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The release of Torchlight Infinite SS13 quickly sparked controversy within the player community.

The problem wasn't just a single numerical adjustment; the entire game experience had changed: gear acquisition slowed, the progression pace lengthened, and the previously addictive loot-hunting feedback diminished.

Many players believe the development team's adjustments were misguided. They attempted to increase player time investment and even reward spending by lowering drop rates and raising the barrier to entry for higher-level content. However, the opposite occurred; many players didn't choose to spend money but left Afterlight.

For a seasonal ARPG, this is a very dangerous sign. Players are willing to pay, accept long-term progression, and support games they like. But all of these rests on one foundation: the game must be fun.

The Changed Loot System

The most important enjoyment of ARPGs comes from constant feedback. Players farm a map not just to achieve their final gear, but to anticipate the next drop that might change their character. A single keyword affix, a rare piece of equipment, or a new build path can all be reasons to continue investing time.

This was the feeling Torchlight Infinite had in the past. A very smooth cycle formed between map progression, gear upgrades, and character enhancement. Players were willing to explore the mechanics and constantly try new gameplay because the investment always yielded some reward.

However, the problem with SS13 is that this cycle has been disrupted. The value of resources obtainable in the normal stages has decreased, while truly attractive gear has been pushed further back. Players need gear to access deeper content; to obtain gear, they need to first access deeper content.

This design has left many players in an awkward situation: spending a lot of time grinding every day, yet feeling that their characters haven't grown significantly. This makes players start to question why they should continue playing.

Development Team Miscalculation

From an operational perspective, it's understandable that the development team wanted to slow down player progression. Seasonal games have always faced the problem of core players leveling up too quickly and content being consumed too rapidly.

Torchlight Infinite players would graduate in Afterlight within a few days and then leave to wait for the next season, which is stressful for any long-term game. Therefore, the development team wanted to set a higher standard, encouraging players to spend more time.

However, the problem is that time spent and game lifespan are not the same thing. A good ARPG keeps players engaged because there's still so much to explore, not because they're forced to stay because there's so much they haven't yet acquired.

Players are willing to spend dozens of hours researching builds and testing different mechanics because the process itself is enjoyable. But if those dozens of hours are just repetitive, low-reward grinding, then even long online hours are just a drain on player patience.

Many players don't object to difficulty; what they object to is a significant sense of frustration: their favorite gameplay is nerfed, previously efficient progression paths are closed, and a better experience requires an additional investment of resources.

This is especially true after the introduction of pets and gacha systems, making these adjustments even more sensitive. Players are willing to spend money, but they want it spent on enhancing enjoyment, not on fixing the game's inherent discomfort.

Many semi-free-to-play players have a clear habit: try out the season first, explore new mechanics, and if they find it interesting, then get the pass, or put money into the game. This is a very healthy business cycle.

The problem is that some players haven't even completed the first step. They haven't even developed an interest in Torchlight Infinite Afterlight before losing the motivation to continue investing.

Value for Money

A more serious issue than the reduced loot drops is the declining player trust. Some players say that even if they're willing to buy pets, they're unsure if they'll still enjoy the current gameplay.

They've seen too many examples: a mechanic is popular after launch, then significantly nerfed; a direction invested in can quickly lose its value.

For a game operating long term, this is extremely damaging to player relationships. Torchlight Infinite players invest time and money, essentially building an expectation. They believe their choices will continue to yield benefits. But if this expectation is constantly shattered, players naturally become cautious.

Official PR Predictions

Currently, Afterlight still has room for improvement. Judging from player feedback, most people don't want Torchlight Infinite to fail. Their anger precisely shows that they once trusted the game.

But the development team needs to re-examine a core question: why do players choose to stay?

For ARPG players, the answer is actually quite simple. They stay because of the surprise of an unexpected drop, the satisfaction of completing a new build, and the success of a gameplay mechanic they've developed. These moments constitute the game's greatest appeal.

Therefore, future adjustments should focus on improving feedback. Powerful equipment can be acquired more efficiently, and high-difficulty content can offer better rewards, but it shouldn't leave average players in a low-reward state for extended periods during their progression.

