Crusader's Invoker Thorns Build Patch

[@The_Pariah]

I liked your video intro, Thang N. A lot of people struggle with good intros. You didn't have an obnoxious opening, you did the camera in camera thing (I'm a fan of that), you're clear, concise and don't stutter, you know what you're going to say...just a really good job. Thumbs up on this.

[@NOOBLETS]

Thank you so much, i couldn't get my head around the whole not going for damage bit as I wasn't sure how thorns worked. I've been trying to do the Set dungen for days and not getting close, i watch your vid and did it first time. Plus I can easily do Torment 5 now and even tried out T10 ;) Thanks again

[@mchardison]

This is definitely one of the best guides I've ever seen. You explained everything very well and I had a pretty solid understanding of the build after watching. Thanks!

[@ThangYT]

+Matthew Hardison np! i'm going to upload an updated one or variation of it soon

[@hardcorepitty]

Probably one of the best guide videos I've seen for Diablo. Keep up the good work.

[@ThangYT]

+RageJgaming Thank you for the kind words ^_^

[@xmlviking]

I love that comment "you poking knife"...lol I laughed so hard. Awesome guide Thang. Excellent and very detailed.

[@ThangYT]

+Eric Cotter lol thanks! I'll have to watch lol

[@SylvanPrime]

Thank you for the time markers in the description! Makes your tutorial easy to navigate

[@tony_b]

thanks to you im having tons of fun! Not everyone realizes you need to sacrifice cc/cd stats for thorns. you made it clear. now im rocking! i made a few changes and i'm immediately clearing 45 gr+ without anywhere near optimal gear/gems

[@ThangYT]

+Tony B+ Thanks! Not everyone also realize that things can change and you can customize everything to their liking. Like I use this build but I modify it with certain items and skills.

[@ThangYT]

I'm sorry for the reupload, copyright music problems with another video that this video was also using. Did not want to take the chance.

[@derrickrw21]

+kintai1000 his gems setup deals way more damage than what simplicity's strength could add and with depth diggers your looking at 100% primary skill damage vs 500% thorns damage which is what your focused on. I totally agree with using bombardment although im using it instead of the law, also take into account this video went up before thorns got nerfed

[@derrickrw21]

+Thang N. how would you change this build since thorns damage has been severely lessened? i noticed its super super tanky which was great when we had that extra thorns damage. personally ive replaced the law with bombardment and changed taunt rune to hit me to increase block chance. the idea of consecration in this build is really cool. thanks for giving me a solid base build to go off of

[@2mw88]

+Thang N. Hello Thang.N can you tell me why you give paragons in STR when you have armour who increase THORNS DMG from Witality ??? you say you dont need normal dmg . That why i ask armour give 300% thorns of you witality .

[@SeanWilsonWilliam]

+Thang N. I was wondering, how does Nailbiter stack up as a weapon? A lvl 70 one can have max 9500 thorns. My question though is does that amount of thorns offset the slower attack speed?

[@Psykovvsky]

there just isn't no other build for crusader then this. i did a couple of other build's before that really sucked then i found this build. and i thank you!!! this is amazing really i love playing crusader now

[@dilsco]

followed this guide and it works amazingly, i love it. at paragon 300 right now.

[@billbillinger2117]

Got Sanguinary Vambraces which have a chance on being hit to deal 1000% thorns dmg to all enemies around you. I picked up the effect from a ring to require one less set piece to try this out and it works quite well with the build as well, especially if your short on the set bracers. And awesome video btw, informative and honest. Subbed.

[@ThangYT]

+Bill Billinger Thanks! Best of luck!!! Hope you can get the LoN bombardment items as well too!!!

[@EskiZagra]

+Thang N. Also, why not try flying dragon in the cube and Hack as main weapon? I think it is a better combo than the squeaking dagger...

[@EskiZagra]

+LordOfMalice In kanai's cube in general - yes. On Crusader i don't think so, unfortunately...I though we can.

[@Voodootiger]

you convinced me.. going crusader as first character for season 5 instead of DH as originally planned

[@ThangYT]

+Jesper Møller cheers!

[@maokaisucks9085]

yesterday solo 52 greater rift! thank you so much 💙

[@ThangYT]

+Maókai Sucks np! Have a look at Invoker's Thorns V2 for Season 6!

[@DrezdenHC]

I always wanted to build a thorns build (and not only in diablo), but in most games I was told that there is no fun to have a thorns build so we didn't do this or we did but nerfed it. Finally blizzard brings it on a plate. And I appreciate it. Thanks for the guide, it still useful.

