Unleash Your Inner Darkness: Mastering the Supreme Dark Crusader Build

The Dark Crusader is a starting class in Lords of the Fallen, immediately accessible for Deluxe Edition owners. However, it can also be unlocked during the first playthrough. With the highest starting level among the default classes, it serves as an excellent foundation for a melee-oriented paladin build. This build guide focuses on transforming the Dark Crusader into an unstoppable force of faith, utilizing holy light to vanquish demons and monsters and invoking the wrath of Orius against anything beyond the reach of its blade.

Lords of the Fallen: Radiant Dark Crusader Build

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As previously mentioned, this build will primarily prioritize Radiance and include a moderate amount of Strength. It will utilize both melee combat and ranged spell casting, taking advantage of the notable buffs offered by the Radiance school. Below is a comprehensive overview of the build for a Level 72 character, originally beginning as a Condemned. Additionally, the table below outlines the most optimal equipment for each slot.

Players in the early stages of the game will rely on their default gear until they reach at least level 28. At this point, they can level up their Radiance stat to 25, which is necessary to wield Pieta's Sword. Pieta's Sword is a powerful short sword that deals Holy damage and scales exclusively with Radiance. To acquire Pieta's Sword, players must purchase it from Molhu using 40 Umbral Scourings.

Before obtaining Pieta's Sword, Paladin Isaac's Sword is more than sufficient to overcome any challenges in the game. It is important for players to acquire the Radiant Weapon from Exacter Dunmire as soon as possible. This will significantly enhance their damage output when activated.

Piercing Light is an upgraded variant of Radiant Flare that has the ability to penetrate through foes. It does require additional mana to use and its piercing effects may not always be beneficial, so it is advisable to continue using Radiant Flare if conserving mana becomes a concern.

Blessed Reflections is another Remembrance object obtained from Pieta that summons two duplicates of the revered saint to assail enemies. It inflicts substantial damage from afar, although it does take some time to cast. This can be substituted with alternative Radiance spells such as Briar Storm, Lucent Beam, or Orius' Judgement.

To complete the game, the Dark Crusader's default armor suffices. However, for players seeking additional physical protection or a different appearance, the Vanguard Armor is recommended instead. It can be obtained from Exacter Dunmire in exchange for the Vanguard Baross Rosary, which can be found in the Forsaken Fen. Although there is a slight difference in stats between the two armor sets, players have the freedom to choose whether or not to don the Vanguard armor.

For accessories, the Empyrean Pendant and Ring of Eternal Faith greatly enhance the damage output of holy attacks. The former can be bought from Exacter Dunmire, while the latter is available for purchase from Captain Stomund at the Abbey of the Hallowed Sisters. Feel free to utilize any other amulets and rings until these become accessible.

Pieta's Sword boasts exceptional DPS due to its high damage and excellent Radiance scaling, particularly when fully upgraded. It can be further amplified with the Devoth and Orimon weapon runes. Players who prefer heavier swords may consider the Bloody Glory, a magnificent sword discovered deep within the caves of Pilgrim's Perch. To obtain it, players must unlock the door near the Vestige of Blind Agatha and navigate through the cave until they stumble upon a bloody coffin holding the sword.

This build excels in combat scenarios, particularly against enemies vulnerable to Holy damage. It also has the capability to handle ranged enemies through the use of powerful Radiance spells. However, weapon choices may be somewhat restricted due to the limited selection of weapons that scale with Radiance.

To try out different weapons, players should have a Rebirth Chrysalis available. While it is recommended to have a Radiance level of 40, it is not essential. Players can consider allocating some points to Strength to make use of weapons such as Devotion's Might, Bloody Glory, and Ravager Gregory's Sword.

Lords of the Fallen is available now on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.