UNARMED FLICKER STRIKE? OUR LEAGUE STARTER BUILD [POE 2 THE THIRD EDICT] HOLLOW PALM - GOOD?

Summary

In this video, Gearov breaks down the key changes in PoE 0.3, highlighting the most significant updates such as new support gems, a revamped trading system, and a rebalanced class system. While certain skills like strength melee and flicker strike undergo notable adjustments, the update introduces exciting features like unarmed combat with the new holo palm keystone. Despite some shortcomings in evasion and endgame content, 0.3 takes PoE 2 in a positive direction, especially with the shift in trade dynamics and quality of life improvements. Gearov shares personal thoughts on the upcoming build and leveling strategy, with optimism for the new changes.

Takeaways

• 😀 PoE 0.3 introduces significant changes, including support gem reworks, new lineage support gems, and reduced mana costs for many skills at high levels.
• 😀 Sprint mechanic is awkward; instead of a simple run button with limited stamina, players must dodge roll and hold a button down, with heavy stuns when hit.
• 😀 Evasion defense is being revamped, as it was previously the weakest of the three main defenses, now with a new suppress mechanic.
• 😀 Armor is improved with a new mod, but the formula remains largely unchanged, making it not as impactful as hoped.
• 😀 Lower-tier bosses now require less currency to summon, making it more accessible to players.
• 😀 The new asynchronous trade system is a major improvement, eliminating price fixers, spammers, and lowballers; players no longer need to invite others to trade.
• 😀 Crafting changes are positive, but the lack of essential orbs like Orb of Scouring and Alchemy still limits its effectiveness.
• 😀 Many strength-based melee skills, such as Giant's Blood and Smith of Kitaba, have been nerfed, leaving them in a worse state than in 0.2.
• 😀 PoE 0.3 includes new class rebalance, Act 4 Abyss 2.0, more maps, but the end-game content feels largely unchanged, with repetitive tower defenses and map layouts.
• 😀 The key focus of the video is on the new flicker strike build, with notable changes such as reduced accuracy requirements, the removal of Voltaic Mark, and a cost increase for Cast on Freeze.
• 😀 The video concludes with excitement for the new Gemling class for flicker strike, a preference for Hollow Palm unarmed skills, and the strategic use of Profane Ritual for power charge sustain.

Q & A

What are the biggest changes introduced in PoE 2 version 0.3?

Version 0.3 brings several significant changes, including the ability to use the same support gems in different skills, new lineage support gems that combine keystone and awakened effects, an asynchronous trade system, and updates to the crafting system. Additionally, boss summoning now requires less currency for lower-tier bosses, and many skills received buffs in damage and reduced mana costs at higher levels.

How does the new asynchronous trade system impact the game?

The asynchronous trade system is one of the most significant changes in PoE 2. It eliminates the need to invite players to trade, removes price fixers, busy spammers, and lowballers. This makes trading faster and more efficient, while emphasizing the importance of knowing the trade market prices.

What changes were made to the evasion mechanic in PoE 2?

The evasion mechanic is being revamped, as it was considered the weakest of the three defense types in the game. The new changes, including a suppression-like mechanic, aim to improve its effectiveness, though it still faces challenges compared to armor or energy shield.

Why is the sprint mechanic in PoE 2 considered 'weird'?

The sprint mechanic in PoE 2 is criticized for being clunky. Players have to dodge-roll and then hold the sprint button, and if hit, they are heavily stunned. Many players would prefer a simple run button with limited stamina instead.

What impact did the nerfs to strength melee skills have on the game?

Strength melee skills, including Giant's Blood, Smith of Kitaba, and most mace skills, were significantly nerfed in version 0.3. These nerfs further weakened already underperforming builds, leaving some players feeling that these skills are in an even worse state than in version 0.2.

What new options are available for building around Flicker Strike in PoE 2?

For Flicker Strike, there are several new class options, including the Monk, Gemling Legionnaire, and Ritualist. The Monk provides solid bonuses for free spirit, penetration, and extra damage, while the Gemling Legionnaire offers unique bonuses like extra dexterity and better quality scaling, making it a competitive option despite having lower DPS.

How does the new Holo Palm keystone affect unarmed builds?

The Holo Palm keystone enables unarmed characters to use quarter staff skills while unarmed, providing significant bonuses to attack speed and critical chance based on evasion and energy shield. However, the effectiveness of unarmed builds with Flicker Strike is questioned due to concerns over attack speed scaling.

Is unarmed Flicker Strike a viable strategy in PoE 2?

While unarmed Flicker Strike is an exciting new mechanic with the Holo Palm keystone, it is considered less effective for this build due to the lack of emphasis on attack speed for Flicker Strike. However, unarmed Flicker could still be useful for map clearing and as a secondary skill, with the possibility of switching to a quarter staff if needed.

What is the best class choice for a Flicker Strike build in version 0.3?

The best class for Flicker Strike in version 0.3 is still up for debate. While the Monk remains a solid choice for its extra damage and stability, the Gemling Legionnaire also offers advantages like additional quality scaling and a chance not to consume power charges. Ritualist is also considered a good option, especially for players struggling with flat damage scaling without a weapon.

How should players approach leveling in PoE 2 with the new changes in version 0.3?

For leveling in version 0.3, players should focus on acquiring high evasion body armor and items with flat damage bonuses. Starting with Ice Strike, Primal Arament, and Ice Bite, as well as using auras like Herald of Ice, can make leveling smoother, particularly in a trade league. Players may also opt for Hollow Palm for a more unconventional build.