Speedrunning through the Path of Exile campaign is a great way to get a head start in a new league. The 10-act campaign is often seen as the "tutorial" phase, so experienced players often aim to complete it quickly to dive into the endgame content. For players familiar with the basics, this guide will outline strategies to speed through Acts 1-10 as efficiently as possible.

Key Strategies for Speedrunning the Campaign

Choose a Strong League Starter Build

Select a league starter build known for its speed, reliability, and smooth progression through the early and mid-game. Good league starter builds don't require extensive resources and can deal significant damage with minimal gear.

Popular starter builds include skill setups like Poisonous Concoction, Explosive Trap, Lightning Conduit, and Righteous Fire. These build scale damage quickly, allowing you to breeze through mobs and bosses without major gear upgrades.

Skip League Mechanics and Side Content

For an efficient speedrun, avoid engaging with the current league mechanics or side missions. Content like Delirium mirrors, Expedition encounters, or Heist contracts can be tempting but will slow you down. Most of this content provides greater rewards in the endgame when enemies are higher-level, so save it for later.

Stick to the main quest line and follow the objectives. Completing only what's necessary will help you stay on track and avoid unnecessary detours.

Optimize Gear Without Over-Investing

During your campaign run, prioritize basic leveling gear that supports your chosen skill gems and provides a balance of resistance and damage. You don't need perfect rolls; focus on PoE items that support survivability and damage for a smooth progression.

Look for items with life, elemental resistances, and attributes needed to use your skill gems. Avoid spending valuable POE currency on upgrades, as these will be replaced quickly in the endgame.

Stay Within Zone Level Ranges

Each zone in the campaign has a designated level range, and your character gains optimal experience when you're within three levels of that range. For example, if you're in a level 8 zone, aim to be level 5 to 11 to avoid an experience penalty.

Don't over-level by grinding in lower-level zones or spend too long in areas above your level. Maintaining pace with zone levels will keep your experience gain efficient and your progression steady.

Use Movement Speed Boosts

Movement speed is critical in a speed run, so prioritize movement speed boots and skills with built-in mobility, such as Flame Dash, Dash, Smoke Mine, or Leap Slam (depending on your build).

Flask management is also important. Consider using a Quicksilver Flask for extra movement speed, and keep it filled to use whenever you need to cross large maps quickly.

Efficiently Utilize Your Hideout and Crafting Resources

Make use of your hideout for quick waypoint access, organizing stash items, and basic crafting. Avoid spending too much time here, but consider quick upgrades like adding life and resistance to gear using common crafting resources.

Use POE currency items sparingly. For instance, using Orbs of Alchemy on jewelry or weapons can provide a quick power boost, but avoid crafting beyond what's necessary for comfortable progression.

Zone Flow and Boss Preparation

Familiarize yourself with the zone layout in each act. Some areas, like the Southern Forest or Riverways, have shortcuts or paths that save time. Knowing where exits are located can make your progression smoother.

Prepare for key bosses, like Merveil, Piety, and Malachai, by ensuring your resistances are balanced and your damage output is high enough to handle them efficiently. Equip skill gems that counteract each boss's weaknesses and avoid wasting time by dying or having to repeat fights.

Act-Specific Speedrun Tips

Each act has its unique layout and challenges. Here's a quick rundown of strategies for each act:

Act 1: Rush through the Mud Flats and head straight for Merveil without detours. Try to have movement speed boots by this point.

Act 2: Stick to the main quests for unlocking bandit rewards and avoid optional zones. This act involves less backtracking if you plan routes efficiently.

Act 3: Focus on the main quests, like locating Crematorium, Marketplace, and Sewer Gratings, and avoid detours. This act's layout can be tricky, so prioritize navigation.

Act 4: Save your strongest single-target skill gems for Kaom's and Daresso's bosses and don't linger in optional areas.

Act 5: Respec as needed for additional life and resistance since you'll encounter a resistance penalty after defeating Kitava.

Acts 6-10: These acts focus heavily on completing primary objectives quickly and efficiently. Avoid league mechanics, and use waypoints in larger maps like The Coast and The Ridge for faster travel.

Following these strategies will streamline your campaign completion, setting you up for endgame activities faster. With practice, you'll be able to clear Acts 1-10 in record time and be ready to tackle Path of Exile's endgame content!