The Slayer is an amazing basis for a build in Path of Exile: Legion. Cyclone has received several buffs in Patch 3.7 Legion and is looking even more powerful than ever before. Slayer’s Over Leech mechanic will make you feel save while you rip and tear through legions of mobs, offering great clear speed for this build. This is further improved by popping all of your non-Life Flasks as your Cyclone goes off, allowing your Cyclone to get full benefit from all of your buffs. Just make sure to have some Flask Charges left over for the bosses.
Offensively the name of the game is to get all of your buffs up and keep them up for as long as possible while continually Leeching. The concept is very simple, use your movement skill to proc Fortify into a pack and immediately drop your Warchief and Dread Banner. Start channeling Cyclone ASAP to get your Over Leech going, this should help you rip through many mob packs before they even pose a threat to you.
Defensively stacking huge amounts of Life and Armour, while trying to keep your Leech up as much as possible is your main goal. Cyclone also gives you stun immunity, making moving quickly between packs, allowing a skilled player to keep Leeching, very easy. And with the top-end gear, more than 7K life is pretty reasonable to obtain, if not more.
The addition of Ascendancy nodes like Bane of Legends and Endless Hunger make both offensive and defensive layers shine as well. Bottom line is, POE 3.7 made this build one of the best for melee-focused players.
You’ll find all you will need to construct this build down below. The guide assumes that you’re going all-out and are maximizing every aspect, but you don’t have to go that far at all to reach a point where the build is enjoyable. Even in the low 90s with less-than-perfect gear, the build runs Maps and Delves just fine. And it’s a great choice as a league starter build for any POE player. If you are a brand new Path of Exile player, feel free to check out our various POE guides for noobs.
Build Pros
- Good Defenses
- Good clear speed
- Budget-viable in terms of gear
Build Cons
- Single Target damage isn’t great
- Reliance on Leech means some bosses and Map mods will be a pain
Passive Tree(s)
Here is the Endgame Passive Tree
There are two real options for this build. One is a build that focuses on scaling as much Physical Damage as possible and applying it using Resolute Technique for maximum DPS. This is the build as most people will likely play it, as it’s based around the iconic 2H Axe. The other option is a Crit-based Sword build that dials back on pure Physical and foregoes Resolute Technique in favor of playing with the POE 3.7 revamps to accuracy that made not taking that Keystone actually viable. The playstyle is almost exactly the same between the two, it really just comes down to gear choices and availability.
Pantheon
Upgrade all of these.
Major God: Soul of Lunaris
A strong choice for the added movement speed and Physical Damage reduction.
Minor God: Soul of Shakari
The Poison immunity is helpful if you’re not getting it from another source. Abberath offers decent defensive help as well for fire damage. Any Minor is useful here though.
Bandits
Kill them all for the two additional passive skill tree points is great here, no real replacement assuming you use those bonus Passives effectively for more DPS.
Ascendancy
Slayer
Ascendancy points:
Preferably in that order:
- Headsman
- Bane of Legends
- Endless Hunger
- Brutal Fervour
Enchants
Helmet:
40% Increased Cyclone Damage
15% Increased Cyclone Attack Speed
Boots:
0.6% of Damage Leeched as Life and Mana if you’ve Killed Recently
x% increased Attack and Cast Speed if you’ve Killed Recently
Gloves:
Commandment of Commandment of Light or Force.
You could also use these Corruptions on Gloves:
+1 to Maximum Frenzy Charges
(4–6)% increased maximum Life
(8–10)% increased Attack Speed
Leveling Items and General Tips
Leveling Uniques: Check out our leveling Uniques guide
Act 1: The Ledge
Act 2: The Fellshrine Ruins
Act 3: The Docks
Act 4: The Dried Lake
Act 5: The Chamber of Innocence
Act 6: The Ridge
Act 7: The Temple of Decay lv1-2
Act 8: The Harbour Bridge
Act 9: The Blood Aqueduct
Act 10: The Ossuary
Avoid these map mods:
* Any Damage Reflect
Be careful of these map mods:
* Monsters have #% increased Critical Strike Chance / +#% to Monster Critical Strike Multiplier
With high evasion, attacks should almost never crit you. Spells on the other hand can still hit hard.
* Monsters fire 2 additional Projectiles
Scary mod on some bosses and monster types. Some monsters are still able to spam out too many projectiles to handle.
* Area contains two Unique Bosses
Your goal to survive this mode is a combo of extreme DPS and Life. The faster you can down the bosses, the less threat they pose.
* #% increased Monster Movement Speed / #% increased Monster Attack Speed / #% increased Monster Cast Speed
Some bosses are going to be too fast to hit effectively, meaning you’ll spend more time than you normally should kiting them. This combination with Temporal Chains is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.
* Players are Cursed with Vulnerability
Negated during mapping with a Warding Flask, but not against bosses. Ailments from bosses can kill you easily.
* Players are Cursed with Temporal Chains
I would personally avoid this on high-tier maps.
Final Skill Gem Setup
You’ll find recommendations for different attack skill setups for this build below. The basic buff and aura setups are down there too. The basic idea is to swap out to your single-target skill before taking on the boss, so keep that in mind.