Meanwhile, monetization must be built on a solid experience. Pets, gacha mechanics, and pay-to-play systems are acceptable, but they should be additional investments players make after enjoying the game, not an outlet for enduring a poor experience.

The controversy surrounding Torchlight Infinite is essentially a discussion about the game's direction. The development team wants to extend the season lifecycle, while players want their time investment to be rewarded. These two are not contradictory.

The real problem is that if a game needs to constantly reduce rewards and increase resistance to keep players engaged, then the core gameplay loop itself is flawed.

The latest bounty pack for Borderlands 4 is about to be officially revealed. The official announcement states that a live interview broadcast on July 23rd will focus on Bounty Pack 4: Murders & Acquisitions, where the development team will provide their first in-depth look at the pack's contents.

Currently, the official details are still limited, but judging from the title and the style of previous expansions in the series, this Bounty Pack will probably continue to enhance Borderlands 4's signature elements: a crazy storyline, unique enemies, and a grind-heavy loot experience.

With many players already reaching the end of the main story, the appeal of future updates may hinge on whether Bounty Pack 4 delivers a meaningful and refreshing experience.

Release Date

The official decision to announce Bounty Pack 4 a week in advance through the live interview is clearly aimed at generating buzz before its official release on July 30th.

Past expansions for Borderlands 4 series haven't simply added a few quests; they've often created independent adventures around new themes.

From the classic DLC for Borderlands 2 to multiple story expansions for Borderlands 3, the developers have consistently excelled at using absurd settings and dark humor to create new gaming experiences.

Therefore, this live interview is worth paying attention to not only for the new content, but more importantly, for how the development team will explain the positioning of Bounty Pack 4.

If it's just a regular content update, player expectations may be limited; however, if the developers can showcase new gameplay mechanics or unique areas, the appeal of this Bounty Pack will significantly increase.

Furthermore, Bounty Pack 4 will be released simultaneously with Patch 1.9. Besides paid content, whether the patch update will bring character balance, gear system improvements, or gameplay optimizations is also worth watching.

From a long-term perspective, the developers have already announced subsequent content, including Story Pack 2, Bounty Pack 5, and the new Vault Hunter Loveless.

Bounty Pack 4 is more like a mid-term test: it needs to prove that Borderlands 4 can not only attract players with initial hype but also can sustain its success.

New Content

While the official announcement remains shrouded in mystery, the name Murders & Acquisitions hints at several possibilities.

First, a new storyline is almost certain.

The keywords Murders and Acquisitions align perfectly with Borderlands 4 series' long-standing satirical style regarding capital, corporations, and eccentric forces.

Bounty Pack will likely revolve around a large organization or business empire, blending absurd comedy with crime drama.

More than simply increasing the number of missions, players are looking forward to a new adventure with a distinct theme. After all, the charm of Borderlands 4 has never been just about shooting; it's about its unique characters, exaggerated storylines, and unexpected mission design.

Secondly, new bosses and enemy types will be a key focus. New bosses are always a central topic of discussion when Borderlands 4 releases expansions. If Bounty Pack 4 features combat with unique mechanics, rather than simply increasing health and damage, it will likely better meet player expectations.

For long-time players, gear remains the most crucial element. New legendary weapons, new class combinations, and new grinding targets are the key factors determining the lifespan of a Bounty Pack. If Bounty Pack 4 can add new gear that truly changes the build experience, its value will significantly increase.

Community Expectations

Judging from current player discussions, Bounty Pack 4 faces considerable expectations and pressure.

Supporters hope the developers will continue to leverage the series' strengths, combining the fantastical world, new weapons, and exhilarating combat. For these players, as long as Bounty Pack 4 retains the characteristics of Borderlands 4, it will be a worthwhile expansion.

However, another group of players is more concerned about the amount of content and its long-term value. Players' expectations for paid DLC have increased; simply providing a few hours of story and some gear rewards is unlikely to satisfy core users.

Especially after Borderlands 4 has already released multiple patches, how the expansion demonstrates value will be a crucial factor in players' getting decisions. In fact, players are concerned not only with the length of the story but also with whether the new content provides a reason to continue playing.

For example, more diverse farming objectives, a more reasonable reward cycle, and more efficient ways to acquire Borderlands 4 Money will all influence whether players are willing to invest their time in the game long-term.

