The Ascendant’s Versatility build in POE2 is a unique and flexible build that leverages the Ascendant class’s ability to combine multiple Ascendancy passives from different classes. This build is perfect for players who enjoy experimenting with hybrid playstyles and want to create a character that can adapt to various situations. Below is a comprehensive guide to creating and optimizing this build, including ascendancy choices, skill gems, gear recommendations, and playstyle tips.
1. Introduction to the Ascendant’s Versatility Build
The Ascendant is a unique class in Path of Exile 2 that allows players to combine passives from multiple Ascendancies, creating a highly customizable and versatile character. The Ascendant’s Versatility build focuses on blending the strengths of different Ascendancies to create a hybrid playstyle that excels in both offense and defense. This build is ideal for players who want to experiment with different mechanics and adapt their playstyle to various challenges in the game.
2. Ascendancy Choices
The Ascendant’s Versatility build allows you to choose two Ascendancy passives from different classes. Below are some recommended combinations:
| Ascendancy Combination | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Deadeye + Titan | Combines the mobility and projectile damage of the Deadeye with the tankiness and AoE damage of the Titan. | Excellent for ranged builds with high survivability. |
| Stormweaver + Blood Mage | Combines the elemental damage and critical strikes of the Stormweaver with the life-based casting and leech mechanics of the Blood Mage. | Great for spellcasters who want high damage and sustain. |
| Invoker + Infernalist | Combines the elemental damage and mobility of the Invoker with the fire-based damage and minion mechanics of the Infernalist. | Ideal for hybrid melee and spellcasting builds. |
3. Skill Gems and Links
The Ascendant’s Versatility build relies on a combination of skills that synergize with your chosen Ascendancies. Below are some recommended setups:
Primary Skills
- Lightning Arrow: For ranged builds, combines well with Deadeye passives.
- Blade Vortex: For spellcasting builds, synergizes with Stormweaver and Blood Mage passives.
- Flicker Strike: For melee builds, works well with Invoker and Infernalist passives.
Support Gems
- Increased Area of Effect: Enhances the AoE of skills like Blade Vortex and Flicker Strike.
- Controlled Destruction: Increases spell damage at the cost of critical strike chance.
- Life Leech: Provides sustain for life-based builds.
- Elemental Focus: Boosts elemental damage at the cost of ailments.
Utility Skills
- Flame Dash: Provides mobility for repositioning.
- Herald of Thunder: Adds lightning damage to attacks and spells.
- Steelskin: Creates a barrier that absorbs incoming damage.
4. Ascendant’s Versatility build Gear Recommendations
Gear is crucial for maximizing the build’s versatility and effectiveness. Below is a table of recommended gear:
| Gear Slot | Item | Modifiers to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Weapon | Ephemeral Edge | +Energy Shield, +Spell Damage |
| Helmet | Alpha’s Howl | +Mana Reservation Efficiency, +Aura Levels |
| Body Armor | Shavronne’s Wrappings | +Energy Shield, Chaos Damage does not bypass Energy Shield |
| Gloves | Voidbringer | +Energy Shield, +Spell Damage |
| Boots | Sin Trek | +Energy Shield, +Movement Speed |
| Amulet | Presence of Chayula | +Energy Shield, +Chaos Resistance |
| Rings | Rare Rings | +Energy Shield, +Resistances |
5. Ascendant’s Versatility build Passive Skill Tree
The passive skill tree for this build focuses on:
- Hybrid Damage: Boosts both physical and elemental damage.
- Life and Energy Shield: Enhances survivability.
- Critical Strike Chance: Improves the chance to deal critical hits.
- Area of Effect: Increases the coverage of AoE skills.
Key nodes include Heart of Ice, Annihilation, and Arcane Potency.
6. Playstyle and Tips
- Mapping: Use AoE skills like Blade Vortex or Lightning Arrow to clear packs of enemies quickly. Maintain Herald of Thunder for additional damage.
- Bossing: Focus on single-target skills like Flicker Strike or Blade Vortex for high damage. Use Steelskin for additional survivability.
- Positioning: Stay mobile with Flame Dash to avoid enemy attacks. Keep your skills active for continuous damage.
- Sustain: Rely on life leech and energy shield regeneration to stay alive during prolonged fights.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the best weapon for this build? | Ephemeral Edge is ideal for boosting energy shield and spell damage. |
| How important is critical strike chance? | Critical strikes are essential for maximizing damage output, especially for builds using Stormweaver or Blood Mage passives. |
| Can this build handle endgame content? | Yes, the Ascendant’s Versatility build excels in both mapping and bossing due to its high damage and survivability. |
| What are the best defensive layers? | Energy shield, life leech, and Steelskin are the core defensive layers of this build. |
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Ascendant’s Versatility build in Path of Exile 2 (POE2).
you can also check out other POE2 builds