Splitting Steel Champion Necropolis 3.24 Guide

Build Overview

At WowCarry, we're excited to introduce the Splitting Steel Champion Necropolis 3.24 Guide, tailor-made for the Path of Exile (PoE) expansion, Necropolis. Splitting Steel, a skill that has always been both enjoyable and powerful, has recently been simplified for an even more engaging gameplay experience. The removal of its previously essential companion, Call of Steel, eliminates the cumbersome two-button playstyle. This change, coupled with the addition of the Returning Projectiles Support, has elevated Splitting Steel's effectiveness significantly. The support gem allows projectiles to potentially shotgun enemies, hitting them a second time on their return. This feature makes the displayed damage deceivingly low compared to the actual damage output, as many projectiles strike enemies twice.

Given these enhancements, our guide focuses on crafting a build that balances durability and damage output. This Splitting Steel Champion build in the PoE Necropolis expansion offers an accessible entry point for players, requiring minimal gear to start while still offering ample upgrade paths for progression. The build's simplicity and power make it an attractive option for both new and veteran players looking to explore the depths of the Necropolis expansion.

Pros and Cons

This Splitting Steel Champion build in the Necropolis 3.24 expansion for PoE offers a comprehensive mix of benefits that cater to a wide range of players. The build's progressive nature, combined with the forgiving Champion Ascendancy and its viability from league start, makes it a solid choice for both new and seasoned players. While it excels in many aspects, players should be aware of the trade-offs required for late-game damage optimization, the importance of balancing defensive stats, and the reliance on Flasks for scaling. Additionally, managing Intellect for effective use of Automation-Support presents a unique challenge, highlighting the build's complexity in achieving its full potential.

Build Main Mechanics

The foundation of the Splitting Steel Champion build in PoE's Necropolis expansion revolves around the Champion ascendancy, renowned for its defensive prowess. The ascendancy's ability to blend Armor and Evasion creates a character that seldom gets hit, and when it does, the damage is minimal. To enhance survivability, the build incorporates leeching to recover from any damage sustained. Initially, Spell Suppression is used to bolster defense until the build's damage output grows, reducing the likelihood of monsters retaliating and increasing leech effectiveness.

Champion's Ascendancy notes naturally guide players towards focusing on Impale, which synergizes well with physical attack skills like Splitting Steel. This build maximizes Impale chance and seeks modifiers to extend Impale's duration, though these can be rare and costly. However, the build's efficiency allows for smooth progression through the campaign even without these modifiers. The strategic choice of gear, like the Perseverance belt, underscores the importance of balancing Armor and Evasion to maximize damage output, demonstrating the nuanced approach required to optimize this build.

In terms of playstyle, the Splitting Steel Champion build is straightforward and enjoyable. With Lifetap Support eliminating mana concerns and high attack speed enhancing mobility through skills like Leap Slam, the gameplay feels fluid and dynamic. The incorporation of Sniper's Mark and Returning Projectiles Support significantly boosts both single-target damage and clearing speed, making this build versatile and effective across all game content. The ease of play, combined with the build's well-rounded capabilities, makes the Splitting Steel Champion an exciting choice for players navigating the challenges of the Necropolis expansion.

PoB, Passives and Gem Links

For an in-depth look at the optimal setup for the Splitting Steel Champion build, we recommend checking the optimized Path of Building provided. This tool will offer comprehensive insights into the build's passive skill tree, gearing strategies, and detailed gem setups to maximize efficiency and effectiveness in the Necropolis expansion.