[@CohnmanTheBudbarian]

havnt played sader since b4 seasons started, fell upon this build( literally i was watchin somethin about alien hybrids lol) and i seen thorns, and was like yeah i wish, have now spent enuf time in ptr to realise that iron heart is now only 300% and i can stand there and talk to whoever decides to annoy me whilst im gaming, look back and thorns has dessimated EVERYTHING. ty for vid am lookin foward to season 5 sader leaderboards, and numerous hc deths hahha happy ny

[@patrickhenry6695]

insta sub. Great content, Clear and Concise method of speech. This is what I look for in a build guide. Excellent!

[@bear54700]

Tried to make a thorns build back when crusaders first came out, it was decent but nothing great.. Good to see its finally going to be a viable build!

[@RiokuXian]

Thanks for this, truly appreciate the video, helped me clarify a lot of doubts.

[@TN-Productions-ATL]

Tks for this awesome video. I'll definitely try this build out !

[@ThangYT]

+Tri Nguyen np and best of luck!

[@shaunviper]

great video thank you and the first one I've seen that tells you what follower to use finally :D

[@ThangYT]

+Chefey Donald Np!

[@TheJoocki]

2 questions: Why not vit gems instead of dimond, with the vit > thorns bonus that seems lika a win win. And instead of indestructable, why not the 15% AS budf for punish? Surviving didnt look like a problem at all in the 70 rift.

[@TheTournesoul]

+Jojo well, indestructable on hardcore its a must have.

[@krisbeal8173]

Great video. Helped me figure out what I want to do when season 5 starts. Thanks! :-)

[@krisbeal8173]

+Kris Beal by the way, the Flawless Royal Topaz only adds 38,000 thorns damage to your weapon. that was probably a PTR buff you had with that gem maybe?

[@rbbanaag19]

Right I was wondering why it has +64k to thorns

[@tonygold3304]

Theorycrafting is not my cup of tea, but I do love playing. So thank you and everyone that loves to theorycraft, so that the rest of us can enjoy the game without being forced to do something we dislike. As thorns have been repeatedly nerfed, what is this build's current status? Is it still worth the effort hunting items for it? I feel like rolling a season-crusader with this build. Would that be a good idea or not? Thanks in advance for any replies!

[@ThangYT]

+Tony Gold Np! This build is still very viable for rolling. Blizzard just likes to nerf everyone so that no one can hit 80GR and beyond without putting in fishing effort for that perfect RNG

[@luKa-tr4xr]

Hey man, very cool video ! You're talking about everything and making it seems easy without that pro-language that I hate ! +sub

[@ThangYT]

+Lucas De la Puerta del Sol IV Np, I'm just a casual gamer, no hardcoring for me anymore =)

[@lucasbuim]

im trying this build in PTR server and, sucess! GR64 solo until now. Paragon lvl 720. Tks Thang! :)

[@ThangYT]

+Lucas Buim (buimm) np!

[@endre1989]

Took me 6 days to get this build.... :)) It's awesome.

[@ThangYT]

grats!!!

[@endre1989]

Thank you. And thank you. :D

[@lamgor89]

Good Build, appreciate your time

[@ThangYT]

+Saint Shaka thanks!!! Best of luck!

[@jstealth89]

Thanks for the info, guess I'm rolling Crusader this season.

[@ThangYT]

+Nosferatu Zodd np! Best of luck!!!

[@tobiashaldtougaard3184]

you should also take the steed charge ability with the first rune, since it does your thorns damage to every enemy you hit. You just activate steed charge and run around on top of the enemy you want to kill. You can apply your thorns up to 20+ times to the enemy your focusing. It also gives great mobility in greater rifts.

[@ancientman1796]

great vid and really well explained, subbed!

[@ThangYT]

+John J thankyou! If you have questions, come to the stream =)

[@NoxMortem]

TOP Notch Guide, thank you :)

[@ThangYT]

+NoxMortem thank you and best of luck!

[@dylloop]

as for the weapon wouldn't dealing thrones every hit be more beneficial than a slightly fast attack speed you get with the dagger

[@dskim8075]

cool, i think i will also get a crusader up and going when next season hits ;)

[@ThangYT]

+dong seok kim that would be awesome!

[@LetoZeth]

+dong seok kim - Except the build is already nerfed, loool.

