Arc Mines Saboteur (PoE The Forbidden Sanctum 3.20)
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.
Our Arc Mines Saboteur is a premium build that remains a powerhouse league in and league out. If you enjoy trappers/miners, or you want a welcome change of pace or style, there are few builds more capable than this one.
Build Assessment
Pros
+ Can Clear the whole screen with one push of detonate mines
+ Can actually off screen mobs if they are clumped together enough through arc chaining
+ Can actually deal with any affix without modifications or loss of clear speed
+ Very fast clear speed and movement speed
Cons
– Pure Glass Cannon
– Miner playstyle is not for everyone
– Not the best build for inexperienced players
– You must know the mechanics and how to dodge the abilities of bosses, If you die on bosses it IS a skill issue
Path of Building
Path of Building data for this build can be found here
Included in the Path of Building are skill trees, all gem links and possible variations, and an example set of gear with room for upgrades. For simplicity’s sake, Elemental Resistances are not included on gear, and you can fill them in as you like depending on available gear.
Build Mechanics and Playstyle
This is a fast moving build that clears without interruption. As you dash through maps, lay your mines and Arc will do the rest, clearing everything on screen in a single press. Flame Dash can be used to clear troublesome obstacles, ledges, and fences that impede our movement.
This may take a little bit of practice to get a good feel for, but in reality it is not very difficult to pull off for general mapping. Once you have this guerrilla style of clearing honed it is very easy to consistently and safely replicate using this build, making it a great jack-of-all-trades that chews through maps easily enough and lays a proper amount of hurt on the game’s toughest bosses. Some players find this playstyle relaxing due to its predictable pattern, while others can find it irksome and jarring. Miners are a polarize archetype within Path of Exile, but have received consistent quality of life improvements over the last few years of the game which has opened them up to a wider audience of players than ever before.
Skill Trees
Hybrid Life/ES Based
Here is our recommended skill tree for a Hybrid Life/ES version of the build.
For more information, be sure to check out the Passive Skill Tree page.
Gems
We go over all of the gem links this build uses in the end-game on our Gem Link page.
Ascendancy, Bandits, and Pantheon
Our Ascendancy, Bandit, and Pantheon Power page goes into detail about all the choices you need to make in these regards.
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.
Life Based
Our recommendation:
Item Slot | Item Name |
Head | Eater/Exarch Rare |
Amulet | Rare Amulet |
Chest | Rare Chest |
Gloves | Rare Gloves Warlord |
Boots | Rare Boots |
Belt | Rare Stygian Vise |
Rings | Rare Rings ( Opal Ring or Diamond Ring ideal) |
Weapon | Rare Wands |
For much more detailed information on the best gear, jewels, and flasks to use, be sure to check out our Gear, Jewels, and Flasks page.
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.
Arc can be acquired as early as Level 12. You can opt to level as self-cast or simply start using Blastchain Mine Support immediately, obtainable after defeating Brutus. Set up your links as shown:
- Arc (Act 1)
- Blastchain Mine Support (Act 1)
- Added Lightning Damage Support (Act 1)
- Trap and Mine Damage Support (Act 2)
You can opt to use Increased Critical Strikes Support immediately to start leveling it, or pick up Added Cold Damage Support and use that until Trap and Mine Damage Support is available in Act II.
FAQ
What Anointment Should I Use for my Amulet?
Savagery or Fervour Is the best available option for all variants.