In the ever-shifting landscape of Path of Exile 2, few builds can claim to be truly timeless. The meta changes, balance patches shake things up, and new mechanics constantly push players toward experimentation. Yet, amid this chaos, one archetype continues to burn bright—quite literally. Pox’s Righteous Fire Chieftain remains not only one of the most beginner-friendly builds in PoE history, but also one of the most enduringly satisfying ways to play the game.

Whether you’re a veteran looking for a chill mapping setup or a brand-new player taking your first steps into Wraeclast, this build is the perfect mix of comfort, Path of Exile 2 Orbs, and sheer incinerating power.

The Legacy of Righteous Fire

To understand why Pox’s Righteous Fire (RF) Chieftain is so iconic, you first have to understand what makes Righteous Fire so unique. Unlike most builds in Path of Exile, which focus on casting or attacking enemies, RF works by turning your own health into a weapon.

When activated, Righteous Fire creates an aura of divine flame that burns both you and everything around you. Your enemies melt in seconds—but so do you, unless you carefully balance regeneration, fire resistance, and maximum life. The skill embodies the essence of risk and reward, which is why so many players find it captivating.

In Path of Exile 2, GGG’s reimagined systems breathe new life into the classic skill. Better scaling, smoother regeneration mechanics, and updated visuals all make the RF experience feel even more immersive and powerful. Yet, while the mechanics evolve, the heart of the build—its steady, self-sustaining firestorm of destruction—remains the same.

Pox’s Touch: The Gold Standard of Build Guides

Mention “Righteous Fire” in any Path of Exile community, and one name comes up every time: Pox. A long-time content creator and build crafter, Pox has refined the RF Chieftain into what can only be described as an art form. His guides are known for being meticulously detailed, packed with videos, PoB links, leveling trees, and explanations that even complete newcomers can follow without confusion.

If you’ve ever tried to start PoE and felt overwhelmed by the game’s 1,000+ passive nodes, currency types, and item mods, Pox’s guide feels like a safe harbor. He doesn’t just tell you what to do—he tells you why it works.

That’s why so many veterans, streamers, and even developers often say the same thing:

“If you’re new to Path of Exile, start with Pox’s RF Chieftain.”

It’s not hyperbole. The build has been tested across countless leagues, balance changes, and expansions, and it continues to perform reliably no matter how the game evolves.

Why the Righteous Fire Chieftain Is the Ultimate Starter Build

There’s a reason this setup has earned a reputation as the most comfortable build in Path of Exile. It’s not about speed or flashy one-shot mechanics—it’s about stability, survivability, and simplicity. Here’s what makes it such a great entry point:

1. Low Mechanical Stress

Unlike button-heavy builds that demand constant movement and micro-management, the RF Chieftain allows for a more relaxed playstyle. Once your auras and regeneration are active, your main “mechanic” is simply walking near things until they ignite into ash. You can literally watch enemies evaporate as you stroll through maps.

It’s often joked that RF is the “Netflix build” because you can clear maps while watching something on the side—or, as the original post humorously said, “playing Clash of Clans while waiting for Maven to die.”

2. Massive Defenses

As a Chieftain, your ascendancy offers tremendous defensive power. Between life regeneration, fire resistance, endurance charges, and physical damage mitigation, you’re practically a walking fortress. Even when surrounded by mobs or boss AoEs, your regeneration ticks are so strong that your health barely moves.

In a game notorious for one-shots and glass-cannon builds, that sense of durability is refreshing.

3. Scaling Potential

While RF starts off as a modestly paced build, it scales beautifully. With the right investment—like Legacy of Fury boots, Inpulsa’s Broken Heart, or crafted gear that enhances burning damage and regeneration—you can turn your screen into a festival of explosions and ignite proliferations.

At higher levels, the build transitions from “slow and safe” to “blazing and unstoppable,” melting even endgame bosses like Sirus, Maven, or the Shaper with minimal effort.

4. Beginner-Friendly Economy

Many top-tier builds in PoE require rare uniques or complex crafting. The RF Chieftain doesn’t. You can get started on a shoestring budget, using simple items that drop naturally while leveling. The core of the build revolves around fire resistance, life regeneration, and maximum life—all stats you can easily craft or find.

That makes it one of the most league-start viable builds ever created.

