Pay attention to where the Crusader is and what they're packing. Melee Crusaders find value in the Sacred Blade as it improves raw damage output and raises the Stun rate of Stunning Blow - though the Brass Knuckles can be used as a suitable substitute until the Blade is unlocked. Stress-based Crusaders with Zealous Accusation will usually be packing the Writ of Execution to augment the Stress infliction. Supportive Crusaders that take Rally to the Flame and/or Inspiring Cry will find great use of the Glorious Standard which augments both skills and protects the Crusader against shuffles. With only four skill slots to use, pick your skill loadout and trinkets carefully. Inspiring Cry now recovers a lot more Stress and provides a lengthy buff that adds to Virtue chance, allowing for a chance at a turnabout should you be confronted with a Stress team. Bear in mind that Rally to the Flame cannot be used if the Crusader is the last man standing. Battle Heal is now Rally to the Flame, allowing him to heal himself and one other ally for a small amount of HP - usually enough to push them away from Death's Door - while purging most debuffs from both units. His other support skills have changed, too. Holy Lance is commonly seen on Crusaders starting at position 2, as it lets them synergize with other movement skills from the party member behind them, or allows for emergency repositioning if the enemy uses a move skill. Stunning Blow is also a great shutdown move for frontliners. Of his attack skills, Zealous Accusation is a staple among Stress-focused builds as it can inflict a fair amount of Stress to the front two enemies and even bypass Guard depending on the position. The PROT bonus stacks with the Crusader's innate PROT and can be cranked even higher with the Battle-Scarred Helm or Gladiator's Helm to turn him into a tank with defenses rivaling the Man-at-Arms's.

Be aware that it has little use against Stress or DoT teams, and it is bypassed by enemy Shieldbreakers or other sources of PROT reduction. His Bulwark of Light skill now grants a party-wide 20% PROT buff, which is a handy skill to start the fight with as it immediately neuters enemy direct damage. Six of his seven skills see regular use - only Smite is not commonly used due to the lack of additional effect it carries. The Crusader's flexible kit makes him a great all-rounder for many situations.

The crusader darkest dungeon