Intro & build description
Archmage Support is one of the fairly recently added gems that add mana scaling as a damage option for your spells. It gives the spell added lightning damage, based on how much mana was spent casting it, making it perfect for Arc or Ball lightning builds. This particular Archmage build utilizes high mana for its damage and survival, allocating Mind Over Matter, and getting mana on every piece of gear it can. It also uses Essence Worm to use an aura without mana reservation. It also has a noticeable amount of block and spell block which makes the build a bit safer as well.
Build Pros
- Really good single target damage
- Good map clear
- Pretty easy to gear in a new league
Build Cons
- As a self-cast build, you will have to worry about reflect
Passive tree(s) and Path of Building
[3.13] Skill Tree Path of BuildingBandits
Bandits Quest Choice |
Kill all bandits |
Ascendancy skill points
Labyrinths | Skill point choice |
---|---|
Labyrinth 1 | Dexterity and Intelligence, Passive Point |
Labyrinth 2 | Shadow Ascendancy, Strength and Intelligence |
Labyrinth 3 | Passive Point, Inquisitor Ascendancy |
Endgame Labyrinth | Passive Point, Path of The Templar |

Skill gem setup
Helm
Vaal Grace
Vaal Righteous Fire (Only use Vaal Version of this skill)
Precision (LVL 1)
Increased Duration
Body Armor
Storm Brand
Culling Strike Support
Innervate Support
Archmage Support
Power Charge On Critical Support
Arcane Surge Support
Gloves
Wave of Conviction
Spell Totem Support
Multiple Totems Support
Physical To Lightning Support
Boots
Flame Dash
Arcane Cloak Support
Sigil of Power
Second Wind Support
2h Weapon
Vaal Arc
Archmage Support
Arcane Surge Support
Spell Echo Support
Lightning Penetration Support
Controlled Destruction Support
1h Weapon
None
Offhand weapon / shield
None
Build uniques / Example rare gear
Tip: Click on the item to view it on PoE Wiki or to view similar rare items in poe.tradeHelmet
Crown of The Inward EyeThis helmet is one of the best offensive caster helmets in the game right now. Until you get it, use rare one with life and resistances.
Enchantment-wise, look for 40% increased Arc damage.
Body Armour
Cloak of DefianceGreat body armor for mana stacking builds. It has flat mana, regeneration and extra damage taken from mana.
Boots
Rare BootsLook for rare Two-Toned Boots with high life, mana, 30% increased movement speed and resistance or 2.
Left Ring
Rare RingLook for rare ring with life and conductivity curse on hit. Other good mods to have in addition would be mana, resistances and intelligence.
Right Ring
Essence WormA must have, since this build cannot afford to reserve mana. Get it as soon as you can afford it.
Amulet
Atziri's FoibleGreat and cheap amulet for mana-based builds. Try to get one with good rolls.
Belt
Rare belt with Redeemer or Shaper influenceSince mana regen is so important in the build, look for belt with %increased mana recovery rate. This mod is only found on Shaper or Redeemer influenced belts. Combine this mod with life, mana and resistances for an ideal belt.
2Hand Weapon
Pledge of HandsGreat, fairly affordable staff which is ideal for our build. Not only does it give 7th link, it also provides us with high spell damage and 100% increased mana.
Jewel
Jewel SetupIn terms of unique jewels, this build uses 1 or 2, depending if you want to get Watcher’s Eye.
A must-have unique jewel is Healthy Mind, put it in the socket on the right from Instability notable.
If you can afford it, get Watcher’s Eye with lightning penetration while affected by Wrath.
You could go for cluster jewels as well – look for mana, spell damage, lightning damage or elemental damage notables. Good examples would be Clarity of Purpose or Genius or Inspired Oppression.
On regular rare jewels look for:
1.) Increased maximum life
2.) Increased maximum mana
3.) Increased spell damage / cast speed while wielding a staff
4.) Global critical strike multiplier with elemental / lightning skills
Flask
Flask SetupBuild uses following flasks:
1.) Divine Life flask with instant recovery and bleed removal
2.) Quicksilver flask of adrenaline
3.) Cinderswallow Urn
4.) Rumi’s Concoction / Diamond flask
5.) Divine Mana flask with freeze removal