In Path of Exile, survival is the difference between progression and frustration. With lethal enemies and dangerous environments, learning to build defenses is essential. The core of survivability rests on three pillars: resistances, armor, and dodge. This guide explains how each works and how players can tailor them to suit their playstyle.

Resistances act as the first line of defense, protecting against fire, cold, and lightning. Without capped resistances, even low-tier maps can become overwhelming. Players should prioritize resistances early, using gear upgrades, passive nodes, and crafting to ensure safety against elemental-heavy enemies.

Armor offers physical mitigation, making it valuable against melee enemies and physical-based bosses. Although it struggles against high-damage single strikes, armor excels at reducing the impact of continuous hits. Players often combine PoE 1 Currency armor with temporary buffs like Granite Flasks to maximize effectiveness during critical fights.

Dodge and evasion mechanics allow players to avoid incoming attacks entirely. This approach favors builds focused on speed, movement, and agility. While powerful, dodge cannot guarantee survival alone, so players must combine it with other defenses for consistent protection.

Layered defenses create the most durable characters. By combining capped resistances, armor, dodge, spell suppression, and block, players can cover weaknesses and withstand diverse damage sources. This balance is key to thriving in the endgame.

Playstyle also affects survival strategies. Speed-based explorers may favor evasion and dodge to minimize exposure to damage, clearing maps quickly while avoiding prolonged combat. Meanwhile, melee warriors may choose armor and block to endure face-to-face battles.

Exploring dangerous zones like Delve or PoE Currency high-tier maps requires careful adaptation. Players should evaluate each encounter, adjusting flask setups and defenses to meet the demands of different enemy types. Flexibility ensures greater survival chances.

Survival mechanics in POE are not simply about numbers but about interaction and synergy. Learning to combine resistances, armor, and dodge with additional systems provides a powerful advantage, allowing players to progress confidently through even the toughest content.