Path of Exile 3.27 introduces a fresh layer of complexity through its extensive skill gem reworks. Some builds have skyrocketed in potential, while others require thoughtful adjustment to remain viable. This article breaks down which archetypes benefit the most and how you can capitalize on these changes for your next league start.

Projectile-based builds have seen a resurgence due to reworks improving scaling and accuracy. Tornado Shot, Kinetic Blast, and Ice Shot now feature smoother projectile spread, resulting in better map-clearing consistency. Ranger-based ascendancies such as Deadeye and Raider have emerged as top-tier picks thanks to these refinements.

Spell-based builds, particularly Elemental and Chaos casters, also benefit significantly. Skills like Essence Drain, Creeping Frost, and Crackling Lance now boast increased base damage and improved cast feel. This makes hybrid builds—those mixing damage-over-time with burst spells—more appealing for both solo and party play.

Melee builds have received indirect boosts through support gem changes. Multistrike and Close Combat now offer better returns on PoE Currency investment, making Cyclone, Flicker Strike, and Lacerate more comfortable and powerful options. Players seeking fast-paced combat should pay attention to attack speed reworks, as many one-handed builds now outperform two-handed setups in efficiency.

Totem and minion builds also see fresh life in 3.27. Summon Raging Spirit and Ancestral Warchief have been tuned for better responsiveness and positioning, which reduces downtime during fights. These changes encourage more strategic placement, rewarding players who manage space effectively.

Hybrid mobility builds, such as Lightning Strike or Blade Vortex with Whirling Blades, gain value due to smoother movement skill integration. Many of these now interact better with passive bonuses, allowing for faster repositioning during high-intensity encounters.

The biggest winners of 3.27 are builds that can exploit synergy between new gem mechanics. For example, reworked exposure mechanics PoE Currency buy from Elemental Weakness now stack more efficiently with certain support gems, leading to higher effective damage output. This benefits players who build around elemental penetration and debuff stacking.

While some older meta builds may lose top-tier status, adaptability is key. Players who analyze each rework’s underlying mechanics can uncover powerful new combinations hidden beneath surface-level changes. Path of Exile rewards experimentation, and 3.27’s gem updates invite creative build engineering like never before.

In conclusion, PoE 3.27 isn’t about who lost the most—it’s about who adapts best. The strongest builds this season are the ones that embrace new synergy opportunities introduced through gem reworks, providing long-term growth for both competitive and casual players alike.