Diablo 3 Season 18 Crusader starter build guide (Patch 2.6.6 - Akkhan)

UPDATE: Season 18 Patch 2.6.6
This Diablo 3 patch 2.6.1 Season 14 Crusader starter thorns build can be used to get your Haedrig's Gift and complete your GR 20 solo. No legendary items required. Can then transition into Akkhan Condemn. Gameplay shown in video.
Diablo 3 Season 14 start date: June 15.
Build reference: www.d3planner....
More Diablo 3 Reaper of Souls guides, builds for all classes - Demon Hunter, Witch Doctor, Crusader, Barbarian, Monk, Necromancer, and Wizard: • Diablo 3: Reaper of So...
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Executive producers: Recramorcen, Sarge9017, MohEternal, Kiskaloo, NickTick, Levi Jordan, Matthew J Rooney
Special thanks: Maia Nashira, Remiehneppo, Neme5i5, TepidTurtle, Matthew Feiteira, Lamer of Sweden, trouble982, MONGAS INC., Terry Lee, Joel Williams, Lionblade, Valentine Judnich, Kevin Verret Jr
#Diablo3 #Crusader #Season18

[@Rhykker]

A NOTE ON THE GEMS: As a fresh level 70, you won't have the highest tier of gems. However, even with simply Marquise gems, you can reach 70k total thorns damage, which is only about 25-30% less than I have in the video (as I said, in the video, my gear is unoptimized). I destroy a GR 20 in about 5 minutes - with 30% less damage, I would still beat the GR 20. Further, GR 20 is the most difficult challenge you'll face after doing all your other Haedrig's gift sets. By this point, you will likely have at least some gems better than Marquise, and you'll want to put all your efforts into getting a better topaz.

[@CrucialflyHD]

50 minutes seems a bit ambitious

[@SymplyOP]

You would probably find the Invoker 2 set by that time too which would increase your thorns by 140% after using a generator or blocking for 2 seconds. That might cut down on the 50 minute GR20 timer lol.

[@Rhykker]

LOL wow massive typo there. Meant 5 minutes hahah

[@Havok91]

Can we add you as a friend in game? I just came back, after years away, mid season 13 and your guides have been a MASSIVE help.

[@rogerj412]

I was doing some checking on my level 60ish Crusader and it appears that Vitality is his primary stat. When I had Strength gems in they weren't increasing his Thorns, but the moment I changed them over to Vitality (on a whim) my Thorns shot thru the roof. Does the primary stat change at max level or does it change based on my current gear?

[@Caenlorn]

If it wasn't for Rhykker's videos on D3 I doubt I'd be playing. They always bring back the nostalgia of early D3, all the excitement. Always a *thumbs up*

[@W.edgewargames]

So I just had a really cool moment in D3, I encountered an epic creature named Rhykker on Torment 6

[@JackOfZeros]

Cleared GR 20 in 6:35 with 60k thorns damage with ease on an average layout. Thanks a ton!

[@_Wags_]

100% support this build, Thank you for the build! Just cleared a GR20 and completed the set!

[@9_to_5_gaming65]

Dude coming back to this game after a few years and this build is amazing. Thanks for this great guide.

[@Grasshoppa65]

Dude....thanks so much for this. I was sick of having build guides that assume everyone has the green sets already.

[@Rapha1337]

Great fresh lvl70 build, manage to do the lvl 20 rift without any trouble using only marquise gems. The best part is that this build is very hardcore safe. Thanks dude :D

[@gwydionmatauc9873]

Thanks again Rhykker; wife & I running our first Saders together in S14. Looking forward to our first GR100!

[@GSYSYT]

Thx! That build helped me to run GR 20 and complete act 4.

[@timswarat9409]

Gotta say that I was a little skeptical of relying almost entirely on thorns damage at first, but this build really does work! Granted, I had a bit of a head start (i.e Heart of Iron legendary chestpiece, fully upgraded gems, no pieces of Akkhan though sadly) but I went from struggling to make it through Torment 2 encounters as a fresh level 70 to easily cruising through as high as torment 7. Great video, keep up the good work!

