Path of Exile: Keepers of the Flame (3.27) has kept the momentum going strong for melee builds, and one of the most reliable and beginner-friendly setups returning from the Settlers League is the Cold Smite Slayer. Smite, which received a massive buff back in 3.25, remains one of the most accessible and powerful melee skills in Path of Exile, thanks to its ability to deal both melee and lightning AoE damage. Converting it into cold damage gives the build extra crowd control and survivability - perfect for bossing and clearing maps alike.

While it may not be the fastest League starter, the Cold Smite Slayer offers a balanced playstyle with consistent scaling, strong leech mechanics, and a tanky defense setup. Here's everything you need to know about how to build and play this powerhouse in Path of Exile 3.27.

Pros and Cons of the Cold Smite Slayer Build

Pros:

·Excellent for mob clearing and boss fights.

·Strong survivability through life leech and armor.

·Straightforward to set up and requires minimal micromanagement.

·Great scaling into endgame with affordable gear.

Cons:

·Requires a mule character or trade to access Smite in Act 1.

·Single-target DPS positioning can be tricky.

·Not the absolute fastest mapper in the meta.

The Cold Smite Slayer's biggest strength lies in its simplicity and sustain. Even with modest gear, it can handle difficult encounters due to its constant life leech and built-in defenses from the Slayer ascendancy.

How to Play Cold Smite Slayer in Path of Exile 3.27

Smite is an Attack Skill Gem that summons a bolt of lightning to strike enemies, dealing damage in a small AoE and granting a temporary aura that boosts elemental damage. In this Cold conversion version, the skill is supported by Added Cold Damage and Elemental Damage with Attacks, turning your lightning bolts into freezing explosions.

In combat, your rotation is simple:

·Leap into a pack with Leap Slam,

·Spam Smite to clear mobs and deal heavy AoE damage,

·Maintain Molten Shell for defense,

·Use Frostblink as an emergency escape tool.

While Smite is great for general clearing, its single-target DPS requires good positioning. Because the lightning beam doesn't strike the same target twice instantly, you should move slightly around bosses to ensure multiple hits connect effectively.

To maximize efficiency, apply Assassin's Mark on bosses for increased crit chance, damage, and sustain. This curse synergizes perfectly with the Slayer's natural leeching capabilities.

Cold Smite Slayer Skill Gem Setup

Here's the recommended Gem setup for the build:

Main Skill (6-Link):

·Smite

·Multistrike Support

·Fortify Support

·Added Cold Damage Support

·Elemental Damage with Attacks Support

·Inspiration or Ruthless Support (for higher single-target burst)

Mobility & Utility:

·Leap Slam - Faster Attacks - Culling Strike

·Frostblink (linked to Second Wind for extra charges)

Curses & Buffs:

·Assassin's Mark - Mark on Hit

·Determination (core defensive aura)

·Molten Shell - Automation - Increased Duration

Optional Additions:

·Herald of Ice or Hatred for extra damage.

·Defiance Banner for more defense and evasion scaling.

Molten Shell is particularly valuable in this setup - it automatically activates during combat to absorb incoming damage while Smite locks you in place. Automation Support ensures that you never need to manually cast it.

Passive Tree and Ascendancy Setup

For your passive tree, prioritize life, armor, attack speed, and elemental damage. Since you'll be face-tanking enemies, survivability nodes are key.

Key Notables to Pick Up:

·Master of the Arena - Increases melee range and regen.

·Thick Skin - Boosts max life and resistances.

·Gladiator's Perseverance - Increases life leech and damage.

·Disemboweling - Crit chance and multiplier for melee attacks.

·Heart of Ice - For cold damage scaling.

Ascendancy Progression (Slayer):

1. Bane of Legends - Grants culling strike and boosts damage against bosses.

2. Headsman - Great for clearing large groups with extra AoE and no reflected damage.

3. Brutal Fervor - Doubles your life leech and adds damage reduction during leech.

4. Masterful Form - Increases Frenzy and Endurance charge caps for extra sustain.

This setup ensures a mix of damage, tankiness, and sustain - everything a melee character needs to thrive in Path of Exile's endgame.

Ideal Gear Setup for Cold Smite Slayer

While the build can function well on a budget, upgrading your gear dramatically increases survivability and DPS. Here are the ideal affixes and Path of Exile Items to look for:

·Helmet: Increased Armor, Maximum Life, Spell Suppression, Attributes

·Body Armor: High Armor & Evasion, Spell Suppression, Physical Damage Reduction

·Amulet: Carnage Heart (Leech, Damage while Leeching, Attributes, Elemental Resistances)

·Belt: Life, Resistances, Armor, Attributes

·Gloves: Armor, Life, Spell Suppression, Attack Speed

·Rings: Life, Resistances, -Mana

Channeling Skills

·Boots: Movement Speed, Life, Resistances, Spell Suppression

·Weapon (2-Handed): Attack Speed, Cold or Lightning Damage, Crit Chance, Added Elemental Damage

Key Gear Tips:

·Cap all Elemental Resistances at 75% to mitigate incoming elemental damage.

·Stack Maximum Life and Armor to survive melee brawls.

·Prioritize Leech modifiers on both gear and jewels for Brutal Fervor synergy.

You can easily enhance your power by investing in Path of Exile Currency to craft high-tier rares or buy POE Items that fit the build perfectly. Using Path of Exile Currency effectively allows faster access to upgrades like six-link armors or powerful unique weapons.

Final Thoughts

The Cold Smite Slayer build in Path of Exile 3.27 remains a fantastic all-rounder for players who want a mix of simplicity, tankiness, and satisfying melee combat. It scales naturally through the campaign and transitions smoothly into mapping and bossing without needing overcomplicated mechanics.