Quick run testing a simulation of the nerfs in 0.5. The main change is basically the removal of Malice.

My current setup is still very scuffed because of all the testing. I also intentionally downscaled it for testing purposes.

The Infernal Legion nerf is largely offset by the “more” multiplier on the Tamed Beast gem. Assuming it continues scaling at ~4% per level, you’re looking at roughly 130–140% more damage. In the footage, I’m using Infernal Legion II, which is being halved in 0.5. However, that loss is effectively compensated by the ~130%+ more damage from Tamed Beast scaling. In practice, if you’re running the same beast modifiers, you should end up doing roughly 30–40% more damage than what’s shown in the video. A beast with just one extra damage mod will look like the video.

Aside from the bugfixes, the most impactful nerf is actually the removal of Shock Conduction II, which I haven’t removed yet in-game, but is already reflected in my updated PoBs.

The main issue now is shock application. We need a replacement source. One option is Storm Mages (like my original 0.3 setup), but it can be inconsistent. A more stable alternative could be running a second beast with the reworked Trusted Kinship and an “all damage can shock” modifier. For even more fun, you can also add Haste Aura and obviously Loyalty.

Rough PoBs for Lich:

Version 1: https://pobb.in/MQiKQYcG-ipo

(stays left, Shock via Storm Mage)

Version 2: https://pobb.in/5vzxrWMBUdFX

(Paths to Kinship, second Beast with "all damage shocks" + Haste, has some config fuckery to simulate spirit reservation)

The setup circumvents all ES nerfs. This is the same approach I’ve already used in my other versions and similar minion builds. We use Shavronne’s Satchel belt on a low-life Lich to "heal" our ES, and to get efficient nodes like "Defiance" and get speedy with "%MS on low life".

Combined with Evasion + Ghost Dance, this still results in overkill sustain even post-nerf, especially in combination with Blasphemy + Temporal Chains turning the game into a joke.

I also removed Elemental Weakness from the Blasphemy setup in the PoBs to save Spirit and regain single-target DPS, which together with the lower shock values in 0.5 will offset the removal of Shock Conduction II.

I removed a bunch of max minion res. It wont be needed anymore in 0.5 for the beast.

The PoBs currently assume overcapped attributes. As your gear improves, you can remove unnecessary nodes and suffixes and adjust accordingly. A From Nothing jewel can also provide strong value if you hit a good timeless jewel seed.

There might be some good companion nodes worth grabbing with Megalomaniacs.