The Crusader was a beloved hero in Darkest Dungeon, and it’s great to see him back in Darkest Dungeon 2. His ability to fit many roles make him a great addition to most parties, so here is a build guide to find the best loadouts for each situation.
Best Crusader Build in Darkest Dungeon 2
Contrary to other heroes like the Duelist, who need a party built around them, TheCrusaderis made to fit any party. His paths can change him from a tank, to a healer, to a damage dealer, or full support.
He is pretty much a jack of all trades since he has skills to do damage, heal HP andstress, tank, and debuff enemies. However, trying to do too much — or trying to do everything — is the first common downfall players encounter when using him.
It is best to specialize in a single role, and I found the most effectiveness in hisAggressor path.It is a self-sufficient build which can heal himself and also Execute enemies. For this, you will want to put him in Rank 1 andgive him the Fieldstone trinketwhich applies burn on a melee hit (66% chance).
Related:All Darkest Dungeon 2 Hero Classes, Ranked
Best skills for Crusader in Darkest Dungeon 2
For this Aggressor path, you are going to need attacks which can apply burn or benefit from it. These are the skills you would want to pick:
Holy Lance
This is the signature move of the Crusader, a ranged skill that can hit the back ranks and inflict burn. It is also a key move in dancing teams since it pushes him forward. It works with companions such as theDuelistand the Grave Robber that will move the Crusader back when they Flèche or Lunge (respectively). These companions would also benefit from The Crusader using Holy Lance to come back forward, because that would give them another chance at “Flèching” or Lunging.
Zealous Accusation
A ranged attack that can cleave, burn and apply combo. Since it hits two targets and can apply DOT, it is useful to finish off two weakened enemies and break through their Death’s Door Armor. This skill becomes especially useful in his Aggressor path, since he can deal extra damage to burning targets.
Stunning Blow
A hit that can stun enemies with combo. It can also remove Strength and CRIT on its upgraded form, which is useful against enemies like the Evangelist Cultists. What is best about this skill is the Crusader has other moves which can apply combo, like the Holy Lance. So Stunning Blow works well as a follow up to that other move.
A self sufficient skill to trigger self healing.
Reap
A cleaving attack that can Debuff the enemy and Execute when there are burn tokens.
Related:All characters in Darkest Dungeon 2
Best team comp for Crusader in Darkest Dungeon 2
The Aggressor path Crusader thrives when he has a partner who can inflict burn on enemies. For this reason,these are his best teammates:
Plague Doctor
She can play Rank 4 with her Surgeon path to maximize healing. Her skills should be as follows:
Jester
He can take Rank 3 and play the Soloist path. With a healer such as Plague Doctor, you won’t suffer the health debuff as much, and in exchange you will get a great damage dealer.
Runaway
She can play her Arsonist path to increase Burn chance and start in Rank 2, leaving the front rank to the Crusader.
That was the optimized build; however, if you want to make use of his Holy Lance skill and you don’t want to take the Banneret back-rank path, there is analternative buildwhere you can put him in a dancing party with theDuelistor theGrave Robber. These two glass cannons —which have a similar play style — benefit from his taunting skills to avoid getting hit, and they can also push him backward to where he can come back to the front with his Holy Lance.
For more information onDarkest Dungeon II, checkDarkest Dungeon 2 Best Team Compson Pro Game Guides.
