If you’re new to Path of Exile 2, one of the best builds for a beginner who wants to feel tough and deal damage is the Tectonic Slam Juggernaut. This build is simple, powerful, and U4GM PoE 2  effective, focusing on physical damage with the ability to take hits and keep on fighting. The Juggernaut Ascendancy enhances the survivability of this build, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer being able to take a beating while dealing impressive damage.

Why Tectonic Slam Juggernaut?

Tectonic Slam is a powerful, physical attack that deals area-of-effect (AoE) damage around your character. The build works by hitting the ground with a massive slam that damages nearby enemies. The Juggernaut Ascendancy shines in this build, offering huge increases to both your defense and offense.

Key benefits of the Juggernaut include:

Unflinching: Provides strong bonus armor and prevents stuns, making you nearly unstoppable in combat.

Unflinching: This ensures you won’t be stunned during battle, which is vital for keeping up your offensive momentum.

Unflinching: Maximize your total health and resistances, ensuring that your survival is never an issue.

Getting Started

At the start of the campaign, you’ll want to use Sweep or Ground Slam while you level up, as these skills will help you get comfortable with your melee damage and AoE attacks. As soon as you reach higher levels and get access to Tectonic Slam, you’ll see the full potential of this powerful skill.

The first step is leveling up your character with easy-to-use melee skills. For example, Ground Slam is a great starting point for the early campaign stages. Once you unlock Tectonic Slam, it becomes your primary skill, as it can deal massive AoE damage, clearing large groups of monsters quickly.

Items and Budget

One of the advantages of playing a Tectonic Slam Juggernaut is that it doesn’t require expensive or rare gear to be effective. You’ll want to focus on:

Weapon: A high-damage mace, axe, or staff is ideal for increasing your Tectonic Slam damage.

Armor: Prioritize life, resistance, and armor bonuses for survivability.

Ring and Amulet: Look for physical damage, life, and resistance.

Unique items like Kaom’s Way and Tabula Rasa can be nice additions if you can afford them, but they’re not mandatory. Stick to cheap and simple gear that boosts physical damage, life, and resistances.

Skill Gems and Links

For Tectonic Slam, here’s a good starting point for gem links:

Tectonic Slam: Your main damage skill.

Melee Physical Damage Support: Increases physical damage.

Ruthless Support: Deals massive extra damage for fewer attacks.

Added Fire Damage: For additional fire damage that helps with mob clears.

For defense, consider adding Fortify and Endurance Charge on Melee Stun to ensure you can tank more hits.

Playstyle and Tips

Tectonic Slam is all about hitting enemies hard and surviving longer fights. You’ll want to move into packs of enemies, slam the ground with your skill, and let the AoE damage clear multiple mobs. Your Juggernaut's natural toughness allows you to stand in the middle of combat, taking hits while dishing out heavy damage.

As you encounter bosses or tougher enemies, you can stack Endurance Charges to reduce incoming damage and keep your health high. Don’t forget to use Leap Slam for mobility, and keep Vaal Molten Shell ready for extra defense in critical moments.

Conclusion

The Tectonic Slam Juggernaut is an easy-to-play and incredibly tough build that allows you to clear both campaign areas and maps efficiently. With a focus on physical damage, high survivability, and a straightforward playstyle, this build is perfect for beginners looking for a tanky, no-fuss experience.