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Path of Exile 3.26's Shield Crush Champion is a versatile and tanky melee build that excels in both offense and defense, making it an excellent starter and endgame option. Utilizing the Champion ascendancy's bonuses, the build focuses on maximizing block chance, fortification, and impale mechanics to deliver strong physical damage while maintaining survivability in challenging content. It is SSF-friendly and uses mostly craftable or easy-to-obtain gear, allowing players to scale from leveling to late-game bosses efficiently PoE 1 Currency.

The core skill, Shield Crush, benefits from high attack speed to rapidly apply impales and deal area damage through consecutive shield strikes. Support gems like Brutality, Impale Support, Multistrike, Pulverise, and Melee Physical Damage amplify raw physical damage and enable fast clear speed. Once 100% impale chance is reached, Fortify support can replace Impale Support to boost defense. The build uses Precise Technique for a significant damage increase and relies heavily on block chance—typically around 68% physical block and 65% spell block—enhanced by Champion's Versatile Combatant.

Defensively, the Champion ascendancy provides key buffs: increased block chance, fortify effect, and endurance charges that together raise damage mitigation. Additional layers of defense come from high armor values, evasion chance, life leech (from jewels, gloves, rings, and the passive tree), and flasks like Vaal Molten Shell for damage absorption. Automated flask and buff management maintain uptime on defenses and sustain, making the build resilient against powerful bosses and map mods.

For gear, a focus on high armor shields with block chance, life, and elemental resistances is essential. Unique items like Scaeva and Emperor's Vigilance are excellent but not mandatory early on. The build adapts well to crafted gear if trading isn't preferred, with emphasis on maximizing attack speed, block, and damage stats on weapons, jewels, and armor. Corrupted gear with Fortify on hit is an excellent late-game investment for additional defense.

Skill progression to Shield Crush involves initially leveling with Sunder before switching, ensuring smooth early gameplay. Utility skills such as Leap Slam for mobility, Blood and Sand for damage boosting, and War Banner for buffs complement the main offensive setup. Auras like Determination and Vitality increase survivability, while Clarity and Arrogance help with mana sustain. Defensive and offensive buffs such as Fortify and Enduring Cry are incorporated as soon as available.

In summary, Shield Crush Champion in PoE 3.26 offers a balanced, tanky melee playstyle centered around high block PoE Currency buy, impale stacking, and fortify buffs. It suits players seeking a straightforward yet powerful starter that scales into endgame content with proper investment. The build's reliance on accessible gear, robust defensive layers, and efficient damage synergy makes it an excellent choice for league starters and seasoned players alike.