Explosive Arrow (EA) gives you delayed explosions that deal massive damage when they detonate. The damage comes mainly from the explosion and the Ignite it applies, not from the arrow hit itself. The whole plan of this build is to put many arrows into a target quickly and then let those arrows explode for huge damage. This playstyle works well for clearing maps and for killing bosses when you stack the mechanics right PoE 1 Currency.

Stack fuses fast and hit the cap every time

EA leaves “fuses” on enemies when arrows stick. Each fuse raises the later explosion damage. The goal is to reach the maximum fuse count on a target as fast as you can. You should use multiple sources of arrows at once so the target collects fuses quickly. Faster attack rate shortens the time to hit the fuse cap, which means your effective damage per second goes up across both clear and single-target fights. 

Why pick Champion as your ascendancy

The Champion offers strong defenses that fit this build. The Champion gives permanent Fortify through the right nodes, which cuts incoming physical damage. The ascendancy also grants strong taunt and allied damage reduction options that keep you and your totems safer. The Champion’s damage and defensive toolkit makes the build forgiving for both softcore and hardcore players. 

Totems and gem links that make fuses stack

Ballista Totems are the common and effective way to stack fuses. Ballistas fire many arrows independently, so you can bypass the limits of your own attack speed by using several totems at once. The usual gem links are Explosive Arrow + Ballista Totem Support + Multiple Totems + Faster Attacks + a DoT multiplier like Burning Damage or Deadly Ailments / Elemental Focus for single-target. Faster Attacks or more totems equals faster fuse buildup, and faster fuse buildup equals more explosion damage.

What to aim for on gear and stats

Your main offensive stat is Damage Over Time multiplier and other DoT sources. Look for DoT multi on jewels and on the passive tree. You should also raise fire damage with attacks and general elemental damage where it fits. Pick a bow with high base attack speed and craft or buy mods that boost attack speed and elemental damage with attacks. For defenses, keep ailment immunity via flasks or passives and maintain good life and resistances so the build stays steady under boss pressure.

The hard rule about pierce and the economy note

A strict rule: do not use pierce, chain, or fork on your arrows. Those effects make arrows pass through and not stick, which breaks the fuse stacking and stops your explosions from doing damage. Avoid any pierce sources on gear, tree, or supports. Also plan your item shopping carefully. Some key items and high-DoT jewels can be pricey. Save and spend your Poe 1 Exalted Orb on core pieces first (bow with speed, DoT jewels, Dying Sun or similar clear items if you want faster mapping). Smart currency use in the mid game gets you to late-game power much faster.

Play so your totems and you pile fuses on targets fast, then hold the damage window for detonation. Stay mobile enough to avoid heavy telegraphed mechanics but stay close enough that your explosions hit. Swap to single-target tweaks for bosses if needed.