PoE Builds 3.16: Arc Totem Build – Hierophant Templar

This comprehensive guide explores the powerful Arc Totem Hierophant build, transforming defensive curses into offensive power through intelligent item synergy.

Build Foundation and Core Concepts

The Arc Totem Hierophant operates on a brilliant mechanic that converts apparent weaknesses into overwhelming strengths. By strategically combining specific unique items, you’ll transform the Soul Mantle’s curse mechanic from a liability into your primary damage source.

Curse Conversion Strategy

– Soul Mantle Synergy: This body armor provides level 20 Spell Totem support and an additional totem, but curses you when totems expire. This becomes your damage engine when properly managed.

– Kikazaru Protection: This ring grants 60% reduced curse effect, with the remaining 40% coming from passive tree investments.

Kikazaru

– Self-Flagellation Power: Self-Flagellation This jewel provides 20% increased damage per curse on you, potentially delivering 180% increased damage at maximum stacks.

– Common Mistake Alert: Many players equip Kikazaru too early. Wait until you have Soul Mantle equipped to avoid wasting the curse reduction.

Equipment Optimization

Mandatory Unique Items

Soul Mantle

– Provides built-in Spell Totem support and +1 to maximum totems

– Curse mechanic becomes damage source rather than penalty

Advanced Rare Gear Optimization

Rare Helmet

Mods

– Nearby enemies have -9% lightning resistance (essential for damage scaling)

– Prioritize life and energy shield for survivability

– Advanced players should seek +1 to level of lightning spell gems

Notes

– Crafting Priority: This represents your first major currency investment after acquiring core uniques.

Rare Weapon

Mods

– Minimum 80% increased lightning spell damage (foundation for scaling)

– Critical strike chance of at least 80% for consistent damage

– Added lightning damage to spells enhances base damage significantly

– +1 to level of all lightning spell gems (high priority for endgame)

– Pro Tip: Weapons with cast speed modifiers dramatically improve totem placement fluidity.

Notes

– This represents your secondary currency investment after helmet optimization.

Optimal Gem Setup

Armour: Primary Damage Configuration

Arc – Elemental Focus – Added Lightning Damage – Inspiration – Increased Critical Damage – Lightning Penetration

– Progression Strategy: Begin with 4-link setup (Arc, Elemental Focus, Added Lightning, Inspiration)

– Upgrade to 5-link by adding Increased Critical Damage

– Advanced Technique: In 6-link configurations, Lightning Penetration becomes your final addition for maximum damage against resistant enemies.

Helmet: Automated Boss Damage

Arcanist Brand – Assassin’s Mark – Summon Lightning Golem – Culling Strike

– Automated Curse Application: Arcanist Brand automatically applies Assassin’s Mark to bosses for increased critical chance and multiplier.

– Golem Synergy: Lightning Golem provides cast speed bonus while Culling Strike ensures instant elimination of bosses below 10% health.

– Common Mistake: Players often manually cast these skills, reducing overall damage output. Automation is key.

Gloves: Mine Automation System

Wave of Conviction – Swift Assembly – High-Impact Mines – Charged Mines

– Passive Damage Source: Skitterbots automatically detonate mines, providing up to 30% chance for double damage and generating frenzy charges automatically.

– Resistance Reduction: Wave of Conviction applies 15% lightning resistance reduction to enemies.

– Optimization Tip: This setup requires no player interaction beyond initial placement, making it ideal for focusing on positioning and totem management.

Build Progression and Advanced Optimization

Leveling Strategy

This build features exceptionally smooth progression from early game to endgame content, making it ideal for both new players and experienced Path of Exile veterans.

– Early Game (Levels 1-11): Begin with Spark supported by Arcane Surge for consistent damage and mana management.

Leveling Setup Progression

– Mid Game Transition (Levels 12-51): Switch to Arc at level 12 while maintaining Spark totems as supplementary damage sources.

– Critical Milestone: Around level 52, upon reaching Ancestral Bond in your passive tree, transition fully to totem specialization.

– Gear Acquisition Timeline: Soul Mantle and Kikazaru should be equipped simultaneously at this stage to activate the curse conversion mechanic properly.

– Common Progression Error: Many players attempt the totem transition too early without proper curse mitigation, resulting in significant survivability issues.

Skill Tree and Ascendancy

Passive Tree Highlights:

– Prioritize totem nodes, curse effect reduction, and lightning damage enhancements.

Pantheon Selection

Major God: Lunaris (provides projectile damage reduction and movement speed)

Minor God: Garukhan (reduces lightning damage taken and provides immunity to shock ground)

Bandits Choice

Advanced Gear Upgrades

Watcher’s Eye Optimization

Watcher’s Eye

Mods

– Damage penetrates X% of lightning resistances while affected by Wrath (this represents the ultimate damage upgrade for endgame content)

– Investment Priority: This should be your final major currency investment after all other gear is optimized.

Notes

– While not mandatory, this jewel can increase your damage output by 25-40% against resistant targets.

No reproduction without permission：GameCDjnh » PoE Builds 3.16: Arc Totem Build – Hierophant Templar Master the Arc Totem Hierophant with expert gear optimization and curse conversion strategies