[1.3] The Crit Philosopher - CI Crit Cold Witch - Freezing Pulse, PCoC & Echo

any thoughts on using vaal ice nova as support gem ?

You can gain 14% increased max ES and 10% faster ES recovery by switching around a few nodes near the Witch. Same exact number of passive points with more stats. This build also gives you the flexibility of double curse and easier access to the cold nodes near Witch. It also lets you drop the might/agility nodes if you don't need them and save a point.

http://www.pathofexile.com/passive-skill-tree/AAAAAgMAAv4FQg2NDkgRDxFQEZYVUBXXFkAXLxslHNwdFCL0JLAnqSlPKgssnCy_Nbk62EGWQsNDY0SrRtdHBkuuTLNN2FAwVa5WY1j1XGtdxl3yXypfamBtY0NknWaebAttGXBScLtw1XFNdFV-WX_GgKSCEIKbhEiFfYauhtGJ04w2jHaOZI9Gj6aP-prPm6GdxKcIpyusmK6ztQS2-rcxwcXDbdD12Vva3dte2-fd89-E34rfsOQi6QLr9ewY7DjyHfLh8-r3pvfX-tI=

I'm surprised you don't have Sniper and Coordination by Shadow. Projectile Speed is just way too beneficial to FP. Soul Siphon is probably worth it too. I'm using a build like this but I'm going evasion and considering IR unless I can somehow afford Aegis Aurora and go block.

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jaredh wrote:

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leoroids wrote:

I am thinking about taking vaal pact.
what is your logic behind not taking, i know it is a lot of points but i think it will really help out with reflect

It's so many points, it would have to be called a different build entirely.

As for this build, another question....how bad do you need those +30 str/dex nodes over by shadow? If you they can be made up for, that's 4 nodes that can be eliminated...you can go around the corner at the far top right by linking the one node that separates two areas you already have in the build, then wipe out the other side...net gain, 3 nodes, but of course, massive stat drop

I haven't found any problems so far with Life Leech. Quality in Life Leech is really useful, and let's not forget that Doryani's Invitation gives you 1% leech for your cold damage; it's a little boost to your leech.

We use resistances and block to deal with reflect. Tempest Shield, Rainbowstride and Rathpith Globe are somewhat a must for blocking reflected spells. You can switch one of your rings to Pyre, but I think max resists and block chance is enough, to be honest.

As for the dexterity and strength notables, you can skip them if your gear allows it. The only dex gems used mandatory are Blood Rage, LMP(GMP) and Arctic Armour, so it's not that big of a deal. Strength gems are more important, though. And my gear doesn't allow dropping those nodes, sadly. Though I was actually looking to buy a perfect Chayula, that would somewhat help optimizing the tree.

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PathofDisco wrote:

any thoughts on using vaal ice nova as support gem ?

Could be, it's all about preference! I personally don't use it because I feel the crit chance is high enough to freeze everything at the right time. If you would like some more crowd control, Frost Wall could be useful too. Using the same exact gear I have, you'll be missing 1 socket, because my gloves are 3L and not 4L. Consider it!

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ffhighwind wrote:

You can gain 14% increased max ES and 10% faster ES recovery by switching around a few nodes near the Witch. Same exact number of passive points with more stats. This build also gives you the flexibility of double curse and easier access to the cold nodes near Witch. It also lets you drop the might/agility nodes if you don't need them and save a point.

http://www.pathofexile.com/passive-skill-tree/AAAAAgMAAv4FQg2NDkgRDxFQEZYVUBXXFkAXLxslHNwdFCL0JLAnqSlPKgssnCy_Nbk62EGWQsNDY0SrRtdHBkuuTLNN2FAwVa5WY1j1XGtdxl3yXypfamBtY0NknWaebAttGXBScLtw1XFNdFV-WX_GgKSCEIKbhEiFfYauhtGJ04w2jHaOZI9Gj6aP-prPm6GdxKcIpyusmK6ztQS2-rcxwcXDbdD12Vva3dte2-fd89-E34rfsOQi6QLr9ewY7DjyHfLh8-r3pvfX-tI=

I'm surprised you don't have Sniper and Coordination by Shadow. Projectile Speed is just way too beneficial to FP. Soul Siphon is probably worth it too. I'm using a build like this but I'm going evasion and considering IR unless I can somehow afford Aegis Aurora and go block.

