The Passion Zeal Assassin Build is a formidable melee character in Diablo II: Resurrected, designed to excel in high-stakes environments like Uber Tristram. Read our D2R Zeal Assasin Build guide, we'll break down the attributes, gear, skill and mercenary support for this build.

Diablo 2 Resurrected Zeal Assassin Build Guide

The Passion Zeal Assassin Build is a formidable melee character in Diablo II: Resurrected, designed to excel in high-stakes environments like Uber Tristram. This build harnesses the power of the Passion runeword, enabling rapid attacks and impressive damage output, making it a top choice for players looking to tackle some of the game's most challenging content.

Pros of D2R Zeal Assassin Build

With the right skill allocation and gear, the Zeal Assassin can achieve astonishing DPS numbers, often exceeding 100k/sec, allowing for swift mob clearing and effective boss fights. This build not only shines in Player vs. Environment (PvE) scenarios but also holds its own in Player vs. Player (PvP) engagements, showcasing a versatile playstyle that adapts to various challenges. By focusing on key skills within the Martial Arts and Shadow Disciplines trees, players can create a character that balances speed, damage, and survivability. 

Cons of D2R Zeal Assassin Build

• Crushing Blow Dependency: The build relies on Crushing Blow for effective boss damage, making it less effective without it.

• Elemental Immunities: Many enemies in Uber Tristram have high resistances or are immune to elemental damage, limiting the build's effectiveness.

• Limited Versatility: Primarily a melee build, it struggles against enemies that require ranged attacks or elemental damage.

• Survivability Issues: Despite some defensive skills, the build can be vulnerable to high-damage attacks, necessitating a focus on survivability gear.

Stats

Strength: 70

Dexterity: 60

Vitality: 90

Energy: 40

Skills

Martial Arts: 1 Dragon Talon, 1 Dragon Claw, 1 Dragon Tail, 1 Dragon Flight

Shadow Disciplines: 20 Burst of Speed, 1 Fade, 20 Venom, 1 Claw Mastery, 1 Weapon Block, 1 Shadow Warrior, 20 Shadow Master, 1 Phychic Hammer, 20 Cloak of Shadows, 20 Mind Blast

Gear

Left Hand: Passion

Right Hand: Jeweler's Monarch of Deflecting

Helm: Guillaume's Face Winged Helm

Armor: Fortitude

Glove: Dracul'd Grasp

Boots: Gore Rider War Boots

Ring: The Stone of Jordan, Raven Frost

Amulet: Highlord's Wrath Amulet

Belt: String of Ears Demonhide Sash

Charms

Charm 1: Hellfire Torch

Charm 2: Annihilus 

Charm 3: Max Damage/Attack Rating/Life Charms. 3/20/20 Small Charms are the best you can get here.

Charm 4: Small Charms with Resistances, Faster Hit Recovery, depending on needs

Mercenary

Left Hand: The Reaper's Toll

Helm: Vampire

Armor: Fortitude

Gameplay Tips

To maximize the effectiveness of your Passion Zeal Assassin Build in Uber Tristram, consider the following gameplay tips:

1. Utilize Burst of Speed: This skill significantly increases your attack speed and mobility, allowing you to dodge attacks and reposition quickly during fights. Always keep it active to maintain your damage output and survivability.

2. Manage Your Shadow Skills: The Shadow Master can be a valuable ally in battle. Ensure you summon her before engaging tough enemies, as she can distract foes and deal damage. Additionally, using Cloak of Shadows can help reduce enemy visibility and make it easier to control the battlefield.

3. Focus on Positioning: Positioning is crucial for melee characters. Stay mobile and avoid getting surrounded by enemies. Use Dragon Flight to quickly engage or disengage from combat when necessary.

4. Leverage Traps: Incorporate traps like Death Sentry to deal with groups of enemies. This can help manage crowd control and provide additional damage output, especially against tougher foes.

5. Optimize Gear for Crushing Blow: Since the build relies on Crushing Blow for boss fights, prioritize gear that enhances this stat. Items like Guillaume's Face and Gore Rider can significantly increase your effectiveness against bosses.

6. Use Mercenary Wisely: Equip your mercenary with gear that complements your build. The Reaper's Toll can provide life leech and slow enemies, making it easier for you to sustain during fights.

7. Stay Aware of Enemy Immunities: Be mindful of enemies with high resistances or immunities. Adjust your strategy accordingly, focusing on physical damage and using your traps effectively.