Best League Starters Tier List for Path of Exile 3.25 Settlers of Kalguur

You're probably drowning in league starter options for the Path of Exile 3.25 Settlers of Kalguur league, thanks in part to the complete and long-requested melee overhaul. Thankfully, we're here to help you sort the wheat from the chaff with our tier list.

Path of Exile 3.25 League Starters Tier List - Best Starters, Ranked

Our approach to this tier list is a bit unique, in that raw power and ease of gearing aren't the only factor considered (though they are the primary ones) but also how comfortable and smooth the skill or build feels to play (generally meaning not a ton of button presses and specific timings required), ease of leveling, and the quality of its build guide (given most rely on these).

Far from all viable builds are listed here, so if you don't see the one you have your eye on, that doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't play it (especially if you're more experienced). More may be added before league start, as well. (Or you can check out the hilarious flow chart below.) Similarly, regarding build links, not all have been added yet, so stay tuned if you don't see yours, as we'll be updating this tier list as more come out.

S Tier

• Ground Slam: A bit lower damage than other melee skills like Earthquake and Earthshatter, but smoother to play with lower gear requirements, and therefore a better choice for most players. As a bonus, it can be run from level 1, so no awkward transition needed.
• Dual Strike of Ambidexterity: A safe skill, elite melee players like Alkaizer are using this as their backup skill on the small chance slams don't work out. You'll want to play with Molten Strike until you're geared up.
• Molten Strike: The Zenith version can be even better if you know what you're doing, but most should stick with the base version of this fiery melee skill. As a bonus, it can be run from level 1.
• Hexblast Mines: Very easy to gear with solid damage, and no longer a two-button thanks to some handy automation added in Necropolis — just toss your mines and watch everything explode. The very best players can clear four Watchstones with this in about 13 hours. Expedition is a great mechanic to run with this as the mods favour it. Sanctum, too (for different reasons). Be sure to pick up a Sandstorm Visage and Profane Proxy as soon as you're able.

A Tier

• Earthquake: (Video above) Strong damage and defense, but the clear on this melee skill can leave something to be desired. You'll want to play with Sunder or Ground Slam until you get geared up.
• Earthshatter: See Earthquake.
• Ice Nova Archmage: One of the strongest builds in 3.24, its mana costs were increased this time around, but shouldn't be a major deal. May be a little button intensive, but a great choice for casters either way.

B Tier

• Boneshatter: A little weaker than in Necropolis league, it's still an overall strong bonk (melee) skill that will dish out 4-5 million damage (which contrary to popular belief, is plenty for most players).
• Lightning Strike: A ranged-melee hybrid skill, this one got a massive damage buff and was already pretty strong in 3.24. Warden could be excellent with it (the jury is out on tinctures, among other things), while Slayer is the safe pick. Either could go as high as S Tier, but since a Warden guide is what we have to work with and this is a new ascendancy, we'll be conservative and say B Tier. If you're at least a somewhat experienced player and want to play it safe and/or prefer consistency, try Fubgun's Slayer version.

C Tier

• Righteous Fire: Another very comfortable build, its main weakness is it struggles on bosses. If you're more of a mapper anyway or are just new or casual, this is arguably the best choice as it has an extremely comprehensive guide and is very simple to play (which is to say you mostly just dash through enemies all day long and watch them die to your giant ring of fire).
• Spectral Shield Throw: A speedy mapper that struggles some with bossing (though there are options to alleviate the problem somewhat). It should be very comfortable and easy to gear, though you'll likely want to move on once you get 'online' and farm up what you need. Note you have to aim the shield manually so if you prefer auto-targeting builds, avoid this.
• Lacerate: A very comfortable all-around melee build, but not on the same damage or AoE level as slams, Molten Strike, or even Boneshatter. You'll probably want to run this with the Crimson Dance keystone over the much-debated Aggravate.
• Zoomancer: A minion build with respectable damage and defenses, but on the slow side and with a somewhat low ceiling.

Looking for more Path of Exile coverage? Check out You haven’t seen Path of Exile 2 endgame because the developer doesn’t know what it looks like yet here on Pro Game Guides.