Shockwave Cyclone
Slayer Build

Updated for Patch 3.21

The Best Crafty Guides by Odealo

Cyclone has been one of the most popular Melee builds in the game for a long time now. It's a Channeling Melee Attack that allows you to move while dealing damage to surrounding enemies. This build focuses on expanding the benefits of using it with Warstaves. By using Staves or Maces you're allowed to have your Attacks be supported by Shockwave Support Gem - it's one of the most powerful Support Gems you can link with your Cyclone. Maces have generally low Critical Strike Chance, so it's generally a better idea to go for Resolute Technique Keysonte while wielding Maces and such. Resolute Technique is actually a great tool for leveling - you don't need to worry about Accuracy Rating nor Critical Strike Chance. To check the guide on the budget/leveling version of this build click this link.

Non-crit build however can't compare to the Critical Strike-oriented ones - sacrificing this amount of damage is not worth the tradeoff. Staves have actually one of the highest Base Critical Strike Chance out of two-handed Melee Weapons. Unfortunately, there are no Unique Staves you can just buy and be done with looking for a decent weapon (maybe with a few exceptions that will be mentioned later), a good staff can be quite expensive, and there are many mods for this type of build due to its generic nature. Your Maximum Life will be oscillating around 5k, with Enduring Cry as your Warcry to regenerate your Life quickly and Fortify from Overlord Notable from your Large Cluster Jewel. The build requires at least one Large Cluster Jewel, but two is what this build is going with. Slayer is the Ascendancy that is best performing while Leeching - for example, your Life Leech won't be removed while on Full Life.

You can also check our other Path of Exile builds: Odealo's Crafty Guides - Full List

1. Gameplay

Cyclone is one of the smoothest Skills to use - your Movement and Attack Skill are under one button, making this build extremely easy to play, even with just one hand. To jump over obstacles - use Leap Slam. To boost your damage during long fights - use Ancestral Warchief and Ancestral Protector Totems. Use Enduring Cry to regenerate your Life and gain Endurance Charges that will consequently reduce the amount of damage you take and give you some Elemental Resistances.

2. Build's PROS & CONS

3. Leveling tips

It is recommended to follow the Cyclone Slayer Resolute Technique Budget build guide on how to go through the leveling process. Switch to the final version - without Resolute Technique Keystone later in the game, after acquiring the respectable Accuracy rating and Critical Strike Chance. This article is exactly the same regarding Leveling Tips as in the guide listed above.

Suggested leveling Gem setups:

Cleave setup
	Cleave - very strong AoE Attack which has good base damage and attacks multiple enemies with each swing
	Melee Physical Damage Support - a great boost to Physical Damage
	Ruthless Support - every 3rd hit with Cleave will deal much higher damage

Cyclone setup
	Cyclone - the core Attack Skill Gem used in this build. It makes you spin around obliterating enemies
	Melee Physical Damage Support
	Pulverise Support - greatly increases your Cyclone's DPS and radius
	Brutality Support - greatly increases Physical Damage dealt but makes the skill deal only Physical Damage

Utility Gems
	Punishment - the recommended Curse for this build which increases your Melee Damage and Attack Speed
	Dread Banner - increases your Physical Damage and grants an increased chance to Impale with your Attacks
	Summon Lightning Golem - increases your Attack Speed
	Ancestral Warchief - summons a Totem which increases your Melee Damage

Bandits:

We recommend killing all the Bandits for two additional Passive Points

Leveling Skill Trees:

29 Points Skill Tree
allocate the offensive passives near your starting locations and seek more Maximum Life

62 Points Skill Tree
take Call to Arms and Resolute Technique, passives near Marauder starting location, and start making your way to the upper side of the tree 

Recommended leveling items:

Belt of the Deceiver - very solid Belt which grants a high DPS bonus and some defensive stats. It can be efficiently used until mid-tier Maps

+(25-35) to Strength (15-25)% increased Global Physical Damage You take 30% reduced Extra Damage from Critical Strikes +(30-40) to maximum Life +(10-15)% to all Elemental Resistances Nearby Enemies are Intimidated

Goldrim - one of the best leveling Helmets in the game which grants very high Elemental Resistances bonuses

+(30-50) to Evasion Rating 10% increased Rarity of Items found +(30-40)% to all Elemental Resistances Reflects 4 Physical Damage to Melee Attackers Level Requirement reduced by 100 (Hidden)

Blackheart - these Rings provide everything - Attributes, Life, and flat Physical Damage

