How to play as the Paladin in Diablo 4

The Paladin class arrived in Diablo 4 with the Lord of Hatred expansion on Dec. 11, 2025, and here’s how you can play it in Season 11.

Paladins excel in group utility using Defiance for Resolve healing, but most builds move slowly outside Arbiter form. Strength serves as the primary stat, alongside Dexterity, Intelligence, and Willpower.

Players choose from four Oaths, unlocking unique resources and playstyles. Having that said, here’s everything you need to know about playing as the Paladin in Diablo 4 Season 11.

How to play as Paladin in Diablo 4

To play as the Paladin in the new Diablo 4 season, you have to pick your Oath early. Start with Disciple Oath for leveling: any Disciple skill on cooldown triggers a four-and-a-half-second Arbiter form with 50% damage amps and wing strikes.

Juggernaut suits tanky shield users building Resolve for 20% damage reduction per stack, while Zealot ramps crits via Fervor buffs. Judicator shines in explosive Judgement chains. Swap Oaths freely early, but commit post30 for synergies.

Rush Advance (basic generator), then max Blessed Hammer to five out of five for spirals so you can hit multiple foes. Then, upgrade to Enhanced and Disciple’s Halo. Hammers orbit you at 20% faster speed as Disciple skills, proccing Arbiter nonstop.

Slot Rally (Words of Sacrifice for infinite spam via life cost) for Faith or movement, Falling Star (Freefall extra charge) for dashes, and Condemn (Gather the Guilty for Vulnerable/stun). Get Defiance Aura early for Resolve healing, then swap to Arbiter of Justice ultimate later.

Skill Point order

Dash in with Falling Star or Advance to clump packs, spam Rally for speed or Faith, then Blessed Hammer orbits shred everything while you weave Condemn stuns.

Stay in Arbiter 100% uptime as wing strikes melt bosses. Vulnerable procs via Seraph’s Wings refresh cooldowns. Use Defiance active for burst survival, popping Resolve to 10+ stacks. Raheir (Ground Slam) with Varyana reinforce for Bloodthirst. I will always suggest grouping before engaging, as Paladins lack rogue mobility.

Post-60, pivot to paragon boards emphasizing Arbiter nodes, sanctify 750+ item power gear with Hellfire essence. Farm uber uniques like Judgment of Oral for skill ranks. Brandish or Holy Bolt variants scale better for pits or Tormented.

Gear and stats

Chase cooldown reduction first (helm or ring or amulet), then Strength, attack speed, crit chance or damage. Equip Temper Disciple or Arbiter damage on gloves or weapons.

For Gems, go for Emerald (weapon crit), Ruby (armor Strength), and Diamond (jewelry resists). Runes like Cir or Lum for resource floods. Here’s what your stat prioritization would look like:​

• Helm or Chest or Pants: Max life, armor, resists
• Weapon: +Core ranks, double Hammer chance
• Boots: Movement speed

Now, before you go and play as Paladin, do make sure that Diablo 4 is not down by checking the server status.