path of exile best builds

2 min read 22-01-2025

Path of Exile's vast skill tree and itemization options can be overwhelming for new players. Finding the best build depends heavily on your playstyle, desired league start viability, and budget. This guide highlights some top-tier builds for Path of Exile's 3.22 league, "Conquerors of the Atlas," categorized for easier navigation. Remember that the "best" build is subjective; what works for one player might not work for another.

Top Tier League Starter Builds (Cheap and Effective)

These builds are excellent choices for starting a new league. They're generally inexpensive to gear, require minimal investment, and can efficiently farm currency to upgrade later.

1. Toxic Rain Champion (Bow)

Pros: Excellent clear speed, strong single target, relatively cheap to get started.
Cons: Can be squishy early on if not geared correctly.
Ascendancy: Champion offers significant survivability boosts.
Gems: Toxic Rain, Concentrated Effect, GMP, LMP, Added Chaos Damage, and a utility gem like Faster Attacks.
Gear: Focus on +1 to level of socketed gems and increased chaos damage. A decent bow and some life rolls are crucial.

2. Arc Witch (Lightning)

Pros: Incredibly fast map clearing, good boss damage, easy to scale.
Cons: Can struggle against certain immunities without proper investment.
Ascendancy: Occultist provides significant damage boosts and survivability.
Gems: Arc, Lightning Penetration, Faster Casting, Added Lightning Damage, and a utility gem like Increased Critical Strikes.
Gear: Look for items with increased lightning damage, cast speed, and mana.

3. Spectral Shield Throw Gladiator (Melee)

Pros: Strong defense, excellent single-target damage, good clear speed.
Cons: Requires a bit more investment than the previous two.
Ascendancy: Gladiator provides significant damage and defenses.
Gems: Spectral Shield Throw, Melee Physical Damage, Brutality, Fortify, and a damage over time gem like Added Fire Damage.
Gear: Focus on high physical damage, attack speed, and defenses. A good shield is essential.

Powerful Endgame Builds (High Investment)

These builds demand significant investment in terms of currency and time, but offer exceptional power for tackling challenging content like endgame bosses and high-level maps.

4. Earthquake Champion (Melee)

Pros: Exceptional damage, good clear speed, very tanky.
Cons: Requires significant investment in gear and currency.
Ascendancy: Champion's damage and survivability make it ideal for this build.
Gems: Earthquake, Increased Area of Effect, Melee Physical Damage, Fortify, and a damage over time gem.
Gear: Prioritize high physical damage, attack speed, and life. A good weapon and armor are essential.

5. Lightning Strike Juggernaut (Melee)

Pros: Extremely tanky, strong single target and clear.
Cons: Can be slow to gear optimally. Requires a lot of investment.
Ascendancy: Juggernaut provides incredible survivability.
Gems: Lightning Strike, Melee Physical Damage, Multistrike, Brutality, and a utility gem.
Gear: Focus on high physical damage, attack speed, and maximum life.

Choosing the Right Build for You

Before committing to a build, consider:

Your Playstyle: Do you prefer fast mapping, challenging bosses, or a balance of both?
Your Budget: How much currency are you willing to invest?
Your Experience: Are you a new player or a veteran?

Remember to check out the official Path of Exile forums and community websites like PoEBuilds for detailed guides and discussions on each build. These resources provide up-to-date information and community feedback, ensuring you have the best possible experience. Good luck, exile!