I’ve done a total of three healadins on hardcore Diablo II. I enjoy the build because of its unorthodox nature, not to mention it is generally extremely strong against undead. My first two focused on Holy Bolt + healing aura (either Cleansing or Meditation with Prayer maxed, Salvation and misc. auras on switch) and a healing A2 merc. First one got to hell (where I never proceeded onward thanks to the lack of decent parties), second to NM end. Neither died in battle or via PK as of yet, but technically they’re as good as retired already.
My third healer was a more experimental build. It was melee-oriented, using Charge as main attack. Not much Holy Bolt use or investment. All healing, if needed, was done using Cleansing (salvation, vigor, etc. on switch). Main weapon was Insight (lvl req 27), which effectively doubles prayer bonus. +59 healing aura to everyone, plus the benefit of a healing merc (who brought the total figure closer to +65 healing.) Another bonus with this build is that Meditation goes very well with Charge (compensating for that big mana cost.) I just love playing like this. Almost hard to return doing builds that have no regen healing at all (which is the norm, sadly.) Unfortunately even +65 regen healing starts to get somewhat lacking at mid-way of Nightmare, but before that, you and your party are kept very safe. With twinking you could get almost +200 total regen healing aura, which sounds completely ridiculous… (currently at NM end, but might not continue becuse hell is like it is…)
It’s a build that is a different one and also very cool to play. I might do a new one in near-future.
What's esoterically new. 