Path of Exile: Comprehensive Guide to the Explosive Arrow Champion Build (3.27)

Path of Exile: Comprehensive Guide to the Explosive Arrow Champion Build (3.27)

Updated: November 01,2025 | Game: POE 2
Path of Exile: Comprehensive Guide to the Explosive Arrow Champion Build (3.27)

Introduction

With the launch of Path of Exile's Keepers of the Flame season, players are eager to explore exciting new builds. One standout option is the Explosive Arrow Champion build, which combines powerful damage potential with solid survivability. This build is perfect for both returnees and new players looking for an engaging experience that doesn’t require a hefty investment in game currency.

Pros and Cons of the Build

Pros

  • Safe and simple to play, ideal for beginners.
  • Cost-effective, which suits both newcomers and seasoned players focused on solo self-found (SSF) strategies.
  • Tanky nature alleviates concerns about immediate damage intake.

Cons

  • Lacks mobility options, necessitating player awareness and positioning.
  • Requires patience as damage ramps up before it significantly impacts foes.

Gameplay Tips

As an Explosive Arrow Champion, your primary mechanic involves dropping totems that unleash devastating explosive arrows, capable of igniting enemies over time. To maximize effectiveness:

  • Focus on gaining Attack Speed to get your arrows out more rapidly. Stat boosts from Viridian Jewels or specific weapons can be beneficial.
  • During combat, keep a steady rhythm of deploying your Ballista Totem and firing arrows into groups of adversaries to stack Fuses on targets, leading to explosive damage.
  • Utilize Ignite Proliferation Support to spread the burning effects across groups efficiently.

Ideal Skill Gems

Here are essential skill gems for optimizing your build:

  • Bow: Explosive Arrow, Combustion Support, Ballista Totem Support, Lifetap Support, Elemental Damage with Attacks Support, Ignite Proliferation Support.
  • Body Armor: Frenzy, Lifetap Support, Blink Arrow, Culling Strike Support, Enduring Cry, Urgent Orders Support.
  • Helmet: Determination, Malevolence, Summon Skitterbots, Unbound Ailments Support.
  • Gloves: Flammability, Flame Surge, Arcanist Brand, Lifetap Support.
  • Feet: Cast When Damage Taken Support, Vaal Molten Shell, Lifetap Support, Flame Dash.
  • Anywhere: Corrupting Fever, Lifetap Support, Second Wind Support.

If you are having difficulty finding these gems, you can acquire Lifetap Support from the An Indomitable Spirit quest in Act 4 or purchase it from Nessa. Elemental Damage with Attacks Support is obtainable in Act 4 as well or can be bought from Yeena.

Important Topics

  • Bandit Quest: Kill All
  • Major God: Soul of the Brine King
  • Minor God: Soul of Garukhan

Passive Talents and Ascendancy

Your passive skill tree as an Explosive Arrow Champion will significantly enhance your capabilities. Important nodes to acquire include:

  • Ancestral Bond: Increases your totem effectiveness.
  • Watchtowers: Improves the damage output of your totems.
  • Fortitude: Provides damage reduction and enhances your tankiness.

As for your Ascendancy setup, focus on acquiring Worthy Foe, Fortitude, and First to Strike, Last to Fall for optimal damage mitigation and output.

Ideal Gear Setup for Explosive Arrow Champion Build

When it comes to gear, here are some ideal affixes to look for:

GearAffixes
HelmetEvasion Rating, Increased Armour and Evasion, Maximum Life
Body ArmorChance to Suppress Spell Damage, Armour, Evasion Rating
AmuletLevel of All Skill Gems, Level of all Fire Skill Gems
Belt (Dyadian Dawn)No Physical Damage, Attack Damage Leeched as Life against Chilled Enemies, Ignites from Attacks Deal Damage Faster
GlovesChance to Suppress Spell Damage, Armour, Evasion Rating
RingsMaximum Life, Increased Elemental Damage with Attack Skills, Dexterity and Intelligence
BootsChance to Suppress Spell Damage, Movement Speed, Maximum Life
WeaponLevel of Socketed Gems, Level of Socketed Bow Gems, Increased Elemental Damage with Attack Skills
QuiverDamage Over Time Multiplier with Attack Skills, Fire Damage Over Time Multiplier with Attack Skills, Increased Movement Speed

For cleanness and quick health recovery, consider utilizing various flasks such as the Divine Flask for health regeneration and others like Granite Flask and Quicksilver Flask for defensive strategies and mobility.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Explosive Arrow Champion build in Path of Exile is both powerful and fun. Whether you are clearing maps or engaging in challenging content, this build stands out. For further adventures in the game, if you're looking to acquire Path of Exile 2 items for sale or buy Poe currency, be sure to check out the marketplace options available to enhance your gameplay.