Hey there, Exiles! Welcome to the Affliction Challenge League and Expansion! Ready to dive into PoE 3.23 without breaking the bank? We've got you covered with a selection of  top 10 cheap and cheerful league starter builds. These builds are perfect for a smooth start in the 3.23 league, requiring minimal investment but offering maximum fun. 

 

• Top 1.  [PoE 3.23] Fire Trap Elementalist Build (League Starter)
• Top 2. [PoE 3.23] Absolution Necromancer Build (League Starter)
• Top 3. [PoE 3.23] Detonate Dead Ignite Elementalist Build (League Starter)
• Top 4. [PoE 3.23] Corrupting Fever Champion Build (League Starter)
• Top 5. [PoE 3.23] Hexblast Mines Saboteur Build (League Starter)
• Top 6. [PoE 3.23] Wave of Conviction Elementalist Build (League Starter)
• Top 7. [PoE 3.23] Explosive Arrow Totem Elementalist Build (League Starter)
• Top 8. [PoE 3.23] Venom Gyre Deadeye Build (League Starter)
• Top 9. [PoE 3.23] Boneshatter Juggernaut Build (League Starter)
• Top 10. [PoE 3.23] Creeping Frost / Vortex Elementalist Build (League Starter)

 

 

↖ Top 1.  [PoE 3.23] Fire Trap Elementalist Build (League Starter)

Trap builds are known for their amazing league start potential – this Fire Trap Elementalist is not an exception. This build is a nice mapper and with some investment can take down pinnacle bosses as well. This version doesn't feature any expensive build-defining uniques, so it is a perfect first build for the Affliction.

 

Pros & Cons:

• Good mapping, clear and fast movement
• Can take down bosses
• Fairly decent life pool (5000+)
• High armor and physical damage reduction
• 100% spell suppression
• Uniques that are required are quite cheap
• Reflect is not an issue

 

Bandits: Kill All.

 

Ascendancy:

• Shaper of Flames
• Mastermind of Discord
• Heart of Destruction
• Bastion of Elements

 

Skill Gem Setup:

• Helm: Divine Blessing Support, Malevolence, Determination - Grace
• Body Armor: Fire Trap, Awakened Swift Affliction Support, Awakened Burning Damage Support, Trap and Mine Damage Support, Empower Support (As high LVL as you can get), Efficacy Support
• Gloves: Frostblink, Combustion Support, Ignite Proliferation Support, Cold to Fire Support
• Boots: Vitality, Flammability, Shield Charge, Faster Attacks Support
• 1h Weapon: Immortal Call (LVL 2), Cast When Damage Taken Support (LVL 1), Increased Duration (LVL 20)
• Offhand weapon / shield: Elemental Weakness, Summon Skitterbots, Infernal Cry

 

Gear Up:

 

PoB Link: https://pobb.in/ZhLpfwmFK8Yg.

 

↖ Top 2. [PoE 3.23] Absolution Necromancer Build (League Starter)

If you prefer starting leagues with safe, strong, reliable and most importantly cheap build and not worry whether you will be able to push red maps, this is a perfect build to explore in the upcoming Affliction expansion.

 

Pros & Cons:

• Great league starter
• One of the strongest bossers
• Unique playstyle
• Very cheap
• Tanky
• Minion builds are not for everyone

 

Ascendancy:

• Commander of Darkness
• Mindless Agression
• Mistress of Sacrifice
• Bone Barrier

 

Bandits: Kill All.

 

Skill Gem Setup:

• Helm: Raise Spectre, Meat Shield Support, Animate Guardian, Summon Stone Golem
• Body Armor: Absolution, Spell Echo Support, Physical to Lightning Support, Minion Damage Support, Lightning Penetration Support, Predator Support
• Gloves: Convocation, Flame Dash, Zealotry, Generosity
• Boots: Raise Zombie, Feeding Frenzy Support, Tempest Shield, Defiance Banner
• 1h Weapon: Desecrate, Bone Offering, Determination
• Offhand weapon / shield: Arcanist Brand, Vortex, Conductivity

 

Gear Up:

 

PoB Link: https://pobb.in/31tLaVF-o0G9

 

 

↖ Top 3. [PoE 3.23] Detonate Dead Ignite Elementalist Build (League Starter)

Detonate Dead Elementalist remains a top pick for a versatile and effective league starter in 3.23. Utilizing a two-step process of spawning and detonating corpses, this build offers solid map clear and boss damage capabilities.

 

Pros & Cons:

• Excellent all-around performance
• Solid map clearing and boss damage
• Basic gear suffices; no need for pricey uniques
• Tanky with over 6k life and high physical damage reduction
• Two-button gameplay might not suit everyone

 

Ascendancy:

• Shaper of Flames
• Mastermind of Discord
• Heart of Destruction
• Bastion of Elements

 

Bandits: Kill All.

