Summary
- Build Concept: This is a high-risk experimental build focusing on the Spirit Hunter ascendancy and Companion mechanics. It is designed for potential league starting but is not recommended for most players due to the high likelihood of required in-game adjustments and experimentation.
- Core Mechanics: The build relies on the I Am Beast passive (swapped to a level 7 gem) to tame unique beasts starting at level 22, and Spiritwalker as the primary ascendancy.
- Playstyle: A hybrid approach is likely necessary, utilizing weapon skills (e.g., spears, bows, or crossbows) for clear speed and companions for single-target damage against rares and bosses.
- Safety Options: If the companion-focused approach proves non-viable, the player plans to pivot to established alternatives like Totems, Bear Druid (armor-based), or Essence Drain Lich.
Ascendancy and Skill Progression
- Primary Ascendancy: Start with Spiritwalker.
- Tame Beast Strategy: Because I Am Beast is now a level 7 gem, unique beasts (such as the devour or Bramblegast) can be captured as early as level 22. The strategy involves maintaining multiple stored beasts—swapping between a single-target beast and an AoE-focused beast—as needed.
- Leveling (1–20): Utilize grenades early on. The proposed passive tree pathing involves:
- Primal Instinct
- Blur
- Ammunition Careful Aim
- Primal Sundering
- Catalysis
- Inspiring Ally
Companion Mechanics and Theorycrafting
- Hybrid Scaling: The node increases and reductions to companion nodes also apply to you is central to the hybrid playstyle.
- Unique Beast Auras: Testing is required to determine the effects of unique tamed beasts, specifically whether their auras are self-buffs or provide team-wide bonuses.
- Support Gems: Minion Splash support is highlighted as a potentially impactful addition for clear speed.
- Scaling Damage: Since few dedicated “companion damage” nodes exist, the build leans into minion nodes, jewel sockets (scaling both energy shield and minion damage), and two-handed weapon damage, as companions gain added damage equal to 60% of the player’s main-hand weapon.
Survivability and Defensive Layers
- Mitigation: The build aims to utilize specific gear affixes that redirect damage: 15% of damage from hits sustained from your damageable companion’s life before yours.
- Energy Shield Recharge: There is a potential interaction with the Soul Core mechanic where socketing it in gloves allows for energy shield recharge to trigger when minions are reformed; alternatively, standard passive tree investment in recharge rate will be utilized.
- Hardcore Viability: The player intends to run this on Hardcore, emphasizing the need for high evasion, energy shield, and potential block mechanics.
Build Resource References