[0.10.3b] CI DUALWIELDING MELEE DUELIST (updated 16/03/2013)

Im using this build (lvl 72 atm) and its AWESOME!

The midlevels were really hard (act 2 cruel --> mid act 2 merciless) but not completely undoable.

I am currently grinding maps at a really fast pace with 2.7k ES and 6k DPS selfbuffed. There are almost no mods that I cant handle, however, added lightning damage (lightning damage in general is badass with this specc) and phys dmg reflect makes me be extra careful. If you are cursed with enfeeble you will see your DPS drop dramatically so if possible avoid those mods.

Other than that I am eager to see what happens when I get my new 300 dps+ weapons!

I would also like to request some new updates when the patch is applied - especially regarding multistrike!

EDIT: The only mod, as far as I know, that isnt at all compatible with this build is blood magic. The reason should be obvious.

Today I ran a few maps with the Temporal Chains mod, which were more annoying than hard. Of course you have to be careful since your attacks are severely delayed, which means that monsters live longer and you regen less ES. Depending on the mobs you have to deal with, this mod can be extremely hard or not hard at all.

If you need more advice and info regarding map mods related to this specc, feel free to talk to me ingame. Im always glad to help out fellow cleavers!

Nice Build. Im thinking about to do a Duelist, but Im not sure if I should wait for the new support Gems. I don't want to remake a new Duelist.

But maybe it will be possible to introduce the new support gems in your Build?

PS: What about the Bandit quests? If I get it right, you took the phyiscal Damage, but that was before the patch, so now after the patch you would take the attackspeed? And what is with the others bandit rewards?

Mid levels ARE extremely hard. Low HP, Low ES, freeze basically means I'm dead. This would be close to impossible on HC in mid levels. Don't see me soloing the content anytime soon.

at mid levels you can easily switch for a bow if equips you find are bad, unfortunately most builds are useless without good equips, this one needs a very good one too, or you'll die in seconds.

i managed to get to a3 merci, but can't go on cause mines are really bad, just bought 2 2xx dps swords, but i need ES and res the most.

It is the unfortunate case that phys dps and CI melee builds usually require extensive gear. You are likely to have to use alternatives such as bow, lightning strike or other ranged spells to level. This really is an end game build.

For my next guide I am creating a hardcore build which does not require you to invest 30 exalts in to be viable and hopefully it will be able to cater a lot better.

If you feel that you are not gear rich - it may be that it would be more effective to go a hp elecleave build (kripp has one on exiledpro, and zeldoon has one here too, but something tells me merciless will still be hard without a rich mans gear)

Hi thanks for this guide, I think it deserve a little bump.

Any news concerning the update? You made quite a teaser a month and a half ago :).

Nice guide. One quip, on your 119 build you could unspec the 2 8% melee dmg nodes and 4attack speed @ start and instead grab the water dancer cluster..you lose 1 attack speed but gain 2% dmg and 20 dex :p Pretty minor but should be a little better

BTW I've came back to this game and I like this build so this is what ill be using

I like this build but I'm starting to run into problems. Like the guide says, the middle period is extremely hard and frustrating.

http://www.pathofexile.com/passive-skill-tree/AAAAAgQADH0QfxHVFSAXHR0UKPoqTSzpNJM_J0GHQ2NHfk4qV5dY9VuvYEFjcGVNZp5uaW6qcU16uILHg9uE2Y9GlSCaz5stncSnCK6TtkG3MbiTvqfEuMae1fjdDevu7-P60vxL


Mobs are completely crushing me if they do any kind of elemental damage. For some reason, projectile mobs also flatten me in about 0.7 seconds.

Should I just stack more life before speccing into CI?

Hi there,

Just wanted to say that I'm loving this build. I chose this to be my first character, and told myself that I would make a new one when I'd get bored. I still have only one character because it's still really fun to play! I'm level l 65 atm, and I can't wait to get CI/Ghost Reaver/Pact, as it will completely change the way to play the build!

I also wanted to say that I didn't have that much trouble in the mid game,and I followed the skill tree progression to the letter. However, I used different skills to get there.

My main attacks were Cleave and Dual Strike, but they were supported by Life Gain on Hit and Faster Attacks into any 4-link, which was very easy to do. I preferred Life Gain on Hit over life leech because the life gained wasn't relative to the amount of damage dealt (which was incredibly low when taking into account the monsters' armour, etc.) and because the life came instantly so I wouldn't have to get Vaal Pact early. Faster Attacks allowed me to gain all the life back extremely quickly without needing to get equipment to give me faster attacks.

The hardest part of the build was the beginning of Act 1 Merciless, where being stunned just destroyed me. I got enough resources to get a perfect roll Eye of Chayula and it solved my problem, and I was able to solo through the whole act.

My gear is very sub-par, but I'm slowly saving up to purchase a 6l chest to get the most DPS possible. I have all the gems for it already.

One difference that I intend to make with the skill tree is pushing south-east towards the dual-strike node at the bottom and making my way to Ondar's Guile, getting Ambidexterity along the way. I really want to be able to play PVP, and this seems like a good build for it. Getting close to a ranged opponent with fast movement speed seems like an issue, so I'm hoping that using Ondar's Guile along with maybe Flicker Strike will make it viable. Any comments/ suggestions on that?