=== MAIN ATTACK ===
Cyclone -> Melee Physical Damage -> Damage on Full Life -> Infused Channeling ->Pulverize -> Close Combat
=== SECONDARY DPS SKILL ===
Vaal Ancestral Warchief -> Bloodlust -> Melee Physical Damage -> Maim
=== MOVEMENT ===
Leap Slam -> Faster Attacks -> Blood Magic -> Fortify
=== AURA/UTILITY ===
Cast When Damage Taken -> Enfeeble -> Immortal Call -> Increased Duration
Dread Banner
Herald of Ash
Hatred
Build Uniques / Example Rare Gear
In this section you will find all the suggested items for this build. We always try to include optional gear in our listing, or try your own assuming you get similar stat rolls. Aim for high-quality Rares if you’re replacing Uniques. The Minimum/Optional requirements listed assume you’re using Rares as a replacement for listed Uniques (where possible).
Depending on your gear choices, you can go for either a lot more DPS at the expense of Life, or go for more defensiveness by sacrificing a portion of DPS. This is your choice. In most cases, I would prefer Life personally, as it’s just a bit more forgiving. If you’re a new player, this may the path for you.
Stat Priorities:
Life is super important for survivability, especially at end-game. Although be careful not to forsake too many damage mods for it or you won’t be able to kill mobs quick enough for your defenses to handle incoming DPS.
Physical Damage is your primary DPS, and it scales primarily as a percentage that converts to Fire with some skills. This means you should target Physical damage over direct Elemental damage scaling so as to not compromise defenses.
Resistances until capped.
Depending on your gear, either Armor or Evasion Rating is your primary defensive layer, so scaling the highest value any way you can is great for defenses, especially while bossing. Armour will be better for most people, depending on gear and flask choices.
Attack Speed means that you simply attack faster the higher it is. This stat becomes vital for scaling overall DPS. Attack Speed is great for your movement skill to keep Fortify up.
Crit Multiplier and Crit Chance are vital if using the Sword-version of this build.
Weapons
Cyclone in POE 3.7 has been completely retooled, meaning it will work very differently in this patch compared to previous iterations of the skill. The skill now grows its range as you channel it, and bonuses to weapon range, attack speed and other areas apply to all stages of this process. Because of the options for going with or without Resolute Technique, there’s plenty of options for Rare and Unique weapons. Two-Handed is your weapon style of choice though. And if you’re in Sword-based Crit variant, always try to scale Crit Chance and Crit Multiplier in several gear slots.
In terms of Uniques, a few different high pDPS Uniques are on the table for this POE build. The top tier, and most expensive option, is of course the ever-popular Atziri’s Disfavour. The popularity of this item will mean that is extremely pricey in 3.7. In almost all cases, most POE players will opt for a Rare in Legion.
If running the Crit-focused Sword variant, Starforge is another Unique option. Rare Axe bases should be Vaal Axe, with Rare Swords goto base being Exquisite Blade.
Here are the requirements I would aim for if going for a Rare option instead of a Unique:
Min. requirements:
500+ pDPS
Adds # Physical Damage
% Increased Physical Damage
Increased Attack Speed
Optional affixes:
Chance to Deal Double Damage (Shaper Mod)
+ to Weapon Range (Elder Mod)
Increased Attack Speed (Elder Mod variant)
Helmet
A Rare works best here, the enchant is where most of the power of this slot comes from. I would say going for enchants which increase your main skill damage are best. Armour bases for Rares should be your target, Eternal Burgonet or Royal Burgonet are good bases in this type.
Devoto’s Devotion is an OK replacement Unique that’s relatively affordable. A good unique option would be Starkonja’s Head for Crit players, as it’s affordable and synergizes well, assuming you’re running the Crit variant.
Here’s the stats for a Rare in any base type:
Min. requirements:
90 Maximum Life
Increased Maximum Life
Uncapped Resistances
Optional affixes:
Nearby Enemies take #% Increased Physical Damage (Jagged Fossil)
Reduced Attribute Requirements
Body Armor
The strongest option for many will be a Unique like Belly of the Beast.
A Rare can work if you have the right corruptions/mods. Aim for an Armour base. If going the Rare route, prepare to get needed attributes on the chest in order to get more DPS from your Jewels and other Affixes. Astral Plate or Glorious Plate are excellent for either version of this POE build.
There are several ways to further increase the effectiveness of a Rare here, but they will massively increase the currency cost, as a high-end Armour that fits these parameters would be Mirror-service-worthy.
- A + Level to Socketed Gems Affix is extremely useful if running a Rare.
- Getting Reduced Attribute Requirements can really help if you’re struggling with attributes. This can also free up other Affixes as you no longer need to waste them. This would allow you to further increase your DPS. Although getting this mod combination will be extremely hard, and will cost a lot of currency, so bank on just using a crafted affix instead. You only really need this on one item, so scale Physical DPS with the other items
- Getting a high, or possibly Legacy, Increased Life and/or Chaos Resistance roll really helps with survivability if you’re lacking in resists.