[@Jandor1]

Thank you for doing these videos! They are always super polished and helpful

[@codyfritz2357]

Thanks for taking the time to do this. Witch doctor next!

[@chillwaffle2033]

Ended up getting the gear for both the Condemn and Cpt. America builds in S13, and I have to say, I really prefer flinging shields around all over the place. The Condemn build I found to be much harder to play. Landing those Condemns just right, getting the timing and number of mobs in tha AOE was a huge pain. Spamming a screen full of shields, however... So satisfying, now that I have a decent system that won't faint from rendering all the shields. :) With the Crusader set being Akkhan's, it will be great to try shooting for a better build as fast as possible, to maybe push farther than I did in Season 13. Thanks for another helpful video, Rhykker!

[@bryanjturner21]

Is this up to date, or should I wait for the S18 video?

[@rigdigwus]

i really like this build. i just turned lvl 70 and haven't played d3 in several years. With only a day of doing bounties and the seasonal journey i already have 77k thorns damage with only rare items and some legendarys i found on the way. I only have an imperial topaz in my weapon tho, so with changing that i can easily get 90k+ thanks a lot for this guide :D now i can farm gear for a more lategame build on sader :)

[@LeviathanD3]

If you don't need the block chance from Stand Your Ground, swapping to Lord Commander would do great things for the cooldown of Steed Charge and Bombardment for this setup. Great build idea here to help with a not-so-ideal starter set for Crusader!

[@Rhykker]

Excellent suggestions from an excellent Crusader streamer!

[@samoajoe7106]

Hey this, folks is Rhykker.

[@hitthegoat]

Rhykkerrrrr

[@TheOphrys]

Rhykker hey, This is folks!

[@x1257x]

thank you for all your guides man. it's very helpful. cheers!

[@jonathanwilliams7307]

Lord Commander is a viable replacement for Hold Your Ground, since you're using both Steed Charge and Bombardment. Additionally, if you're confident in your ability to stay alive, the Rally rune on Akarat's Champion provides more uptime for your damage dealers.

[@devon1335]

Great stuff - worked well, even tho the setup didnt quite wasnt quite exactly the same, using the concept (thorns) is what did it. Well done, Thanks for the vid

[@williamorr3084]

Not to mention that this build works beautifully in Hardcore with gear. Just use max Block and up Vit. Beautiful build, Props Bro.

[@rifter6176]

Was uncertain about this build but it's working great and fun to see things melt around you. I got rid of Akarat's Champion because I got a shield that increases thorns when enemies are taunted, so I'm using that skill. Akarat's doesn't seem important in this build. Thanks.

[@afk4dyz]

Great build. Was able to do a gr 20 without any set pieces. Basically hunted elites an did it no problem.

[@chickenzwings]

Thanks Rhykker! Think I'm gonna go crusader this season :)

[@realquagmeister1869]

I went all in on it ^^

[@airmanon7213]

Nice touch with trying to imitate the starter build experience

[@maximumeffort3225]

Just a note. When using the Character Planner linked no items names are given. All items are generically name "Rare "Item"".

[@Menelker]

mmmm Yellow Thorn Crusader, reminds me of vanilla RoS before rework, Thorns Crusader was stupid good back then.

[@thehoerscorral8565]

Heyfoaks thanks for mentioning teamBRG site, their site actually is BY FAR the best guides for mastering the set dungeons for the awesome wings, plus the necro ones if you want those red wings too. Literally aside from two (wastes barb because its by far the worst set dungeon in the game, and one of the monk ones, I forget which) i was able to first or second try with their guides. Simple, easy to follow

[@Mastro_]

This was very helpful, thank you.

[@submarinesonce-submarinestwice]

How does this Gear Set do against "of the Invoker" set. The Invoker set boosts thorns specifically, or does the Akkhan damage boost just negate all that. I have a piece of both and I'm not really a hard core player, just wanted to know.

