Path of Exile 3.26: Trarthus Gems Mastery Guide

Path of Exile's 3.26 patch, the Mercenaries of Traus League, introduces a thrilling set of skill gems known as Trarthus Gems. These unique transfigured gems, obtainable only by defeating mercenary NPCs, bring fresh mechanics and build possibilities to the game. If you're eager to dive into the latest PoE content, consider bookmarking our site for more guides and exploring our PoE currency and items store to gear up for the league. Let's break down all 12 Trarthus Gems and explore their potential.  

Trarthus Gems are a new breed of transfigured skill gems exclusive to the 3.26 league. Unlike standard transfigured gems, they cannot be obtained from the Labyrinth's Divine Font and require combat victories over mercenary NPCs. With 12 gems in total, each offers distinct mechanics, from toggle abilities to trap-based skills, catering to diverse playstyles. Below, we'll cover each gem's mechanics, scaling options, and potential builds.  

This gem mirrors the standard Heavy Strike but is restricted to staves. It incorporates the Crown of Eyes' unique modifier, where spell damage increases apply to attack damage at 150% value, and grants a 2% chance to deal double damage per 10 Intelligence. With quality boosting spell-to-attack damage further, this gem shines in triple-attribute stacking builds using uniques like Shaper's Touch and Pillar of the Caged God. Ideal for high-investment second characters, it demands around 300 Intelligence to match the double damage chance of a standard Heavy Strike.  

Unlike the chaining Spectral Shield Throw (SST), this version pierces enemies until reaching a target location, then unleashes a burst of shard projectiles. It scales less from armor and evasion and has a slower attack time, making it a strong mapper but weaker for single-target damage. Positioning is key to maximize shard coverage, but it may struggle against bosses without supplementary skills.  

This physical-themed Stormcall removes lightning stats, costs life instead of mana, and has a 50% longer cast time. Markers persist longer before triggering, and a secondary damage-over-time (DoT) ground effect aids mapping. However, it underperforms compared to Reap, which offers superior single-target scaling via blood charges. Combining both skills could work, but Val Reap's stronger boiling blood effect overshadows this gem's DoT.  

This totem skill summons a ring of ballistas that fire once inward before despawning, breaking the traditional “set-and-forget” totem playstyle. Scaling totem placement speed and maximum totems (via Iron Commander or Hierophant) is crucial to avoid overwriting totems before they fire. With high dexterity and totem scaling, this gem excels for burst damage, particularly on large bosses.  

A complete overhaul, this gem pulses outward and returns, damaging enemies twice. With no area of effect (AoE) stat, the scaling duration extends its range, while the AoE increases radius. Quality grants 15% elemental penetration, and the Nova tag allows use with Astral Projector. Stack reduced duration for single-target damage or maximize duration for screen-wide mapping. This gem's versatility makes it a mapper's dream.  

This gem retains Chain Hook's base stats but hits up to nine targets, dealing area damage when chains break at a 6-meter range. Its playstyle involves hooking packs, moving to break chains, and triggering overlapping AoE hits. It's excellent for clearing tanky rares or bosses with adds, offering a dynamic mapping experience.  

Transformed into a trap skill, this Spectral Helix retains its spiraling mechanics but relies on trap throw speed. Dual-wielding grants an extra trap, while two-handed weapons face reduced throw speed. Pre-stacking traps delivers burst damage for bosses, but positioning traps effectively is trickier than the standard Helix's manual control.