Hey there, Path of Exile enthusiasts! Today we're diving into the intriguing world of Hexblast Mines Saboteur for the 3.23 league. This build, which gained traction in the Ancestor era, is a testament to the ever-evolving meta of PoE. It's a little off the beaten path, but trust us, it packs a punch!

 

• Playstyle & What It's Good For
• Hexblast Mechanics
• Mine Mechanics
• Curse Setup
• Mana Reservation & Cost Management
• Defense Strategies
• Gear Up 
• Gem Setup
• Passive Tree

 

 

PoB Link: https://pobb.in/E5DamspZHVNP

 

↖ Playstyle & What It's Good For

This build is a unique animal, much like playing with totems or minions. If you're new to mines, brace yourself for something different. My return to mines was like a breath of fresh air - challenging but so much fun. For mapping, it's a breeze; for bossing, you'll need a bit more tact.

• Mapping: Smooth sailing here. Shield charge, drop mines, and watch the fireworks as they auto-detonate near enemies.
• Bossing: Requires a bit more strategy. You'll need to set up your mines with a bit of forethought.

 

↖ Hexblast Mechanics

Hexblast is our main weapon – a high-damage chaos AoE spell that doubles damage against hexed enemies but removes the hex upon hitting. The twist? It's got a hefty cast time, but mines solve that problem nicely. Key features:

• Targeting Lowest Resistance: Hexblast hits enemies at their weakest resistance. Elemental Weakness, Frostbite, and Cold Exposure are your best friends here.
• Elemental Versatility: It can ignite, shock, and freeze, all thanks to its unique damage mechanics.

 

↖ Mine Mechanics

Mines are the secret sauce here, turning Hexblast's sluggish cast time into something more manageable. Key things to remember:

• Mine Cap & Throwing Speed: Boost your mine cap beyond 15 and focus on improving mine-throwing speed.
• Aura Effect from Mines: Mines enhance damage, especially with the Saboteur's node that supercharges aura effects.

 

↖ Curse Setup

Continuous cursing is vital for Hexblast's double-damage fiesta. Achieve this with Curse on Hit setups. Important bits:

• Curse on Hit Ring: A must-have for early gameplay, found in Delve or via items like Dreadarch.
• Profane Proxy: A late-game ring for auto-cursing, massively simplifying your life.

 

↖ Mana Reservation & Cost Management

Juggling mana reservation and costs is crucial. Always run Grace for defense. Depending on your curse setup, alternate between Skitterbots, Blasphemy, or Profane Proxy. Tips:

• Increased Mana: Vital for managing mine reservation.
• Eldritch Battery: A solid choice to avoid the Mana flask, shifting the cost to your energy shield.

 

↖ Defense Strategies

This build isn't a tank, so play smart, especially in Hardcore. We're talking evasion, spell suppression, and recovery. Key defensive moves:

• Evasion & Spell Suppression: Aim for high evasion and full spell suppression.
• Life Regeneration & Recovery: Leverage life regen and mine-based recovery (thanks, Pyromaniac node!).

 

↖ Gear Up 

Begin with simple spell-damage-focused items and progress to elite gear like Sandstorm Visage and Taste of Hate. Breakdown:

• Early Game: Spell damage on wands and enough energy shield. Hunt for curse on hit rings.
• Mid Game: Level up to items like Cloak of Flame for damage reduction and snazzier boots.
• Endgame: Chase the dream items like Sandstorm Visage for crit optimization and Taste of Hate for that defense boost.

 

↖ Gem Setup

Your gem lineup evolves from Power Siphon Mines to Hexblast Mines. Essential links:

• Hexblast with Minefield, High Impact Mine, Charged Mines, Increased Critical Strikes: Max damage output.
• Support Skills: Include goodies like Shield Charge, Zealotry with Divine Blessing, Frostbite, and Grace.

 

↖ Passive Tree

The passive tree demands a careful balance of life, mana, and mine-related nodes. Key considerations:

• Life and Mana Nodes: Focus here for survival and mana management.
• Mine-related Nodes: Crucial for upping your mine game.

 

The Crit Hexblast Saboteur is a blend of high-octane damage and strategic gameplay. It is a dynamic, powerful build that offers a unique playstyle. While it may have a learning curve and requires active management, the satisfaction of mastering it is unparalleled. With the right setup and understanding of its mechanics, you'll be freezing and shattering your way through Wraeclast like a pro!