[@SuperConormcg]

Hey, Rhykker do you have any guides on how you'd go about getting this set or good gear if you have already claimed your gifts on another character? I'm pretty new to Diablo​ and love your videos? Maybe if you had time you could make a video on how to get builds without Haedrigs gifts?

[@Vince18.]

Hey Rhykker, is this build still viable? It seems like i can't get Cons as my defensive and i have to choose between Iron Skin and Cons and Akarai's with Bombardment

[@dylanjackson1816]

Does akkhan have a really low drop rate ? Im paragon 230 something and havent found one piece not sure if im doing anything wrong can solo greater rugt torment 16s fairly easily, its driving me insane i cant find one piece for it hahah

[@SentryxVoid]

How far can I expect to push sticking with Thorns? Is it good enough to run t13? Not interested in going condemn as I never push super far before I stop playing anyway and as long as I could get to GR75 with thorns I would just stick with that as it looks pretty fun.

[@Hunyika]

Awesome guide, half of your thorns dmg, what i had, but i made it :D rly fast, without any akkhan items :)

[@MoRaXSCV]

Hey i wanna buy diablo 3 e.c next week should i buy it is it worth it ? And i saw ur video of his solo build would i have problems finding groups?

[@marcoriccardi2258]

sorry for question,im new in diablo..how did u set consecration on right click? i have a different set of skill on this button

[@QuockaFlocka]

Does THORNS proc AREA DAMAGE? If yes, is it only when you apply the thorns via skills or when the unit attacks you as well? if no, then why do you recommend us pump paragon points in Area Damage after life on hit?

[@WhiteCr_0w]

In your D3 planner, the rune for steed charge is endurance while in this video its spiked barding (and as said your biggest source of damage), please check this, might be wrong.

[@WhiteCr_0w]

also unfortunately you haven't put which legendaries we should empower in the cube

[@davomo89]

I wish I saw this video before making my crusader, would have been so helpfulness! Do you have a video about an advanced condemn build? I can't find one and I'm looking for specifics about best stats for the upper level rifts (90+)

[@salvogreco]

Do you make Hardcore build videos as well, or just the softcore stuff?

[@UmCaraTranquilo]

you`re the best bro thanks for the help!!!!!

[@RichieHendrixx]

Rhykker, this hey is folks.

[@realquagmeister1869]

Rhykker, folks this is Hey :D

[@doro626]

I loaded up on Thorns and havent looked back. Not sure how high just thorns can get me, but its a ton of fun, since I got the free set on my Monk already.

[@sagephil]

Great content Rhykker! I'd love one for the Necro though ;D

[@jeffhebert48]

Trying this build this season. :)

[@Kadmilos3310]

I just tried out this build on a fres lvl 80 and its doing amazing manged to clear a GR 20 on my 1st try with only Imperial gem quality. Im curently trying to figure out what Legendary gems to put into this crusader im thinking of Boyarsky's Chip and Molten Wildebeest's Gizzard. Some tips on the 3rd gem ? Also will the 6 piece set bonus also increase my thorns DMG ?

[@thekingsavatar5327]

And how so ist get that many pieces of Armor With gem space, and which difficulty do i play

[@mariaalessandra2940]

Great vídeo! I'll try to play as a cruz, a monk or a necro. Pretty in doubt. Your guide Will help me. Congrats! Thanks!

[@TheGoatman]

I'm confused. The linked build guide skills don't match the video at all...

[@metalmichew2]

except for sword ( iron skin at this point due to items and just playing for 2 days, been very lucky at drops now!) my stream viewers told me my build was bad because i did not have anything taking away from my wrath and still (slowly but steadily,until shield dropped) getting my higher grifts done. anything i can say to them that might calm them down? i mostly rely on tankyness instead of damage and it works really really well

[@Fuzzalump]

It's interesting to see how different your fresh 70 build differs from Bluddsheds.

