POE Sunder Build: A Comprehensive Guide to Dominating with Sunder
Path of Exile (POE) is renowned for its deep character customization and complex gameplay mechanics, allowing players to craft unique builds that suit their playstyle. Among the many melee skills available, Sunder stands out as a powerful and versatile choice for players who enjoy fast-paced, high-damage builds. In this article, we’ll dive into the POE Sunder Build, exploring its strengths, optimal setups, and strategies to help you dominate the game.
What is the Sunder Skill in POE?
Sunder is a melee attack skill that strikes the ground, creating a series of circular cracks. These cracks deal physical damage to enemies within their area of effect and grant a chance to trigger a aftershock, causing additional damage in a larger radius. Sunder is particularly effective for clearing large groups of enemies and excels in both softcore and hardcore leagues.
Key Features of the Sunder Build
1. High Area of Effect Damage
Sunder’s ability to deal damage over a wide area makes it ideal for mapping and clearing encounters. With proper scaling, it can obliterate entire screens of enemies in a matter of seconds.
2. Flexible Gear Requirements
While high-end gear can significantly enhance the build’s effectiveness, Sunder is relatively accessible to newer players. You can start using it early in the game and scale it as you progress.
3. Excellent for League Content
Whether you’re farming Delve, Blight, or the Atlas, Sunder’s area of effect and aftershock mechanics make it a top-tier choice for league-specific content.
Building the Perfect Sunder Character
1. Choosing the Right Ascendancy
The Juggernaut ascendancy is the most popular choice for Sunder builds due to its emphasis on survivability and damage reduction. Key nodes include:
Unstoppable (physical damage reduction while moving)
Unbreakable (increased armor and block chance)
Stun Immunity (cannot be stunned while moving)
For a more offense-oriented build, the Champion ascendancy can also work well, especially with its Impale synergy.
2. Gear Recommendations
To maximize the effectiveness of your Sunder build, focus on the following gear slots:
Weapon: A high-quality Two-Handed Axe or Mace is ideal, as these weapons provide excellent damage and attack speed.
Armor: Look for items with high life, armor, and resistances. Belly of the Beast is a great chest piece for early mapping.
Jewels: Warlord’s Mark and Brute Force Solution are excellent choices for their damage and attack speed bonuses.
3. Passive Skill Tree
The passive skill tree for a Sunder build focuses on maximizing physical damage, area of effect, and survivability. Key nodes include:
Bloodthirst (life leech on physical damage)
Mace or Axe Damage (weapon-specific damage bonuses)
Area of Effect (increased radius for Sunder)
Playing the Sunder Build
1. Gameplay Style
Sunder is a fast-paced skill that rewards aggressive play. Focus on moving quickly between packs of enemies, using your mobility skills (e.g., Whirling Blades or Leap Slam) to position yourself for maximum damage.
2. Synergies with Other Skills
To enhance your damage output, consider using Sunder alongside:
Meatball (for enemy grouping)
Ancestral Protector (for additional damage)
Enrage (for increased attack speed when enraged)
Pros and Cons of the Sunder Build
Pros
High Damage Output: Sunder’s aftershock mechanic ensures consistent damage against both single targets and groups.
Excellent Clearspeed: Its wide area of effect makes it perfect for mapping.
Flexible Gear Options: You don’t need the best gear in the game to make it work.
Cons
Limited Single-Target Damage: While Sunder excels at clearing, it can struggle against high-health single targets unless properly scaled.
Requires Good Positioning: To maximize damage, you need to position yourself carefully to hit as many enemies as possible.
Advanced Tips for Maximizing Sunder
Use a High-Quality Sunder Gem: Ensure your Sunder gem is at least level 18 and well-rolled for increased area of effect.
Invest in Attack Speed: Faster attacks mean more frequent aftershocks and better overall