Deluxe and Super Deluxe Edition players naturally expect a wealth of additional content, while those who acquiring Bounty Pack separately will be more concerned about whether their money is well spent.

Based on current information, Bounty Pack 4's biggest advantage is its clear theme.

However, because DLCs and expansions released since Borderlands 4's launch have provided players with a positive experience, there is now a high demand for new content.

However, whether it will ultimately receive widespread acclaim depends on whether the developers can deliver a fresh experience that exceeds expectations.

If the developers can deliver an engaging storyline, powerful gear, and a sufficiently rich gameplay loop, Bounty Pack 4 has the potential to become a key driver of the game's resurgence in popularity. For Borderlands 4, this is not just the release of a Bounty Pack, but also an opportunity to prove its long-term viability.

Today we'll discuss the latest information regarding Path of Exile 2 Patch 0.5.0: Return of the Ancients. According to the information, two items will be reworked, turning them into entirely new unique items.

That's right, the reworked items are Reverie Shaman Mantle and The Hollow Mask Hewn Mask - abbreviated as Reverie and The Hollow Mask.

Next, I will provide an in-depth mechanics analysis of these two items to help you quickly master their usage after Patch 0.5.0 is officially released.

Reverie

First, let's talk about our first protagonist today - Reverie Shaman Mantle.

If you're new to PoE 2, you might be unfamiliar with this name. Actually, this item's predecessor was a unique armor called Husk of Dreams. The reason even the name was changed is that GGG gave it a radical overhaul.

Base Defense

Before discussing its dazzling abilities, we can't ignore the changes to its most basic defense stats. The base type for Reverie is Shaman Mantle. In the current game, a standard Shaman Mantle provides 100 Armor and 39 Energy Shield.

However, because PoE 2 development team made a basic "survival attribute boost" to all mid-game transition gear in Patch 0.5.0 Return of the Ancients to prevent players from dying due to insufficient armor in the story, the reworked Reverie provides 332 Armor and 95 Energy Shield - three times the previous amount.

Special Mechanics

Reverie's special mechanics are highly controversial yet unique, as they completely overturn players' habits of using Life Flasks.

Its affinities prevent players from using Life Flasks normally, but two key effects occur: first, all non-unique Life Flasks will be continuously active; second, the healing effects gained from Life Flasks cannot be instantaneous.

This mechanism means that after equipping Reverie, you can no longer instantly heal by spamming Life Flasks; instead, you'll receive gradual health regeneration. Furthermore, the healing effect of Life Flasks cannot affect anyone else besides yourself.

Core Skill

The true value of this unique item lies in its accompanying level 19 skill - Rite of Restoration.

This is a support skill. When a player casts it, a Sigil is placed on the ground. Whenever a player consumes Mana within Sigil, it stacks a buff on Sigil, granting allies standing within it a buff of health regeneration, increased Armor, increased Evasion Rating, and Energy Shield.

Moreover, the more Mana you consume while standing within Sigil, the stronger this buff becomes.

According to rough calculations, at max level and skill level 19, Rite of Restoration can provide allies with over 56% increased Armor, Evasion Rating, and Energy Shield. This is a very powerful team survival buff that can play a crucial role in some high-difficulty dungeons.

However, while the buff numbers look impressive, maintaining full stacks requires a huge amount of Mana. To address this Mana shortage, it's best to exchange currency for many Mana Flasks beforehand and store them in your inventory.

Of course, if you don't have that much currency and don't want to waste time doing tedious quests and running complex dungeons to acquire it, you can directly buy Path Of Exile 2 Currency from EZG.com; we provide the highest quality service.

The Hollow Mask

The second piece of equipment reworked in PoE 2 Patch 0.5.0: Return of the Ancients is The Hollow Mask.

Let's take a quick look at the currently known stats for The Hollow Mask. As it is a low-tier Hewn Mask, it has minimal Evasion Rating and Energy Shield, but it has unique additional effects such as a 60-80 increase in maximum health, a 15% increase in physical damage reduction, and a 13% increase in Chaos Resistance.

Core Ability

The Hollow Mask's core ability is Wildwood's Gifts. Specifically, this ability periodically generates special Ancient Blooms around you. The generation rate of these Blooms depends on the ability level; at level 19, for example, it generates approximately once every 1.22 seconds.

