In Path of Exile 2, the Lich archetype offers players a unique experience by wielding forbidden power, often at the cost of their very soul. The Lich class introduces several powerful nodes, some of which are drawn from the original Path of Exile, and brings new ways to interact with mana, life, and energy shields. Let's delve into the abilities and mechanics that make the Lich a terrifying force in POE 2, including some fan-favorite nodes that make the Lich a fun and dynamic choice for players looking to dominate the battlefield.
Unleashing Destructive Power
One of the standout features of the Lich is the ability to harness dark powers that give them control over both life and death. Among the fan-favorite mechanics making a return is Rupture the Soul, which has players curse their enemies and cause them to explode into piles of loot. This mechanic adds a layer of excitement and strategy, as each destroyed enemy provides valuable rewards for the player.
In addition to this, the Lich benefits from Dominion Over Flesh, which introduces a potent way to deal with damage mitigation. This node allows the Lich to convert portions of the damage they take into their energy shield, making it easier to recover from incoming attacks. Combined with Soulless Form, this ability gives the Lich a powerful means of survival by increasing their maximum life while also splitting the damage between life and energy shield.
Energy Shield and Life
Managing both life and energy shield is an important part of mastering the Lich. The Soulless Form node gives a unique way to handle mana issues by increasing the Lich's life, a clever design choice that makes the Lich feel more resilient as they grow in power. This mechanic, however, doesn't stop at simply increasing health—Soulless Form also splits damage between life and energy shield. This creates an opportunity for the Lich to survive longer by recovering energy shield and life efficiently through various means.
For players who want even more durability, the Eternal Life node further enhances these effects. With Eternal Life, any damage that would normally affect the Lich's life is ignored as long as they have an active energy shield. Essentially, this means that the Lich's life can't be reduced if their energy shield is intact, giving them a strong layer of defense against even the toughest enemies. This mechanic is a game-changer for players looking to push their builds to the limit, allowing them to endure longer in battle.
Atziri's Distain and Further Damage Reduction
The Atziri's Distain node is another critical addition to the Lich's arsenal, making it even harder for enemies to break through their defenses. This node splits incoming damage between life and energy shield, providing the Lich with yet another way to reduce the amount of damage they actually take. This synergy with the other defensive nodes creates a playstyle where the Lich can tank significant amounts of damage while staying alive for extended periods of time.
Necromantic Conduit and Blackened Heart
A Lich isn't just a powerhouse on their own—through Necromantic Conduit and Blackened Heart, the Lich can empower their allies, particularly the undead minions that serve under their command. The Lich's mastery over the dead makes them an excellent support class, capable of buffing their allies to deal devastating amounts of damage. These nodes give a significant boost to damage output, making both the Lich and their minions more dangerous.
In Path of Exile 2, the concept of summoning undead minions and turning them into allies is taken to the next level with these abilities. The Lich can command legions of mindless undead to fight on their behalf, and with the right upgrades, these minions can become more powerful than ever before. Whether you're playing solo or with a group, the Lich's abilities to enhance both themselves and their undead army make them an appealing choice for players who love a mix of offense and defense.
Crystalline Phylactery, Price of Power, and Eldrich Empowerment
In addition to the defensive and summoning abilities, the Lich has access to several powerful nodes that offer bonuses to a variety of builds. The Crystalline Phylactery node gives the Lich additional power by enhancing their energy shield, making them even more resilient against damage. Meanwhile, Price of Power introduces a potent trade-off, giving a substantial damage boost at the cost of reserving more of the player's life or energy shield. This risky yet rewarding mechanic is perfect for players who want to push their Lich builds to the extreme and maximize their damage potential.
Finally, Eldrich Empowerment rounds out the Lich's impressive set of abilities. This node provides a significant boost to the power of the Lich's skills, amplifying their effectiveness across a variety of builds. Whether you're focusing on summoning, direct damage, or survivability, Eldrich Empowerment ensures that the Lich remains a formidable force in any situation.
POE 2 Currency and Trade
For players who want to maximize their Lich build, gathering POE 2 currency is essential. The in-game economy in Path of Exile 2 allows players to trade valuable POE 2 items, currencies, and upgrades to enhance their character's progression. Whether you're looking to buy specific gear, purchase key nodes, or upgrade your skills, having a solid understanding of the POE 2 currency system will give you an edge as you climb through the game's challenges.
In POE 2, currency is earned through a variety of activities, from looting enemies to completing missions, and it can be spent to acquire powerful upgrades or trade with other players. It's crucial to manage your POE 2 Currency wisely, as it can make the difference between unlocking new abilities for your Lich or being stuck with outdated gear. The more you know about how the POE 2 currency system works, the better equipped you'll be to build a truly unstoppable Lich.
Conclusion
The Lich class in Path of Exile 2 is a masterful blend of forbidden magic, dark powers, and intricate gameplay mechanics. With powerful nodes like Rupture the Soul, Dominion Over Flesh, and Soulless Form, the Lich offers a unique playstyle that rewards players for their tactical thinking and mastery of both offense and defense. Whether you're summoning undead minions, enhancing your own powers, or surviving with your life and energy shield balanced to perfection, the Lich is a class that demands both strategy and skill to truly unlock its full potential. So, if you're ready to embrace the dark side and command the undead, the Lich might just be the perfect choice for you.
MMOexp POE 2 Team