The Marauder in Path of Exile (PoE) is a powerhouse melee class known for its brute strength, high survivability, and devastating physical and elemental damage. With the 3.26 Secrets of the Atlas league update, several top-tier Marauder builds have emerged, catering to different playstyles through its three Ascendancy subclasses: Juggernaut, Berserker, and Chieftain PoE Currency.
Best Marauder Builds in 3.26
1. Righteous Fire Chieftain
This build revolves around the Righteous Fire skill, which burns enemies around the player while regenerating life rapidly. It offers a balance between offense and defense, making it a popular choice for both new and veteran players. The Chieftain’s ascendancy nodes enhance fire damage and survivability, allowing players to clear maps and bosses efficiently.
2. Animate Weapon Chieftain
A unique minion-based build that uses Animate Weapon to summon spectral weapons to fight alongside the player. It leverages the Chieftain’s fire buffs to boost minion damage, providing a different playstyle focused on minion management rather than direct melee combat.
3. Boneshatter Juggernaut
This build focuses on using the Boneshatter skill, which deals massive physical damage with a two-handed weapon. The Juggernaut ascendancy provides excellent defenses, allowing the character to tank hits while outputting significant damage. It is highly recommended for players who prefer a straightforward melee bruiser.
4. Molten Strike Juggernaut
Molten Strike is a melee skill that deals damage through projectiles and explosions. The Juggernaut version of this build maximizes physical and fire damage, combining high survivability with explosive damage output. It uses a two-handed weapon and benefits greatly from passive skills like Iron Grip and Point Blank to increase damage.
Leveling Builds
For players just starting, the Sunder Marauder Leveling Build is highly recommended. It offers a smooth leveling experience with strong area damage and survivability. The build can be adapted to different playstyles by choosing between rushing Resolute Technique for accuracy or focusing on attack speed for faster clear speed.
Key Tips for Marauder Builds
1. Passive Tree: Focus on nodes that increase life, armor, and melee physical damage. Cluster Jewels with notables like Overlord and Martial Prowess enhance damage and utility PoE buy Currency.
2. Gear: Two-handed weapons are common in Juggernaut builds for their high damage potential. Look for gear that boosts life, resistances, and melee damage.
3. Flasks: Defensive flasks like Granite Flask and utility flasks like Basalt Flask are essential for survivability. Offensive flasks that boost attack speed or damage can significantly increase DPS.