The Marksman in Last Epoch is a master of ranged combat, capable of delivering devastating blows from afar. But getting there requires a well-planned leveling strategy Last Epoch Gold. 

This build emphasizes a rapid kill speed and smooth transition into endgame content. We'll leverage the power of Last Epoch Gold gained through efficient farming to upgrade gear and ensure a consistently strong performance. Remember, optimizing your build and acquiring better gear are crucial, and Last Epoch Gold is your key to unlocking that potential.

Core Principles of the Build:

Damage Type: Physical/Pierce, transitioning into primarily Pierce later.
Key Skills: Multishot, Puncture, Ballista, Smoke Bomb, Decoy
Defense: Dodge, glancing blow chance, and health sustain.
Leveling Speed: High, focusing on clearing packs quickly.

Why This Build Works:

This version emphasizes Multishot as the main source of damage, leveraging its extensive area of effect and effectively combining with passives and affixes that enhance physical and pierce damage, critical strike probability, and attack speed. Puncture delivers significant single-target damage and inflicts bleed stacks, whereas Ballista ensures steady damage output and serves as a distraction. Smoke Bomb and Decoy are essential for survival, offering important escape mechanisms and diverting enemy focus.

Leveling Skill Progression:

Here’s a recommended skill progression, focusing on maximizing early game effectiveness:

Levels 1-10: Focus on Multishot
Emphasize the Multishot skill by allocating points to nodes that enhance both damage and cone size. It is advisable to consider the Burst Fire node for an early damage increase. Additionally, experiment with Puncture, as investing a single point will grant access to this skill.
Levels 10-20: Introduction to Ballista and Defensive Strategies
Allocate a point to the Ballista skill, which will serve as a protective buffer. Unlock the Smoke Bomb ability and invest points in nodes that reduce its cooldown and extend its duration, as this will be your primary defensive mechanism.
Levels 20-40: Improving Multishot and Enhancing Survivability
Continue to invest in Multishot, concentrating on nodes that boost critical strike chance and pierce capabilities. Strengthen your Puncture skill for improved single-target damage. Additionally, allocate points to Decoy to further enhance your survivability.
Levels 40+: Specialization and Skill Refinement
Persist in maximizing the skills you have prioritized and invest in your passive tree to optimize your build.

Passive Tree Progression:

Base Rogue: Focus on Dexterity, Critical Strike Multiplier, and Bow Damage nodes.
Marksman: Prioritize passives that enhance Multishot damage, attack speed, and pierce effectiveness. Look for nodes that grant Dodge Rating and HP.
Bladedancer (Optional): If you choose to dip into Bladedancer, prioritize passives that grant increased attack speed and dodge rating. This is not essential, and can be skipped to more effectively capitalize on the Markman passive tree.

Gear Choices and Affixes:

Gear choice is paramount for efficient leveling. Prioritize the following:

Weapon: It is essential to have a high DPS bow. Seek affixes that enhance physical or pierce damage, attack speed, and critical strike probability. 
Armor: Concentrate on acquiring armor that provides health, dodge rating, and glancing blow chance. 
Jewelry: Give precedence to affixes that boost critical strike multiplier, dexterity, and damage. 
Idols: Search for idols that offer increased damage and health. It is important to frequently check vendors and the Bazaar for potential gear enhancements, and do not hesitate to invest Last Epoch Gold in vital upgrades. Even minor improvements can greatly influence your leveling efficiency.

Gameplay Tips:

Positioning is Key: Maintain distance from enemies and utilize Smoke Bomb and Decoy to avoid taking damage.
Prioritize Targets: Focus down dangerous enemies first, utilizing Puncture for single-target damage.
Utilize Multishot's Cone: Angle your shots to maximize the number of enemies hit.
Manage Mana: Keep an eye on your mana pool and consider using a mana potion if needed.

Transitioning to Endgame:

As you approach the endgame, consider transitioning your build to focus even more on pierce damage and critical strike effectiveness. Refine your gear to maximize these stats and explore more advanced skill nodes buy Last Epoch Gold.

This Marksman leveling build provides a solid foundation for efficiently progressing through Last Epoch. By focusing on key skills, strategic passive allocation, and optimal gear choices (remembering to use your Last Epoch Gold wisely), you'll be well-equipped to dominate the battlefield and reach the endgame with a powerful and versatile Marksman. Good luck, and happy hunting!