Adds 1 to 4 Physical Damage to Attacks 5% increased Global Physical Damage Adds 1 to 3 Chaos Damage to Attacks +(20-30) to maximum Life (2-4) Life Regenerated per second 10% chance to Cause Monsters to Flee

4. Final Skill Tree, Ascendancy Points, and Pantheon

Final Skill Tree:

108 Points Final Skill Tree (does not include Cluster Jewels)
115 Points Path of Building (PoB) link 

Ascendancy points:

Preferably in that order:

1. Bane of Legends
2. Brutal Fervour
3. Impact (if you already transitioned to Crit-based version, if not - Headsman)
4. Headsman

Pantheon:

Major God: Soul of Lunaris 1% additional Physical Damage Reduction for each nearby Enemy, up to 8%; 1% increased Movement Speed for each nearby Enemy, up to 8%

Minor God: Soul of Gruthkul 1% additional Physical Damage Reduction for each Hit you've taken Recently up to a maximum of 5%

5. Final Gems links

[DPS] Cyclone setup
	Cyclone - your primary DPS skill. Deals massive both single and AoE damage. You can try to get a Vaal Cyclone for an extra burst against Bosses
	Melee Physical Damage Support - grants very high Melee/Physical DPS bonuses
	Shockwave Support - Shockwaves are a great DPS enhancement. Tt creates AoE damage around the target.
	Impale Support - increases your chance to Impale with Attacks which offers one of the highest DPS bonuses for this build
	Pulverise Support - grants a very high Melee Area DPS bonus and increases the radius of your Cyclone
	Brutality Support - grants a very high increase to Physical Damage, but makes supported Skills deal no Chaos or Elemental Damage

[UTILITY] Ancestor Totems setup
	Ancestral Warchief - deals a moderate amount of damage and increases your Melee DPS. In this setup, you can use both types of Ancestor Totems so make sure to cast both before fighting Bosses
	Ancestral Protector - this Ancestor Totem grants you a high bonus Melee Attack Speed
	Multiple Totems Support - allows you to use two types of Ancestor Totems simultaneously and gain both benefits
	Maim Support - your Totems will Maim enemies, increasing their Physical Damage taken and slowing them down

[UTILITY] Mana-reserved Spells
	Pride - makes enemies receive more Physical Damage, this bonus is amplified the longer your target stays in Melee Range
	Blood and Sand - allows you to switch between Blood and Sand stances. Use Sand Stance for farming/leveling and Blood Stance against Bosses and tougher rares
	Determination  - more and increased Armour Rating, better Physical Damage mitigation
	Herald of Purity  - Best Herald for pure Physical Damage increase
	Precision  - Aura that grants you Critical Strike-related benefits. At level 1 it reserves little to no mana, while you can still benefit from its minor buffs and Watcher's Eye upgrades
	Enlighten Support - if your Mana Pool is low with all the Auras enabled, you can use Enlighten Support to reduce the amount of Mana Reserved by them

[UTILITY] Molten Shell setup
	Cast when Damage Taken Support - auto-casts all the supported Utility Skills. You can also add a Curse here - preferably Vulnerability if you can't apply it via Ring affix
	Molten Shell - grants a protective shield and extra physical Damage mitigation based on your Armour.

[UTILITY] Assassin's Mark setup
	Assassin's Mark - use Assassin's Mark for increased Critical Strike Chance and Critical Strike multiplier. Definitely, the best Curse
	Mark on Hit Support - applies linked Curse on Hit against Rare and Unique Enemies

[MOBILITY] Leap Slam setup
	Leap Slam - Leap Slam is the recommended Movement Skill for this build
	Lifetap Support - Leap Slam will cost you no Mana at all thanks to Lifetap
	Faster Attacks Support - use it to Leap much faster

[UTILITY] Enduring Cry
	Enduring Cry - A Warcry Spell that generates Endurance Charges, grants extra Physical Damage mitigation and instant Life Recovery. it's optional.

[UTILITY] Blood Rage
	Blood Rage - allows you to generate Frenzy Charges, increases your Attack Speed, and Life Leech. It deals a moderate amount of damage to you, but with high Leech it is negligible. If you have an extra Socket here, you can link it to Enhance Support to slightly boost the Attack Speed bonus

5. Gear Setup

Below you will find the recommended gear for this build. With a basic understanding of the build and fight mechanic, it should allow you to easily face Shaper on a level 90 character. This is a Crit-based version of this build that utilizes high Physical DPS Staves and standard Life gear. We also have a more budget-friendly Resolute Technique/2H Axe version that can be found here.

