In this article, we will be discussing a unique and powerful build in Path of Exile (POE), known as the “Flaming Boys” build. This build revolves around the Double Strike skill, which allows players to create clones of themselves that attack using the same skill. With the right setup and gear, players can create an army of melee destruction, making this build incredibly powerful.
The Concept of the “Boys”
The term “the boys” refers to the vile Double Strike portion of the build, where players create clones of themselves that attack with Double Strike as well. With the ability to have up to four clones, the player can summon an absolute army of melee destruction. To achieve this, players need to press the vile Double Strike twice, summoning two copies with each press. Additionally, players can use the Savior unique item to have another two copies of themselves. This results in a powerful force that can decimate enemies in their path.
Building a Fire-Based Double Strike Berserker
The focus of this build is to go full fire by taking the Chieftain Namahu node. This allows for 50% conversion from two ascendancy jewels and an additional 40% conversion from the Fire Mastery passive. With this setup, the build gains a significant amount of extra physical damage from Double Strike whenever it bleeds enemies. By leaving 10% of the physical damage remaining, the build can still inflict bleeding and gain extra damage from it. This setup scales well throughout the entire campaign and can comfortably handle up to tier 14 maps.
Gear and Gems
To maximize the effectiveness of the build, certain gear and gems are essential. The main item to consider is the Savior, which creates additional copies of yourself that attack with the same skill. Other gear, such as the Rog weapon, can provide attack speed and additional damage. In terms of gems, the Double Strike skill is linked with various support gems, such as Close Combat, Early Damage Attacks, Multi-Strike, Bear Head, and Ancestral Call. For single target damage, players can swap out Ancestral Call for ruthless. The use of additional curses, such as Flammability and Elemental Weakness, can significantly enhance damage output.
The Blitz Aspect of the Build
The “Boys” build also incorporates the Blitz ascendancy on Berserker, allowing players to stack critical strike chance and gain additional attack speed. It’s important to find a balance with attack speed because excessive scaling can lead to difficulties with controlling Leap Slams. Ancestral Protector totems and the Ancestral Warchief unique boots can provide further attack speed boosts, making the build incredibly fast and powerful.
End-Game and Potential Improvements
Once the build is fully optimized, it becomes a formidable force against bosses and in end-game content. With multiple clones and totems attacking simultaneously, players can deal massive amounts of damage. The build may require adjustments to mana management and resistance balancing to reach its full potential. Additionally, improvements to gear, such as obtaining a two additional strike relic, can further enhance its clearing capabilities.
Conclusion
The “Flaming Boys” build is a powerful and fun-to-play build in POE. By utilizing the Double Strike skill and maximizing fire damage, players can summon an army of clones for devastating melee attacks. The build’s Blitz aspect further enhances attack speed and critical strike chance, making it a force to be reckoned with. With the right gear and gems, this build can handle end-game content, including bosses and high-level maps.
