Ice Nova Tri-Elemental/Curse Blood Mage League Starter PoE2 0.3

*YouTube Videos:*

Video #1: https://youtu.be/u4gwhILx3wg?si=X9bxBQaOmJ-NxKDD

*Updated 09-06-24*
- Infused Ice Nova Theory Craft PoB WIP: https://maxroll.gg/poe2/pob/0q780gjl (level 97)

Note: Astral Projection Ice Nova is crunchier, has more immediate freezes, and is way more comfortable to play. I am no longer planning to go Frostbolt and will instead go Ice Nova after I finish the campaign.

*How to Start: leveling through the campaign as Essence Drain w/ Minion/Curse tech:*
1.Act 2 (Level 23 Export): https://maxroll.gg/poe2/pob/y210sx0q
2. Act 3 (Level 37 Export) : https://maxroll.gg/poe2/pob/ly10t10q
3. Act 4 (Level 44 Export): https://maxroll.gg/poe2/pob/bw10t30q
5. Interlude (Level 56 Export): https://maxroll.gg/poe2/pob/sf118d0g
6. Maps (Level 74 Export): https://maxroll.gg/poe2/pob/lr3bt0ce

Essence Drain Theory Craft PoB WIP: https://maxroll.gg/poe2/pob/vc3br0cc (level 95)

*Notes:*
Ignore the original PoB in the video. It is out of date and shouldn't be followed, and making it work would require a Snakebite ring to prevent Frostbolt from piercing. Refer to the above. Astral Projection Ice Nova is crunchier, has more immediate freezes, and is way more comfortable to play. I am no longer planning to go Frostbolt and will instead go Ice Nova after I finish the campaign.

Here's what I'm planning for this league. It's not a full build yet, but I thought I'd share the concept. Maybe it'll give some people ideas.

I'll post update videos as the build progresses. It's a little different than most builds out there, doesn't seem to require any fancy items, and seems like it could be a comfortable and relatively strong/fun build to play.

Feel free to ask questions, provide critiques, or throw out ideas that could put the build concept on steroids.

I updated the build as I've gone through Acts 1 and 2 to ensure a smooth start. I included a PoB for how to start above. Updated the original theory craft PoB (level 94) too.

I updated the OP above with my current build going through the campaign. I'm working on Act 4 right now.

I'm still running ED + Contagion + Minions until I get a lot of levels under my belt.

I realized to power everything I wanna do with the tri-elemental curser, I'll need a lot of passive skill points. I plan to switch over once I get to maps.

After testing things out, I will no longer plan to go Frostbolt unless I become very wealthy.

Astral Projection Infused Ice Nova is way more comfortable and way cheaper to build. I updated my build plans and will come out with a new video tomorrow.

Updated the build again today and fully planned out the theory craft with updated PoB links. Looks pretty solid.

In terms of what else to add to the mostly empty items, just fill the affixes with resistances/stats so you're capped and have the item support, then just whatever you think is cool.

My homebrew Essence Drain + Minion/Curse Tech Blood Mage is also doing great. and I have milestones posted with exports of my build.

Updated my gem setups and made some tweaks to the theory craft PoBs. The Ice Nova build looks pretty strong.

So far the ED build is very safe and makes Abysses easy. Not sure how well it will scale. It should be a good way to learn the mechanics of boss fights, but don't expect insane DPS.

I plan to push the campaign leveling ED/minion build a bit in maps and if it performs equivalent to how it does in the campaign/interlude, I'll release a video.