Wildwood's Gifts generates different blooms, each with different effects. For example, Vivid Blooms charge your Charms; Primal Blooms charge your Mana Flasks; and Wild Blooms charge your Life Flasks. Furthermore, this buff also applies to nearby teammates.

Synergy with Acolyte of Chayula

To fully unleash the potential of The Hollow Mask, you'll undoubtedly choose Ascendancy Class of Monk class - Acolyte of Chayula.

Why? Because Acolyte of Chayula has a Notable Passive called Waking Dream, which grants it a skill called Into the Breach. This skill creates a breach around you and continuously generates Flames of Chayula around you. Collecting these Flames of Chayula grants various buffs.

If you combine Wildwood's Gifts with another Ascendancy passive skill of Acolyte of Chayula, Chosen of Power, all Flames of Chayula you generate will become Purple Flame of Chayula, providing the largest buff.

At this point, not only will you receive a massive buff, but your teammates will also receive a massive buff, making you an indispensable member of the team.

However, The Hollow Mask has a downside: it reduces your Elemental Resistances by 10%. This means that if you're a solo player, the benefits of this item might not be significant.

This concludes my detailed introduction to Reverie and The Hollow Mask, which were reworked in PoE 2 Patch 0.5.0 Return of the Ancients. I hope this information is helpful.

On May 12th, 2026, just a few days ago, Skull and Bones officially launched Year 3 Season 1 - Shattered Seas. If you're a die-hard Skull and Bones fan, you've probably been excited about this for days.

Skull and Bones Year 3 Season 1 adds a large ship, some very interesting gameplay, two new World Tiers, and more. It looks like players will be busy preparing for the new content.

If you're not yet familiar with what Skull and Bones Year 3 Season 1 includes, I'll introduce it to you one by one.

New Large Ship

The absolute core of Skull and Bones Year 3 Season 1 is the long-awaited arrival of Galleon - the third large ship to appear in the game after Corvette.

Its most amazing feature is that Galleon boasts 40 gun ports, making it currently the ship with the most firepower on one side in the game.

Beyond its substantial number of cannons, Galleon is endowed with two game-changing perks:

Iron Thunder

The first perk is Iron Thunder. This perk adds a second row of lower deck cannons to the hull and provides two permanent buffs: First, within a 350-meter radius, the damage dealt by all the ship's weapons is automatically increased by 10%.

Second, whenever Galleon is not reloading non-auxiliary weapons, it gradually builds up a buff called "Iron Thunder" over 1.5 seconds; once activated, this buff increases damage by an additional 65%, lasting for 3 seconds after an attack hits an enemy.

Furthermore, during the "Iron Thunder" burst, all XSML, SML, and MED-type allied ships within a 500-meter radius receive a 10% damage bonus for 30 seconds.

Red Wake

The second perk is Red Wake. When "Iron Thunder" is active, Red Wake automatically activates, further increasing damage dealt to enemy targets within a 250-meter radius by 35%.

Furthermore, once "Iron Thunder" is fully charged or a target is successfully destroyed, your ship will immediately enter "Red Wake" mode, increasing Gallery's top speed by 50% for 15 seconds.

In short, Galleon in Shattered Seas is a powerful ship capable of overwhelming opponents with concentrated firepower, providing significant buffs to the team, and possessing both self-defense and pursuit capabilities.

However, completing the build and unlocking the full potential of Gallery and other sailing ships requires a large amount of Silver - potentially hundreds of thousands. Acquiring Silver is extremely slow; many players earn at most a few thousand per hour.

You can directly buy Skull and Bones Silver from EZG, allowing you to complete your build and unleash Gallery's full potential in the shortest time.

New World Tiers and Seasonal Affixes

Skull and Bones Year 3 Season 1 modified the game's World Tiers system.

Now, above World Tier 2, players can challenge World Tier 3 and World Tier 4, each offering stronger enemies and better rewards. However, to enter the new World Tiers, you need to complete World Ascension missions.

In the new World Tier 3 and World Tier 4, enemies will gain a new type of Seasonal Affixes, replacing the previous random Affixes and increasing in sync with World Tier. This means you'll face much stronger enemies, so be prepared!

