In this article, I want to discuss my plans for the next month leading up to the new league announcement. As an avid gamer, I've been exploring different options for my gameplay experience. After giving up on the game Crucible and finding the new Diablo season uninteresting, I now have some time on my hands to experiment and prepare for an even better league start in the next league. In this article, I will focus on the improvements and adjustments I want to make to my league start guide for Reign of Arrows, a popular build in Path of Exile.
1. Exploring Alternative Ascendancies
Before diving into the improvements for my Reign of Arrows league start guide, I want to explore alternative ascendancies that could potentially be used as league starters. While I believe that Raider is still the best ascendancy for this build due to its quality of life features and immunity, I want to experiment with Trickster and Champion as viable alternatives. They offer unique benefits that could enhance the overall build, especially if Raider receives a rework that doesn't align with my playstyle preferences.
2. Evaluating Reign of Arrows' Viability
In order to provide accurate information in my league start guide, I need to thoroughly assess the viability of the Reign of Arrows build. Previously, I may have underestimated its potential for end-game content. Through extensive testing and feedback from the community, I've discovered that with proper investment, including a decent bow, gear, and awakened gems, the Reign of Arrows build can actually pack a powerful punch. While it may not match the clear speed of other bow skills on a Deadeye due to the absence of chain and fork mechanics, many players appreciate the comfort and defenses provided by the Raider ascendancy. In the upcoming league, I aim to create a better Path of Building (PoB) configuration specifically for players who wish to push the build's potential in end-game encounters.
3. Balancing Damage and Survivability
One issue I identified in my previous guide is the emphasis on Reign of Arrows' lack of end-game viability. After further testing, I've realized that with sufficient investment, the build can excel in most content, excluding the most challenging encounters such as Uber Elder or Simulacrums. I received valuable feedback from players who prefer the comfort and defenses offered by a Raider, even if it means sacrificing some clear speed. Therefore, I will strive to strike a better balance in my league start guide, highlighting the build's potential for red mapping while also acknowledging its limitations.
4. The Timing of Critical Strikes
Another aspect I underestimated in my previous guide is the importance of transitioning to a critical strike build at an earlier stage. Through extensive PoB analysis and testing, I discovered that it is beneficial to switch to a critical strike setup around level 75 to 80, even with minimal crit gear. This transition allows for a more gradual increase in damage output, making map progression smoother. While the Precise Technique passive offers a reliable damage boost initially, it eventually reaches a ceiling. By incorporating critical strikes, players can experience a more satisfying power spike as they acquire additional crit nodes during the leveling process. In both of my upcoming tests, I will explore the switch to a critical strike setup on a five-link at around level 75 to 76.
5. Enhancing the Leveling Experience
Upon reviewing my leveling tree in the previous guide, I realized that I had neglected to prioritize life until the second half of the Acts. While this approach is acceptable for experienced players focused on speed, it can be detrimental to new players who are unfamiliar with the game's mechanics and challenges. To provide a better experience for beginners, I aim to strike a balance between life and damage in the leveling tree. This will offer players the option to follow a safer route, allowing for smoother progression through the campaign, even if it takes slightly longer. I will also provide an alternative tree that prioritizes damage for those who prefer a more aggressive playstyle.
6. Testing Point Blank Mechanics
One aspect I have been eager to explore is the viability of using the Point Blank keystone with the Reign of Arrows build. While Point Blank does affect the damage based on how far the projectile travels, it doesn't account for the distance it travels vertically. This means that for boss encounters requiring additional damage, Point Blank becomes a significant damage increase. However, for mapping purposes, it may not be as effective, as it limits the player's ability to engage enemies from a distance. This could result in missed opportunities and reduced overall damage. Considering these factors, I will conduct tests to evaluate the pros and cons of using Point Blank in different scenarios, ensuring that players have a clear understanding of its impact on gameplay.
7. Improving the League Start Guide
In addition to the specific changes mentioned above, I believe there is room for overall improvement in my league start guide. While the current format provides step-by-step instructions, I recognize the need for better organization, clarity, and readability. In future guides, I plan to include both written and article formats, incorporating links to PoB configurations, atlas strategies, and skill trees. This will provide players with various resources to support their leveling journey, even if they don't have access to PoB or plan console.
Conclusion
As the new league announcement approaches, I am excited to share my plans and improvements for the Reign of Arrows league start guide. Through testing and feedback, I aim to refine the guide's accuracy, balance, and presentation. By exploring alternative ascendancies, evaluating build viability, considering the timing of critical strikes, enhancing the leveling experience, and testing Point Blank mechanics, I hope to provide players with a comprehensive resource that caters to different playstyles and preferences. Stay tuned for the upcoming articles and updates as I strive to create an even better league start guide for the next Path of Exile league.
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