[@Anfa18]

The Pig Sticker does not always have IAS. Not sure if they changed it for 2.4, but i found 2 without it.

[@chantalpero]

Thank you so much for that vid, i love that build.

[@jamiebowring6511]

Really enjoyed your guide really clear and easy to follow so kudos for that... I notice the video was uploaded a month ago and haven't checked PTR changes so has much changed for this build?? Also in your opinion what is the highest GR you could get with this build with perfect gear? Thanks

[@ThangYT]

+jamie bowring Thank you =). So I did it pre-nerfed and post nerfed. With my really shitty gear and gem levels, no ancient items augmented I got to 77 I believe, with nerfed I got to 70. With really almost perfect ancient gear and high gem levels and the right GR. I believe you can get up to 80 really easily. I usually tend to do these build guides with really crappy or whatever I get from the cube.

[@jkc877]

I would advise to cube blood brother and wear akarat's awakening shield. Blood brother gives you 30% damage reduction, 20% more block chance and 30% more damage after you block. Vo'toyias spiker shield is great because it doubles your damage but you lack mobility. Switch out provoke for steed charge (rejuvenation or endurance). Once you reach the higher GR you will need the toughness BB provides and the mobility too.

[@jedscratchard1204]

Wouldn't vitality gems in the armor be better? And can thorns proc area damage?

[@devious00]

Why wouldn't you put your paragon points in to Vitality as opposed to Strength? If the whole point of this build is to boost your Thorns and Attack Speed, with Vitality you would get more gains from the Heart of Iron in the cube, no? Otherwise this build looks awesome and fun. Definitely going to try it this season as I'm a huge fan of the Crusader.

[@techno0suck3r]

+devious00 ye that was a fatal mistake he made. vit > str

[@Kevin1663]

+agit tuncc i think quin did the math somewhere, showing that str gives indeed more dmg to your thorns then vitality would

[@techno0suck3r]

Kevin1663 hmm i guess :P

[@DosenbrotWTF]

+devious00 Go into the game, check out your thron damage and look where it gets the damage from. YOUR PRIMARY STAT, which in this chase (crusader) is STR. :)

[@leqesai]

+DosenbrotWTF Right. But Heart of Iron is giving 500% vitality as thorns damage. I think the concern here is, if you're not dumping lots into vit why bother with heart of iron?

[@josecarlosfalcoski]

great build ! thanks for sharing it

[@ThangYT]

+José Carlos Falcoski np! my friend and I are enjoying it as well!!!

[@AmishGuy222000]

Nice video man

[@ThangYT]

+AmishGuy222000 Thanks!

[@AmishGuy222000]

+Thang N. I like how you presented it and made some good tips like why you would use heart of iron in cube for max passive that was good. can you do a LoN guide for crusader?

[@ThangYT]

AmishGuy222000 Definitely, give me sometime, I just started a new job so time is not what I have a lot of these days.

[@AmishGuy222000]

+Thang N. thanks man

[@arsong6467]

Great vid, i use this for my thorns sader building. I think it would be nice to have anotations to parts of the video like Gear, Cube, Gems, etc. because right now I am just searching through the video for when im looking for a specific part. Today i was looking for the gems, it would just be easyer

[@ThangYT]

+Demonic Wolf thanks! I have placed the section in the description and will do that for future videos =)

[@TheScoobydubie]

Excellent review thank you!!

[@RMJ1984]

This honestly looks like a fun, new interesting and cool way to play. Was thinking about going demon hunter. But this Crusader build looks fun. Be a walking TANK and still kill stuff :D

[@victor30511]

hey Thang, i've seen some builds on icy vein suggesting the use of blood brothers in the kanais cube instead, otherwise everything else is the same as your build, so im wondering which is better for the weapon slot :)

[@ThangYT]

+victor mo I'm actually using Blood Brothers as well for higher GR so definitely use it =)

[@a22258461]

NICE~~~LOVE YOUR BUILD!!!!

[@RMJ1984]

Its really funny read the 2.4 patch notes for crusader, because almost all the changes to crusader has something to do with thorns xD

[@erroldesfosses4456]

Hello Thang any comments or suggestions with the re-worked invoker set and items for patch 2.4.1?? i am always interested by your idea end suggestions

[@ThangYT]

+Errol Desfossés It's FANASTIC in 2.4.1!!!

[@ArshikaTowers]

I wonder how Simplicity's Strength will hold up with this set since the massive increase to the primary skill's attack speed.

