Big Bonk Zealot
 Zealot Build - Warhammer 40k: Darktide 

BIG BONK ZEALOT BUILD 

(First custom build on this site, mostly for fun)

Main utilization:

• This build favors a hit & run approach, along with being mainly heavy melee attack focused. The basic premise is to deal as much melee damage to a single enemy as possible with a single hit. This is achievable through using the Shroudfield ability (stealth), along with all of your backstab buffs, to sneak up behind an enemy (preferably one that is very tanky, such as an Ogryn, Monstrosity or Captain) with your Crusher mace, charge a heavy attack and kill, or otherwise severely damage them.

• Through testing in multiple Auric level missions, I have found that it is possible to one-shot the Crusher and Bulwark if you do all of this successfully, which isn't generally very difficult, save for when an area is so crowded with enemies that you cannot get around to the rear of your target. If this is the case, you can still aim for the enemy's weakspot in order to deal a decent amount of damage. It is still prudent while using your melee weapon to attempt to aim for the backs of enemies outside of using your combat ability, as there are modifiers in your talent tree that grant you buffs when aiming for the rear, such as increased damage and faster combat ability regen.

• Due to the Perfectionist modifier, killing an enemy during Shroudfield grants a certain amount of recharge to that ability, with the amount you gain increasing based on the type of enemy you kill. Monstrosities gain 50%, Ogryns gain 30%, and all others restore 15%. It is for this reason that Ogryns (mainly the Crusher) and Monstrosities should generally be your top target priorities.

• This build is more focused on dodging than it is on blocking, as I tend to prefer the former and barely engage in the latter. Executing successful dodges will grant you some benefits through talent tree modifiers: Second Wind (+15% toughness), Duellist (+50% Finesse Damage for 3s) and Inebriate's Poise (Gain 3 stacks of the Momentum modifier, which count towards Inexorable Judgement).

Other aspects of the build:

• Horde clearing: Although this build isn't necessarily focused on horde clearing or being a hybrid, there are still options for when it feels like you are being surrounded or cornered. The main option would be your Immolation Grenades, which I chose specifically for this reason, and are fairly efficient at clearing out all of the chaff, leaving only the tougher enemies alive for you to target. You also have your Crusher mace's wide attacks and your Recon Lasgun. The Crusher has both wide and singular attacks it's heavy and light attack chains, whilst the Recon Lasgun has alright horde-clearing abilities due to it's high firerate and easy handling.

   

• Targeting enemies that are too far away for melee: I chose the Recon Lasgun for this because it is easy to use whilst also being decent at dealing with both ranged enemies (Snipers, Gunners and Trappers in particular) and small hordes. The Recon Lasgun can also be substituted for the Kantrael Mk X Heavy Laspistol if preferred, as that combo also seems to be effective, and I have seen others pair it with the crusher as well. It goes without saying, but in general you should always try to aim for the enemies' weakspots, which is made easy with basically any Las weapon. 

   

• Other uses for Shroudfield: Outside of combat, Shroudfield can help you get out of a pinch. If you are about to die, are separated from your teammates and are trying to reach them whilst avoiding Trappers and Pox hounds, or a friend needs a revive, Shroudfield is there to help.