The aim for this build was to create a well-rounded melee character with strong defenses and DPS. The build utilizes a lot of mitigation, endurance charges, fortify, arctic armor, high armor to attain a “safe” feeling level of tanky while still having a strong DPS output. The build was constructed from the ground up as a hardcore build, so modifications for higher DPS should be made if you plan to run it non-hardcore. (This guide is meant to be used in tandem with the video guide I have posted in the "Videos" section)

• Nice DPS for non-crit: 42,479
  
• Plays fast and twitchy
  
• Nice survivability, fortify + high base armor (w/o granite 15,010) (w/ granite 28,502)
  
• Plays well in party and solo play
  
• Not gear intensive, no expensive build enabling uniques
  
• Straight forward melee character, no overly complex mechanics behind the build

A video build guide with commentary

Note: I used blood magic gems on all my skills as a tradeoff to be able to run 3 auras, Grace, Herald of Ash, and Arctic Armor. I ran all skills off mana until I was able to acquire a 5L for my sweep at which point I used blood magic gems. During the transition to blood magic gems you will be limited to 2 auras, it’s entirely preference which two you want to run. A mana pot or preferably some mana leech will be needed while you are trying to transition.

(Chest) Sweep* – Faster Attacks – Melee Physical Damage* – Multistrike – Added Fire Damage – Blood Magic
Added Fire Damage was actually my 6th link, because without faster attacks it felt quite different in a way that I didn’t like. In a 4 link set up I used Sweep* – Faster Attacks – Melee Physical Damage* – Multistrike. This build still hits 20k + DPS in a 4L set up, and over 30k in a 5l.
*Designates that you should aim to max quality these particular gems.

(Helm) Increased Duration* – Blood Magic – Vaal Haste – Blood Rage
Blood rage is used to generate frenzy charges. Vaal Haste for bosses, blue packs, and general clear speed.

(Gloves) Leap Slam – Faster Attacks* – Fortify – Blood Magic
Leap Slam is used for movement and to proc Fortify. I didn’t want to sacrifice a DPS gem on my Sweep set-up to proc Fortify on my main attack.

(Boots) Blood Magic – Enduring Cry – Herald of Ash - Grace
Only Enduring Cry should be linked to Blood Magic.

Skill Tree[www.pathofexile.com]

Oak
Oak
Kraityn

I went for more DPS with the extra Frenzy charge. If you want more defense obviously Oak is a good choice for the extra Endurance charge.

If I were to rank this build on a scale of 1 to 10, I would place it at 9. It really is an “everyman’s build”, extremely easy to use, low investment, and very powerful. It really doesn’t have many weaknesses that are notable and detrimental.

If you have any questions post them here or send me a message! Thanks for checking the build out!

Full guide on the official Path of Exile forums:
https://www.pathofexile.com/forum/view-thread/1413215

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youtube.com/heatfury
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-HeaT