[@BlahBert]

+ArshikaTowers Simplicity's Strength does not affect your attack speed. It increases the damage of your primary skills and your primary skills heal you for maximum life on hit. Since Thorns is not a primary attack, the gem is worthless for this particular build. us.battle.net/d3/en/item/simplicitys-strength

[@ArshikaTowers]

Blah Bert I didn't say it increased attack speed. Read what I wrote again and actually read the Thorns of the Invoker set bonuses...

[@safetynet11]

Thang, I have most of the components of this build and am loving it so far (missing Compass Rose, Traveler's Pledge, and Akarat's Awakening). How do you feel about The Furnace over Akarat's Awakening in the cube though? And do you find that Gorok of Swiftness and/or Simplicity's Strength are less viable than the legendary gems you've chosen?

[@ThangYT]

+safetynet11 For legendary gems yes, they are much less viable. You will always need Bane of the Stricken for GR bosses, the Thorns gem is a MUST, bane of the trap is a better damage booster too. I actually was in our situation a few days ago as well when starting, missing the exact 3 items. I did fine without them. Furnace is good in the cube if you're having trouble with killing elites or GR bosses. I've since replaced provoke with stamped and do not use the the spiker as a shield and I'm doing GR 60s fine.

[@safetynet11]

+Thang N. thank you for your quick response and advice. I will definitely be giving Stricken/Trap a try over Gorok/SS. Once I find AA I may go with your Provoke-less approach and just equip it so I can continue to use The Furnace simultaneously. Lastly, do you find that having all 6 pieces of the Invoker set equipped and using Convention in the cube is better than having 5 pieces + Sanguinary Vambraces and RoRG in the cube?

[@ThangYT]

+safetynet11 Yes, conventions is better than SV, the proc rate on it is a bit lower than the rotation of CoE.

[@safetynet11]

+Thang N. Grinded out those three final pieces tonight and have to say I still prefer The Furnace in the cube for faster clears over using Akarat's Awakening. That being said though I haven't tried anything over Grift 50. Anyhow thanks again for your responses.

[@freekschraven3872]

what about a setup with Inviolable Faith? if you and your follower stand on top of each other, it casts twice.

[@GoZuHaZa]

Not one guy has said anything about what element thorns is, so im asuming its physical then

[@smightercal]

+GoZuHaZa yes it is physical

[@TreeFolkDruid]

it looks almost like the build i Did in the PTR. But I had another shield on me and I had 100% block while punish was on (without hold your ground so i took finery, which means Topaz weap - Amethyst Head - legs Ruby - Chest Diamond)

[@BierUSpiele]

Thanks a lot! Nice explanation!

[@benguyen86]

I think you've convinced me... any news on any nerfs on this build before 2.4 comes out this week? thanks again!

[@We0nL0c0]

Hi, thanks for the video!(just asking) If there's Heart of Iron why don't equip red gems in chest+pants?Ty again!

[@ThangYT]

+We0nL0c0 np and thank you! I used diamond gems for higher GR to survive. If you can survive with just purple or red gems then sure!

[@DaveWoomer]

Thank you - great video!

[@ThangYT]

+Dave Woomer np and thank you!

[@xmacleodx]

Great video nice looking build. I see a few changes to thorns in 2.4.1 I have just built a HC LoN Thorns Bombardment build and have 208k thorns, looking at the gem changes alone I think ill get to 400K+ after patch. How do you think my build will go 2.4.1 as the current changes stand? At the moment I get Just under 10billion bombardment hits using CDs and timing with physical 200% bonus, are they changing the coefficient of thorns?

[@sjoerd3982]

great video man thanks!

[@ThangYT]

+Random Axe Thanks!

[@Nevalopo]

Damn this looks really fun to play. Why strength in paragon tho? Didnt vitality increase thorns damage?

[@ThangYT]

+Nevalopo it does, but str also increases thorns damage and toughness, something I didn't mention.

[@Nevalopo]

+Thang N. Ah i see thanks for your response. However didn't this build get nerfed like hell becayse of heart of iron nerf? Is it still viable for GR 70+?

