Whether you're just beginning your journey in the current Path of Exile league on console or you're looking to pivot to a different build due to various reasons, the right build choice can significantly impact your gaming experience. With the league underway and the community's experiences to guide us, we've gathered insights on the top-performing builds. In this article, we'll discuss some of the standout choices for league start builds and second build options, providing you with the information you need to make the best decision for your Path of Exile adventure.

 

• The Top League Start Build: Lightning Arrow DeadEye
• Elementalist: Cold DoT Detonate Dead
• Pathfinder: Exsanguinate, Toxic Rain Ballistas, Poison Blade Vortex
• Juggernaut: BoneShatter and Righteous Fire
• Saboteur: Hexblast Mines
• Conclusion

 

↖ The Top League Start Build: Lightning Arrow DeadEye

For those who thrive on speed, farming maps, and amassing Poe currency quickly, the clear winner this league is the Lightning Arrow DeadEye build. This build has gained immense popularity due to its effectiveness and versatility. Lightning Arrow synergizes perfectly with the DeadEye's Far Shot node, allowing projectiles to cover vast distances and deal substantial damage upon return. Unlike alternatives like chain and fork, returning projectiles support offers optimal damage output without the drawbacks.

 

Gear-wise, Lightning Arrow builds enjoy the advantage of a wide array of affordable items on the market, with the only major expense typically being the chest piece. Notably, Ahuana's Bite, a newly introduced item, stands out as a powerful quiver option, boosting cold damage, resistance, life gain on hit, and damage amplification against chilled enemies.

 

Gameplay-wise, Lightning Arrow works exceptionally well with the league mechanic, making it an ideal choice for efficient progression. Setting up and defending totems at the backlines aligns seamlessly with the build's mechanics.

 

Pros:

• Clear Speed: Lightning Arrow Dead Eye offers exceptional map-clearing capabilities, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy rapid farming and accumulating currency.
• Returning Projectiles: The returning projectiles support enhances damage output, surpassing alternatives like chain or fork supports. This synergizes well with the Dead Eye's Far Shot node, resulting in efficient long-range damage.
• Synergy with League Mechanic: This build excels in the current league mechanic, where setting up totems and defending them align seamlessly with its mechanics.

 

Cons:

• Gear Dependency: While most gear is reasonably priced, the cost of certain items, especially the chest piece, can be high. This might impact your progression, especially early in the league.
• Potential Gear Scarcity: High demand for specific gear may lead to limited availability, affecting build progression.
• Underwhelming Single-Target Damage: While the build offers excellent clear speed, its single-target damage may feel lacking against tougher enemies or bosses.

 

PoB Link: https://pobb.in/Re74oWl_chfB

 

↖ Elementalist: Cold DoT Detonate Dead

Elementalist offers a range of options including Cold Damage over Time (DoT), Detonate Dead builds. These choices cater to players seeking reliable clear speed and strong damage output. Explosive Arrow, while a familiar choice, remains potent for those who appreciate its playstyle. Detonate Dead and Cold DoT builds also present viable alternatives for Witch enthusiasts.

 

Pros:

• Versatility: Elementalist offers diverse build options, allowing you to choose between cold damage over time, Detonate Dead builds.
• Elemental Synergy: Elementalist's natural elemental synergies enhance the power of elemental-based builds, resulting in potent damage and clear speed.

 

Cons:

• Weak Single-Target Damage: Some Elementalist builds, such as cold damage over time and Detonate Dead, might struggle with single-target damage against tougher foes.
• Limited Defense: Elementalists may lack strong defensive mechanics, making survival challenging in certain scenarios.

 

PoB Link: https://pobb.in/NkifkZXkqpOA

 

↖ Pathfinder: Exsanguinate, Toxic Rain Ballistas, Poison Blade Vortex

Pathfinder ascends with various powerful builds, such as the Exsanguinate build for poison-based casters and the Toxic Rain Ballista build for potent damage and area control. Poison Blade Vortex offers an engaging zoomy playstyle. Keep in mind the recently resolved issue with Vixen's Entrapment gloves and spell Cascade interaction.

 

Pros:

• Versatile Playstyles: Pathfinders offer a variety of engaging playstyles, from poison-based casters to Toxic Rain Ballista builds.
• Map Clearing: Pathfinder builds often excel in map clearing due to their area of effect and damage-over-time mechanics.

 

Cons:

• Complex Mechanics: Some Pathfinder builds, such as poison-based casters, require careful management of debuffs and mechanics, which can be overwhelming for newer players.
• Potentially Expensive Gear: Certain Pathfinder builds might rely on specific unique items or crafting, potentially increasing gear costs.

 

PoB Link: https://pobb.in/L795JqjWSafN

 

↖ Juggernaut: BoneShatter and Righteous Fire

Juggernaut stands strong with the BoneShatter and Righteous Fire builds. BoneShatter, known for its melee prowess, remains a consistent choice. However, the Righteous Fire build is recommended primarily for new players or those who prefer a more straightforward playstyle.

 

Pros:

• Sturdy Defense: Juggernaut builds, like Bone Shatter, offer solid defenses and can sustain damage better than other classes.
• Reliable Mechanics: These builds are known for their consistent mechanics, making them accessible for various skill levels.

 

Cons:

• Slower Clear Speed: While Juggernaut builds excel in survivability, they may lack the speed and efficiency of other builds in terms of map clearing.
• Less Versatility: Juggernauts might struggle with adaptability, as their strengths are focused on tankiness rather than versatility.

 

PoB Link: https://pobb.in/LBjJPVx8WkQI

 

↖ Saboteur: Hexblast Mines

Hexblast Mines shine as a standout choice for Saboteur. This build excels in both boss encounters and clearing, offering a unique mine-based playstyle. Hexblast Mines, while requiring a different approach, reward players with satisfying damage output.

 

Pros:

• Strong Bossing Potential: Hexblast Mines excel in boss encounters due to their burst damage and targeted mechanics.
• Unique Playstyle: The mine-based playstyle of Hexblast Mines offers a fresh and engaging experience.

 

Cons:

• Complex Mechanics: Managing mine placement and detonation requires practice and skill, which might be challenging for new players.
• Map Clearing: Hexblast Mines might struggle with clearing maps efficiently compared to other build options.

 

PoB Link: https://pobb.in/pDykUYb6JE1E

 

↖ Conclusion

Choosing the right league start and second build in Path of Exile can greatly influence your experience throughout the league. For those aiming to speed through maps and accumulate currency swiftly, Lightning Arrow DeadEye takes the lead. However, other options like Elementalist, Pathfinder, and Juggernaut provide diverse playstyles and powerful builds.