Community Build Guides for New Players!

These builds have been chosen for their ease of use, low currency investment and engaging play styles. They do not require multiple high-tier unique items or six-link setups. While there may be stronger, more expensive and even undiscovered builds out there, the builds showcased here may make choosing your starting character a little easier.

Animate Weapon Summoner by Organics and HeaTGaming


This build is an interesting twist on your standard Summoner Build, making use of the discarded weapons found on the battlefield. While being able to stand back from danger as your minions act as a handy barrier, having an army of wandering spectral weapons provides its own flair and play style.

Based around a four-link setup, the build does not require a large investment in unique items or top tier rares. It's recommended to use Zombies, Skeletons and Spectres until around level 50, when Animate Weapon really begins to shine.

Ancestral Protector Totems by Lergrodan and zbzszzzt123


The recent announcement of the upcoming Ancestral Warchief Skill breathes new life and intrigue into this melee-totem-focussed build, particularly with the Hierophant's Ritual of Awakening.

Using clever placement, additional totems and even optional 'vacuum totems' (Empire's Grasp with Shockwave/Spell totems), this build ensures a devastating portable kill-zone. Having an unarmed option adds to the flexible nature of the build, providing a different way to level and start building your map pool.

Ice Nova & Glacial Cascade by jipooki and unTop


Ice Nova and Glacial Cascade have been frequently used to enhance strong builds. Recently, we unveiled two upcoming skills that have the potential to be used by these builds in an interesting way.

These guides highlight offense as the best defense, spreading Chill and Freeze effects to those who dare step in your path. Gear and playstyle demands are particularly low, with a lot of potential for min-max changes down the line. A great choice for players who like to chill out!

Double Strike/Wild Strike by ShihanPiotr


As one of the older skills in Path of Exile, Double Strike is often overlooked from an Area of Effect standpoint. These builds focus on defense and sustainability over pure damage, providing a more forgiving build to learn about the dangers in Wraeclast.

While a strong focus on defensive attributes will seem slow paced to some, the joy of standing your ground where most would flee brings its own benefits.

Blade Vortex Pathfinder by Bogok, MF Assassin by MR_G


Blade Vortex is a great choice for those who prefer a faster, movement-based play style. Punish enemies foolish enough to close in on you, or charge into packs leaving them with no option to escape.

These builds are relatively inexpensive to get started, with great potential for endgame gearing down the line. Harder difficulties can be a breeze even with a four-link setup, and the clear speed provided by the Pathfinder Ascendancy nodes enhance the fast paced-play style.

Thanks to the authors for making these detailed build guides. Keep an eye out for more news about 2.3.0 and the Prophecy challenge leagues later this week!