[@ThangYT]

Nevalopo np! Yes it's still viable after the nerfed, I went back after the nerfed it and still was able to achieved GR70 with my crappy items

[@YunaQQQQQ8]

Im sort of a noob, Im playing seasonal atm and Im having a hard time deciding whether I should stay on seasonal or not, I have a very good crusader on non season and a newly created crusader on seasonal and Ive managed to collect very few items for the thorns build but I get pretty much 1-3 hit on T6 (because Im collecting loot from rifts and such). But which class will be "better" on 2.4 among the melee classes? or is that something you cant predict? So I know if I should spend more time on a crusader. Also whats best to play on? Seasonal or non seasonal? whats the pros and cons of those? Because I want to reach a state where my seasonal crusader is as good as my non seasonal crusader (if I remember correctly he had some sort of fire hammer build or something) or better than him.

[@danielgerminario2396]

+YunaQQQQQ8 Quite Frankly the Crusader has never been the best melee class in terms of damage. It has always been behind Barbarian or Monk and sometimes it has been the worst. Having said that, just watch some KZbin videos for what people are playing on the PTR, see what people are pushing in terms of G Rift levels, you can usually tell which will be the best just by reading the PTR notes. I haven't looked at them myself yet so I can't tell you my opinion on which I think will be the strongest this coming season. You also have to choose based on the class you like, I enjoy the Crusader so I have the most time played on a crusader regardless of the fact that it might not be the best in terms of damage. I never liked the Demon Hunter even when it was significantly better for damage than any other class so I have very little time played on one. The only advantage to playing non-seasonally is that you can have a friend power level a character you may want to play to 70 in like 30 minutes where as seasonally you'll have to level the slow way. But Seasonally you'll also have access to unlocking the cosmetic rewards only available to seasonal players. To be honest, I play every Season just because it forces you to actually take the time to find loot and gear a character without aid from any other max level characters you have.

[@endo77x7]

Why not use Ess as a LP for vacuum? That seems like it would be awesome for this.

[@ThangYT]

+Wesley McCarley You can use that on your follower if you like to. But on your own equipment you need to use the Endless Walk bonus so that includes the neck piece.

[@ckpetrone]

when you are talking about the chest you talk about the power of 500. Been a while since i played but what power are you talking about

[@markh4668]

Why not add Ring of Royal and use the bracer - Sanguinary?

[@markh4668]

+Mark H NVM

[@kaibe5241]

+Mark H I'm testing this atm, and I don't think it's as good - particularly if you want to use compass/pledge/lantern, which is a great combo. The chance that sanguinary bracers is triggered seems quite low.

[@MrHoliday2usir]

great video man. I'm having trouble getting endless walk and blood brother to drop currently. Question do you think that skill that does 1000 percent thorns damage to provoked mobs would be an alternative to something else in the build? just curious.

[@ThangYT]

+David K yeah, whatever that can fit your playing style and help you enjoy the game

[@Uzyal]

Wouldn't you want vit over str for the primary paragon slot, for more toughness and thorns damage?

[@richardanderson2]

Nice post Thang

[@christoawp]

In your core paragons, has there been made any testing if Vitality > Strength? Thanks in advance

[@chandlermoss6340]

+christoawp I was wondering this as well.

[@ThangYT]

+christoawp +Chandler Moss Sorry guys, I've been busy lately. but Str > Vit during my testing on the PTR, due to the fact that it also gives into armor and armor is amplified by your akkarat champion prophet rune. I've tried with Vit and Str and survived more with STR than Vit, hope that helps.

[@YuriDob]

Great Guide

[@ThangYT]

+Yuri Dobryansky Thanks ^_^

[@pluppmupp]

What is the reasoning behind putting all the paragon points into strenght instead of vitality? Considering vitality increases the thorns damage, but strenght doesn't.

[@ThangYT]

+pluppmupp Toughness and STR increases thorns as well.

[@pluppmupp]

+Thang N. Thanks for the fast reply! Yes I somehow missed that STR increases all the damage, not just weapon DPS.

[@vanquisher111]

so no vit in paragon...how about 50/50..half str half vit...or there is no need?

[@ThangYT]

+vanquisher111 You can do any combo you want to as long as you can survive higher GRs.

[@leyasu888]

i wonder if weaving in sanguinary vambracers into the build will be worth using a rorg instead of the compass ring set

[@ThangYT]

+leyasu888 absolutely not, compass ring set is 100% uptime vs the proc rate of vambracers.

[@necromancer0616]

Why didn't you use the Gem that increases Primary Skills X% (can't remember the name)?

[@ThangYT]

+Art Wood (Grave Intent) Simplicity's Strength? I believe because it doesn't increase your thorns damage.

