Why This Starter Works
Curated for day‑1 mapping: reliable defences, clear upgrade path.
Defense
Layered mitigation and recovery keep you safe while learning maps.
Damage
Scales cleanly from campaign into early reds with modest gear.
Budget
No mandatory uniques; invest first into the weapon slot.
Leveling Route
Acts 1–3
- Use your league‑start skill as soon as available.
- Path early life/mobility; pick a 3‑link for bosses.
- Keep flasks updated every Act.
Acts 4–6
- Add supports as sockets appear; pick up guard skills.
- Upgrade weapon base every 2–3 Acts.
- Cap resistances before Kitava.
Acts 7–10
- Target a basic 4–5 link and a movement skill.
- Allocate key defensive notables before mapping.
- Finish labs along the way.
Ascendancy
1. Core node
2. Mobility/defense
3. Damage
4. Flex
Early Gear Priorities
Resistances
Hit 75% all res ASAP in maps.
Weapon First
Upgrade damage on the main skill gem setup before luxuries.
Life & Mitigation
Life on every slot; pick armour/evasion/ES bases appropriate to the build.
Flasks
One movement, one life, two defensive; roll bleed/freeze immunity.
