Path of Exile 3.25: Hexblast Mines Trickster Build and Leveling Guide
The Hexblast Mines Trickster is one of the strongest builds you can use in Path of Exile 3.25. Given how powerful the build has been in past leagues, it's surprising that Grinding Gear Games chose not to nerf or change it. With the melee rework and other changes implemented in the Settlers of Kalguur expansion, this setup is now even stronger than before. This guide will walk you through building, gearing, and leveling the Hexblast Mines Trickster effectively.
Build Overview
Key Features
Skill Rotation: The build revolves around using Hexblast as the primary damage dealer, supported by the High-Impact Mine support gem to detonate Hexblast from mine placements.
Utility Skills: It incorporates Wither, Bear Trap, Frostblink, Skitterbots, and Grace for added damage and defense.
Ease of Use: The Automation gem streamlines late-game play, simplifying your setup and allowing for a more fluid gameplay experience.
Skill Setup
Main Skills
Hexblast
This spell serves as your primary source of damage, casting from mines to deal significant area damage.
High-Impact Mine Support
This support gem enables Hexblast to be cast as a mine, allowing you to strategically place them and trigger massive area damage.
Support Skills
Wither (Spell Totem Support)
This combination increases the damage enemies take from your Hexblast, making it essential for tougher mobs and bosses.
Utility Skills
Bear Trap
Immobilizes enemies, allowing for easier crowd management or single-target focus.
Frostblink
Grants mobility to escape dangerous situations or reposition during combat.
Skitterbots
Provides additional utility by slowing enemies, enhancing your survivability.
Grace
Grants a significant boost to evasion, improving your survivability against physical attacks.
Leveling Guide
Leveling Tips
Starting Out
Focus on spell damage and mine-related passives early in your leveling. Look for passive skills that enhance Hexblast and overall damage output.
Key Passive Skills
Prioritize nodes that boost Hexblast, mine damage, spell damage, and damage over time. Consider the Trickster Ascendancy nodes: Swift Killer for increased damage and Ghost Dance for defensive benefits.
Early Game Skills
Use spells like Fireball or Ice Nova while leveling until you can access Hexblast. Transition to Hexblast as soon as possible to maximize your damage output.
Mid to Late Game
Fully transition into the Hexblast setup, utilizing your mines and support skills to manage crowds and bosses effectively.
Gem Setup
Maintain a relevant gem setup throughout your leveling process. Your main skills should include:
Hexblast
High-Impact Mine Support
Wither (with Spell Totem)
Bear Trap
Frostblink
Skitterbots
Grace
Gear Recommendations
Essential Gear
Weapons
Seek a wand or staff that provides bonuses to spell damage and critical strike chance.
Armor
Aim for gear that enhances your energy shield, evasion, and overall survivability.
Jewelry
Rings and amulets that increase spell damage, mana regeneration, and resistances are crucial for your build's effectiveness.
Flasks
Utilize flasks that grant instant recovery, movement speed, and damage boosts during critical moments in combat.
Gameplay Tips
Mine Placement: Master the art of placing your mines to maximize coverage and damage output. Aim to blanket areas with Hexblast mines for effective mob clearing.
Utilizing Wither: Keep your totems active and positioned to consistently apply Wither to enemies, amplifying your damage potential.
Mobility: Use Frostblink to navigate safely through crowds and avoid damage while positioning your mines effectively.
Automation Gem: Implement the Automation gem in late-game to simplify your gameplay, allowing you to focus more on positioning and strategic mine placement.
Conclusion
The Hexblast Mines Trickster build is a powerful and versatile option that can excel in both mapping and boss encounters in Path of Exile 3.25. By following this guide, you'll be well-equipped to create a strong character capable of overcoming the challenges of the game. Focus on maximizing your damage output, efficiently positioning your mines, and leveraging utility skills for a smooth and enjoyable gameplay experience.
Keep an eye on Path of Exile currency and valuable Path of Exile items to ensure your build remains competitive, and stay updated on the latest Druid Ascendancies and other game changes as the expansion approaches! Good luck on your journey through Wraeclast!