Stepping into the complex realm of Cairn within Grim Dawn is a mix of exhilaration and trepidation, especially for beginners. 

The multitude of class combinations and skill possibilities can feel like navigating uncharted territory. 

In this comprehensive guide, we present the top 12 beginner-friendly builds, carefully chosen to provide solid starting points on your journey. 

Regardless of your penchant for close combat, ranged assaults, or the allure of summoning allies, these builds are tailored to accommodate various playstyles, serving as your guiding light through Grim Dawn’s intricacies.

1. Soldier (Physical Cadence) 

The Soldier class embodies the essence of direct melee combat. With the Physical Cadence build, your primary focus revolves around delivering unfiltered physical damage. 

Amplify this potential by synergizing with classes like Shaman or Occultist to introduce elemental effects and enhance your overall survival.

2. Shaman (Primal Strike) 

For those drawn to the thrill of ranged elemental devastation, the Shaman’s Primal Strike build beckons. 

Centered around the potent Primal Strike skill, this build equips you to harness the might of lightning damage, annihilating adversaries from a secure distance.

3. Demolitionist (Dual Pistols) 

Enthusiasts of gunplay will find their match in the Demolitionist’s Dual Pistols build, a symphony of rapid gunfire and explosive spectacle. 

Enrich its potential by pairing it with Inquisitor or Occultist, tapping into the reservoir of elemental damage and crowd control capabilities.

4. Occultist (Summoner) 

Embrace the mystic arts of summoning and control through the Occultist’s Summoner build. 

Adopt the role of a strategist, allowing summoned entities to spearhead the offense while you orchestrate the battlefield from a safer vantage point.

5. Nightblade (Dual Wield Cold) 

Venture into the shadows as a Nightblade through the Dual Wield Cold build. 

This nimble and evasive playstyle capitalizes on cold damage and agility, granting you the tools to navigate combat with dexterity and cunning.

6. Arcanist (Albrecht’s Aether Ray) 

Unleash the force of arcane energy with the Arcanist’s Albrecht’s Aether Ray build. 

As a spellcaster, you channel the formidable Albrecht’s Aether Ray—a relentless torrent of focused energy that leaves foes in ashes.

7. Inquisitor (Ranged Dual Wield Fire/Elemental) 

Fuse firearms and elemental mastery as an Inquisitor. 

The Ranged Dual Wield Fire/Elemental build positions you as a ranged combat specialist, igniting enemies with fiery and elemental onslaughts.

8. Necromancer (Vitality Casters) 

Delve into the forbidden arts with the Necromancer’s Vitality Casters build. 

Focused on spells dealing vitality damage, this path offers a distinct and arcane twist in Grim Dawn’s diverse spellcasting landscape.

9. Oathkeeper (Retaliation) 

Stand unwavering in the face of adversity with the Oathkeeper’s Retaliation build. 

This defensive approach revolves around reflecting inflicted damage back onto your adversaries, ingeniously turning their offensive efforts against them.

10. Shaman + Occultist (Pet Conjurer) 

Forge an alliance between the forces of nature and occultism through the Pet Conjurer build. 

By summoning and deftly controlling creatures, you swarm enemies with sheer numbers and strategic manipulation.

11. Infiltrator (Cold Dual Wield) 

Unleash your rogue instincts with the Infiltrator’s Cold Dual Wield build. 

This fusion of Nightblade’s agility and Inquisitor’s ranged capabilities equips you with a diverse arsenal of melee and ranged cold attacks, enabling calculated engagement with foes.

12. Occultist + Soldier (Poison Retaliation) 

The Occultist + Soldier Poison Retaliation build ushers you into the realm of venomous warfare. 

Through the union of Occultist and Soldier classes, you plunge into a world of poison-infused damage and retaliate against adversaries, crafting a playstyle both distinctive and lethal.

Conclusion 

Your initiation into Grim Dawn’s uncharted terrain hinges on the pivotal choice of a build tailored to your innate inclinations. 

This compilation of the top 12 beginner-friendly builds stands as your compass, guiding you through the intricate labyrinth of Cairn’s trials. 

Whether you’re drawn to the adrenaline of direct confrontation, the arcane ballet of spellcasting, or the camaraderie of controlling minions, these builds empower you to traverse the enigmatic depths. 

Armed with these versatile options, you’re primed to confront the inevitable challenges that await in this captivating and immersive universe.