TL;DR
- TarkeCat began streaming in 2013 but gained recognition during Perandus/Prophecy leagues
- Health issues led him to discover Path of Exile through Kripparian’s streams
- His early build guides were surprisingly successful despite being ‘terrible’
- Streams feature unique mix of gameplay, paint drawings, and Bob Ross content
- Maintains unconventional streaming schedule as ‘that guy who’s always in chat’

Grinding Gear Games recently launched an engaging community spotlight series featuring popular streamers, with the inaugural episode highlighting Zizaran. This week’s installment delves into the world of TarkeCat, revealing the personality behind the entertaining content. Professional gaming resource MmoGah, known for its PoE Trade services, provides exclusive insights for dedicated Path of Exile enthusiasts.
Thank you for joining us, Tarke! Could you tell our audience about yourself?
Hello everyone, I’m Tarke! My actual name is Jake. At 25 years old, I’ve established myself as a dedicated Path of Exile content creator based in England.
What’s your streaming background and how did you enter this space?
My streaming career has evolved intermittently since 2013, though I primarily focus on Path of Exile content. Significant recognition began accumulating during the Perandus and Prophecy league periods, largely thanks to build guides that I now recognize as fundamentally flawed. An awkward camera angle during a State of Exile appearance also contributed to my growing visibility – let’s just say my aristocratic-meets-thumb aesthetic wasn’t exactly camera-ready. I transitioned to full-time streaming during Breach League, though compared to Zizaran’s marathon sessions, I’m practically casual. Despite constant fatigue, I genuinely cherish this career path.
Kripparian served as my gateway into both streaming and Path of Exile. Health complications from Crohn’s Disease diagnosis forced me to take a year-long hiatus from university art studies. During approximately nine months of bedridden recovery in my previous apartment, I watched Kripp methodically progress through Path of Exile’s Closed Beta. With minimal commitments beyond hospital appointments, I adjusted my sleep pattern to align with his streaming hours, regularly enjoying 14-hour sessions of Fellshrine farming and racing commentary with the legendary mumblebros community.
After a month of intensive Kripparian viewing, I gathered enough confidence to attempt Path of Exile myself. My inaugural character met a swift demise when I discovered that selecting Shadow and investing exclusively in claw nodes – because claws seemed awesome – doesn’t automatically create a viable hardcore build. Following rigorous analysis of early-beta strategies, I determined that optimal builds required Static Blows, Inner Force, Blood Magic, and that overpowered maximum resistance node in the Marauder section whose name escapes me. Soon after this revelation, I launched build-creation streams on Twitch, focusing exclusively on passive skill tree development for newcomers rather than actual gameplay. This specialized streaming continued for several months before university responsibilities necessitated another hiatus. The Perandus League marked my return to approximately ten loyal viewers who remembered my earlier content and some Diablo 3 streams we’ll politely overlook.

What should viewers anticipate from your streams and what’s your broadcasting routine?
While current broadcasts feature substantially more gameplay than my 2013 origins, my community understands that approximately one-third of each stream incorporates crude paint drawings, Bob Ross episodes, or hideout customization between mapping sessions. If you appreciate Path of Exile but seek alternatives to standard end-game meta content, my channel offers a refreshing perspective worth exploring.
Regarding scheduling, I maintain a rigorously flexible routine involving occasional sleep periods, meal breaks while watching fellow streamers, then initiating my own broadcast. You know that peculiar individual constantly present in chat regardless of time or streamer? Essentially, I’m that person who discovered OBS’s ‘go live’ functionality.
For those transitioning into streaming, I recommend establishing consistent branding across platforms and developing a content calendar that accommodates your natural energy cycles. Many new streamers underestimate the importance of community engagement – responding to chat messages and creating interactive elements can significantly boost viewer retention. Understanding game mechanics thoroughly before creating educational content prevents the dissemination of inaccurate information that could damage credibility.
Action Checklist
- Analyze successful streamers in your niche to identify content gaps and opportunities
- Develop a unique streaming identity that blends gameplay with personal interests
- Create consistent branding across all platforms including overlays and social media
- Establish realistic streaming schedule that aligns with your energy levels and target audience
- Implement community engagement strategies like interactive polls and dedicated chat time
No reproduction without permission:OnLineGames Guides » Path of Exile: What Can You Expect from Your Stream Discover TarkeCat's streaming journey from health struggles to Path of Exile fame with unique content style
