Path of Exile Templar Build Guide: Storm Brand Hierophant

The Templar in Path of Exile is a hybrid Strength-Intelligence class that excels in both close-range combat and ranged spellcasting. With its versatility, the Templar offers diverse playstyles, making it ideal for beginners and veterans alike. This guide focuses on a Storm Brand Hierophant build, a beginner-friendly option with strong mapping capabilities and excellent scalability for endgame content.

Templar Basics

The Templar is a Strength-Intelligence hybrid class, meaning you can utilize both heavy armor and energy shield gear. This combination enhances survivability and damage output, making the Templar a balanced choice for both offense and defense.

Templar Ascendancy Classes

Upon completing the Labyrinth, you can choose from three Ascendancy options:

Inquisitor: High damage, critical strikes, and resistance penetration.

Hierophant: A hybrid that excels with Brands and Totems while offering survivability.

Guardian: A tanky support option that bolsters allies with energy shields.

For this build, we'll focus on the Hierophant, as it balances offense and defense while being accessible for new players. It's particularly effective with Brand spells like Storm Brand, which we'll use as the core skill for this build.

Storm Brand Hierophant Overview

The Storm Brand skill summons a brand that attaches to enemies, dealing lightning damage through beams that hit nearby foes. It's great for clearing maps, thanks to its ability to damage multiple targets with ease. Key points about Storm Brand:

Brands attach to enemies, dealing persistent damage.

When a branded enemy dies, the Brand disappears.

Storm Brand offers excellent range and versatility, making it great for early progression and efficient mapping.

This build is cost-effective, requiring minimal gear investment to perform well. While it might not be as strong as some other Templar builds in the late-end game, it provides a smooth leveling experience and a solid foundation for new players.

Getting Started: Ascending to Hierophant

To ascend your Templar:

Complete The Labyrinth, unlocked through Trials of Ascendancy.

Choose Hierophant as your Ascendancy class.

When you ascend, you gain access to the Hierophant's unique Ascendancy skill tree. Spend your first two Ascendancy points on these passives:

Mana Regeneration, Mana: Improves mana pool and regeneration.

Mana Regeneration, Arcane Surge Effect: Enhances mana regen and Arcane Surge buffs.

Mana Regeneration, Brand Damage: Boosts Brand damage and mana Regeneration.

Passive Skill Tree Progression

Path of Exile's passive tree is vast, so focusing on key nodes is essential. Here's what to prioritize for this build:

Early Game (Level 1-40)

Life and Mana Regeneration: Focus on survivability and resource management by selecting nodes like Deep Thoughts and Practical Application.

Brand Nodes: Target nodes like Runesmith and Holy Dominion for Brand damage and utility.

Elemental Damage: Pick up Lightning Walker and similar nodes for increased lightning damage.

Mid-Game (Level 40-70)

Increased Brand Attachment Range: Nodes like Brand Equity ensure Brands attach and deal with damage more effectively.

Critical Strike Nodes: Boost your crit chance with nodes such as Annihilation.

Life and Energy Shield: Balance survivability with nodes like Discipline and Training.

Endgame (Level 70+)

Brand Mastery: Maximize your Brand efficiency with advanced nodes.

Additional Life Nodes: Invest in health-focused passives like Purity of Flesh to survive tougher encounters.

Lightning Mastery: Enhance your Storm Brand damage output with specialized bonuses.

Recommended Gear and Gems

Primary Skill Setup

Storm Brand (Core Skill)

Support gems: Increased Critical Strikes, Increased Lightning Damage, Added Lightning Damage, Concentrated Effect, and Lightning Penetration.

Aura Setup

Clarity: Boost mana regeneration.

Wrath: Increase lightning damage.

Herald of Thunder: Add lightning damage and auto-clear weak enemies.

Movement

Flame Dash: Quick repositioning.

Support gems: Faster Casting and Arcane Surge for utility.

Gear Priorities

Weapon: Wands or scepters with lightning damage and critical strike bonuses.

Armor: Focus on life, energy shield, and resistance.

Accessories: Rings and amulets with added lightning damage and mana regeneration.

Ascendancy Progression

As you complete higher Labyrinths, prioritize the following major Ascendancy passives:

Pursuit of Faith: Improves damage and mana regeneration.

Divine Guidance: Adds survivability with energy shield and mana.

Sanctuary of Thought: Reduces mana costs and boosts defenses.

Playstyle Tips

Use Storm Brand to mark enemies from a safe distance. Let its beams handle groups of enemies efficiently.

Keep moving to avoid damage while your Brands do the work.

Manage your mana pool by utilizing Clarity and mana flasks.

Regularly upgrade gear to maintain survivability and DPS.

Conclusion

The Storm Brand Hierophant is an excellent beginner-friendly build for the Templar, offering a well-rounded mix of damage, survivability, and ease of play. Its efficient map-clearing capabilities and minimal reliance on expensive gear make it a great choice for new players diving into Path of Exile's intricate systems and challenging content.

As you progress, remember to adapt your passive tree and upgrade your gear to enhance your build's effectiveness. Experiment with the Templar's versatile playstyle and enjoy the journey through Wraeclast. If you need Path of Exile currency or PoE items to further strengthen your build, farming or trading in the in-game economy can provide the resources you need to excel. Happy gaming!