Grinding Gear Games has officially unveiled the complete list of passive abilities associated with the Lich Ascendancy in Path of Exile 2, set to debut with the upcoming Dawn of the Hunt update. This new Ascendancy joins four others in the game, each bringing unique mechanics to enhance the Witch class. Players seeking to explore this new Ascendancy will need to reroll their characters unless they haven’t yet chosen an Ascendancy during early access.
The core concept of the Lich Ascendancy revolves around embracing the power of undeath within Path of Exile 2. Key passives such as Crystalline Phylactery, Eternal Life, and Rupture the Soul contribute to this thematic experience. The Lich excels in casting non-channeling spells and maximizing Energy Shield while leveraging curses effectively. Notably, players will gain access to an additional curse, enabling enemies to enter a violent state upon defeat.
If you’re intrigued by the capabilities of the Lich Ascendancy and its associated passives, here’s a detailed breakdown of what each passive can offer.
Overview of Lich Ascendancy Passives in Path of Exile 2
The visual representation of the Lich Ascendancy passives within Path of Exile 2 can resemble a web, making it somewhat challenging to itemize them based on their connections. To simplify things, we’ve categorized them into left and right branches, allowing for easier navigation and understanding of their functionality.
Witch players who are eager to amplify their curse mechanics and unleash destructive non-channeled spells will find the Lich Ascendancy particularly appealing. Since all summoned spells are non-channeled, those focusing on summoning builds can expect significant benefits from this Ascendancy.
Moreover, the Lich Ascendancy offers mechanics that enhance damage potential based on mana reserves and provides damage mitigation features that protect a player’s life total as long as they maintain Energy Shield. It represents a compelling class fantasy, and it’s certainly one of the most anticipated additions to the game.
Branch 1 (Left Path)
- Necromantic Conduit: You and your allies gain Unholy Might while not on low mana but lose 5% mana per second.
- Increased Mana: 3% increase in maximum mana.
- Dominion Over Flesh: Grants an additional curse and allows your curses to affect hexproof enemies.
Branch 1 (Right Path)
- Soulless Form: 10% of damage taken bypasses Energy Shield, with no inherent mana regeneration. Regenerates mana equal to 6% of maximum Life per second.
- Increased Life: 3% increase in maximum Life.
- Eternal Life: Your life remains unchanged while Energy Shield is active.
Branch 2 (Left Path)
- Rupture the Soul: Enemies cursed by you or your allies have a 33% chance to explode upon death, dealing Chaos damage equivalent to a quarter of their maximum Life.
- Curse Area: Boosts Area of Effect for curses by 25%.
- Blackened Heart: Grants a 4% increase in the potency of Unholy Might buffs per 100 maximum mana.
Branch 2 (Right Path)
- Energy Shield from Consumed Power Charge: 30% increased Energy Shield if a Power Charge was consumed recently.
- Price of Power: Non-channeling spells utilize Power Charges to deliver 25% extra damage.
Branch 3
- Energy Shield Boost: 20% increase in maximum Energy Shield.
- Eldritch Empowerment: Non-channeling spells incur an additional cost of 3% of maximum Energy Shield while delivering 30% more damage. Spending Energy Shield does not interrupt its recharge process.
Branch 4
- Energy Shield Boost: 20% increase in maximum Energy Shield.
- Crystalline Phylactery: Allows socketing of one non-Unique basic jewel, enhancing its effects by 100% and increasing mana cost by 50% if Energy Shield is depleted.
While several passives remain undisclosed in the early stages of Path of Exile 2‘s Lich Ascendancy tree, we will update this information as it becomes available. Players should be aware that some of these abilities come with drawbacks, such as continuous mana loss or heightened mana costs when Energy Shield is not present. Assessing which passives align best with your chosen play style will be crucial for optimizing damage output.