This guide is for the casual gamer and has been created in consideration of those who lack the resources and time to obtain the more expensive items of Diablo II: Lords of Destruction.

With Paladin being my favorite class, I sought to experiment with all kinds of Paladin builds. I've played as the oh-so-popular Hammerdin to Kitriara’s Frost Zealot. But it is safe for me to say that Smiter has been my favorite build so far, as it is self-reliant, powerful, and notably the only class that can solo Diablo Clone.

This build is a sturdy class capable of handling monsters, other players, and Bosses. Contrary to the phrase "A good offense is a good defense," a Smiter's defense has a direct influence on its attack power. With that in mind, let's read on.

Strength: As much as you need to wear all of your current gear.

Dexterity: As much as you need to achieve Max Block (75%).

20 Holy Shield (top priority)

1 Holy Bolt

As you can see, the above suggested skill choices can be completed when you are of mid-level. I now leave you with the option to decide on how you would like to use the remaining skill points. I’ll list a few recommendations.

5-15 Resist Fire (provides passive Fire resistance)

A fellow Smiter of mine would also like to point out that while Fanaticism grants God-like speed, Concentration offers more Smite damage. Food for thought.

Before your character has access to Holy Shield, things are going to be very tough for your little Smiter. He will be unable to target multiple enemies and probably won’t have enough Increased Attack Speed (IAS) to make up for it. Nor will he have the elemental resistance he needs. With that being said, I recommend first going with a Zealer build of sorts and then reallocating your stat points with Akara (from Act I; this option will be available to you after you cleanse the Den of Evil) once you are of more appropriate level and have better equipment. Also, Smiter’s dish out purely Physical damage. This makes them unable to damage Physical Immune monsters. You have a few options when going against PIs:

Get a weapon with +Magic Damage and/or +Elemental Damage. Sure, you won’t be able to kill them off as quickly, but it works.

As a Smiter, your focus should be on the following modifiers:

Increased Attack Speed (IAS) - Even though you will be attacking with your shield, IAS from any of your equipment will affect how quickly you can smite your opponents. This is very helpful as it makes up for the Smiter’s inability to target multiple targets at once.

I’ll list a few items for each category. Items are listed in no particular order. Bolded items are Unique. Italics indicate Set items.

Heaven’s Light (offers +2-3 to all Paladin skills, 33% Crushing Blow, and is a fast weapon by default)

Lightsabre or Azurewrath (has large bonuses to Magic Damage and Lighting/Cold damage; also known to be VERY fast)

Flails (very fast and easily socketable; found most commonly at Fara in Act II)

Guardian Angel (offers +1 to all Paladin skills, significant blocking bonuses, other modifiers)

Twitchthroe (offers 20% IAS, 25% increased chance to block, other modifiers)

Arkaine’s Valor (+1-2 to all skills and other modifiers)

Herald of Zakarum (+50 Resistances, +2 to Paladin skills, +2 Paladin Combat skills, and other modifiers)

Alma Negra (+1-2 Paladin skills, significant bonuses to blocking, and other modifiers)

Paladin Shields (usually with nice modifiers and other bonuses)

Andariel’s Visage (+2 to all skills, 20% IAS, very high Poison resistance, but lowers your Fire resistance by 30, includes other modifiers)

Guillaume's Face (has Crushing Blow and other modifiers)

Crown of Ages (+1 to all skills, +20-30 Resistances, and other modifiers)

Lava Gout (20% IAS with other modifiers)

Sander’s Taboo (20% IAS with other modifiers)

Bloodfist (10% IAS with other modifiers)

Goblin Toe (25% Crushing Blow and other modifiers)

Gore Rider (15% Crushing Blow, 30% Increased Walk/Run Speed, and other modifiers)

Goldwrap (10% IAS with other modifiers)

Arachnid Mesh (+1 to all skills with other modifiers)

Nosferatu’s Coil (10% IAS with other modifiers)

Mara’s Kaleidoscope (+2 to all skills, bonuses to Resistance, and other modifiers)

Highlord’s Wrath (+1 to all skills, 20% IAS, and other modifiers)

Seraph’s Hymn (+2 to all skills, +1-2 to Defensive Paladin Auras, and other modifiers)

Stone of Jordan (+1 to all skills with other modifiers)

Raven Frost (Cannot be Frozen with other modifiers)

Smiters are generally built for 1 on 1 battles, such as Boss battles and PvPing. And, in that sense, they are highly effective. But what about PvM? Here’s a little something for you:

Smite has both Stun and Knockback.