Akkhan Blessed Shield Crusader

[Valks 2,375]

7 hours ago, Dalno said:

I've been playing this build hard since the beginning of the season and I must say I don't think anyone over-reacted to the nerfs of this build. It's conservatively 7 Greater Rift levels behind the condemn build and it's gearing requires way more demanding rolls. it's a really fun build but I would classify it as B tier at this point.

Going to have to disagree with the last part. It's not a B-tier build at all, it's still very capable of 105-110, so it will be ranked as a High Tier build above Blessed Hammers. The change would likely just be a swap of Condemn and this build on the rankings.

[Guest one question]

What rune do you use on steed charge? I was using draw and quarter but the enemies very often get stuck on some obstacles and I just ran away from them seeing my rubber chain stretching through the map. Switched to endurance and seems better so far, as it boosts mobility. I switch to draw and quarter for group play though, great for taking elites out of the void zones (pools of poison and so on).

As for blessed shield vs condemn I think blessed shield offers more survivability, so you focus on offensive stats and condemn is other way around. Seeing people who run condemn gem all res and people with blessed shield gem strength seems to confirm that.

[Dalno 0]

On 11/23/2017 at 9:35 AM, Blainie said:

Going to have to disagree with the last part. It's not a B-tier build at all, it's still very capable of 105-110, so it will be ranked as a High Tier build above Blessed Hammers. The change would likely just be a swap of Condemn and this build on the rankings.

#25 Holy Shotgun, 105 cleared. Highest shield clear so far is 101. It should be listed 3rd now imo. I don't believe shield has the damage to push even close to 110 without caldesann's that are level'd far past what the crusader is able to kill themselves and at least 1500 paragon points.  I'm not sure what is considered B - Tier but its well below 2 builds in strength and having serious issues pushing past 100 currently. This could be in part because of the crazy rolls required to get the full power but regardless this build just isn't performing as well as people thought it would despite its nerfs.

 

Just trying to provide helpful information; I appreciate your content :)

Edited November 25, 2017 by Dalno

[TheRealBill 5]

For anyone wanting to just have fun w/this build I'm running a slight variant (Condemn -> Phalanx) of the Speedfarming build in the mid GR80s consistently in the 7min range. I'm not sure I could push it to the 90s w/o some serious gear upgrades though (not yet all epics and only one Caldesan's so far). 

[TheRealBill 5]

On 11/23/2017 at 2:48 PM, Guest one question said:

What rune do you use on steed charge? I was using draw and quarter but the enemies very often get stuck on some obstacles and I just ran away from them seeing my rubber chain stretching through the map. Switched to endurance and seems better so far, as it boosts mobility. I switch to draw and quarter for group play though, great for taking elites out of the void zones (pools of poison and so on).

As for blessed shield vs condemn I think blessed shield offers more survivability, so you focus on offensive stats and condemn is other way around. Seeing people who run condemn gem all res and people with blessed shield gem strength seems to confirm that.

I made the same switch as well since D&Q was just too inconsistent - or at least my attempts at using it were.

[Guest Victor]

I'm using this build for solo play and loving it, but sometimes i play with a friend of mine and i cant use Unity in the cube, so is there a replacement? i already have CoE equipped, so no need for it cubbed.

[Spectreniner 0]

On 11/25/2017 at 1:08 PM, TheRealBill said:

For anyone wanting to just have fun w/this build I'm running a slight variant (Condemn -> Phalanx) of the Speedfarming build in the mid GR80s consistently in the 7min range. I'm not sure I could push it to the 90s w/o some serious gear upgrades though (not yet all epics and only one Caldesan's so far). 

Could you post what all skills/runes you're using?  I've got all the pieces for the build but trying to fine tune it. :)

[Valks 2,375]

On 11/23/2017 at 8:48 PM, Guest one question said:

What rune do you use on steed charge? I was using draw and quarter but the enemies very often get stuck on some obstacles and I just ran away from them seeing my rubber chain stretching through the map. Switched to endurance and seems better so far, as it boosts mobility. I switch to draw and quarter for group play though, great for taking elites out of the void zones (pools of poison and so on).

