The Templar class in Path of Exile (PoE) is a versatile hybrid of strength and wisdom, capable of both powerful melee combat and potent spellcasting. It offers three distinct ascendancy subclasses—Inquisitor, Hierophant, and Guardian—each catering to different playstyles and build focuses, making the Templar a solid choice for both new and experienced players in the current 3.26 "Secrets of the Atlas" league and beyond Poe 1 Divine Orb.

Ascendancy Classes and Their Strengths
1. Inquisitor: Excels in critical strikes and elemental damage, particularly useful for builds that ignore elemental resistances and rely on high burst damage. Popular Inquisitor builds include the Blade Vortex and Righteous Fire setups, which combine offense with survivability through life regeneration and elemental penetration.

2. Hierophant: Known for spell-based totem builds, the Hierophant provides excellent mana sustain and totem survivability. Builds like Siege Ballista and Shrapnel Ballista leverage multiple totems for strong area damage and crowd control. Hierophant also benefits from mana stacking and defensive layers, making it ideal for players who prefer a strategic, summoning playstyle.

3. Guardian: Focuses on defensive support, offering powerful auras and energy shield boosts to both the player and allies. Guardian builds often serve as party supports but can also be viable solo characters with strong survivability and aura stacking, making them excellent in group play.

Top Templar Builds in 2025
1. Spark Inquisitor: A lightning spell build with excellent single-target and area damage, ideal for mapping and boss fights. It features simple gameplay but requires careful positioning due to its squishiness.
2. Cyclone Cast on Critical Strike Inquisitor: A melee build combining Cyclone’s area damage with Cast on Critical Strike mechanics to trigger spells. It offers great scaling and tankiness but demands specific gear and skill investment.
3. Shockwave Totem Hierophant: A physical damage totem build that summons multiple totems for strong single-target and area damage. It is tanky but somewhat slower in mapping speed.
4. Fire Templar Leveling Build: A classic league starter build using Armageddon Brand and Cremation for strong early-game damage and survivability. It is beginner-friendly and effective for campaign progression.

Leveling and Endgame Tips
When leveling a Templar, players should prioritize survivability by focusing on life, resistances, and mana sustain. Skills like Flame Totem and Storm Brand are recommended for smooth early progression. For endgame, investing in a 6-link for the main skill, acquiring jewels like Watcher’s Eye, and progressing through the Atlas are key to maximizing damage and survivability PoE buy Currency.

Conclusion
The Templar remains a robust and adaptable class in Path of Exile, capable of fulfilling roles from high-damage spellcaster to durable support. Whether you prefer the critical elemental bursts of the Inquisitor, the totem mastery of the Hierophant, or the aura-enhanced defense of the Guardian, the Templar offers a build to suit diverse playstyles and league goals. With strong options for both leveling and endgame content, it is a reliable choice for the 2025 league start and beyond.