Oh, you're right! I used the other way around because at early levels power charges are not that useful, but should have seen it in the reset now that I'm 83 lol

I'm not using projectile speed increase (overall) because I'm using a Q20% Freezing Pulse, which gives you 60% increased projectile speed. But Sniper is a great notable, if I had points to spend I'd certainly take it. I REALLY need to get rid of those +30 dex/str nodes.

I'll adjust the tree and update it as soon as I get Internet access in my home T_T


Thank you very much for all your suggestions and concerns, guys!

Can you let us know when you've updated the tree. Thanks

Hey, new to CI chars - is this build fit for HC setting? Did you die on it a lot? You didnt take many ES nodes, but then I never played ES-based char yet...

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DeThroneDe wrote:

Can you let us know when you've updated the tree. Thanks

pretty sure its in the op

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sSasori wrote:

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DeThroneDe wrote:

Can you let us know when you've updated the tree. Thanks

pretty sure its in the op

It's now updated in the OP with the little tweak ffhighwind suggested!

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benjiwoosh wrote:

Hey, new to CI chars - is this build fit for HC setting? Did you die on it a lot? You didnt take many ES nodes, but then I never played ES-based char yet...

In pre-spell echo era, I died a lot around my first 3 levels as CI, but mainly because I had no Chayula and no Dream Fragments. Lesson learned. As soon as I got my Chayula, it all was better. That's why I highly recommend getting both ASAP.

ES comes mainly from your gear. Around 3K ES is a good time to switch to CI, and you'll reach around 5K from the ES nodes in the tree. Discipline is mandatory at this point.

There's little to no armor in most CI chars, that's why the playstyle is different. You'll need a high block chance and lots of mobility; damage is avoided rather than face-tanked.

It's possible to do it in Hardcore, yeah, just be careful :)

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Saxarona wrote:

There's little to no armor in most CI chars, that's why the playstyle is different. You'll need a high block chance and lots of mobility; damage is avoided rather than face-tanked.

It's possible to do it in Hardcore, yeah, just be careful :)

Havent seen you take any block nodes, perhaps Sanctuary cluster would be a good way to go next then?
Also, just fought cruel Dominus, and with 2100 hp (took pretty much all the reasonably close HP nodes, I'll respec them later) I almost RIPd at least 3 times. Its a mircale Im still in Beyond, he once left me like 5% life max xD
Im currently experimenting with Ice spear instead of FP for the extra range, and it feels pretty good. I didnt take many crit nodes yet and my weapon is junky, so enemies arent perma-frozen yet (which is a huge pain).
I dont have access to Rathpith (yet), what would you suggest instead? Pure ES shield with high block?

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benjiwoosh wrote:

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Saxarona wrote:

There's little to no armor in most CI chars, that's why the playstyle is different. You'll need a high block chance and lots of mobility; damage is avoided rather than face-tanked.

It's possible to do it in Hardcore, yeah, just be careful :)

Havent seen you take any block nodes, perhaps Sanctuary cluster would be a good way to go next then?
Also, just fought cruel Dominus, and with 2100 hp (took pretty much all the reasonably close HP nodes, I'll respec them later) I almost RIPd at least 3 times. Its a mircale Im still in Beyond, he once left me like 5% life max xD
Im currently experimenting with Ice spear instead of FP for the extra range, and it feels pretty good. I didnt take many crit nodes yet and my weapon is junky, so enemies arent perma-frozen yet (which is a huge pain).
I dont have access to Rathpith (yet), what would you suggest instead? Pure ES shield with high block?

I think Spiritual Guardian is even better, with 110% increased ES for your Shield and block chance too.
And yeah, any shield with ES is good. Spirit Shields are optimal, with spell dmg, crit and ES modifiers; especially Brass, Thorium and Titanium that have 30% block.

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Saxarona wrote:

I think Spiritual Guardian is even better, with 110% increased ES for your Shield and block chance too.
And yeah, any shield with ES is good. Spirit Shields are optimal, with spell dmg, crit and ES modifiers; especially Brass, Thorium and Titanium that have 30% block.

I was thinking those additional 4% block would work better, but hm. If you say additional ES is better...
Also, with current Dream Fragments price (1.5 exalt) I think ill keep this build for later and go back to my incinerate tank... xD Cant afford it right now, and you mentioned its pretty much a must after going CI.