(NERFED - new build in description) Path of Exile - 3.12 League Starter - Glacial Cascade Mines

#pathofexile #poe

3.23 Update 07-Dec-2023: The core concept behind this build became possible again thanks to the Glacial Cascade of Fissures gem being added. Do not attempt to use the 3.12 era Path of Building unmodified - this build is here to give you ideas, but copying it will not work. The game has changed a lot since then.

3.15 update 23-July-2021: This build would need a massive overhaul to work in 3.15. I no longer recommend it unless you are an experienced player with the experience to modify it. I have however made a reasonably similar build guide, for an Exsanguinate Mine Saboteur, here: https://youtu.be/Fk_Zc9s004M

3.14 update 16-Apr-2021: This build will work in the Ultimatum league with minimal changes. You will need to remove Infernal Legion support from Skitterbots. Also, the Atziri flask might be rarer this league but should still be accessible.

---

An old build that's been solid in the past, GC Mines has been eclipsed by Ball Lightning mines in recent leagues.

This critical strike spellcaster doesn't cast spells directly, but outsources the work to mines.

This build is marginal in solo self found as there's no way to target farm Tremor Rod, although it is not rare.

Footage is based upon the 3.11 version of the skill Glacial Cascade. The differences are mostly (but not universally) positive.

Bandits weren't mentioned (oops) - help Alira.

Key Uniques: Tremor Rod. If you get to maps on day 1 you will have to pay a fair bit for this - maybe 30c, maybe 1ex - but it is worth it. By day 4 it should be cheap. Functions well as a 4 link, better as a 5 link and better again as a 6 link. In SSF, you may have to use a Tabula Rasa instead. Atziri's Promise. 50% drop rate from Atziri, Queen of the Vaal. Ultimately you want one with perfect rolls (20/15) but settling for 20/13 is fine. Taste of Hate. This is rare and valuable, and you can do just fine without it (I removed mine for the gameplay footage)

Key Links: Summon Skitterbots - Infernal Legion - Bonechill Frostbomb (linked or unlinked as you see fit) Glacial Cascade - Blastchain Mine Support (provided by Tremor Rod) - Minefield OR Swift Assembly - Controlled Destruction - Trap and Mine Damage Support - (when able) Hypothermia - (when able) Another support, to be determined after testing the 3.12 update to GC; if in doubt, use Concentrated Effect Your preferred moveskill (I like Flame Dash - Second Wind - Arcane Surge) Your preferred guard skill (I like Steelskin, manually cast) Your preferred utility skills (Enduring Cry, Decoy Totem, etc)

Flasks: Use a diamond flask when at the sort of gear level showcased in the video.

POB as seen in video (WARNING: DO NOT copy exactly, this isn't resist capped, it's just what was used for the mapping) https://pastebin.com/LFcF3qma

0:00 Intro 1:27 Gameplay footage: 'Warts And All' T16 unidentified rare map 8:25 Key build Components - Ascendancy 10:02 Skitterbots 11:50 Frostbomb 12:41 Tremor Rod 14:00 Glacial Cascade Links 17:25 Utility Skills 19:40 Passive Tree Outline (Bandits: Help Alira) 22:55 Endgame Gear To Aspire Toward - Machina Mitts 24:45 Other Endgame Gear To Shoot For

POB as seen in video (WARNING: DO NOT copy exactly, this isn't resist capped, it's just what was used for the mapping) https://pastebin.com/LFcF3qma

Other Item Slots:

• Start with "boring" life/resist gear in all slots.
• Chase a Redeemer-influenced helm with 'nearby enemies have -9% to cold resistance'
• Chase a Shaper-influenced chestpiece with 'Spells have +X% chance to crit'
• Chase after Machina Mitts. These will not be cheap.
• Chase an amulet that adds 2 gem levels to Glacial Cascade, OR an Aul's Uprising (Hatred version)

Jewels:

• Crit multiplier and life are the best stats
• Straight damage is fine too

i've set up one of those silly merchandise stores. https://merch.streamelements.com/sirgog if you want to buy anything there. also accepting bribes (not real bribes) at https://streamelements.com/sirgog/tip . if you'd rather spend money on other stuff, that's cool too.