End Game PVM Zealot Gear

[:1]I realize there is a lot of information already posted online. However, I have found most of it dated (still talking about IM) or, the worst offender, only pertaining to PVP. As end game items are very difficult to come by, I would like to preplan my choices to avoid any potential waste. I plan on making the standard Zealot build (with one point in smite for Ubers), and mostly soloing. Since I will be mostly soloing, survivability (def, res, block) and damage are very weighted. That being said, I haven't played D2 in several years (5+) and do not consider myself an expert. (Is PDR important in PVM? Will I have enough AR without angelics? etc) In short, I've always considered myself a hardcore gamer and really enjoy min/maxing, so your opinions are greatly welcomed.



Weapon:

Grief PB (I believe this is considered the best option)

Lastwish PB (I like that this has another aura, and Charged Bolt. Has a certain cool factor)

Shield:

Exile (Also seems to be the #1 PVM option. What shield would this be best in? Sacred Targe? Also, love that this gives us yet another active aura)

HoZ (All the stats are great)

Helm:

I hear many options here. CoA, Guil, Andys, Vamp Gaze. Also, what should the socket be used for? PDR or Resists?

Also, like I've mentioned before, I love the cool factor of extra active auras and love the thought of using Dream. If this is a good option, which helm to make the runeword?

Armor:

Enigma? CoH? Fort? Unique?

Belt:

String of Ears or Verdungos?

Amulet:

Highlords, Metalgrid, Angelic?

Gloves:

Dracs? (even though Exile, or possibly Last Wish, already has lifetap?)

Boots:

I believe Gore Riders are the best option.

Rings:

One ravenfrost, one dual leach? (Is Angelics a must? even with ITD on weapon)



Sorry for the long post, and what may be a repitition of many questions you've answered frequently, but just know that your help is greatly appreciated. D2 isnt the same as it was when I previously played (with bots, spamming, etc) and has a very poor social atmosphere in most cases, so coming to you guys was my best option.|||I forgot to mention this in the original thread, but I could really use your opinion on the best merc set up as well. (Might? With a Doom? Pride?)|||I couldnt figure out how to delete these posts, but if anyone still wants to chime in, I think this is the setup I'm going to go for.

Grief PB

Exile ST (Is Sacred Targe the best option?)

Fort AP (Is Archon Plate the best option?)

Guillaume's

Verdungo's

Dracul's Grasp

Gore Riders

Highlords

Ravenfrost

Rare dual leach|||Your suggested gear in the last post is pretty much it.

ST is if i remember correct considered to be the best shield due to low req and high block. For the Fortitude, you can pretty much go with any armor you'd like, I myself favor Scarab Husk, due to looking cool.



Welcome back to diablo!|||Yes, Fort AP. ST is the best base, but most of the elite and even some high-end exceptional shields aren't far off ito blocking and str requirements.

I'm not a fan, but many like Enigma for getting around and it's arguably the best choice. You don't really need Dracs when you've got LT from Exile, so Laying of Hands is a good choice there. Otherwise you can opt for Dracs plus HoZ.

HF |||Quote:




Since I will be mostly soloing, survivability (def, res, block) and damage are very weighted...Is PDR important in PVM?




Defense rating is a nearly useless stat in PvM unless you can reach the 10s of thousands. In general, ignore it. PDR is similar. Unless you want to build a novelty character and stack it up to ~100, ignore it. 75% block and 75% Light/Fire resists and you'll be tough kill.


Quote:




I forgot to mention this in the original thread, but I could really use your opinion on the best merc set up as well. (Might? With a Doom? Pride?)




Might merc with Reapers/Treachery/Andariel's Visage. I can't fathom using anything else. Sure Pride might boost your epeen because it gives you bigger numbers, but a Reapers merc can beat the game for you, and breaks just about every physical immune along the way.|||Making a similar build. What armor do you recommend for the Treachery on merc?|||CoH is better then Forti. 300ED looks great but if you compare CoH ED vs demons and undead, increasing damage strenght bonus, +2 to zeal, + 2 to fanatism your damage will be similar (I do not know exactly, maybe 100 more, maybe 100 less).

Damage reduction, LL and resistances are very important either. Only life bonus from forti is better.

CoH is best armor for fighter with weapon damage - ED vs demons do not work with smite, barb WW and assa kick (correct me if I'm wrong).|||I don't see why you'd gimp yourself with a more expensive armor that gives less damage, but to each his own.

Also, are you saying WW doesn't use weapon damage? ED vs demons does work with WW but I don't know about the rest.|||Quote:








CoH is better then Forti. 300ED looks great but if you compare CoH ED vs demons and undead, increasing damage strenght bonus, +2 to zeal, + 2 to fanatism your damage will be similar (I do not know exactly, maybe 100 more, maybe 100 less).

Damage reduction, LL and resistances are very important either. Only life bonus from forti is better.




Finally one who have seen the light!

I strongly believe that in terms of kill speed the armor ranking is Enigma > CoH > Fort. You simply can't beat the extra mobility from Enigma. The +skills, Life, DR and huge strength boost is gravy as well.

Btw the ED boost from CoH is equal to +66% off-weapon ED for a fanatic zealot. For Enigma it is ~130% off-weapon ED.