Seasonal Affixes include:

• 1. Last Resort: When an enemy dies, it explodes within a 200-meter radius, dealing damage.
• 2. Vengance: When an enemy's health is below 40%, all damage is increased by 30%-35%.
• 3. Field Support: Every 30 seconds, enemies will restore 20%-25% of the health of nearby allies.
• 4. Armored: Enemies gain 80% Damage Resistance, but their resistance is reduced by 40%-30% when receiving Ramming damage.
• 5. Phalanx: Gain 10%-12% Damage Resistance for each nearby ally, stacking up to 5 times.

New Progression System

Skull and Bones Year 3 Season 1 modified the endgame progression path and gameplay as follows:

Seasonal Mastery and Seasonal Mastery Tree

Seasonal Mastery is a brand-new long-term progression system in Shattered Seas, unlocked upon reaching Kingpin level in the game. Players can use their Infamy as a resource to increase their Seasonal Mastery Level.

During Seasonal Mastery level increases, you gain skill points called Mastery Points, which can be used to improve various ship attributes in Seasonal Mastery Tree and gain new Ship Ranks.

Additionally, reaching Seasonal Mastery levels 10, 30, and 60 unlocks powerful Seasonal Perks. These significantly enhance your equipment.

Item Ascension and Mythic Modification

Skull and Bones Year 3 Season 1 also adds two equipment-related gameplay features - Item Ascension and Mythic Modification.

Mythic Modification is a brand-new equipment enhancement tier. It applies to Uncommon and higher rarity equipment. You can go to Blacksmith in the game and use Item Ascension feature to unlock a random Mythic Modification affix.

These Mythic Modifications cover various combat dimensions, including elemental states, explosions, and penetration, and vary depending on the weapon and armor.

Furthermore, using Item Ascension requires a new material called Nightshade Pearl, which can be obtained from World Tier 3 and World Tier 4 Domains. Therefore, be sure to prepare enough Nightshade Pearls in advance.

Other Content

In addition to the major new content mentioned above, Skull and Bones Year 3 Season 1 Shattered Seas also includes some new features, briefly listed below:

• 1. New Faction War Gameplay: This is a brand new PvE cooperative survival challenge. You'll need to cooperate with allies in Contested Territories to defend Manufactory and earn War Assets.
• 2. New Smuggler Pass: A new Smuggler Pass is now available. Rewards include cosmetics, weapons, items, and more.
• 3. New weapons, furniture, and equipment have been added.

This concludes the main content of Skull and Bones Year 3 Season 1. We hope this article has been helpful.

Arc Raiders' Augments system has been unbalanced for over six months. Players use only a very small number of high-performance Augments, while most are ignored.

Following Riven Tides update that brought fresh maps and equipment to Arc Raiders, the development team has turned its attention to a persistent problem: Augment system.

In future versions of Arc Raiders, weaker Augments will be strengthened, while the currently dominant Looting Mk. 3 (Survivor) Augment will inevitably face changes.

The Core of the Imbalance

The essence of the current Augment imbalance in Arc Raiders is not a simple difference in strength, but the existence of a clear and unique optimal solution.

If we establish a one to threestar rating system based on five factors - number of safe pockets, backpack slots, shield compatibility, maximum weight capacity, and special abilities - Looting Mk. 3 (Survivor) reaches the highest level in this fivedimensional evaluation. This combination renders all other Augments meaningless for comparison.

Taking Tactical Mk. 2 as an example, this Augment has only one star for safe pockets and maximum weight. While it is compatible with medium shields and has smoke grenade capabilities, its 45 weight capacity severely limits the total equipment that can be carried.

By comparison, Survivor Augment provides 80 weight capacity, letting players bring additional medical kits or ammo, which greatly boosts survival chances on extended runs.

Internal data from the development team has confirmed that combat Augments are almost never used. The fundamental reason is not that their special abilities are insufficient, but that they often have inherent weaknesses in basic attributes such as shield compatibility or weight capacity.

In contrast, Survivor Augment has no shortcomings, and its special ability directly increases the probability of survival. Once players obtain Arc Raiders Looting Mk. 3 (Survivor) BluePrint, they no longer use any other Augments until their account is reset.

