Creating a successful build in Path of Exile (POE) is a rewarding yet complex process. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps to guide you through building your character:
1. Define Your Goals and Playstyle:
Damage Dealer or Support?: Do you want to focus on dealing high amounts of damage or assisting your team with buffs, debuffs, and utility?
Melee, Ranged, or Spellcaster?: Choose a playstyle that suits your preference; consider factors like attack speed, aiming requirements, and resource management for spellcasters.
Tanky or Evasive?: Decide on your desired level of survivability. Tanky builds prioritize high life pools and defensive mechanics, while evasive builds focus on dodging attacks and mitigating damage.
2. Choose a Skill Gem:
Foundation of Your Build: The skill gem you choose determines your primary damage source and attack/cast style. Browse skill gems based on their tags (attack, spell, melee, etc.) and consider factors like damage scaling, area of effect, and resource consumption.
Popular Choices: Some popular starting points include Summoning skills (easy to gear), Righteous Fire (high damage potential), or Elemental skills (versatile and scalable).
3. Select an Ascendancy Class:
Specialization and Ascendancy Points: Each character class has three Ascendancy sub-classes that offer unique passive skill trees and powerful modifiers. Choose an Ascendancy that complements your chosen skill gem and playstyle.
4. Plan Your Passive Skill Tree:
Path of Building Tool: Consider using Path of Building, a community-developed tool, to visually plan your passive skill tree. This helps visualize how your skill points connect to desired passive skills and stats.
Focus on Key Stats: Prioritize allocating points towards stats that benefit your chosen skill gem, Ascendancy class, and overall character concept. For example, a Strength-based melee character would prioritize Strength, Dexterity for accuracy, and Life for survivability.
5. Gear Selection and Crafting:
Understanding Item Stats: Learn about the different item affixes (modifiers) on gear and how they synergize with your build.
Prioritize Stats: Focus on acquiring gear with affixes that complement your chosen skill gem, Ascendancy, and passive skills. For example, a spellcaster might prioritize increased spell damage, critical strike chance, and elemental damage modifiers.
Crafting (Optional): As you progress, consider crafting mechanics to further enhance your gear. This can be complex initially, but rewarding with the right knowledge and resources.
Additional Tips:
Community Resources: Utilize online resources like poe.ninja, build guides on forums, and experienced players for inspiration and guidance. These resources showcase successful builds and offer insights into skill gem mechanics, passive skill tree allocation, and gear selection.
Start Simple: For your first build, it’s recommended to choose a beginner-friendly skill gem and Ascendancy class. As you gain experience and knowledge, you can experiment with more complex builds.
Adaptation and Refinement: Your build is never truly finished. As you acquire new gear, encounter challenges, and learn more about the game, be prepared to adapt your passive skill tree, gear choices, and playstyle to optimize your character’s effectiveness.
Building a character in Path of Exile is an ongoing process of learning, experimentation, and refinement. By following these steps, utilizing available resources, and adapting your approach as you progress, you’ll be well on your way to creating a powerful and enjoyable build that suits your playstyle!