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Our recommended items will:

1. Cap your resistances 
2. Give you enough DPS/Life to start mapping

(Helmet) Rare Helmet - Aim for decent Life, Elemental Resistances, and Accuracy Rating. If you're using a base with Dexterity you might also encounter Spell Suppression Chance, undoubtedly useful.

Min. requirements: 90 maximum Life 80% Total Elemental Resistances Optional affixes: Nearby enemies take +#% Physical Damage Global Critical Strike Multiplier Spell Suppression Chance Accuracy Rating

(Helmet) Devoto's Devotion - An inexpensive Helmet that will allow you to comfortably use your Cyclone. It provides no Elemental Resistances nor Damage increase

+(50-65) to Dexterity 10% reduced Global Physical Damage 16% increased Attack Speed (150-200)% increased Armour and Evasion +(15-25)% to Chaos Resistance 20% increased Movement Speed Mercury Footprints

Helmet enchantments: Increased Cyclone Attack Speed Increased Cyclone Damage

(Weapon) Rare Staff - Your goal here is to accumulate as many offensive mods as possible. Use Eventuality Rod as a base - for more Maximum Endurance and Power Charges. Smashing Strikes will generate your Endurance Charges

Min. requirements: 500 Physical DPS 20% increased Attack Speed Optional affixes: Chance to deal Double Damage Increased Critical Strike Chance/Multiplier Accuracy Rating

(Weapon) Cane of Kulemak - This weapon, with its three Veiled mods, can grant you over 200% increased Physical Damage. Look for #% increased Physical Damage +# to Level of Socketed Support Gems, Adds # to # Physical Damage, Hits can't be Evaded, #% chance to deal Double Damage, #% increased Damage per Endurance Charge, #% Critical Strike Multiplier while a Rare or Unique Enemy is Nearby, #% increased Attack Speed while a Rare or Unique Enemy is Nearby, #% increased Attack Speed, #% increased Critical Strike Chance, #to Accuracy Rating

+20% Chance to Block Attack Damage while wielding a Staff (60–90)% increased Unveiled Modifier magnitudes Three Veiled Mods

(Weapon) Hegemony's Era - Can be used as a substitute until you'll find yourself better, more expensive Staff

+20% Chance to Block Spell Damage while wielding a Staff +6% Chance to Block Attack Damage while wielding a Staff Adds (135-145) to (160-175) Physical Damage (12-16)% increased Attack Speed (10-20)% increased Critical Strike Chance +1 to Maximum Power Charges 10% chance to gain a Power Charge if you Knock an Enemy Back with Melee Damage

(Body Armour) Rare Body Armour - just aim for high Life (preferably 100+) and 6-links. This will be one of the most expensive parts of this build

Min. requirements: 100 maximum Life Optional affixes: Avoid Interruption from Stuns while using Socketed Attack Skills Elemental Resistances You can apply an additional Curse Attacks have +#% to Critical Strike Chance Socketed Attacks have -15 to Total Mana Cost Attributes increased Maximum Life

(Body Armour) Farrul's Fur - It can be safely said that this is one of the best Body Armours for these types of builds. It gives a lot of Maximum Life, Armour and Evasion and Aspect of the Cat off charge. You can however achieve better results with an expensive Rare Body Armour

(100-150)% increased Armour and Evasion +(80-100) to maximum Life Aspect of the Cat Reserves no Mana +2 seconds to Cat's Stealth Duration Gain up to your maximum number of Frenzy and Power Charges when you gain Cat's Stealth You have Phasing while you have Cat's Stealth

(Boots) Rare Boots - again, mainly defensive stats and increased Movement Speed. I would suggest using Labyrinth Enchantment on the boots since they can roll something valuable while getting the right Helmet enchantment will require a lot of luck

Min. requirements: 70 Maximum Life 70% Total Elemental Resistances 25% increased Movement Speed Optional affixes: You have Tailwind if you have dealt a Critical Strike Recently chance to gain Onslaught for 4 seconds on Kill chance to gain Elusive on Critical Strike Freeze and Chill immunity

Boot enchantment: 16% increased Attack and Cast Speed if you've Killed Recently

(Belt) Ryslatha's Coil - There is no better Belt than this, except Headhunter but that could be said about any build. Ryslatha's Coil increases your damage by an absurd amount.

