With each season introducing significant talent and ascendancy changes, many players are forced to rethink their league-start strategies. This season, nerfs to popular builds and buffs to niche ascendancies have created a rare opportunity: the chance to shine with underutilized classes during the league’s early days.

The most affected starter builds include minion-based Necromancer setups, especially Skeleton Mage and Absolution builds. Changes to minion PoE Currency survivability and AI behavior now demand more gear investment, making them less appealing for fresh characters.

On the rise are Trickster-based Chaos DoT builds, such as Essence Drain + Contagion. Thanks to improved Energy Shield sustain and evasion mechanics, these builds now have smoother early-level progression with low gear dependency.

Champion-based melee starters (e.g., using Spectral Helix or Frost Blades) benefit from improved attack speed scaling and leech mechanics, making them a stable choice for both softcore and hardcore players at the beginning of a new league.

The Hierophant ascendancy also rises in popularity with its smooth leveling through Arc Totems and transition into late-game Storm Burst or Divine Ire totem PoE 1 Currency builds. This versatility makes it a great pick for those who want low-death, map-safe progression.

With the league’s economy and early mapping meta in flux, it's more important than ever to plan around early accessibility of skill gems, ascendancy synergy at level 33+, and gear scaling from low-tier maps.

If you're seeking a fresh start with minimal reliance on market gear, look toward Trickster, Champion, and Hierophant. The current changes demand early adaptability — and reward players who build around smooth leveling curves and consistent defense uptime.