PoE Sanity

I Actually League Started Something That Isn't Minions In PoE 2? Grim Pillar Totems Oracle

By BalorMageWatch videoDuration: PT9M8S

Summary

  • New Build: Features a “Grim Pillar” totem build, a new skill introduced in the latest PoE 2 league mechanic.
  • Mechanics: Grim Pillars spawn ice crystals that deal significant damage; these can be detonated for extra damage using skills that consume freezes (e.g., Entangle).
  • Resource Management: Bypasses the ward cost of Grim Pillars because the Spell Totem meta gem covers the skill’s cost (mana), not the underlying spell’s ward/life cost.
  • Progression: The character is level 73, achieved in approximately 17–18 hours of gameplay, with a focus on experimental support setups.
  • Progression Item: Leveling these unique league gems requires specific items called “Thermal Flux” rather than standard experience.

Introduction

After a long hiatus from Path of Exile 2, the latest league has provided a refreshing experience. This build, centered around “Grim Pillars” on spell totems, was adopted mid-campaign after initially planning to use Spark.

The Grim Pillar Mechanic

Grim Pillars function as ice crystals that deal substantial damage on their own. Their utility is further amplified by using a secondary skill to consume freezes on the pillars, causing them to explode for additional damage.

  • Detonation: Any skill that hits and interacts with freezes (such as Entangle) works to trigger these explosions.
  • Mobility: Because the pillars act as physical obstacles, detonating them is useful not only for damage but also to clear paths in tight spaces like hallways.

Bypassing Ward Costs

A key advantage of this build is how PoE 2 handles meta gems.

  • In PoE 1, a spell totem would inherit the cost type (mana, life, or ward) of the linked spell.
  • In PoE 2, Spell Totem is a meta gem. You pay the cost of the Spell Totem (mana) to cast the linked skill. Consequently, you do not need to pay the ward cost normally associated with Grim Pillars.

Progression and Build Setup

The build is currently experimental, with 17–18 hours of playtime invested.

  • Gem Leveling: These league-specific gems are not leveled through standard XP. You must acquire and use Thermal Flux orbs on the gem to increase its level.
  • Current Support Gems:
    • Concentrated Effect
    • Urgent Totems
    • Deliberation
    • Zenith
  • Ancestral Bond: Not necessary for this build, as the totems possess sufficient range to cast from across the screen.

Future Outlook

While Spark may eventually offer better coverage for “giga-good” late-game gear, Grim Pillar totems are described as “disgusting” (highly effective) for early-to-mid-game progression. Continued experimentation is planned to refine the min-maxing process and support gem configurations.

Key References