Path of Exile is a game built on experimentation, strategy, and character optimization. Each league presents players with new challenges and opportunities, and understanding how to approach them with the right build can make all the difference. One standout option for league starters is the Volcanic Fissure of Snaking Berserker build. This guide will break down everything you need to know about playing this build effectively from level one through the endgame in the current league.

 

Understanding the Snaking Berserker Concept

Before diving into the specifics of Volcanic Fissure and its application as a league starter, it is crucial to understand the Berserker ascendancy class and what makes the "Snaking" variant unique.

 

The Berserker excels at raw attack speed, life leech, and sustained high damage. They thrive in the front lines, taking risks for high reward. The Snaking variant focuses on mobility, chaining attacks, and maximizing area damage by leveraging abilities that "snake" through enemies, striking multiple targets in succession. This makes it ideal for early league starts where clearing maps quickly is key to leveling efficiently.

 

Key attributes of a Snaking Berserker include:

High attack speed for rapid clear

 

Chain or projectile skills that can hit multiple enemies

 

Survivability through life leech and armor/evasion synergy

 

Flexibility to adapt to various league mechanics

 

The synergy between speed, damage, and mobility allows the Snaking Berserker to quickly progress through early acts, farm Path of exile currency, and prepare for endgame mapping.

 

Why Volcanic Fissure?

The Volcanic Fissure is a skill gem that channels intense volcanic energy into a narrow fissure, dealing both fire and physical damage. It is particularly effective for Snaking Berserkers because it combines high base damage with area coverage, allowing the player to hit multiple enemies simultaneously. In addition:

 

Early Game Viability: Volcanic Fissure can be used from level 1, making it perfect for league starters. Its damage scaling works well with early weapon upgrades, ensuring smooth progression through acts.

 

Single-Target and Area Damage: While some builds struggle with bosses or densely packed mobs, Volcanic Fissure can be modified through support gems and passive nodes to handle both effectively.

 

Synergy with Berserker Mechanics: Berserker ascendancy nodes that enhance attack and movement speed, life leech, and damage over time work seamlessly with Volcanic Fissure's rapid-fire and area effects.

 

Overall, the combination of the Snaking Berserker and Volcanic Fissure creates a highly mobile, aggressive league starter capable of handling the unpredictable challenges of a new league.

 

Passive Skill Tree Considerations

A league starter needs an efficient path through the passive skill tree, maximizing early damage and survivability while leaving room for late-game scaling. Key focuses include:

 

1. Life and Survivability

Life Nodes: Prioritize life nodes to ensure you can withstand the early game without relying heavily on defensive gear.

 

Armor/Evasion: Choose nodes that give a combination of armor and evasion. Early leveling encounters can hit hard, and mitigating damage is crucial.

 

Life Leech: Essential for Berserkers, as life leech allows sustained offense without stopping to heal.

 

2. Damage and Attack Speed

Fire and Physical Damage: Volcanic Fissure benefits from both physical and fire damage scaling. Pick nodes that enhance these for maximum early and late-game output.

 

Attack Speed: Increased attack speed synergizes with the snaking mechanic, ensuring your attacks chain through multiple enemies efficiently.

 

3. Critical Strike and Multi-Strike (Optional)

Early Crit Nodes: If your Volcanic Fissure setup leans toward critical strikes, pick early nodes to increase critical chance and multiplier.

 

Multi-Strike or Chain Support Nodes: Enhancing the snaking capability ensures multiple enemies are hit per swing or projectile, increasing both clear speed and loot drops.

 

The tree should be approached with flexibility, prioritizing life and damage early, then branching into endgame scaling once you have reliable gear.

 

Gear and Itemization for League Start

Efficient gear choice is critical for a league starter, as budget constraints are a reality. Focus on items that enhance survivability and damage without relying on expensive uniques.

 

1. Weapons

Early Game: Any fast-hitting weapon with physical damage scaling works. Axes or swords are often preferred due to Berserker ascendancy synergy.

 

Mid-Game: Upgrade to weapons with added fire damage or attack speed modifiers. Volcanic Fissure scales well with these stats.

 

2. Armo

Life and Resistances: Prioritize armor pieces that increase life and provide elemental resistances.

 

Movement: Boots with increased movement speed improve map traversal and dodge capability.

 

3. Accessories

Rings/Amulets: Focus on life, resistances, and attack modifiers.

 

Belts: Stygian Vises with life and elemental modifiers are ideal if affordable; otherwise, rare belts with life and resistances suffice. You can also buy POE currency to get them.

 

Skill Gem Setup

To maximize the Volcanic Fissure of Snaking Berserker, gem setup is crucial. Suggested early league gem setup includes:

 

Volcanic Fissure (Main Skill): Linked with support gems such as:

 

Added Fire Damage: Boosts elemental damage.

 

Increased Area of Effect: Expands snaking reach.

 

Faster Attacks or Melee Physical Damage: Scales damage with Berserker nodes.

 

Movement Skill: Leap Slam or Dash, to enhance mobility and maintain the snaking flow.

 

Auras: Determination for survivability, Herald of Ash for added fire damage.

 

Utility: Flame Dash or Steelskin for emergency escapes.

 

As currency and gear become available, you can swap or augment support gems to scale damage and survivability further.

 

Leveling Tips for League Start

Focus on Clear Speed: Use Volcanic Fissure aggressively in early acts to maintain high XP gain. The snaking effect ensures mobs are hit in chains, reducing downtime between fights.

 

Balance Offense and Defense: While Berserkers thrive on aggression, don't neglect life nodes or resistances. Early deaths slow down progression and reduce efficiency.

 

Upgrade Gems Regularly: Ensure your Volcanic Fissure and support gems are leveled appropriately. Early investment in skill gems pays off in faster clears and smoother boss fights.

 

Farm Currency Opportunistically: Early league currency like Orbs of Transmutation or Alchemy can help you upgrade gear, but prioritize progression over farming initially.

 

Mapping and Endgame Preparation

Once you reach maps, the Snaking Berserker excels due to its speed and AoE capabilities. Key strategies include:

 

Focus on Map Modifiers: Avoid dangerous map mods early. Prioritize maps where fire and physical damage are effective.

 

Optimize Flasks: Use flasks that enhance movement speed, life recovery, or elemental resistance.

 

Bossing: Adapt Volcanic Fissure with increased single-target support gems when fighting endgame bosses.

 

With proper gearing and tree investment, the Volcanic Fissure of Snaking Berserker can handle high-tier maps and be prepared for endgame challenges like the Atlas or Delve content.

 

Conclusion

The Volcanic Fissure of Snaking Berserker is a strong league starter build in Path of Exile. By combining high mobility, snaking attack mechanics, and the powerful Volcanic Fissure skill, players can efficiently progress through early acts, farm currency, and prepare for the endgame. Prioritizing survivability through life and resistances, leveraging Berserker ascendancy nodes, and using proper gem setups ensures a smooth and enjoyable start to any league. With practice and careful planning, this build not only survives but thrives, making it one of the most versatile and effective options for new league content in Path of Exile.