Timeless Jewel Calculator
Complete Beginner Guide

Path of Exile Beginner Guide

Master POE from Zero to Hero

Learn everything you need to know about Path of Exile. This comprehensive beginner guide covers character classes, skill system, equipment, and progression from level 1 to endgame content.

7 Chapters
15 min read
Beginner Friendly
Calculator
Scroll to Begin
Chapter 1

Path of Exile Basics

Understanding the core concepts and mechanics that make POE unique among action RPGs.

What is Path of Exile?
A free-to-play action RPG with deep character customization, complex skill system, and ethical microtransactions. No pay-to-win mechanics.
Skill System
Skills come from gems, not classes. Any character can use any skill if they meet the requirements. This creates incredible build diversity.
Passive Tree
A massive shared passive skill tree with over 1,300 nodes. Plan your character's development carefully as respec costs increase.
Currency System
No gold coins. Instead, use orbs and scrolls that modify items. Every currency item has a practical use in crafting.
Endgame Content
After completing the campaign, engage in mapping, delving, syndicate encounters, and other endgame activities for the best rewards.
League System
Temporary leagues (usually 3-4 months) introduce new mechanics and fresh economies. Most players participate in these leagues.

Key Takeaways

POE is complex with a steep learning curve, but incredibly rewarding

Planning your build ahead saves time and currency

Don't be afraid to experiment with different skills and builds

The POE community is very helpful for new players

Chapter 2

Character Classes Guide

Choose your starting class wisely. Each class has different stat priorities and starting positions on the passive tree.

Marauder
Strength
Melee fighter with high life and armor. Perfect for beginners who want to tank damage and deal physical attacks.

Strengths:

High LifeStrong MeleeEasy to Play
Ranger
Dexterity
Agile archer with high evasion and critical strikes. Great for players who prefer ranged combat and mobility.

Strengths:

High EvasionRanged CombatCritical Strikes
Witch
Intelligence
Spellcaster with powerful elemental magic and energy shield. Ideal for players who enjoy magical combat.

Strengths:

Elemental MagicEnergy ShieldArea Damage
Templar
Str/Int Hybrid
Holy warrior combining melee combat with spells. Versatile class good for hybrid builds.

Strengths:

Hybrid CombatElemental DamageVersatile
Shadow
Dex/Int Hybrid
Assassin specializing in critical strikes and damage over time. Perfect for cunning players.

Strengths:

Critical StrikesDoT EffectsHigh DPS
Duelist
Str/Dex Hybrid
Balanced fighter using both melee weapons and defensive techniques. Great all-around class.

Strengths:

Weapon MasteryBalanced StatsFortify
Scion
All Attributes
Advanced class that can access any part of the passive tree. Unlocked after reaching Act 3.

Strengths:

Ultimate FlexibilityAny BuildAdvanced

Beginner Recommendations

For Beginners

Marauder - Most forgiving and straightforward class

For Experienced

Ranger or Witch for more complex gameplay

For Experts

Scion - Ultimate flexibility for veterans

Chapter 3

Understanding the Skill System

POE's unique skill system is based on skill gems and support gems. Master this system to create powerful character builds.

Skill Gems
Active abilities that you socket into equipment. Each gem levels up as you gain experience, becoming more powerful.
  • Grant active abilities
  • Level up with use
  • Have stat requirements
  • Come in different colors
Support Gems
Modify and enhance your skill gems when linked together. The foundation of build customization.
  • Modify linked skills
  • Add damage or utility
  • Increase mana costs
  • Create unique interactions
Socket Colors
Red (Strength), Green (Dexterity), Blue (Intelligence). Gem colors must match socket colors to be used.
  • Red = Strength gems
  • Green = Dexterity gems
  • Blue = Intelligence gems
  • White = Any color
Links and Sockets
Gems must be linked to interact. More links allow more support gems to affect your main skill.
  • Links connect gems
  • Max 6 sockets per item
  • Links are crucial for power
  • Plan your gear carefully

Common Skill Combinations

Fireball

Supports:

Added Lightning DamageSpell EchoControlled Destruction

Result:

High DPS elemental spell

Cyclone

Supports:

Melee Physical DamageFortifyImpale

Result:

Tanky melee spinner

Summon Skeletons

Supports:

Minion DamageMelee SplashMultistrike

Result:

Army of skeleton warriors

Pro Tips

Plan Your Links Early

6-linked items are expensive. Plan which supports you need.

Quality Matters

20% quality gems are significantly stronger. Use Gemcutter's Prisms.

Socket Colors Matter

Use Chromatic Orbs to change socket colors on your gear.

Experiment

Try different support combinations for unique effects.

Chapter 4

Equipment and Gear Guide

Understanding equipment types, stats, and how to choose the right gear for your character build.

Weapons
Your primary source of damage. Choose based on your skill gems and build type.

Tips:

  • Match weapon type to skills
  • Consider attack speed vs damage
  • Look for good socket colors
Shields & Off-hands
Provide defense and utility. Shields block attacks, while off-hands offer spell bonuses.

