Hey gamers! Welcome back to another article. I'm still playing Path of Exile, and just like I told you in my last article that I'd start playing a new account, that's exactly what's been happening. I've kept playing my new account and I'm already at level 7. And honestly, things have been going really well with the Templar. I think it's because I'm coming in with the experience from my first account. This has allowed me to manage skill points differently and create a much more efficient build than with my other character. I'd really like to do a skill point reset to reconfigure them on my first character.
Why the Templar Works for a Fresh Start
So, the missions are practically the same. I've only found one new mission that I hadn't encountered before, and I don't know if it's the effect of playing the new league. It's a special mission from the Monastery of the Protectors. The idea is to destroy an invading group in the Coleman. It's funny to see that this group looks like Carnage. This mission is called "Born from the Hive." It's optional, but it gives you good rewards.
The Templar combines strength and intelligence attributes, enabling powerful melee physical attacks while also employing various elemental spells for ranged combat. This hybrid approach makes it one of the most versatile classes in the game. What I've really been enjoying about my second playthrough is how much more efficiently I can distribute my skill points now that I understand the game better. The Templar has access to three separate Ascendancy classes: Inquisitor for pure offense through critical strikes, Hierophant for a hybrid of offense and defense with spell-based builds, and Guardian for defensive tanking and support.
Mastering the Gem and Socket System
I've also learned to use the gems that are socketed into weapons and armor much better. These are what give you abilities. There are three types: red, green, and blue, each providing certain types of passive or active abilities. This is really interesting because we can make various combinations of gems in the same piece of armor or weapon. Red gems are connected with Strength, green with Dexterity, and blue with Intelligence. The socket system is actually more nuanced than I initially thought.
Builds typically revolve around one or two main skill gems augmented by multiple support gems in a link, with the endgame goal being a chest or two-handed weapon with six linked sockets. So as I level up, the gems also increase in level when I use those abilities, and they progress. The only thing is that if you change weapons and the new one doesn't have the same socket slots for the gems, you could lose certain abilities depending on your combination. Support gems must be placed in sockets linked to other sockets containing active skill gems to provide their benefits. This means planning your gear progression is crucial, especially when you're trying to maintain specific gem combinations.
Exploring the Dark Corners of Wraeclast
I'm still progressing and unlocking worlds. I entered The Stinking Pool again, one of the darkest passages I've visited in Path of Exile. This is where all the undead are in their different variations, and the mission here is to kill all the monsters. I didn't finish it, but I'll have to start it again since every time you enter, you have to do it from the beginning if you don't complete it in one go. The atmosphere in that place is absolutely brutal—the damp corridors, the constant threat of being overwhelmed by hordes of zombies and skeletons. It's one of those areas where you really need to have your gem setup optimized because running out of mana or having the wrong skill equipped can get you killed instantly.
I also explored the Mud Flats, where I had to find the shipwrecked doctor's Medicine Chest and deliver it to the vendor in town. I circled the entire island about two times, confused because I didn't remember the quest items and thought they were tradeable items, so it took me a bit longer than it should have. These early-game quests are pretty straightforward once you know what you're looking for, but on a first playthrough or when you're not paying close attention, it's easy to get turned around.
The Difference Experience Makes
With this account, I'm really getting into the game more, more than I already was. I don't know, I feel like things are going better for me—there are better items, better drops, everything just feels smoother. I think the modernized economy system is definitely having its effect. The Templar can stack armor and resistances at an incredible rate, making him nearly invincible when properly built. This defensive capability combined with solid offensive options makes the class feel rewarding to play, especially when you start seeing your build come together.
One thing I've noticed is that resource management becomes increasingly important as you progress. Between managing mana for skills, keeping your health flask charges ready, and making sure you have the right resistances for different enemy types, there's a lot to juggle. But that's part of what makes Path of Exile so engaging—it's not just about having fast reflexes, it's about preparation and smart decision-making.
Building Strategy and Synergy
The gem system continues to reveal new depth the more I play with it. I've started experimenting with different support gem combinations to see how they modify my main skills. For example, linking an area-of-effect support to a single-target skill can completely change how you approach combat situations. Suddenly, you're clearing packs instead of focusing down individual enemies. When gems are linked together, a single skill gem can be supported by five support gems, making your primary skill exponentially more potent.
Another aspect I'm appreciating more this time around is the passive skill tree. The passive choices define the build's strengths and are the backbone of the class as a whole. With my first character, I kind of just grabbed nodes that looked good without much planning. Now, I'm being much more strategic, focusing on nodes that synergize with my gem setup and playstyle. It's making a huge difference in my character's effectiveness.
League Mechanics and Second Chances
The league mechanics have also been interesting to experience from the beginning again. Some of the encounters that seemed impossible on my first character are much more manageable now that I understand the game systems better. It's not that the enemies are easier—I'm just better equipped, both in terms of gear and knowledge, to handle them.
So yeah, I'll keep playing Path of Exile and sharing with you all the progress of my account with the Templar character. The journey from level 7 is just beginning, and I'm excited to see how powerful this character becomes as I unlock more Ascendancy points and optimize my gem links. The beauty of Path of Exile is that even though I'm replaying content I've already seen, it feels completely fresh because of the different class and build approach. Every decision matters, and that's what keeps bringing me back for more.
Final Thoughts for New Players
If you're thinking about starting Path of Exile or creating a new character, I'd definitely recommend the Templar for beginners. The balance between offense and defense gives you room to make mistakes while you're learning, and the variety of viable builds means you can adapt your playstyle as you discover what works for you. Just remember: plan your passive tree, understand your gem links, and don't be afraid to experiment. That's where the real fun begins.