Since the very first season of Diablo 3, the Crusader has been lorded as one of the most powerful classes in the game. But if you're looking to take it to the next level and have it live up to this reputation, you'll need to have the right build for it, and that's where this guide comes in.
We'll be walking you through the setup for creating the most powerful Crusader build in Diablo 3 Season 30, from active and passive skills to best-in-slot items to farm for, items to use in Kanai's Cube, Legendary Gems to obtain, and alternate builds for the most recent season, we have you covered on all bases.
Update on 12 January 2024: We've updated this article with the best Diablo 3 Crusader build for Season 30 with the update now live, taking all balance changes and item changes into consideration.
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Is the Crusader a Good Class in Diablo 3 Season 30?
The Crusader class is a recommended class for most players, as the barrier to entry for using this class isn't very high. However, it still offers some powerful and complex gameplay options for veteran players, such as its ability to tank damage, remain agile while attacking, and deliver some heavy AoE (Area of Effect) damage.
However, we should note that the Crusader isn't perfect, as it has been slightly nerfed in some aspects this season. The result of this makes the Crusaders a well-balanced class, but it suffers a lack of shine in any one area.
Best Diablo 3 Crusader Build: Akkhan Condemn
The build we've chosen for the Crusader class in Diablo 3 Season 29 is dubbed the Akkhan Condemn build. Using the Akkhan set for its boost in damage, strength, and resistance, among other things, and Condemn for its almost overpowered AoE damage effect. Included in this build are also a few items, skills, and more that we'll be covering below.
Active & Passive Skills for Best Crusader Build in S30
If you're curious about seeing this build in action or want to play around with the items yourself, then head to the official Diablo 3 website, where we've put the Crusader Akkhan Condemn build together for you to check out. Below, you can find the Active skills and the runes associated with each for the Crusader build.
Skill | Rune |
Justice | Sword of Justice |
Judgment | Mass Verdict |
Akarat's Champion | Prophet |
Phalanx | Bowmen |
Laws of Valor | Unstoppable Force |
Falling Sword | Rapid Descent |
Next, we have all the passive abilities that are best suited for the Crusader build in Season 30 of Diablo 3.
Best in Slot Items for Crusader Build in S30
Item Slot | Best-in-slot choice for D3 Crusader |
Main-Hand | Blade of Prophecy |
Off-Hand | Frydehr's Wrath |
Helm | Helm of Akkhan |
Gloves | Gauntlets of Akkhan |
Shoulders | Pauldrons of Akkhan |
Chest | Breastplate of Akkhan |
Pants | Cuisses of Akkhan |
Boots | Sabatons of Akkhan |
Ring 1 | The Compass Rose |
Ring 2 | Rechel's Ring of Larceny |
Bracers | Strongarm Bracers |
Amulet | The Traveler's Pledge |
Belt | Captain Crimson's Silk Girdle |
Potion | Bottomless Potion of Kulle-Aid |
Best Items for Kanai's Cube for Crusader Build in S30
If you haven't yet obtained Kanai's Cube, then follow our guide on how to do so, and once done, use the items below to pair with the Akkhan Condemn Crusader build.
- Off-Hand Slot - Frydehr's Wrath
- Hands Slot - Tasker and Theo
- Finger Slot - Ring of Royal Grandeur
Legendary Gems for Best D3 Crusader Build
The Legendary gems we've chosen for this build focus on boosting the Crusader build offenses and give you bonuses for being more aggressive in battle. While there are a few options to choose from, these are the ones we recommend.
- Bane of the Trapped
- Enforcer
- Bane of the Powerful
- Esoteric Alteration
Which Follower to Use with your Diablo 3 Crusader Build
When it comes to followers, we recommend the Enchantress because she is the only follower who grants Cooldown Reduction, allowing you to spam your abilities more frequently. She can also be equipped with the Esoteric Alteration, and Mutilation Guard, and use Hand of the Prophet to grant us Cooldown Reduction, Elemental Damage, Reduced Damage from Ranged Attacks, Armor, Attack Speed, and a Cheat Death.
Alternative Diablo 3 Season 30 Crusader Builds
There are numerous Crusader builds available for Diablo 3. While some do have other favorites, we believe that the Akkhan Condemn is the best all-rounder for any player, but feel free to try others out if there's something more specific you're looking for.
To help you, we've put together a list of the best alternative Crusader builds below. To make it simple for you to find more alternative builds to attempt, we've also provided links to the incredibly helpful Maxroll website.
- Akkhan Invoker Bombardment Crusader
- AoV Heaven's Fury Crusader
- SotL Blessed Hammer Crusader
- Roland Sweep Attack Crusader
- Invoker Thorns Crusader
And there you have it: the best Crusader build for Diablo 3 Season 30 with best-in-class gear, active and passive skills, options for Kanai's Cube, the optimal follower, alternatives for legendary gems, and much more.