PoE 2 0.3 Best SSF Builds for Rise of the Abyssals League Starter

The Path of Exile 2's first league - the Rise of the Abyssals rolling out in the huge 0.3.0 update, with Standard, Hardcore, and Solo Self-Found variations available! You can experience the same core mechanics and items in these leagues, but you will not use the same build to face the specific challenges in SSF mode. So in this guide, we want to share with you some meta builds for Solo-Self Found, which you can even use in Hardcore mode! Without further ado, let's just go into the best league starter build list:

POE 2 0.3 SSF Tier List - Best League Starter Builds for Rise of the Abyssals Solo-Self Found

Below, we are going to present to you the most powerful Rise of the Abyssals League starters for the upcoming 0.3 expansion. These are the most exclusive budget builds with cheap Uber items; some of them right here cost less than 10 exalts to farm all Tier 4 plus pinnacle bosses. Without further ado, let's just go into the best league starter build list:

1. Whirlwind Incinerate Lich King

Whirlwind Incinerate Lich King leads the list for SSF league starters in Rise of the Abyssals. This build stands out due to its extremely low setup cost and immense power. It's possible to farm all tier 4 and pinnacle bosses for less than 10 exalts, using a simple four-link setup and super cheap items. Starting with yellow gear is entirely viable until you can upgrade to cheap uniques, making it perfect for Solo Self-Found. The weapon swap setup allows for versatile gameplay, and the build reaches millions of DPS even at endgame. The leveling process is smooth and accessible, and the build's affordability makes it a top pick for both softcore and hardcore SSF players.

2. Spark Blood Mage

Spark Blood Mage is a one-button powerhouse. The main appeal is its simplicity: cast Spark while moving, with no need for additional skills like Flame Wall or Flammability. This build is ideal for farming simulacrum and content that demands fast, screen-wide clear. There's no need to worry about timing or precision, making it suitable for players who prefer a laid-back approach. The blood magic version keeps the playstyle smooth, while a mana-based Stormwaver variant offers flexibility if desired. Even with basic gear, this build can breeze through early content, and its ease of use makes it especially effective for SSF.

3. Flicker Strike Invoker (Monk)

Flicker Strike Invoker is all about speed and fluidity. It boasts smooth clearing speed and excels at melting pinnacle bosses in seconds while freezing and stunning them. The only requirement is to consistently generate charges, which is handled by secondary skills such as Storm Wave or Ice Strike. Unlike the original PoE Flicker Strike, this version is safer and more accessible, delivering both bossing power and mapping performance. This build is a great choice for monks who want fast progression and reliable single-target DPS in a solo setting.

4. Gas Arrow Amazon with Rhoa Mount

The Gas Arrow Amazon build offers a unique playstyle with solid endgame potential. By stacking gas arrows and detonating them with fire, you achieve massive explosions that clear maps effortlessly. The build is smooth and comfortable, relying on budget rares like a dual string bow if you can't afford the suggested uniques. Alternative gear options, such as boots that ignite on step or using Flame Wall, help with ignite requirements. This setup is flexible for SSF, and as the gear and PoB are further optimized, it promises millions of DPS for endgame content.

5. Hollow Palm Technique Invoker Monk

Hollow Palm Technique Invoker Monk is a theorycrafted build that capitalizes on the new keystone, allowing for quarterstaff attacks while unarmed. The build benefits from huge attack speed boosts via evasion stacking and increased base critical chance from energy shield. Hybrid defenses using both evasion and energy shield synergize well with the new deflect mechanic, providing strong physical damage reduction and survivability. Monk and Invoker ascendancies add spirit and more mitigation, while elemental conversion skills and ascendancy notables like Sunder My Enemies further ramp up damage. This approach has high promise for SSF, especially due to its defensive layers and flexibility if new passive tree nodes prove beneficial.

6. Artillery Ballista Tactician

The Artillery Ballista Tactician build remains a solid SSF league starter, even with recent nerfs and mechanical changes. The build benefits from improved totem mechanics, better banner reliability, and a rework that allows totems to scale with weapon damage. With instant weapon swap and new support gem freedom, you can create versatile setups for both clearing and bossing. The new artillery ballista now fires a hail of bolts into an area, and integrating skills like mortar cannon adds further flexibility. The build’s adaptability and quality-of-life improvements keep it relevant for solo play.

7. Fire Warrior Warbringer

Fire-based Warrior Warbringer is a compelling strength-based option for SSF. With new skills like Forge Hammer and Ancestral Cry, you create explosive fire effects and can break armor with all damage types. War cries and armor stacking ensure high survivability, and the new passive tree delivers more fire nodes and damage options. The rework of block mechanics and improvements to armor as a defensive layer mean this build can safely progress in SSF, with the ability to deal strong fire damage and withstand tough encounters.

8. Multi-Elementalist Stormweaver Sorceress

The Multi-Elementalist Stormweaver Sorceress shines through its new infusion mechanics, weaving multiple elemental skills for strong synergies and unique interactions. Arc is now a primary skill again, and elemental infusions from skills like Frost Bomb and Spark grant powerful buffs. The new Stormwaver ascendancy features, such as increased limits for elemental skills and easier access to elemental exposure and curses, enhance both offense and defense. With the ability to double up on elemental remnants and generate frequent infusions, this build is both fun and effective for SSF players looking for variety and depth.

9. Rake BloodHunt Blood Mage

Rake Blood Hunt Blood Mage is a one-shot specialist with strong endgame viability. By combining Rake and Blood Hunt, you deliver aggravated bleed for devastating single-target damage and competent clear speed. Using Lightning Spear or similar skills to inflict bleed, the build remains tanky and easy to level, especially by stacking strength. The main damage comes from aggravated bleed, and the Blood Barbs ascendancy is essential for maximizing potential. This straightforward build is an excellent SSF choice for those who enjoy bleeding mechanics and solid bossing.