Duelist | Example builds Path of Exile Guide

Last update: 11 May 2016

Introduction

Duelist is one of three hybrid characters that oscillates between strength and dexterity. The former affects his health and melee damage while the latter is responsible for accuracy and dodging enemy attacks. This combination makes it possible for him to become an agile warrior that uses two one-handed swords.

How to play

The gameplay is mainly based on close combat. Duelist developed in two attributes will be less tough than marauder but he'll attack much faster and dodge more effectively. Playing with this character will be more reserved and cautious while facing groups of enemies. Thanks to a combination of attack speed and right skill gems, your character will be able to slay more and more enemies.

Passive skills

In this build, duelist will go towards a balanced development based equally on both attributes. Passives should be related to melee physical damage, especially with swords and dual wielding. You should also focus on health level and its regeneration, dodges and, a bit less, armor. When you choose passives related to both strength and dexterity, your duelist will finally become a typical thug whose agility will let him survive many different situations. The scheme shows the beginnings of character development - it defines initial passives (7) and shows the best path towards them.

Active skills

Duelist built accordingly to this guide should acquire skill gems that are related with strength and dexterity, they also can't collide with weapon used by the character. This means that their description should specify that they will work for an owner of one-handed swords. Compatibility with dual wielding is a nice addition but it's not crucial. The table below shows a few gems perfect for this character. You should make collecting them your highest priority.

	Cleave	The character takes a 180 degree swing with his weapon
	Dual Strike	The character strikes with two weapons at a time
	Flicker Strike	The character teleports to a selected enemy and attacks them.
	Viper Strike	The character performs an attack that poisons enemies.

Cleave is a skill related to strength that's useful when you want to quickly get rid of a group of enemies. Using it hits all enemies within its range. That means nobody will avoid getting hurt within 180 degrees.

Dual Strike is a very useful skill that uses both weapons that you're holding. You can get rid of single enemies and, what's more important, difficult bosses, because it does great damage to a specific target.

Flicker Strike will give you an excellent and simple way of escaping. It makes the character teleport to a selected enemy and hit them with increased damage. Thanks to it, you'll be able to escape when you're surrounded or use it to quickly get to enemies that fight from a distance.

Viper Strike can replace your basic attack, as long as you have enough mana or right potions. When the enemy gets hit with it will be poisoned which will save you some time to kill them. It's a good idea to begin boss fights with this attack.