Here’s the stats for a Rare in an Armour base type, use POEAffix for your desired base and look for mods that align with these:
Min. requirements:
100 maximum Life
% Increased Maximum Life (Elder Mod)
Physical Damage Buffs
Optional affixes:
Uncapped Resistances
Gain Onslaught for # seconds on Hit (Essence Mod)
+ to Level of Socketed Support Gems (Elder Mod)
Belt
Abyss Belts with Life and Resistances are a good option for more difficult end-game sections and bosses. Other Rares might do in a pinch, but not having good rolls can make you a lot more squishy than is tolerable. Abyss Jewels are also a great source for damage buffs as well. Buffing your damage and Life is the best bet here with Jewels.
Elder/Shaper variants are good too, assuming you can get a good combo of Life and Resists on them.
Some Unique options are Belt of the Deceiver and The Magnate.
Min. requirements:
70 Maximum Life
% Increased Damage
x% Increased Elemental Damage with Attacks
Optional affixes:
Reduced Flask Charges Used
Uncapped Resistances
% Increased Global Physical Damage (Jagged Fossil)
Gloves
Gloves can be one of the more flexible gear slots while leveling, pick any Unique Gloves which focus on buffing needed Attributes or damage types and you’ll be fine for leveling. Once you hit end-game, opt for a high-end Rare ASAP. If you need help choosing Unique Gloves, refer to the leveling items section above, or go to this list. Haemophilia is a good option here. Tombfist is also pretty good when paired with relevant Abyss Jewels.
Rare Gloves with buffs to Physical/Melee damage are great as and endgame option. Try Spiked Gloves as a base. Always get some Attack Speed and added Physical Damage with this base to make it viable with this POE build.
Min. requirements:
70 Maximum Life
Uncapped Resistances
Physical Damage Buffs
Increased Attack Speed
Optional affixes:
Chaos Resistance
Boots
Rare boots with max rolled Life, Resists and Movement Speed are great as a generic choice, but you may find yourself a bit more prone to taking hits than you would like. This one is more of a personal judgment call. Here’s the basic requirements for Rare in this slot.
Min. requirements:
70 maximum Life
30% increased Movement Speed
Any Uncapped Resistances (>25%)
Once you’ve gotten decently into end-game, you may want to switch to a Unique that’s more tailored for the playstyle of the build.
Kaom’s Roots – This is arguably the best Unique pair of Boots for this build, and will provide decent defensive stun immunity, just be sure you don’t compromise your resists or other defenses using these.
Bubonic Trail – Another excellent option for Uniques in this slot. Pair with Abyss Jewels targeting boosting Attack Speed and Physical Damage.
Amulet
If using a Rare, Get a Shaper/Elder and stack as much Life as you can on your Amulet to prevent feeling too squishy. Carnage Heart is decent for leveling, but you need more Crit Chance in later parts of the game to scale DPS effectively.
Min. requirements:
50 maximum Life
Adds Physical Damage
x% Increased Elemental Damage with Attacks
10% All Elemental Resistances
Optional affixes:
Gain #% of Physical Damage as Extra Fire Damage (Elder Mod)
% Increased Physical Damage
Rings
Ventor’s Gamble rings are a good choice here if you want some Magic Find. Always get a Ventor’s with positive rolls in all cases. It will be a bit more expensive, but not too much more. Another Unique option with similar MF potential, and even more DPS, is Le Heup of All. This latter option also allows you to scale more damage through affixes on other slots by getting needed Attributes.
If using a Rare Ring, use the following start priorities to help guide your selection. Steel Rings are a good base for this build. Rolling high Item Level Shaper/Elder bases with Essences is a great option if you have the currency.
Min. requirements:
60 Maximum Life
x% Physical Attack Damage Leeched as Life
x% Increased Elemental Damage with Attacks
Uncapped Resistances
Optional affixes:
% Increased Melee Damage (Elder Mod)
Warlord’s Mark/Assassin’s Mark on Hit (Shaper Mod)
Flasks
Lion’s Roar – Useful utility flask for better defense that also grants a bit more DPS.
Atziri’s Promise – Provides both a good defensive backstop and some extra Leech for survivability in tougher fights.
Taste of Hate – One of the strongest mitigation Flasks in POE right now.
Other Flasks:
- Experimenter’s Sulphur/Granite Flask of Warding (Curse Immunity, Choose Sulphur for DPS, Granite for Armour)
- Saturated Eternal Life Flask of Curing (Poison Immunity) [Swap Curing for Heat if using Shakari]
You can swap these mods around if needed due to RNG.
Jewels
Abyss Jewels that have a chance to gain Onslaught can also be used in a slot for a damage increase. Watcher’s Eye with mods targeting your Herald buffs can also be really strong, but are very expensive, especially in Legion.
Rare Jewels can run with the following stats:
Recommended affixes:
- % Increased Maximum Life
- % Increased Attack Speed
- % Increased Attack Speed with Axes/Swords (Pick the one that pairs with your weapon)
- % Increased Melee Damage
- % Increased Physical Damage
- % Increased Area Damage
Optional affixes:
Attributes (Dexterity/Intelligence only if needed for max level Gems)
