Path of Exile 3.29 "Curse of the Allflame" — Pre-Launch Guide: Nerf and Buff Predictions

Summary

Path of Exile's next expansion, Curse of the Allflame (3.29.0), releases on July 24, 2026, with the full reveal scheduled for July 16. Teaser information points to Abyss-related updates, new transfigured gems, and unique item reworks, but every patch brings balance changes that shift the meta—and the value of items you might buy POE currency to acquire. Here are my predictions for three major nerfs and three key buffs coming in 3.29.

Nerf Predictions

Minion Pact Support

Minion Pact Support was introduced in patch 3.28 as an Exceptional support gem that grants flat added physical damage to supported spells based on the maximum life of a sacrificed minion.

The numbers on this gem are completely out of line. Even with minimal investment — just a level 20 Raise Spectre and Minion Life Support — a Dark Marionette Spectre has roughly 36,000 life, adding about 1,000 flat physical damage to your spell. That's over five times the added damage from a level 20 Added Cold or Lightning Support gem.

To make matters worse, physical damage can be converted and scaled through "damage gained as extra" modifiers, amplifying the value even further.

The real problem: Blade Vortex snapshots the added damage on initial cast, allowing players to keep that absurd damage bonus for the skill's entire duration. This gem was so overpowered that it had to be banned in the 3.28 Gauntlet — a rarity for Zizaran's events.

What to expect in 3.29:

Massive numerical nerf to the added damage percentage

Complete rework of the gem's functionality

Likely fixes to the Unholy Aberration spectre which has abnormally high base life

Minion Pact will essentially be "deleted" in its current form.

Kinetic Fusillade

Kinetic Fusillade was the most popular league starter for Mirage league, with a 13% play rate in week one — the next closest skill was at just 5%. The totem variant (Hierophant Ballista) was particularly dominant.

While Minion Pact is fundamentally broken, Kinetic Fusillade is simply overtuned. It offers very strong single-target damage with a delayed projectile mechanic that effectively acts as a damage multiplier.

The issue: The skill's mechanics make it difficult to balance fairly across both self-cast and totem variants. There have also been ongoing bug reports about invisible projectiles when used with Ballista Totem Support.

What to expect in 3.29:

Moderate damage reduction (15–30% range)

Possible functional changes to prevent the skill from working with totems

Potential improvements to projectile targeting behavior

The totem version may take the heavier hit while self-cast remains viable.

Screams of the Desiccated

This unique belt's power level isn't the issue — the shrine buffs and combinations are fine. The problem is accessibility.

In 3.28, Mirage appeared in every single map, providing frequent access to the boss encounter that drops this belt. In 3.29, Mirage will likely go core but appear rarely, similar to how Wildwood or Sentinels were implemented.

What to expect in 3.29:

Fewer Screams of the Desiccated belts in circulation

Higher market prices due to reduced supply

More limited access to powerful shrine combinations

This is a classic case of an item becoming rarer through mechanical changes rather than direct nerfs.

Buff Predictions

Self-Cast Spells

GGG has done focused balance passes in recent leagues — wand attacks in 3.27, holy skills in 3.28. I believe 3.29 will be the self-cast spell patch.

For a long time, the only competitive self-cast builds have relied on Archmage support. Generic spell scaling (gem levels, cast speed, caster defenses) has been left behind.

What to expect in 3.29:

Buffs to damage scaling from gem levels

Improved cast speed modifiers on gear and the passive tree

New transfigured gem options for self-cast playstyles

Potential Archmage nerfs to bring it closer to other options

The goal will be to make generic self-cast builds competitive with Archmage variants, creating more build diversity.

The Red Aquarian Ascendancy

The Red Aquarian (Scion's second ascendancy option) was introduced in 3.28 as a rotating ascendancy where nodes change each league. The concept is brilliant — a theory crafter's dream — but the execution has been underwhelming.

Several nodes were actually nerfed before 3.28 launch after being showcased, leaving the ascendancy noticeably weaker than intended.

What to expect in 3.29:

More powerful rotating nodes than the 3.28 set

Higher baseline power level for the ascendancy

Better early-game progression scaling

GGG's vision seems to be a front-loaded ascendancy that shines early and is outscaled in the late game. To achieve this, the nodes need to be stronger than the current iteration.

Underused Bloodline Nodes

GGG already did a balance pass on Bloodlines in 3.28, improving several underperforming options. I expect more of the same for Curse of the Allflame.

Several nodes are particularly weak and need significant buffs or complete reworks. Specific examples include the "Vivid Cat" notable on the Oshabi Bloodline, the "It Wasn't Me" notable on the Delirious Bloodline, and the "Death Offering" notable on the Kaurina Bloodline.

What to expect in 3.29:

Substantial improvements to underused Bloodline nodes

Possible addition of the Sesh Bloodline going core

More viable Bloodline options for different build archetypes

Summary of Predictions

To recap the nerfs: Minion Pact Support is facing a major nerf or complete rework due to its absurd damage potential. Kinetic Fusillade will receive a moderate damage reduction, with the totem variant likely taking the heavier hit. Screams of the Desiccated will be indirectly nerfed through reduced availability when Mirage goes core as a rarer mechanic.

For the buffs: Self-cast spells are long overdue for attention and should receive damage scaling improvements, better cast speed options, and new transfigured gems. The Red Aquarian Ascendancy needs a power boost to make its rotating nodes actually competitive. And underused Bloodline nodes will likely see significant improvements or reworks to create more build diversity.

Final Thoughts

Patch notes for 3.29 should drop immediately after the July 16 full reveal. While these predictions are based on current balance issues and community feedback, the actual changes could differ.

One thing is certain — Minion Pact Support is almost certainly getting hit hard. If you're planning to league start with it, have a backup plan ready.

What are you hoping to see in the 3.29 patch notes? The Curse of the Allflame reveal is just days away, and the meta is about to shift.