I believe D&Q is used specifically for keeping a decent rhythm through the rift by ensuring you aren't stuck killing small packs for too long, instead letting you group up rares/boss packs. At lower GRs where you can kill them quickly, it's no issue to swap it out, but you'll need to stack mobs at later GRs.

[Valks 2,375]

On 11/26/2017 at 1:37 AM, Guest Victor said:

I'm using this build for solo play and loving it, but sometimes i play with a friend of mine and i cant use Unity in the cube, so is there a replacement? i already have CoE equipped, so no need for it cubbed.

Can run Stone of Jordan or Justice Lantern, depending on damage or survivability.

[Valks 2,375]

On 11/25/2017 at 9:19 AM, Dalno said:

#25 Holy Shotgun, 105 cleared. Highest shield clear so far is 101. It should be listed 3rd now imo. I don't believe shield has the damage to push even close to 110 without caldesann's that are level'd far past what the crusader is able to kill themselves and at least 1500 paragon points.  I'm not sure what is considered B - Tier but its well below 2 builds in strength and having serious issues pushing past 100 currently. This could be in part because of the crazy rolls required to get the full power but regardless this build just isn't performing as well as people thought it would despite its nerfs.

 

Just trying to provide helpful information; I appreciate your content :)

So, we've moved this down to "High Tier" from the Top, with Condemn now taking the top spot. Deadset is looking at other ways to organise things and decide how to rank the builds, so we'll go from there with ranking within the "high" tier.

[Guest qwerty]

On 11/27/2017 at 4:46 PM, Blainie said:

So, we've moved this down to "High Tier" from the Top, with Condemn now taking the top spot. Deadset is looking at other ways to organise things and decide how to rank the builds, so we'll go from there with ranking within the "high" tier.

Check the condemn build for consistency as there are errors, e.g. it recommends illusory boots, but on gear page the stats are for akkhan boots.

[Valks 2,375]

On 11/29/2017 at 7:57 PM, Guest qwerty said:

Check the condemn build for consistency as there are errors, e.g. it recommends illusory boots, but on gear page the stats are for akkhan boots.

Ah, yeah. Thanks. Will get it fixed.

[Pewt 0]

On 2017-11-25 at 4:19 AM, Dalno said:

#25 Holy Shotgun, 105 cleared. Highest shield clear so far is 101. It should be listed 3rd now imo. I don't believe shield has the damage to push even close to 110 without caldesann's that are level'd far past what the crusader is able to kill themselves and at least 1500 paragon points.  I'm not sure what is considered B - Tier but its well below 2 builds in strength and having serious issues pushing past 100 currently. This could be in part because of the crazy rolls required to get the full power but regardless this build just isn't performing as well as people thought it would despite its nerfs.

 

Just trying to provide helpful information; I appreciate your content :)

I realize this post was written more than a month ago, but to give some context on the current state of affairs:

While I agree that the nerf to BS wasn't necessary (although BS would probably be the top build if the nerf hadn't happened), I think BS is mostly suffering from being underplayed right now, as well as being unjustifiably shunned due to the nerf. I'm currently #25 NA HCS with Blessed Shield at GR105 14:46, and I haven't been playing all that seriously (this is my first season pushing, I don't use a maphack, I have ~1370 para, Caldesann's level ~100, and the 105 was done in a rift with mediocre maps, mediocre enemies including a bunch of ranged enemies, and a terrible rift guardian--Blighter--which added 1-2 minutes alone to the run in comparison to someone like Saxtris or The Binder, vs the top Condemn runs in the 110-113 range largely being done by people with 2000+ para, level 100-120 Caldesann's etc). Someone on reddit claimed a GR109 clear SCS Asia, but he had a higher Condemn run so it can't be verified. My run is the #1 non-Condemn HCS run on NA by a considerable margin (last I checked the top competitor was Blessed Hammer at GR101, but the situation might've changed since) and I believe the #1 worldwide. I suspect if more (and better) players were playing BS we'd see at the bare minimum a GR110 clear in HCS and at least a few GRs higher in SCS.

