With the new League right around the corner, players are already mapping out their currency strategies, farming routes, and-most importantly-their league starter builds. While hardcore and SSF players have entirely different priorities, this guide focuses on softcore trade for Week 1 of the new Path of Exile League. The goal is simple: maximize early-game progression POE currency, farm efficiently, and snowball into high-value currency routes before the market stabilizes.

The updated Week 1 Softcore Trade Tier List breaks down into five categories:

 S-Tier: Top-tier builds for early progression and profit.

 A-Tier: Nearly as strong, but slightly slower or more gear-dependent.

 Specialized Builds: Focused strategies for specific farming content.

 Scaling Builds: Late-game monsters that aren't ideal for League start.

 Honorable Mentions: Reliable, fun builds that just miss the top cut.

S-Tier Builds-The Kings of Week One

1. Attack Wanderer (Kinetic Rain / Kinetic Blast)

No surprise here-Attack Wanderer sits firmly at the top. With the new Kinetic Rain skill expected to fix the classic single-target weakness of wand builds, Wanderer may be the most well-rounded starter of the entire patch. Even if the new skill underperforms, Kinetic Blast and Power Siphon remain staples with some of the best clear speed in the game.

Why it's S-Tier:

 Insane clear speed perfect for Breach farming.

 Flexible ascendancies: Deadeye, Raider, Pathfinder, Berserker, and even Shadow variants.

 Scales extremely well into both mid- and late-game content.

 Meta popularity: almost every top racer or content creator (Jung, Palsteron, Rut, and others) is running some form of Wanderer this League.

If you want to blast maps, print currency, and melt bosses without complex gearing, this is your go-to.

2. Earthshatter Slammer

The returning king of day-one progression. Even after minor nerfs, Earthshatter remains unmatched for leveling, boss rushing, and early Atlas completion. Popularized by top racers like Ben and Alkaiser, Earthshatter's raw efficiency in solo progression keeps it permanently glued to S-tier.

Why it's S-Tier:

 Fast, easy leveling with no rare gear required.

 Dominant bossing with minimal investment.

 Great synergy with Breach and Ultimatum content due to strong AOE and knockback.

 Perfect transition build: easily evolves into a Strength-stacking Juggernaut or Earthbreaker setup later.

This is the ideal "safe, fast, and powerful" league starter-perfect for anyone wanting a smooth start without relying on market RNG.

3. Cast When Stunned Chieftain (Ultimatum Specialist)

This might be the most niche S-tier build on the list, but for good reason. If you're planning to live inside Ultimatums and Simulacrums, this is the single best build for the job. Built around automatic spell triggering and layered tankiness, the Cast When Stunned Chieftain thrives where other builds crumble.

Why it's S-Tier:

 Specifically tuned for Ultimatum farming, the top Week 1 profit strategy.

 Massive survivability in tight arenas with constant incoming damage.

 Not new-player friendly, but extremely rewarding for veterans who follow guides like Miracles' CWStun setup.

 Top-tier income potential if Ultimatum remains untouched by balance changes.

Just remember: this is not a general-purpose build-it shines only in Ultimatums and Simulacrums.

A-Tier Builds-Excellent, Just a Step Behind

1. Cobra Lash / Venom Gyre Pathfinder

This poison-based throwback build remains a powerhouse thanks to its clear speed, Breach efficiency, and strong scaling. While it technically could sit in S-tier, the uncertainty around the Hand of the Fervent (a key Breach unique) keeps it slightly lower for now.

Why it's A-Tier:

 Top-tier clear speed for Breach farming.

 Smooth scaling from low to mid investment.

 Flexible transitions into Ward Stacker setups later.

 Potential sleeper pick if drop rates for its unique stay high.

If you want to blend fast mapping with satisfying, screen-wide poison explosions, Cobra Lash and Venom Gyre are both deadly and stylish.

2. Seismic Trap / Pyroclast Miner

Still an absolute workhorse of early progression, Seismic Miner continues to dominate when it comes to boss rushing and Uber farming. It may require a few uniques for optimal damage, but its raw efficiency remains unmatched for progressing through Acts and early Atlas.

