Path of Building: A Comprehensive Guide to Building Your Dream Fortress

Path of Building (PoB) is an indispensable tool for any serious Path of Exile (PoE) player. It allows you to plan and optimize your character builds, theorycraft new strategies, and compare different item combinations to maximize your damage output, survivability, and other attributes.

Understanding the Basics of Path of Building

PoB is a complex software, but it is straightforward to use. Its user-friendly interface makes it accessible to both beginners and experienced players.

1. Create a New Build: Start by creating a new build by selecting your character class, ascendancy, and skill gems.

2. Configure Skills: Drag and drop skill gems into your skill setup to activate them. Configure their levels, support gems, and other modifiers.

3. Equip Items: Choose items from the database or create your custom items to equip your character. Optimize your gear for your desired build.

4. Calculate Stats: PoB automatically calculates your character's stats based on your build and equipped items, including damage, health, defenses, and other relevant attributes.

Advanced Features of Path of Building

PoB offers a wealth of advanced features that empower you to create highly optimized builds:

1. Skill Tree Planner: Plan your passive skill tree by allocating points to enhance your character's stats and abilities.

2. Item Calculator: Simulate different item combinations to determine their impact on your character's stats. Optimize your gear for maximum effectiveness.

3. Gem Calculator: Compare the effectiveness of different support gems to maximize your skill damage and other bonuses.

4. Import/Export Builds: Share your builds with other players or import builds created by others to explore different strategies.

Benefits of Using Path of Building

The benefits of using Path of Building are numerous:

1. Optimization: PoB helps you create highly optimized builds that maximize your character's potential.

2. Theorycrafting: Explore new build ideas by experimenting with different skill combinations and item setups.

3. Comparison: Compare different builds side-by-side to determine the best option for your playstyle.

4. Time-Saving: PoB saves you time by automating calculations and providing a structured approach to building your character.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overestimating Your Damage: PoB's damage calculations are based on perfect conditions. In actual gameplay, your damage output may be lower due to factors such as enemy resistances and movement.

2. Focusing Too Much on Paper Stats: While PoB's calculated stats are important, consider your character's practical effectiveness in combat.

3. Ignoring Defenses: Prioritizing damage over defenses can lead to a fragile character that is easily defeated.

Step-by-Step Approach to Building with Path of Building

1. Define Your Goal: Determine the type of build you want to create, such as a spellcaster, melee attacker, or summoner.

2. Research Class and Ascendancy: Choose a character class and ascendancy that align with your build goals.

3. Select Core Skill Gems: Identify the key skill gems that form the foundation of your build.

4. Plan Your Passive Tree: Allocate passive skill points to enhance your character's core attributes and abilities.

5. Optimize Your Gear: Choose items that complement your build and provide the necessary stats and bonuses.

6. Refine Your Build: Adjust your build based on testing and feedback to improve its performance.

Conclusion

Path of Building is a powerful tool that empowers Path of Exile players to create, optimize, and share their builds with ease. By leveraging its advanced features and following the best practices outlined in this guide, you can build a formidable character that dominates the challenges of Wraeclast.