Question on S&B righteous fire Paladin

Grim Dawn Classes, Skills and Builds
1

Hi everyone.
Since FG expansion came out, I was attempting to make a S&B Paladin build which would use RF as a main skill focusing exclusively on Fire (also utilizing Smite and Shattering Smash WPS skills). As my imagination told me, he also needs to use Judgement and Vire’s might.

However, while I managed to make him clearing main content easily, it still seems it lacks DPS for endgame. Also he somewhat struggles in OA/DA department (though with temporary buffs it goes around 3K for both)

Don’t you think this particular kind of Paladin lacks some love in itemization department (just check compendium - there’s no such known build to exist while it looks pretty “obvious” to try making one)?
For example, the only reliable way to convert 100% phys to fire to RF is to use Servitors Cleaver, and this one should be really godly rolled (for Judgement and VM there are plenty of options, so not really complaining here)

It would be great to have a thematic set with said RF dmg conversion moved to either other slot or set bonus. It should also include Ascension, WPS bonuses and supporting defensive skills for Inquisitor and Oathkeeper.

For me it is pretty sad currently as otherwise the potential is really great considering crazy RR and defensive capabilities etc.

What do you think guys?

P.S. for historical purposes, this was written for GD ver. 1.1.4.2

2

I can give you some ideas:

  • Weapon-you need Mythical Soulblade, have monster stats, 100% physical to fire conversion, AdctH, attack speed
  • gloves- Gauntlets of Ignaffar
  • medal-Mark of Burning Shadows
  • Shield-green MI Fleshwarped Defender with mode to utilize Judgement for example

But… the strong suite of this kind of build will be shield, armor, Inquisitor seal+Ascension. RF damage is low, mods can help a little.

Ofc one can build retal/melee hybrid. RF have quite high retal added to attack.

3

M. Soulblade has yet to drop (waiting for this to happen for a month), but already feeling nervous because of its cunning requirement (not really a problem hopefully). For gloves, currently using ones from Justical set for dmg conversion, though might try Ignaffar’s.
Thanks for suggestions, will try to play around them.

4

Fervor is not that great except Venomblade dervish and retal builds. You gotta make piece with the fact that you’ll never make a top-tier build like this. Especially not S&B. If you want a very strong melee you gotta dualwield in GD.

Also, shields for paladins - especially fire - are more like glorified off-hands. You don’t get much defense from there unless you invest in shield stats. And this is physical soldiers’ domain.

5

Yeah, I see, suspected that no wonder no such themed build in Compendium. That’s a pity… I remember in D2 they went class-restriction route to deal with balancing issues in itemization department, and obviously in GD it never will be like that. And probably making some set specifically for this kind of build will result in some OP set highly exploitable by other already very strong builds.
I’m aware that dual wielding is generally a way to go for high DPS, already have an acid witch hunter and now leveling a blademaster that will go belgothian route (mister Z, please don’t nerf it!).