[3.4] 20k ES RF STR-Ascendant (Guard/Chief)

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I wanted to test the possibility of playing an ES-based RF character without the use of Shavronne's Wrappings. I went with a STR-Stacking Ascendant shell for this build, using Esh's Visage to deal with Chaos not bypassing my ES. While the results were clearly positive, I had to be fair and compare it to what I consider to be the top ESRF build at the moment though - Mana Guardians.

Although It felt like it was easier to get started with the build since Shavronne's Wrappings tend to be very sought after at the start of the league, these tend to drop in price quite quickly. It didn't help that, unlike Mana Guardians, I'm bound to using a Presence of Chayula to avoid stuns. Not only this, but since Mana Guardians tend to use all three purity auras, gearing is far more flexible as high ES gear without resists (and strength/int) are far more niche. Another thing worth noting is that Mana Guardians end up having an absurd amount of physical mitigation, which this build doesn't.

So what does this build have over them? Well, damage. Mana RF Guards tend to 6L their RF using Arcane Surge to add the "duration" tag to their RF, granting them access to Swift Affliction. My RF is instead placed on an Elder Helm with "Supported by Burning Damage", allowing me to swap that gem out for Efficacy. It also has an Essence-crafted "More Elemental Damage"mod. This adds up to roughly 20% more "More Multiplier" on my RF. Since my RF is on helm, Scorching Ray can go in my 6L, which ends up having roughly 25% more "More Multiplier" than Mana Guards, as they run theirs in Doon Cuebiyari for the pseudo-4L. Unlike me, they are actually at Low Life, which gives them access to the More Multiplier from Pain Attunement for a pseudo-5L.

All and all, I think it's a nice alternative to Mana Guardians, but subpar in performance. The prices for building either probably aren't immensely different, so I guess I'd only recommend this over Mana Guards if you're just tired of them and want to mix it up a bit (and aren't playing on HC). I hadn't played an ES build in a long while, and I don't think I will again in quite some time. While they can achieve some really absurd numbers, saving up for the right Watcher's Eye (among other items) can be quite tiresome.

Gear & Links

Nice one.

i try this build - maybe give me more info?

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undelorth wrote:

Nice one.

Thanks \o/

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BIGssdl wrote:

i try this build - maybe give me more info?

Sure, what info do you need?

lvling strategy - skillpoints tree
thx ;)

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BIGssdl wrote:

lvling strategy - skillpoints tree
thx ;)

This is my level 94 skill tree:
http://poeurl.com/b85y
You need the "Aura effectiveness" nodes from tree, at least merc lab, Presence/Eye of Chayula, Dream Fragments, and Purity of Fire 23 (21+2 from empower 3 for example). Geofri's Sanctuary, Shaper's Touch and Esh's Visage. You can use Cyclopean Coil when you're starting out.

You should at least be at the very least level ~71 to get this build to work, passive tree looking kind of like this:
http://poeurl.com/b85B

For leveling, stretch into Resolute Technique and play dual wield Sunder maybe, or Arc/Blade Vortex if you want spells I guess. I forget what I did to level my character up.

i using shield charge + holy relic + herald of purity
ok thx

Hello.
i'm try this build
what is your ES regeneration rate ?

From which lvl can you fully use the righteous fire?

thx for answer )