What are the best lightning based builds out there?

Hi

I quite like the lightning mechanics in this game, how shock works and that.

Just wondering what are some good lightning based builds

No totems, lightning arrow or discharge please. Is there any left viable solution?

Only spells that come to mind are Shock Nova, Spark (self-cast), Lightning Strike and Arc (this one sucks, for what I've heard)

It can be melee or ranged.

Also, I've heard about "Perma Shocker" builds, what is that?

thank you

Shock nova is very finnicky and annoying to use, arc is terrible, self cast spark is annoying to position and not all that fun in my experience. Lightning strike is better as a ranged lightning skill than most of the ones available and its about the best there is.

Spark and Lightning Strike can both be pretty bad ass if you build around them. You should try experimenting instead of using a cookie cutter build.

shock nova would be so much better without the dead zone in the middle
and arc needs to have its damage penalty reduced
until that happens it's either spark or lightning strike
or lightning arrow

hmmm

Is it possible to make a build centered on casting Spark and Lightning Strike?

What class and nodes should I take to make it viable?

Any ideas?

So, if I make a build based on Lightning spell damage, what should I go for?

I was thinking of selfcasting Spark as my main attack, and maybe throw some Discharges inbetween, since there isn't any decent single target lightning spell, I think I would stick with Spark, even though I'd have to stay closer to enemies.

I'd use Conductivity as my main curse, Lightning Warp as utility

I will aim for as much lightning and spell damage, crit chance and multiplier as possible.

I don't have much currency, so do you think the playstyle will be dangerous? Should I invest in defensive nodes?

Shall I go CI/Non-CI?

Can you give me some suggestions on how to go with this build?

thanks man

Don't remember where it is, but there are successful Lightning Strike / shock based builds out there. Try searching the class/build discussion forums for it.

Good lightning strike builds have been nerfed with the melee patch that reduced health AND the blood magic aura bug fix. Tried it out, my character is silently awaiting the 1.0 october release to respec into something more fun :)

BTW - 5.8 APS

I use a quality shock nova on my summoner. Supporting it with life leech, mana leech, ele prolif and/or faster casting is sweet. I do have a ton of AoE radius passives, so I don't have to stand near the enemies. I could easily pick up elemental equilibrium and go with fire zombies... Gonna have to pick this character up again soon :P