The patch reworks elemental ailments to be more punishing, especially for players not investing in full immunities. Builds that once ignored Freeze or Shock now require mitigation layers like Purity of Elements or ailment suffixes on jewels.
Combat pacing has shifted due to cooldown reductions and Vaal skill improvements. Builds like Vaal Ice Shot and Vaal Reap shine in moment-based engagements. Managing Vaal soul gain and burst sequencing is now a key part of optimal play.
Monsters now have improved targeting and AI, making kiting less reliable. Stationary skills, such as Totems or Mines, can be disrupted more often, forcing players to recalculate positioning. Dodge mechanics and movement speed become critical tools in surviving elite packs.
Mana management also plays a bigger role. With changes to reservation efficiency and leech limits, players must balance between Aura stacking and sustainable skill usage. Archmage builds or Eldritch Battery setups are making a return due to their flexibility in long fights.
Finally, on-hit effects and curse setups play a larger role. Sniper’s Mark, Hexblast, and Arcanist Brand combos enable layered Poe 1 Divine Orb debuff strategies that outpace traditional single-skill spam.
In summary, PoE 3.26 favors tactical players who understand the flow of combat and optimize their gear and playstyle around engagement timing, survivability, and skill layering.