Solo run with less usual class

[Samugol]

Hi,

 

I enjoyed the game very much on PS4 and with the upcoming PoE 2 PS4 release I wanted to solo the original on trial of iron.

 

I know there are quite a few guides about this on Path of the Damned difficulty, most using a chanter or monk. However, I would like to do it with a different class that is not usually mentioned such as Cipher or non melee Wizard. The thing is I would like to get a good challenge out of it but still enjoy it, so I am ok playing on easy or normal. 

 

i would still like to play a character that feels relatively strong. I want to avoid as much cheese tactic as possible. So no pathfinding exploits or constant running away. I wanted it to be more about clever tactics, consumables and overall preparedness. If any of you have any cool ideas please share if you feel like it. I would prefer to play a casting wizard or any cipher but I am open to other classes as well. Thanks in advance.

[Hulk'O'Saurus]

I like to use Wizard. You can check the rest of the Pillars vids there and see if this is something you want to play.

 

 

If you notice, every spell for damage only crits. The gameplay of the build is slower as it needs to rest more often and always keeps it's stats optimal, but once it goes off, it goes off. There's more things I can tweak, which I will do in the future x).

 

If you're planning a POTD Trial of Iron mode you have to be really careful with traps. Quite often you can get one shot.

[Samugol]

Thank you good sir. Would you care to explain some details of the wizard approach? I can see a shield and a hatchet so probably weapon and shield talent. How about the stats? Spells of choice? Maybe some gear suggestion? it is very impressive video so I would like to know a bit more.

[Hulk'O'Saurus]

If you're asking specifically about this particular build then it likes to use more defensive gear. Things that give additional protection against Prone/Push attacks, maybe consider Paralyze/Petrify attacks, more base defenses, raw stat increases like the Deadfire Cannoneer Belt. I am considering getting the Valian Captain Hat, too. Always eat your food. Don't forget to rest for bonuses--I use +3 Perception from the Keep quite often. You can activate Llengrath's Displaced Image and Arcane Veil at the same time at the beginning of the fight. That's a huge boost and you can follow with Scroll of Defence/Protection and have Potions of Major Recovery waiting. Various Prayers are obligatory in the appropriate situations. 

 

Most, if not all of the build's offence comes from how you stack your skills. In the video you can see Eldritch Aim into Enervating Terror, into Delayed Fireball, into Gaze of the Adragan, into Precise Burst. You should pay attention to what defenses are debuffed. Enervating Terror applies a nerf to both Fortitude and Will, so landing Gaze of the Adragan is easier. Then those Reflex based nukes will likely always crit, and with increased damage from the Petrification. You can do more once you read through all your spells and decide what type of defense you want to nerf, but for that, I think, you can better choose yourself. One very simple interaction is to use Chill Fog which will reduce Accuracy, Deflection and Reflex, as well as immobilize certain slower enemies like Blight and Revenants, then use Minor Blights--which will target Reflex and almost always crit. You can add scrolls on top for more interesting combinations--Scroll of Paralysis is particularly useful, as it applies a very strong debuff through Will. Things like Arkemyr's Dazzling Lights apply a nerf to Will that can be followed by other debuffs after.  

 

I have both Dungeon Delver and Merciless hand, although I don't know whether they actually influence spells xD. More fire damage through that one talent, extra item slots and the rest is defensive stuff. 

 

As a side result the build also does a fair amount of damage with Firebrand, but I like to use that when facing ones or twos, instead of spending spells. Figurines also help in that situation, or when you want to buff fully and need to buy time, or bait enemy Paralysis/Petrification. 

 

[Samugol]

Thanks, gonna try something similar. I really like godlikes though, so either death or moon godlike.

[SoloGirl]

Rogue class talents are great for solo runs. Stealth bonus makes it easier to avoid unwanted fights, and talents like escape and shadowing beyond help to separate groups of enemies or pit them against each other. I did one in story mode and now I am doing PotD run with a wood elf rogue.