I can consistently clear GR100 with no fishing required and fairly lazy play in hardcore, so "serious issues pushing past GR100" is a significant exaggeration.

While at this point I doubt that the people who were guessing this build might overtake Condemn by the end of the season when people get perfect gear are correct, I still think it's the #2 build-to-beat by a comfortable margin, especially in hardcore where its survivability is so much better than many of the alternatives.

Edited January 10, 2018 by Pewt

[GankedByWife 0]

Hi everyone,

I'm using this build with some variations:

1. Legend Gems: Esoteric Alteration (Instead of Gogok)

2. 2nd Ring: Ring of Royal Grandeur

3. Kanai Armor: Leoric's Crown

4. Body: Aquila Cuirass

5. Belt: String of Ears

This build make 100%-uptime of Akarat's Champion easier to achieve (Flawless Royal Diamond in Helm x 2 = 25%), your hero tougher (with non-physical damage reduction from Esoteric rather than Dodge Change from Gogok), and equal to Unity with Aquila Cuirass (you can choose better ring for your follower).

I can push to GR85 Solo with 1000+ Paragon Points, Level 60+ Gems and no Caldesann-Augmented Ancient Item with this variation.

How do you think about that?

[Pewt 0]

On 2018-01-30 at 9:08 AM, GankedByWife said:

Hi everyone,

I'm using this build with some variations:

1. Legend Gems: Esoteric Alteration (Instead of Gogok)

2. 2nd Ring: Ring of Royal Grandeur

3. Kanai Armor: Leoric's Crown

4. Body: Aquila Cuirass

5. Belt: String of Ears

This build make 100%-uptime of Akarat's Champion easier to achieve (Flawless Royal Diamond in Helm x 2 = 25%), your hero tougher (with non-physical damage reduction from Esoteric rather than Dodge Change from Gogok), and equal to Unity with Aquila Cuirass (you can choose better ring for your follower).

I can push to GR85 Solo with 1000+ Paragon Points, Level 60+ Gems and no Caldesann-Augmented Ancient Item with this variation.

How do you think about that?

The setup isn't going to do as well as the posted one. You lose:

• 22.5% Dodge Chance (Gogok level 100).
• 50% Damage Reduction (Unity)
• 15% Attack Speed (Gogok)
• 15% Cooldown Reduction (Gogok)
• 7% Attack Speed (Witching Hour)
• 50% Critical Hit Damage (Witching Hour)
• 15% Elite Damage (Unity)

You gain:

• 60% DR against elemental (Esoteric level 100)
• Roughly 40% DR while at low HP (Esoteric).
• 30% DR against Melee (String of Ears)
• +15% life (String of Ears optimal affix)
• +130 Resist All (String of Ears optimal affix)
• One extra ring affix (CoE or RoRG)
• An extra follower ring.

All-in-all you probably come out with barely more, or possibly break even, survivability (something this build has no lack of) in exchange for far less damage. The extra follower ring doesn't really matter since the only follower equipment that significantly affects your run is Unity/Oculus Ring (and of course the invulnerability talisman). You also lose Cooldown Reduction 99% of the time in exchange for not having to ramp it back up occasionally if Gogok drops. But at the end of the day if you want to push past 100ish you need to stack every source of damage you can, and you just can't afford to ditch so many easy damage sources.

