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

[@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*

[@_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.

[@W.edgewargames]

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

[@gwydionmatauc9873]

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

[@codyfritz2357]

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

[@GSYSYT]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@JackOfZeros]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@Jandor1]

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

[@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 :)

[@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

[@x1257x]

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

[@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

[@samoajoe7106]

Hey this, folks is Rhykker.

[@hitthegoat]

Rhykkerrrrr

[@TheOphrys]

Rhykker hey, This is folks!

[@williamorr3084]

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

[@chickenzwings]

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

[@realquagmeister1869]

I went all in on it ^^

[@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.

[@maximumeffort3225]

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

[@airmanon7213]

Nice touch with trying to imitate the starter build experience

[@afk4dyz]

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

[@Mastro_]

This was very helpful, thank you.

[@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?

[@bryanjturner21]

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

[@sagephil]

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

[@moomeowwoofjaa]

Hi Rhykker, great video! Any Necro starter build?

[@Hunyika]

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

[@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+)

[@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

[@proxsea7496]

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

[@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!

[@UmCaraTranquilo]

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

[@RichieHendrixx]

Rhykker, this hey is folks.

[@Till27_Spence]

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

[@salvogreco]

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

[@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!

[@theicemanye]

Ah yes thank you for the Advices Mister Rhykker

[@Wimpiethe3]

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

[@jeffhebert48]

Trying this build this season. :)

[@Menelker]

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

[@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.

[@LAD907]

Thanks man

[@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.

[@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?

[@realquagmeister1869]

Rhykker, folks this is Hey :D

[@TruExFlame]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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?

[@fabrice119]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@AlexJohnson-ww2kl]

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

[@profesorja3581]

would like to see zunimassa for witch doctor

[@Knifeblade11]

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

[@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

[@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

[@TheGoatman]

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

[@Noobieliciouz]

Who is the strongest class considering the set they get?

[@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.

[@shidoshi22]

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

[@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.

[@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 ?

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@MrBellasaurus]

What are items to cube for a thorns build?

[@thekingsavatar5327]

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

[@SuhandiWijaya]

Fresh level 70 don't have 280 str gems :)

[@coachrafa515]

git gud

[@Narabedla4]

also the topaz, which is like the biggest source of thorns there. "gear independent" you only need ot get lucky with plan drops for those gems and have enough db and gold and gems to make these. oh by that time you have legendaries with multipliers and/or sets? but to be fair, this works still with the marquise gems, just not as good obviously.

[@Timmycoo]

+Narabedla Challenge rift helps out a lot at the start of a season.

[@Narabedla4]

Tim Seeburger yeah i know?? how do you think is this relevant? it doesn't give you gems nor the plans to upgrade them.

[@Timmycoo]

+ Narabedla Nah I know I wasn't addressing everything. Just saying it helps to get DBs and mats to craft legs.

[@racineg33]

A thorns build without using invoker set? Challenge accepted!

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@revengedealer]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@BrianRox]

"Don't break your head over it" lol

[@ryanjack1899]

I love these vids. However, I still cannot find any decent guides for console chars. Most of the guides I find are for PC. You can't exactly "hotkey" skills in the console version, the way some of the PC builds are done. I'm just hoping for even a mention that "yes, the information presented is the same for consoles." or, "so, here's what needs to change f you're running this build on your PS3/PS4/Xbone/etc."

[@bloodypsycho6025]

Ryan Jack no changes are needed as hotkey just refers to a quicker way to press buttons and assignments, only difference that could be a problem on console would be nephalems glory which isnt on pc (the yellow orb) as im unsure if it effects thorn damage, if it doesn’t then this build will be useless b4 rift 20 unless you like not killing things lol

[@tyronemaher308]

It’s all the same bro. Only noticeable difference is when running wizard builds ps4 run twister..outside of that I’ve run all sets on pc and ps4 and never had a problem. The hot key is literally a timing thing but in ps4 we have a control so shouldn’t have a problem procing

[@ryanjack1899]

Thanks for that. I wasn't sure.

[@spsanders69]

I had been playing on the Console since its release. HOwever, I think I may do this season mainly on the PC to play with a couple coworkers that play on PC. You can setup your keys for whatever skills you want on the Console, just like the PC. If that is what you are talking about, if not, my bad. But in Game Options select "Elective Mode" and you can assign any skill to any button. You don't have to put primary on a certain button and can have multiple skills in each class just like PC does. I actually find playing on the Console a bit simpler as you don't have to worry about the mouse and simply use the "joystick" to move your character. One great thing about D3 is they did an amazing job translating the game to Console. Unlike PoE which I think tries to force the same interface which makes it very kludgie without a mouse.

[@AleksandarIvanov69]

I was wondering, is the Thorns Pony build the fastest farming build and how much Paragon do you need to utilize it for T13 ?

[@Ducksquare]

Stankin' Thankin' no in fact it is the slowest farmer out of the crusader sets and you won't be needing much paragon as a thorns crusader is entirely reliant on thorns damage

[@AleksandarIvanov69]

What is the fastest ?

[@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!

[@mikecook6164]

The gems are unrealistic for a new 70. This breezy GR20 isn't going to be this easy. 54k thorns with an unobtainable gem plus 280*5 isn't happening. Only hope is to have your 2 piece invoker's and you might get it done. Anyway, thanks for trying

[@xboxuser5461]

Please can you do Barbarian starter build ?

[@MaliciousRaptor]

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

[@HunterAnderson350]

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

[@Xenocrysth]

hey +Rhykker where did you get your background gif with malthael ? :)

[@megabear163]

Xenocrysth It is in the Steam Workshop for Wallpaper Engine.

[@Xenocrysth]

so i have to buy it ? :/

[@Xenocrysth]

and can i save it as an video too on my pc ? :/

[@megabear163]

Xenocrysth You might be able to get it elsewhere. Wallpaper engine is a very good program anyway if you like wallpapers, and it's only $5.

[@megabear163]

Xenocrysth Yes, if you download it from the workshop it should be in a file location similar to this D:\Program Files (x86)\SteamLibrary\steamapps\workshop\content\431960\922752666 It uses a few second video and just loops it. The wallpaper can be found here steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=922752666

[@ondrej911]

just tested crusader -thorns of the invoker

[@vicez_]

easy moneeey, thanks for the guide!!

[@NotAMystery]

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

[@KiMLoKO1]

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

[@ragegamer1607]

to bad the season doesn't start for another week. I got the itch to play again and noticed that and walked away

[@DrukenReaps]

Thorns builds are hilarious and so OP, you just let the enemy do what it is programmed to do and you win. Occasional enemy will need some level of effort but otherwise this kind of shit is just funny as hell broken.

[@markjulianjr6644]

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