Triple Herald Blade Vortex Elementalist Build Guide (PoE The Forbidden Sanctum 3.19)
Introduction
Due to the latest balancing changes, we do not recommend playing this build anymore, as it does not meet the high standards we apply to our guides in terms of fun and performance. We are leaving it up as a reference and it might be revived in a later patch.
If you’re looking for a build to leaguestart Blade Vortex like the good old days, I would suggest you check out Tbxie’s guide for the skill.
The Triple Herald Blade Vortex Elementalist has become an iconic staple of the Path of Exile meta since its rise to power in Incursion League and a fast favorite amongst exiles everywhere. Truly a capable jack-of-all-trades, this build feels comfortable in virtually all environments, whether you are blasting through a Shaper kill or disintegrating groups of enemies as you plough through maps. Perhaps most importantly, this build is a very viable League Starter and can be played to great effect in the SSF leagues. In fact, a variant of this build was the first to reach Rank 1 & 2 of the Incursion HCSSF ladder, which is a true testament to the build’s ability to excel in all environments.
This build deals nearly exclusively Elemental damage, which stems from the Herald auras themselves as well as our 
Blade Vortex damage, which is converted from Physical to Elemental. The high amount of Critical Chance we end up with allows us to move through maps like a blender, freezing and shattering the entire screen using 
Herald of Ice, 
Herald of Ash, and 
Herald of Thunder. A healthy amount of leech and 
Atziri's Promise ensure that we are always sitting at a comfortable amount of health, provided there is a target to hit.
Build Assessment
Pros
+ Very fast clear speed
+ Satisfying explosion chains
+ Immune to reflect
Cons
– Blade Vortex mechanics can feel clunky to some players, particularly before you acquire Increased Duration nodes/enchant
– More of a nostalgia build than a current meta build — this is no longer the best way to run a BV build
– Melee build means that you actually have to do mechanics
– This is a Glass Cannon you will die.
Path of Building
Path of Building for the build is available here
Included is the recommended set of mid-game gear, a full skill tree, and all the gem links needed to get the build to tick.
We use the Path of Building Community Fork for all of our builds, which is highly recommended. If you are encountering errors importing the build, please ensure you are using the Community Fork.
Playstyle
This build is very relaxing, and a ton of fun to play. Blade Vortex plays similarly to 
Righteous Fire builds, with the player dashing into packs with 
Flame Dash while Blade Vortex and Herald chain shatters take care of the rest. The Triple Herald Blade Vortex Elementalist is a true all-rounder, but unlike others that fall into this category, it feels incredibly powerful in virtually all mapping environments. This is a build for blasting through maps while satisfying explosions and colorful lights erupt all around you.
Passive Skill Tree
This our level 100 tree for the build Level 100 Pobb.in
For more details on the Passive Tree, skill acquisition order, and more, be sure to check out the Passive Skill Tree page for in-depth information.
Passive Skill Tree and Gem Links
Gems
We go over all of the gem links this build uses in the end-game on our Gem Link page.
Passive Skill Tree and Gem Links
Ascendancy, Bandits, and Pantheon
Our Ascendancy, Bandit, and Pantheon Powers page goes into detail about all the choices you need to make in these regards.
Ascendancy, Bandits, and Pantheon Powers
Gear Summary / TL;DR
These items strike a balance between power and cost-effectiveness. If you want to explore more options for Gear (both budget and high-end), Flasks, or get more information on alternatives and specialty items, please ensure you read the Gear, Jewels, and Flasks page thoroughly.
Our recommendation:
| Item Slot | Item Name |
| Head | Rare Helmet |
| Amulet | Rare Amulet |
| Chest |  Inpulsa's Broken Heart |
| Gloves |  Hrimsorrow |
| Boots | Rare  Fugitive Boots or any other base |
| Belt | Rare  Stygian Vise |
| Ring 1 |  Mark of the Shaper |
| Ring 1 | Rare Elder Ring |
| Weapon 1 | Rare Shaped Dagger |
| Weapon 2 | Rare Shaped Dagger |
For in-depth recommendations for gear, flasks, jewels, and crafting advice be sure to read our Gear, Jewels, and Flasks page .
Gear, Jewels, and Flasks Breakdown
Leveling
As a reminder, we have several guides to help you level up a character.
- Our step-by-step leveling walkthrough, which allows even more experienced players to save time and speed through the leveling process.
- Our guide to Unique Items for leveling, which helps you gear up your characters for the leveling process.
- Our beginner leveling guide, which answers many of the questions new players might have and will set you on the right path.
Start out with 
Freezing Pulse and use it to quickly push through Act I until you reach Merveil’s Caves. Pick up Blade Vortex from Nessa, which can be used from Level 12 and is a fantastic level skills. In Act I you can link it to:
- Blade Vortex
Added Lightning Damage Support
Added Cold Damage Support
Arcane Surge Support
Increased Critical Strikes Support- ###item:onslaught-support###
Begin to work the other recommended gems as you level up. Be sure to pick up 
Vaal Blade Vortex as early as possible and acquire all the Herald auras, as well as 
Controlled Destruction Support and 
Physical to Lightning Support, in Act II. You will also want to purchase Hrimsorrow very early on, even when league starting.
FAQ
Which Annointment Should I Use for my Amulet?
Exceptional Performance is an excellent choice that offers some of the best possible QoL as well as being very cheap.
How Many Stacks of Blade Vortex Should I Clear With?
Depending on the Map tier, you will need varying levels of Blade Vortex stacks to instantly kill packs, but 2-3 stacks is generally suitable. With many Path of Exile builds, the true optimization comes through managing your flasks correctly, and this one is no exception — do not overlap whenever possible, but do not let your charges stack up and get munched.
5-Link Inpulsa vs. Tabula Rasa
In most situations, the 5-Linked Inpulsa's Broken Heart will outperform the 
Tabula Rasa, or indeed, any Rare or Unique 6-Linked Chest. On single targets such as bosses, the difference is a little murkier, and the 6-Linked Chest will likely outperform Inpulsa. Regardless, we always recommend making the swap to Inpulsa as soon as you are able to purchase and equip one.
How Much Currency Will it Cost Before I Can Blow Up My Entire Screen?
Not very much, although the exact cost varies from league to league. Inpulsa's Broken Heart is the only real item necessary to kick the build into high gear, and even then, it is possible to continue leveling without it (if you are SSF, for example). You should easily be able to kit yourself out for less than 5 divines and be blasting through maps in no time.
Check out the rest of the guide for any additional information:
Passive Skill Tree and Gem Links
Ascendancy, Bandits, and Pantheon Powers
Gear, Jewels, and Flasks Breakdown
