POE 2 Lich Ascendancy: A Deep Dive into the New Ascendancy Class
The highly anticipated Path of Exile 2 has been making waves in the gaming community, and one of the most talked-about features is the introduction of the Lich Ascendancy. This new ascendancy class promises to bring a fresh layer of complexity and depth to the game, catering to players who enjoy mastering dark, necromantic forces. In this article, we’ll explore what makes the Lich Ascendancy unique, its key features, and how it fits into the broader Path of Exile 2 experience.
Understanding the Lich Ascendancy
The Lich Ascendancy is designed for players who want to embrace the dark arts of necromancy and curses. Unlike other ascendancy classes, the Lich focuses on summoning and controlling undead minions while also manipulating the battlefield through powerful curses. This class is perfect for those who enjoy a mix of minion management and strategic spellcasting.
One of the standout features of the Lich Ascendancy is its ability to sustain a massive army of undead minions. Through unique skill interactions, players can summon everything from basic zombies to powerful spectral horrors. These minions are not just cannon fodder; they can be upgraded and customized to fit your playstyle. For example, you can buff your zombies with necrotic damage or empower your skeletons with elemental resistances.
Key Features of the Lich Ascendancy
Minion Mastery: The Lich Ascendancy is all about commanding an army of undead. With skills like Summon Raging Spirit and Carrion Golem, you can create a formidable force that does the dirty work for you. These minions are highly durable and can be further enhanced with necrotic damage and other modifiers.
Curse Synergy: The Lich excels at applying and maintaining curses on enemies. Curses like Desecrate and Temporal Chains can debilitate foes, making them easier to kill. The ascendancy also includes passive skills that amplify the effect of curses, ensuring enemies are weakened and more vulnerable to your attacks.
Dark Magic Specialization: The Lich is deeply tied to the Necromancy and Occultism skill trees. This allows for powerful spellcasting options, including Corpse Explosion and Bane. These abilities not only deal massive damage but also synergize perfectly with your minion army.
Survivability and Utility: While the Lich is a glass-cannon class, it has access to several survivability tools. Skills like Vaal Summon Skeletons and Bone Offering provide defensive options, ensuring you can stay alive even in the most chaotic fights.
How the Lich Ascendancy Fits into Path of Exile 2
Path of Exile 2 is known for its complex gameplay mechanics and deep character customization. The Lich Ascendancy is no exception, offering a unique playstyle that rewards strategy and planning. Whether you’re clearing maps, running delves, or tackling endgame content like the Absence of Value and Meaning boss, the Lich is a versatile class that can adapt to any situation.
The Lich also pairs well with other classes and ascendancies, making it a great choice for league starts or niche builds. For example, combining the Lich with a Necromancer or Witch can create a nearly unstoppable force of undead power.
Case Study: Building a Lich in POE 2
Let’s take a closer look at how you might build a Lich in Path of Exile 2. A common approach is to focus on minion damage and curse effectiveness. Here’s a basic outline:
Passive Skill Tree: Prioritize nodes that increase minion damage, life, and speed. Also, pick up curse effectiveness nodes to maximize the impact of your debuffs.
Equipment: Look for items with +1 to Necromancy Skill Gems and increased minion damage. The Crown of the Pale King is a great helmet for minion builds.
Skill Gems: Start with Summon Raging Spirit and Summon Carrion Golem. Later, add Bane and Desecrate to round out your build.
Conclusion
The Lich Ascendancy is a game-changer for fans of necromancy and minion-based builds in Path of Exile 2. With its focus on summoning, cursing, and dark magic, this class offers a unique and rewarding playstyle. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a new player, the L