Welcome to the definitive guide for the Torvian, Hand of the Saviour build for Path of Exile 2. This build centers around the Templar’s new Vindicator Ascendancy, a holy warrior who wields both the raw power of melee slams and the focused intensity of divine spells. The core of this build is its dynamic playstyle, utilizing Path of Exile 2’s weapon swap system to seamlessly switch between a hard-hitting mace and shield for close-quarters combat and a powerful staff for incinerating bosses and dense packs from a distance. By consecrating the ground and calling upon holy fire, the Vindicator is an incredibly resilient and powerful force, capable of clearing all content the game has to throw at you. For players looking to enhance their journey, resources like PoE 2 Currency can provide an extra edge in gearing and progression.

Build Overview: Pros and Cons

Every build has its strengths and weaknesses. Understanding them ensures you know what to expect before committing to the character. The Vindicator offers a balanced profile with notable advantages in survivability and adaptability.

Pros

• Exceptional Tankiness: High armour, a shield, permanent Consecrated Ground, and defensive ascendancy nodes allow you to endure heavy damage.
• Strong Single-Target Damage: Weapon swapping to a channeled staff spell delivers tremendous damage to bosses and rare enemies.
• Engaging Combat Loop: Alternating between slams for area control and beams for precision damage keeps gameplay exciting.
• League Start Friendly: Works effectively on rare gear, with core skills available early in the campaign.
• Flexible Gearing: No reliance on a single unique item, allowing multiple gearing paths.

Cons

• Moderate Clear Speed: Clears enemies methodically rather than instantly.
• Weapon Swapping Required: Best performance requires frequent use of the swap mechanic.
• Two Weapon Sets Needed: Requires crafting or finding two separate weapon setups.

Class and Ascendancy Path

Class: Templar

The Templar is ideal due to his position between Strength and Intelligence on the passive tree, granting easy access to life, armour, and elemental damage nodes.

Ascendancy: Vindicator

1. Path of Sanctity: Extends Consecrated Ground duration, boosts ally damage, and increases enemy damage taken while on it.
2. Unyielding Faith: Increases Armour and Block Chance, and converts some block chance into spell block.
3. Righteous Brand: Applies a debuff to enemies on Consecrated Ground, increasing fire and lightning damage taken.
4. Saviour’s Arrival: Grants a temporary buff on hitting a unique enemy, boosting area of effect, attack speed, and cast speed.

Skill Gem and Link Setup

Weapon Set 1: Mace and Shield (Area Clearing and Debuffing)

Purpose: Primary mapping skill that also generates Consecrated Ground.

Weapon Set 2: Staff (Single Target Annihilation)

Purpose: High-damage beam for bosses and tough enemies, especially effective on Consecrated Ground.

Auras and Utility Skills

• Auras: Determination, Zealotry, Purity of Fire.
• Guard Skill: Molten Shell with Cast when Damage Taken.
• Movement: Flame Dash for mobility and dodging.
• Utility: Ancestral Protector for attack speed boosts.

Gearing and Stat Priority

The gearing approach focuses first on survivability through armour and life, followed by offensive scaling via fire damage and cast speed. Resistances must be capped at 75%.

• Mace: High physical DPS, increased physical damage, attack speed, and fire conversion.
• Shield: Armour-based with high block, life, and resistances.
• Staff: +2 to fire gems, high spell damage, cast speed, and fire DoT multiplier.
• Body Armour: Armour base with life, armour %, resistances.
• Helmet, Gloves, Boots: Armour-based with life, armour, resistances; boots with 30%+ movement speed.
• Amulet: Life, resistances, +1 fire skill gems, fire damage.
• Rings: Amethyst for chaos res, life, resistances, and fire damage.
• Flasks: Life, Granite, Basalt, Quicksilver, Atziri’s Promise.

Comparison: Vindicator vs Other Templar Ascendancies

With its strong defensive core, adaptable weapon swap system, and potent single-target damage, the Vindicator is a standout option for both new and experienced players. It thrives in encounters where positioning and tactical play matter more than raw speed. For those considering efficient gearing routes, exploring options like cheap path of exile 2 currency can help accelerate progression and optimize the build’s potential.