Frost Zealot Ladder PvM Guide, version 2.0

Wasoab you bastard, even Kit couldnt get all of Kit's suggested ultimates!!! :thumbsup:

Everyone gets kind of item dependant in hell for the most part... however I still stand by the fact that you're far less dependant than most characters. In fact, I'm starting a new Frost Zealot this afternoon (untweaked of course) to help get a fresh feel to better answer questions.

As for Hell Baal killing, theoretically if you get crushing blow to trigger every hit, and crushing blow does 1/8 of their health, it should take you no more than 4-5 Zeals with the added cold and possibly physical damage you're doing. I'll post my actual numbers when I get to him... and I WILL get to him!!!

Also for AR make sure you have Zeal maxxed and try ETH runes... best rune ever considering how useful it is and how easy to get!
 
Haha Kitriara, it took awhile. :lol: Good luck to you on your new Zealot, its a great and clever build. As for the crushing blow, it almost reads as too good to be true, like a Static Field that can kill, but I think you would need an "Ignore Target's Defense" mod for it to do what you are thinking. I say this because magical attacks are pretty much unblockable (Bone Necro's spear, Hammerdin's hammer), so I guess ITD would be similar for a melee fighter.

Also, I recall a trading game I was in, and the "Diablo Walks the Earth" message appeared shortly after I entered. The Baal run was finished, but DC had just come. I would say I was in that game for about 5 minutes, around the 4th minute with 4 other players in the game I found a large black corpse, and a victorious zealot who quickly left. I was surprised how quickly he had killed DC (I was in the game when the original screen shaker happened), as my hammerdin took a bit longer with pots and damage at least double that of a well-equiped BotD zealot (only 3 rows in belt :lol:). The zealot looked as though he carried a mace. Crushing blow of speed killing? Who knows. . . :flip:
 
just to add in my petty 2 cents on a perfect guide so far...

let's not forget, for whatever reason you can / do find one of the following, and the runes used to upgrade...

headstriker
One Hand Damage:42 - (88-186)
Durability:32
Required Dexterity:43
Required Strength:92
Required Level:39
Base Weapon Speed:[0]
+150% Enhanced Damage
+ (1 Per Character Level) 1-99 To Maximum Damage (Based On Character Level)
+15 to Strength
Prevent Monster Heal
+ (1.5 Per Character Level) 1-148% Deadly Strike (Based On Character Level)
 
I have confirmed it. In 1.10 the "Crushing Blow" mod is affected by physical resistance. So without ITD ('with' Kit is probably right) you are taking off 1/20 or less of the oppenent's life, which is believable from my experience. OH GOD LET A FALLEN DROP A JAH! :lol:

In nonladder you can't upgrade to unique, but Headstiker is a damn fine weapon anyway. And with Holy Shield, you will get the ladies, or whatever your preference. :uhhuh:
 
A thing I noticed that hasn't been touched (or lightly) is IAS. How much IAS is needed for 4/5 fps zeal with... oh say a Stormlash or Crushflange and where should this come from equipmentwise?

(Thanks Kit. My pally is lvl ~70 now and kick butt with lame equip :P )
 
3.0!

Hey everyone - wanted to give an update... I'm currently working on version 3.0 of this guide. I'd never written a guide before this one and I must say I was more than thrilled to see the awesome response I received.

Everyone has had such great input (a bunch of people have messaged me online) that looking at the current guide it just seemed stale, so I'm touching it up, adding all your input and putting out 3.0, probably tomorrow.

The new version will include even more diverse gear recommendations for those with few items, a table of contents (how novel!), dealing with immunes, play tips and a few other little things.

Thanks again everyone, the Frost Zealot project definately exceeded my expectations!!!

:surprise:
 
Halcyon --> You're IAS answer for Stormlash

Halcyon, In regards to your questions on IAS for a weapon such as Stormlash. You're looking at 145 ias to hit 4 fps zeal, but only 45 ias for 5 frames. If speed is that important to you, I suggest a weapon such as LightSaber, Fury Phase, or Azure (if memory serves me correctly these -30 speed weapons only require 75 IAS total to hit 4 frames). Personally, I'm sticking with my Stormlash.
 
For the resists, don't forget 30 from anyas. =P

And as for IAS, I just want 5fps really. Where in the equip should this 45 ias come from? Gloves, helm, what?
 
Just wanted to add my 2 cents worth. This is, imho, by far the best guide written to date. My pally is now lvl 85 and beats Baal like a red-headed stepchild!!

20 holyfreeze
20 res cold
20 salvation
20 holy shield (still workin on this one)

Guillaume's Face (15ias)
highlords
g-angel (15ias)
string
lava gouts
ravenfrost
wedding band
gore riders
schaeffers (eth rune)
HoZ (pdiamond)

gimmershreds on switch for iron maiden casters and monsters out of reach.

90 lightning resists w/this build in hell (just need a res charm for 95).
btw dont forget to do the res quests in act 5!!!
only time i switch auras (holy freeze to salvation) is for the venom lords to crank up the fire res then back to holy freeze for remainder on Hell Baal runs.

btw, wasn't this guide sticked earlier? if not, it should be.

once again, good job Kitriara!!
 
My update is that I am now 79 and still whooping butt in Hell. Too bad its only act 1 :cheesy:

My gear:

Rockstopper
GA
Shael/Mal'd Heavens Light (only +2 though)
PDimond HoZ (FINALLY got one!)
Goars
Dracul's
Dwarfstar
Manald (Looking for Ravenfrost)
Rare ammy (not much, looking for Maras)

Only mid 30s res in Hell and about 1500-2000 Zeal Damage, but not bad so far. My biggest problem right now is getting frozen. Once I can up my res a bit (20ish) I think I can solo Baal. :winner:
 
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