Hey Exiles, thanks for being interested in this build. Storm Brand is extremely strong both for league start and endgame. It hasn't been touched by GGG in the 3.14 patch notes so it will stay as strong.
It is a perfect alternative to Blade Vortex, Blade Blast or Toxic Rain.
If you want to learn more about this build or other PoE mechanics, feel free to visit me on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzpAult9F8GauRMs1jj3XIA
Ask any questions that might come up in my Discord:
https://discord.gg/mM7ZrVZrag
___________________ Guide info __________________________
You have 3 gear sets available:
1. budget
2. normal
3. GG
If you put on GG gear, remember to tick "do you use frenzy charges?" and "is the enemy unnerved?" in the configuration tab.
All of these item sets represent actual gear. If you are playing a lot, you can reach the budget gear on day 2 and the normal gear on day 6.
If you want the damage numbers in PoB to be shown correctly, you must specify "Configuration > Skill Option > # of Brands attached to the enemy" as two once you have gained access to the Runebinder keystone.
___________________ How Storm Brand works _________________
Brands are pretty easy to play. You can cast them close to an enemy, which will make them connect to that enemy. One brand can be active on an enemy per default. This can be raised to two active brands with the Runebinder keystone.
The playstyle is very convenient:
1. You run in between packs of mobs and recall you Brand, which will attach them to enemies in your close vicinity.
2. You self-cast a new Brand onto another pack
3. You move forward
4. Rinse and repeat
___________________ League Start Tips ____________________
This build is playable with any gear, really.
Wand Priority: BBB - BBG - BB
*** VERY IMPORTANT to do wand craft before act 2 boss - you need to be minimum lvl 20 ***
Any Vendor:
1 Orb of Alteration
1 Magic Wand
1 RARE TOPAZ RING (for lightning damage)
Early on:
0. You want to mule a Scion to get access to Onslaught
1. Start with Purifying Flame
2. 3 - 20: Storm Blast Mine + Added Lightning Damage - Swift Assembly (must buy) (BBG) -> Swap Storm Blast Mine with Orb of Storms once you're ~lvl 25 (BBB)
3. 12 onwards: Storm Brand - Added Lightning Damage - Conc. Effect (BBB) / Onslaught (BBG)
Leveling Setup:
x-link (main damage setup): Storm Brand - Added Lightning Damage - Conc. Effect (BBB) - Controlled Destruction (BBBB) - Inspiration - Swiftbrand / (Hypothermia) -> you will need Hydrosphere and Herald of ice to make Hypothermia work
3-link (more damage): Orb of Storms - Added Lightning Damage - Onslaugt (BBG)
3 -link (movement): Frost Link / Flame Dash + Arcane Surge (lvl2 max) + Brand recall (BBB) -> if you don't have enough links, put Brand Recall somewhere else
Auras: Zealotry (B) + Herald of Ice (G)
2-link (damage): Hydrosphere + Culling Strike (BG) for boss damage (available at level 32)
1-link: Conductivity
don't forget to level Zealotry in your offhand for endgame
___________________ FAQ _______________________________
Q: What Bandit?
>>> A: Kill all
---
Q: What Pantheon?
>>> A: I recommend Brine King and Shakari
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Q: I'm dying a lot?!
>>> A: Check your resists and life totals and make sure not to run into packs but in between packs
---
Q: Can I go "Insert other ascendancy node here"
>>> A: Yes, poe.ninja shows you all the other ascendancies that are viable although I personally think that Inquisitor is superior.
---
Q: I am intimidated by the cluster jewels... can I avoid them?
>>> A: You shouldn't. If you don't know how to craft these, check out my crafting guide: >>>
https://youtu.be/E4vpAnoCYUc <<<
