Path of Exile 3.26 Builds: My SSF Review

Over the past three months, I dedicated nearly all my free time to exploring various builds in version 3.26, playing exclusively in softcore SSF. Here’s a rundown of my experiences, presented in the order I tried them.

First up was the Volcanic Fissure of Snaking Berserker, which lived up to its reputation as an incredible league starter. Having focused on Chieftain slam builds previously, I found Berserker’s auto-exert mechanics far superior. The skill’s triple-dip damage and built-in targeting made it a standout. I experimented with the Brain Rattler mace for lightning conversion, which, while likely less optimal than a well-crafted rare axe, was immensely fun when paired with Doryani’s Prototype. Next, I tried an Admiral Elemental Hit of the Spectrum Warden, aiming to exploit Doryani’s interactions again. Despite an 850 elemental DPS bow, the build fell short without the overwhelming damage needed for SSF early on, and both Deadeye and Warden versions felt underwhelming.

After acquiring a Squire, I ventured into an Arakali’s Fang Necromancer build, enhanced by the Dark Monarch helmet. It proved powerful enough for tier 17 maps and most Uber bosses, but maintaining the spiders was tedious and detracted from the fun. The highlight of the league was my Flicker Strike Slayer, which converted damage to lightning to utilize Doryani’s Prototype. With a crafted one-handed sword and a Replica Farrul’s Fur, this fast-paced, one-button build became my favorite, accounting for half my playtime.

I also experimented with a Manastorm Kinetic Bolt Trickster, leveraging Runegraft of Recompense for infinite mana sustain and massive damage spikes. However, the build’s inconsistency made it more of a proof of concept than a reliable option. In contrast, the Mjolner Autobomber Hierophant was both enjoyable and durable, using similar mechanics but with better stability by substituting Shock Nova for Spark of the Nova. A self-cast variant for opening Abyss hoard chests was less effective.

My Smite Trickster focused on energy shield stacking and dealt impressive damage but felt repetitive after previous leagues. A Crystalized Omniscience Tornado Shot Deadeye, despite high stats, struggled in juiced content, highlighting bow builds’ current limitations. Finally, the Fross Occultist stood out as a top-tier choice, excelling in damage, tankiness, and SSF accessibility, especially with Whispers of Infinity and Coiling Whisper interactions. A Ralakesh version offered even more power with a trade-off in physical defense.

Additional builds included another Volcanic Fissure Berserker for a private league, a Power Siphon Mine Trickster, an Unearth Deadeye for chest opening, and an unfinished Cast when Stunned Firestorm Chieftain. Across all characters, my total kills reached approximately 5.1 million, with Duelist leading at over 2.2 million.

This league was a blast, and I particularly enjoyed the mercenary mechanics, which added depth and versatility, making their absence in the next update something to lament.