U4GM - PoE 2’s Golem Mechanics: How to Build a Golem-Heavy Character
In Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2), one of the most exciting and powerful playstyles revolves around summoning golems to fight alongside you. These towering, elemental creatures can be incredibly effective on the battlefield, providing both offense and defense. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the mechanics of golems in PoE 2 and offer some tips on how to build a character that can summon and control a powerful army of golems.
Understanding Golem Mechanics in PoE 2
Golems in Path of Exile 2 come in several types, each with unique abilities and roles. Whether you want to create a tanky army or a high-damage force, golems can be tailored to suit various strategies.
Golem Types: In PoE 2, you have the option to summon different types of golems, including the familiar Fire, Ice, Stone, and Chaos Golems, among others. Each golem has its own strengths:
Fire Golem: Deals fire damage and can inflict burn damage over time.
Ice Golem: Specializes in cold damage and can slow enemies, providing crowd control.
Stone Golem: A tanky golem that excels at absorbing damage and supporting you in the front lines.
Chaos Golem: Deals chaos damage, often ignoring elemental resistances, which can be crucial against high-resistance enemies.
Summoning and Scaling: To build a golem-heavy character, you need to focus on skills and items that enhance your golems' effectiveness. Skills like Summon Golem or Summon Raging Spirit are your primary means of summoning, and they can be modified by various passive skills, support gems, and gear. Golem-specific passive nodes in the skill tree increase their power and the number of golems you can summon simultaneously. Additionally, the power of your golems is often tied to the amount of life, energy shield, or strength you have. Some builds also scale golem damage based on your own attributes or use passive tree nodes that grant buffs to golem abilities.
Golem Specialization:
Elemental Resistances and Attributes: Your golems will benefit from your character's elemental resistances and attributes. By boosting your own resistances and attributes, you can ensure your golems are more durable and can deal more damage.
Minion Nodes: The passive skill tree has several nodes that directly benefit minions, including golems. These nodes can increase the number of golems you summon, enhance their damage output, and even provide defensive buffs.
How to Build a Golem-Heavy Character in PoE 2
Building a golem-heavy character requires careful planning, especially when it comes to gear and passives. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create a powerful golem-based character:
Choose Your Golem Type: Depending on your playstyle, choose a golem type that best fits your needs. For instance, if you want a tanky build, consider focusing on Stone Golems. If you prefer higher damage output, Fire and Chaos Golems are great options.
Focus on Minion and Golem-Related Passives: When selecting passives, prioritize nodes that benefit golems, such as the "Minion Damage" or "Minion Life" nodes. Additionally, seek out nodes that increase the number of golems you can summon, as this will increase your overall power.
Gear Choices for Golem Builds: Golem-heavy builds often require specialized gear to enhance the effectiveness of your golems. Look for gear that boosts minion damage, health, and resistances. You may also want to seek out items that grant additional golem slots, allowing you to summon more golems at once.
Support Gems and Skill Synergies: To maximize the potential of your golems, pair them with support gems that boost their damage, survivability, or utility. Gems such as Minion Damage, Minion Life, and Generosity can significantly enhance your golem's effectiveness. For defensive options, consider using Defiance Banner or other aura skills to increase the survivability of your golems.
Managing PoE 2 Currency for Your Build: Building a successful golem-heavy character requires access to specific gear, gems, and other resources, which can be expensive. Trading PoE 2 currency for the right items can be a great way to save time and focus on your build. Whether you're searching for minion-focused gear or golem-enhancing jewels, understanding the market and utilizing PoE 2 currency effectively is key to building a powerful golem character.
Leveling Your Golem Build: As you level up your character, focus on acquiring golem-related gems and unlocking passive skills that boost your minions. In the early stages of the game, you may need to rely on other damage sources while you scale up your golems. However, once you unlock the necessary passives and gear, your golems will become a formidable force.
Conclusion
A golem-heavy build in Path of Exile 2 is a great choice for players who enjoy the thrill of commanding powerful minions in battle. With the right mix of golem types, passives, gear, and PoE 2 currency, you can create a character that dominates the battlefield with a powerful army of golems. Whether you're looking for raw damage, tankiness, or utility, there's a golem build that can meet your needs.