U4GM - PoE 2’s Hybrid Minion Builds: Summon Minions and Build for DPS
In Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2), players can experiment with a wide variety of builds that emphasize the power of minions. Among these builds, hybrid minion setups have gained significant popularity. Hybrid builds allow players to summon minions while also focusing on boosting their own damage per second (DPS), making it a versatile and exciting option for both summoner enthusiasts and players who enjoy dealing damage themselves. This article will explore the key aspects of hybrid minion builds in PoE 2 and how you can effectively create a setup that combines the strengths of minions and your own damage output.
What is a Hybrid Minion Build?
A hybrid minion build in Path of Exile 2 is a playstyle where players summon minions to fight for them but also build their own character to deal significant damage. This approach allows you to not only rely on your minions for dealing damage but also have a considerable contribution to the DPS through your own abilities and attacks. It’s an ideal option for players who want to experience both the thrill of commanding an army of minions while still being able to deal damage directly in combat.
Key Elements of Hybrid Minion Builds
Minion Support Skills: The foundation of any hybrid minion build is, of course, the summoning abilities. In PoE 2, there are several skills available to summon powerful minions. Skills like Summon Skeletons, Summon Zombies, Summon Phantasm, and Summon Spectres are popular choices that can be used to create a formidable army. By focusing on the right support gems for these skills, players can enhance the effectiveness and survivability of their minions.
DPS Skills and Abilities: Hybrid minion builds often integrate powerful DPS skills. For instance, skills like Infernal Blow, Blade Vortex, or Cyclone can complement the minions’ attacks. These skills allow you to engage directly in combat and deal heavy damage, making your build more well-rounded. The idea is to deal with enemies quickly and efficiently while your minions keep other enemies at bay or contribute to the overall damage.
Passive Skill Tree and Gear: Your passive skill tree is crucial for building a hybrid minion setup. You will need to invest in nodes that enhance both your minions and your personal DPS. Focus on passive skill points that improve minion damage, minion survivability, and your own damage output. Additionally, items and gear can make a significant difference. Look for items that provide bonuses to minion damage or life, along with those that boost your own DPS.
PoE 2 Currency Considerations: Building a powerful hybrid minion setup often requires specific gear and gems, which may be costly in terms of PoE 2 currency. If you are looking to maximize the power of your build, it’s important to invest in the right items. Farming PoE 2 currency or purchasing valuable items from other players can help you acquire rare or high-tier gear that complements your build.
Managing Minions and DPS
While hybrid builds allow you to deal damage directly, it’s essential to manage your minions effectively. Summon minions work best when they are well-supported, and their damage can be significantly enhanced by using the right combinations of support gems and gear. Additionally, balancing between controlling your minions and contributing to DPS through your own attacks can take some practice.
Minion Survivability: Minions can be fragile, especially when dealing with tough enemies or bosses. Ensuring that your minions have enough life and resistances will help them survive longer in combat. This can be achieved by selecting the right support gems like Minion Life or Minion Resistances. Additionally, certain gear pieces can provide minions with defensive bonuses that make them harder to kill.
Your DPS Contribution: While your minions handle a lot of the damage dealing, your character still plays a vital role in battles. Building your character to complement your minions is important for ensuring that you can handle situations where your minions might not be enough. Choosing the right damage-dealing skills, along with boosting your own DPS through the passive skill tree, is key to this hybrid approach.
Why Hybrid Minion Builds Are Popular
Hybrid minion builds have become increasingly popular in PoE 2 for a few reasons. First, they offer a flexible playstyle that appeals to a broad range of players. Some prefer to rely entirely on minions, while others like to deal damage directly. Hybrid builds offer a perfect middle ground for players who enjoy both.
Second, hybrid builds are capable of tackling different types of content. Whether you're grinding through regular maps, facing off against powerful bosses, or delving into challenging endgame content, hybrid minion builds can hold their own in most situations. The combination of minion support and your own DPS makes these builds adaptable to various scenarios.
Finally, hybrid minion builds allow for creative and strategic gameplay. By customizing your character’s abilities and focusing on different synergies between minions and your own DPS, you can craft a unique and effective build that suits your playstyle.
Conclusion
PoE 2's hybrid minion builds offer an exciting and versatile approach to gameplay. By focusing on both summoning powerful minions and boosting your own DPS, you can create a build that thrives in many situations. Whether you are a fan of minion-based gameplay or enjoy dealing damage yourself, hybrid builds in PoE 2 provide the best of both worlds. With the right gear, passive skill tree choices, and PoE 2 currency investment, you can build a hybrid minion setup that dominates the battlefield and excels in both offense and defense.