PoE Sanity

Hollow Form Whirling Assault is Stupid... and Too Good to Skip

By jungroanWatch videoDuration: PT5M56S

Summary

  • Build Concept: A high-damage, low-investment Martial Artist monk build centered on the synergy between Hollow Form and Whirling Assault.
  • Playstyle: Functions similarly to an “Autobomber” or “Beyblade” build, allowing for high-speed clearing and bossing with minimal gear requirements.
  • Key Mechanics: Exploits channeling mechanics to maintain movement speed, utilizes clone generation via Hollow Form, and employs a “Cast on Minion Death” setup for power charge generation.
  • Core Item: Northpaw gloves are highlighted as the best-in-slot budget item for this build.
  • Progression: The build becomes viable after completing the normal lab; it scales significantly by level 41.

Core Concept and Mechanics

The build centers on the interaction between Hollow Form and Whirling Assault.

  • Channeling Synergy: Bonestorm and similar channeling skills allow for full movement speed. By tapping and re-tapping the channel, you can maintain mobility while attacking.
  • Hollow Form: When you channel Hollow Form (even for a single tick), it spawns a clone that performs a full Whirling Assault.
  • Automation Setup: To manage power charges and energy, the build utilizes a Cast on Minion Death setup linked with Profane Ritual and Wolf Pack. Wolf Pack minions provide the energy battery, while their deaths trigger the ritual, granting power charges.

Ascendancy and Skills

  • Hollow Focus (3rd Ascendancy): Chosen to allow the use of Killing Palm to generate power charges before boss encounters.
  • Rend: Used as a powerful buff, consuming power charges generated by the setup above.
  • Early Leveling: Before unlocking all components, link Vaulting Impact and Armor Break. This combination provides strong effectiveness (approx. 200–250%) and acts as a solid bridge until the core build is fully operational.

Gear Recommendations

  • Northpaw: This is the essential budget glove. It is highly accessible and provides massive benefits:
    • Substantial evasion and Energy Shield.
    • Crit chance doubling.
    • 10% damage as Physical (Phys).
    • Crit damage bonus.
  • Optimization Note: Early on, prioritize attack speed mods to gain Onslaught on hit. Avoid complex gear early; the build functions well even with random equipment due to the base power of the Hollow Palm mechanics.

Build Progression

  • Early Game: Leveling as a monk involves standard early progression until the normal lab.
  • Minimum Viability: Once the normal lab is completed and Hollow Form is acquired, the build is functional.
  • Power Spike: Level 41 is identified as the point where the build starts to feel significantly powerful and “feels like the finished product.”

Key References