Intro & build description
Great build if you want to deal damage while being able to take some in return as well. This build can definitely take on some hard-hitting content due to insanely high block chance and high health pool.
This build can get started in a fresh league with the new economy as it does not require anything to function. The only QOL improvement would be The Surrender shield which this build can live without.
Build Pros
- High damage
- Great league starter build
- Very tanky (~68% block/spell block)
- Fast and responsive gameplay
Build Cons
- Melee build
Passive tree(s) and Path of Building
Full Build PoB CodeBandits
Bandits Quest Choice |
Kill all bandits |
Ascendancy skill points
Labyrinths | Skill point choice |
---|---|
Labyrinth 1 | Painforged |
Labyrinth 2 | Violent Retaliation |
Labyrinth 3 | Arena Challenger |
Endgame Labyrinth | Versatile Combatant |

Skill gem setup
Helm
Precision
Blood and Sand
Flesh and Stone
Maim Support
Body Armor
Lacerate
Melee Physical Damage Support
Brutality Support
Multistrike Support
Impale Support
Ruthless Support
Gloves
Vaal Molten Shell
War Banner
Increased Duration Support
Portal
Boots
Leap Slam
Faster Attacks Support
Fortify Support
Blood Magic Support
2h Weapon
None
1h Weapon
Vaal Haste
Increased Duration Support
Blood Rage
Offhand weapon / shield
Melee Physical Damage Support
Brutality Support
Pulverise Support
Build uniques / Example rare gear
Tip: Click on the item to view it on PoE Wiki or to view similar rare items in poe.tradeBody Armour
Rare Body ArmorRare body armor with high life and elemental resistances.
If possible, get Elder chest with ”Attacks have +#% to Critical Strike Chance”
Gloves
Rare GlovesHigh life, elemental resistances and if possible, attack speed and flat physical damage.
Boots
Rare BootsRare boots with ”You have Tailwind if you have dealt a Critical Strike Recently ”, movement speed, life and elemental resistances.
Left Ring
Rare RingRare ring with Assassin’s Mark on Hit and life. Any additional stats are just a bonus. Well rolled ring with Assassin’s Mark can cost a fortune.
Right Ring
Rare RingRare ring with flat physical damage to attacks, life and elemental resistances.
Amulet
Rare AmuletRare amulet with global critical strike chance, physical damage to attacks and life.
1Hand Weapon
Rare FoilRare foil with as much physical damage as you can afford. Go for high critical strike chance and high attach speed(2+).
Jewel
Watcher's EyeCrit multiplier while affected by precision is a great Watcher’s Eye if you can afford it.
Flask
Flask Setup- Bubbling Eternal Life Flask of Staunching
- Experimenter’s Diamond Flask of Warding
- Experimenter’s Silver Flask of Heat
- Lion’s Roar
- Bottled Faith