[3.2+] Explosive Cleave / Lacerate Gladiator. Insane Clear Speed, Solid Defenses and Budget

Most of the gladiator builds that I've seen have been going the block route, what can you say about the fact that most are capitalizing on that instead?

Do you feel that you are missing out what the gladiator has to offer?

How do you think this more offensive gladiator spec weighs in comparison to these block builds?

Some questions that I have in mind. I really wanna try gladiator and I just can't help but notice the majority going the other way; makes me stop and think some times. I could just go and make both and see who I like more really but that would take time. I could make that a goal though.

What were your thoughts when you chose to go down the other side of the gladiator tree in relation to others going for the block?

CAN RUN ATZIRI AND TIER 10++ MAPS? PLS RESPOND!!!!

The link for the 83 points leveling tree seems to not be correct it just brings up the tree for 33 points

Im playing it on hc, currently level 75 and having a blast although I do foresee some defensive issues in the future :D

@anvilgod

Yeah it's ok should be fine.

@Nitsujin

I think it depends, a lot of gladiator builds go max block but this completely ruins their clear speed. I prefer my build without max block. Max block builds also leave you vulnerable to getting one-shot, since a lot of builds invest only into block as their main source of defense and nothing else.

Whereas for this build we have 5 endurance charges, arctic armour and some pretty high armour to mitigate incoming damage as well as 30% block to avoid incoming damage. We also have blind, enfeeble, and a high life pool to avoid further incoming damage.

The way I try to make builds, is to first come up with a nice clear speed build, and then add some solid defenses to it. Here are some of my other builds as examples of this concept.

https://www.pathofexile.com/forum/view-thread/1459170 Hyaon's Lightning Strike
https://www.pathofexile.com/forum/view-thread/1590929 Poison Spectral Throw

A lot of pro hc players never go max block anymore as the drop in clear speed and investment makes it not worth the effort. Builds have to balance offense and defense.

@machinectm

Yeah, just killed atziri with this build. Also killed T10 Death and Taxes boss.

https://imgur.com/Z2OZoMJ
http://imgur.com/7LYpvPI

@rikar

Thanks for pointing that out, it has been fixed now.

@druidsys

hmm, let me know if you struggle with anything.

I'm curious if you or anyone else running this build tried a different melee skill and what the results are? E.g. would Infernal Blow work?

Btw, thanks for the build. It's a late bloomer but man is it fun when you reach there.

@ricesteam

Glad ur enjoying it. Yeh havent tried other skills but Infernal blow should work along with a multitude of others.

What are your thoughts on the Nodes Dirty Techniques and Bloodletting? I think you could get a significant damage boost against bosses/Atziri since the enemies are always bleeding.

How often you are dying? Is it HC viable?

Hi,

Liking the build so far, but is there any option to Soultaker that could instead be a sword or dagger? Ive been running whirling blades up until lvl 50ish, and now without it I find myself not liking the leap slam skill for moveability.