Summary
- Performance: The build is highly efficient for clearing endgame maps, comfortable for console players, and beginner-friendly due to its “one-button” playstyle and tankiness.
- Key Progression: Currently farming at level 75 master-level areas with plans to reach waystone 16 quickly.
- Core Mechanics: Utilizes a Totem-based build with an emphasis on Grenade Ballista for consistent damage.
- Optimization Tips: Focuses on specific item upgrades (like the Idol of Uldur amulet), gem corruption strategies for extra levels, and deterministic crafting of the main crossbow.
Day 1 Gameplay & Build Overview
- The build is currently clearing high-level maps efficiently. It is designed to be tanky, preventing one-shot deaths, and requires no manual mana management.
- Effective for various endgame content, including Abyss, Ritual, Expedition, Delirium, and Breach.
- The setup is cost-effective, allowing for progression on a budget while scaling into high-tier waystones.
Essential Build Upgrades & Reminders
- Amulet: Equip the Idol of Uldur as soon as possible. It is highly affordable and provides a significant damage boost by granting an extra totem and an extra minion.
- Rings and Gloves: Prioritize items with added physical or fire damage to attacks to boost overall damage output.
- Gem Corruptions:
- For Cluster Grenade, aim for a +1 level corruption.
- Process: Use uncut skill gems (level 13+) and attempt to corrupt them. Quality is unnecessary for Cluster Grenade, so focus entirely on securing the +1 level.
- Note: Ensure you do not use gems with -1 level corruptions, as this will reduce damage.
- Grenadier & Quality:
- Use Grenadier to allow totems to attack twice before stopping, providing better window for dodging.
- Apply quality to Mortal Cannon to increase its area of effect.
- Level up Mortal Cannon to ensure the totems themselves are more durable.
Advanced Strategy: Volcanic Grenade & Shock
- Transition to using Volcanic Grenade for single-target damage to consistently apply shock to enemies.
- This transition relies on obtaining fire exposure for free from minions (via Infernal Legion II).
- Increasing gem levels and improving crossbow damage are critical for making the shock application reliable.
Weapon Crafting & Acquisition
- Crossbow Stats: The most critical implicit modifier to look for on a crossbow is “Grenade skills fire an additional projectile.”
- Crafting Adjustments (Patch 0.5): Follow the standard crafting guide but skip the step of applying a Perfect Essence of Battle.
- Market Strategy: Do not overpay for bases early in the league. If crafting materials are too expensive, wait for the market to settle or purchase a high-physical-DPS crossbow with the required implicit projectile modifier.
Progression & Resources
- Ascendancy: Ensure all ascendancy points are unlocked to maximize build potential.
- Passive Tree: During the Shark Fin Quest (Act 4), select Rakiata’s Lesson. This is a premium modifier that allows armor to apply to elemental damage, significantly increasing survivability.
Key References