In the grim and brutal world of Path of Exile, few weapons command the same awe as Starforge. This legendary two-handed sword channels the very fabric of space and reality into devastating physical blows. Known for its massive base damage and unique interaction with elemental conversions, Starforge offers a distinct and POE orbs powerful foundation for melee builds. In Rise of Starforge, players embrace raw strength, forsake elemental power, and cleave through enemies with galactic might. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to wield Starforge effectively: item overview, optimal builds, passive tree planning, gear synergies, and bossing strategies. What Makes Starforge Unique? Starforge Infernal Sword is a unique item with the following core features: +400 to 500% increased Physical Damage Adds 90 to 100 Physical Damage 20% increased Attack Speed Your Physical Damage can Shock Cannot deal Elemental Damage +20% to Maximum Life Enemies you Shock take increased Damage Pros: Exceptionally high raw physical DPS High life bonus makes it ideal for tanky builds Ability to shock using pure physical damage (normally not possible) Excellent for critical or fast-hitting melee builds Cons: No elemental scaling – you must avoid elemental conversion, which disqualifies many popular mechanics Limits certain support gem combinations and ascendancy choices Lacks crowd-control from elemental ailments (aside from shock) Best Ascendancies for Starforge Builds Several ascendancies can capitalize on Starforge’s strengths. The best choices emphasize physical damage scaling, critical strike efficiency, and life sustain. Slayer (Duelist) – Best Overall Endless Hunger and Brutal Fervour provide leech that continues after full life – ideal for survivability. Headsman grants increased AoE and on-kill bonuses, making Slayer great for both clear and bossing. Juggernaut (Marauder) – Tankiest Option Extremely durable and excels in armor-based defenses. Perfect for Hardcore or players wanting to face endgame bosses head-on. Champion (Duelist) – Defensive + Offense Hybrid Gain Fortify, taunt enemies, and scale impale with Master of Metal. Strong for physical impale builds with high uptime and reliable mitigation. Recommended Skills with Starforge When using Starforge, prioritize physical-damage melee skills that scale with weapon damage and attack speed. Cyclone – Smooth, Mobile Clear Great synergy with Starforge’s high base damage and AoE scaling. Leverages Slayer’s leech uptime for excellent sustain. Earthshatter – High AoE Burst Spikes for big damage against large groups or bosses. Excellent with Warcry support. Heavy Strike / Static Strike – Single-Target Focus For players who want a classic melee feel. Benefits from critical strike chance and high impact. Boneshatter – Risky, Rewarding Scales with hit damage but inflicts self-damage on each swing. When built correctly (especially with Juggernaut), Boneshatter can yield extreme DPS with Starforge. Passive Tree and Keystone Support Your passive tree should emphasize: Two-Handed Melee Nodes: Born to Fight, Slaughter, Butchery Attack Speed & Critical Strikes: Blade of Cunning, Disemboweling Life & Armor: Golem’s Blood, Juggernaut, Soul of Steel Notable Keystones: Resolute Technique (if you're not crit-based): Guaranteed hits at the cost of crits. Iron Reflexes: Converts evasion to armor – synergizes with armor-based builds. Call to Arms: For instant Warcry usage (great with Earthshatter/Boneshatter). Cluster jewels can be used to enhance melee damage, physical scaling, and leech effectiveness. Gear Synergies and Support Items Since Starforge restricts elemental scaling, you must build entirely around physical damage. Your other gear should complement this. Helmet: Abyssus (high damage but lower defenses – risky) Devoto’s Devotion (attack speed and movement speed) Rare helm with +life and -% enemy phys reduction. Chest: Kaom’s Heart for raw life scaling Brass Dome for max resists and mitigation Rare armor with life, resists, and armor rating Gloves & Boots: Look for attack speed, life, resistances, and movement speed. Spiked Gloves for increased melee damage. Rings & Amulet: Physical damage to attacks Critical multiplier or increased global accuracy Life gain on hit or leech mods Use Catalysts to enhance physical stats Flasks: Lion’s Roar (massive physical damage buff + knockback) Bottled Faith (if crit-based) Quartz / Basalt / Life / Staunching flasks for defense Mapping and Bossing Tips Clearing Maps: Use Cyclone or Earthshatter with AoE scaling. Leech will keep your life topped off, especially with Slayer. Pair with Herald of Purity or Pride for strong offensive auras. Bossing: Swap to Heavy Strike or Boneshatter for bosses with single-target vulnerabilities. Use Warcries like Seismic Cry or Intimidating Cry to boost DPS windows. Position carefully—Starforge excels when uninterrupted. Final Thoughts Path of Exile: Rise of Starforge is more than a build—it’s a mindset. You wield a weapon born of madness and starlight, shunning elemental trickery in favor of brutal, honest destruction. Whether you’re cleaving through hordes in Cyclone or stunning bosses with seismic might, Starforge offers unmatched melee power when supported by the right build and gear. So if you seek to become a juggernaut of steel and cosmic wrath, step into Wraeclast with  buy POE Exalted Orbs Starforge in hand—and carve your legend into the stars.