[@iiNeKii]

Nice video mate! man reminds of of my thorns sader when RoS released although fun was only able to do T4 ;). Will be rolling thorns in S5! Hey whats to go with the free sets can you obtain a entire set free in S5? EDIT: No matter I found it out in the next tab hahaha soz! ;) Cheers NeK!

[@SIowpoke]

Thang, you must tell us how many times you say ''okay'' in this video! I counted 27, am I right?

[@ThangYT]

+Sinera Honestly I don't know but there should be a drinking for everytime I put a guide out. If I say ok, take a shot.

[@Semirotta]

Did they REALLY bring THORNS back!?

[@ThangYT]

+Semirotta Yep! and it's magnificent and I can't sleep so I'm going to try to now!

[@Semirotta]

Thang N. Heh you should get some sleep bro. :D I'm about to go outside with the dog to the snowy snow snow... :E

[@ThangYT]

***** well apparently I can't sleep so I'm going to hit the gym and tire myself out.

[@Semirotta]

Thang N. That's a one way to do it :)

[@ThangYT]

+Semirotta So. as I put on my contact lenses and drink this coffee before heading to the gym. My eye starts to tire out. GG FML

[@zachariahshaw3837]

Great guide! I only have one question, is your thorn damage still sitting that high? I only ask this because I have better gear than you but my thorn damage is only at around 4200...

[@ThangYT]

+brandon shaw 4200???

[@zachariahshaw3837]

+Thang N. my bad! I mean 420,000 lol

[@ThangYT]

brandon shaw lol ok that makes sense, anyway I believe I was sitting around 350k after the recent "balance" but even with that I was still able to do level GR70 easily.

[@zachariahshaw3837]

+Thang N. Thanks for the quick response

[@gokturk82]

Nice video. But why did you spend your paragons on Strength instead of Vitality since Heart of Iron (Thorns = 500% of your Vitality) ? If Primary stats affect the Thorns, then shouldn't we use Ruby intead of Diamond on our chest and leg?

[@ThangYT]

+GOKHAN TURKBEYLER thanks! I put my paragon points into STR because it also gives armor. It was bugged on the PTR that it didn't affect thorns so I didn't see the numbers going up vs vitality. It's better to put diamon into the sockets for higher GR. you'll noticed the difference if it were ruby.

[@gokturk82]

+Thang N. By the way what is the type of thorn damage so we use convention of elements?

[@ThangYT]

Physical

[@endo77x7]

One more thing... Isn't the belt of the trove useless for this build unless you have bombardment with barrel of spikes equipped? It kinda wont do damage unless you have it set to scale with thorns...

[@ThangYT]

+Wesley McCarley Belt of Trove is actually only for defensive purposes that's why you don't see me having bombardment on my skill bar.

[@endo77x7]

+Thang N. I was suggesting it as legendary power. But yea. Sounds decent on follower. Are you technically standing still while basic attacking? On console when you basic attack while moving the analogue stick you move a bit. Wondering if endless will be that effective... Also don't you need to have the thorn scaling rune equipped for the bombard belt to prom thorns?

[@ThangYT]

+Wesley McCarley You could put it in the cube but then you're missing out on the 200% from conventions of element. I usually stand still when there's a huge mob around but other than that I stab whichever job is tougher. Which thorn scaling rune?

[@Asmodaeus89]

What's the highest Grift you have been able to do without dying? and what can you clear below 10 mins?

[@ThangYT]

+Asmodaeus89 74 is my highest

[@Asmodaeus89]

+Thang N. Oh then I'm getting there :) did 66 yesterday in 10 mins and I'm still lacking blood brother + some ancient pieces and then augmenting. Also my gems only 55. I have been theory crafting with other things in its place. However started 1 week ago after 10 months break. So don't have many things in cube.

[@MagoAngeluz]

And why not " Blood-Magic Edge" instead the pigstiker? the edge can have even more atk speed

[@ThangYT]

+Carlos “Mago Angeluz” Armenta look at pig sticker's secondary stats

[@Destroymaster100]

good build. i followed it and at the moment i can do t60 grifts, keep in mind im only paragon lvl 340 or so and my legedary gems are low rank still. ill be hitting t70+ grifts soon.

[@ThangYT]

+Destroymaster100 and people say it's nerfed

[@Destroymaster100]

Thang N. the build is still really powerful even after the patch. thanks man for taking your time in putting this video together and sharing it with us. it was really helpful since im a veteran coming back to this season after 2 years.

