The Diablo 4 Season 12 PTR is officially live, and players are diving into the patch notes to see how the latest changes will impact their gameplay. One of the biggest talking points revolves around the Paladin class. Known for their incredible versatility, survivability, and damage output, Paladins have often been a favorite in both solo and group play. With the removal of the Sanctification system, players are concerned about whether their favorite builds will remain viable. At the same time, several nerfs and buffs have been implemented that could reshape the Paladin meta entirely. In this guide, we'll break down all Paladin adjustments on the PTR and discuss what builds will shine in Season 12.

Paladin Skill Adjustments in Season 12 PTR

The PTR notes indicate a combination of buffs and nerfs across multiple Paladin skills. While some abilities have been toned down to reduce overpowered combinations, others have received quality-of-life enhancements or slight damage boosts. Here's a detailed breakdown:

1. Blessed Hammer:

Blessed Hammer remains a signature skill for many Paladins. On PTR, its base damage has been slightly reduced, but the energy cost has also been decreased. This adjustment allows players to cast more frequently while maintaining decent damage output. The nerf mostly affects endgame scaling when combining Hammer with other high-damage passives, but it's still a strong choice for AoE-heavy builds.

2. Shield Bash:

Shield Bash has seen a noticeable buff in crowd control potential. Stun duration has been increased by 15%, allowing Paladins to better control mobs during dungeons or world events. However, damage scaling at high levels has been slightly reduced to balance PvP interactions. Overall, Shield Bash remains a strong defensive and utility option.

3. Consecration:

Consecration received one of the largest changes this PTR cycle. With the removal of the Sanctification system, its healing and defense bonuses have been redistributed into passive enhancements. Paladins now gain a small but consistent bonus to defense while standing in Consecrated Ground, which encourages strategic positioning. The skill's damage component was slightly reduced, but the passive benefits make it a reliable choice for sustain-focused builds.

4. Holy Smite:

Holy Smite has been buffed in PvE scenarios. Its base damage has increased, and the proc rate for critical strikes against elites is higher. This change makes Holy Smite a more appealing skill for dungeon and world boss encounters, even if it loses some utility in group PvP scenarios.

5. Aegis of Light (Passive):

Aegis of Light has been revamped for Season 12. The passive now provides a small armor boost whenever Paladins block incoming attacks. While this doesn't drastically change high-end builds, it does make tanky playstyles more consistent and less reliant on cooldown-based defensive skills.

Enhancements Worth Noting

While some skills were nerfed, several buffs have significantly improved Paladin gameplay. Here's a look at the highlights:

Cooldown Reduction on Defensive Skills: Many defensive abilities now have a 10–15% faster cooldown, allowing Paladins to maintain uptime more efficiently in both dungeons and open-world encounters.

Energy Regeneration Improvements: Energy regeneration rates have increased slightly across all skill trees, giving players more freedom to chain abilities without running dry.

Improved PvP Balance: Some buffs, such as longer stuns and better defensive passives, were specifically tuned to help Paladins compete in PvP without being overwhelmingly dominant.

Nerfs That Impact Top Builds

Despite the buffs, there are some key nerfs that players must account for:

Removal of Sanctification: This is the most talked-about change. Many high-damage Paladin builds relied on the bonus from Sanctification to scale critical damage and survivability. Without it, players will need to rethink both skill allocation and gear synergy.

Damage Reduction on Certain AoE Skills: Some AoE-focused abilities like Blessed Hammer and Consecration have reduced damage at endgame levels, which may affect mob-clearing efficiency.

PvP Damage Adjustments: Paladins were slightly toned down in PvP to reduce dominance in battlegrounds. While this doesn't affect PvE much, competitive players will feel the impact.

What Paladin Builds Should You Play in Season 12?

Given these changes, some builds remain strong while others need adjustment:

1. AoE Blessed Hammer Build:

Although slightly nerfed, Blessed Hammer remains a go-to skill for clearing dungeons and world events. Pair it with Holy Smite and Shield Bash for maximum control and consistent damage.

2. Sustain-Focused Consecration Build:

With the removal of Sanctification, builds emphasizing defense and survivability will become more relevant. Using Consecration for passive defense bonuses and combining it with Aegis of Light creates a durable frontline Paladin capable of soaking damage in extended fights.

3. Hybrid PvE/PvP Build:

Paladins that balance damage with defensive cooldowns can still dominate the battlefield. Shield Bash and Holy Smite, paired with energy regeneration passives, allow flexible play that works well in both solo and group scenarios.

4. Elite and Dungeon Crusher:

Holy Smite buffs make this skill ideal for boss fights and high-level dungeons. Combine it with cooldown-reduced defensive skills to maintain constant pressure while staying safe.

MMOEXP Season 12 Giveaway

For those looking to get ahead in Season 12, MMOEXP has prepared a set of gifts for Diablo IV players. You can claim gold, Boss Keys, Obducite, Runes, Diablo 4 Items and other valuable in-game items for free. To participate, join MMOEXP's official Discord, where weekly giveaways are hosted. This is a perfect opportunity to start the new season with a boost, especially if you plan to experiment with new Paladin builds.

Final Thoughts

Season 12 PTR marks a significant shift for Paladins in Diablo IV. While nerfs like the removal of Sanctification may initially seem intimidating, buffs to defensive skills, cooldowns, and specific abilities provide new avenues for creative and effective builds. Whether you prefer AoE damage, sustain-heavy tanking, or a hybrid approach, Paladins remain a top-tier choice for Season 12. By understanding the changes and adjusting your build accordingly, you can continue to dominate both dungeons and the open world in Diablo IV.

With careful planning, Season 12 offers an exciting opportunity for Paladin players to refine strategies and explore new combinations of skills, gear, and playstyles.