The Flow of Gameplay

The beauty of Pox’s RF Chieftain is in its rhythm. The gameplay loop is elegant in its simplicity:

Activate Righteous Fire – Turn yourself into a living inferno.

Walk through enemies – Everything around you burns to death.

Use Fire Trap or Flame Surge – These optional skills help with single-target DPS when facing tanky bosses.

Keep your buffs up – Enduring Cry, Purity of Fire, and Vitality ensure your regeneration stays ahead of your self-inflicted burn.

This creates a playstyle that’s part meditative, part menacing. You’re not frantically clicking or dodging—you’re calmly strolling through chaos, confident that nothing can touch you.

And that’s the magic of RF: it’s not about rushing, it’s about enduring. You burn everything, and whatever doesn’t burn fast enough still can’t kill you.

From Early Game to Endgame: The Journey of a Fire God

One of the reasons Pox’s RF build is so successful is that it provides a clear roadmap for every stage of the game. You’re never left wondering “what now?” after finishing Act 10.

Early Game

You’ll start off using skills like Fireball, Armageddon Brand, or Holy Flame Totem to level efficiently. These spells help bridge the gap until your regeneration and fire resistance are strong enough to sustain Righteous Fire safely.

Mid Game

Once you acquire enough life regen gear and complete your first Labyrinth ascendancy, you transition into full RF mode. Mapping becomes smooth and safe, and you’ll start feeling the power of passive burning damage.

Endgame

With better gear, higher levels, and optimized jewels, your RF aura becomes monstrous. Ignite proliferation and explosion effects from items like Legacy of Fury make map clears visually spectacular. Boss fights that once felt intimidating become trivial as you stand your ground, watching their HP tick down steadily under your flames.

Comfort Meets Performance

Now, let’s be clear—RF Chieftain won’t win any “fastest clear speed” competitions. There are faster mappers, higher DPS bossers, and flashier builds out there. But few can match the comfort-to-power ratio that this one delivers.

RF is the build you play when you want to feel unstoppable but relaxed. It’s the build you can pick up after a long day, lean back, and just watch everything disintegrate around you. It’s the comfort food of Path of Exile—warm, satisfying, and impossible to get tired of.

And yet, it’s not just for casuals. Even veteran players return to RF season after season because it’s reliable. When you’re burned out (pun intended) on complex mechanics, RF offers simplicity without boredom.

Pox’s Personality and the Community Connection

Part of what makes this build so beloved isn’t just the mechanics—it’s Pox himself. His humor, patience, and thorough explanations have made him a staple figure in the PoE community. He doesn’t just build characters; he builds confidence in players.

His guides often include lighthearted commentary, self-deprecating jokes, and even robotic humor that fits right into the PoE meme culture—like describing himself as an “immortal robot” praising Pox’s work while joking about humans’ “fleeting existence.” It’s part of what makes his content so approachable.

In a game known for complexity and occasional frustration, Pox’s RF community feels like a campfire—a place of warmth, guidance, and laughter amid the endless grind.

The Future of RF in Path of Exile 2

As Path of Exile 2 prepares to fully launch, one thing is certain: Righteous Fire isn’t going anywhere. The developers have shown a clear desire to preserve the skill’s identity while modernizing its mechanics.

Improved visuals, smoother life regen scaling, and more intuitive damage calculations will only make the build better. In early previews, RF effects look more dynamic than ever—less static aura, more molten inferno. That means veterans will rediscover the thrill of the build all over again, while new players will be drawn to its accessibility and power buy Path of Exile 2 Orbs.

And with creators like Pox continuing to update their guides for PoE2’s evolving systems, it’s safe to say the RF Chieftain will remain the gold standard for beginners for years to come.

Final Thoughts: The Eternal Flame

In a game defined by chaos, RNG, and constant change, Pox’s Righteous Fire Chieftain stands as a symbol of enduring balance. It’s simple but powerful, accessible yet deep, and—most importantly—fun. It’s the perfect way to experience Path of Exile without getting lost in spreadsheets or complex interactions.

Whether you’re new to the game or returning for your twentieth league, RF feels like home. You light the fire, take a step forward, and watch the world burn.

After all, some builds fade with each balance patch—but Righteous Fire doesn’t. It just keeps burning.