Path of Exile Gems PoE Builds, PoE Currency guide and other guides
Intro & build description
Essence Drain is a classic league starter build and it is no different with the upcoming Lake of Kalandra expansion. Build can be pushed through the leveling phase and well into maps without any special items as mostly we rely on decent flat damage that comes from skill gem level ups and passive points on the tree. A great overall choice if you are not sure what to play in the upcoming league and want to be safe.
On a side note, Soulrend is receiving a hefty buff as well. If you would like to respec and check out the spell once ED + Contagion is getting too stale for you, this can be done with minimal effort.
Build Pros
- League starter build
- Cheap to begin with
- Reflect immune
- Good clear speed
- Great bosser
Build Cons
- Some people don't like ED playstyle
Passive tree(s) and Path of Building
Full Build PoB LinkBandits
| 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
Malevolence
Enlighten Support
Determination
Body Armor
Essence Drain
Swift Affliction Support
Efficacy Support
Void Manipulation Support
Controlled Destruction Support
Empower Support
Gloves
Flame Dash
Vaal Molten Shell
Contagion
Arcane Surge Support
Boots
Bane
Punishment
Divergent Precision (1 lvl)
Despair
2h Weapon
None
1h Weapon
Grace
Infused Channelling Support
Vaal Blight
Offhand weapon / shield
Defiance Banner
Anomalous Discipline
Tempest Shield
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 EyesAmazing helm to have. Use a rare hubris with high ES until you get your hands on Crown of the Inward Eyes.
Body Armour
Skin of the LordsBest in slot armor. Use any rare chest with high energy shield and resistances until you get Skin of the Lords.
Amulet
Rare AmuletRare amulet with damage over time multiplier, chaos damage over time multiplier and chaos or +all skill gems depending on what you can afford.
Belt
Rare Crystal BeltA rare crystal belt with elemental resistances, stats and if you can afford, % increased energy shield.
1Hand Weapon
Rare WandRare wand with spell damage, damage over time multiplier or chaos damage over time multiplier.
Depending on your budget, prioritize getting either +1 to level of all spell skill gems or +1 to level of all chaos skill gems.
Offhand
Aegis AuroraShield is required to run all the auras we have. Use a rare shield with ES and resistances until you farm up to buy Aegis Aurora.
Jewel
Thread of Hope (Large)Socket it next to the “Overcharge” notable to grab “Glancing Blows” keystone and “Light of Divinity” notable for 1 point each.
Jewel
Watcher's Eye4% increased maximum Energy Shield
5% increased maximum Life
4% increased maximum Mana
+8% Chance to Block Spell Damage while affected by Discipline
+22% to Damage over Time Multiplier while affected by Malevolence
Jewel
Cluster JewelSmall cluster jewels that grant increased mana reservation efficiency of skills.
Large cluster jewels that grant 12% chaos damage.
1. Introspection
2. Sublime Form
3. Touch of Cruelty
4. Unholy Grace
5. Unwaveringly Evil
6. Dark Ideation
7. Wicked Pall
Jewel
Rare Jewel1. Increased spell damage
2. Chaos damage over time multiplier
3. Increased spell damage while holing a shield
4. Increased damage
Flask
Flask Setup1. Chemist’s Quartz Flask of the Pangolin
2. Rumi’s Concoction
3. Examiner’s Jade Flask of the Ibex
4. Bottled Faith
5. Wide Quicksilver Flask of the Hare
