The Squire is one of the most distinctive items in Path of Exile, a shield that redefines how players think about linking skills. Instead of being limited to its defensive stats, it introduces the ability for support gems socketed in it to affect skills from the main hand weapon. This effectively creates a second six-link setup, something that had never been possible with shields before, and it quickly became a source of fascination among players who enjoy exploring unusual mechanics PoE 1 Currency.

While its basic numbers include block chance, armor, and evasion, these are secondary compared to its groundbreaking effect. By granting a completely separate support structure, The Squire changes how characters scale damage and utility. For players used to squeezing every ounce of power from a single six-link, this item doubles the complexity of setups and opens possibilities that fundamentally alter build design.

Many players have experimented with poison-based minion builds that use The Squire to enhance Arachnid Fang spiders. With additional attack speed and poison scaling from the shield's support links, these spiders become deadly damage dealers. When combined with items like Writhing Jar or Gravebind to guarantee kill triggers, the synergy becomes a unique playstyle that pushes minion mechanics far beyond their usual role.

Others have turned to spellcasting setups, pairing The Squire with trigger-based weapons that unleash lightning spells automatically. By placing powerful supports in the shield, players can maintain a constant stream of spells like Shock Nova or Arc, creating a relentless offensive engine that feels entirely different from traditional casting. In these builds, the shield becomes not just a defensive piece but the centerpiece of the character's offensive identity.

Despite its versatility, The Squire requires careful planning. It cannot be endlessly crafted or modified, and its best uses rely on specific synergies that demand both creativity and investment. This makes it less common in everyday builds, but for those willing to experiment, it offers opportunities to create strategies that feel uniquely powerful and rewarding.

The true impact of The Squire is how it reshapes the way players approach linking skills. By offering a second full support structure, it breaks long-standing conventions of the game and invites players to think beyond the usual limitations of weapons and chest pieces Poe 1 Divine Orb. For those who thrive on innovation, it remains one of the most transformative and coveted uniques ever introduced, a lasting symbol of the game's potential for creativity.