The Path of Exile 3.27 expansion brings new challenges, making the right starter build choice more important than ever. This ranked list covers the most reliable and effective builds for league start, ranging from the top S-tier options to those best avoided. With detailed analysis of each build’s strengths and weaknesses, players can ensure a smooth league opening and avoid common pitfalls.

S Tier Builds The Top Recommendations

The Kinetic Blast Warden stands out as a highly recommended S-tier starter. Leveling should begin with skills other than Kinetic Bolt, as it is ineffective in Act 1. Kinetic Blast itself becomes available in Act 3 alongside Kinetic Rain, though the latter has been nerfed so that only the anomalies deliver substantial damage. Investment into reduced skill effect duration or other ways to detonate anomalies instantly is required.

Kinetic Blast excels as a league starter, especially when paired with bows from the Ranger side. Tinctures add considerable damage and their effects last longer. While this version appears expensive in POB, cheaper alternatives have been provided previously. Another S-tier build is the Kinetic Blast Deadeye by Fubby, which is cheaper, does not require transfigured gems or chase uniques, but delivers slightly less damage than the Warden variant.

The Fizz Elementalist is another broken build, viable even with Spellslinger. Buffed in the current patch, using Reap or Exsanguinate offers excellent clear speed and strong single-target damage, making it perfect for breach leagues. The tankiness is notable, and leveling with fire dot skills is straightforward due to the benefits of golems and shock effect.

A Tier Builds Reliable League Starters

The Siege Ballista build is a popular A-tier option, especially for those on lower-end computers. Simple gameplay and strong farming ability—particularly in Ultimatum—make it a solid choice. While Righteous Fire was recently nerfed, this build remains effective by flying under the radar. Totem builds like those from Mr. Palestine, including the upcoming Hierophant Totem, are recommended for new players and rated A+.

Top S and A Tier Builds Overview

B Tier Builds Fun but With Caveats

The Dex Stacking Cyclone build benefits from a 20% buff to cyclone in the latest patch. The main advantage is the ability to move while dealing damage, with cyclone boasting the highest attack speed. Using Dancing Dervish—a cheap unique—players also gain rampage at the cost of disabled weapon slots, enabling synergies with items like Facebreaker or Hollow Palm Technique. This version stacks dexterity for damage and attack speed, using the Hollow Palm unique jewel.

Flicker Strike Slayer is a B-tier map crusher, delivering insane clear speed and explosive gameplay. However, it can be difficult to set up and is not suitable for everyone, especially those sensitive to its frenetic pace. Leveling with Flicker Strike is not recommended due to the need for a reliable source of frenzy charges.

Viper Strike of the Mamba by Mr. Tuna is notable because it is played on a Pathfinder. It boasts strong poison scaling and clear speed, making it efficient for farming expeditions at league start. To obtain the correct transfigured gem, players can farm their first lab and trade for the right one.

C Tier Builds Niche Options With Drawbacks

Righteous Fire by Mr. Pox is considered C-tier due to significant nerfs and complex mechanics. Only those with deep experience should attempt this build, as it lacks single-target damage and requires another skill for bosses.

Raised Spectre Necromancer by Mr. Gazzy leverages the Wretched Defiler spectre obtained in T7 maps. With the new bloodline ascendancy from defeating Katarina, players can stack spectres for over 100% bonus global defenses, greatly increasing survivability. Much of the build remains viable, but upcoming updates may be necessary.

D Tier Builds To Avoid For League Start

Molten Strike of Zenith is a pure melee build with no block or spell suppression, only becoming strong with extremely high gear investment. It is considered a glass cannon and is only effective with top-tier gear.

Animate Energy Blade by Mr. Lance also falls into D-tier. This version, using a two-handed weapon, offers no block chance and likely lacks spell suppression, making it a questionable choice for league start.

Build Ranking Summary Table