(20-30)% increased Stun Duration on Enemies +(20-40) to Strength (30-40)% more Maximum Physical Attack Damage (40-30)% less Minimum Physical Attack Damage Adds 1 to (15-20) Physical Damage to Attacks +(80-100) to maximum Life Gain 50 Life when you Stun an Enemy

(Amulet) Rare Amulet - The amulet is there to get you some Maximum Life, Resistances, and DPS bonuses. You can also stumble upon Attributes, Accuracy, added Damage, Reservation Efficiency, and Critical Strike mods.

Min. requirements: 60 maximum Life Added Physical Damage to Attacks Global Critical Strike Multiplier Optional affixes: Elemental Resistances Attributes Accuracy Pride has Reduced Mana Reservation

Recommended Anointments: Panopticon Tenacity Ophidian Aim

(Ring) Rare Rings - Two-Stone Rings are a decent option to look for additional Elemental Resistance. Use Steel Rings for more Damage and Vermilion Rings for More Maximum Life. You can get a Curse on Hit here - Vulnerability, but Assassin's Mark would be a better choice. You can't get it on a ring.

Min. requirements: 70 maximum Life 60% Total Elemental Resistances Optional affixes: Global Critical Strike Multiplier Attributes Curse Enemies with Vulnerability on Hit, with 32% increased Effect Intelligence Added Physical Damage to Attacks Attack Speed

(Gloves) Rare Gloves - again, aim for defensive stats and either Attack Speed and Added Physical Damage to Attacks (a pair with all of these stats can get expensive). Use Spiked Gloves for more Damage

Min. requirements: 70 maximum Life 80% Total Elemental Resistances Optional affixes: Increased Damage while Leeching Attack Speed Accuracy Added Physical Damage to Attacks Attributes

(Jewels) Rare Jewels - try to get increased Life on your Jewels - preferably 7%, and some damage modifiers like Attack Speed, Attack Damage, or Critical Strike ones. It's also good to have one with Corrupted Blood immunity.

Recommended affixes: increased maximum Life Optional affixes: increased Melee/Area/Physical Damage increased Attack Speed Critical Strike Chance Critical Strike Multiplier Attributes

(Jewels) Watcher's Eye - with Pride and Precision, your best option is "Impales you inflict last 2 additional Hits while using Pride" mod

(4-6)% increased maximum Energy Shield (4-6)% increased maximum Life (4-6)% increased maximum Mana <Two or Three random aura modifiers>

(Jewels) Large Cluster Jewel - Mace and Staff Damage should be your base. Feed the Fury and Martial Prowess are too good to pass on, Overlord grants you Fortify and Fuel the Fight - Mana Leech

Recommended Affixes: 1 Added Passive Skill is Feed the Fury 1 Added Passive Skill is Fuel the Fight 1 Added Passive Skill is Martial Prowess 1 Added Passive Skill is Overlord 1 Added Passive Skill is Master the Fundamentals

(Jewels) Medium Cluster Jewel - Some of the best notables for a medium Cluster Jewel you can get on an Area Damage-based medium Cluster Jewel and Critical Strike-based Jewel.

Recommended Affixes: 1 Added Passive Skill is Titanic Swing 1 Added Passive Skill is Magnifier 1 Added Passive Skill is Basics of Pain 1 Added Passive Skill is Pressure Pints

(Flask) Lion's Roar - grants very high bonus Damage and extra defensive utility, pretty much mandatory Flask

+1500 to Armour Adds Knockback to Melee Attacks during Flask effect Knocks Back Enemies in an Area when you use a Flask 75% chance to cause Enemies to Flee on use (7-10)% more Melee Physical Damage during effect

(Flask) Bottled Faith - One of the Best Flasks in the game for every build that uses Critical Strikes

40% increased Damage Creates Consecrated Ground on Use (20-40)% increased Duration Consecrated Ground created by this Flask has Tripled Radius Consecrated Ground created during Effect applies (7-10)% increased Damage taken to Enemies (100-150)% increased Critical Strike Chance against Enemies on Consecrated Ground during Flask effect

Other suggested Flasks: Bubbling Divine Life Flask of Heat (Freeze immunity) Ample Quicksilver Flask of Adrenaline (Movement Speed) Experimenter's Basalt Flask of Warding (Curse immunity)

If you have any other build requests please leave that in the comments below.

Pictures used in this article are the intellectual property of Grinding Gear Games.