Last Epoch, the action RPG developed by Eleventh Hour Games, offers players a vast array of character builds to explore. Today, we delve into the intricacies of the Ghost Maker Infernal Shade Necromancer build, a setup that has evolved, offering both immense damage potential and unique gameplay mechanics. Join me, Dread, as we dissect this build, its strengths, weaknesses, and the strategies that make it a formidable force in the world of Last Epoch.
Exploring the Origins:
I first encountered the Ghost Maker Infernal Shade Necromancer build approximately a year ago during the multiplayer beta phase. The discovery of the unique dagger, Ghost Maker, ignited my inspiration to craft a build centered around it. Since then, the build has undergone significant refinement and adaptation, incorporating new tactics and strategies to maximize its effectiveness.
Understanding the Core Concept:
At its core, the Ghost Maker Infernal Shade Necromancer build aims to amplify the power of Infernal Shades while maintaining versatility in combat. Infernal Shades, a core skill of the Necromancer class, initially suffers from mediocre damage output. However, through strategic utilization and skill synergies, we overcome this limitation.
Key Components of the Build:
1. Maximizing Infernal Shade Count: Utilizing the set bonuses that grant additional Infernal Shade capacity, we can summon up to 10 Infernal Shades simultaneously. This increase in numbers significantly boosts our damage potential, especially when combined with other synergistic abilities.
2. Shotgunning with Hellfire Node: Leveraging the Hellfire node within the Infernal Shade skill tree, we ensure that all Infernal Shades are cast on the ground, allowing them to stack and unleash devastating damage on a single target. This shotgun effect enhances our single-target damage output significantly.
3. Ghost Maker Dagger: The Ghost Maker's unique dagger plays a pivotal role in the build, allowing us to cast Infernal Shade on kill. This synergy, coupled with the Hellfire node, ensures a constant stream of Infernal Shades in combat, bolstering both single-target and AoE damage capabilities.
4. Defensive Measures with Vessel of Strife: As the build forgoes traditional minion-focused defenses, we rely on Vessel of Strife to convert health regen into a ward per second. This provides a robust defensive layer, mitigating incoming damage and enhancing survivability in challenging encounters.
5. Skill Rotation and Gameplay Mechanics: Combining skills such as Dread Shade, Infernal Shade, and Hungering Souls, we establish a potent skill rotation that maximizes damage output while maintaining fluid gameplay. Transplant serves as a utility skill for mobility, while Summon Wraith enhances boss damage when needed.
Challenges and Considerations:
While the Ghost Maker Infernal Shade Necromancer build offers exceptional damage potential, it comes with its share of challenges. The build's reliance on ward-based defenses requires careful resource management, and its lack of traditional minion defenses can leave the character vulnerable in certain situations. Additionally, optimizing the build for endgame content, such as tackling high corruption levels, may require further adjustments and gear optimization, so Last Epoch gold is essential.
Gear and Passive Allocation:
Optimal gear selection focuses on maximizing health regen, intelligence, ward retention, and resistance. Unique items like Ghost Maker, Vessel of Strife, and various set pieces play a crucial role in enhancing the build's effectiveness. Passive allocation prioritizes minion health, health regen, intelligence, and critical strike avoidance, bolstering both offense and defense.
Conclusion:
The Ghost Maker Infernal Shade Necromancer build represents a unique and engaging playstyle within Last Epoch. Despite its challenges and complexities, mastering this build offers immense satisfaction and rewards in terms of damage output and gameplay versatility. As with any build, experimentation and adaptation are key to unlocking its full potential. Whether delving into challenging endgame content or exploring the world of Last Epoch, the Ghost Maker Infernal Shade Necromancer stands as a formidable force to be reckoned with.
Mar-12-2024