Path of Exile: Basics and Mechanics Guide

What you need to know

You'll be playing in a league, which determines the game's rules and economy. Each class has a unique starting point on the passive skill tree, but all classes can access every node. You'll gain experience and level up, unlocking new skills and attributes. Understanding the basics of classes, skills, and attributes is crucial to progressing in the game.

Step by step

1. Choose a league to play in, considering the default league or a challenge league with specific modifiers and rewards.
2. Select a class, taking into account their starting location on the passive skill tree and attribute specialties.
3. Gain experience and level up, unlocking new skills and attributes.
4. Allocate skill points to the passive skill tree, planning your build carefully.
5. Equip skill gems to gain experience and unlock new skills.
6. Manage your attributes to meet the requirements for gear and skills.

Tips

• Don't join the old Standard or Hardcore leagues if you're new, as they have a saturated economy and unbalanced legacy items.
• Plan your passive skill tree carefully, as it can greatly impact your character's build.
• Understand the differences between attack skills and spells, and how they interact with your gear and attributes.
• Use support gems to enhance your skills, but make sure they're compatible with the skill type.
• Keep in mind that Vaal gems require souls to use, which are gained by killing enemies near you.