 

Skill Gem Setup:

• Helm: Grace, Haste, Determination, Enlighten Support (high level)
• Body Armor: Vaal Detonate Dead, Awakened Swift Affliction, Awakened Unbound Ailments, Cruelty Support, Ignite Proliferation Support, Awakened Burning Damage Support
• Gloves: Arcanist Brand, Flammability, Elemental Weakness, Flame Surge
• Boots: Vaal Molten Shell (LVL 11), Cast When Damage Taken Support (LVL 3), Faster Attacks Support (LVL 20), Shield Charge (LVL 20)
• 1h Weapon: Divine Blessing Support, Malevolence, Defiance Banner
• Offhand weapon / shield: Flame Dash, Desecrate, Spell Cascade Support

 

Gear Up:

 

PoB Link: https://pobb.in/YpH9CxjQFXQk

 

↖ Top 4. [PoE 3.23] Corrupting Fever Champion Build (League Starter)

The Corrupting Fever Champion is a great choice for the Affliction expansion. It offers an excellent balance of clear speed, ease of play, and potential for powerful late-game mapping.

 

Pros & Cons:

• Excellent clear and movement speed
• Strong and accessible league starter
• Easy to understand gear progression
• Ranged playstyle
• Reliant on specific Uniques for optimal performance

 

Ascendancy:

• Unstoppable Hero
• Fortitude
• First to Strike, Last to Fall
• Inspirational

 

Bandits: Kill All.

 

Skill Gem Setup:

• Helm: Cast When Damage Taken Support, Molten Shell, War Banner, Vitality
• Body Armor: Corrupting Fever, Brutality Support, Swift Affliction Support, Efficacy Support, Empower Support, Item Rarity Support
• Gloves: Shield Charge, Faster Attacks, Flame Dash, Enduring Cry
• Boots: Kinetic Blast, Greater Multiple Projectiles Support, Lifetap Support, Life Gain on Hit Support
• 1h Weapon: Exsanguinate, Reap, Controlled Destruction Support
• Offhand weapon / shield: Malevolence, Tempest Shield, Pride

 

Gear Up:

 

PoB Link: https://pobb.in/AL2cMjxlQMf_.

 

↖ Top 5. [PoE 3.23] Hexblast Mines Saboteur Build (League Starter)

Hexblast Mines Saboteur offers a unique playstyle that involves hexing enemies and detonating those hexes. While it requires a few key uniques for full potential, it's a strong and enjoyable choice for early maps.

 

Pros & Cons:

• Excellent bossing potential typical of mine builds
• Good AoE and map clear
• Strong early-league performance with limited gear
• Solid life pool (6000+)
• Dissolution of the flesh can take getting used to

 

Ascendancy:

• Bomb Specialist
• Demolitions Specialist
• Explosives Expert
• Born in the Shadows

 

Bandits: Kill All.

 

Skill Gem Setup:

• Helm: Hexblast, Awakened Void Manipulation Support, Minefield Support, High-Impact Mine Support, (Pseudo Link from Shaper Helm) - Hypothermia
• Gloves: Summon Skitterbots, Determination, Enlighten (high level), Defiance Banner
• Boots: Molten Shell (LVL 8), Cast When Damage Taken Support (LVL 1), Flame Dash, Bear Trap
• 1h Weapon: Withering Step, Enhance Support, Detonate Mines
• Offhand weapon / shield: Divine Blessing Support, Zealotry, Inspiration Support

 

Gear Up:

 

PoB Link: https://pobb.in/i29NS3teBtwE

 

↖ Top 6. [PoE 3.23] Wave of Conviction Elementalist Build (League Starter)

The Wave of Conviction Elementalist is a fantastic choice for those who enjoy DoT builds with boss-melting potential. It's a strong league starter, scaling well with minimal investment.

 

Pros & Cons:

• Incredible damage output
• Unique and engaging playstyle
• Effective clear speed
• Can be a bit squishy

 

Ascendancy:

• Mastermind of Discord
• Heart of Destruction
• Bastion of Elements
• Shaper of Storms

 

Bandits: Kill All.

 

Skill Gem Setup:

• Helm: Clarity, Herald of Ash, Malevolence, Enlighten
• Body Armor: Wave of Conviction, Deadly Ailments Support, Added Fire Damage Support, Empower Support, Divergent Efficacy Support, Burning Damage Support
• Gloves: Void Sphere, Combustion Support, Increased Area of Effect Support, Increased Duration Support
• Boots: Flame Surge, Arcanist Brand Support, Flammability, Increased Duration Support
• 1h Weapon: Flame Dash, Arcane Surge Support, Faster Casting Support
• Offhand weapon / shield: Cast When Damage Taken Support, Immortal Call, Summon Stone Golem

 

Gear Up:

 

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

 

↖ Top 7. [PoE 3.23] Explosive Arrow Totem Elementalist Build (League Starter)

The Explosive Arrow Totem Elementalist is a well-loved league starter, known for its great damage and decent tankiness. This variant is particularly effective in boss fights and quick progression.

