while they require reaching them with a Seal, Legendary Potion Powers are not part of the Seal cost system; Potions unlock with a separate resource called Primordial Ashes, obtained from salvaging Legendary or Set items of Primal (red bordered) quality. Upgrade them as soon as possible, and in the order shown below (courtesy of Caleko's Altar of Rites planner).

Altar of Rites Planner

You can read more on the Altar of Rites, Seals and Legendary Potion Powers in our dedicated Altar of Rites Mechanics guide.

2.4.

Legendary Gems

2.5.

Kanai's Cube

3.

Changelog

  • 21 Oct. 2024 (gear page): Added Season 33 advice for 4th Kanai slot.
  • 21 Oct. 2024 (skills page): Skills and passives reviewed for Season 33.
  • 21 Oct. 2024 (this page): Added Season 33 advice for 4th Kanai slot.
  • 09 Jul. 2024 (gear page): Added Season 32 advice for ethereal weapons.
  • 09 Jul. 2024 (skills page): Skills and passives reviewed for Season 32.
  • 09 Jul. 2024 (this page): Added Season 32 advice for ethereal weapons.
  • 10 Apr. 2024 (gear page): Added Season 31 advice for the unbound Kanai's Cube slots.
  • 10 Apr. 2024 (skills page): Skills and passives reviewed for Season 31.
  • 10 Apr. 2024 (this page): Added Season 31 advice for the unbound Kanai's Cube slots.
  • 08 Jan. 2024 (gear page): Revised guide for the permanent addition of the Altar of Rites, and added Season-specific Soul Shard recommendations.
  • 08 Jan. 2024 (skills page): Skills and passives reviewed for Season 30.
  • 08 Jan. 2024 (this page): Revised guide for the permanent addition of the Altar of Rites, and added Season-specific Soul Shard recommendations.
  • 13 Sep. 2023 (gear page): Reworked the guide to reflect changes in Patch 2.6.7, and added Season 29 Paragon Cap and Gearing recommendations.
  • 13 Sep. 2023 (skills page): Reworked the guide to reflect changes in Patch 2.6.7.
  • 13 Sep. 2023 (this page): Reworked the guide to reflect changes in Patch 2.6.7, and added Season 29 Paragon Cap and Gearing recommendations.
  • 22 Feb. 2023 (gear page): Added Season 28 Altar of Rites recommendations.
  • 22 Feb. 2023 (skills page): Skills and passives reviewed for Season 28.
  • 22 Feb. 2023 (this page): Added Season 28 Altar of Rites recommendations.
  • 26 Aug. 2022 (gear page): Added Season 27 Angelic Crucible recommendations.
  • 26 Aug. 2022 (skills page): Skills and passives reviewed for Season 27.
  • 26 Aug. 2022 (this page): Added Season 27 Angelic Crucible recommendations.
  • 13 Apr. 2022 (gear page): Guide reviewed for Season 26.
  • 13 Apr. 2022 (skills page): Guide reviewed for Season 26.
  • 13 Apr. 2022 (this page): Guide reviewed for Season 26.
  • 09 Dec. 2021 (gear page): Added Season 25 Soul Shard recommendations.
  • 09 Dec. 2021 (skills page): Reviewed for Season 25.
  • 09 Dec. 2021 (this page): Added Season 25 Soul Shard recommendations.
  • 23 Jul. 2021 (gear page): No changes required for Season 24.
  • 23 Jul. 2021 (skills page): No changes required for Season 24.
  • 23 Jul. 2021 (this page): Added note regarding Ethereal weapons for Season 24.
  • 31 Mar. 2021 (gear page): Added a follower recommendation to the build.
  • 31 Mar. 2021 (skills page): No changes required for Season 23.
  • 31 Mar. 2021 (this page): Added a follower recommendation to the build.
  • 18 Nov. 2020 (gear page): Revised equipment and weaponry choices into a ranged version of the build. Added S22 Cube recommendation.
  • 18 Nov. 2020 (skills page): Revised skill choices to go with new gear choices for Season 22.
  • 18 Nov. 2020 (this page): Revised equipment, skill and weaponry choices into a ranged version of the build. Added S22 Cube recommendation.
  • 30 Jun. 2020 (gear page): No changes required for Season 21.
  • 30 Jun. 2020 (skills page): No changes required for Season 21.
  • 30 Jun. 2020 (this page): No changes required for Season 21.
  • 12 Mar. 2020 (gear page): No changes necessary for Season 20.
  • 12 Mar. 2020 (skills page): No changes necessary for Season 20.
  • 12 Mar. 2020 (this page): No changes necessary for Season 20.
  • 19 Nov. 2019 (gear page): Page added.
  • 19 Nov. 2019 (skills page): Page added.
  • 19 Nov. 2019 (this page): Guide added.
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