Soulrend Trickster Build Guide (PoE Harvest 3.11)

Out Of Date

March 5th, 2023, 15:29

Introduction

Due to the latest balancing changes, we do not recommend playing this build anymore, as it does not meet the high standards we apply to our guides in terms of fun and performance. We are leaving it up as a reference and it might be revived in a later patch.

This is a legacy build that may be out of date, and should primarily be used as a snapshot of builds that were able to tackle endgame content during Harvest League. While the build will be playable, it may include a lot of reworking the tree & gearing.

Soulrend was released only a few leagues ago, but has since cemented itself as one of the staple builds for players interested in playing around Chaos damage or damage over time. A strong all-rounder that can deal with practically any content without issues, Soulrend feels relaxing to play and does not take a deep wallet to get off the ground. In Patch 3.7.0 Legion, Soulrend received some slight nerfs, although some of them were indirect, such as hits to the Trickster Ascendancy itself. Since then, the build has not changed much at all in Patch 3.11 Harvest League in effectiveness and power, and remains a solid league starter that can approach any content comfortably.

This build is a quick mapper featuring strong defenses, with a safe playstyle that excels in any environment. The main idea behind this build is survival and comfort while maintaining a really high rate of experience per hour and safely pushing towards Level 100, all on a relatively cheap budget with lots of room to expand. Fortunately, this also makes it an excellent and formidable league starter, and a perfect choice for any new league.

Build Assessment

Pros

+ Viable in any league (SSF, Hardcore, Softcore)
+ Fast mapper
+ Chaos damage (Reflect Immunity)
+ 9000+ Effective health pool
+ Well rounded defenses (Mind over Matter, 5.5k+ Life, Trickster, 78% Maximum Resistances)
+ Amazing league starter
+ Great late-game potential

Cons

– Will not be able to Delve past ~500
– Single target damage does not scale as well as top-tier builds

Playstyle

Soulrend clears exceptionally quickly and safely even by itself, mowing down packs of monsters with ease. Get comfortable with how much damage the damage over time component is dealing, as you can usually fire off a single cast and move on while the mobs die in your wake. Use Bane Bane to apply your curses and another damage over time component to tougher opponents. For bosses, simply apply your curses, place your Blight Blight or Wither Wither totems, and then melt the boss with Soulrend.

Passive Skill Tree

You can find our recommended Level 100 Passive Skill Tree here.

For more details on the Passive Tree, skill acquisition order, and more, be sure to check out the Passive Skill Tree page for in-depth information.

Passive Skill Tree and Gem Links

Gems

We go over all of the gem links this build uses in the end-game on our Gem Link page.

Passive Skill Tree and Gem Links

Ascendancy, Bandits, and Pantheon

Our Ascendancy, Bandit, and Pantheon Powers page goes into detail about all the choices you need to make in these regards.

Ascendancy, Bandits, and Pantheon Powers

Gear Summary / TL;DR

These items strike a balance between power and cost-effectiveness. If you want to explore more options for Gear (both budget and high-end), Flasks, or get more information on alternatives and specialty items, please ensure you read the Gear, Jewels, and Flasks page thoroughly.

Our recommendation:

Item Slot	Item Name
Head	Delve Crafted Rare Helmet
Amulet	Rare Amulet
Chest	Belly of the Beast
Gloves	Rare Fingerless Silk Gloves
Boots	Rare Two-Toned Boots (Cold and Lightning Resistances) or Three-step Assault
Belt	Rare Stygian Vise
Ring 1	Rare Ring
Ring 2	Essence Worm
Weapon	Breath of the Council
Shield	Ahn's Heritage

For in-depth recommendations for gear, flasks, jewels, and crafting advice be sure to read our Gear, Jewels, and Flasks page.

Gear, Jewels, and Flasks Breakdown

Leveling

As a reminder, we have several guides to help you level up a character.

Our step-by-step leveling walkthrough, which allows even more experienced players to save time and speed through the leveling process.
Our guide to Unique Items for leveling, which helps you gear up your characters for the leveling process.
Our beginner leveling guide, which answers many of the questions new players might have and will set you on the right path.

We recommend starting with Freezing Pulse, which works well with Lifesprig if you have one. Once you are Level 12 you are able to use Storm Brand, however, Shadows cannot obtain it until Act III as a purchasable gem. You will either need to mule a gem from another character, or choose another skill to level with if you are league starting (e.g. Blade Vortex).

In order of priority, the Storm Brand links are:

If you are using a Tabula Rasa, simply fill in the other gem sockets with whatever supports are available from the vendors until you reach Act II and Act III for the other gems.

Link Brand Recall to Arcane Surge Support (Level 3) and Flame Dash. This is a great leveling link and should be acquired as soon as possible.

At Level 12 you can also acquire Blade Vortex. Link it to Added Cold Damage Support, Added Lightning Damage Support, and Controlled Destruction Support as soon as possible.

Herald of Ice, Herald of Thunder, and Clarity Clarity should be used as early as possible.

Once you defeat General Gravicius you can acquire Soulrend and start leveling with it, should you desire. Be sure to drop your Herald auras and swap in Malevolence.

FAQ

What Annointment Should I Use for my Amulet?

Constitution is a great choice for survival and defense.
Arcane Expanse is great for offense and clear speed.
Whispers of Doom has the highest potential for customization but you need a clear idea of your objective and significant currency investment.

Check out the rest of the guide for more information:

Passive Skill Tree and Gem Links

Ascendancy, Bandits, and Pantheon Powers

Gear, Jewels, and Flasks Breakdown