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Path of Exile 3.26 introduces a fresh and exciting meta that has reinvigorated several builds, notably the Arc Elementalist. Arc, a highly mobile and versatile spell, benefits immensely from the Elementalist ascendancy's specialization in elemental damage, proliferation, and survivability. This build offers excellent clear speed, strong single-target damage, and robust defenses, making it a popular choice for players tackling Endgame content PoE 1 Currency.

The core strength of the Arc Elementalist lies in the synergy between Arc's lightning damage and the Elementalist ascendancy's powerful bonuses. Elementalist notable nodes, such as Shaper of Flames, Beacon of Ruin, and Liege of the Primordial, not only boost elemental damage but also grant proliferation effects that spread elemental status ailments to nearby enemies. This drastically increases damage output, crowd control, and clears speed. Additionally, Elementalist's bonuses to golem survivability and flask effectiveness enhance the Arc Elementalist's defensive reliability, allowing players to confidently dive into packs of monsters without excessive risk.

When planning the passive skill tree for the Arc Elementalist in 3.26, focus on maximizing lightning damage, spell damage, elemental scaling, and critical strike chance. Key nodes like Elemental Overload, Spell Echo, and Arc enchantments provide strong offensive layers, while life and energy shield clusters improve survivability. A typical tree also integrates the increased effect of non-damaging ailments, such as shock and exposure, to benefit from Elementalist's ailment proliferation. The allocation of ascendancy points should prioritize damage-enhancing nodes first, then defensive nodes, and finally utility bonuses like flask effect.

Gear selection is crucial to optimizing the Arc Elementalist's performance. A Wand or sceptre with high spell damage, increased lightning damage, and cast speed is the ideal weapon choice. The helmet should ideally be socketed with Arc and support gems like Spell Echo and Controlled Destruction. Armor pieces should prioritize energy shield and resistances, with significant life being a secondary priority for balance. Utility flasks that provide offensive and defensive layers, such as a Silver flask for phasing or a Quartz flask for dodge chance, are essential. Jewels boosting elemental damage, shock effect, and damage over time further enhance the build's DPS.

Skill gem setup centers around the Arc skill linked with key support gems to maximize damage and survivability. Core links include Spell Echo, Controlled Destruction for increased damage at the cost of critical strike chance, and Lightning Penetration to reduce enemy elemental resistances. Additional utility gems like Added Lightning Damage or Hypothermia can be incorporated for specific scenarios, but depend on socket availability. Defensive setups may involve linking Link gems such as Enlighten to reduce mana reservation or Increased Duration to extend beneficial effects. Proper positioning of these gems across gear sockets is vital for sustained output during both clearing and boss fights.

In gameplay, the Arc Elementalist excels at rapidly zapping through enemy packs while applying shock and exposure to boost damage further. Maintaining mobility and keeping Arc's chain mechanic active on multiple enemies is fundamental to maximizing proliferation benefits from the Elementalist ascendancy. Players should manage their mana effectively, often utilizing mana flasks and reserve reduction passive nodes to maintain uninterrupted casting buy PoE Currency. The build handles most bosses with well-timed flasks and movement to avoid mechanics, while continuous Arc casting ensures steady damage. With practice, Arc Elementalist becomes a highly reliable and enjoyable build capable of conquering the most challenging Path of Exile 3.26 content.