Hey folks! Today, we’re diving into the evolving world of Frost Claw as we approach the 1.2 patch. This update brings significant changes to the skill, and I’ll be outlining what to expect and how these changes will affect your builds. As you experiment with these new mechanics, you may want to consider how optimal builds can influence your Last Epoch gold collection, making it easier to gather resources for crafting and upgrades.

Overview of Frost Claw in 1.1

Before we jump into the changes, let’s briefly recap how Frost Claw was played in the previous version, 1.1. There are essentially four main playstyles that players adopted:

Arcane Current Spark Charge: This build focused on maximizing the spark charge mechanic, but this node is no longer applicable for Frost Claw in 1.2.

Elemental Nova Style: This mirrors the original 1.0 build, allowing for a more traditional approach to Frost Claw.

Critical Hit Builds: Aiming to maximize damage output through critical hits, this style remains viable in the upcoming patch.

Ailment Builds: This style includes utilizing damage over time effects, like Ignite and Frostbite, to contribute to overall damage output.

Major Changes in 1.2

Now, let’s discuss the key changes coming to Frost Claw. The most impactful modification involves the Hand of Midas and its placement in the skill tree. Previously, Hand of Midas was lower in the tree, but it has now switched places with Volley of Glass, the node that allows for shotgunning projectiles. This transition comes with a notable increase in mana cost for Hand of Midas, adding an extra two mana to its usage.

What does this mean for your builds? With Volley of Glass now located higher in the skill tree, players can opt for different paths without being locked into high mana costs for each skill.

Exploring Build Options in 1.2

Ailment and Crit Builds: For players focused on applying ailments, the new setup allows for an interesting combination of nodes. If you take Hand of Midas along with Volley of Glass, you can achieve ten hits on a single enemy target by hitting them with Frost Claw.

Example Setup: If you shoot a Frost Claw at your target, with the new changes, your projectiles can count for five hits going in and five hitting as they leave, resulting in those ten total hits. But now, you can also have two elemental novas—one when it first hits and another as it bounces back—making it highly effective for applying both direct damage and ailments.

New Ailment Build Strategy: Instead of taking Hand of Midas, which entails a higher mana cost, you could follow a path that offers lower mana requirements. By selecting nodes that provide additional bounces, you can still achieve eight or nine total hits while benefiting from multiple novas.

Setup Visualization: Imagine shooting Frost Claw towards an enemy, which then bounces away. You would have three hits on the initial hit going in, three on the way out, and an additional return hit, stacking the damage while maintaining manageable mana costs.

Maximizing Hits with Mana Management: If you want to go even further to achieve as many hits as possible, consider the Ever Onward skill, which allows for additional hits without complicated aiming mechanics. While it may seem easier, the downside is missing out on potential novas generated from other setups.

Effective Combinations: The best combination results in a max hit of 25 Frost Claw attacks and five elemental novas. The viability of these combinations depends on your ability to manage mana costs effectively through nodes.

Mana Calculation Strategies

As Frost Claw evolves, understanding mana costs becomes pivotal. I’ve updated my mana cost calculator for 1.2, which you can find linked in the description. This tool lets you experiment with various Frost Claw builds and see how different nodes interact to affect mana consumption.

Base Costs Overview:

A maximum of minus 3 on items like Mad Alchemist’s Ladle.

A minus 5 using a Wrath Warp item.

Up to minus 9 with specific T7 equipment.

As mana costs rise above zero, players will find it challenging to use spells that exceed their resource availability. However, the Gift of Winter node generates mana, which may offset negative costs, allowing players to maintain a positive mana regeneration rate. Aim for spells that are optimally designed for your desired playstyle! If you're looking to enhance your experience further, consider looking into Last Epoch gold for sale, which can help you acquire essential resources for crafting and upgrading. Check out MMOEXP for reliable options to boost your in-game progress!

MMOexp Last Epoch Team