Gem Links

• Splitting Steel – Main Link (6-Link): Splitting Steel, Awakened Vicious Projectiles Support, Returning Projectiles Support, Awakened Brutality Support, Cruelty Support, Lifetap Support.
• Movement & Utility: Ancestral Protector, Maim Support, Leap Slam, Faster Attacks Support.
• Auras: Grace, Determination, Pride, Enlighten Support (3), Arrogance Support, Precision, Dread Banner.
• Automated Curse: Sniper's Mark, Mark On Hit Support, Lifetap Support.
• Defenses – Utility: The build utilizes Blood Rage for Frenzy Charge generation and increased Attack Speed, alongside a Vaal Molten Shell linked with Automation for enhanced defenses. Vaal Molten Shell, Enhance Support, Blood Rage, and Automation Support form this setup. Players can opt for a 4-Link to automate both or use two double links to only automate Vaal Molten Shell, separating Enhance and Blood Rage if the sound from Blood Rage is distracting.

This Splitting Steel Champion guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the gem setups essential for maximizing the build's potential. Whether you're pushing through the Necropolis league's challenges or optimizing for endgame content, these gem links are designed to ensure your Champion is both powerful and resilient.

Ascendancy, Pantheons, and Deal with the Bandits

Ascendancy

• Master of Metal: Essential for any Impale-focused build, providing significant boosts to both Armour and damage. This Ascendancy point alone contributes to approximately 25% of your overall damage output, making early campaign progression notably easier with an additional 1000 Armour.
• Unstoppable Hero: Primarily a prerequisite for Champion's permanent Fortify effect. Its benefits are unlocked after completing the Merciless Labyrinth, enhancing the build's durability significantly.
• Fortitude: The cornerstone of Champion builds, granting the invaluable Fortify buff, which reduces incoming damage by 20%, a crucial defensive mechanism.
• Inspirational: Enhances your banner's effectiveness, in this case, boosting Impale effectiveness, and increases Aura effects without any mana reservation cost. It's an optimal choice for the final Ascendancy point.

Deal with the Bandits

The optimal choice for the Splitting Steel Champion build is to eliminate all the Bandits in favor of receiving two additional skill points from Eramir, as the alternatives do not align with the build's requirements.

Pantheons

• Major God: Soul of the Brine King is recommended to guard against freeze effects, enhancing survivability in challenging environments.
• Minor God: Soul of Abberath is chosen for its immunity to burning, a necessary defense against specific enemy types and environmental hazards prevalent in Path of Exile.

While upgrading Pantheons can provide marginal benefits, for the Splitting Steel Champion build, the focus should be on the primary selections. It's important to avoid upgrading the Soul of Shakari, as its enhancements do not favor this build. Pantheon powers can be upgraded through the use of Divine Vessels in the Map Device, capturing the souls of specific bosses to strengthen these divine boons further.

Gear

The Splitting Steel Champion build's gear selection is critical for maximizing the efficiency and effectiveness of the character throughout the Necropolis league. Below is a curated list of recommended gear to target for each slot, balancing between unique items that enhance the build's core mechanics and rare items that provide essential stats.

This gear setup for the Splitting Steel Champion build in PoE's Necropolis expansion offers a mix of survivability, damage output, and utility. Unique items like Obscurantis and Lioneye's Vision provide specific benefits that synergize with the build's mechanics, such as enhancing projectile damage and Impale effectiveness. Simultaneously, the recommended rare items ensure that you meet critical thresholds for Life, Resistances, and other necessary stats, such as Accuracy and Movement Speed. The selection of Perseverance as the belt choice further underscores the importance of balancing Armour and Evasion to maximize damage output. Together, these gear recommendations form the foundation of a powerful and resilient Champion, ready to tackle the challenges of the Necropolis league.

Summary

Wrapping up, our Splitting Steel Champion build guide for the Necropolis 3.24 expansion in Path of Exile is designed to give you a smooth and enjoyable journey through the game. From the start, it’s pretty straightforward, focusing on a blend of damage and defense, making it a great pick for both new and seasoned players. We’ve gone through everything - from the core mechanics, gem links, to the essential gear to keep you moving forward. Remember, if you find yourself needing a bit of help or want to get the most out of this build without the grind, we at WowCarry have got your back. Our team can help you with any part of this guide or even take on the whole setup for you. So, dive in, enjoy the slashing with Splitting Steel, and know that we’re here to help you make the most of your PoE adventure.