Path of Exile 1 Hand Book

Path of Exile (PoE) is a complex, free-to-play ARPG developed by Grinding Gear Games, featuring deep character customization, a massive passive skill tree, and a seasonal challenge league system. This guide will take you from your very first Act to endgame mapping, bossing, and crafting.

Path of Exile 1 Jul 24, 2025 3 min read

1. Getting Started

🔸Character Creation

Choose a Class: Marauder, Ranger, Witch, Duelist, Templar, Shadow, Scion (unlocked later).
Classes only determine starting location on the passive tree — every class can take any node given enough travel points.

🔸Early Game Focus

Follow the Acts: There are 10 story acts, after which the endgame Atlas unlocks.
Pick a League Starter Build: Use community resources (PoE Ninja, PoE Vault) to pick a beginner-friendly build.
Loot Filter: Install a loot filter early (e.g., FilterBlade) to hide junk drops.
Key Currency: Learn the value of Chaos Orbs, Exalted Orbs, Divine Orbs — don’t waste them on random gear.

2. Passive Skill Tree & Ascendancy

🔸Passive Tree

Over 1300 nodes — focus on life/defense first, then scale your damage.
Plan your path using tools like Path of Building before you start.

🔸Ascendancy Classes

Each class has unique Ascendancies unlocked by running the Labyrinth (Normal → Cruel → Merciless → Eternal).

Examples:

Necromancer (Witch): Best for summoner builds
Champion (Duelist): Strong for tanky melee builds
Deadeye (Ranger): Top choice for bow builds

⚔️ 3. Core Systems & Progression

System	Explanation
Skill Gems & Links	Abilities are gems you socket into gear. Aim for 4–6 linked sockets with the right colors.
Support Gems	Multiply the power of your main skill (e.g., Increased Damage, Elemental Focus).
Flasks	Instant healing, immunity to status ailments (bleed, freeze). Proper flask setup = survival.
Resistances	Cap Fire, Cold, Lightning resistances at 75% as early as possible (Act 6 penalty hits hard).
Crafting Bench	Unlocks recipes through gameplay — allows you to add mods to gear.

4. Endgame Systems

🔸Atlas of Worlds

The map system is PoE’s endgame — randomized maps with mods, bosses, and Atlas Passive Tree customization.
Shape your Atlas by focusing on map sustain, preferred league mechanics, and boss farming.

🔸League Mechanics

Each league introduces a new mechanic (e.g., Delirium, Heist, Sentinel, Trial of the Ancestors).
Learn how each works and integrate profitable ones into your mapping strategy.

🔸Bossing

Shaper, Elder, Maven, Sirus, Uber Pinnacle Bosses — endgame goals that test your build’s DPS and survivability.
Learn fight mechanics and telegraphs — many one-shots are avoidable.

5. Currency & Economy

Chaos Orbs = Main trading currency early game.
Divine Orbs = High-value currency, often used for big trades.
Farming Strategies:

6. Crafting Basics

Essences: Guaranteed affixes for early game gear.
Fossils & Resonators: Targeted crafting for specific mod pools.
Harvest Crafting: Add/remove specific modifiers for deterministic crafting.
Bench Crafting: Use to fill missing resists, life, or utility mods on gear.

7. Meta League Starter Builds (2025)

Build	Class/Ascendancy	Pros	Cons
Explosive Arrow Ballista	Ranger / Deadeye	Great single-target, cheap gear	Totem playstyle not for everyone
Summon Raging Spirits Necro	Witch / Necromancer	Beginner-friendly, minions do the work	Can struggle in high-gear boss fights
Lightning Conduit Elementalist	Witch / Elementalist	Fast clear speed, strong damage	Requires gear investment
Boneshatter Juggernaut	Marauder / Juggernaut	Extremely tanky melee build	Slow playstyle
Toxic Rain Pathfinder	Ranger / Pathfinder	Great for solo farming & league start	Requires good gem management

Tip: Always choose a build with cheap gear requirements for the first days of a league. Save expensive experiments for later.

8. Daily / Weekly Routine

Complete Atlas objectives & unlock favorite maps
Run Labyrinth for Ascendancy points
Farm currency using chosen league mechanic (Delve, Heist, Ritual, etc.)
Craft upgrades & re-roll flasks regularly
Complete Maven Invitations & Boss fights for endgame loot

9. Common Mistakes

Ignoring defenses → PoE punishes glass-cannon builds.
Overinvesting in random gear early instead of following a plan.
Neglecting flask setup — freeze/bleed immunity is mandatory.
Hoarding currency instead of reinvesting into gear upgrades.

🏆 10. Conclusion

Path of Exile is one of the deepest ARPGs ever made.
By following this guide, you will:

Level smoothly through the story acts
Build a strong and cheap league starter
Progress efficiently through the Atlas
Master currency farming and crafting for profit
Conquer endgame bosses and scale into “GG” gear

With knowledge and planning, PoE becomes one of the most rewarding gaming experiences out there.

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