Adjustment Direction

The official developer announcement clearly states that a general balance adjustment is being conducted for all Augments.

The team acknowledged that some Augments are underperforming. The adjustments aim to strengthen weaker ones like Combat Mk. 3 (Flanking) and expand Augment roster to ensure representativeness across all categories.

It is important to note that simply strengthening weaker Augments will not solve the imbalance. Bringing Combat Mk. 3 (Flanking) to a usable level would require a rework of its shield compatibility or special ability.

However, even with such changes, its overall strength would still not match the allaround excellence of Looting Mk. 3 (Survivor). Therefore, any effective balancing solution must also address the strength of Looting Mk. 3 (Survivor).

Three Possible Changes

Based on Arc Raiders' past balancing methods and the development team's tendency to avoid direct nerfs, the following three options are most likely to be implemented.

Option 1

The most direct solution is to lower one or more of Survivor's threestar stats. Specific measures could include: changing one safe pocket to two, reducing maximum weight from 80 to 60, or more aggressively limiting shield compatibility to light only.

This approach has precedent; Arc Raiders has previously nerfed overpowered weapons and items directly. However, nerfs often trigger negative feedback from the player community, and the development team may use this as a last resort.

Option 2

The second option does not change any of Survivor's attributes. Instead, Arc Raiders Looting Mk. 3 (Survivor) BluePrint is removed from the random loot table and made a guaranteed reward for lategame quests. Arc Raiders has already tested this model and confirmed it works.

This approach has three advantages: it avoids the emotional backlash from nerfs; it provides a clear acquisition path for all players, eliminating the unfairness that many have felt since launch about never finding Looting MK. 3 (Survivor) because of pure RNG; and it keeps Augment's power untouched while controlling its availability through mission progression.

Moreover, this method regulates how often players can obtain Augments by tying it to quest completion, all without reducing their effectiveness.

Option 3

The third option also leaves Survivor's attributes unchanged, but upgrades it to a legendary item and significantly raises its crafting cost. The current version requires only two Advanced Electrical Components and three Processors, which are easily obtainable materials.

After the adjustment, crafting may require rarer epic materials. This will naturally reduce the frequency of use of Survivor Augments, because players will need to invest more time collecting those rare materials. While farming for them, they will be forced to use other Augments as alternatives. This approach indirectly reduces usage while preserving the item's original strength.

Actual Impact 

Regardless of which option is ultimately adopted, Arc Raiders balance patch will change the current single loop where choosing Looting Mk. 3 (Survivor) is the only optimal solution.

If Option 2 or Option 3 is chosen, players will face genuine tactical choices: the strengths and weaknesses of different Augments in various scenarios will become apparent, requiring players to weigh their options based on mission objectives, team composition, and personal playstyle.

If Option 1 is chosen, it may be controversial in the short term, but it will contribute to a healthier environment in the long run. Consider the previous adjustments to Trigger Grenades, which were ultimately deemed necessary by the community.

Regardless of the final implementation, the diversity of Arc Raiders item choices will be enhanced, allowing players to make more varied selections and avoid repeatedly picking a single optimal solution.

With the arrival of Path of Exile 3.28 Mirage League, players are once again delving into various build options to prepare for the new season. Among the highlights of early community discussions, Shock Nova of Procession Hierophant Build has garnered significant attention.

This guide will break down this build in detail for your quick and easy in-game use.

Shock Nova

Shock Nova has existed in PoE for years, but it has rarely been considered a top-tier skill. The original skill required precise positioning within melee range to maximize the damage overlap caused by its ever-expanding shockwaves. This often made the gameplay feel somewhat clunky and difficult to execute, especially in fights with high enemy density.

However, Transfigured Shock Nova appears to significantly improve the experience. According to early videos in the developer preview, the spell is now more like a fast-moving lightning clearing tool, releasing multiple shockwaves on the screen. The overlap mechanic remains, meaning precise positioning can significantly boost damage.

This creates an interesting dynamic: in open areas, the skill can be used for quick map clearing, while in confined spaces or corners, overlapping lightning waves can stack to cause extremely high burst damage. Excitingly, this seems similar to the mechanics of popular skills like Spark.

