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.