Best Starter Builds and Class Performance
Time: 2024-12-10 by mmojugg Game: Path of Exile 2 Guide
With the launch of Path of Exile 2 (POE 2), players are diving deep into the new league, experimenting with different classes and builds. As the first few days have passed, players have started to settle into their optimal builds for this season. In this post, we will analyze class performance and highlight the best starter builds after three days of gameplay, focusing on those that excel in a softcore trade environment.
Your Path of Exile 2 adventure deserves the best start, and MMOJUGG is here to make that happen. Whether you need in-game currency or specific items to power up your character, we provide top-notch customer service and reliable delivery to keep you moving forward. From your first step into the game, we'll ensure you have everything you need to succeed.
Boss or Trail Too Difficult? - PoE2 Boss Carry Run | PoE2 Trial Carry Run
Need Currency To Trade? - Buy PoE2 Currency
Introduction to POE 2's Early Days
The excitement surrounding the launch of Path of Exile 2 has been palpable. Players flocked to the new league, eager to explore the revamped systems, new content, and fresh mechanics. In the first three days of the season, it's clear that certain builds and classes have quickly risen to the top, thanks to their balance of speed, power, and scalability.
The softcore trade league, which allows players to trade freely without the threat of permanent character death, tends to favor builds that are efficient, versatile, and capable of sustaining high damage output while progressing through the game. Let's look at the early analysis of the most popular and successful builds so far, examining what makes them stand out in this environment.
Top POE 2 Starter Builds After Three Days
1. Elementalist (Flameblast Build)
The Elementalist is one of the most dominant builds early in the game. The Flameblast Elementalist build has been a favorite due to its ability to clear trash mobs and bosses at a fast pace, making it a strong contender in both solo play and softcore trading environments.
Why it works:
High Damage Scaling: Flameblast deals devastating damage once the player stacks its explosions, which is great for both clear speed and boss fights.
Elemental Overload: The Elementalist's ascendancy allows for substantial damage boosts, especially when combining elemental damage types, making it ideal for clear speed.
Efficient Scaling: The build benefits from relatively inexpensive gear that provides good damage output early in the game. It also scales well into later acts, offering smooth progression.
Challenges:
Managing Flameblast's channeling mechanic can be tricky for new players.
Requires good positioning to maximize damage during boss fights.
2. Champion (Cyclone Build)
The Champion class, especially the Cyclone build, has proven itself to be a well-rounded starter pick. With access to useful defensive mechanics and the ability to deal with a variety of mobs quickly, this build is perfect for a softcore trade environment where speed and tankiness are both crucial.
Why it works:
Defense and Offense Combined: Champion perfectly balances offense and defense. The “Fortify” mechanic grants increased survivability, while Cyclone's area of effect (AoE) ensures rapid clear speed.
High Sustainability: The build's ability to sustain damage through regeneration and life leech allows players to focus more on offense and less on defensive mechanics, making it a strong choice for softcore players who may face high mob density in trade environments.
Scales Well with Gear: Cyclone has great synergy with a wide range of equipment, allowing it to scale from early to late game effectively.
Challenges:
Damage Can Be Slow to Ramp Up: Cyclone's base damage can feel underwhelming until you accumulate the necessary damage buffs.
Mana Management: Early on, the build can be mana-hungry and might require careful management of resources.
3. Occultist (Summon Raging Spirit Build)
The Occultist offers one of the most reliable builds for beginners. The Summon Raging Spirit (SRS) build is a top-tier choice due to its ability to deploy high numbers of damage-dealing minions that make clearing waves of enemies effortless.
Why it works:
Minions Provide Safety: Since the minions do the bulk of the damage, this build offers an extremely safe playstyle, making it ideal for new or softcore players.
Efficient Clear Speed: SRS summons a swarm of fiery spirits that will automatically target enemies, allowing players to focus on positioning and keeping themselves alive while the minions deal all the damage.
Scalable Build: As the player progresses, the Occultist offers plenty of ways to scale the minion damage through passive skills and gear, ensuring long-term viability.
Challenges:
Minion Control: Though minions automatically target enemies, the build can sometimes feel a bit passive. It may not suit players who prefer more direct involvement in combat.
Gear Dependent: The build relies on specific gear for optimal performance, which might make early progress slightly challenging until you obtain the necessary items.
Class Performance Evaluation in the Softcore Trade Environment
In the softcore trade league, it's important to focus on builds that are not only fast and strong but also economically viable. Below, we will evaluate the overall performance of classes in this environment, considering factors such as farming efficiency, survivability, and trade potential.
Elementalist vs. Occultist vs. Champion: The Battle for Dominance
Clear Speed:
Elementalist takes the lead with its devastating elemental damage and ability to scale well with gear.
Champion's Cyclone is a close second, thanks to its strong AoE clear speed, but it can struggle against large packs of enemies compared to Elementalist's burst capabilities.
Occultist's SRS offers solid clear speed, but the playstyle is slower than the Elementalist or Cyclone builds, making it a less favorable choice for aggressive trading environments.
Survivability:
Champion shines in survivability thanks to its defensive tools and the Fortify mechanic.
Occultist also offers good survivability by relying on minions as the primary damage source.
Elementalist, while strong offensively, may require additional focus on defense, especially when facing tougher enemies.
Trade Potential and Gear:
Elementalist and Champion are both viable in the softcore trade league, as they benefit from a wide range of affordable gear, allowing players to start strong without huge investments.
Occultist, though solid, requires more specific gear to reach its full potential. This means players may need to trade more actively to acquire the right items early on.
Best Skills and Support Gems for Each Build
Flameblast Elementalist:
Main Skill: Flameblast
Support Gems: Increased Area of Effect, Fire Penetration, Elemental Focus, Controlled Destruction
Cyclone Champion:
Main Skill: Cyclone
Support Gems: Melee Physical Damage, Fortify, Brutality, Hypothermia
SRS Occultist:
Main Skill: Summon Raging Spirit
Support Gems: Minion Damage, Empower, Elemental Focus, Unleash
The Best POE 2 Starter Build for Softcore Trade
After three days of analyzing performance, it's clear that each of the top starter builds—Flameblast Elementalist, Cyclone Champion, and SRS Occultist—offers unique advantages.
Elementalist is the best option for players who value fast progression, high damage, and strong clear speed. It is perfect for aggressive trading and will likely remain one of the most popular builds as the league continues.
Champion provides a balanced approach with strong survivability and consistent performance in both offensive and defensive aspects. It's a safe bet for those who want reliability.
Occultist is best for those who prefer a more laid-back playstyle with a focus on minions, though it requires more investment in gear to truly shine.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your playstyle and goals in the softcore trade league. Each build is viable and capable of making it through the game's challenges, but certain builds will outperform others depending on your preferred approach to the game.
If you found this article helpful and believe it enhances your gaming experience, consider placing an order with MMOJUGG. With competitive prices and top-notch service, we're here to support your journey. Your support means a lot to us!
Table of Content
Buy PoE2 Currency
PoE2 Boosting