Hierophant Build

This build recommends Hierophant class, a powerful mana-based caster ascendancy class. Its core design revolves around stacking a large amount of mana and utilizing Archmage Support.

Hierophant converts a portion of the player's unreserved maximum mana into additional lightning damage. In this build, 16% of unreserved mana is converted into fixed lightning damage for spells. Due to this damage bonus, traditional spell damage scaling becomes less important; maximizing mana is key.

Therefore, this build is very easy to set up. You just need to pay attention to the following:

• Stack as much maximum mana as possible
• Use Mind Over Matter to convert mana into effective survivability
• Scale damage through Archmage rather than traditional spell scaling

This is a crucial concept for new players. Many beginners instinctively prioritize spell damage or elemental damage bonuses. However, in this build, mana is the primary damage stat, meaning gear choices should prioritize mana and mana-related bonuses.

Leveling Strategy

Since Shock Nova of Procession gem isn't immediately available, some temporary skills will be needed during leveling.

Most players choose Rolling Magma as their starting skill, a common early-game leveling spell that provides consistent damage and good coverage throughout the campaign. Another viable option is Holy Flame Totem paired with Fireball, a combination that can help players easily navigate the early chapters.

Around level 28, you can choose to specialize into Shock Nova or Firestorm. Extensive testing has shown both are viable, but Firestorm is slightly faster in terms of campaign completion. For example, completing Act 10 with Shock Nova takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, while with Firestorm it takes approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes.

Due to this difference, some players might choose to level up using Firestorm first, then change classes after obtaining Shock Nova of Procession gem. Others might prefer to use Shock Nova from the start to fully learn the skill's mechanics. Either way is fine; you can choose according to your preference.

Backup Plans

Since this skill is a new spell, there's always the possibility of it underperforming. Fortunately, Hierophant offers several strong alternatives.

Possible transition directions include:

• Totem builds, such as Storm Burst Totems or Explosive Totems
• Ball Lightning of Orbiting, another popular Archmage skill
• Other mana-stacking caster builds

Because these builds have a high degree of overlap in their Passive Skill Trees, you can easily transition without completely reworking your character.

Gear Progression

One of the biggest advantages of this build is that it's very suitable for the early season. You hardly need any special gear; you can easily get started with basic rare gear.

However, as the build progresses into the late game, certain special equipment can significantly enhance its performance. For example, some powerful mana items and rare drops, such as:

• Pledge of Hands
• Anathema ring
• Void Battery alternatives or high-end wands

These items increase damage scaling and maximum mana, but are not essential for early game progression. For solo players, some of these items may be difficult to obtain due to their high rarity.

If your requirements are not high, you can use only regular equipment. However, if you want to use this build in the late game, you can buy Path Of Exile 1 Currency at 8% off from EZG.com with code MIRAGE to acquire it more quickly and efficiently to exchange for the equipment you want.

Defensive Setup

This guide also highlights two main defensive strategies: Blocking or Spell Suppression with Evasion.

Blocking equipment setup is relatively easy because it has lower requirements for equipment affixes. Spell Suppression requires extremely high agility, and almost every piece of equipment must have suppression modifiers.

However, it's important to note that Blocking is completely random. Theoretically, you can block multiple attacks consecutively, but you can also fail multiple times in a row. It's entirely based on luck. However, for most players starting out in the season, Blocking is still recommended because its equipment requirements are relatively simple.

Mobility and Utility Skills

This build also benefits from some powerful support mechanics. One noteworthy option is Frostblink of Wintry Blast, an improved version of Frostblink that effectively eliminates its cooldown when casting speed is high enough.

Additionally, since Archmage build itself accumulates a high casting speed, this movement spell becomes extremely smooth and responsive when clearing maps.

Another important defensive skill is Arcane Cloak, which converts mana into temporary protection and additional damage. With the right gem affixes and cooldown reduction bonuses, Arcane Cloak can maintain a very high duration.

Overall, Shock Nova of Procession Hierophant Build is primarily designed for clearing large areas of monsters. Its rapid lightning effects and stacking mechanics allow for efficient clearing of large groups.

That concludes this introduction to Path Of Exile Shock Nova of Procession Hierophant Build. Have fun playing!