[@IzInAZ]

Akarat's Awakening is still in the game right? I quickly got Invokers with shards and the rest of the gear using the cube but I haven't seen the shield yet after using over 3k death breaths and further shard farming. Seems like their is always at least one piece of gear that takes forever to get, hehe.

[@ThangYT]

+IzInAZ yep it's in game, remember it's a crusader shield so you'll have to use a crusader shield to cube. You won't get it from normal shield

[@IzInAZ]

+Thang N. Yeah, that was my issue. I feel like a total goober. Time to start farming again, hehe

[@ThangYT]

IzInAZ no worries, I did the same thing with the pyro shield

[@protopawn]

Thang, I'm a Crusader main and this style of play is by far my favorite. I have two questions for you or anyone who can answer them (not sure if they were asked/not going to try to find them) due to 2 thing you pointed out and the other due to an item nerf. 1st is the item of the Justice Lantern, it no longer has its passive effect so would you choose a new ring or still keep it? 2nd is you noted that weapon damage has no effect for this and Strength is connected to that and Vitality is connected to Heart of Iron = more Thorns. My question is why pick Strength in Paragon points over Vitality? If you or anyone can get back to me on this it would be much appreciated. Ty!

[@ThangYT]

+ProtoPawn P Justice Lantern still has it's passive effect on the PTR...unless they're deciding to stealth nerf it. Unity Right would be a good ring in it's place. Does the same effect of reducing your damage taken but it won't have extra block %. The weapon damage as zero effect on thorns damage. Strength also increases thorns and armor. Finery also increases str by 1.5% per gem socketed. Lengedary gems also counts as well. so that's 15% increase in your total STR. Also Akkarat's Champion Prophet also increases armor by 150% when active as well. So overall in the end you get much more toughness to survive.

[@protopawn]

Thank you for the insight into this matter I appreciate it very much. If I ever have a question on anything I'll be sure to ask. Thank you for the great video and keep up the great work!

[@ThangYT]

+ProtoPawn P no problem! Feel free to anytime =)

[@rode7623]

7:12 I'm sorry, but I really doesn't comprehend the sentence that pops up on screen. Can someone help me out?

[@ThangYT]

+Rode ignore it, heart of iron has been nerfed to even be as good as before pre nerfed

[@herveglandu4847]

Nice build ! lets do it, and have fun :)

[@redbeard4206]

I'm using an Ancient- Ancient bonesaber as my weapon, It's a sword, But has the 1.50 attack speed like the pig sticker. Was my first Ancient Seem's to be pretty good, Came with 7% attack speed and a gem slot, Missing the ring and shield's but still able to easily solo a 45.

[@RMJ1984]

Is there any tips or ideas to leveling and playing the crusader at max level. Because you cant just switch to thorns when you level or hit 70. It seems like you need at least a good bit of items to make the thorn build work and we all know how crusaders get kicked from parties at least in public games.

[@dominikliebe1507]

+RMJ1984 this season monks get kicked from partys not the saders :)

[@andrewh4350]

I understand that diamonds offer a better boost to survivability than amethysts do, but amethysts boost your damage because of the 500% HoI vitality conversion. Is it not worth it to use amethysts in this case instead?

[@ThangYT]

+Andrew H HoL has been nerfed to 300% as well as when you're in a higher GR, you will noticed that no matter how much HP you have, it will drop super quick. in lower GR or T10 sure go with amethyst gems.

[@MrTS7]

Question: if Thorns scale off Vitality, why don't you put all your Paragon points in Vitality rather than Strength ?

[@ThangYT]

+Taha Sabia it adds into armor and strength also adds into thorns damage. So you can do either or but after testing it having it all in Vit doesn't allow you to last that long in higher GRs. Armor is also amplified by your akkarat champion prophet rune

[@MrTS7]

Ok, thank you for the feedback, I really appreciate it =) good job by the way on the videos :)

[@ThangYT]

+Taha Sabia np and thank you!

[@nedra.0808]

Just one question, if you can answer... isn't it better to use purple gems on the body and on the helmet for get more damages ?

[@ThangYT]

+Darren Risbourg no, I just diamonds to be more tanky in higher GRs, it's best if you use red gems for more damage and toughness

[@mdouet]

You should really socket Rubies in your armor because Thorns damage scales off of Strength.

[@ThangYT]

+Marc Douet That is true but I felt like I died more.

