ED Contagion Chaos DoT Lich League Starter Build Guide (Patch 0.3 Update) POE2 - The Third Edict

Summary

The video explores a potential league starter build for Path of Exile 2's upcoming 0.3 patch: the Essence Drain + Contagion Chaos Witch. Highlighting its beginner-friendly setup, the creator demonstrates an easy campaign rotation, early-game skill gem choices, and optional early minion support. Key 0.3 patch buffs, including improvements to Contagion, Despair, and Withered Wand, enhance both clearing and single-target capabilities. While primarily focused on campaign play, the build can transition into stronger endgame configurations by switching ascendancies. Viewers are encouraged to follow the creator for full endgame guides and updates once the complete passive tree and final balance changes are released.

Takeaways

• 😀 Patch 0.3 for Path of Exile 2 is approaching, prompting questions about viable league starter builds.
• 😀 The Essence Drain Contagion Chaos Build is highlighted as a strong candidate for a league starter.
• 😀 This build is easy to set up, beginner-friendly, and effective from level 1 through the early campaign.
• 😀 The build’s strength lies in its relaxed rotation, simple itemization, and effective clear speed.
• 😀 Key buffs in Patch 0.3 include improved Contagion targeting, stronger Despair debuff effects, and enhanced Withered Wand Chaos Bolt damage.
• 😀 The build performs well in both campaign and mapping, though damage may hit a ceiling later, requiring a possible ascendancy switch for scaling.
• 😀 Early game skill setup includes Contagion, Essence Drain, Flame Wall, Unearth, Frost Bomb/Crossbomb, and Withering Presence after a key quest.
• 😀 The primary rotation is to cast Contagion first, then Essence Drain to spread damage over time, with optional Unearth for extra damage and meat shields.
• 😀 Later in the campaign, Contagion mainly serves to spread Essence Drain debuffs rather than deal direct damage.
• 😀 Endgame scaling involves adding Despair and Dark Effigy at level 31 for higher single-target damage.
• 😀 The guide emphasizes caution as the full passive tree is not yet released, and updates will follow once final details are available.
• 😀 Viewers are encouraged to follow the creator on YouTube or Twitch for daily updates on league starters and build adjustments.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video transcript?

The video focuses on presenting a potential league starter build for Path of Exile 2 patch 0.3, specifically the Essence Drain + Contagion Chaos build, and discusses its setup, gameplay rotation, and relevant patch changes.

Why does the creator emphasize caution when considering this build?

Because the full passive skill tree for patch 0.3 has not been released yet, so some aspects of the build may change once all details are available. Therefore, the guide should not be seen as a definitive league starter build.

What makes the Essence Drain + Contagion Chaos build suitable for new players?

It has a very simple rotation, relaxed play style, easy itemization, and strong early campaign performance, making it beginner-friendly.

What are the key patch 0.3 buffs that benefit this build?

The key buffs are: Contagion quality now increases the number of targets affected, Despair debuff now reduces enemy chaos resistance more effectively, and the Withered Wand's Chaos Bolt now applies stacks of the Withered debuff for better single-target damage.

What is the basic skill rotation for early campaign levels?

The basic rotation involves casting Contagion first to spread Essence Drain, then using Essence Drain with Chain or Zenith for multiple mobs, optionally adding Flame Wall, Unearth, or Crossbomb in very early acts for additional damage and minion support.

How does the build transition into the endgame?

At level 31, players unlock Dark Effigy and Despair. Pairing Despair with the Dark Effigy totem greatly increases single-target damage, allowing the build to handle endgame content effectively.

Why does Contagion become less important later in the campaign?

Contagion's damage diminishes as players level up, and its primary role becomes spreading the Essence Drain debuff rather than dealing direct damage.

What optional skills are recommended for very early campaign stages?

Optional early campaign skills include Flame Wall with Arcane Tempo, Unearth with Feeding Frenzy and Minion Instability, and Crossbomb with Fast Forward and Concentrated Effect for extra damage and minion support.

What resources does the creator suggest for a full endgame guide?

The creator refers to a previous video guide from patch 0.2 and a corresponding written mobile guide, which cover level 1 to endgame progression and detailed setup for the build.

What is the recommended way to stay updated on future changes to this build?

Viewers should subscribe to the YouTube channel or follow the Twitch stream, where the creator provides updates on the passive tree, balance changes, and chosen league starters for patch 0.3.

What flexibility does the build offer for later stages of the league?

The build allows for easy ascendancy swaps and can be transitioned into a more damage-focused or endgame-oriented setup, making it adaptable as the league progresses.