Any beginners tips for a duelist?

[IvanLeTerrible]

Hi guys, Ive just started playing and Im wondering if you guys have any tips on builds or anything for me. I started out as duelist.
Also, it seems like the gem I had in my sword leveled up, is it possible to take it off anu put it in another sword? Thanks!

[Sugar Show]

Build 1 attack speed+damage, build 2 HP/armor plus dual block.

[NixBoxDone]

Yes, you can put gems from one item into another, and attack gems do not need to be in a weapon to be effective - some of the best builds work around linking gems in a 6 slotted chest armor piece.

As to builds: for a beginner I would definitely suggest you go with a 1/1 attack/defensive skill point build. One of the easiest for that would be to go hp/armor as Sugar Show suggested, because they synergize very well and the nodes for those two are often close together.

I'd go with ranged skills for the beginning, because that makes staying out of danger easier as well.

Final beginner hint: Don't be afraid to try out skill gems you find/can buy - worst case scenario you won't like the skill, but so what? You will have more gem slots than skills you will want to use for a long long time before you get into end game, and I personally ran with a golem and experimented with different movement skills/curses for quite some time before settling on a final build.

(If you want to have a sure fire character that can beat merciless, consider googling duelist build guides and just following one - there is no shame in borrowing from the greats until you get experienced enough to ♥♥♥♥ around with your own tactics :D)

[Zentree]

If you're really new to PoE, then experiment and play around. It's the best way to learn the game. Also, I have found this PoE Wiki very helpful for answering questions.

pathofexile.gamepedia.com

And, yes, I have a 39th lvl Duelist. They are a lot of fun. They wear pants. And there are several very good builds for 1H + Shield, 2H, Duel Wielding and Bow. My current build is an Archer and it's a blast! I am crushing everything.

[IvanLeTerrible]

Ok, thanks guys!