Not sure how many people are still active around here since the game is getting on in years now, but I personally am finally just getting around to playing it.
This is a pure opinion question... no need for "facts" here. I have scoured all the build guides I can find, tested a few for a bit. I am looking to do solo runs, starting on Normal just to get my feet wet. I have done solo runs in POE1, so it's not like I am unfamiliar with the series/those types of runs. I know a lot of people will probably say "Normal can be done with just about anything," but I would like to be able to progress to harder difficulties in the future.
Builds I have toyed with from guides or YouTube vids: Herald, Warcaller, SC Priest (Magran), Thaumaturge (Bloodmage), SC Wizard (No sub), Holy Slayer (GP/SF), SC Monk (Druggie boy... can never remember how to spell it), Swashbuckler (Devoted/SF I believe)
Liked: Builds with Cipher or Chanter that had "resource gen." I really like Cipher conceptually, but it seems like a lot of people are saying it's not on par with POE1 Cipher in terms of damage.
Builds where I have reliable heals and not chugging potions.
Disliked: Builds that required "Bloodied" for some beneficial effects. I get nervous as a noob in that situation.
Drug flavor Monk.
Bloodmage. Again, they whole "hurt yourself as a benefit" is just not my style.
Anything that is overly micro-managey. I need to learn to crawl before I can walk/run
Also, for the record, I would like to avoid "cheese" as far as things like the Strand spam. If it's movement/stealth "cheese" I am fine with that.
Anyway... the heart of the matter: What are your personal fav builds around Cipher or Chanter? SC or multi, doesn't matter. Doesn't have to be God-tier, just get me through Normal relatively pain free so I can learn stuff to move on to higher difficulties. Herald is probably my go to at this moment, but curious to hear from better builders than me.