[@mdouet]

+Thang N. You really shouldn't be having survivability issues with this build with all of the toughness you can stack on gear since you don't have to worry about getting CC/CHD.

[@VeeDubz420]

+Marc Douet Vitality gives more thorns per point i believe. With heart of iron of course.

[@mdouet]

+Firstv Lastf That is correct in terms of sheet Thorns damage, but Strength gives you more effective Thorns damage, this number does not show up in your sheet as it is caculated in real time.

[@UndeadRonin]

looks like everything has been nerfed since this video heart of iorn was brought from 500 to 300 percent of vitality and his gem is lvl 66 giving 129k thorns and mine is 65 giving 68k thorns

[@ThangYT]

Sorry for the late reply but yes. This video was PTR although it is still extremely viable until you get your full LoN Bombardment set.

[@endo77x7]

Also, what about Amethyst for armor gems? The health scaling could be amazing for thorns no?

[@ThangYT]

+Wesley McCarley You can see either Purple, Red or Diamonds. That choice is up to you. I like to use diamond for more toughness. During my testing I felt it helped me survive much more.

[@Mathalomew]

Question do you think that adding in Sanguinary Vambraces by swaping a rrog in for the coe would be a better dps increase?

[@ThangYT]

+Diskenth Dragonaut I thought about that too but I don't believe the multiplier from Sanguinary Vambrace will be higher than CoE. I could be wrong.

[@wcoyote79]

I thought read somewhere that primary stat does affect thorns damage?

[@wcoyote79]

+sum gai Thorns damage is now increased by 100% of your primary stat damage bonus diablo.somepage.com/news/2121-diablo-iii-patch-230-patch-notes patch 2.3 this change was made

[@ThangYT]

+sum gai hmmm, it looks like it's a little bugged on the ptr then.

[@Minecraftexploring]

Question, how come you don't pick stam + hp first from paragon lvls? HOI gives 500% Thorns from hp, why not get the most out of it? Do the str scale harder then that in terms of damage? Also are you doing a remake / update of this guide for the season?

[@ThangYT]

+Minecraftexploring HoI has been nerfed to only 300%. STR gives you thorns as well as toughness.

[@FlipFlop88]

Why would you not use vit gems in gear to boost thorns even further through heart of iron ? or have the change how that works? i haven't been on the ptr for some weeks now.

[@jkc877]

+FlipFlop Strength is a multiplier on thorns. Heart of Iron effect only gives you a bit more base thorns...less than 5% of your existing thorns before augmenting vitality and socketing vitality. It's better to improve the multiplier. I'm pretty sure you get more toughness via strength too (actual damage reduction, not just flimsy less-armored health).

[@ThangYT]

+Jimmy Cao yep.

[@Holysnowva]

I don't get how you have 500K thorns? I have everything set up the same and only have 220k - what am I missing?

[@Holysnowva]

+Holysnowva never mind - I see the heart of iron nerf now

[@Holysnowva]

Very sad

[@KiIlerman]

+Mike Matthews II so is it not worth anymore ?

[@KiIlerman]

+Mike Matthews II just tried it. haven't got all the items yet. especially the belt is hard to get. Still with the set alone you manage to get t7 easy

[@redjumping]

+Holysnowva there was some nerfage, but it still rocks pretty much as described, GR70 is fine

[@Ludak021]

I just got a pigsticker and it didn't roll IAS but 9% damage instead. :/ It's also ancient. Maybe it's because of that? doesn't matter.

[@ThangYT]

+Ludak021 Grats and that sucks to hear. I believe it is because of the % Damage that's why you didn't get AS, you can always reroll it. Shouldn't matter if it's ancient

[@Ludak021]

+Thang N. Thanks. yes I re-rolled dmg% into IAS of course but I lack vitality on it :/ It rolled %dmg, STR, life on hit. I applied gift to it and made %dmg into IAS like I said. Not a big deal, I got several pieces of gear with life% so I am at 1 billion life anyways :P Too bad that they nerfed the whole thing across the board. Nothing is as powerful as it was when you were making this video. Even the yellow gem for weapon thorns has had it's thorns cut in half...Now instead of 500K thorns you get to like 300K, maybe.

[@ThangYT]

+Ludak021 It's ok until you find a better pig sticker, I was using a yellow weapon just for the AS. The nerf isn't bad as everyone makes it to be. my friend who is at around 500 paragon level is doing 65 GR without optimized an ancient or augmented gears. Even with 300K you'll do UBER!!!