[@Rhykker]

Bludd makes some excellent content! There are many viable starter builds :)

[@Fuzzalump]

Definitely, I like the variety. Just coming back to the game after a year break so doing as much research as I can. Keep up the great work!

[@acemac79]

Hey this is a fun build how to I take it further? Like not go to condemn just stay thorns with mace stead charge cool down

[@eydis9554]

Will you do top 10 builds for S14 or it is the same like in S13?

[@Backtobassics500]

I think the only thing that's changed is double gobs and the flag, or w/e it's called. Nothing really changed as far as skills/items as far as I know. It should be the same as S13.

[@zachmullins9444]

He made a video on it, nothing has changed. Crusader is still the only S tier class.

[@shidoshi22]

What difficulty should I do to farm greater rifts as just wondering.

[@iilakostaii1499]

How tf he uses bimbarder and akarats champion can somone tell me that i have that 2 on same numb

[@Wimpiethe3]

3 common legendaries with the hammer skill and % damage against elites will allow you to run lvl 20 rifts too.

[@Till27_Spence]

Alright this is a good one because you came up with it

[@signd6298]

I know very well that the thorns build isn't meta but I play the game for fun, besides, what happened to the invoker set? It's the ultimate thorns set.

[@Knifeblade11]

Hey is the Zunimassa’s Haunt builds damage been increased even more?

[@shadow67492]

What about the bonuses from the cube?? I extracted the ability from the *heart of iron* chest piece for additional thorns based on vitality. But for my weapon I used a 1handed axe called ...... Hack .... Or something like that, it boosts damage based on thorns as well. Also there's a legendary shield that pops bombardment every 7 sec which I think would be useful.

[@LAD907]

Thanks man

[@anthonymclain7772]

So I have a question: Season 13 is ending soon and I know that you get exclusive armor sets for completing chapters, but does this mean that Season 13 armor won't be available anymore?

[@MrGbounds]

Anthony McLain ending soon? It's already ended. The armor you get is cosmetic. Every season you get two different pieces and most people don't use it. They've given people the chance to get the "limited armor" several times each piece now.

[@proxsea7496]

Do you plan to make a video designated to each class for s14 and their haedrigs gift reward?

[@markjulianjr6644]

So i just started playing again. I dont understand how to fet the akknon set for free. I play on xbox 1

[@Dominikwojs]

Hey have the skills been shuffled around a little, or am i missing something here, I'm not able to have all the same skills as u at the same time????

[@sonicmoviefan063ez8]

madskillz go to options and turn on "elective mode"

[@Dominikwojs]

Oh i had it on, i figured it out now thanks!

[@tomase789]

Ive been busting my b** trying to figure out what is better in terms of survivability. 500vit? or 500 armor? I cant find a reliable source :/ Do you have any idea wich i should aim for?

[@Rhykker]

On your gear, vit is better than armor

[@theicemanye]

Ah yes thank you for the Advices Mister Rhykker

[@moomeowwoofjaa]

Hi Rhykker, great video! Any Necro starter build?

[@ziljin]

Condemn build is really strong but I keep dying. I really hate not having the extra range other classes do. My Thorns Crusader does all its damage from Punish lol! the Thorns doesn't even dent the high GRift enemies. but I can't do AOE with thorns so its super clear speeds.

[@MrBellasaurus]

What are items to cube for a thorns build?

[@MaliciousRaptor]

I completed all 4 chapters fully how do i get the Hadrigs gift?

[@Noobieliciouz]

Who is the strongest class considering the set they get?

[@AlexJohnson-ww2kl]

New to seasons, How do you obtain your free 6 set?

[@fabrice119]

Will there be a Necro starter guide before Season 14 starts ?

