For players who value speed above all else, Path of Exile 3.26 offers plenty of ways to rush through the campaign and dive into maps quickly. The fastest progression relies on picking the right starter skills, maintaining Poe 1 Divine Orb momentum with movement speed, and knowing which maps to run first. A well-executed speed build can reduce the grind and allow you to access endgame content in record time.

During the campaign, certain skills stand out for their ability to clear entire screens efficiently. Spark and Toxic Rain remain two of the strongest options, as they require little investment and scale well as you level. Combining these with a movement skill like Flame Dash ensures that you never waste time crossing zones. Momentum is everything in speed leveling, and choosing early damage supports like Faster Casting or Mirage Archer enhances the process even further.

Gear plays an equally important role in staying ahead. Boots with high movement speed bonuses are invaluable, and securing one or two Quicksilver flasks early in the game drastically improves efficiency. While it’s tempting to ignore defenses in pursuit of raw speed, resistances and a modest life pool cannot be overlooked. A single death can waste more time than the small defensive investments needed to prevent it.

Ascendancy choices should also favor speed. Raiders, Tricksters, and Deadeyes offer strong mobility and offensive scaling, making them ideal for a fast-paced playstyle. Completing Labyrinths early provides Onslaught effects, faster attack speed, and other bonuses that keep characters racing forward without pause.

Once maps are unlocked, map selection determines the flow of your progression. Linear maps like Strand or Tropical Island are favorites among speed runners because their layouts are predictable and easy to clear quickly. Choosing maps with modifiers that increase monster density further boosts currency gains and ensures constant momentum.

One weakness of speed builds is bossing. Since many fast builds lean into damage and mobility at the expense of defenses, bosses can pose a greater challenge. The best way to handle this is to prepare gem swaps that focus on single-target damage and to carry defensive flasks like Basalt or Jade for added survivability.

Efficient currency management also supports a speed-focused playstyle. Resources gathered from quick map runs should be PoE 1 Currency immediately reinvested into gear upgrades, keeping your build powerful enough to maintain pace. The faster you reinvest, the less likely you’ll face setbacks when map difficulty spikes.

For players short on time or those who thrive on efficiency, fast progression builds in 3.26 deliver a thrilling experience. The tradeoff between defenses and speed is worth it when you can blaze through the campaign, clear maps in minutes, and access endgame challenges far sooner than slower playstyles.