PoE Sanity

[PoE 2] - IS MY STARTER STILL VIABLE IN 0.5? // Patch Notes discussion & Build Showcase.

By POEGuyWatch videoDuration: PT13M33S

Summary

  • The Warbringer Totem/Grenade starter build remains fully viable for Path of Exile 2 Patch 0.5 despite global adjustments.
  • The Warbringer ascendancy and core Cluster Grenade skills received no direct nerfs or buffs.
  • A global nerf reduced the maximum gem levels obtainable on crossbows from +7 to +5, and the Essence of Battle now provides +3 instead of +5; however, damage remains sufficient for all endgame content.
  • Leveling with Rolling Slam is faster in Patch 0.5, with its activation time reduced from 1.5 seconds to 1 second.
  • The build utilizes a “one-button” playstyle with high survivability through damage redirection to totems and the “Encased in Jade” guard skill.
  • The setup requires no mana management, allowing for the removal of mana flasks.

Patch 0.5 Impact and Adjustments

The Warbringer ascendancy nodes remain unchanged in Patch 0.5. These nodes are critical as they provide a balance of high damage and defensive layers. Cluster Grenade also remains untouched.

The primary change affecting this build is a global nerf to crossbow gem levels:

  • Maximum Gem Levels: Crossbows can no longer reach +7 gem levels; the new maximum is +5.
  • Essence of Battle: This essence now provides +3 gem levels instead of +5.

While this results in a slight loss of raw damage, the build scales effectively through physical damage, fire damage, and the remaining gem levels. Testing confirms that even with these changes, the build can clear all current game content, including high-tier Wasteland maps.

Leveling and Early Game Buffs

The early leveling process involves using melee skills before transitioning into totems.

  1. Levels 1–10: Use Rolling Slam. In Patch 0.5, the delay is reduced to 1 second (down from 1.5), allowing for faster activation of the Bone Shatter highlight to clear waves.
  2. Mid-Campaign: Transition to Volcanic Fissure combined with Shockwave Totem.
  3. Interlude Acts: Swap to the final grenade-based ballista setup.

Core Build Mechanics and Defenses

The build functions as a “lazy” or low-intensity playstyle where ballistas target and kill enemies automatically.

  • Mana Management: The build does not use mana, freeing up a flask slot and removing the need for mana-related stats.
  • Damage Redirection: Through the Warbringer ascendancy, 20% of damage taken from hits is redirected to the active totems.
  • Encased in Jade: This active skill gem provides a guard shield that absorbs damage. Once the shield is depleted, it grants a passive physical damage reduction (armor) buff.
  • Minion Buffs: Summoning totems triggers minions that provide significant buffs:
    • Damage: 50% increased damage.
    • Speed: 20% increased skill speed.
    • Turtle Minion: Provides a radius that grants high damage mitigation.

Endgame Mapping and Content Viability

The build is designed to handle all map modifiers without requiring a regex filter. It is capable of clearing Area Level 80 content (such as Wasteland 15/16) on a budget of approximately two to three Divine Orbs.

  • Crafting: An endgame crossbow can be crafted deterministically for roughly one Divine Orb using league-start materials.
  • Content Compatibility: The build is highly effective for Ritual, Abyss, Expedition, and Breach.
  • Pinnacle Bosses: The setup is strong enough to handle Trial of Sekhema and can even provide carry services for other players by Day 3 of a league.

Key References