[Guest SRA]

Hello,

I've read a lot of threads and guides. This guide and thread have been very helpful. So, thank you. I'm thinking of running BS next season (14). I would appreciate any feedback on my choices for the build: https://www.diablofans.com/builds/98780-blessed-shield-2-6-1. I am on the fence about the LOH choices and losing 1x 15% BS Damage on the gear. However, I believe I've added more AD and a damage range roll on a ring. Again, any feedback is appreciated.

[Valks 2,375]

8 hours ago, Guest SRA said:

Hello,

I've read a lot of threads and guides. This guide and thread have been very helpful. So, thank you. I'm thinking of running BS next season (14). I would appreciate any feedback on my choices for the build: https://www.diablofans.com/builds/98780-blessed-shield-2-6-1. I am on the fence about the LOH choices and losing 1x 15% BS Damage on the gear. However, I believe I've added more AD and a damage range roll on a ring. Again, any feedback is appreciated.

Why are you replacing Holy Cause with Long Arm of the Law? You can keep Holy Cause, drop LoH on helm, take BS damage again - then rather than having the extra duration of Law, you can just use that time to kite instead. I don't think you're going to spend 10 seconds standing still attacking without re-positioning, kiting, stacking etc.

[Guest SRA]

Thanks for the input Blainie. I was using the BS fire rune. That's why I've omitted Holy Cause. I have been going back and forth on the rune choice mainly because of healing from Holy Cause. What are your thoughts on the build with the use of the BS fire rune?

[Valks 2,375]

15 hours ago, Guest SRA said:

Thanks for the input Blainie. I was using the BS fire rune. That's why I've omitted Holy Cause. I have been going back and forth on the rune choice mainly because of healing from Holy Cause. What are your thoughts on the build with the use of the BS fire rune?

Your build, as far as I can see, makes these changes:

• No consecration, so no LPS: -Toughness
• Blind with damage rune: +Damage
• No Steel Skin on IS: -Toughness, in return you have a bit of QoL increase with movement through mobs.

I think Cons vs. Blind is a completely fair change and one that could really work well on physical maps (less so on very heavy ranged maps or ones with lots of elites with bad affixes). The lack of Steel Skin is probably hurting a fair amount here. IMO, if you were to make a change that would probably balance the build more, I would run the %BS again on helm, drop your LPH, take Steel Skin again.

You're gaining damage, replacing the toughness with more Iron Skin, losing a bit of QoL that, in the long term, can be combated with kiting through the use of Steed.

[Guest SRA]

Thanks for the input Blainie.

[Valks 2,375]

52 minutes ago, Guest SRA said:

Thanks for the input Blainie.

Happy to help, GL with refining your build next season :)

[Guest SRA]

Hey again.

What are your thoughts on using a grouping skill like vacuum or mass verdict instead of shield glare/consecration? Is Mass Verdict still bugged?

[Szkocik 0]

Which passive can I skip in favor of Indestructible since I'm playing on hardcore? Or are the Cuirass and Compass Rose and Prophet enough safety?

Edited December 5, 2018 by Szkocik

[positiv2 953]

1 hour ago, Szkocik said:

Which passive can I skip in favor of Indestructible since I'm playing on hardcore? Or are the Cuirass and Compass Rose and Prophet enough safety?

Although Akarat's ChampionProphet should be enough, adding Indestructible (in place of Holy Cause) allows you to juggle between these two effects, effectivelly allowing you to stay in the fight even after the first one goes off. Adding Indestructible depends on whether you feel like you need the one extra life, or the higher damage and more healing.

[Pewt 0]

On 12/5/2018 at 5:19 AM, Szkocik said:

Which passive can I skip in favor of Indestructible since I'm playing on hardcore? Or are the Cuirass and Compass Rose and Prophet enough safety?

Cheat death passives are mandatory in hardcore in all circumstances, including farming. You should drop Holy Cause, but if you're playing with a Holy damage build you can also drop Towering Shield if you feel like you need the extra healing. The difference in damage between the two is relatively small.

Edited December 16, 2018 by Pewt