The Cast on Critical (CoC) mechanic remains a key element in caster builds within Path of Exile 2, enabling players to automate spells that typically take time to cast, with Comet being particularly popular. However, the 0.5 patch imposed significant nerfs on Leech mechanics, rendering the popular Bloodmage and Blood Magic builds largely ineffective.
Despite these changes, CoC builds still hold potential as they now rely more on Mana for casting Skills. Although the activation of equipped Skills like the meteor shower has become less frequent, players continue to use these builds to tackle endgame content effectively. Here are five recommended CoC builds to explore in PoE2 patch 0.5.
Top Cast on Critical Builds After Leech Nerf in Path of Exile 2 0.5
1) Cold CoC Comet
While many associate Cast on Critical with Lightning Skills like Spark, which activates Comet, Cold Skills such as Frostbolt and Frost Wall are viable options. Last season, this build was popular for its affordability and effectiveness in both mobbing and boss fights.
Here’s what you need for Cold CoC Comet:
- Frostbolts (with Projectile Acceleration III and Sione’s Temper support)
- Frost Wall (with Spell Cascade and Fortress)
- Cast on Critical (with Comet, Efficiency, and Boundless Energy)
- Mana Remnants (Harmonic Remnants and Remnant Potency)
- Snakepit (unique ring) on left slot
Frostbolts serve as the primary trigger for Comet, and while you won’t experience meteor showers during mapping, the Frostbolt projectiles handle most of the work. For boss encounters without mobs to trigger Crits, Frost Wall is used. As with any CoC build, stacking Crit Chance is essential, along with Mana regeneration due to Leech changes. Opt for the Stormweaver Ascendancy for Arcane Surge instead of Disciple of Varashta.
2) Inevitable Thunderstorm
Thunderstorm, another favored CoC trigger in Path of Exile 2, enhances Plant Skills. It pairs well with the Entangle and Thrashing Vines combination, especially for Oracle players. The Inevitable Critical mechanic allows for Critical Hits without heavy investment in Crit Chance.
Here’s what you need for CoC Thunderstorm Gardner:
- Entangle
- Thrashing Vines
- Cast on Critical (with Thunderstorm, Efficiency, and Boundless Energy)
- Mana Remnants (Harmonic Remnants and Remnant Potency)
- Nightscale (optional unique gloves)
Use Entangle to slow enemies and Thrashing Vines to inflict damage. Inevitable Critical frequently triggers Thunderstorm, promoting plant overgrowth and causing explosive damage. Enemies are susceptible to Shock or Freeze, allowing for damage conversion to boost DPS. The Thunderstorm doesn’t inflict damage itself, so the reduced Critical Damage penalty does not impact this build.
3) Spark CoC Comet
The Bloodmage Spark CoC Comet build, once popular, faced setbacks with Leech changes. Yet, it remains viable as an Energy Shield and Mana-stacking Stormweaver with Mind Over Matter and Eldritch Battery. The downside is the risk of being one-shot due to insufficient defense.
Here’s what you need for Spark CoC Comet:
- Spark
- Orb of Storms
- Cast on Critical (with Comet, Efficiency, and Boundless Energy)
- Maligaro’s Virtuosity (optional unique gloves for extra crits)
The Stormweaver boasts features like Constant Gale for Arcane Surge, Shaper of Storms to apply Shock regardless of damage dealt, and Storm’s Recollection for easy Remnant collection during mobbing. Chaos damage and Bleed can be problematic, so using Chaos Inoculation and stacking Ward helps prevent being one-shot by bosses. Be wary of Mana Leech Aura enemies, as they can quickly drain your defenses.
4) Nebuloch Crit Slams
The Nebuloch, a unique one-handed Mace, ensures Critical Hits by consuming an Endurance Charge. With a steady source of charges, Cast on Critical can be consistently activated in Path of Exile 2. However, players take 100 Chaos damage per second while having an Endurance Charge, potentially necessitating Chaos Inoculation.
Here’s what you need for Nebuloch Crit Slams:
- Shield Wall
- Infernal Cry (to explode the walls)
- Nebuloch (unique Mace)
- Crown of Eyes (unique Helmet for spell to attack conversion)
- Cast on Critical (with Comet, Efficiency, and Boundless Energy)
This build may sound complex, but it’s straightforward. You deploy the shield wall and use Infernal Cry to detonate them. While holding an Endurance Charge, Nebuloch guarantees a Critical Hit, necessitating a focus on stacking Critical Damage. As a Spellcaster, using Crown of Eyes can enhance slam damage without compromising spell damage for Cast on Critical. You can replace Comet with any other Skill.
5) Spark CoC Arc
Spark Arc serves as a budget-friendly alternative to Comet, being less demanding on Mana. This allows for a dual CoC setup, facilitating smoother mapping in Path of Exile 2’s endgame while reducing gear expenditure. When paired with Lightning Infusion from Orb of Storms, it becomes an effective bossing Skill.
Here’s what you need for Spark CoC Arc:
- Spark
- Orb of Storms
- 2x Cast on Critical (with Arc, Efficiency, and Boundless Energy)
- Maligaro’s Virtuosity (optional unique gloves for extra crits)
The Gemling Legionnaire is an ideal Ascendancy choice, offering +4 projectiles with Advanced Thaumaturgy without drawbacks. Additionally, Arc gains 3% more damage with each chain. With a Lightning Infusion, the Skill achieves 200% more damage and can chain up to 17 times, equating to 51% more damage.
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Edited by Mayank Singh Rathour