 

Pros & Cons:

• High damage output
• Good survivability
• No need for expensive items at the start
• Explosive Arrow's delay may not appeal to everyone

 

Ascendancy:

• Shaper of Flames
• Mastermind of Discord
• Heart of Destruction
• Shaper of Storms

 

Bandits: Kill All

 

Skill Gem Setup:

• Helm: Summon Lightning Golem, Frostblink, Portal, Cast on Death Support
• Body Armor: Precision, Vaal Haste, Enlighten Support (LVL4 ideally), Defiance Banner, Determination, Malevolence
• Gloves: Arcanist Brand, Flame Surge, Flammability, Elemental Weakness
• Boots: Frenzy, Greater Multiple Projectiles Support, Life Gain on Hit Support, Vaal Molten Shell
• 2h Weapon: Explosive Arrow, Ballista Totem Support, Awakened Burning Damage Support, Deadly Ailments Support, Elemental Damage with Attacks Support, Empower Support (LVL4 ideally)

 

Gear Up:

 

PoB Link: https://pobb.in/xSNV5UmoInMr

 

↖ Top 8. [PoE 3.23] Venom Gyre Deadeye Build (League Starter)

The Venom Gyre Deadeye is an outstanding choice for an elemental damage build, offering a unique playstyle with rapid clear speeds and significant boss damage.

 

Pros & Cons:

• Cost-effective for league starting
• Swift leveling and map clear
• High potential for boss encounters
• Fast-paced gameplay
• Can occasionally be vulnerable to one-shots

 

Ascendancy:

• Gathering Winds
• Ricochet
• Endless Munitions
• Focal Point

 

Bandits: Kill All

 

Skill Gem Setup:

• Helm: Anger, Berserk, Wrath, Blood Rage
• Body Armor: Venom Gyre, Awakend Fork Support, Awakened Elemental Damage with Attacks Support, Trinity Support, Inspiration Support, Nightblade Support
• Gloves: Tornado, Whirling Blades, Cast on Critical Strike Support, Rage
• Boots: Sniper's Mark, Mark on Hit Support, Vaal Arctic Armour, Lifetap Support
• 1h Weapon: Portal, Cast on Death Support, Precision
• Offhand weapon / shield: Flame Wall, Hydrosphere, Cast When Damage Taken Support

 

Gear Up:

 

PoB Link: https://pobb.in/zI6bwn05-L2t

 

↖ Top 9. [PoE 3.23] Boneshatter Juggernaut Build (League Starter)

The Boneshatter Juggernaut is a solid choice for melee enthusiasts, offering remarkable tankiness and a smooth gameplay experience, perfect for the Affliction League.

 

Pros & Cons:

• Strong league starter
• No specific uniques required
• Extremely durable
• Smooth and fast gameplay
• Melee-centric build

 

Ascendancy:

• Unstoppable
• Undeniable
• Untiring
• Unbreakable

 

Bandits: Kill All

 

Skill Gem Setup:

• Helm: Determination, War Banner, Pride, Enlighten Support
• Body Armor: Boneshatter, Fortify Support, Ruthless Support, Melee Physical Damage Support, Close Combat Support, Brutality Support
• Gloves: Molten Shell, Cast when Damage Taken Support, Leap Slam, Faster Attacks Support
• Boots: Precision, Arrogance Support, Frostblink, Ancestral Cry
• 2h Weapon: Vaal Ancestral Warchief, Multiple Totems Support, Culling Strike Support, Ancestral Protector, Maim Support, Blood Rage

 

Gear Up:

 

PoB Link: https://pobb.in/z4nQ9e2cEK_Y

 

↖ Top 10. [PoE 3.23] Creeping Frost / Vortex Elementalist Build (League Starter)

This Elementalist build combines Creeping Frost and Vortex for impressive damage and tankiness. It's incredibly effective as a league starter, scaling effortlessly with minimal investment.

 

Pros & Cons:

• Excellent overall clear speed
• Ideal for league starting
• Minimal investment required for scaling
• High DoT damage
• Requires frequent skill rotation

 

Ascendancy:

• Mastermind of Discord
• Heart of Destruction
• Bastion of Elements
• Shaper of Storms

 

Bandits: Kill All.

 

Skill Gem Setup:

• Helm: Defiance Banner, Grace, Determination, Malevolence
• Body Armor: Vortex, Creeping Frost, Controlled Destruction Support, Empower Support, Awakened Swift Affliction Support, Hypothermia Support
• Gloves: Vaal Cold Snap, Bonechill Support, Efficacy Support, Controlled Destruction Support
• Boots: Shield Charge, Faster Attacks Support, Vaal Molten Shell, Cast when Damage Taken Support
• 1h Weapon: Frostbite, Divine Blessing Support, Hatred
• Offhand weapon / shield: Flame Dash, Punishment, Elemental Weakness

 

Gear Up:

 

PoB Link: https://pobb.in/T1enoRAKtd8O

 

This collection of Top 10 cheap budget starter builds for PoE 3.23 offers a varied and exciting start to the Affliction league. Whether you prefer elemental magic, melee combat, or minion mastery, there's a build here to suit your style. Dive in, explore, and dominate the new challenges awaiting in Path of Exile!