Path of Exile (PoE) is all set to launch its 3.22 league called ‘Trial of the Ancestors’ on the 18th of August, 2023. 

As PoE’s 3.22 expansion looms on the horizon, players are eagerly anticipating the best league starters that will pave the way for a successful journey into the dark lands of Wraeclast.

Lets dive into the 9 most promising league starters that are poised to conquer the new challenges and seize the treasures of the upcoming expansion.

1. Righteous Fire Juggernaut

In the Crucible league, Righteous Fire was a massive hit among league starting enthusiasts. After all, RF builds are known to be a ‘walking simulator’ that demolishes mobs without breaking a sweat.

In 3.22, Righteous Fire is undoubtedly a fan favorite and with the Chieftain rework, we may even see a switch from the popular Juggernaut. 

However, for this guide, we’d like to stick with the well-known Juggernaut version of the build. 

Righteous Fire Juggernaut Build Guide

By Pohx

2. Molten Strike Juggernaut

The Molten Strike Juggernaut offers a satisfying melee experience with a strong emphasis on tankiness. 

The build’s synergy with the Juggernaut’s mechanics provides high physical mitigation, endurance charge generation, and consistent damage output. 

Molten Strike’s projectiles allow for ranged attacks, giving players versatility against various enemies and encounters.

Molten Strike Juggernaut Build Guide

By Victor003

3. Essence Drain Contagion Trickster

The Essence Drain Contagion Trickster remains a reliable choice for players who prefer a chaos damage over time build. 

With its area coverage and ability to spread damage between enemies, this build excels in clearing maps efficiently. 

The Trickster ascendancy’s energy shield mechanics provide survivability, making it suitable for players who favor hit-and-run tactics.

Essence Drain Trickster Build Guide

By MackiNinja

4. Freezing Pulse Totem Hierophant

Totem builds offer a safe and strategic playstyle, and the Freezing Pulse Totem Hierophant is no exception.

Hierophants benefit from a higher number of totems, increased totem placement speed, and more damage. 

Freezing Pulse’s ability to freeze enemies adds crowd control, allowing players to control fights and progress smoothly through the game’s content.

Freezing Totems Hierophant Build Guide

By Von Vikton

5. Toxic Rain Pathfinder

For those seeking a balance between single-target and AoE damage, the Toxic Rain Pathfinder excels. 

With its ability to inflict poison and chaos damage over time, this build can tackle both bosses and large groups of enemies. 

The Pathfinder’s flasks synergize well with the build, offering enhanced speed, regeneration, and damage amplification for an efficient leveling experience.

Toxic Rain Pathfinder Build Guide

By Palsteron

6. Cyclone Slayer

The Cyclone Slayer remains a favorite for players who enjoy a melee-centric league starter. 

With its inherent life leech and physical damage scaling, this build is both tanky and powerful. 

Cyclone’s movement mechanic allows for efficient traversal through maps, making it a suitable choice for players who prefer a straightforward, in-your-face playstyle.

Cyclone Slayer Build Guide

By Mid Max

7. Boneshatter Juggernaut/Slayer

Boneshatter was another fan favorite along with RF in 3.21. It’s high defense build mixed with incredible AoE scaling, makes it a perfect league starter for 3.22.

Boneshatter has infinite scaling when attached with attack speed. It works with building Trauma stacks when combined with the Juggernaut’s tankier ascendency.

If you’re looking for a more offensive version in the softcore trade league, the Slayer build is definitely worth a look.

Boneshatter Juggernaut/Slayer Build Guide

By Binu’s Gaming

8. Bleed Bow Gladiator

For those seeking a bleed-focused playstyle, the Bleed Gladiator provides a formidable option. 

The Gladiator’s block mechanics and bleed explosions offer a combination of survivability and clear speed. 

The build’s reliance on physical damage and bleeding damage over time makes it effective against enemies with high health pools, ensuring a smooth progression from start to endgame.

Bleed Bow Gladiator Build Guide

By MbXtreme

9. Arc Witch Elementalist

The Arc Witch Elementalist has been a reliable league starter for multiple PoE expansions due to its versatility and clear speed. 

Arc’s chain effect and high base damage make it effective against packs of enemies, while the Elementalist’s golem buffs enhance both offense and defense. 

The build’s gradual progression into powerful skills and sustainable energy make it an ideal choice for new and experienced players alike.

Arc Witch Elementalist Build Guide

By Phoenix

Closing Thoughts

As Path of Exile’s 3.22 expansion draws near, the choice of a league starter becomes crucial for a successful and enjoyable journey into the Abyss. 

The 9 builds discussed in this article each bring unique strengths to the table, catering to a variety of playstyles and preferences. 

Whether you favor spellcasters, melee warriors, or strategic totem masters, these league starters have proven their worth in previous expansions and are poised to conquer the challenges that the Abyss has in store. 

So, gear up, gather your wits, and embark on an epic adventure in the ever-evolving world of Path of Exile.