Tips:

  • Shields for defense builds
  • Wands/Sceptres for casters
  • Quivers for bow users
Helmets
Protect your head and provide valuable defensive stats and resistances.

Tips:

  • Prioritize life and resistances
  • Look for useful enchantments
  • Consider unique helmet effects
Body Armour
Your main defensive piece with the most sockets for skill gems.

Tips:

  • 6-socket items are valuable
  • Balance defense and sockets
  • Energy Shield vs Armour vs Evasion
Boots
Provide movement speed and defensive stats. Essential for mobility.

Tips:

  • 30%+ movement speed ideal
  • Life and resistances important
  • Consider unique boot effects

Item Rarity System

Normal
Basic items with no special properties
Magic
1-2 random modifiers, identified by blue text
Rare
4-6 random modifiers, usually the best for most slots
Unique
Fixed modifiers with special effects, build-enabling
Defensive Stats
LifeEnergy ShieldResistancesArmour/Evasion

Prioritize life and resistances for survivability

Offensive Stats
Added DamageCritical StrikeAttack/Cast SpeedAccuracy

Balance damage with speed for optimal DPS

Important Resistance Reminder

Always maintain Fire, Cold, and Lightning resistances at 75%+ in maps. Low resistances = instant death!

Chapter 5

Character Progression Path

Your journey from level 1 to endgame content. Follow this roadmap to progress efficiently through Path of Exile.

Early Game (Levels 1-30)
1-30
Progress

Goals:

  • Complete Acts 1-3
  • Learn basic mechanics
  • Get movement skill
  • Cap resistances

Tips:

  • Follow quest rewards
  • Don't worry about perfect gear
  • Learn to use flasks
  • Experiment with skills
Mid Game (Levels 30-60)
30-60
Progress

Goals:

  • Complete Acts 4-7
  • Establish main skill setup
  • Upgrade gear regularly
  • Learn about crafting

Tips:

  • Focus on one main skill
  • Start planning passive tree
  • Use vendor recipes
  • Join a guild for help
Late Campaign (Levels 60-70)
60-70
Progress

Goals:

  • Complete Acts 8-10
  • Prepare for maps
  • Get 4-link main skill
  • 75% resistances

Tips:

  • Stock up on currency
  • Plan your Atlas strategy
  • Get life on every gear piece
  • Learn boss mechanics
Early Endgame (Levels 70-85)
70-85
Progress

Goals:

  • Start mapping
  • Complete Atlas objectives
  • Get 5-6 link setup
  • Build currency base

Tips:

  • Focus on Atlas completion
  • Learn map modifiers
  • Start serious crafting
  • Consider league mechanics
Advanced Endgame (85+)
85+
Progress

Goals:

  • High-tier maps
  • Endgame bosses
  • Perfect your build
  • Min-max everything

Tips:

  • Optimize passive tree
  • Perfect gear pieces
  • Learn advanced mechanics
  • Set long-term goals

Key Milestones

Level 12
Support gems available
Start linking support gems to your main skill
Level 31
Cruel difficulty
Monsters become significantly harder
Level 38
First Labyrinth
Unlock your first Ascendancy class
Level 55
Second Labyrinth
More Ascendancy points available
Level 68
Maps unlock
True endgame content begins
Level 75
Third Labyrinth
Even more Ascendancy power

Keys to Success

Plan Ahead

Research builds and plan your passive tree

Be Patient

POE is a marathon, not a sprint. Enjoy the journey

Learn from Others

Watch guides, streams, and engage with the community

Chapter 6

Essential Beginner Tips

Critical advice that will save you time, currency, and frustration. Learn from the mistakes of thousands of players before you.

Life is Everything
Survival
Always prioritize life on your gear and passive tree. Aim for 300+ life per act, 4000+ for maps.
Cap Your Resistances
Defense
Keep Fire, Cold, and Lightning resistances at 75%. This is non-negotiable for survival.
Don't Waste Currency Early
Economy
Save Orbs of Fusing, Chromatic Orbs, and other valuable currency for endgame gear.
Follow a Build Guide
Planning
For your first character, follow a detailed beginner-friendly build guide step by step.
Use Trade Websites
Trading
Learn to use poe.trade or the official trade site. Trading is essential for gear upgrades.
Read Gem Descriptions
Knowledge
Carefully read all skill and support gem descriptions. Understanding mechanics is crucial.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Neglecting life and resistances for damage

Using currency orbs on low-level gear

Not following a build guide for first character

Ignoring flask management and upgrades

Trying to use every skill gem you find

Not learning about vendor recipes

Helpful Resources

POE Wiki
Complete game information
Visit
Path of Building
Build planning tool
Visit
POE Trade
Official trading site
Visit
POE Ninja
Economy and build data
Visit

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Use our Timeless Jewel Calculator to plan the perfect build

Timeless Jewel CalculatorBuild Planner