Starting a Paladin on August 29, 2026, you'll get further with a steady build than with a flashy setup that only shines once every piece of gear is perfect. I'd begin with Divine Lance, Rally, and a simple aura plan. The character hits hard enough for early packs, moves well between fights, and does not fall apart when a new weapon changes your stats. A few sensible D4 items can smooth the rough spots, but the build should work before that.

Build Around Faith, Not Cooldown Timing

Divine Lance is the main reason this setup feels good. It gives you a clear target and a repeatable way to handle groups without waiting for one perfect moment. Use Advance to build Faith, then spend it through Divine Lance. Rally keeps the pace moving and helps when a dungeon spreads enemies across several rooms. You'll soon notice that emptying the resource bar too quickly causes more trouble than a slightly lower damage figure. Leave enough Faith for the next wave.

The Early Skill Plan

From level 1 to 14, take the basic attack and Divine Lance as soon as the game allows. Rally is worth taking early, even if your damage still feels modest. At level 15, choose Zealot for this version of the Paladin. It suits an aggressive Core-skill approach and rewards a character that stays active rather than waiting at the edge of every fight. Fanaticism Aura should follow for offensive pressure, while Defiance Aura becomes the better pick when elites start forcing you to retreat.

Spend Points Where They Matter

Once the main loop is working, avoid scattering points across skills you rarely press. Improve Divine Lance, Faith recovery, attack speed, and the effects that keep Rally useful. Holy Light Aura is a strong mid-level addition because it adds pressure while you aim Divine Lance at tougher targets. Keep an eye on your defences, too. Armour, resistances, life, healing, and damage reduction often save more time than another small offensive upgrade.

Use Advance to open the fight and build Faith.
Spend Faith with Divine Lance on the largest threat.
Trigger Holy Light Aura when enemies gather close.
Choose Fanaticism for speed or Defiance for safer sustained combat.
Use Rally to move, recover, and avoid standing in danger.

Move into Stronger Content Gradually

From level 30 onward, test the build in events, Strongholds, Legion Events, Helltide activities, and dungeons. Raise the difficulty when ordinary enemies drop quickly and elite encounters stay under control. Around level 50, start collecting pieces for Blessed Hammer, Blessed Shield, or a shield-focused variation if one appeals to you. Change the main damage skill first, then adjust the auras after you understand the new Faith pattern. Keeping the original setup while gathering D4 items cheap is often the less frustrating route.