Path of Exile stands out for its distinctive gameplay elements which diverge from traditional fantasy RPG classes. While most RPGs feature familiar roles like rogues, warriors, and mages, PoE introduces unique mechanics such as traps and mines. Mines, in particular, hold a special place in PoE due to the ability to convert various skills into mine-based abilities using specialized support gems like "Trap support," "Blastchain Mine support," and "High-Impact Mine support." In this guide, we will delve into this exceptional mechanic and craft a build around mine utilization.
Playstyle, Mechanics, and Scaling

Opting for a trap or mine build in PoE entails embracing an unconventional gameplay style, especially if mines are your preference. Traps and mines share fundamental mechanics wherein they are deployed on the ground to trigger linked abilities upon detonation. While traps automatically activate when enemies approach, mines necessitate manual activation through the "Detonate mine" capability. Certain skill gems inherently function as mines or traps, eliminating the need for additional support gem linkages.

In executing a miner build, the gameplay involves strategically launching mines at enemies and detonating them when deemed appropriate using the "Detonate mine" command. Integrating "Blastchain mine support" presents a damage optimization technique that involves initiating a chain reaction of detonations upon detonating mines sequentially within a brief timespan, enhancing overall damage output.

Enhancing mine damage involves focusing on stats like "Spell damage," alongside "Spell Critical strike chance" and "Critical strike Multiplier." Passive skill tree investment, particularly in mine-specific nodes to increase the maximum mine count, is essential. Additionally, maximizing "Elemental damage" serves as a primary avenue for enhancing damage scalability.
Miner Build Variations

While virtually any ability in PoE can be converted to a mine-compatible format, certain established skills like Arc, Ball Lightning, Purifying Flame, and Glacial Cascade are commonly preferred for miner builds. These skills boast high scaling potential and offer a comfortable playstyle for mine-focused gameplay.

Given the unique mechanics of mines in PoE, Ascendancy selection is somewhat restricted as traditional attack speed and cast speed modifiers are irrelevant to mine functionality. Instead, mine/trap throwing speed emerges as a crucial factor impacting DPS and gameplay comfort. Consequently, prioritizing proximity to shadow on the passive skill tree is essential due to the concentration of mine-specific passives in the shadow's region. Saboteur and Scion emerge as the optimal Ascendancy choices for maximizing miner efficiency.
Gear Progression

Initiating your miner journey in PoE necessitates acquiring a high-quality wand or mace with attributes like "Spell damage," "Spell Critical strike Chance," and "+1 to Level of all spell skill gems," coupled with essential gear like Tabula Rasa or a rare 6-Link body armor with life and resistances. Secure a 6-Link Tremor Rod at the earliest opportunity to bolster your capabilities. Transitioning to the Low Life variant later on will require acquiring a 6-Link Shavronne’s Wrappings, a quality rare caster weapon, and a Prism Guardian shield.
Debuffs and Curses

For boss encounters, Frost Bomb proves effective for applying exposure, reducing enemies' elemental resistances by 15%. Linking Frost Bomb with Bonechill support enhances cold damage based on the chill effect. Utilize Hextouch support in conjunction with Frostbite if a Curse ring is unavailable. Additionally, consider incorporating Frostbite or Assassin’s Mark to enable the application of multiple curses using Awakened Hextouch support for enhanced debuffing capabilities.
Pantheon, Bandits, and Tips

Opting for a crit-based build, Alira stands out as a favorable choice due to the Critical Strike Multiplier and Elemental resistances bonuses beneficial for both leveling and endgame performance. For major god selection, Soul of Arakaali offers valuable life regeneration and damage over time resistance bonuses, while Tukohama's defensive capabilities make it a top choice for minor god inclusion in the build.

Navigating the leveling process as a miner is straightforward, requiring early adoption of Stormblast mine by level 2 to propel progress towards endgame content. Essential gear like Tabula Rasa, Lifesprig wands, and Goldrim helmet provide crucial support during the journey, with additional movement speed-enhanced boots or rings like Berek's Grip offering damage amplification potential.