The Third Edict PoE2 Ultimate Gameplay Guide
Diving into the anticipated meta of Path of Exile 2 requires a forward-thinking approach, blending established ARPG principles with the revolutionary mechanics showcased by Grinding Gear Games. This guide explores a theoretical but highly detailed build concept, “The Third Edict,” designed as an advanced framework for players aiming to master PoE2’s elemental spellcasting from day one. This build is conceptualized for the Templar, leveraging his proximity to both elemental and physical nodes on the passive tree, and is built entirely around the game-changing weapon and skill gem systems. For those preparing early, securing PoE 2 Currency can be a strategic advantage in optimizing gear and gems from the start.
The Third Edict is a versatile elementalist build that embodies the theme of divine judgment. It operates on a dual-threat system, utilizing PoE2’s signature weapon-swapping mechanic not as a secondary option, but as a core rotational necessity. The build transitions between wide-area lightning damage for map clearing and concentrated fire damage for bosses, ensuring optimal efficiency in any encounter.
- Primary Class: Templar
- Primary Damage Types: Lightning (Area of Effect) & Fire (Single Target)
- Core Mechanic: Instant Weapon Swapping
- Key Attributes: Intelligence, Strength
- Defensive Layers: High Armor, Shield Block, Life Regeneration on Consecrated Ground, Guard Skills
The philosophy is to treat your two weapon sets as distinct stances: one for judging the masses, the other for executing the condemned. Mastering the flow between these stances is the cornerstone of the build.
Weapon Set 1: The Verdict (Area Clearing)
- Weapons: One-Handed Sceptre & Shield
- Main Skill: Chain Judgment (Lightning) – A lightning spell that chains between enemies, with each chain creating shocking ground bursts.
- Support Gems:
- Expansive Reach – Extends chain distance and burst radius
- Forking Strikes – Forks projectiles before chaining for wider coverage
- Overcharge – Increases lightning damage, reduces other damage types
- Added Cold Damage – Adds chill and shatter effects
- Innervate – Grants spell damage and movement speed buffs on kill
Weapon Set 2: The Execution (Single Target)
- Weapon: Two-Handed Warstaff with elemental bonuses
- Main Skill: Purifying Beam (Fire) – Channeled beam that ramps damage and penetrates fire resistance over time
- Support Gems:
- Concentrated Power – Maximizes single-target damage, reduces AoE
- Combustion – Adds fire damage, increases ignite chance
- Elemental Penetration – Reduces enemy resistances
- Controlled Destruction – More spell damage at lower crit chance
- Infused Channeling – Buffs damage and reduces incoming damage while channeling
Skill Gem Linking Comparison
| Weapon Set | Main Skill Gem | Support Gems |
|---|---|---|
| Set 1: Sceptre & Shield | Chain Judgment | Expansive Reach, Forking Strikes, Overcharge, Added Cold Damage, Innervate |
| Set 2: Warstaff | Purifying Beam | Concentrated Power, Combustion, Elemental Penetration, Controlled Destruction, Infused Channeling |
Hypothetical Arbiter Ascendancy
- Divine Mandate: Elemental damage and casting speed buff after weapon swap
- Righteous Conviction: Lightning skills create Consecrated Ground; Fire skills gain -20% enemy fire resistance on it
- Sanctified Bulwark: Armor applies to elemental hits; increased armor and block on Consecrated Ground
- Inevitable Judgment: Fire and Lightning damage cannot be reflected; elemental penetration bonus
Passive Tree Pathing
- Early Game: Take life and armor clusters near Templar/Marauder, plus early elemental damage nodes
- Mid Game: Path to Witch area for spell damage, crit, AoE, lightning/fire nodes
- Late Game: Use cluster jewels for weapon swap or channeled skill bonuses; prioritize jewel sockets for life/damage
Gameplay Rotation
Clearing: Begin on Verdict set, use mobility skill to engage, cast Chain Judgment to clear packs, maintain Innervate buff, swap to Execution set for tougher rares.
Bossing: Create Consecrated Ground with Chain Judgment, swap to Execution set to trigger Divine Mandate, channel Purifying Beam for burst DPS, use Guard Skills for survivability, reposition and repeat as needed.
This build concept embraces PoE2’s weapon swapping and new skill gem system to deliver a mechanically rich, high-performance playstyle. By preparing gear, supports, and passives around these core mechanics, players can create a league starter or endgame powerhouse capable of handling any challenge in Wraeclast. For sustained progression and gear optimization, managing path of exile 2 currency effectively will be key to keeping the build competitive throughout the game’s evolving meta.