The release of Last Epoch 1.2: Tombs of the Erased marks a significant turning point for the Sentinel class. With sweeping overhauls to skill trees and a complete redesign of the Monolith of Fate, Season 2 opens up a world of new possibilities. One of the most exciting developments is the rise of the Javelin Paladin, a long-range lightning-throwing juggernaut that breaks the traditional mold of the melee-focused holy warrior.

For those seeking a unique take on the Paladin class, where divine might meets aerial bombardment, this guide will walk you through building the Javelin Paladin from the ground up.

The Evolution of the Paladin in Season 2

Paladins have traditionally represented fire, faith, and melee resilience. However, Season 2 redefines the archetype, allowing Paladins to embrace lightning-based ranged combat through significant reworks in the Sentinel tree. The introduction of Faction mechanics, enhanced skill interactions, and new item synergies have pushed the class into a brand-new role, one that delivers explosive power while maintaining the core defensive identity of the Paladin.

This version of the Paladin is not a shield-bearing foot soldier trudging through hordes. Instead, it becomes a beacon of devastation, casting Javelins from afar while Smite rains down automatically, creating a spectacle of destruction from the skies.

Core Build Concept

At the center of this build is the Javelin skill, which serves as both your primary damage-dealer and your utility tool. With the correct specializations, Javelin evolves into a high-impact, area-clearing ability that not only deals massive lightning damage but also triggers other effects passively.

The core mechanic revolves around turning Javelin into an aerial bombardment skill using nodes such as Siege Barrage and Spiked Bombardment. When paired with Adorned Sentinel Idols that offer a chance to autocast Smite on throwing attacks, the result is a passive cascade of divine damage that supports every action you take.

This approach offers a rare combination of simplicity and power. It demands minimal input beyond positioning and throwing Javelins, allowing you to focus on the rhythm of combat rather than managing dozens of cooldowns.

Essential Skills and Specializations

Here is a breakdown of the core skills that bring the Javelin Paladin to life:

Javelin

This is the centerpiece of your build. You’ll want to focus on nodes that convert its base damage into lightning and increase its area of effect.

• Divine Throws: Converts the Javelin to deal Lightning damage.
• Siege Barrage: Alters the throw pattern to create an arc, allowing multiple Javelins to hit the field at once, ideal for clearing wide areas.
• Spiked Bombardment: Increases area damage and adds impact, making the Javelins feel like divine artillery.

Smite

Smite is not cast manually in this build. Instead, it is triggered automatically when Javelin is used, thanks to specific Idol effects. This passive application creates synergy between your main attack and secondary divine strikes.

• Atonement: Enhances healing and damage.
• Unbalanced Scale: Offers a chance to hit multiple enemies, enhancing Smite’s crowd-control capabilities.

Utility Options

Depending on your preferences and needs during Monolith runs, you can incorporate one of the following:

• Lunge: A movement skill that helps you reposition quickly or initiate combat.
• Sigils of Hope: Offers a stackable buff to damage and defenses. Useful for longer fights or boss encounters.

Rotation and Playstyle

The beauty of this build lies in its straightforward yet satisfying gameplay loop. Once your setup is complete, you rarely need to think about anything other than aiming your Javelins. This makes the build highly accessible for beginners while remaining viable for endgame content.

The basic rotation is simple:

1. Enter a zone or encounter.
2. Begin throwing Javelins toward clusters of enemies.
3. Smite activates passively through your Idol effects, dealing additional damage.
4. Use Lunge as needed to stay mobile or escape dangerous situations.
5. Optionally cast Sigils of Hope during downtime or before engaging a boss.

This low-input, high-impact playstyle means you can focus more on strategic positioning, map awareness, and pacing, rather than juggling dozens of abilities.

Gear and Idols

To fully capitalize on the Javelin Paladin’s potential, gear selection is crucial. Look for items that boost your damage output, enable passive effects, and shore up your defenses.

Priority Stats

• Increased Lightning Damage
• Throwing Attack Speed
• Chance to Cast Smite on Throwing Attack
• Health and Resistances

Idol Recommendations

Your most critical Idols will be Adorned Sentinel Idols with the following affix:

• "Chance to Cast Smite When You Use a Throwing Attack"

This single modifier allows your entire build to synergize. Once active, every Javelin you throw also has a chance to trigger Smite, effectively doubling your output and covering more ground.

If you’ve ever admired the Paladin’s thematic appeal but wished it had a more engaging or explosive combat style, the Javelin Paladin of Season 2 offers exactly that. With the reworks in Last Epoch 1.2, this build is not only viable but highly effective in both solo and group play, particularly in Monolith and Arena content.

The Javelin Paladin is a master of divine ranged combat. It’s a build that transforms the screen into a battlefield of holy lightning, rewarding players who enjoy efficiency, spectacle, and impact. Whether you’re new to Last Epoch or a returning veteran, this is one build that is well worth trying in the current meta.