Path of Exile Gems PoE Builds, PoE Currency guide and other guides
Intro & build description
Essence drain has always been one of my favorite builds due to its versatility, and this one is no exception. It has all the things you would want in a starter build – basic mapping gear is really cheap, it clears well, and can kill every boss in the game with relative ease. This is an Occultist version, which can achieve a higher than usual amount of energy shield, helping us survive longer in Ultimatum encounters.
Tip: transition to Low life when you have at least 3500 Energy shield.
Build Pros
- Cheap to start - can be played in maps with 1c unique as the main weapon
- High damage potential
- Great boss killer
- Reflect not a problem
- Good defense with a high ES pool and ES regeneration
Build Cons
- Top tier items will be quite expensive, as for most builds
Passive tree(s) and Path of Building
[3.14] Skill Tree Path of BuildingBandits
| Bandits Quest Choice |
| Kill all bandits |
Ascendancy skill points
| Labyrinths | Skill point choice |
|---|---|
| Labyrinth 1 | Void Beacon |
| Labyrinth 2 | Withering Presence |
| Labyrinth 3 | Vile Bastion |
| Endgame Labyrinth | Malediction |
Skill gem setup
Helm
Zealotry
Blood Magic
Clarity
Enlighten (LVL 4)
Body Armor
Bane
Despair
Enfeeble / Temporal Chains
Empower Support
Awakened Swift Affliction Support
Awakened Void Manipulation Support
Gloves
Malevolence
Enlighten Support (LVL 3 or 4)
Discipline
Portal
Boots
Immortal Call (LVL 5)
Cast When Damage Taken Support (LVL 4)
Second Wind Support
Flame Dash
2h Weapon
Essence Drain
Swift Affliction Support
Efficacy Support
Awakened Controlled Destruction Support
Empower Support (LVL 4)
Void Manipulation 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
Rare ES Helm with Hunter influenceLook for Hubris Circlet with as high ES and resistances as possible. For endgame helmet, extra mod on top of that would be Hunter’s “Nearby Enemies have -9% to Chaos Resistance” mod.
Body Armour
Shavronne's WrappingsShavronne’s Wrappings is our endgame body armour.
Until you can get it, use rare hybrid body armour with high life and energy shield, and some resistances.
Gloves
Rare ES gloves with Elder/Hunter influenceLook for rare gloves with Elder or Hunter influence.
Main mod to look for is “+(13–16)% to Chaos Damage over Time Multiplier”.
Combine that with some energy shield and resistances and you have great pair of gloves for endgame. Until you can afford gloves like that, use rare gloves with as high ES as possible and some resistances.
Boots
Rare ES bootsUse boots as an opportunity to get as much resistances as possible, since we don’t need any specific influence mods on them.
Look for 30% increased movement speed, energy shield and as much resistance as possible. You could also craft “Cannot Be Frozen” on your boots.
Left Ring
Rare ring with Crusader influenceLook for rare ring with Crusader influence.
Mods to look for – %increased maximum energy shield, +to maximum energy shield and some resistances. Rings are also great for getting some strength/dexterity.
Amulet
Presence of ChayulaGreat defensive amulet for the build.
Tip: use 20 Fertile catalysts on the amulet to raise % of life converted to ES from 20% to 24%.
Belt
Rare Crystal BeltLook for rare crystal belt with +to maximum energy shield and as much resistance as possible.
2Hand Weapon
Rare crafted bowOur endgame bow will cost approximately 10 Ex. Here is a link on how to craft it yourself.
When starting with this build in new league, use Cane of The Unravelling, which will carry you well into maps, where you can farm currency for the bow.
Jewel
Cluster JewelsThe build uses cluster jewels:
2x Large Cluster Jewels. Notables to look for:
– Misery Everlasting
– Unholy Grace
– Wicked Pall
– Unwavering Evil
4x Medium Cluster Jewels. Notables to look for:
– Exposure Therapy
– Vile Reinvigoration
– Eldritch Inspiration
– Wicked Pall
4x Small Cluster Jewels. Notables to look for:
– Energy From Naught
Jewel
Unique Jewels– Energy From Within for extra ES.
– Watcher’s Eye with “+20% to Damage over Time Multiplier while affected by Malevolence”. Keep in mind, Watcher’s Eye is a pretty expensive endgame upgrade.
Flask
Flask SetupBuild uses following flasks:
1.) Quicksilver Flask of Adrenaline
2.) Witchfire Brew
3.) Cinderswallow Urn
4.) Basalt Flask with bleed removal
5.) Quartz Flask with freeze removal / Rumi’s Concoction
