One of the most powerful late-game character builds in Lords of the Fallen is the Dark Crusader class. This formidable holy warrior combines strength and magic to annihilate foes. Unlocking the Dark Crusader requires significant progress, but the payoff is immense.

Here are all the steps needed to gain access to the devastating Dark Crusader class and begin unleashing its righteous fury upon enemies.

Fastest Ways to Unlock the Dark Crusader Class in Lords of the Fallen

Reach the Monastery

The first requirement is to make substantial progress through Lords of the Fallen's main story areas. Specifically, players must reach the Monastery zone located past the Castle of the Lost.

This involves defeating numerous challenging bosses like Infiltrator and The Big Guard. Take time to level up and acquire better gear before pushing into the Monastery.

Find the Special Prayer Book

After entering the Monastery, the key item needed to unlock the Dark Crusader is the Ancient Prayer Book. This special tome is located inside the library area.

To access the library, navigate up the side path past the first bonfire. Defeat the Wraith ambush within using ranged attacks. Search the back room to find the Ancient Prayer Book on a desk.

Give the Book to Kaslo

With the Ancient Prayer Book obtained, return to the Monastery's main hall. Speak with the NPC Kaslo and exhaust his dialog. Eventually he will request the book when shown.

Give Kaslo the Ancient Prayer Book. In return, he will provide the Crusader's Ring unlock item. Equip this ring to gain access to the Dark Crusader class.

Allocate Starting Stats

Upon equipping the Crusader's Ring, an allocation menu will pop up. Here you can assign starting stats and skill points to configure the Dark Crusader.

It's recommended to focus on Strength, Willpower, and Endurance. Strength boosts damage, Willpower increases Faith magic, and Endurance allows equipping heavy armor.

Combat Style and Tactics

As a holy warrior, the Dark Crusader utilizes a mix of melee weapons and Faith magic. Slow but heavy hitting weapons like greathammers and greatswords work well.

The main offensive Faith spells to use are: Smite - Generates a lightning explosion. Focused Light - Fires spears of holy energy. Litany of Defiance - Damage buff spell.

In combat, rotate between melee combos and unleashing deadly spells. Use the Crusader's Guard ability to block attacks while recovering Focus magic.

Recommended Equipment

Here are some top equipment picks for a Dark Crusader build: Armor - Temple Knight Set for holy protection. Weapon - Greatsword of the Fallen for strength. Rings - Focus Gain Up, Strength/Willpower boosts. Amulet - Anything with bonus Faith damage.

Stacking Strength, Willpower, and Faith damage buffs will maximize the Dark Crusader's devastating holy magic attacks.

Devastating Spell Combos

Against tough enemies, unleash these combo attacks: Buff with Litany of Defiance spell. Get close and batter with melee weapon. Create space and blast Focused Light spears. Finish by dropping the Smite lightning bomb. This allows leveraging both melee and spell damage. The Strength-boosted weapon strikes set up the huge Faith magic nuke spells.

Farming Titanite and Upgrade Materials

Maxing out the best equipment requires Titanite shards and other upgrade materials. Some good farming spots include: Tower Outskirts - Mine Titanite off walls. Chamber of Lies - Loot Titanite chunks. Worshiper of the Flame - Drop Titanite on defeat. Dismantling extra gear at the blacksmith also yields useful upgrade materials. A fully upgraded arsenal is key to success.

Ideal Stats Spread

• When initially allocating points, focus on: Strength - 40+ for weapon damage. Willpower - 30+ for stronger spells. Endurance - 20+ to wear heavy armor. Faith - Enough to unlock spell requirements.

• After meeting those core stats, boost Health and Stamina as needed. Some Magic can help too but isn't essential.

Annihilating Bosses

Against deadly boss enemies, the Dark Crusader truly shines. When foes seem unstoppable, unleash the full holy arsenal: Block and evade attacks until there's an opening. Quickly pound them with a heavy weapon combo. Back away and blast Smite and Focused Light spells. Finish by rushing in with a special attack. This smart balance of melee and ranged holy magic can systematically dismantle any boss. Even towering monsters fall before the Dark Crusader's onslaught.

A Powerful Hybrid Class

• Unlocking and properly building the Dark Crusader class allows creating one of the strongest characters in Lords of the Fallen. The holy warrior seamlessly blends brawn and magic.

• Careful progress through the game's challenges is required to reach this potential. But the ultimate reward is a champion blessed by both physical and sacred gifts.

• Bright times may lie ahead. But inner weakness must first be overcome. Within these hands lies the hope of redemption; what shall be made of it?