Why it's A-Tier:

 Strong bossing potential and fast progression.

 Great for Breach and Expedition, thanks to overlapping AOE coverage.

 Proven track record used by top racers like Aeroplane and FearlessStumble.

 It's not flashy, but it's a steady path to early wealth and late-game transition options.3. Viper Strike / Cobra Mamba Pathfinder

Another poison build that thrives on low-budget scaling. While not the fastest clearer, Viper Strike offers incredibly high single-target DPS and excellent synergy with Pathfinder's flask uptime.

Why it's A-Tier:

 Very strong damage per investment.

 Decent clear speed, excellent bossing.

 Comfortable for casual players due to its simple mechanics.

If you want a build that melts bosses without complicated mechanics, this one's for you.

4. Smite Slayer

A fan favorite that refuses to die. Smite Slayer offers strong clear, solid defenses, and a satisfying melee playstyle that recalls the glory days of Lancing Steel. Its simplicity and balance make it a reliable choice for newer players who want to farm effectively without relying on specific uniques.

5. Arc Mage / Archmage Hierophant

For players who like big numbers and flashy visuals, Archmage builds are still excellent league starters. Despite a few mana-scaling changes, this archetype-championed by SpicySushi-remains one of the fastest to rush Uber bosses and clear high-tier maps.

Why it's A-Tier:

 One of the best Uber rushers early in the league.

 Incredible scaling with modest gear.

 Fun to play and extremely explosive visually.

6. Tornado Shot / Lightning Arrow Deadeye

The classic Deadeye bow archetype stays strong this league, though slightly weaker due to spell suppression nerfs. Lightning Arrow still dominates in clear speed and feels great for Breach, but it's much squishier now. Perfect for skilled players who can dodge and reposition well.

Specialized Builds-Focused Profit Strategies

These aren't general-purpose league starters-they're hyper-focused on specific farm types.

 Boss Farmers: Great for fast players who can hit four stones within days. Penance Brand, Seismic Traps, and Minions dominate here for Uber carry selling.

 Sanctum Runners: Still viable, though niche. Penance Brand or Beacon of Madness are the go-tos for "Sanctum-only" play.

 Ultimatum Farmers: Cast When Stunned Chieftain remains king here.

 Expedition Farmers: Any DOT-based build like RF Chieftain or Poison Concoction Pathfinder performs best.

 Heist Runners: Toxins and Beacon of Madness Pathfinders are the top picks, especially after Heist buffs this patch.

Scaling Builds-Late-Game Powerhouses (Not for League Start)

These builds become unstoppable with currency but are painful to start with:

 Strength Stackers (Earthshatter Juggernaut / Smite Berserker): Eventually reach absurd damage but need multiple uniques and crafted gear.

 Int Stackers (Lightning Strike / Wander Hybrids): Can break the game with investment but cost a fortune early on.

 Armor Stackers: Overpowered at endgame, but resource-hungry and slow to start.

Pro tip: if you plan to transition into one of these, start as Earthshatter Slammer or Attack Wanderer to build your foundation.

Honorable Mentions-Still Great League Starters

These builds might not dominate the meta, but they remain proven and fun:

 Righteous Fire (RF Inquisitor): The ultimate "dad gamer" build-safe, consistent, and supported by Pox's legendary guides.

 Eviscerate Champion: Slower, but very tanky and satisfying melee playstyle.

 Ice Strike / Lightning Strike Raider: Reliable with solid clear, great for leveling.

 Siege Ballista Pathfinder: Pew's detailed guide keeps it relevant and smooth to start.

 Poison Brand Occultist: A new experiment, but early testing looks promising.

Final Thoughts-The Week 1 Meta Outlook

Week one in Path of Exile is all about speed, efficiency, and flexibility. Whether you want to blast through Breach maps, dive into Ultimatums, or rush Ubers, the game rewards builds that adapt quickly and farm without friction POE orbs.