[@MoRaXSCV]

Im on ps4 and i cant put bombardment and akarat champion and i can put only hqlf of the stuff and im not talking about lvl i mean i can put only one of 2 things

[@timswarat9409]

BatyGaming you need to go to your options menu, then gameplay, then enable "elective mode" so that you can use whatever skills and abilities you want rather than one from each different set

[@MoRaXSCV]

Tim Swarat thx i found out a day after i posted this comment

[@Nextgengrim]

I always ask this question yet nobody ever seems to answer me. Hopefully someone can here. So pretty much I have the same armor set as Rhykker, but why does his have more armor than my set?

[@Rhykker]

All stats, including armor, roll on a range. What I show in the D3planner are the max possible rolls :)

[@3HeartLimit]

You know I decided to play crusader this season and have gotten nothing but near perfect/amazing drops for the most part though I'm playing a variation of this build that uses heavens fury with bombardment to get massive aoe drop on packs

[@profesorja3581]

would like to see zunimassa for witch doctor

[@NotAMystery]

Something happened to TeamBRG The website went down as of yesterday.

[@noahgraham4615]

How does he have another defensive skill

[@TruExFlame]

Hey, are you going to do one for the wizard?

[@HunterAnderson350]

Only D3 players would need a guide of what to do so you can get your free hand out gear.

[@pcguysaved]

Gotta say Rhykker I'm a big fan of yours this video is somewhat misleading, I built this character expecting to push solo grift quickly without perfect gear but you just can't. You are bound by skill cds so I spend most of my time running yes running away from mobs to survive. This feels like a watered down archon build but way worse. For this to be viable at all you need ALL the recommended leggo's but having to get carried by my DH and necro friends that can already solo grift 70 at 300 paragon till I RNG the gear is really sad. Never rolling a crusader again, please advise in the future if a build is a compete wheelchair class without gear thanks.

[@racineg33]

A thorns build without using invoker set? Challenge accepted!

[@m4ssacre405]

how do you get 2 conviction skills?

[@finraziel]

So I totally meant to use this build... but then a Guard of Johanna dropped on my way to 70 and made me cakewalk through GR20 with over 9 minutes to spare just throwing hammers :P Guess it just shows, always see what drops and maybe you can use that to more easily attain your goal...

[@finraziel]

Ha, I was about to come complain about how GR20 is not the hardest thing at all because I was getting my ass handed to me by the realm of fright on T4... but I'm an idiot and didn't check the requirements properly, only needed to kill the keywardens, not what the keys lead to :P

[@lolynnnn]

Is it possible to level 1 to 70 with thorns?

[@woreyour]

what is the best class to do the fastest free stash this coming season 14?

[@ziljin]

which class are you good at? But I find Unhallowed Essence Multishot Demon Hunter, and Sunwuko Wave of Light Monk really strong and fast at clearing bosses and grifts.

[@alexandermeilby629]

maybe using flawless royal gems is a little over the top for a fresh dinged 70 =), i like the fact that you went with thorns tho

[@Rhykker]

You're right about the gems; you might be able to get the maxed topaz by the time you do your GR 20 though

[@jalefar8247]

Thorns build quite suck when you play with other ppl since not so many mobs will attack you and I also picked lord commander instead of finery becouse getting all these sockets on fresh character is not so easy. I managed to get 66k thorns dmg with just +14k thorns gem and +thorns on every gear except jewelery. Also cubing leoric crown as a first legendary is good idea since it will help you reduce cds.

[@revengedealer]

If I was participating in season 14, I would be going Crusader :D

[@JohnBlack2345]

how do you get those stones?

[@thelonesomewanderer8359]

hi dude I enjoy your content but I always wonder to myself, how are you not bored of D3 yet? I don't even play it anymore but I like to watch your vids

[@Rhykker]

Thanks for still watching my vids! I stop myself from getting bored by always changing class and build, and always playing with other people :)

[@spsanders69]

Exactly, the game is what you make it. There are 7 different classes with tons of different builds. Don't focus on the l33t META and play how you like.

[@ondrej911]

just tested crusader -thorns of the invoker

[@Drunkledore]

how is this on hardcore?

[@KiMLoKO1]

u didn't use max level gems right ? (still watching video)

[@ar_x7]

What's strenths?