Summary
With the upcoming 3.29 patch, two skills are receiving substantial buffs that could define the softcore trade meta. Both Winter Orb and Ethereal Knives are poised to become top-tier choices for endgame content—and if you want to get ahead of the curve without spending weeks farming gear, you can always buy POE currency to fund your transition into these powerful builds. Here's everything you need to know.
Winter Orb
The Buffs
Winter Orb received what many are calling a "massive" damage buff. Key changes include:
Base projectiles increased from 1 to 3 at gem level 20
Critical strike chance increased from 6% to 7.5%
Base damage increased from 360–450 to 360–539
Why These Buffs Matter
The base projectile increase from 1 to 3 is the biggest game-changer. Previously, Greater Multiple Projectiles (GMP) was mandatory for Winter Orb, costing a support gem slot and applying 26% less projectile damage. Now with three base projectiles, you can drop GMP entirely and replace it with a damage support gem—typically adding about 30% more damage.
Combine all these buffs and you're looking at roughly 60–70% more damage compared to 3.24. That's essentially double damage.
Why Winter Orb is Loved
1. Auto-Targeting Clear — Just channel and projectiles auto-target enemies around you. The skill requires minimal input while providing excellent coverage.
2. Great League Starter — Available at level 28. Performs well through campaign and maps, even in SSF gear. Jungroan demonstrated a Winter Orb run with complete SSF gear that already looked playable before the buffs.
3. Single Target Potential — The new Void Knight skill coming in 3.29 may add Nova projectiles and extra damage, potentially doubling single-target output. This could make Winter Orb a legitimate boss killer.
Early Game Weapon
The Mystic Refractor wand is a tier-three unique providing +2 projectiles. With the new base of three, you reach six projectiles early on. Even if Winter Orb becomes popular, this wand should remain affordable at around two divines.
Ethereal Knives
The Buffs
Ethereal Knives received significant improvements:
Base critical strike chance increased from 6% to 10%
Effective damage increased from 220% to 250%
Projectile speed increased by 20%, reaching 30% with quality
All together, that's roughly 35% more base damage and 4% more base crit.
Base EK vs. Massacre
There are two versions of Ethereal Knives to consider:
Ethereal Knives of Massacre — The commonly used variant (no projectiles)
Base Ethereal Knives — The traditional version
The base version now has higher damage and better projectile speed scaling, which might make it more favorable, especially when paired with the new Void Knight skill for Nova-style projectiles. The 30% more projectile speed means projectiles travel 30% farther, giving you better coverage and safer gameplay.
Why EK is a Top-Tier Mapper
1. Elementalist Synergy — The Herald of Ice package remains untouched and is still exceptionally strong. Combined with Shaper of Flames, you get insane clear speed through explosions and excellent bossing via Arcanist Brand.
2. Shavronne's Setup — The low-life Shavronne's setup remains viable and untouched. Players who enjoyed the Blade Vortex variant can transition easily to Ethereal Knives since they're built almost identically.
3. Projectile Speed Scaling — 30% more projectile speed translates to projectiles traveling 30% farther, providing better coverage and safer gameplay overall.
Late-Game Potential
Ethereal Knives was already a very strong mapper. The BV variant was extremely strong last league, but Minion Pack is getting nerfed significantly. However, the EK variant, which is built in almost the exact same way, remains untouched and is actually getting buffed. The Shavronne's EK build should be exactly the same next patch, with EK's buffs only improving it.
This has very high potential of being a meta-defining spell caster for late-game mapping.
Comparing the Two Skills
Winter Orb is the better choice for league starting. It's strong from level 28 onward, scales well, and the buffs make it viable all the way through endgame. It's looking like a T0 starter.
Ethereal Knives is less suited for the campaign but becomes a monster for late-game mapping. If you're planning to transition into a top-tier farmer two or three weeks into the league, this is your skill.
Final Thoughts
Both skills look incredibly promising for 3.29. Winter Orb offers a smooth league start that scales all the way. Ethereal Knives delivers top-tier mapping performance once you have the gear. Many players are planning to start with Winter Orb and transition to Ethereal Knives later—but gearing up can be expensive, which is why some turn to trusted platforms with POE currency for sale to fast-track their progress. If you're looking for a reliable place, I'd recommend MMOEXP for competitive rates and quick delivery. The Shavronne's setup is extremely strong and was a lot of fun last league, so it's definitely worth playing again.
